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Blurb:

Blogging should never be a painful chore.

No More Blank Screen contains over two hundred blog post ideas.

The blog ideas and questions-to-ponder attempt to cover the full experience spectrum that is encountered along the path to publication and well beyond.

Along with the blog ideas, the basics of blog creation is covered, plus special notes on guest blogging and avoiding the dreaded "pretentious" label.

Regardless if you are a new writer or an experienced author, No More Blank Screen can help you expand your blogging experience.

Welcome Krista, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

A bit of a stray from my usual fiction. I get asked a lot of questions about blogging and what to blog about. So, I decided to write a book about it!

What is No More Blank Screen all about?

It's an idea book. There's some information on getting started with a blog and things to consider. But, the bulk of the book is ideas to help writers especially come up with things to blog about.

That sounds like a book I need! Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

I'm not sure why, but I get asked a lot about blogging at conventions and online. It isn't that I have a really popular blog or anything; I'm no Joe Konrath over here. But, for whatever reason, people have found my blogs interesting (I have three) and have asked how I keep it going. So, I decided that there was a place out there for this kind of niche book.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

My good friend, Michelle (her blog), is taking time out of her world travels to work a bit before she scoots off on her next adventure. I asked her to do a very simple, basic design. She really wanted to go all out, but I'm a simply kinda gal J

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Jane Austen. Our combined snarky dialogue would make us rulers of the world.

What books are in your TBR pile?

Too many! Right now, I have just over a hundred. Some are my own and others are ones I've agreed to review. A bulk won't get reviewed until the fall, when my own schedule calms down. However, whenever I get a chance, I sit down and read another book.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

I go in spurts. I work on one project until I'm mentally drained and switch to another until the gears start moving. I try to have one major project, with two side projects to fiddle with. Eventually, the side projects become the new major project, etc.

Right now, I'm working on more projects than I'd normally consider healthy. However, I'm planning on having a calmer 2012.

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My backlist right now is short. As in, all shorts. I've enjoyed all of the projects because I wrote them without an audience or publishing in mind. I simply wrote them for what was in my heart at the time.

My upcoming novels are really where I'm focused right now. I sold two novels this year, so I'll have a military SF out in November, an urban fantasy novella I'm self-publishing around Christmas, and an epic fantasy with Mundania Press in the early spring. I'm kinda in between right now - the world of shorts behind and the world of novels ahead.

What are you working on at the moment?

The major project I'm working on currently is the second book of my epic fantasy series, Tales of Tranquility. So, that means I have two side projects J The first one is the novella I'm planning to self-publish in December or thereabouts. The second is one of the short stories I wrote during NaNoWriMo 2010.

Thank you for joining me, Krista, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

Sure! Here's a section of ideas, to help people get started on their own blogs!

EXCERPT:
Why Do You Write, Anyway?

The first time I was asked this question was in a blog interview. It stumped me. I had to think about it. Writing comes naturally to me. It just happens. Even when I'm not physically writing, I'm still writing in my head, jotting mental notes for later, sketching out scenes, and noting interesting things I come across. And let's not even discuss when I talk to myself, mumbling about zombies and Vikings.

Answering the following questions will help your readers understand what makes you tick. You might even learn something about yourself. Or, in my case, get even more confused about why I write.

1. Why do you write? Are the reasons different for each of your projects?

2. Do you write to entertain first, or make people think/challenge their opinions first? Have you ever written to educate readers?

3. When did you first discover you enjoyed writing?

4. What was the first negative thing ever said about your work? What was your reaction? How did you keep going?

5. What are your writing fears? These can change as time goes on so come back to them often.

Bonus idea: Would you compromise how or what you write for money? (A special thanks to A. "Merc" Rustad for this idea. ).

A Writer's Love Story by Robert Wacaster

2011-05-13T00:15:00.001-05:00

Title: A Writer’s Love Story

Release Date: August 28, 2009

Author: Robert Wacaster

Genre: Romance

Publisher:

Blurb:

After finding out the man she was seeing is married, Katie is heartbroken. But the heartbreak doesn't last long when a best selling author named Robert walks into her life. He's charming, caring, and seems to be everything she's ever dreamed of in a man. But does she really know him? And can she handle a long distance relationship with Robert when he has to leave New York for California? Can Katie and Robert truly find happiness together? Or will this be just another "Writer's Love Story?"

Welcome Robert, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Well, A Writer’s Love Story isn’t my latest offering, but it’s the book I decided I’d like you to profile (And believe me, I do appreciate it!).

What is A Writer’s Love Story all about?

It’s the first book in a series about a best selling author who falls in love with an executive assistant at his publisher’s office. He spends a weekend with her and then has to leave for California because a movie is being made out of his first book. In a way, the book is about communication, and how it sometimes breaks down when you’re apart.

That sounds like it could be autobiographical. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

Funny story here. Actually, one day I was watching movie trailers with my niece who was around 14 or so. We were watching a few romantic comedy things and I mentioned that maybe I should try and write a romantic comedy. She started laughing and told me there was no way I could write something like that. That night I started writing the book. *chuckle* And it just kind of took off in my head after I wrote the first scene.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

I’m a self-published author, and ended up doing the cover myself. I probably should have looked for someone to do it for me, but just wanted to put the book out and see how it would do. I’m not especially pleased with the cover anymore and have been thinking about finding another cover. It’s actually pretty plain.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

That’s a very interesting question! You know, thinking about it, I’m not really sure who I’d like to write with. When you write with someone else, you don’t completely control the story. I’ll have to think about that, but for right now I’ll have to say I’m not sure.

What books are in your TBR pile?

Oh geez. I’m always reading and reviewing other self-published authors now. There are a lot of really good independents out there! I’m currently reading Immortalis: Hunters and Prey by author Katie Salidas. It’s the second book in her line of vampire books. She’s really a good writer, and tells a great story!

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

Usually I’m working on at least two things at once. I’m also notorious for starting something, not liking what I’ve done, and then moving on to something else. I have went back and finished a couple of the stories, though.

Tell me a little about your backlist, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

Oh, if you mean things I’ve written, but haven’t finished? There’s one called American Patriot Society that I’ve started about a group that follows congressmen and Senators and then using pictures they’ve taken, “persuades” the corrupt ones to resign their positions. They eventually find out more than they bargain for. Another one I really need to get back to is a murder mystery in a casino. The hero is a security officer fired during a cover up. Two good stories that I really should finish.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment, I just finished an erotic story called “Nerdgasm” about the office “nerd” who ends up using a few “techniques” to show a co-worker what a true orgasm can be like. And the other thing I’m almost finished with is a book about a guy who finds himself in hell, but doesn’t remember anything. He begins to escape hell and on his way out, remembers little by little what he did during his lifetime on earth.

Thank you for joining me, Robert. If I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

Absolutely.

Chapter One

Katie sat on the train thinking about Stewart. Her mind flashed through the last couple of months with him. Things had started out casually when he had wandered into the reception area where she worked, and had hit on her. She had been broken up with her last boyfriend for several months and was enjoying the attention. As they talked, he had gotten more and more physical with his advances. Before she knew it, she had let things go further than she had really intended.

She had met up with Stewart three more times after that, each time he took her to dinner, and then they had ended up at some motel. Each time, she had let him talk her into going a bit further than she had planned. He rarely talked about himself during these dates, if you could really even call them that. She would try and try to get him to talk about himself, but would eventually give up, surrendering to his forward advances. She longed for a more meaningful relationship, and chose to ignore all the bad signs she saw in him.

After the last night they had spent together, he had invited her to a cabin with him for this coming weekend. She had accepted, hoping to be able to maybe get some kind of commitment from him, to maybe find out what he really wanted. A small part of her didn’t want to know what he really wanted. Part of her saw all the bad signs, and knew. The thought that she was just being used gnawed at her constantly, whenever she would think about him. She was actually dreading the trip, as much as looking forward to it.

She was getting older, 32 now in fact. She had always received a lot of attention from men, but in her thirties it was seemingly harder and harder to meet anyone she really liked. Most people her age seemed to either be married, or going out with someone else.

After her train pulled into Manhattan, she walked the rest of the way to work, a small company called B & W Publishing. She was an executive assistant to Arthur Goldstein, one of the Editors.

She arrived at the publishing building and walked inside smiling. It was Friday and her mind was buzzing with thoughts about Stewart and the cabin. She saw Stewart talking to another woman she didn’t recognize. She stopped, standing across the large lobby area and watched.

He must have some kind of business with her, Katie thought to herself, I’m sure it’s nothing. In the back of her mind though, warning bells were going off.

The woman smiled, folded her arms around Stewart’s neck, and began to kiss him. Katie was horrified. She watched as Stewart leaned in to the woman and pulled her close. She wanted to cry or scream, but promised herself she wouldn’t. The couple finished kissing and as the woman walked away, Stewart said loudly to her, “I know this was a special occasion Carol, but remember, you can’t just come to my work place like this!” He was smiling, but his face changed the instant he saw Katie. He walked quickly towards her looking around suspiciously as he did.

“Kitten, that wasn’t what you think, I can explain it.”

“You were kissing her.” Katie said feeling emotion starting to well up inside her.

“Ok yes, I was kissing her. But there’s an explanation.”

“Kissing her!” Katie repeated loudly, holding the tears back now by pure will.

“I had to,” Stewart said looking around, “She’s…ok, she’s my wife. But you don’t understand.”

“You’re married?” Katie asked horrified.

“Yes, but it’s a marriage of convenience! I don’t love her! We only stay together because of the kids! I love you, it’s always been you!” Stewart said trying to take Katie’s hand. She jerked it away from him.

“You’re married and have kids? You son of a bitch, how could you? So all this time you’ve just been using me for sex?” She screamed. She couldn’t hold the tears back anymore and they began to flow down her face.

“Kitten, listen…it’s not what you think.”

Katie slapped him and walked quickly towards the elevator crying. She could hear him behind her, still calling her name. How could she have not known he was married? How could she have not realized he was just using her? Why did she just ignore the signs? Had she really been that desperate to find love? As the elevator doors opened she climbed on, grateful there was no one else around to ride with her. She dried her eyes as best she could on the ride up to floor 36. The doors opened and she walked quickly towards her reception office, hoping Mr. Goldstein wasn’t in yet. He wasn’t, the glass door to the reception area was still locked. She used her keys to unlock the door, entered and quickly sat down behind her desk.

She pulled out a tissue from a nearby box and dried her eyes again. She put her head in her hands and after a minute slammed her fists down, trying to keep the tears back. As she struck the desk, her watch band broke and it bounced and landed nearby on the floor. She didn’t bother to pick it up.

Mr. Goldstein opened the door and walked quickly through the reception area towards his office, “Good morning Katie, thank goodness you’re here! I have to meet with one of our authors this morning. They tell me he’s very difficult, but he’s written a best seller so let me know the minute he gets here, ok? His name is…” He looked at a paper in his hand, “Robert Wacaster.”

“Yes Sir,” Katie answered, using a tissue to quickly wipe the tears from her cheeks.

Mr. Goldstein looked up from the paper at her, “Are you ok? Is something wrong?”

“No Sir,” Katie smiled, “Just my allergies acting up.”

He watched her closely for a minute, “Ok…if you’re sure. I’ll be in my office, let me know the instant he gets here.”

“Yes Sir.” She smiled again. After he left, she dropped her head down onto her desk and tried not to cry.

A Ranger’s Tale by Mysti Parker

2011-05-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

Title: A Ranger’s Tale

Release Date: January 29, 2011

Author: Mysti Parker

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Melange-Books

Buy Link

Blurb: Set in the fantasy world of Tallenmere, the high elf Caliphany Aranea longs to explore the world and escape from her controlling father. Her dreams are fulfilled when she meets ranger and ship captain Galadin Trudeaux. But, when secrets from the past bring tragedy to those she loves, Caliphany must fight to hold on to the life she's always wanted.

Welcome Mysti, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Thanks so much for having me! I’m so excited about my debut romance novel, A Ranger’s Tale. It’s the first in a series from the fantasy world of Tallenmere.

What is A Ranger’s Tale all about?

How about I give you the scoop? Not the whole scoop, mind you—I gotta save some secrets for later.

Above all else, A Ranger’s Tale a story of love, trust, and a quest for freedom. The high elf, Caliphany Aranea, nearly a century old, has never been allowed to travel farther than a few miles out of the capital city of Leogard. Her father, Sirius, leads the Mage Academy, and after losing his only son, he expects Caliphany to take his place one day. The trouble is, she doesn't want to study magic and doubts she'll ever be as good a wizard as her father. She dreams of leaving Leogard to explore the world and strike out on her own--lofty goals for Sirius' daughter, who also happens to be King Leopold's niece.

