Another Chance by Katie Alexander

Author: Katie Alexander and Kelli Lee Mosley

Title: Another Chance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Rebel Ink Press

Purchase Here 

Format: E-book

BLURB:Megan Mason had a fabulous family, a wonderful husband, amazing friends, a great job and a beautiful home. All she needed was a baby to make her life complete. Little did she know, however, that asking her husband for a child would end her marriage. Suffering the ultimate betrayal, Megan returns to her childhood home to rebuild her life.

Grayson Burke had it all. His family’s construction company was financially sound business was booming. He loved his job and better yet, he worked with two of his best friends. To an outsider looking in, Grayson's life probably seemed perfect. But in reality, Grayson's dream woman wasn't only married to someone else, she was his buddies little sister which meant she was untouchable in every sense of the word.

When Grayson learns that Megan is headed home, everything in his world seems to flip upside down. There's no way he could ever approach a woman whose life has been destroyed. Right? And besides, his friends would kill him. Wouldn't they?

EXCERPT: PG-13
Megan closed the last of the suitcases she'd strewn every which way all over the bedroom floor. Looking around the empty room, it was easy to remember what once had been. The bed sat on the right facing the French doors, and curtains in the same matching sage and purple hues as the bedding dressed the doors and the windows. On her dresser, a collection of perfume bottles sat upon a silver framed mirror along with a matching hairbrush and comb. Everything in the room had been perfect. Now everything Megan owned was in boxes, all of which were on their way to their new home. Most of the bedroom furniture belonged to her Megan's grandmother. After the older woman passed, her furniture, along with many other sentimental belongings in the house in Idaho, were left to Megan. Things that meant so little to anyone else meant the world to Megan. Her ex husband, Alan, certainly never liked any of them and he never bothered to keep his opinions about it to himself either. He was always saying her old things were never as good as anything brand new and why would she want that old crap anyway. Calling Megan's sentimental mementos crap upset her greatly, but what could she do? Alan was her husband. She tried to understand that he wanted to create a new life and her antique family treasures weren't part of the image he wanted for himself or his wife.

Megan walked to the French doors and stepped out onto the patio. The impatients and roses that lined the iron balcony were still there and their petals were almost too bright in the morning sun. Pinks, purples and yellows bloomed all around her and the fragrance in the air made her breathe in deeply. The smell would always remind her of working in the garden with her grandmother. Since the flowers wouldn't make the trip across the country, Megan decided to leave them behind. Looking out at the backyard one more time, Megan felt a bit lost. The garden is where she's always found peace. It was where she hid from her problems. And Lord knew her marriage seemed to be littered with more problems than she could've escaped in a lifetime. Megan's grandma always said that if you needed to think out a problem, it was better to do it elbow deep in dirt. Maybe that was why the garden always looked so good. Getting dirty didn't solve everything, but it gave her an escape from reality through the troubled years. When the tears threatened to fall, she turned and went back inside. Megan closed the doors and turned the lock. Too bad there wasn't a way to lock the memories away too.

It was easy to think that back then life was solid and calm. But who was she kidding? Life then had been hell and Megan needed to keep reminding herself of that each time she felt like giving up. If she didn't, she'd never follow through with her plans to start over.

Megan's marriage had been rocky from the beginning. She'd just finished college in Boise when she had met Alan Mason. The man was too beautiful--blond hair and baby blue eyes that had the power to mesmerize Megan. He was tall and had a lean runner's body. He was sophisticated and knew exactly what to say to Megan to get her to drop her guard. It didn't even take him a week to get her into bed. That alone should have been a red flag but Megan ignored it along with all the other signs that seem to point to the fact that trouble seemed to follow Alan Mason.

***
To find out more about Katie Alexander and her writing, please visit her at:
Blog
Website
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An Interview with Karenna Colcroft

Turning Passion into Forever...

Author Bio:
Karenna Colcroft is the naughty alter-ego of a very sedate school teacher and mom. She- well, her mild-mannered counterpart, at least- wrote her first story at the age of five, and was immediately hooked by seeing her imagination printed on paper. Throughout elementary, junior high, and high school, she continued writing, though was too shy to show her work to anyone. By the time she graduated college, she had written over 20 book-length manuscripts, all longhand. *Shudder*

In 2006, on a challenge from a friend, she wrote her first erotic scene and discovered a talent for erotic romance. She began posting her stories on a free site, where feedback encouraged her to continue and develop her skills. Karenna was offered her first publishing contract in January 2009. Since then, she has been published with several e-publishers, including Pink Petal Books, Ellora’s Cave, Noble Romance, Siren Publishing, and Excessica. She keeps losing count of how many books and contracts she has, because she just plain isn’t good with math. So please check her Bookshelf and Coming Soon pages for more information!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) Links to website and list of books with purchase links.

Website
Blog

I’ve written a number of books for publishers including Pink Petal Books and Ellora’s Cave; a complete list, along with buy links, can be found on my website.

2) How long have you been writing? What got you in to writing?

I’ve been writing since I was five years old, but of course I didn’t write romance back then! I got into writing erotic romance in 2006, when a friend challenged me to write a scene showing sex as something beautiful and positive. I accepted the challenge, impressed myself with the result, and the rest is history.

3) What was your first published book? Looking back, is there anything you’d change about it?

My first published erotic romance was Ask and You Shall Receive, from Excessica. Reading it over now, there are a lot of things I’d change. Some of the dialogue seems a little “talking-headish”; that is, there’s no action to go along with the speaking. I also didn’t do very well describing sensory details. However, my rights were reverted to me this spring, so I’ll have a chance to redo this the way I’d like it. Then I’ll have to decide what to do with it next…

4) What or Who has influenced your writing?

I can’t really pinpoint any one influence. I just like writing.

5) Where do you get your ideas?

I have no idea. They just pop into my head and I start typing. Sometimes something I see on TV or in real life will give me a seed of an idea, though. Like the story my husband told me last week about catching two people, um, “having fun” on their motorboat in the middle of one of the Boston Harbor shipping channels.

6) What hinders your writing? (distractions? noise?)

Noise can definitely hinder it. Interruptions, whether it’s phone calls or my family. My daughters have the incredible ability to start conversations with me just as I get into the flow of writing, while ignoring me completely if all I’m doing is checking emails or social networking.

7) What genre are you most comfortable with? What would you like to explore?

I’m most comfortable with contemporary. I’d like to write more paranormal, though.

8) Are you a by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of writer, or do you have to use an outline to put your collective thoughts into some semblance of common sense?

I’m pretty much a pantster, but sometimes I jot down a brainstorm to get myself focused.

9) Which of your books is your favorite? Why?

That’s like asking a parent which child is their favorite. I can’t answer that; I like all of them!

10) Do you incorporate some of yourself into your characters? Personality traits? Likes? Dislikes?

Some of my heroines definitely have things in common with me. I’ve gotten away from that somewhat in my later books, though. I’m trying to branch out and create heroines who are completely different from me.

11) What do you think is the perfect hero/heroine? Why?

To me, the perfect hero is strong and protective, but with a soft side. The heroine may be the only one to see that side of him, but it’s definitely there. The perfect heroine is a strong woman who doesn’t take any nonsense and can survive just fine without the hero if she needed to.

12) Do you have any suggestions/comments for prospective authors?

Keep learning the craft. Writing is something you can never completely master; there’s always more to learn. And don’t give up because of rejections. If you work and learn, you will get where you want to be.

JUST FOR FUN:

1) What is the sexiest or most erotic thing someone has said to you?

I think the sexiest thing is when my husband puts his arms around me, looks into my eyes, and says, “Mine.” He isn’t a possessive guy, but just that reminder that he and I belong together and that he wants me is a major turn-on for me.

2) If you had super powers, what would they be? Why?

I think I’d like the power to read people’s minds. Not all the time, but it would sure come in handy when I’m not certain whether my kids are being honest with me.

3) If you could change three things in the world, what would they be? Why?

I would want to somehow put an end to domestic violence, whether against children or adults. I’d want all the kids in the foster care system to find permanent homes, and I’d want everyone to feel safe in their own homes.

4) What would be a perfect date for you?

The perfect date would, of course, be with my husband. We’d start with dinner out in a nice restaurant, nothing too fancy but someplace where we’d have to dress up. Then he’d take me for a ride in his work boat (he works in marine assistance towing; kind of like a road service but out on the water for boats) and find a nice, secluded place to anchor for a while so we could make love on the boat.

5) Is there anywhere you’d like to visit? Why?

I’d like to visit Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. It’s my mother’s home town, and I spent a week or two there every year growing up. I haven’t been there in almost 9 years.

***

Be sure to check out Ms. Colcroft's excerpt for Reflected Love. 

Reflected Love by Karenna Colcroft

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Book Title: Reflected Love

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Pink Petal Books
(part of their Spellbound Treasure line)

Purchase: Here

Format: e-book

 BLURB: Ralie has moved into a new apartment, and the antique mirror she finds on an online auction site is the perfect addition to her bedroom.

Fae soldier Listrial has no need for the mirror he finds in a peddler’s tent while on patrol. But the mirror calls to him, and the small amount of coin he carries is just enough to purchase it.

Through the mirror, Ralie and Listrial discover each other. Is the mirror powerful enough to bring a human and a Fae together? And can their love surmount their differences?

EXCERPT:

“Are you all right?” Listrial asked.