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap her while she dreams of faraway lands, half-elf ship captain and ranger, Galadin Trudeaux, comes to her rescue. She convinces him to train her in the ways of a ranger so she can survive on her own. Caliphany’s father learns of this and imprisons her with the intent of forcing her to marry a mage she doesn’t love. She escapes, takes refuge as a stowaway on Galadin’s ship, and forces him to take her to Faewood so she can outrun the search parties.

Galadin, though angry at first, can’t just leave her out there to fend for herself. He decides to remain with her until the search is called off, but in the meantime, they fall madly in love.

They soon learn, however, that happiness is fleeting. From their first chance encounter, to the finale, where Caliphany must decide where her heart truly lies, she and Galadin will face more adventure, more love, more heartache, than they ever thought possible. Through it all, they discover the power of forgiveness and of a love that stands the test of time.

That sounds like a great concept. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

My inspiration came from many sources, including a love of Lord of the Rings and all things romance, plus a very active imagination. My muse also has a strong desire to create realistic characters who make mistakes, but find redemption. My elves are far from whimsical and perfect.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

Mae Powers at Melange Books designed my cover and did a fantastic job. She’s great at working with authors to customize the covers of their choice. She ran a few versions by me until I was happy with the current one.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d have to say Lillian Jackson Braun or Victoria Holt. The clever wit of Ms. Braun’s writing and the sweeping romantic suspense Ms. Holt wrote so well would be thrilling to witness first-hand.

What books are in your TBR pile?

There are too many to list, but a couple I am reading now is Guardian 2632 by Nora Weston and Purrfect Voyage by Ruth J Hartman.

I’ve met so many wonderful authors since I’ve started this endeavor. On my blog, I’ve been interviewing some fabulous writers, and they automatically go on my list. I’m just sad that I’m not a faster reader.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

I write until I hit a block, then usually crank out a short story to stretch my writing muscles. Then, it’s right back to the main WIP. Momentum is everything.

This is your debut novel but I happen to know this isn't the only thing you have published. Tell me about that.

I have a fantasy romance novelette called Let There Be Love in the anthology Hearts of Tomorrow, also published by Melange Books.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on Book 2 of the Tallenmere series. It’s called Serenya’s Song and picks up where A Ranger’s Tale ended. But don’t be fooled—it’ll be a novel that can stand alone. A Ranger’s Tale actually introduces several characters (many only briefly) that will appear in subsequent books.

Serenya’s Song takes us to the small town of Summerwind, where the wood elf, Jayden Ravenwing (who plays a prominent role in A Ranger's Tale) seeks a quieter life away from the bustle of Leogard and his first love, Caliphany. At the local tavern, he meets Serenya Crowe, who instantly sparks his interest. She's half-elf, half-something else, but she's everything he's ever wanted in a woman. Except he never expected to fall in love again so quickly, especially with the wife of the Earl of Summerwind. To complicate matters, a strange portal has appeared on the Crowe property, one that Jayden fears could lead to the death of Serenya and everyone in Summerwind, unless he can find a way to close it.

Thank you for joining me, Mysti if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

Sure.

Excerpt from Chapter 18:

Galadin

Cali stood and flung her bow over her shoulder.

I waved my hands at her. “Cali, I think you should stay here in the camp.”

“I will do no such thing.”

“The goblins aren’t to be taken lightly. They can swarm on you in an instant.”

“Which is all the more reason I should go along to help.”

There was no arguing with her, not with that stubborn set of her chin and those flashing blue eyes. Damn, she was beautiful when she set her mind to do something.

“All right, then, let’s go, but we have to be careful.”

We climbed the narrow path up the cliff side to the ancient temple. Bastivar was a crumbling, pillared fortress carved into the mountainside in honor of the goddess Innessa. Worshippers had long since vanished, and as long as anyone could remember, the only current inhabitants were goblins.

“Hidari mi compli,” we chanted, and sneaked inside. Our eyes adjusted to the dim light in the entryway.

“I’ll draw some of them out,” I whispered. “Stay concealed, and when you see one coming, shoot it.”

Down one corridor, a group of three goblins came toward me. I aimed and shot one, then ran back when the other two charged. Cali’s first arrow barely missed my head, but she got one. I shot the last one as she readied another arrow.

“Nicely done,” I whispered. “Now, we—”

“Achoo!” Cali couldn’t stop her sneeze in time. She whispered, “I’m sorry.”

A great snarling ensued from within the main corridor.

A horde of beady, yellow eyes came toward us.

“Cali, run!”

She fled, and we ran down the cliff side as fast as we could without falling off. We reached the forest floor, and I looked back. Goblins streamed out of the ruins, so many that some fell off the cliff. There had never been this many before. It must have been a long while since anyone had cleared them out. We sped through the underbrush. Thorns scratched our skin and snagged our leathers, but they were gaining on us.

We reached the main path, and I grabbed Cali. “Give me my father’s sword.”

She unsheathed it and handed it to me. “Galadin, there’s too many. We’ll never fight them off.”

“Conceal yourself and run. Now!”

She clutched my sleeve. “I won’t leave you here!”

For the brief moment while the goblins closed in, I met her panic-stricken eyes. I’d never met a woman I would die for, until then. “Go!”

I pushed her on, and she turned to run. Goblins burst through the bush, and I readied my sword. Right and left, I swung, impaling and kicking them off the blade, chopping off spindly gray limbs, a head when I could aim just right. Piles of jerking bodies began to pile at my feet. The onslaught lessened, but before I could catch my breath, another wave of them burst forth.

One of them latched onto my arm, its jagged teeth sinking in through the leather. I cried out. Then, an arrow sank into its ugly body. Cali had come back, her next arrow nocked and ready. I shook the goblin off my arm. Still, they came, yet another wave.

She threw down her bow and ran to my side. “Galadin, get back!”

“What? No, I told you to run!”

“No time.”

She pulled me back, stepped in front of me, and held out her hands. Blue fire burst from her palms, like flaming blasts of lightning, but continuous, and dreadfully hot. I had to back away from the intensity of the heat. The inferno charred the goblins, turning them from gray, to black, to piles of ashes before my eyes. The fire consumed every bush and weed, everything in its path, until the goblins in the rear decided they were outmatched. Shrieking, they turned and hightailed it back up the cliff and into Bastivar.

Cali stared at her smoking hands. I ran to her, relieved to see that she wasn’t burned. But, she was weakened. I embraced her, letting her catch her breath, her head on my shoulder. I ran my fingers along her braid.

“I didn’t know you could do that,” I said.

She raised her head and peered into my eyes. “I didn’t either.”

Then, our lips met, and nothing else mattered.

Author Bio:

Mysti Parker is a full-time wife, mom of three, and a writer. Born and raised in Kentucky, writing has always been her first love. After many years of pursuing other things, she began her writing career in earnest in 2009. Look for more romantic tales from her fantasy world of Tallenmere, where magic, passion, murder, and mayhem are a part of everyday life.

Twice Cursed by Jacqueline Paige

2011-05-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Twice Cursed

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Author: Jacqueline Paige

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Welcome Jacqueline, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Twice Cursed is my most recent release.

What is Twice Cursed all about?

Rather than ramble on and give away too many details (a bad habit of mine), I’ll just give you the ‘blurb’.

Maddy is the oldest witchling to ever attend the Hidden Cove Academy, having been cursed as a teen; she’s forced to have a solitary life outside of her own magical community. With her magic so dangerously unpredictable, she rarely takes the chance on mixing with the general public.

From one harmless trip to a museum she finds herself spellbound yet again by an invisible boundary, caused by a three hundred year old curse, dictating that Maddy must stay close to the stunningly sexy Colin.

Being stuck with a tall, dark, incredibly lick-able stranger can’t be all that bad, right? Until they discover if they get too close the spirits bound with the curse will take over their bodies ... at the same time if they’re too far from one another the curse will kill them both.

Will the curse's secrets be unraveled in time or does certain death await them both?

That sounds like an enjoyable read. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

The idea of writing about a witch whose magic didn’t work quite right came to me out of nowhere, but by the time my muse was done with the plot, I had curses and spirits and things I hadn’t planned at all.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

Gemini Judson did the cover and I love how she did it! I sent a list of things that could be used to describe the story and she hit it dead on with the very first idea she sent me.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I don’t have a particular author in mind exactly, but I would have loved to go back pre-internet and television and work with an author that had to rely on nothing but their own imagination to build worlds and characters.

Today we have it so easy — if our imagination is floundering around trying to come up with an image we can simply google it (or anything else) and there it is in living color right before our eyes. My hats off to those writers that had nothing but their own brain power to run on when things weren’t fleshing out the way they wanted.

What books are in your TBR pile?

I’ve actually tried to cut down my TBR pile – unsuccessfully I might add. I don’t have the time I used to have for reading L between my job and my own writing. The top of my pile though is reserved for those books in series’ that I have to read the day they hit the shelves! Off the top of my head those authors would be Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton, Cheyenne McCray, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Charlaine Harris and the list goes on and on

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

When I first started writing I focused on one story at a time. Then my muse took over and the list of plots grew to a much longer list. I still try to work on one at a time, with writing, although I can be editing two or more on the side as I go — but sometimes in the middle of one wip an idea hits and I have to sit down and get it going. It’s this sort of madness that now has me doing re-writes on three books, editing two books and writing two at the same time!

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My first baby would be the Magic Seasons series. Book I – Beltane Magicand Book II – Solstice Heat were both published but presently the entire series is undergoing re-writes to be released in the future. This series was a huge undertaking with so many characters to keep track of it turned into five books filled with magic and mystery that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have a few shorter works that I had so much fun with that I may have to take the time to do something short and sassy again in the future. They are Behind the Mask, a Halloween erotic tale of a cursed with at Amira Press. I also did a two part series In Our Dream, a sexy Christmas story involving a cop and undercover cop that is filled with unexpected paranormal elements and From A Dream is the sequel because their story wasn’t finished. These are both at Amira Press as well.

Most recently I had the first book in the Hidden Senses Trilogy, Mystic Perceptions, released at Class Act Books. This is a paranormal romantic-suspense with murder and psychic abilities.

Shortly after that Salvation was released at Eternal Press. This would be my favorite story about a sexy cursed pirate ghost who finds himself in a new era filled with numerous things he doesn’t quite understand, including a modern woman that both intrigues and frustrates him endlessly.

What are you working on at the moment?

Aside from the re-write I mentioned with Magic Seasons series I am editing two different books— the first in my Animal Trilogy, Heart.

Three women without knowledge of their true heritage...

Three men that have waited for their mate all of their lives...

Hearts and tempers collide with wild passions and animal instincts

in the Animal Trilogy

And the second book in the Hidden Senses Trilogy, Dream Visions.

“What if you weren't considered normal to the rest of the world? Would you give up everything in your life to help someone, even if it meant starting over again?”

On the writing table I am working on a first to yet another trilogy –Sisters of Heart, The Witch From Within — a story about a woman that has no idea what her ancestors did to protect their heritage until strange things start happening to her.

The second I’m working on is After the Silence— which was completely unplanned and has been something my muse decided I had to write immediately. The very first line in the book became the tagline and it’s been exciting for me because it’s nothing like I’ve ever worked on before.

“I was nineteen when the world went crazy - nothing that was would ever be again.”

Thank you for joining me, Jacqueline, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

Thanks so much for having me!!!

EXCERPT:

“There is just no way to tell you this without you thinking I’m completely insane.” He sat there giving her a puzzled look. “Do you believe in magic, Colin?”

He smirked. “Like a magician?”

Maddy shook her head. “Um, no. Although a few that play at that game of illusions do have special abilities. I’m talking about magical people, who can do spectacular things...”

Colin smirked again. “Like witches?” He chuckled. “Are you an actress; is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

The kettle whistled. Maddy turned to pour it. “No, I’m not an actress. I’m a hereditary witch.” She fiddled with the tea bags, not wanting to turn around and see his expression.

“I see.” He really had no idea what to say to that.

She knew by his tone he was probably plotting on how to leave as soon as possible now. “I’m not sure you do. Have you ever seen someone do something that you just couldn’t ex-plain? Or thought you were seeing things?” She shrugged. “We’re really not supposed to use magic in the general public, but some do, at a terrible risk.” She glanced over to look at him. His look said it all: he thought she was a weirdo.

“Okay. Uh, so is there a reason for telling me this?” Why did the beautiful ones always have to have some sort of mental flaw?

Maddy turned from the cups and crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes, actually I do.” She hesitated for a few seconds. “When we were leaving the museum I thought I felt a trace...that’s kind of a feeling you...my kind get when magic has been used close by or to you...”

“A trace?” He studied her for a moment. “Again, why are you...” He looked like he really wanted to give her a chance. Just in case she wasn’t insane.

She let out a quick breath. “I think something was done to us...the pains hitting, but then leaving just as quickly.”

Colin raised one eyebrow at her and crossed his arms. Now he probably just wanted to go home. “I’m sure there’s a much more...sane explanation for this.”

Sane? Of course he thought she was insane. How did she prove to him she wasn’t some lunatic?

Author Jacqueline Paige

BIO: Jacqueline Paige is a world class multi-tasker. She is a mother to five adventurous and unpredictable children, a cafe manager and a colossal imagination that allows her to step outside of reality into a world of paranormal romance with just a touch of suspense. Her first book was published in 2009 and since then has published six, with the most recent being the first in her Hidden Senses Trilogy.

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The Showboat Affair by Gwyneth Greer

2011-04-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Title: The Showboat Affair

Release Date: April 15, 2011

Author: Judy Nickles writing as Gwyneth Greer

Genre: Contemporary romance/Last Rose of Summer (older lovers)

Blurb: Despite over thirty years in a faithless marriage to wealthy investment broker Rand Kingston, Jean is shocked when he asks for a divorce. Encouraged by her former housekeeper-turned-best-friend, she determines to rediscover herself as an independent woman and move on with her life. Nick Cameron, prominent attorney and long-time widower, would like to figure in her plans. The opposition of their adult children surprises them. Then, a series of chilling near misses makes them wonder who really is determined to keep them apart—and why.

Welcome Judy, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

My lastest release from The Wild Rose Press is The Showboat Affair.

What is The Showboat Affair all about?

It’s the story of two lonely people trying to move on with their lives. Nick Cameron is a prominent attorney and long-time widower. When he meets Jean Kingston, he realizes that he is finally ready to love again. However, Jean has just been ‘dumped’ by her husband after thirty-three years, and she isn’t sure exactly what she wants. Inevitably, they fall in love, but their future is complicated by the opposition of Nick’s son, who is also his law partner, and Jean’s daughter, who blames her mother for the divorce and her own unhappy life. Then an unknown enters the mix and threatens Jean’s and Nick’s happiness—and even their lives.

That sounds fascinating. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

I spent time in Branson, Missouri, and enjoyed the dinner cruise on the showboat, ‘The Branson Belle’. That and a spectacular view of the Chateau on the Lake resort hotel gave me the idea for the book—which spotlights both settings.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

The wonderful cover artist is Tina Lynn Stout. The Wild Rose Press gives its authors a huge opportunity for input on the covers, including how the characters look, settings, and special objects included in the story. Then the graphic artists take all the information and craft a magnificent cover. I’ve loved all my covers!

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Oh, I’d love to write with romantic suspense authors like Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, and Nora Roberts. They have a way of creating a unique blend of characters, setting, and plot, and ramping up the action to mesmerize their readers.

What books are in your TBR pile?

I’m enjoying doing reviews for an online site called Romancing the Book, so I keep busy with that. I also have the ‘Howdunit’ series on various aspects of criminal investigation since I’m working on a cozy mystery series.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

Usually, one story is all I can handle.

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My first two books with The Wild Rose Press were Where Is Papa’s Shining Star? and Finding Papa’s Shining Star. Both are ‘vintage’ romances, the second being a sequel to the first, so I’d have to say they’re both my favorites.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a book contracted by Champagne Books which will begin edits in July. I’ve submitted another book to a different publisher and am waiting on the verdict. Meanwhile, as I mentioned, I’m working on a series of six cozy mysteries set in a small Arkansas town.

Thank you for joining me, Judy, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

I'm happy to.

Excerpt The Showboat Affair

Nick pulled her closer. “Jeannie, I’m so sorry.”

“I hated Rand for what he did. For a long time, I wished he’d died instead of my baby.”

“Shhh, shhh…it’s all right.”

“I knew what a heartless, selfish bastard he was, and still I stayed with him…let him back into my bed… and I don’t know why. I feel so dirty.”

“You’re not. You’re not dirty, Jeannie.”

“You loved Sarah. You were faithful to her. It isn’t fair she died, and I can’t be what she was. You can’t keep on with me and lose your son.”

“I love you for yourself,” he said, realizing, for now at least, she was past reassurance.

The red numbers on the clock radio read a quarter to three before Jean cried herself to sleep in his arms. A lifetime of tears, Nick thought. She’s shed a lifetime of tears tonight. He closed his eyes. She’s got to know I understand that kind of loss, and somehow we’ve got to get past it, both of us, and go on. He laid her back on her own pillow and pulled the cover over her shoulders. Someone wants to keep us both imprisoned in our pasts. If we don’t find out who, we’ll never have a future.

Judy Nickles has written since she could hold a pencil. After retirement from teaching, she finally had time to pursue publication. In addition to short stories published online at A Long Story Short and Literary Magic, she has been published in two print anthologies, 'Tis the Season and My First Year in the Classroom, as well as The Storyteller and History Magazine. Two full-length novels, Where is Papa's Shining Star? and its sequel, Finding Papa's Shining Star were released in April by The Wild Rose Press. The Showboat Affair, under the pen name of Gwyneth Greer, will release in 2011.

Besides writing, Judy enjoys genealogical research, reading, travel, and meeting new people. She has two grown sons and two granddaughters.

Echoes and Illusions by Mila Ramos

2011-04-22T00:34:00.065-05:00

Title: Echoes and Illusions

Release Date: March 1, 2011

Author: Mila Ramos

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi

Publisher: Melange Books

Blurb:

Reel-to-Real:
A curious invitation mystifies acclaimed movie critic Moira Castle as she returns home to face hidden memories and answers she's not ready to hear or feel.

The Seventh Legend:
A children's tune states the key. A children's story holds the clues. Millennium has passed for the justice to be served.

The Watchers:
Watchers are sworn to uphold the Sacred Draleigh Coven. Selene is their Enforcer and Protector. Yet the Coven never prepared her for one thing – Michael.

Smoke and Mirrors:
Ana Fiore and Dakota Hastings are rival doctors vying for Chief of Staff position. Snowed-in at a conference, the doctors must face their pasts and feelings.

Welcome Mila Ramos, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Echoes and Illusions is my latest work out now through Melange Books and I'm very excited about this new release!

What is Echoes and Illusions all about?

Echoes and Illusions is a compilation of stories with varying paranormal and sci-fi interests. Each story deals with an echo of the past, present or future and the discovery of truth of that illusion set in place. For some characters it was their whole life was an illusion while for some it was only a brief moment in which the truth was found.

That sounds fascinating. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

For two of the books, it was solely muse inspired. I can still remember doing some work in the lab (I'm a chemist) and the idea just suddenly popped into my mind. I don't remember what I was exactly doing but I do know that I wrote on my notepad every single idea that came forth. When I went home and decoded all the bits and pieces, those two stories to life.

I really like this cover. Who is your cover artist and how much input did you have in the design?

At Melange Books, there were two artists who dealt with the cover art: A. Bratt and Mae Powers. Truth be told for this cover art I can't remember if I had suggested it or they had come up with it. Mae Powers and I were talking about what I wanted for the cover and we were both looking at the same time for the same thing. Personally, I give Mae all the credit, she and everyone at Melange are wonderful.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Now this is a great question! Goodness, in the paranormal genre my ultimate dream would be to co-author a book with Karen Marie Moning. When I first read her book Beyond the Highland Mist, I was taken away by such amazing writing. I remember reading each and every one of her books and still dumbfounded how someone could put together such a great book in the area I dearly loved.

My other great, I wish I could co-author with is Anais Nin. She was the woman who opened my eyes to a side of writing I had never known existed. It was several years ago when I first discovered her work and the way she expressed herself defied words. Raw, erotic and soulful, she grasped my attention in a singularly unique way I have yet to see many writers of her time accomplish.

I am also a huge fan of Ms. Moning and I've read all of her books too, beginning with Kiss Of The Highlander. I totally agree with your assessment of her writing. What books are in your TBR pile?

I'm currently re-reading The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning, which I am doing at a delightfully slow pace. I'm hoping, when I get a chance this summer, to finally finish my Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's book for Agent Pendergrast Series, Cemetery Dance. I'm a bit behind in the series but the Agent Pendergrast books always take a bit of time to read. Each of the books are intense and addictive to read. Usually when I read them I don't sleep for a couple days.

I'll have to check them out. I love suspense. When you begin to write a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

Normally I work on more than one story at a time but lately I've been focusing on one particular story. At this moment, I'm heavily editing and expanding a story that I want out very soon. So as of now, all my efforts are focused on this before I move on to the other stories.

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

Let’s see here, I have two stories in the Dark Pleasures and Strange Desires Anthologies out with Melange Books. They are each paranormal romances and great reads. My contemporary romance is a duo story Smoldering Ember and Touch of Fire with Whiskey Creek Press. It’s a part of their Torrid Teasers 44 and set of stories that was one of the fastest I have ever written.

Out of all my stories, Touch of Fire is my personal favorite. The combo stories for Torrid Teasers I wrote in a couple of days, and truth be told, something about that particular story has touched my heart.

What are you working on at the moment?

After the expansion and editing of Prophecy of the Boar, I'm adding a second story to it called Divination. Up next on the list is a toss up. I have been playing with a fairy tale called The Snow Queen, which takes the tale in a completely different direction. For now the story is slated as another paranormal romance. If I can get one element down with this story, then I'll be working on a trilogy called, The Dream Walkers, which is the story of three brothers united in one cause, as they aid three descendants marked for death. One murderer is bent on destroying them all.

Thank you for joining me, Mila, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt?

And thank you for having me! Of course I'd love to share an excerpt!

________________

Reel-to-Real Excerpt

Five years ago, Moira Castle couldn’t tell you her favorite color or the type of food she liked. She couldn’t tell you much about anything personal. All she remembered was waking up in a hospital bed on a cold September morning. Nurses stated she had been found unconscious in the Saintark River and stayed that way for well over three years. The only traces of her former life were a battered journal she had in an old purse and a Celtic wedding band with blue sapphire diamonds forming half the infinity symbol. No other forms of identification were found at the time of recovery. Her life was a blank page but at least she knew her name.

She began searching for the life she once had, but without knowing the starting point, it was hard to see the end. During the time of her coma, nothing in the newspapers or the media showed acknowledgement of recognition. After some time, she gave up and accepted the truth and made way in her new life. She hated the toll the unknown had on her heart. Each search that ended with no answers added new wounds and deeper fears. There were lonely nights ridden with insomnia; she stayed up and watched figures out the window. There were idle fantasies and hopes one of those shadows would materialize into something recognizable but it never happened that way. Vulnerability in its particular malevolent form of solitude tore at the base of her soul. She tried to deny it, she even tried to suppress the loneliness and the pain, but it was useless. Every uncertain emotion of the unknown sent her heart into rages of tears as her mind screamed with grievance. And that is precisely what it was—injustice; it was unfair that her mind couldn’t remember what her heart wished.

The tears came from the hidden placed inside a woman’s heart that saved fanciful dreams and tucked them away when there was nothing left to believe in. No woman should ever have to feel that in her life.

Those moments she looked down to the glittering, and exotically designed ring on her left hand. Who was it that shared the other half of the infinity ring? What type of man was he? Her only link revealed a past that was as mysterious as the circumstances that had led her to Castle Memorial Hospital. It took some time to officially re-establish herself within society.

A new last name, social security number, and driver’s license was the first of many steps in the search of familiarity. Adopting the name Castle from the Castle Memorial Hospital, Moira referred to the doctors and nurses, the only people she knew, as her family and friends who had taken care of her. It was through this experience she made friends with Nurse Kasey Newton and Dr. Sean Macat.

Now, here she was, two years after regaining consciousness, and five years after she severed the ties of her previous life. She was living life as a movie editor in Saintark, Georgia, listening to the rambling of her best friend, Kasey, trying to guess her past.

“I’ve got it, Mo! You were the Queen of Sheba!”

Moira chuckled under her breath as she tried to focus on her work. “Is that the best you can come up with, Kasey?”

“Well you didn’t like the Princess of Wales idea,” her friend commented as she bit into her pizza with gusto.

“The Princess of Wales died genius.”

“Or so they think that’s what really happened. Little did they know she was alive and well, living as a movie editor?”