She opened her eyes again and nodded. “Just thinking about what you said. You’re right. The mirror is the only way we can see each other, and that stinks. I wish I knew some way for us to be together.”

“With magic, much is possible.” He touched the mirror’s frame again. “After all, magic has brought us this far. Perhaps there is some way for the mirror to bring us together physically. I wouldn’t know how to find out.”

“Neither would I.” Which might have been a good thing. Her body responded to just the sight of him in ways she hadn’t expected. Tightening in her lower belly, moisture between her legs. Her skin tingled as if brushed by Listrial’s fingertips.

A mental picture of him doing just that, with her lying naked and wanting beneath him, flickered through her head. She inhaled sharply. The sight only increased her arousal, and she had no way to satisfy herself other than taking matters into her own hands, so to speak.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Listrial asked.

Face hot, she looked at him again and forced a smile. “Just thinking,” she repeated. She refused to tell him about what.

“I think you and I feel the same.” This time, he spoke the words in a low growl. “You are a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you.” His tone brought another rush of desire, and she sat on her hands to keep from touching herself. “You’re very attractive.”

“That is one benefit to only being able to see one another,” he mused. “We can admire each other’s looks. I must be honest with you, Ralie. Looking at you—let us say I find the sight very pleasurable.”

“Not as pleasurable as if we could touch each other.” A small part of her mind wondered at her audacity. The rest of her didn’t care. She had already as much as told him she loved him. There wouldn’t be any harm in telling him she wanted him, too. Especially since he’d already implied that he wanted her.

“I agree.” He reached toward the mirror, stopping his hand with barely a hair-width between it and the glass. “And I would certainly want to touch you if we were able. Am I speaking too freely?”

She licked her lips nervously. “How does this work in your world?” she asked.

“If a woman tells a man she wants him to touch her, is she too free? Does he think badly of her?”

“No. Not if he has half a brain in his head. He thinks how fortunate he is that a beautiful woman would want such a thing from him.”

“Then you aren’t speaking too freely.” She held her hand up to his, careful not to touch the glass. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone through the whole new relationship song and dance.”

“Song and dance?” he repeated, sounding confused.

Of course he doesn't know slang. Different world. She really needed to be more careful what she said. "Just a saying," she replied. "The whole process."

“Ah.” He looked amused. “I suppose love and desire are a process. Expressing one’s interest, determining whether the other is interested as well, knowing how to state what one wants without offending the other. Which seems to be where we are.” He leaned forward slightly. “You can say whatever is in your heart and mind, Ralie. I won’t take offense or think badly of you.”

She took a deep breath. From the first time she’d seen Listrial, she had wondered about her sanity. Now, about to express both love and lust for a man who might not even exist—He exists, she told herself firmly. And you have a right to say what you want.

“I wish you were here,” she said softly. “I would want you to touch me.”

“Where would you like me to touch?” His voice was husky, filled with longing.
“Would I touch only safe places? Your hand, perhaps your face? Or would you wish my touch in other places as well?”

“Other places.” Again her boldness surprised her. “I would want you to touch me anywhere and everywhere.”

He closed his eyes for a second and inhaled deeply, audibly. “And would you touch me as well?” He looked into her eyes, and the green of his seemed to glow. “Would your hands find their way anywhere and everywhere on my body, Ralie?”

The way he said her name made her shiver. Arousal filled her, and she fought the urge to run her hands over her own body in the absence of Listrial’s. She craved his touch so badly that her own fingers would be a pale substitute, but they would be better than the torture of looking at him and imagining the sensations of his skin against hers.

“Yes,” she said. “If you were with me, I would touch you everywhere.”

“You torment me.” He didn’t sound as if he minded. “Now all I have in my mind is thoughts of your hands on me. Your body against mine. Before, when I saw you and when we spoke, my mind was occupied by attempting to understand how the mirror worked and wondering what to say to you. I no longer have those concerns.” Green embers kindled in his eyes. “I am no longer distracted. I want you.”

She caught her breath as arousal so strong she shook rushed through her. Between her legs, a pulse beat, and her pussy clenched. More than want. She needed Listrial’s touch. Needed to feel his hands, his lips. His cock.

“I want you too,” she whispered, reaching for him.

***

To find out more about Karenna Colcroft and her writing, please visit her:

Website

Also, be sure to check out her author interview.