“Here we go again,” Moira mumbled to herself as she hid a wave of laughter and pushed up her glasses.

“I heard that.”

“So, tell me. How long are we going to play this guessing game?” Moira asked as she continued reading the manuscript before her.

“Until one of my answers is the truth or Matthew McConaughey comes to marry you.”

“He’s a movie star, Kasey.”

“And you’re a script editor, amazing isn’t it?” She smiled wide.

Shaking her head and leaving her friend to her outrageous thinking, Moira continued with her editing. She usually did revisions on the weekends but exploration was on her mind for the following days. She wanted to venture and discover the areas of the town she considered her home. More important matters were on her mind, which geared the exploration, but for now venturing outside of her apartment for leisure instead of work was the goal. As she absent-mindedly twirled her wedding band, once again thoughts of who held the other half of the infinity ring echoed in her mind.

Mila was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At an early age she learned the valuable secrets books contained. It all started with the Lois Duncan book, “A Gift of Magic.” Mysterious worlds, far away places helped nourish different ideas and concepts of the real world. It was through this that she discovered a whole new realm of depth.

The books ranged, and as they did so did her love for different types. Starting with William Shakespeare, Mila went through all the literary bests; William Blake, Joseph Conrad, Anais Nin, Leo Tolstoy, Ayn Rand, Maya Angelou, Victor Hugo. Until one day she read a book that changed her life, her first true romance book where characters were real, came to life, and could be the person next door. From there the world expanded from Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward, and beyond. With these authors, her writing took a new turn to role group playing and writing in the paranormal scene.

Through this, the stories had more vivid ideas and better yet were actually getting heard.

She currently working on her doctorate in Organic Chemistry and resides in Texas, with her husband, family, friends. Her favorite genres are: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Erotica and anything her mind concocts. Crazy and silly as the ideas she sometimes has, her heart is as true as gold and hopes her readers enjoy the stories she writes as much as she loves to write them.
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Twice Cursed by Jacqueline Paige

2011-04-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Twice Cursed

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Author: Jacqueline Paige

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Welcome Jacqueline, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Twice Cursed is my most recent release.

What is Twice Cursed all about?

Rather than ramble on and give away too many details (a bad habit of mine), I’ll just give you the ‘blurb’.

Will the curse's secrets be unraveled in time or does certain death await them both?

That sounds like an enjoyable read. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

Gemini Judson did the cover and I love how she did it! I sent a list of things that could be used to describe the story and she hit it dead on with the very first idea she sent me.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

What books are in your TBR pile?

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My first baby would be the Magic Seasons series. Book I – Beltane Magic and Book II – Solstice Heat were both published but presently the entire series is undergoing re-writes to be released in the future. This series was a huge undertaking with so many characters to keep track of it turned into five books filled with magic and mystery that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Most recently I had the first book in the Hidden Senses Trilogy, Mystic Perceptions, released at Class Act Books. This is a paranormal romantic-suspense with murder and psychic abilities.

What are you working on at the moment?

Aside from the re-write I mentioned with Magic Seasons series I am editing two different books— the first in my Animal Trilogy, Heart.

Three women without knowledge of their true heritage...

Three men that have waited for their mate all of their lives...

Hearts and tempers collide with wild passions and animal instincts

in the Animal Trilogy

And the second book in the Hidden Senses Trilogy, Dream Visions.

“What if you weren't considered normal to the rest of the world? Would you give up everything in your life to help someone, even if it meant starting over again?”

On the writing table I am working on a first to yet another trilogy – Sisters of Heart, The Witch From Within — a story about a woman that has no idea what her ancestors did to protect their heritage until strange things start happening to her.

“I was nineteen when the world went crazy - nothing that was would ever be again.”

Thank you for joining me, Jacqueline, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

Thanks so much for having me!!!

EXCERPT:

“There is just no way to tell you this without you thinking I’m completely insane.” He sat there giving her a puzzled look. “Do you believe in magic, Colin?”

He smirked. “Like a magician?”

Maddy shook her head. “Um, no. Although a few that play at that game of illusions do have special abilities. I’m talking about magical people, who can do spectacular things...”

Colin smirked again. “Like witches?” He chuckled. “Are you an actress; is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

The kettle whistled. Maddy turned to pour it. “No, I’m not an actress. I’m a hereditary witch.” She fiddled with the tea bags, not wanting to turn around and see his expression.

“I see.” He really had no idea what to say to that.

“Okay. Uh, so is there a reason for telling me this?” Why did the beautiful ones always have to have some sort of mental flaw?

“A trace?” He studied her for a moment. “Again, why are you...” He looked like he really wanted to give her a chance. Just in case she wasn’t insane.

She let out a quick breath. “I think something was done to us...the pains hitting, but then leaving just as quickly.”

Colin raised one eyebrow at her and crossed his arms. Now he probably just wanted to go home. “I’m sure there’s a much more...sane explanation for this.”

Sane? Of course he thought she was insane. How did she prove to him she wasn’t some lunatic?

Author Jacqueline Paige

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Meant To Be by Jennifer Labelle

2011-03-25T00:17:00.002-05:00

Title: Meant To Be

Release Date: February 16, 2011

Author: Jennifer Labelle

Genre: Erotic/Contemporary/Romance

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

ARe

Blurb:

Jenna Baker is shaken up after her recovery with a near death experience. As if, being haunted with visions and losing her husband in a car accident weren’t hard enough. Could she be losing her mind? She finally moves on, only to have the husband she thought was dead suddenly reappear.

After the shocking task of convincing Jenna that she’s not seeing his ghost, Tyler becomes overwhelmed with guilt for saving himself and leaving her to almost die. Jenna’s recovery takes its toll while Tyler’s vulnerability gets the best of him. He’s harbouring secrets that will devastate her and as Jenna unravels the truth her life takes an unexpected journey.

Welcome Jennifer Labelle, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Meant To Be

What is Meant To Be all about?

Meant To Be is an emotional story about, love, loss and new beginnings. It’s ultimately about the triumph of forgiveness, love, strong family connections, and close friendships, as Jenna takes readers through personal growth, unique experiences, and some sizzling loving.

That sounds intriguing. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

The muse.

There was one scene that came to me in a dream and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I wrote it out and worked on it from there. A few months later, Meant To Be was finished, and a few months after that it was picked up by Secret Cravings Publishing. I was very lucky. They’re a great publishing company to work with.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

The lovely Beth Walker designed my cover. She was wonderful about allowing me to give my input. I gave her a description of my characters, ultimately what I was hoping to have on the cover and she did an amazing job following through with what I wanted it to look like.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I don’t think I could narrow it down to one. I’d say Danielle Steel because one of my all time favorite romance novels is Jewels. I’ve read it a ton of times and no matter what I cry every single time. Damn that William, why did he have to die…LOL. Just kidding I loved his character. Then there’s Nora, need I say more there. I tend to want to lean towards a darker side when I write and I’ve been encouraged by a few people in the industry to try out a horror novel. In that case I would have to pick Stephen King, let’s just face it the guy is legendary. I love Lauren Dane, Sandy Sullivan, Kathy Love, Kerri Arthur….

Okay, this question opened a can of worms for me. I seriously couldn’t narrow it down to one author. And this list would probably take me all day to complete if I carried on. There are so many great authors out there.

What books are in your TBR pile?

Sandy Sullivan - Gotta Love A Cowboy

Renee Reardon – Moonlight Bleu

Alianne Donnelly – Blood Moons

Robin Badillo - Forbidden

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

I would prefer to write it straight through, unfortunately at the moment my muse is screaming at me to finish four of my current WIP’s at once. *Sigh*

What are you working on at the moment?

Well there is a few as I mentioned above, but I haven’t written blurbs for them all yet though.

Deadly Consequence:

After witnessing her mother’s murder, Holly Hewitt struggles to cope. Parentless by a very young age, the only thing she longs for is acceptance and a place to call home. She’s given up hope and is left to fend for herself, until the one person she’s afraid to trust teaches her that life is worth living, and love is worth the fight to go on.

Alexander Sinclair is a young, carefree, good-looking guy who didn’t think he was looking for anything permanent in his life, especially when it came to women. Until, Holly came into his life. The beautiful, messed up vixen has him turned inside out, and longing to be with her. She’s had a hard life, and is fighting her attraction for him, but with a little persistence he’s determined to become her very own modern day hero.

This is a story about deadly consequences and the lives left behind.

Leather and Pleasure:

Rowan Avery Walker is planning to surprise her husband after ten years of marriage. On their anniversary she decides to enact one of his most desired fantasies, and there's no traditional night out on the town for this couple. She's no stranger to role-play, and when it comes to bedroom pleasures she likes to walk on the wild side.

Ryder has never loved his wife more, and has a feeling that it'll be a night to remember. Starting off with unusual and unique gifts that peak his curiosity, his suspicions are confirmed when they pull up to their favorite members only club. Where desire lives, fantasies are enacted, and the words leather and pleasure take on a whole new meaning. Rowan makes it an anniversary he’ll never forget.

Thank you for joining me, Jennifer. If I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

There’s no need to twist - here you go.

Adult Excerpt from Meant To Be:

“What is it, Jenna?”

She blushed, feeling a little silly. Since when had she ever been shy with him? The answer was never. “I’m different now,” she whispered. “With the scars, it’s probably not going to be very pretty to look at.”

He didn’t answer. Instead he continued to undress her until she stood before him completely nude. “Come with me.” He moved her in front of a long mirror and lifted her chin so that she was forced to look at herself. “You’re beautiful, Jenna.” His lips were close to her ear, and his breath was warm and soothing.

It gave her a chill as she leaned into him. “I’m glad you think so.”

“You’re trim.” He continued trailing his hands from her hips up to cup her breasts. “And perky. Perfect, God, Jenna, your breasts are just right the way they lay in my hands.” He tested their weight in each as he fondled them, stroking his thumbs across her hardened twin peaks.

“Tyler, don’t stop.” Breathless, and weak in the knees, she leaned into his embrace as he teased and tweaked her nipples between his fingers.

She reached back to stroke him, but he moved to stand in front of her instead. Starting with her feet, he gazed at her entire body with lust evident. Looking her in the eyes, he said, “The scars are still healing and barely noticeable. You’ve been through hell, and you’re still so damn sexy.”

Before she knew it, the back of her legs hit the side of their bed, and he was lowering her. He slid down her slick body, teasing her as he went lower. His tongue finally hit her sweet spot, and she arched her hips forward with a moan.

“Yes, Tyler, yes.” Her hands tightened in his hair with a demand to make her come. Taking a shuddering breath, she let the sensation that Tyler created ride through her. She knew it wouldn’t take her long to achieve her ecstasy. His mouth was magnificent as he licked solid strokes and swirled his tongue around her hard nub. “That’s it.”

She moaned again, thrashing her head from side to side; she was so close. Her grip on him tightened, forcing him to stay in the right spot. She thrust her hips and watched as he devoured her. Screaming his name, the climax hit her hard, but before the pulsing vibration of it finished, his pants were down, and his cock thrust deep inside.

He gave her a sexy smile and began to pump at a leisurely pace. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Love me, Tyler,” she whispered. “Fuck me. We’ll make love later over and over, but right now I need to feel you passionately.” She pressed her chest against his, rolling her hips to met his thrust at a faster pace. His cock filled her fully, warm and slick with her juices.

“Oh, God, Jenna,” he moaned. “I can’t hold it any longer. I’m gonna come.”

She reached between where they were joined to finger her clit. She held no shame when taking her own pleasure, knowing it drove Tyler over the edge.

He impaled her all the way to the root of him, shuttering while his release filled her.

Her second climax hit. Her eyes rolled in her head and closed until her last shudder finally eased.

Sweating and breathless, she covered her face as her heart rate slowed. “That was amazing.”

Rusted Souls - Cells Of Death for HIIH by Hunter K

2011-03-18T01:34:00.019-05:00

Title: Rusted Souls - Cells Of Death for HIIH

Release Date: February 7, 2011

Authors: Hunter K

Publisher: Publish America

Genre: Romance/Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: In Rusted Souls, the second book in the series from author, Hunter K, we pick up where Rusted Crossroads left off with suspense filled new case for Private Investigator Dick Chain. Dick is forced to find the killers that aims to brutally murder his family. This is no innocent investigation, and as the details began to unfold, he discovers high level corruption and unimaginable evil lurking just under the surface.

Welcome Hunter K, it’s nice to have you here. What is your author offering?

I’m excited to announce Rusted Souls - Cells of Death for HIIH…. It is out today!