Eyes of Betrayal by Pat Rasey

Author Name: Patricia A. Rasey

Book Title: Eyes of Betrayal

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Purchase:Publisher
Kindle
Nook
Amazon

Format: ebook, Paperback

BLURB:
Two long years have passed since Marcus "Snake" Gallego left behind Henry County and Detective LeAnne McVeigh, leaving her to mourn the fact he had ridden into the sunset without her. But when he finally returns to her Ohio town, he isn't alone. Snake has brought along a friend, Egan Tate, who looks the epitome of evil. And if things couldn't possibly get worse, her best friend, the good doctor Whitney Montgomery, has her eyes set on Tate. When a vicious murder suddenly stirs the relatively peaceful community to turmoil, a murder reminiscent of the killings that plagued the county several years earlier, LeAnne begins to wonder about this mystery man Snake has befriended. Has a copycat killer truly emerged, or does Henry County have a ghost on its hands?

*Eyes of Betrayal is the sequel to Kiss of Deceit.*

EXCERPT:
Tate sat up and tipped up her chin with the pad of his callused thumb. "You and I having sex? Do you find me that repulsive? Am I an ogre? What?"
 

"Re—Repulsive? O—Ogre?" Whit stumbled over the words. How in the world could this man ever think a woman would find him anything but pleasing to the eye? What she wouldn't give to be able to set aside her reputation for even an hour and do as he had suggested. "You have to be kidding."

"You seem to be doing a lot of double-talking, Doc. Do you or don't you?"

Whit knew she should say that she found him totally distasteful and lacking in the manly department, that she wouldn't sleep with him if he were the last man on earth. She certainly didn't need Egan Tate thinking she desired him. Heavens, she hungered for him like a woman on a diet eyeing a piece of chocolate cake. But a man like him would not give up easily should he ever decide to make her his conquest. And truth be told, it wouldn't take much nudging from him to break down her resistance. She wanted him all right. That much was evident in the numbness that settled between her thighs.

But something in his eyes made it impossible for her lips to form the lie. "You're not repulsive, Tate. On the contrary, any woman would probably go to the ends of the earth to do with you what you've suggested we already have."

His cheeks turned up with a smug smile. She mentally kicked herself. "Really?"

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."

His gaze locked with hers. He used his forefinger to slowly trace her jaw line. "You know, Doc, there's only one woman I want right now. And I'd just about walk over hot coals to get her."

A shiver passed down her spine. "Maybe we should get back to the matter at hand…" She cleared her throat. "Our story."

His expression turned wicked, tempting. "I was thinking maybe you and I ought to practice a bit. After all, we want it believable."

Whit shook her head and chuckled. "This is insane. You and I, it can't happen. I mean, I'll tell the sheriff I'm your alibi because I don't believe you killed that woman and I really don't see any other way out for you. But us?" Her fingers indicated the two of them.

"We aren't going to happen…ever."

"Don't be so sure, Doc." Tate leaned so close she could feel his breath, feather light, spanning her cheeks. "I'm pretty used to getting what I want."

Her heart thudded; blood pulsed through her veins. Lightheadedness set in. Had she not been sitting, she surely would have swayed on her feet. Dear God, she couldn't be contemplating actually giving in to her yearnings. Whit placed her palm against his slightly whiskered cheek, giving him all the coaxing he needed.

He grasped her nape and pulled her forward, slanting his mouth over hers. The caress started almost teasing in nature before animalistic nature took over and his free arm snaked around her back, pulling her flush against his hard chest.

He smelled of man and leather, causing her to groan, giving him the opening he sought. His tongue plunged into her mouth, stealing all sane thought from her. She had been kissed much the same before, but never had it driven her beyond the limits of control.

Part of her wanted to push him onto the cushions, rip off his clothes, and ride him until there was no tomorrow. Never had she made love to a man like him, no starchy collar or hundred-dollar bottle of cologne. Tate probably didn't even own one. Her gut feeling knew no good would come of a union between them. But at the moment, she no longer cared.

Whit entwined her fingers in his dark hair as she allowed her tongue to mate with his. To hell with morals and the judgmental community. She ached to be touched. Thought she just might die if he didn't. God help her, she wanted him more than she had ever wanted another man.

The hand resting on the small of her back slipped beneath her blazer and silk shirt, stopping just beneath the closure of her brassiere, scorching her flesh. Suddenly, internal combustion didn't seem so far-fetched a theory. His fingers moved to the hook and eye and pinched the closure. It easily slipped free, causing her to gasp.

A loud rattle came from the front of the office, startling her as though someone had dowsed her with a bucket of ice water. She jumped from Tate's embrace, earning her a grunt of frustration. He ran a shaking hand through his hair and blasphemed as she redid her bra. In no time, they would have wound up a tangled mass of flesh.

Whit walked to the door and peered into the dim lobby, the only illumination coming from the lone nightlight. A dark figure stood at the door, hand over his eyes, trying to look through the heavy glass doors. Thank the good Lord Karen had locked the entrance upon leaving for the night.

Tate appeared at her side and swore a string of curses that would have embarrassed a drunken sailor.

"You know him?" Whit whispered, although the man outside likely would not have heard had she talked in a normal tone.