What is Rusted Souls - Cells Of Death all about?

Murder, Stem Cell research, a delusional twisted evil mad Dr. who has used his murdering of the unborn children in his research, costing thousands of lives. Dick Chain is struggling with his emotional sanity while solving this mystery. This has everything: a romantic love story, mystery, intrigue, poetry and suspense.

What was your inspiration?

This is the second book in the series; Rusted Crossroads was released in 2006. That is where the audience gets to meet the amazing cast of characters. I have had so many fans tell me they wanted to know what was going on with their lives. Also Stem Cell Research is very controversial, weather you are for or against the science.

Why this genre? What’s the draw?

The character’s are the draw at the very beginning of the Book. Wally is shot and hanging onto life by a thread. The Main Character Dick Chain is brought out of retirement to find and kill the “sons of bitches” that shot his brother in law. Wally sister Dick’s wife Rachael Has the Loving faith to keep her family together. She is the biggest flirt on the planet. She uses sex as healing power for her husband, Dick, since he is fighting for his own life after being shot in the chest. The reader is pulled into the plot and sub-plots and there are many. Russian assassins, brutal killers, Stem Cell Research that has gone beyond anything close to normal. The reader is part of the story trying to save the unborn and solve the mystery.

Tell me, what was your reaction when you received your very first contract to be published?

Happy and relieved that my writing had what it took to make it. I am dyslexic and had heard how hard it was to get published. I felt accomplished and excited to tell all those doubters that with desire and hard work you can do anything!

How did you celebrate?

I gave my family signed copies of the book, put out a press release and booked a book signing. That was in 2006 when I was drinking, so I probably had a few beers.

Any last moment comments you’d like to add?

Yes, the third and final book in this series is Rusted Love and will tell the story of Dick’s childhood and answers all of the questions that are left open in Rusted Crossroads and Rusted Souls. It’s about half way done.

Thanks for joining me, and before we go, would you like to share an excerpt?

Absolutely!

Excerpt from Rusted Souls - Cells Of Death for HIIH by Hunter K

Those four letters were reasons enough not to ever want to leave. What those letters meant were never what he thought was truly going to be life changing forces that would forever be with him as long as he could take in his Bashert. “Bashert”, a Yiddish word, the only Yiddish I know. This translates to “fated or predestined”, which he came more to believe in every day that he spent time with his beautiful bride.

It was not something he ever thought possible, nor felt that he truly deserved. The only way his inner demons would win their battle is if he would accept to get involved, and bring the hate back alive in his life and forget what the Lord had done to his heart. He didn’t want to be the way he was back in the war. He had learned to hate ‘hate’, which was followed with killing and death. Hate...and he had more than plenty of it in his sordid past. He had been living new life with glimpses of love which was surreal to his war torn heart. New things were coming around as if the Lord himself had sent his Dove into this home. He had gotten up early the past three days, and that was not characteristic for a man such as an aging, retired PI.

He often times watched Rach without her knowledge, but it was out of the deep pleasure of amazement of who she was, and he never had one bad thought or feeling of wrong. His trust for his wife was undisputable and the love that he could feel by watching was the why he made these unnoticed appearances. When he saw the way she so deeply cared… her hands were on the pen, helping this brother man fill out a form. It seems that he had a problem with his back. He was constantly amazed by her deeds, and the way the love flowed out of her heart was out of his complete understanding.

As he was walking in to see his bride he had noticed that the red bricks in the county hospital were unusually small compared to what you see in buildings today. Made him think about time; and how much time had passed and that he had wasted on his life alone. That was before she came splashing into his life. He was still on his guard carrying the disappointment of a broken marriage, broken promises and busted love. He knew he would find a way to screw up from time to time ….and was still amazed (still), how deep he felt in his soul for his un-waning resolve to take care of her every need.

Rach had been volunteering at the hospital, and he felt a little selfish for what would be on his mind. She would wear her scrubs home, and that drove him to passion; to his bedroom desires. Not just the clothes; her essence, and more the ease of her giving of herself to show love and touch. To truly help mankind was an orgasm ticking in his soul.

He knew that he should be thinking of the people that she would be helping. He had her body on his mind, and he ….felt like it was wrong being totally consumed by his selfish desires; but he also knew there was nothing he could do. She had never said, or let him know that she knew, that it made him excited to wear those scrubs home. She would simply make sure that there was always time for some playtime in the afternoons.

These kinds of things are only a few of the reasons that he prayed and thanked God for the rich blessings that she had brought with such grace into his crazy mixed up mind. It was with a smooth ease that she seemed to everything so right. She was simply amazing and totally hot, which always brought a slant smile to his tanned leathered face.

The only way he could describe it was that it had been three years since they were married in Paris. He still felt like he was living in a dream. He had almost believed that he had learned how to heal the scars from his old rusted soul. Their lives were filled with joy. Such much love and power in those letters, HIIH. Those four letters meant {her I I her} which completed the circle of one.

BUY HERE

Dick Chain, a private investigator, is led into a web of deceit by a mysterious man he meets at the airport. Dick soon realizes that there is something or someone leading him into the most bizarre case of his life. Unknowingly, he finds himself being involved with a past lover Ronda Braxton, an intriguing client, and an unscrupulous real estate developer. He couldn’t make himself believe that his Ronda was somehow involved. Was she a killer? Demons were around every corner or was he truly losing his mind? Dick finds himself with a chance at love from his long-time friend. Can he find the courage to believe and accept this kind of love? Dick must rely on his faith, the one thing he was sure he needed. It was his sprit that forced him to follow the guidance of the spirit of God.

Blind Passion by Penny Brandon

2011-03-11T01:37:00.000-06:00

Title: Blind Passion

Release Date: January 18, 2011

Author: Penny Brandon

Publisher: Loose-Id

Genre: LGBT/Contemporary/Romance

Blurb:

Attraction for Adam was not a handsome face, a striking smile or beautiful eyes, but a scent that would drive him to distraction or a voice that could make his heart beat faster and when the combination of the two walked into his life in Luke, Adam couldn't help but want him.

But how was he supposed to know if Luke felt the same attraction? He had no prior experience, no past encounters, nothing to go on, nothing to help him. Not even his sight.

Sensual, gorgeous, kind, with a strength that Luke was drawn to, Adam was everything that Luke desired, but being in Adam's arms, showing him the pleasures of a man's body, being touched, held and desired in return, had Luke wanting more, had him wanting what he knew he couldn't have.

It didn't matter to him that Adam was blind, but Adam deserved more than someone like him. Adam deserved a relationship which Luke couldn't give him. He was a man with a broken past and falling in love with Adam was a foolish thing to do, especially because Adam would never love him back if he found out what Luke was hiding.

Welcome Penny, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Blind Passion is out right now by Loose-id. It is my first novel to be published and I was absolutely thrilled to get it accepted. At the time I wasn’t sure why they accepted it. Was it the story, the characters, the writing style? I wanted to know so I could keep doing the same thing. Use what works! In the end I found out it was a bit of all three, which was lucky for me. So now I know that what I write and how I write it is what people want and hopefully I can give them some more.

What is Blind Passion all about?

Essentially it’s about two men’s ability to overcome the difficulties they’d both imposed on themselves. Adam’s disability was physical, and though he’d learned to live with it, he believed it was a handicap when it came to finding a man to love and he was afraid to try through fear of rejection. Luke’s problem was the loss of his family, and a crime he was ashamed of and couldn’t forgive himself for. However, when they meet, Adam’s strength and outlook on life draws Luke to him. Luke is fascinated with how Adam sees the world around him but he feels there’s more that Adam can do and he takes it upon himself to bring Adam out of the cocoon he’s wrapped himself in. In return, Adam makes Luke see that he does have a future and that past mistakes can be forgiven. Of course, Adam wants Luke’s future to be with him, but it takes a lot to convince Luke of that.

Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

My muse is a chocolate munching cutie who loves to wander off and leave me for months at a time. I have to drag him in by his heels from wherever he’s roamed and get him to work. But when he’s pushed, boy does he come up with some good stuff! I think during his wanderings he meets up with unusual people and he brings their stories back to me. Adam was one of those people. I loved him from the first moment I thought about his beautiful aqua eyes and his stunning outlook on life. Luke, however, was much harder to work out. He had so many problems and it took a lot to make sure he didn’t become bogged down by them, but his meeting Adam was the best thing that could have ever happened to him. Adam anchored him, and made him understand that life was there to be lived and not regretted. But I think Luke was becoming to understand that himself, hence his tattoo of a phoenix.

Sounds like our muses are related - the wandering off part, unfortunately! Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

I didn’t do a thing and it’s probably better if I never do as I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Justin James took my description of the Blue Mountains in Australia where the book is set and used that as the backdrop. He then got two absolutely gorgeous models who fit Adam and Luke to a tee and put them to the forefront, with Adam touching Luke which he does throughout the novel. Justin’s interpretation was absolutely perfect and I hope Justin does more of my covers.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Dean Koontz, definitely. I love horror stories with a twist which he does so well, and I love the characters he creates. His writing style is amazing, drawing you into the story so effectively you think you’re there. You really want the good guys to win, and you agonize with them until they end up victorious, but it’s a long journey and they go through hell to get there. At the end of his books you just want more. If I could create that kind of novel I would be ecstatic.

What books are in your TBR pile?

Right now, I’ve got two Stephen King books, two Dean Koontz books, one by Lee Childs, and two by Clive Cussler still to read in paperback sitting beside me which I got for Christmas. I’m also waiting on some of my favorite gay erotic romance authors to come out with more and I’ll pick them up as they are released. I won’t list them as there are too many to mention, but I’m going to be really busy reading this year.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

In the past I had always stuck to one and wrote from start to finish, mainly because there was usually only one story going on in my head at any given time. However, due to recent events, namely getting published, I now have one new work in progress and another work I’m editing. Having to do this at the same time has my muse a little overwhelmed but with the help of chocolate we are getting it done. Actually, I’ve found that if I get bogged down with a scene and can’t get it to go the way I want it to, because hey, my characters never do what I want them to, then I’ll pop over and work on the other piece. That way I can threaten all of the men jumping up and down for attention in my head to behave or I’ll leave them in the lurch.

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My first venture into m/m erotic romance was called Bringing Him Home which thankfully is coming out later this year with Loose-Id. My muse, let’s call him Charlie as in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, because where there’s one there’s the other, wanted to try something different from the m/f stories I was writing, so he gave me Jared and Kyle. These men are hot. The second they met each other they wanted sex, but both these men also wanted more and it looked like they could find it with each other, until Jared realized the complications of bringing a man home with him and Kyle didn’t want to go anywhere near the town Jared called home.

I suppose I would call this my favorite simply because it was my first m/m, but Jared and Kyle just absolutely took over my life from the moment Charlie brought them to me, and they are still in it.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just finished editing a novel which is part of a series tentatively called Looking Glass, and the first novel is called Choices. The main idea of the series is a mirror which allows whoever looks into it to see their one true love. However, that’s when it gets complicated. In Choices, our main character, Marc sees a man. The problem is, Marc isn’t gay, but the compelling nature of knowing the image he sees is his only chance at love, Marc has to make the choice between finding him or not.

The other piece I’m working on is called Murphy’s Law. David and Scott meet on Bondi Beach. They’re both there on holiday and agree to spend their time together. The sex between them is rough, ready and uncomplicated and that was how they wanted it, but from the moment it looked like things are going their way, it all goes wrong. Really wrong. First, David cuts his foot, then they break the bed, then they flood out their hotel room, then the car they hire breaks down, then Scott falls off a cliff, and then David gets attacked by a shark. Believe me, Murphy’s Law, what can go wrong does go wrong, is the fundamental core of this story.

Thank you for joining me, Penny, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt?

I’d love to. Hope this will whet your appetite.

EXCERPT:

Adam lifted his head at the potent fragrance that reached him. Puzzled, he took a deep, inconspicuous breath through his nose and mouth. He frowned, concentration on the book he’d been reading lost as he tried to distinguish what it was. This particular scent itself was unique; he knew damn well he’d never come across it before, yet it seemed familiar somehow. It teased his senses, tantalized his memory, until Adam suddenly recognized it—the musky, rich aroma of an aroused male. Startled, because the only person it could come from was the man sitting across from him beyond the width of the dining table, Adam turned in his direction. His hands slipped, the braille dots beneath his fingertips suddenly losing their meaning. Oh God, this was not good.

Biting back a moan as his cock thickened and swelled in reaction, Adam sat as still as he could, listening for any sign that Luke had noticed the extra level of sexual tension that filled the room. He didn’t really need to worry; Luke obviously had no idea how he affected Adam, and Adam was not about to tell him. Jesus, what kind man did that to another? He took another deep breath; this time it was to clear the sexual haze that was fogging his mind. He needed to get Luke away from him before he made a fool of himself.

“Luke?” God, even saying his name was enough to send a tingle to his balls. He really needed to get Luke out of his living room. It would give both of them a chance to cool off. When he didn’t receive an answer, he tried again, louder. “Luke?”

“Fuck.” The softly spoken curse could have been shouted. Luke still hadn’t realized Adam’s hearing was acute, not that they’d spoken to each other enough for Luke to have figured that out.

“Are you all right?” Adam asked him, deciding tact would better suit his purpose. Not being able to read the nuances on people’s faces, Adam usually found it easier to be direct. However, asking Luke why he was turned-on would probably be going too far, and Adam didn’t really want to know.

“What?” Luke shuffled the pages he was holding in his lap.

“I asked if you were all right.”

“Why?” Luke shifted in his seat, and Adam had to stop an image of Luke adjusting his erection. It would be slim, Adam decided, but long.

“You seem…distracted.” Yeah, and so was he now.

This time the curse was not much more than Luke moving his lips. Maybe Luke was embarrassed; maybe Luke needed to go and find some relief. Shit, thinking of Luke jacking off was not a good idea. Not right now, at least.

He tried again. “Do you need to take a break?” he asked, needing one of his own. From the moment he’d first inhaled Luke’s scent and heard his voice, Adam had been in a constant state of arousal. Most of the time he’d managed to keep it hidden, but right now the bulge in his jeans would be obvious, and with Luke gone from the room, it would give him a chance to adjust his own raging hard-on.

The sound of a chair scraping back on the timber floor warned Adam that Luke had stood up, while the papers he’d been holding landed on the dining table with a soft flutter.

“Why are you doing this?”

Luke’s sudden remark caught Adam by surprise. Could Luke know what he’d been thinking? He fought down a moment of panic and while maintaining a neutral expression sat back in his chair and tilted his head to Luke’s face. “Doing what?” he asked, thankful his voice didn’t betray what he was feeling.

“This!”

Adam frowned, confused, and then realized what Luke had done. He sighed in both resignation and disappointment. “If you just made a sweeping gesture with your hand to indicate something, you have to remember I can’t see it.”

Hand gestures were a natural way of communicating, and nearly everyone forgot Adam couldn’t see them, but pointing that out to Luke wasn’t so much as to remind him but to take his own mind off the disturbing thoughts that were still going on in his head.
Luke cursed again. This time it was loud and clear. “Fuck this. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing here. I don’t need this shit!”

Taken aback by the sudden aggression in Luke’s tone, Adam gritted his teeth. “If by shit you mean sitting here and working with me, then tough. I do need it.” Adam didn’t even try to hide his swift but very explainable anger. It was hard enough accepting help from someone, but knowing Luke didn’t want to be here pissed him off, more so because all Adam could think of was wanting Luke. “Go and take a break,” he ordered, throwing out the back of his hand.

He heard Luke move, and his voice sounded closer as if Luke had leaned in toward him. “You just made a hand gesture.”

Luke’s snide reply was the last straw, and Adam’s composure finally snapped. He’d had enough, both with Luke and his own lack of control. “That’s because I know you can fucking see it!” Pushing back his chair, Adam stood up, agitated. He never swore at people, and he rarely lost his temper, but frustration and an impossible situation had him on edge.

When Luke didn’t make a move to leave, Adam wasn’t sure if he was grateful or more pissed off. He shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

There was a sharpness to Luke’s words that Adam regretted putting there. Despite his scorn Luke didn’t deserve Adam’s anger. Luke didn’t know what he was doing to Adam, didn’t know that he was turning him on beyond comprehension. “Swearing at you.”

“Don’t be. I do it all the time.” The tone of Luke’s voice softened, and Adam could imagine a light smile playing on his lips. Lips he wanted to kiss.

“Yeah, well. I don’t.”

“Maybe you should. Helps give emphasis to what you’re saying.” Now Adam could definitely hear Luke’s amusement, but instead of being settled by it, he was only rankled further.

“I’m a schoolteacher, in case you’d forgotten. Swearing is only used by people who are not smart enough to think of something better to say.”

The sudden antagonism that filled the room was tangible. Adam instantly regretted what he’d said, but before he could apologize, Luke pushed away from the table.

“Fuck you.” Loud footsteps echoed along the timber floor as Luke walked away, and seconds later the front door slammed behind him.

Adam listened for a second, then sat back down and sighed. He knew he shouldn’t have said that, but how the hell did you handle lusting after a man you could never have?
He groaned, releasing the banked-up tension and frustration that threatened to overwhelm him. He’d never felt this way before, never been turned on like this. Being gay wasn’t a problem; it was just another circumstance he lived with, like his blindness. It was just that his blindness made being gay hard, if not impossible to act on or even appreciate. He could never tell if another man was interested in him. He didn’t know what signals to pick up on or what signals to give. Until now that hadn’t really been an issue, because he’d never felt an attraction for anyone. But he was undeniably attracted to Luke, and he honestly didn’t know what to do about it. Getting hard in front of Luke was definitely not something he should do, but it wasn’t something he could control either.

The instant Luke had walked into his home four days ago, Adam had been intensely aware of him. Luke smelled like a hot summer’s day just after the grass had been cut and before a rainstorm was about to break; he sounded like a soft breeze whispering across a pebbled beach—soothing yet edgy. Combined, they triggered something deeply primal in Adam. He needed Luke, needed to hear his voice, to smell him…touch him.

And God help him—if there was one thing he desperately wanted to do, it was to taste him.
Disturbed, Adam had at first tried to keep out of Luke’s way, had tried not to get too near him in case he inadvertently exposed how he felt. Funnily enough, Luke seemed to have the same idea. He always made sure he never got too close, moving away from Adam if they happened to come within touching distance. On some level Adam had been grateful, though a little confused as to why Luke had deemed it necessary to make sure they stayed clear of each other. Perhaps it was because Luke felt ill at ease in Adam’s company, or maybe he just didn’t want to be there. Either way, Adam couldn’t really blame him. Being around a blind man wasn’t easy, and having to work for him when you’d rather be somewhere else didn’t help the situation—a situation that today, Adam had practically lit a fuse under.

Caught up in a desire so powerful, Adam hadn’t been be able to help himself when Luke had knocked on the door two hours earlier. He’d opened the door and had stood there, making Luke brush past him instead of stepping out of the way as usual. They hadn’t actually come into contact, but Adam had felt Luke’s heat in that fleeting moment, had caught his scent, and it had torn a groan from his throat. Praying Luke hadn’t heard him or noticed that he’d closed his eyes as a shiver had passed through his body, Adam gave Luke instructions and then tried to spend the past couple of hours ignoring the almost impossible impulse to reach over and touch him. He wanted to feel Luke’s skin beneath his fingertips; he wanted to know if it would be as silky as he’d imagined.

Luke couldn’t have known what was going on in Adam’s head, would have absolutely no idea, but Adam had a sick feeling that Luke sensed he was slowly unraveling and had reacted in kind. Their explosive argument just a few minutes ago proved that the atmosphere was more strained than usual between them.

It had been a stupid, reckless thing to do, and if Luke came back, Adam swore he wouldn’t attempt to do anything to make Luke feel any more uncomfortable than he already did. He didn’t want to jeopardize the time they had together, fleeting as it was, because any time with Luke was better than nothing at all. It was just a shame that Luke couldn’t feel the same way about him.

Adam rubbed his hands over his face and winced. He was an idiot for thinking about Luke that way. He was an idiot for thinking about any man that way. He sighed, resigned, acknowledging what he knew to be an unending fact—his blindness would make sure it was never going to happen.

Coercion by Lux Zakari

2011-03-04T01:22:00.001-06:00

Title: Coercion

Release Date: August 2010

Author: Lux Zakari

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Erotica

Blurb:

How far will one woman go for love?

Introverted and insecure Valerie Mercer was promised that during her senior year of college she would finally attract attention from boys…but never dreamed that would include Michael Vartanian.

Good looking, troubled and every parent’s nightmare, Michael is adamant on introducing Valerie to a world of both pleasure and, inadvertently, heartbreak. His interest in Valerie is dependent upon the mood and fidelity of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Breeze.

Nevertheless, Valerie lets her hope and desire override common sense and soon finds she can’t deny Michael anything…no matter what’s at stake.

Content warning, explicit sex, prolific drug and alcohol usage, profanity.

Welcome, Lux, I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Coercion

What is Coercion all about?

Coercion is an erotic novel that takes place in 1974 in a small town in Missouri, where an ambitious young woman, Valerie, is surprised by how much attention she’s getting from boys since her body underwent a slimming transformation. One of those boys happens to be Michael Vartanian, a rebel-without-a-cause who is lost in life but still makes girls’ knees weak—and that includes not only Valerie but his on-off girlfriend, Breeze. The story explores the complexities of love and sex as Michael and Valerie embark on a relationship with crippling lows—and unfathomable highs.

That sounds intriguing. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

I actually wrote a semi-tongue-in-cheek list called “How to Write Coercion,” which outlines everything that went into creating the story, including enduring a breakup and what music I was listening to at the time.

What a great concept! Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

The artist is Valerie Tibbs, and I did have the opportunity to throw my two cents in; while I didn’t pick the image, I wanted something where the man (Michael) was standing behind the woman (Valerie) and being dominating/sexy. I’ve gotten many positive comments regarding the boobilicious cover model!

I can see why! Now, if you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I have a friend with whom I’ve written a novel before, and she’s brilliant. We have similar visions for our work and I intensely value her opinion, ideas and words. Unfortunately, she has no aspirations to be an author, but I keep trying to lure her to the dark side anyway.

LOL, she sounds smart too! What books are in your TBR pile?

So many—I wish I had the time to read as much as I’d like. Soon, I hope to read Alison Tyler’s Alison’s Wonderland and L.A. Dale’s Heart of Glass.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

I am usually devoted to one project at a time, but these days I’m so overwhelmed with things to do and new ideas that I work on whatever I’m inspired to at that moment!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently in the midst of finding a home for two new novels and working on another that started out as a friends-becoming-more scenario meets Eyes Wide Shut, but it’s taking on a life of its own.

I know what you mean. Thank you for joining me, Lux, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt?

Of course, Rie! Here you are, a short steamy scene:

EXCERPT:

Valerie returned to the living room, shut the wooden doors behind her and sat on the couch next to Michael, whose legs still bobbed. “You know,” she said after a moment’s pause, “my mom told me once that you shake the luck out of you when you move your leg like that, and when you finally stop, all your luck will be gone.”

“Too late.” He paused his motions. “So what happens if I never stop shaking my legs? Then I’ll always have luck to lose.”

Valerie smiled. “I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.” She cleared her throat. “Um, how did you know where I live?”

“I was just driving around and recognized your mom’s Volvo in the drive,” he said, his tone devoid of emotion. Then he swiveled his head to look at Valerie, his eyes wide. “Your mom’s not here, is she?”

“Yeah, but she and my dad are already in bed. They always zonk out before ten and sleep like the dead.”

His shoulders slumped with relief. “Good.”

Her heart pounded at his reaction as she imagined all the evening’s possibilities. Even though Michael sat on the couch, apparently unaffected by the fact they were essentially alone in the house, it was all she could think about. In fact, being alone with him was all she ever thought about.

And now here he was, in her living room with Breeze nowhere in sight. Many of her fantasies began with such a scenario, but she didn’t know how the reality of the situation would actually pan out.

“What brings you here?” she asked, not knowing how to have a conversation with him.

He ran a hand through his thick hair. “Why? You want me to go?”

“No. I just...” Valerie trailed off, unable to express how she felt. She hoped he’d acknowledge that him being around her wasn’t an everyday occurrence and offer some kind of explanation.

He gave her an indolent smile and put his hands behind his head. “I just felt like visiting.” His words were accompanied by a yawn. “I realized we haven’t hung out in awhile.”

“We’ve never really hung out.”

“Then what do you call what we did last month?”

Her face flushed. The way he’d been acting, she hadn’t thought he’d bring it up, but now that he had, she realized she didn’t know what she wanted him to say about it. “I don’t know. But I didn’t consider that ‘hanging out.’”

Michael chuckled. “I guess it wasn’t.” He studied her for a moment. “Let me rephrase that. I realized we haven’t fooled around in awhile.”