Tate grasped her shoulder and roughly pulled her back into the office, shoving her against the cold white wall. Whit felt the jar clear to her bones. "Unfortunately," he ground out.

"You're scaring me, Tate. Who is he?"

"You should be scared, Doc. In fact, very scared. My past has just come calling in the form of a man called Psych."

"And that's supposed to mean something…?"

"Psych—short for Psycho. And trust me, he more than earned that title."

***
Watch the Trailer for Eyes of Betrayal:

Find out more about Patricia A. Rasey and her writing:

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A New Dream by Elaine Cantrel

Author: Elaine Cantrel

Title: A New Dream

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Astraea Press

Format: Print and Ebook
(Available for Kindle and Nook)

Purchase Here

BLURB:

After an accident destroys his pro-football career, Matt McCallum struggles to find a new dream for his life.  Nothing engages him like football until he meets Violet Emerson who has big dreams of her own.  Together they find a common dream for their lives, but will a loose end from Matt’s past destroy their future before it even begins? 

EXCERPT:

Setting:  In this excerpt Matt and Violet my hero and heroine have just finished a Halloween festival that Matt sponsored for his and Violet's employer Chef's Pantry.  (a grocery store)

Matt took Violet’s hand in his and pretended to wipe his face in relief. “Thank goodness that’s over.”

“I knew you’d do a good job,” Violet said. “You always do things well, Matt. Always.”

Matt beamed at her. “Thank you,” he answered, his voice warm and husky. “It’s been a long time since a beautiful woman gave me a compliment.” Sudden excitement lit his eyes. “Violet, have you ever seen my office?”

“No, of course not. You know my mother warned me not to be alone with you in your office or people would talk.”

“Tonight there’s nobody home but us. How about it? Walk up with me while I lock up this receipt.”

Violet nodded. “I sure will. I’ve wanted to see your office for a long time. No use to waste this chance.”

“Let’s take the elevator,” Matt suggested as they entered the store and locked the door behind them. “My knee hurts tonight.”

Violet stopped dead in her tracks. “Why, Matt McCallum! That’s one of the sweetest things you’ve ever said to me.”

“Which part did you like? The one about the elevator, or the one about my knee?”

Violet tucked her arm through his. “Your knee, silly. Matt, we don’t talk about your accident at all. I know you lost your right leg, and your left leg is all messed up, but you’ve always pretended nothing’s wrong with you. This is the first time you’ve let me get close enough to even mention it.”

Matt’s shoulder twitched. “I don’t like to talk about it. I like to pretend it never happened. I must be tired tonight.”

“No, you aren’t tired,” Violet declared with an emphatic shake of her head. “You’re beginning to trust me. You’re beginning to trust us.”

Matt paused for a kiss. “Us has a pretty good ring to it.”

“Mmm, I think so, too.”

When they got off the elevator, Matt unlocked his office door for Violet, who studied the room in great detail. “They redid the office in Packer colors. Isn’t that sweet?”

“Yeah, it was nice of them, I guess.”

Violet gestured toward the big picture of Matt in his uniform, which was clearly visible from the manager’s office. “Do you miss it?”

“Football?”

“Yes.”

Matt shrugged. “Sometimes I do, but not so much lately.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.” He smiled at Violet. “Don’t you know you’ve made all the difference in the world to me? I’ve been depressed since my accident, but the moment I met you, I started to feel better. You get the credit for giving me something besides football to dream about.”

He unlocked the safe and deposited his receipt inside. “There, that’s done.”

When Matt turned around, Violet caught a glimpse of his face, and it occurred to her how dark and quiet the deserted store seemed. Maybe she shouldn’t have worn such a revealing costume!

Violet hunched her shoulders and pulled the top of her gown up. But that only drew attention to her chest. His eyes lingered and his tongue darted out and lined his lips. Violet shivered as her senses registered how the air swirled with sensual overtones.

“Hadn’t we better go?” she appealed as she fidgeted with one of her bracelets.

“What’s the hurry? We never have a minute to ourselves. Someone’s always around.”

Violet’s heart raced as Matt moved toward her. She wasn’t really afraid of him. She couldn’t imagine him forcing his attentions on her no matter how big and powerful he was, but he had acted different the last week or so. With effort, she held her ground at his approach.

“Why are you scared of me?” Matt asked his voice as soft and rich as velvet. “Your eyes are as big as saucers.”

Violet’s chin came up. “I’m not scared of you.”

“Then you won’t mind if I do this.” Matt trailed his fingers up her bare arm, leaving a path of goose bumps behind.

Violet quivered and tried to catch her breath as he pulled her into his arms. She didn’t know whether to bless or curse her costume, for both of his hands now rested against her bare back.

Matt laid her head against his shoulder. Violet caught his male scent and shivered; she pressed herself closer to him. A warm, fluttery feeling deep inside coiled and twisted and threatened to build into something monumental and wonderful.

He bent his head and nuzzled his face against Violet’s neck. She felt his lips warm against her throat, and convulsively her arms tightened around him. A few guys had kissed and nuzzled her before, but it had never been like this. This was the most arousing experience of her life. Matt’s masculinity had stimulated all of her feminine instincts. Had she ever been so aware of a man before? No, she hadn’t.

Boldly, she stroked the back of his neck and explored the texture of his hair. Matt didn’t seem to mind, so she rubbed his shoulders and back; the man did have great shoulders. Matt made a little sound low in his throat that made her knees grow weak. What audacity to think she could control the leashed power under her fingers.

In a sudden, swift motion, Matt pushed one of the brief sleeves of her costume from her shoulder and kissed the place where the sleeve had rested. “Your skin is so soft and warm,” he whispered.

***

Find out more and Elaine Cantrel and her writing:

Website

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Be sure to stop by the Dessert Diva's Kitchen Blog to find out about Ms. Cantrell's collection of Vintage Ornaments!

An Interview with Anna James

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to romance author Anna James.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Please share with us the link to your website and a list of your current books with purchase links.

Website

Books:
Isabella’s Dilemma 
Guilty As Charged – Book 1 Bradford Sisters Trilogy 
Coming Home 
Christmas Collectibles – “A Picture Perfect Christmas” 

2) How long have you been writing? What got you in to writing?

I have been writing for about 12 years now but didn’t have my first book published until July 17, 2011 (Isabella’s Dilemma).

I got into writing after I fell in love with reading romance novels.

3) What was your first published book? Looking back, is there anything you’d change about it?

Isabella’s Dilemma was my first book published. I don’t think I’d change anything about it. I Like the story as is.

4) What or Who has influenced your writing?

Definitely Nora Roberts. I love how she describes a scene.

5) Where do you get your ideas?

People ask me that all the time. The truth is ideas seem to pop into my head. Usually it starts with an idea for a scene. It could be the first scene in a story, a scene in what will end up being the middle of the story or an ending. I let it mull around in my head for a while and see if I can make a story out of it. If a story starts to gel in my head then I begin to write it.

6) What hinders your writing? (distractions? noise?)

My new puppy! We just adopted a 7 month old rescue dog from a local shelter. He takes most of my energy these days. Between him and my full time job, I can’t seem to get more than a couple of hours of writing in in one shot. No worries though, I still manage to get things accomplished and the puppy is a welcome addition to our family.

7) What genre are you most comfortable with? What would you like to explore?

I like contemporary romance and I want to get more into contemporary / paranormal romances. I have my first novella coming out on June 11^th from Sugar and Spice Press. The book is entitled Visions.

8) Are you a by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of writer, or do you have to use an outline to put your collective thoughts into some semblance of common sense?

Definitely a “by the seat of my pants” type of writer! I tend to write whatever scene pops into my mind at the time I’m sitting down to write, although, I will say that I usually don’t start a story until I have mulled it around in my brain for a while and it’s had a chance to jell.

9) Which of your books is your favorite? Why?

I have two favorites:
Coming home, which was published by Melange-Books on April 23, 2011 because it was the first book contract I received and I think of it as the book that officially started my writing career (I got the contract about 18 months before the book was published).

Isabella’s Dilemma, which was published from Sugar and Spice Press on July 17, 2010, because it was the first book that I ever had published.

10) Do you incorporate some of yourself into your characters? Personality traits? Likes? Dislikes?

I think there is a little bit of me in all the heroines I create. Sometimes it’s the career they choose. Molly Quinn – from to Love and Trust Again,(available from Melange-Books January 2012) is a Mechanical Engineer. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked in that field years before I moved on to Project Management. Isabella Sheridan from Isabella’s Dilemma(currently available from Sugar and Spice Press) is in Marketing – That’s what I do now, although I’m not in advertising like she is. Christine Kincaid from Coming Home(currently available form Melange-Books) writes. So do I. Carly Monroe from Christmas Collectibles: “A Picture Perfect Christmas” (currently available from Melange-Books) does photography. I have an interest in photography and actually took classes when I was a kid.

11) What do you think is the perfect hero/heroine? Why?

I think the perfect heroine should have strength, determination, persistence and spirit. She should fight to overcome adversity, is a romantic at heart and believes that love triumphs over all odds.

12) Do you have any suggestions/comments for prospective authors?

Believe in yourself and in your writing. The road to publication is littered with rejection letters (or e-mails as the case may be). If you get rejected find another publisher and keep at it until you have a contract!


JUST FOR FUN:

1) Is there anywhere you’d like to visit? Why?

Australia and Italy to see what they’re like.

2) Do you have any obsessions? What are they?

Chocolate!

3) Do you have a crush on any actor/actress? Who?

Pierce Brosnon

***
To find out more about Ms. Anna James and her writing, please visit her:

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Be sure to read the excerpt from Isabella's Dilemma below, and comment for a chance to win a pdf!

Isabella's Dilemma by Anna James

Author: Anna James

Title: Isabella's Dilemma

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher:
Sugar and Spice Press

Purchase Here

Format: ebook

BLURB:

Isabella Sheridan has a big problem and his name is Jake McAllister! Jake is now Isabella’s business partner. To make matters worse he owns more of the Sheridan Advertising Agency than she does. He is difficult to work with, has a hostile attitude toward her and makes business decisions without consulting her. So why does she respond with so much passion when he kisses her?

Jake McAllister does not like Isabella Sheridan. As far as he’s concerned she’s shallow and without moral values, both in her personal and professional life. So why is he so attracted to her? You’d think he’d know better based on past experience. And why, after just one passionate kiss, is he ready to give her the benefit of the doubt and become involved?

Will Jake and Isabella resolve their differences and find love or will past perceptions be too much to overcome?

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EXCERPT:

Amy glared at her and she glared back, a mutinous look on her face. You wouldn’t look at me that way if you knew what he thought of me, she told her cousin silently. He’s a lousy rat! How dare he think so badly of her? And she never would have known if she hadn’t overheard a conversation he was having in his office one day. As a matter of fact, it was that conversation that had made her finally decide to leave the agency altogether. Well, it hadn’t been her only reason for leaving, she conceded wryly, but it was the final straw as far as she was concerned. He actually thought she was sleeping with their clients! She still couldn’t believe it. Had he always thought so little of her?

Her mind drifted back to the first time she’d met him. It had been at a Christmas party. Her father threw one every year for his employees. In addition to the advertising agency, her father had numerous other business interests. Jake had been there as a representative from one of them. She’d been eighteen on that occasion and had just started her first year at college. He’d been introduced to her as one of her father’s protégés; a financial wizard with a reputation of a man that got the job done—no matter what. He was the person her father was counting on to turn around his latest acquisition. There had been something about him, even back then, that had affected her on the most basic level, she admitted now. But, to him, she’d meant nothing. She had been merely someone to be polite to if he wanted to get ahead in her father’s organization. She hadn’t seen much of him since then, until recently, as he had never been involved with the advertising agency in the past. He was now, though, and she still didn’t know why. Compared to his responsibilities within the rest of Sheridan Industries, running the advertising agency was small peanuts.

But they were business partners now it seemed. It was a shock finding out that Jake not only worked for her father, but, was actually his business partner; owning a significant chunk of stock in the agency as well as the rest of the business empire. Which was why he was able to force me out in the first place, she thought angrily. He didn’t force you out, a little voice inside her taunted. You left of your own accord. “He’s an extraordinary man,” her father used to say. “Not only in the business sense but personally as well.” Maybe you thought so, Dad, but I certainly don’t!

“Care to dance?”

Isabella looked up with a start. She had been so preoccupied with her memories that she hadn’t realized anyone was talking to her. “I’m sorry. What was that?” She looked around her nervously. “And where are Amy and Nick?”

“On the dance floor,” Jake replied dryly, his eyes leading hers to where their figures were swaying together in time to the music.

“Which is why I asked if you’d like to dance.”

“With you?” she mocked. “Why don’t you ask your lady friend? I’m sure she’d be more than happy to join you.”

“Why Isabella, if I didn’t know better I’d think you were jealous.”

Her eyebrows arched. You’ve got to be kidding, she thought derisively, and was about to say just that when a thought occurred to her. Her lips curved mischievously. “Why, Jake, I’d love to dance. I thought you’d never ask,” she replied sweetly, and standing, led the way on to the dance floor.
If Jake was surprised he didn’t show it. He simply took her in his arms and they began to sway in time to the music. A tingling sensation ran down Isabella’s spine when his hand came in contact with her back. It felt—No! She dismissed that thought right from her head.

“Isabella, I’d like to talk to you about something,” he began. “It’s about Sheridans.”

The sensual sound of his voice washed over her and she leaned in closer to him. “I’m listening.”

If he noticed anything different about her behavior, he didn’t let on. “Yes, I’d like—”

She inhaled deeply and let her hand glide up his arm and come to rest on his shoulder, pressing her body against his lean frame. “What is that cologne you’re wearing?” she asked breathlessly. “It smells wonderful.” When her head came to rest on his chest, his whole body tightened in response.

“Isabella,” he grated through clenched teeth. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but I’m warning you…”

She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and luminous, and her lips parted and kissably soft. “Jake,” she whispered breathlessly.

“Isabella,” he warned again.

This really was quite intoxicating, she acknowledged somewhere in the far reaches of her brain. She could easily… Don’t blow it now, she told herself sternly. In a few seconds you can toss him a dirty look and tell him exactly what you think of him!

Without warning his lips crushed hers in a passionate kiss. It took her totally by surprise and shocked her to her very core. Which is why she began kissing him back with a hunger that not only matched his—it surpassed it! My God! I’ve never been kissed like this in my whole life, she thought dazedly. Had never responded to a man like this, ever. She could feel the blood as it raced through her veins; hear it roaring in her ears. Her heart beat wildly. She was on fire with desire. Helplessly she clung to him. She couldn’t think; didn’t want to think, only feel…

Reality set in. This isn’t supposed to be happening, she thought frantically. She’d just wanted to teach him a lesson, for goodness sakes. Yet here she was practically devouring the man. Oh God! She didn’t even like Jake McAllister. She couldn’t possibly want him…could she? No! She ripped herself free from his embrace. “What do you think you are doing?” she asked in an anguished voice. What had happened to her just now? She had lost complete control of the situation. Jake had kissed her, but her reaction to that kiss—to him— Panic set in and she turned and fled the dance floor without waiting for his response.

He raced after her and caught up with her on the street outside. Grasping her shoulder, he whirled her around to face him.

***

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Dragon Wish by Judith Leger

Magical Words

I guess that is the only way I can describe my writing. I want others to see the magic in the world, not just children and young people but everyone.

I will have new release out from Wild Child Publishing. Dragon Wish, my full length fantasy romance, is what I would call the book of my heart. It took me over 3 1/2 years to write this story. When I finished, I just didn't want to send it out into the big bad world, but I did and now everyone can visit my magical world of Avaris.

May all discover the blessings that come to us every day!

Author: Judith Leger

Title: Dragon Wish

Publisher: Wild Child Publishing

Purchase:

Publisher

Amazon Kindle

All Romance ebooks

BLURB:

A vision, a wish, and a journey plagued by evil.

Cold, desolate cliffs and a white dragon’s blue gaze captures Seren Jordan in a terrifying vision. A universe away, Paladin Fulcan--prince, captain, and sorcery-shadowed seed of dragonkind--struggles to overcome his grief during the long journey to where he must bury his wife and son. Seeing a shooting star, he violates all the laws of the dragonseed: he makes a wish.

A dragonseed's wish can open the gates between realities, can alter fate. But has fate itself decreed this wish? For the throne-less dragonseed's destiny is entwined with that of a mortal mate; their son is fated to be the One True Dragon King to rule over all the dragons. But not all dragons are content to accept one rule, and the rebels quietly gather allies to prevent the birth of Seren's baby.

EXCERPT:

Birds appeared on the outer edges of her vision. She shifted her gaze. She watched the wings moving, brilliant white down and bluish gray up. Their feathers along with their shapes reminded her of the herons she often saw in the bayous and marshes around New Orleans. She smiled. The reminder brought wonderful memories of growing up in the Crescent City.

Every summer her parents would take her to beach on Pontchartrain Lake. Water, sand, and sun had covered her from head to toe. She’d loved the summer months with picnics in the park. They’d feed the pigeons in Jackson Square. Then when she’d grown and had her child, she’d done the same for her. She smiled at the memories.

Soft footsteps approached her from behind. The touch of a warm palm on her neck soothed her. A second later, the cushion dipped from the person sitting.

Paladin’s deep voice warmed her more than the sunlight. “You’re awake. You must be much better if you can smile.”

“What kind of birds are those? They look similar to ones on Earth,” she asked, not ready to face him.

Silence answered her for several moments.

When he leaned above her, he cast a shadow over her shoulder and chest. “They are not birds. Those are dracs, fledgling dragons. They are from my clan’s namesake.”

Surprised, she shifted closer to the window, studying the flying beasts. Small, with slender bodies, the creatures showed little to no resemblance to the beast from her vision. “Those are the dragons?”

She glanced at him. What she saw melted away her surprise. Golden strands lay against the high cast of his cheeks. Seren reached up and glided a fingertip across his bottom lip. His smooth, almost silky lips parted. She lowered her hand, returning her gaze to the window.

She struggled to keep her desire under control. Need pounded between her legs. When she spoke, she kept her tone even. “I don’t like the way you make me feel.”

“In what manner do you speak?”

“Heat, lust…passion.”

“Is that so terrible?” His voice had deepened.

She sighed. “For me, yes. I don’t want to feel those emotions. I wanted the vision to end. Desiring you doesn’t fit into the picture.”

“Desire is not bad.” He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek.

***

To find out more about Judith Leger's writing, please visit her at:
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