The fever spreading through her cheeks intensified as she rubbed the backside of her arms. “Well, it hasn’t seemed like you wanted me around.”

“Sure I have,” he said, clearly unconcerned.

“Really?” Skepticism laced her words. “But you haven’t spoken to me in weeks.”

“Be fair. You haven’t talked to me either.” He lowered his hands and leaned into her. “And you know I’m right.”

Valerie’s mouth went dry from Michael’s nearness as she stared at him wordlessly. A flood of warmth rushed to her most private parts.

He stared at her, his thick lashes surrounding his dark, penetrating eyes like silky crescents. Then he reached out to her, drawing idle patterns on her arm with his index finger. “You ever think about that day in the parking lot?”

“All the time.” The words flew out of her before her brain could even process them.

“Oh, yeah?” A smirk appeared on his face. “Me too.”

“Really?” she asked, surprised.

“Mmm-hmm.” His hand moved to her chest, where he traced the underside of her right breast over her t-shirt. “Why does that shock you?”

“I’m not sure.” Her mind grew foggy as his finger circled her nipple. “I guess because you’re with Breeze, and we haven’t really spoken or anything since—”

“Do you think of that day when you make yourself come?”

“I have,” she said after a moment’s pause.

His hand drifted to the hem of her shirt and disappeared underneath the fabric. Valerie inhaled sharply when he touched the bare skin of her stomach. “And what about it was so hot?”

“I don’t know.” She bit her lip as his hand suddenly engulfed her breast, encased in a pale blue bra.

He pinched her nipple through the lacy material. “Figure it out.”

She winced with pleasure. “I just liked it. I can’t explain it. It was exciting.”

“It was exciting because you were a good girl doing something bad,” he said in a thick voice as his hand slipped inside her bra and touched her breast.

She shivered. “You think I’m a good girl?” She’d already started to lose herself in his cool hands on her hot skin.

“For now, at least.” Michael ceased touching her and instead folded his hands in his lap, almost demurely. “Prove to me you’re not.”

A twinge of fear and anticipation raced through her. “How?”

He licked his lips. “I wanna watch you.”

Dread splashed over her like a bucket of ice water. “Watch me do what?”

He leaned toward her and kissed her softly. Then he pulled away slightly and whispered against her mouth, “Show me. Show me what you do.” He took her hand in his and guided it between her legs. “Show me what you do when you think of me.”

She let out a shaky breath. “I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“Because.” She bit her lip. “I’m nervous.”

He grinned. “You worry too much. What’s to be nervous about?” He kissed her neck, nibbling at the sensitive skin. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about you fingering yourself and screaming my name when you come.”

A rash of goose bumps broke out on her arms. “You have?”

“Yeah.” His teeth nipped at her earlobe. “And it’s the hottest fucking thing.”

His words sent a shiver up her spine. “Really?”

“Really.” He gently pushed her down so she lay on the couch. “Now show me what you do. I’ll tell you if it’s like how I pictured it.”

Valerie swallowed the lump in her throat. There was something wild in his eyes telling her that if she didn’t do exactly what he wanted, she’d lose him forever. He would walk right out the door and never come back. She’d dreamed of this moment—or at least of being with him—for years, even more so since last month. She wanted to do everything she could to keep him. This was a golden opportunity.

She bit her lip as her hands slowly traveled south on her body.

Odessa by Ginger Simpson

2011-02-11T02:20:00.000-06:00

Title: Odessa

Release Date: February 7, 2011

Author: Ginger Simpson

Publisher: Eternal Press

Genre: Historical/Western/Romance

Blurb:

The wagon carrying Odessa Clay and her father overturns, killing him. Alone and scared in the middle of the desert, she faces finding her way to Phoenix and Aunt Susan. Food and water run out, and Odessa is near death when Zach Johnson finds her. Squinting up into his tanned and handsome face, Dessie believes she’s died and gone to heaven.

Would-be-outlaw, Zach Johnson finds an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Where did she come from? First glance: she appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise. He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but how can he leave her stranded?

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot? His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart.

Welcome Ginger. I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

Thanks for hosting me. I’m here to tease everyone into wanting to read Odessa, my latest western historical romance from Eternal Press.

What is Odessa all about?

The blurb gives you a pretty good idea of the story, but there is so much more involved. Odessa takes a job in the local saloon, much to Zach’s dismay, and he tries to keep her from finding out that he’s turning outlaw in order to save his father’s ranch.

I love outlaws! Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

My muse is always in control. I never know who’s going to pop through the revolving door in my mind and present their story. I really clicked with Odessa.

Who is your cover artist and how much input do you have in the design?

The awesome, Dawne Dominique has done most of my EP titles. She has a very uncanny talent for making the cover fit the book like a glove. I can honestly say she hasn’t presented one I don’t love.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to co-author a book with Madeline Baker. She’s been “the wind beneath my wings,” and she doesn’t even know it. I’ve read pretty much every historical western she’s written. I’d love for her to tell me that she’s read one of my books. J

What books are in your TBR pile?

I have a whole bunch loaded on my Kindle for review. Right now I’m reading Call Me Duchess by Maggie Dove. So far, it’s really holding my attention.

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

I skip back and forth. My characters tell the stories and some days they aren’t very chatty, so I find a willing participant and work on their manuscript. I think this is how I ended up with eight releases in 2011.

Tell me a little about your back list, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

Oh gosh, that’s hard to say. Every book is like a child I’ve given birth to, but if hard pressed to name my favorite, I’d have to say Sarah’s Journey. Or maybe First Degree Innocence, oh, shoot, I think Sister’s in Time. I can’t do…I can’t pick just one.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m supposed to be working on Hattie’s Hero, another western historical romance, but Hattie hasn’t been talking to me since I had dual cataract surgery the end of December. I’ve filled the time with edits on upcoming releases, but I need to get her yakking again because I’m anxious to finish and submit the story for publication. Then I can get busy with On the Rebound.

Thank you for joining me, Ginger, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

No need for arm twisting. I’m always happy to share an excerpt. Setting the scene. Odessa and Zach have just arrived in Charleston, AZ after a long and dusty journey. They’ve just eaten dinner and now are off to the mercantile to buy Odessa a new dress to replace her worn and tattered one.

EXCERPT:

Spying the mercantile down the street, he clasped Odessa’s hand and loped down the wooden stairs and onto the dirt, dashing between a buggy and a buckboard to reach the other side. The sun had set, leaving ribbons of color tinting the sky. A light inside the store shone through the front window. Zach opened the door, peering up at the little bell that tinkled when they entered.

“Howdy.” A bald man behind the counter greeted them with a smile. “How can I help you?”

“Are you fixin’ to close or do we have time to shop?” Zach asked.

“I always stay open for customers. When I lock up depends on the type of day I’m havin’.” The clerk’s portly stomach jiggled with his laughter. “You folks look around all you want. I’ve got some shelves to stock.”

Zach followed as Odessa made a beeline for a rack of readymade dresses in a section he preferred to avoid. The tools, ropes, and saddles on the other side of the store beckoned. Tack held more interest than frilly ribbons, bonnets, and lacy undergarments, the likes of which he’d never seen before. He patted her shoulder as she flipped through the hangers, her eyes wider than silver dollars. “I’ll be over yonder.” He motioned across the main aisle.

“Wait!” She grasped his sleeve. “I need your opinion.” She picked up a blue gingham frock with one hand and a brown and white checked dress with the other. “Which do you like best?”

He shrugged. “They both look good to me.”

She put back the brown one and draped the blue across her front, holding out the wide skirt and dancing in a circle. Stopping, she peered up at him with those big, blue eyes and smiled. “I really like this one, and it’s a little less than the other. I only wish I had a ribbon to match.”

He looked at the tag hanging from the sleeve and raised a brow. His had no previous experience with buying a woman clothes, but the price didn’t seem extreme—in fact, was less than he’d figured. He plunged his hand into his pocket, counted out several bills, and handed them to her. “Go ahead and get a ribbon… and those

other things you needed, too. Take your time. I’ll wait outside.” Every time she flashed that coy little grin, the crotch of his jeans grew tighter.

The dang bell rang again when he opened the door to leave. Outside, he rested his boot on a hitching rail and surveyed the streets, now quiet and abandoned. The horizon had gobbled the sun, and already a full yellow moon shone over the rooftops at the opposite end of the street. Piano music still drifted from the saloon, but most of the horses tied in front earlier were gone. A cool breeze fanned Zach’s collar, but did little to temper his growing feelings for Odessa. He had to get her on the next stage to Phoenix. If he didn’t, he’d compound the trouble he already faced.

“Good night, and thank you.” Zach turned to see the proprietor escort Odessa to the door then close and lock it behind her. She clasped her wrapped bundles to her chest as if protecting a treasure.

The light inside the store faded and turned dark, stealing Zach’s ability to enjoy the sparkle in her eyes. He took her elbow and guided her down the stairs to the street. “Did you get everything you needed?”

“I did… and thank you. Now I can’t wait to get into that bath.” No matter how hard he tried to prevent them, images of her naked body played in his mind. Clearly, she had more of an effect on him than he’d planned. When had he started thinking of her less as a girl and more as a woman? He hadn’t really seen it coming. Now, outlined in the moonlight, her full lips, slender neck, and soft curves begged for attention. He wasn’t as experienced as most men but had learned in the bed of a local saloon whore who knew her trade well. Memories stirred his desire.

Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down. Coming from Muse It Up Publishing.

Olivia Wilson faces life alone after her divorce. She's packed on a few pounds and has avoided dating because of her low self-esteem. Sleepless nights lead her to the doctor, and she's appalled when the diagnosis is sleep apnea. It's hard enough to imagine any man wanting to date a plump woman who has passed her prime, let alone sleep with one who looks like Jacques Cousteau.

2011 From Muse It Up Publishing

A simple, yet beautiful heart-shaped locket becomes the focus of appreciative and unsuspecting women. Someone should warn them of the danger of owning the cursed piece. But who? Sadly, the previous owners are no longer around…nor are the loved ones they killed in a fit of unexplained rage.

Chat With Ginger Here!

The Angel Baby by Michael Swanson

2011-02-04T01:25:00.000-06:00

Title: The Angel Baby

Release Date:11/1/10

Author: Michael Swanson

Publisher: Renaissance E Books

Genre: Horror

Trailer Link

Blurb:

Welcome Michael Swanson. I'm so thrilled to have you here! To get started, what is your latest offering?

My newest horror novel is The Angel Baby

What is The Angel Baby all about?

A district attorney investigating the murder of a little girl, is drawn into a strange alliance with two amateur ghost hunters on the trail of an evil presence. Tracking the origin of the entity back to nineteenth century New Orleans and later to Galveston, Texas during the aftermath of the Great Storm of 1900, in the present day, the ghost hunters and the DA become embroiled in a terrifying struggle for survival.

That sounds spooky and intriguing. Was there anything in particular that inspired this book, or did your muse come up with it?

Tragically, a couple of years ago, the body of a little girl washed up on an island in Galveston Bay. During the ensuing investigation and trials of her killers, the thought came to me, “What If?” “What if” this hadn’t been a sweet child, but a demonic presence? And “What if” her “killers” were actually acting in self-defense, trying to save themselves from a truly malevolent entity that takes the form of a small child?

Okay...that gave me the heebie jeebies. Moving on-- Who is your cover artist and how much input did you have in the design?

The cover artist is David Park of Design Kreative. I had a great deal to do with the initial concept, and provided a number of photographic resources David used as inspiration for his final design.

If you could co-author a book with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Shirley Jackson! Yes, there are pro horror writers out there like Stephen King and Anne Rice, but Shirley Jackson is the Rembrandt of scaring the *%&#$^ out of a reader. Her opening for “The Haunting of Hill House” has to be one of the best pieces of writing since … “To be, or not to be.”

What books are in your TBR pile?

The Ambient E should be out by the end of February. It’s a about a mysterious presence calling in song requests to a popular satellite radio program. When the song requests air, they manifest themselves across society with a vengeance. As a parallel plot, the singer for a small Indy rock group discovers a trove of 13th century musical manuscripts. Each song is destined to become a worldwide hit, launching the band into true international superstar status. Who is making these requests, and why did the singer find these manuscripts? The Ambient E asks the question, can music be a force for good or evil. After all … “Hath not music charms to sooth the savage breast.”

When you begin a new book, do you write it straight through, or do you work on more than one story at a time?

Sometimes straight though, sometimes I have to put it on hold if another “paying gig” comes up.

Tell me a little about your backlist, and which of these is your own personal favorite?

My sci-fi thriller, Farlight was a Fiction Wise best-seller in ‘05, only 1 down from the Da Vinci code for the month of March. Evil Heights has also done well, and is due to be rereleased soon as a two-volume publisher’s special edition. I also write erotica under the pen name: M. Millswan. My collection of short storie,: The Best of M. Millswan has the all-time internet hit Snap Shot. Over 740,000 on-line readers have read Snap Shot, with many calling it not only the best erotic story they’ve ever read, but one of THE best stories they’ve ever read in any genre. After more than four years as number one in its category, the continuing rave response from readers over Snap Shot I find phenomenal. Tabu, recently released by Renaissance E books and available at Amazon.com is another personal favorite.

That's pretty impressive! What are you working on at the moment?

I’m finishing up the final edit on The Ambient E. Then I’ll get to work on the sequel to The Angel Baby. And I also will finish up a new erotic story, Upon the Emerald Isle.

Thank you for joining me, Michael, if I twist your arm would you give us an excerpt? J

In this excerpt from The Angel Baby, the two ghost hunters have their first confrontation with the evil entity.

EXCERPT:

"Ray?" Noel reached over to grip his partner's wrist. "I got a feeling this ain't no foolin' around. We got us the real thing going on here. There's something down that hall, and it ain't no little half–seen, creepy shadow. I can't believe what I'm feeling. Man, my heart's beating like hell and gone. And I feel like I'm about to shit a brick."

Normally, Ray was hell–on–wheels to rush towards any sound, but when he came to life, he now moved hesitantly. Coming up to peer down into the pitch dark hallway, as he did, the terrible scratching and rasping ceased, but the static and subtle background drone of the organ remained. There wasn't enough room for both men to walk through the doorway side by side. And as they stepped through, Noel followed as closely to Ray's side as possible, each of them swinging the beams of their headlamps from side to side.

Carried with the crackle of static was a hiss, not coming from any one place but seemingly an integral part of the darkness itself. Here in the hall, the walls had once been painted something like a carnation pink, but were now just filthy. Abandoned hooks and wall anchors, and darker shadowy outlines showed were pictures had once hung. Together, Ray and Noel moved up to stand in front of the open door which led into the main bathroom. Flashing their lights inside it was empty; nothing could be seen except for the toilet and the bathtub with its shower rod but no curtain.

"Hey! Hey!" Whispering, Ray nudged Noel with his elbow. "Weren't these bedroom doors all left open?"

Nodding, Noel, too responded in a hush. "Man, you and I both know they were all still open when we walked out of here."

Even more chilling than what they'd experienced in the living room, suddenly the awful cold was back. It closed in around them along with a darkness which was so profound it seemed to swallow up the light from their headlamps.

"Oh, shit, man!" Noel's teeth actually chattered. "Goddamn, Ray! It's cold as hell in here! My meter says it's fuckin' zero degrees. Zero fuckin' degrees! And that radio, where the hell is that sickly organ coming from? What the hell is going on?"

Ray himself was visibly shivering, though if it was from the cold or something else only he could know.

"Don't you feel it, Ray?” Suddenly, Noel wasn't paying attention to the device in his hand. “Man, we're not alone here." He looked all around, even suddenly checking over his shoulder to see if someone was behind them.

The meter in Ray's hand was rattling as he shook. "Feel what? All I feel is the cold. Whatever's going on, something is drawing a hell of a lot of thermal energy out of the air."

"No, not the cold." There was no hiding the grim tone in Noel's voice. "Not even that damn organ. It's a presence … a sickness. It's gone sick all around us."

Ray coughed, looking around before he spoke. "You're right, Noel. I can feel it, too. I've never experienced anything even remotely like this before. It is like a sickness. Like the entire house and air and everything is infected with something … something … I don't know what. And this cold … it's … it's … like a damn meat locker."

"Aw–w–w, shit, man! Aw–w–w, shit! Noel's voice cracked as he repeated himself. "I don't believe what I'm seeing!" Stretching out his arm, he pointed with his entire hand down at the far bedroom door. "Will you look at that?"

Ray added the beam of his head lamp to Noel's, and for the first time since they'd been investigating together Noel experienced the big man take a quick step back.

The closed bedroom door at the end of the hall didn't extend all the way to the floor, and there was a gap of a couple of inches between the wood and the carpet. Gray and grisly there was no mistaking that fingers were extending out from below.

Ray rarely if ever cussed. But he did now, and tthe force in his voice was every bit as strong as his language. "Is that for fuckin' real?"

Somehow, Noel managed to make what he said next come out as both a question and a statement. "Ray, there's somebody in there!"

The noise and awful cold forgotten, in stunned shock they both stood their ground in the pitch dark of the hallway staring down at a set of child–sized fingers reaching out from under the door. Illuminated in the beams of their headlamps was the middle, index and pointer fingers. They were white, fish belly white, and the creases of the knuckle joints and around the fingernails were lined a filthy, inky black. There was no mistaking they were the fingers of a child. And as Ray and Noel watched, they were reaching up from under the door, now scratching and picking ravenously at the wood.

As the scratching increased in intensity, Ray shook his head. "So what do we do, Noel?"

"Shit, man," Noel spat. "How the hell should I know?"

Ray was keeping his attention focused on those fingers. "I thought you'd experienced all those bad–assed ghosts down in New Orleans?"

Noel had remembered his camera and was now looking through the viewfinder as the "record" LED lit up and began to glow red. "I’ve seen some moving shadows and shit like that. But, god's honest truth Ray, I ain't never seen nothing like this!"

"Maybe there really is someone in there?" was Ray's reply.

As if on some kind of cue, Noel took his eye away from the camera's viewfinder and both men looked to each other. What they communicated didn't need saying.

Ray swallowed dryly. "I'm going in."

There was something so rabid and wild in the way the fingers ticked and picked, and scratched. Pieces of wood were being stripped off and scattered about on the floor.

Noel was right with Ray as they slowly approached the door. When they were only a few steps away the fingers snapped back into the darkness, leaving all the scattered bits of wood and fresh chips as evidence that they had indeed seen what they'd seen.

Noel let his camera dangle from the cord about his neck as he reached out for the doorknob.

"No, let me." Ray stepped up. "I'm scared as shit, but I've been waiting for this all my life."

In the light from his head lamp, Noel could see Ray's fingers shaking as the big man's hand reached for the door knob. All about them in the pitched blackness it was bitterly cold. Illuminated by their headlamps, every breath from both men came as plume of frost. With the fingers no longer picking at the wood the static and ghostly drone of the organ had ceased. It had gone quiet now, deadly still, and the knowledge of what they might find when Ray threw open that door weighed as heavy as the awful silence all around.

Wincing, Ray tapped, then gripped the knob. "Cold! Goddamn, it's cold as hell!"

Sometimes, when Noel was truly nervous it wasn't only his French Cajun accent but a wry sense of humor would emerge. "Then don't lick it."

For just a brief second it was as if a semblance of reality returned as Ray looked down incredulously to the smaller man. "Lick it? Have you gone insane?"

Noel gathered himself in a defensive crouch. "Just open the door, Ray!" Having again taken up his camera dangling about his neck, Noel held it in one hand and had his EMF meter in the other. "I'm ready."

In the split seconds just before Ray twisted the knob and pulled open the door both men experienced similar brief flashes of intense imagination. Everything from an empty room to an actual "who–knows–what–horror" held the potential of being seen. Yet surely, deep down, despite the fingers they had both witnessed, based upon years of frustration, all either of them truly expected to see was an empty room, the stained walls, the tired bed and busted chest of drawers. Not this time, though. Ray brought the door open, and there was something in there. It was right out in the open, by the footboard of the bed. It was standing there and facing them; they stared at it, and menacingly it glared back.

No more than three feet tall it appeared to be a girl. Ghastly, grim, her skin a hideous gray–white, she was truly a frightening sight. This wasn't some vague vaporous mist or a quick, fleeting shadow. It was possessed of actual form, a little girl, or what might once have been a little girl. There was no question but that the thing was dead as the sour air in the frigid room reeked of death and decay. Above was an abundance of those nasty moths, and below there she was, not hiding, not shrinking back, not some quick flash of a misty phantom caught only out of the corner of one's eye. Entirely unnatural, from head to toe her skin was gray–white, from under a wet rock, putrid, maggot white. Her yellow eyes were streaked with red, yet her hair was sweet ringlets of golden blonde. And she was entirely naked; the details of her body shockingly exposed, starkly raw, openly pornographic.

With both men crowded in the doorway, Ray, as if mesmerized and in slow motion let his hand fall from the doorknob.

For Noel, just as he had experienced in the bathroom earlier, the power of the details that burned themselves into his mind in these few quick seconds of initial confrontation were entirely surreal. The stalks of her legs led down to her bare feet, the blackened toenails resembling something from the paws of a filthy dog. Beneath her skin the veins were purple, and her belly button bulged out like a disgorged tumor. There was such a ferocity to her eyes; and the way she hung her head with her chin down, glaring angrily up at them was as hateful as a sick, rabid animal. At the sides of her thighs those tiny fingers which had reached out from under the door were now clenched into fists of stone. And she appeared to be breathing, panting; each rib sliding underneath the skin as her rib cage expanded and contracted.

Noel was no longer looking through the camera's viewfinder. He'd come out of his crouch and was standing next to Ray, his mouth gaping open as wide as his eyes. It wasn't simply the sight of the thing which was so terrifying; there was a disturbed sense to the room, as if her presence was infecting everything about her with a hateful malevolence. And as if it could be possible not to look, her nakedness was an affront to everything natural. Perhaps starvation had been the cause of death as the stark exposure of the bones of her hips and pelvis drew the eyes to a sight best left unseen.

It was all so impossibly unreal … it couldn't be real. Seething with a blind rage she sneered at them, her lips black and her teeth and tongue even blacker within. Then suddenly she moved, coughing. Then turning her head she spat blood, the splash of crimson sticking then sliding down the wall.

It was Noel who saved them. In a reaction every bit as quick as a lightening flash he came to life the instant she moved, letting go of his camera and slamming the door shut. It all happened in a blur as but a half a heartbeat later there came a crash of elbows and knees impacting the door, followed by screaming and clawing, which had both men clinging to the doorknob attempting to keep the door closed at all costs.

"Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh Shit!" Noel had even braced a knee against the wall as he and Ray held on. "What the hell is that thing in there, Ray?"

"What ever it is." Ray's arms were straining. "We're not letting it the hell out!"

The noise from behind the door was horrific. It wasn't just the shrieks and screams; there were what sounded to be words, too. Guttural, bestial and heavily foreign, it wasn't necessary to understand the words to know that whatever was behind the door was royally pissed off. Along with the stream of unintelligible rage it was pounding and pounding, twisting at the knob and beating ravenously upon the shuddering wood. Kicking, screaming, tearing with its fingers and nails the guttural syllables became an angry roar, made that much worse as it was from the shrill voice of a child. And though the door was closed, Noel could see it. In his mind he could see the thing in its fury. And seeing what he could see he wasn't about to let it out.

"What are we going to do, Ray?" Inches away Noel peered into Ray's eyes. "We've got no way to keep the door closed if we let go."

From the sharp pounding it was now apparent it was using the flats of its hands to slap at the wood.

Each still gripping his EMF meter, Noel had his free right hand on the knob, and Ray's free right hand was over his. "Go to the van, Noel!" Ray now braced his own knee against the wall. "There's a nail gun! We'll nail the damn thing in!"

Again, both men locked eyes. "Can you hold the door by yourself?" Noel asked. "The last thing we want is for that thing to get out!"

Ray pocketed his EMF meter and immediately placed the free hand over Noel's. At the split second Noel let go, both of Ray's hands entirely swallowed up the knob. "Just go!" Ray hollered. "Get the damn gun!"

Down the hall, through the living room, and out the front door and into the night, Noel raced to the van. Throwing open the side door, amongst the coils of copper tubing and tanks of AC coolant there was a milk crate with various tools. Noel grabbed the nail gun and turned about just in time to see Ray come flying out of the front door. The light from his headlamp bobbing before him, the big man was size in motion. Passing through the door, his right hand clipped the door frame, and his EMF meter burst into a thousand pieces.

"Go! Go! Go!" Ray was screaming. "We're getting the hell out of here!"

Cedar Woman by Debra Shiveley Welch

2011-01-28T01:08:00.001-06:00

Title: Cedar Woman

Release Date: December 9, 2010

Author: Debra Shiveley Welch

Author Site

Publisher: Saga Books

Buy Links: