Welcome Erika Lindsen

Hi and welcome to my blog Erika Lindsen. Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake.  So tell us a little about yourself.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Quite a bit actually. Or more, my desires. I am a shy person and have a hard time connecting with people. In my writing, my heroines are strong and feisty, something I wish I was. On the same hand, my main characters are very tight nit when it comes to friends. I have only a few that are very close and that’s how it is in my writing.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Since I novellas, usually about 20-25k words, maybe a month to write and a month to a  month and a half to edit. If I’m really in to a story, I can write it in a week.

What is your writing routine once you start a book?

I just go with it. I’m a pantster so whatever flows is how it goes lol. I am always thinking about my writing, even staying up late at night dreaming about it, so I have a good plan as how I want it to flow.

Tell us about your latest release or upcoming release. What inspired it?

My latest release Soul, is a paranormal romance. It is a nice, short read for those who are limited on reading time. The premise is the main male character, Drebin, is a demon called a Taker. His job is to entice people into committing suicide so he can Take their souls and give to Lucifer for a source of food. He is sent to Take Ally’s soul next. Only once he meets her, things get a bit complicated for him…

As for what inspired it, I grew up Catholic so religion and all things in that realm have fascinated me. I have always loved the dark and edgy things in life so a mixture of the two is where I get my stories. Paranormal elements are my favorite things to write about.

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write? 

Soul is sex free, well the first in the series, but I actually enjoy writing love scenes. It isn’t about the sex or the act itself, more of the intimacy of it. What does she smell? How does his body feel? Is sweat running down his temple? These are things that make a great love scene.

What kind of research do you do for your books?

Since I write paranormal, I do a ton of research on myths and legends. It is fun to learn what has been made up by Hollywood and what the truths are behind the legends.

What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?

I enjoy first and foremost writing. When not doing that, I love spending time with my husband. We are having a blast watching old TV shows. I used to be a hairstylist so I often find myself still learning all I can about that.

Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?

I am a total romance junkie. If there is a love story, I’m game lol. My favorite author is Iris Johansen. Then Johanna Lindsey. Although I am fast becoming a huge Jill Myles fan.

Among your own books, have you a favorite?  A favorite hero or heroine?

My fave is from my still work in progress. The heroine is Alex and the hero is Tristan. I  don’t want to give too much away and jinx it.

Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

Characters. I think of a type of character or creature and work from there.

What part of a book has been the easiest to write?  The hardest?

I hate to sound like this, but the whole story is easy as long as I’m in the flow. The hard part is if I’m not feeling it.

What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Basic elements. Attractions, humor, love at first sight. Sure they are caught up in something, but the relationship stands out first.
What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

Finding motivation is the easiest and hardest. Some days are better than others.

Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

They got me in handcuffs with a knife to my throat to write for them lol.

What are some of your current projects?

I also write children’s stories, so I’m working on the sequel to my popular Three Sibling

Adventures book. There is the also named story above. On submission is the sequel to Soul and I’m editing the third.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando on a man? Why?

Boxers. I find the rest gross lol.

What is your strangest habit?

I pick my inner knuckles. I know, weird, right?

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

I should have washed my makeup off last night.

What is your favorite pizza?

Five cheese with stuffed crust.

What is one thing scientists should invent?

A pillow that keeps itself cool no matter what.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

In the future and get the cure for cancer and bring it back.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

The creative. Learning what others (my characters) are thinking is an adventure.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

Obvious for adults I’d pick Soul. I really like the unique premise and how it all worked out. The evil to nice guy thing was interesting to travel through. If you have kids I recommend my Three Sibling Adventures book under my alter ego Erika Talbot. 100% of the royalties go to the Toledo Children’s Hospital oncology unit.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I just want them to get that good feeling you get after reading an amazing book. That sense of calm and wanting more of the characters. Not wanting it to end.

Anything else you want to mention?

I love hearing feedback from readers. If I am lucky enough to have you pick up my novellas, reviews and just general feedback is always appreciated.

I would also like to thank everyone for taking the time to learn about me and my work. And thank you Raine for having me!

Soul by Erika Lindsen

Solstice Publishing

Buy at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Soul-ebook/dp/B00729G1KU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328560577&sr=8-1

Blood runs across the floor like a winter’s creek. It always puts a smile on his face. As a Taker – a demon sent to entice humans to commit suicide in order to gain their soul for Lucifer – Drebin is at the top of his game. He has already claimed 421 souls and there is no sign of him slowing down. Much like a fine wine, Drebin gets better with age.

Alexia Downer is just a few months into her freshman year of college and still undecided about a career. Ally is more than eager to meet new people and live up to the college stereotypes. But her gentle nature may cause her to put trust in the wrong person.

The stage is set, the hound is released, but Drebin begins to have second thoughts about his next victim, Alexia, his 422nd victim. Her beauty is mesmerizing and her spirit is captivating.

As much as he tries, Drebin cannot bring himself to destroy her, yet he must. He has a higher, more vicious power to answer to, after all…

Welcome Sarah Makela Today

Apologies to Sarah as this was caught in my draft folder instead of being in the scheduled one.

Hi and welcome to my blog, Sarah Mäkelä. Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake.  So tell us a little about yourself.

Thanks for having me here, Raine! Yum, tasty strawberry margarita!

I write hot paranormal and sci-fi romance for Changeling Press. I also love writing urban fantasies. Although none of those are published yet. Some of my passions are traveling and playing video games and, of course, reading. That goes without saying, doesn’t it? I’m also a definite cat lover.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

I’d say enough to make the story interesting. I’m pretty sure my muse/subconscious uses some, but I guess it really depends on the story. When I first started writing, I think I used a little more from life experiences, but these days I don’t as much. I love playing with my imagination and make believe.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

With novellas, it tends to take a little over half a month to one month to write and revise the story. With novels, I can finish one in two months. That’s not counting revision, which would probably take on another month or so. After that, I’d send it off to my editor.

What is your writing routine once you start a book?

I don’t quite have a set writing routine, aside from needing to meet my daily word count. Typically, I try to get my writing done during the early evening around dinnertime.

Tell us about your latest release or upcoming release. What inspired it?

CAPTIVE MOONLIGHT is set in the Wild West, and it’s about a woman whose betrothed is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers since he’s a werewolf. It’s up to the heroine to track him down and win him back — even if that means putting her own life in danger.

This story was inspired by two songs actually. The one that set the tone for it was The Longest Road by Morgan Page (ft. Lissie), and the one that inspired it more lyric-wise was Fight for You by Morgan Page (ft. Lissie).

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

I seriously enjoy love scenes when there’s truly something special between the hero and heroine, and I also think they should mean something in terms of plot and not just for adding in another sex scene. I’ve read books where the author seemed to decide she wanted to write yet another sex scene, and it made the story boring.

In terms of writing love scenes, I think some are easier than others. I had a story I wrapped up recently where I loved the intimacy between the characters. It was fun and beautiful to write. I think having love scenes in books is great. Sex is important in real life relationships, so our characters should be able to express that part of relationships too.

What kind of research do you do for your books?

All kinds of research. I figure out some of what I need before getting started with writing, and I’ll search the internet. If I can’t find what I need, I’ll go to the library. Once I get started writing, I’ll try to keep going and mark where I need to do more research, which pretty much spans a wide range of topics. I’ve looked up period clothing, period weaponry, modern weaponry, even betrothal.
What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?

I love playing computer games and video games. I really enjoy traveling.Readingis also another favorite as well as listening to music. I also love spending time with my family and cats.
Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?

My favorite authors are Ilona Andrews, Karen Chance, and Laurell K. Hamilton. I also really enjoy Kelley Armstrong, Jim Butcher, and Patricia Briggs. I read almost all genres, but my favorite by far is urban fantasy and then paranormal romance.

Among your own books, have you a favorite?  A favorite hero or heroine?

I enjoy all of my books. It’d be pretty boring to put in the effort on one that I didn’t. Out of the books I’ve had published so far, I’d say that JUNGLE FIRE and CAPTIVE MOONLIGHT are ones I’m especially proud of. I love Kyle and Rubia who are the hero and heroine of JUNGLE FIRE. But I think pretty much the story I’m currently working at the time tends to be my favorite.

Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

It really depends on the story. Some books come to me in certain ways, and others appear to me in other ways. What happens most often is an idea forms first, and then I figure out the characters. I have to have both of those before the plot because the characters are crucial to building a plot since, like in real life, different people want different things.

What are the elements of a great romance for you?

The elements of a great romance… When I know beyond a shadow of a doubt the hero and heroine were made for one another. They share deep, sensual emotions for each other, and there’s a ton of chemistry. I love it when I have to read more because I need to know what’s going to happen next.

What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

I don’t really think there’s an easiest part, more like a part I’m most comfortable with. The whole process of going from idea to having your book for sale is hard work. What I really enjoy is coming up with new stories and ideas for characters. It’s when there’s that newness and my enthusiasm is at a high. The hardest part would be sitting down day after day after the newness has worn off from the book and finishing the project.

Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

I’d say we have a good give-and-take relationship. I tend to have an idea of where the story is going to go and what the characters are like, but there are usually some major surprises and the characters let their opinions be known.

What are some of your current projects?

I’m currently wrapping up the third book in my cyberpunk romance series, Hacked Investigations called BLACKLIST ROGUE. I also have a paranormal romance novella that is looking for a home, and I’m editing a post-apocalyptic paranormal romance novel. Enough to keep me busy, for sure!

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando on a man? Why?

Hmm… I have to say boxerbriefs. I love the way they fit nice and snug.

What is your strangest habit?

I don’t like being the passenger in a car. I get freaked out if I’m not the one driving.

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

I didn’t really pay attention to the mirror this morning. haha

What is your favorite pizza?

Thin crust pizza with chicken and pineapple on top, preferably from Dominos.

What is one thing scientists should invent?

Teleporters would be cool, or some kind of faster travel.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

I’d love to go to the medieval time period or the Dark Ages, especially in regards toEngland,Italy, andScandinavia.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? 

I love hearing from my readers. They always brighten up my day. Also, starting as well as finishing books is very exciting.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

It depends on what genre you’re interested in. Paranormal romance or sci-fi/cyberpunk romance. With paranormal romance, I’d say JUNGLE HEAT. It’s the first book in my Amazon Chronicles series, and it has a special place in my heart since it’s the first novella I ever completed. For sci-fi/cyberpunk romance, I’d say TECHNO CRAZED. It’s the first book in my Hacked Investigations series, and I’m very proud of it since I tied for first in a contest with Changeling Press, which is how I received my contract on it.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I hope they take happiness and enjoyment of the story with them. I also hope I’m able to transport them away from the everyday for a while.

Anything else you want to mention?

Thanks again for having me here, Raine! I love to hear from readers, so feel free to contact me.

Captive Moonlight

Wolves of the Wild West, #3 (Multi-Author series)

Changeling Press

Erotic Western Paranormal Romance

Buy Now: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1766 

A gentlewoman will do whatever it takes to rescue her captive werewolf betrothed.

When her betrothed, Joe, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it’s up to Charlotte to track him down and win him back — even if that means putting her own life in danger.

Captive Moonlight Excerpt: 

Charlottewrapped her arms around Joe’s broad torso and scraped her fingernails gently along the length of his muscular back. His breath came out quickly against her skin as he brushed feather-light kisses against her neck.

He nudged her thighs apart. Anticipation built within her as his hand dipped to her pussy. He parted her wet folds with his callused fingers and pushed one finger inside her.

She moaned, enjoying the tantalizing sensations his skilled attention brought about. She looked into his eyes, and he grinned down at her. The look of masculine satisfaction that he could please his lover was written clearly on his face.

She opened her mouth to protest when Joe removed his finger, but then he thrust his firm cock inside her, filling her so completely in one smooth stroke.

Charlotte dug her nails into his back. Joe’s eyes nearly rolled back in his head, and she couldn’t help but smile as he arched into her touch. Her betrothed liked a little pain with his sex. Not much, just nails and some teeth. Then again, it was befitting of a werewolf.

They didn’t talk much about that side of who he was. She figured he would share what he wanted with her. Sometimes he did, but she suspected he preferred to pretend like they were both normal. People were too quick to judge others by their race, or even species, these days.

Charlotte didn’t care about any of that. Being with Joe was her only need. She trailed a fingertip across his cheek while her other hand continued to dig into his flesh.

He met her gaze. His eyes, normally dark brown, were now wolf amber. “What did I do to get such a sweet lady like you?” he said, his voice gravelly and low.

She laughed, but the sound caught in her throat as his lips caressed her breast. “I wonder that too. Maybe it was destiny.”

He flicked his tongue over her nipple before pulling it into his mouth. He sucked on it, bringing pleasure sweeping through her. His other hand trailed along her full hips, which he insisted made her curvaceous and luscious.

She liked his answer.

He thrust even faster. Desire built within her as they reached ever closer toward climax. Charlotte leaned back against the pillow, clinging to him as he became the only thing real in her life. “Joe…”

Joe brushed kisses up from her breast to her neck until he finally placed a kiss on her lips. “Yes, love?” Hunger filled his eyes as he watched her. “You’re getting close. So tight.” He slid in and out in longer strokes.

He knew what she liked. “I love it when you talk like that.” Her body clenched as orgasm rushed toward her. She gasped and gripped his back. Joe covered her lips with his, ravishing her mouth until she didn’t know which way was up. He was the hungry wolf to her somewhat innocent maid.

Welcome Amber Skyze Today

Switching Gears by Amber Skyze

When I started writing romance I wrote mostly behind closed doors sex scenes. Then I discovered erotica and learned to be more detailed with the bedroom scenes. Overall, my stories always had romance at the core of them.

I didn’t like for my characters to hop into bed within the first thirty seconds of meeting. This mainly comes from the fact that I could never do that, so how could I justify my heroine? I wrote six or seven books where the couple grew into the sex. I published a few and sales were pretty good. Then I was offered a contract with a bigger publisher. They wanted my book! Yay! I was so excited. This was the goal I strived for during my two years writing erotica.

Then came the revision letter. Could you add a sex scene a little earlier? A few of my writer friends and I joke about this being the “please have sex by page 3” syndrome. Hmmm, I wasn’t sure about this, even though my heroine and hero had known each other for a long time. In the end I did it and I liked the way the story turned out.

Now I’m writing a contemporary romance and having trouble switching gears again. It took a long time to learn how to spice things up…now I have to re-train my brain to tame things down. It makes me wonder how authors can write in so many different genres. I’m almost 50k into this book and I’ve left kept the sex scene to kissing…eventually I’ll have to go back and fill in the blanks. J

In the meantime I have a new/old book I’ve self-published. One Tasty Night was with a former publisher of mine, but now available on Amazon, B&N and Smashwords.

http://www.amazon.com/One-Tasty-Night-ebook/dp/B007NNE7U6/ref=sr_1_17?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333633282&sr=1-17

I’m in a giving mood today too. Today I’m giving away a copy of my EC book Splashing Good Time to one lucky commenter here and over on my blog.  http://amberskyze.blogspot.com

Just tell me what your favorite Easter egg color is! ) 

Splashing Good Time by Amber Skyze

Ellora’s Cave

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7126-splashing-good-time.aspx

Reece Collins is growing tired of her Wednesday ritual of masturbating to the sight of the so-called “pool boy” and her battery-operated friend is leaving her unsatisfied. She craves a no-strings-attached torrid sexual encounter. Problem? The only one offering is ten years her junior.

 

Nathan Donovan has lusted over his client forever. When he happens upon her in a very compromising position, his desires swell as he plunges headfirst into the deep end to save her. One brief encounter leaves him yearning for more, but when she splashes cold water on his plans, he has to choose between walking away or spanking some sense into her.

Teaser Excerpt:

“You look hot!” she told her reflection. “Irresistibly hot?” Only time would tell. Strolling over to the window she dared a peak outside. He wasn’t here yet. Would he come? Certainly Steve sounded convincing enough. The fifty dollar bill she planted in his palm was enough encouragement to make an actor out of him. She stood by his side while he made the call. If she hadn’t known better, she would have believed him. She sent him on his way after the call. No need for him to stick around for the fireworks—hopefully of a sexual nature.

The undeniable sound of tires crunching on gravel, alerted her Nathan was here. And from the hurried sound of the truck coming to a stop, he wasn’t pleased. Silently she prayed her idea wouldn’t backfire. Hurrying from the room she descended the stairs, hoping to greet him at the pool.

“What the fuck!” she heard him scream.

Too late. She wasn’t quick enough. Nathan knew and he wasn’t happy. Reese slowly opened the door and walked casually over to the pool where Nathan stood looking at the water, obviously trying to figure out where the emergency was.

Whipping around he demanded. “What’s going on here?”

Lost for words Reese stood frozen in her spot. She hadn’t expected such anger. Yes, she tricked him into coming over. Maybe having Steve tell him the pool had turned an ugly color green that he couldn’t get rid of was a bad idea but she believed he’d be happy to see her. Boy was she mistaken.

“I-I-I put Steve up to it,” she confessed. “I didn’t think you would see me any other way.”

“Maybe if you picked up the phone you would have found out.” The disgust in his voice evident.

He was pissed at her. Her plan was slowly crumbling before her eyes. She couldn’t risk losing him a second time. He couldn’t walk away out of her life. She loved him. God help her she loved him more than any man she’d ever loved in her life.

“Would you have come if I had?” she challenged.

Looking away he shrugged.

“Then I was right to do what I did. I needed to see you, Nathan. You’ve been avoiding me. I’ve missed you.”

She watched him looking at the water. Was he searching for answers? Maybe there was hope for them after all.

Closing the gap between them, she touched his hand. “Please Nathan, look at me.”

He did as she asked and immediately her heart sank. Pain, deep pain, filled his eyes. Gone was the sparkle she loved so much, replaced with pain that cut to the core. Pain caused by her foolishness.

Touching his face she whispered. “I’m sorry.”

“What’s done is done.” He tried pulling free but she refused to let him walk away.

“I never meant to hurt you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I wasn’t trying to compare you to Vince. It may have sounded that way at the time and I’m sorry. I love you for who you are, not because you’ve proven him wrong. It doesn’t matter to me what Vince thinks, or anyone else for that matter. The only thing that matters is what’s in here,” she said pointing to her heart. “And here.” She placed her hand over his heart.

She felt his heart beating rapidly through his tight black t-shirt. He covered her hand with his.

“Do you honestly believe you’ll be okay with what others think about us? Because as you’ve pointed out before I’m much younger than you.”

 

Welcome Gracen Miller & a CONTEST

Hi and welcome to my blog, Gracen. Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake.  So tell us a little about yourself.

GM: Thanks for having me. *grabs a margarita from both cabana boys, while admiring their hunkiness and ponders how I can turn my muse—Dom—into a cabana boy* It’d be so nice having Dom serve me for a change. *winks* Something about myself, huh? That’s always the hardest question. I’m a hopeless daydreamer masquerading as a “normal” person in southern society.  I’m a full-time basketball/football/guitar mom for my two sons and a wife to my real-life hero-husband of twenty years. I’m addicted to writing, reading, Alabamafootball and coffee…addictions are not necessarily in order of priority. Coffee IS nectar from the gods and blending coffee and writing together generates the perfect creative merger. I’m shy and I’m afraid not very interesting. *shrugs* Anything else anyone wants to know, just ask away.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

GM: Very little of my life experiences go into my writing. Everything I’ve written so far is paranormal related. My heroine in the Road to Hell series, Madison, shares some qualities with me, like being a devoted mother and her turbulent relationship with her father. Otherwise, none of it is a reflection on my life.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

GM: Anywhere from six months to a year if it’s a full novel of around 100K. If it’s a novella, the shortest time it took me to write one was a week.

What is your writing routine once you start a book?

GM: Ha! I have a very active, young family, so I’m happy to write whenever I get a chance. My only routine is a dedication to try and write a little each day. I don’t always succeed, but it is my daily goal.

 

Tell us about your latest release or upcoming release. What inspired it?

GM: Well, my latest release is Hell’sPhoenix, which is book two in the Road to Hell series. Since it’s a story that builds upon itself, I cannot discuss book two without giving a little background to the previous book. Book one, Pandora’s Box, is about the heroine, Madison, discovering who she is, what her son is and how her husband fits into everything. And how far she’ll go to protect and save her son. Hell’sPhoenixis aboutMadisonaccepting her fate and facing it head on to save the one man that sacrificed everything for her.

Road to Hell was inspired from a nightmare where a demon/ghost was gunning for my kids. After I woke up and began to realize it was just a dream, I got to thinking…the worst nightmare any parent can endure is when their child is harmed or endangered and there’s nothing we can do about it, but only watch it happen. I experienced this in real life when my eldest started having grand mal seizures. The absolute helplessness of being able to do nothing is crushing. I felt like a failure for years—which is crazy—but that’s what mom’s do, we worry and blame ourselves even when we shouldn’t.

But the nightmare got me to thinking “what if” it was something paranormal and not medical affecting her child? How would she deal with one crisis after another, realizing there is nothing she can do to change what comes from within him? To what lengths would she go to save her child? And that was the inspiration behind the Road to Hell series.

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

GM: Nope, they’re not difficult to write unless I’m trying to push the intimacy too soon. Otherwise, it’s a progression like the story. To me sex is an important aspect of any romantic relationship, so to delete it from a book isn’t natural. But I respect authors who don’t place sex in their romances, as well as readers who don’t like to read those scenes.

What kind of research do you do for your books?

GM: Very little. Sometimes I’ll run a google or wiki search for something specific, like the first dragon myth. Then I build from that mythology and give it my own creation. I prefer to start with a basic mythology and expand on it.

What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?

GM: I love to read paranormal romances, and even read a few horror books on occasion. I also love horror and supernatural movies. But my favorite pastime is my family…my sons and husband are the best!

 

Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?

GM: Paranormal Romance is my favorite genre to read and I have tons of favorite authors.

Among your own books, have you a favorite?  A favorite hero or heroine?

GM: Yes. The Road to Hell series are my favorite books, with Hell’sPhoenix(the second book) being my favorite between the two of them. My favorite heroine isMadisonfrom that series, favorite hero would bePhoenix“Nix”, and even though you didn’t ask, my favorite hero-villain is Micah.

Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

GM: The story and characters tend to come together at the same time. The setting falls into place after the rest is decided.

What part of a book has been the easiest to write?  The hardest?

GM: The more twisted the scene, the easier it is for me to write them. I don’t know why, but my descriptions of Hell were very clear in my head. But the most basic scenes, like having a conversation in the kitchen, the details elude and frustrate me.

What are the elements of a great romance for you?

GM: Conflict. Not necessarily conflict between the romantic characters, but conflict from within that makes them hesitant to explore mutual attraction. Also, there has got to be believable chemistry between the hero and heroine.
What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

GM: The hardest part of writing is finding the time to write. The easiest part of writing is the first round of edits after the story’s been written.

 

Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

GM: I’m controlled either by my muse, Dom, or the characters. I haven’t decided which has the most power yet. lol

 

What are some of your current projects?

GM: Genesis Queen is book three in the Road to Hell series and it will ultimately be about the directionMadisonwill take with the destiny that’s been handed to her…will she use it for good or evil? I also have a completed book in a new series—the Kiss series—and I’m halfway through the second book in this series. I just need to find the time to edit the first book. This series is a cross between paranormal/horromance, but it isn’t as graphic in the horror aspect as the Road to Hell series.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando on a man? Why?

GM: Personally, boxerbriefs or commando. In writing, it depends on the character and their personality. Boxerbriefs are just sexier to me on a man than briefs or boxers. And commando is kinda naughty, and oh, so much fun.

 

What is your strangest habit?

GM: Eating rainbow chip frosting while I write. I started this bad, bad habit in high school—when I was skinny and could afford the extra calories. I don’t indulge in this habit often, but I won’t deny without the icing, I feel like I’m missing a limb when I’m writing.

 

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

GM: *laughs* Something along the lines of my horrid bed head. Wish I could wake up sexy like my heroines and like actresses in movies.

What is your favorite pizza?

GM: Pepperoni and green olives. Now I want pizza for dinner!

What is one thing scientists should invent?

GM: How I can shove 30 hours into a 24 hour day would be awesome. I also wish I could eat chocolate all day and lose weight!

 

If you could time travel, where would you go?

GM: The future because I want to see how advanced we are in a thousand years. I also want to scream “told ya so” when the world doesn’t end on December 21, 2012. *cheeky grin*

 

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? (Romance or other genres)

GM: The adrenaline of creating characters, discovering their lives, feeling their emotions and falling in love with them. What a god-complex! And kind of like a drug, very addictive.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

GM: Pandora’s Box and then the rest of the series. Why, is because it’s not the same story line you’re going to see coming from publishers. It’s a mixture of horror and romance—what I’ve termed “horromance”. It will push boundaries that make you cringe in discomfort. The story will play with your emotions. You’ll hold your breath, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. There’s action, adventure, demons, hot heroes, sexy villains and fallen angels. And just when you think you have something figured out, the story whammies you with the unpredictable.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

GM: I just hope readers are able to forget their chaotic life for a few hours while they read one of my books. If they can, then I’ve succeeded.

Anything else you want to mention?

GM: Live on the wild side and join me on the Road to Hell. *wicked grin* Thanks for having me with you today, Raine.

Where you can stalk me—not really!—but I would love to meet and interact with you: 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/gracen.miller

Road to Hell series FB Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Road-to-Hell-series/112564408814796?ref=ts

Website: www.gracen-miller.com

Blog: http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/

My Publisher: www.decadentpublishing.com

 

Contest:

Leave a comment, with a valid email, for a chance to win your choice of one of my back titles from Decadent Publishing. I’ll draw a winner tomorrow morning. Good luck!

 

Pandora’s Box Blurb (book 1):

 

Where does the road to Hell begin?

 

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn’t believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn’t know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

 

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

 

Phoenix Birmingham bursts intoMadison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings,Madisonis determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even withPhoenix’s aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

 

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind’s liberty has begun…

 

Pandora’s Box Excerpt:

“May I?” He held up the medical supplies.

She nodded and watched as he doused gauze with antiseptic. “Dr. Nix at your service,” he said with a grin, two adorable dimples charming her where words failed.

Madisonrolled her eyes, and tipped her head to the side to give him better access. He brushed her hair off her neck, back behind her shoulder. Such a simple gesture, yet it felt terribly personal. The air grew thick and sticky with her awareness of him. She shifted in her seat and crossed her legs.

Madisonstared into his eyes. Green, she thought, his eyes were green, gorgeous and intense, with ridiculously long eyelashes women would fantasize about. If they didn’t, they should. A flicker of compassion, concern, and something else she couldn’t identify flashed in his eyes.

“Ready?” he asked.

The husky tenor of his voice forced her gaze to shift to his mouth. Nice, sexy lips, designed for kissing. She gave a mental shake but couldn’t resist wondering how his mouth would feel on hers.

“Madison?” Humor deepened his voice, a touch of a smile tilted the edges of the lips she’d been fantasizing about, and she realized she still stared at them. “You ready?” he asked again, and her eyes widened in embarrassment over her foolish stupor.

She swallowed hard. “Yeah.” She whispered past the lump in her throat and forced her vision to lock on the wall over his shoulder. Good God, what was wrong with her? Her pulse throbbed like crazy, and she felt woozy. Loss of blood! Must be why she reacted that way. No other explanation made sense.

Even though the antiseptic stung like hell, the gentle touch coming from such a gruff man surprised her. “It’s not bad,” he said, dabbing the blood away. “Just a nick.”

Well, she could nix the blood loss theory. Exhaustion and stress were the only other excuses she could come up with. “I’ve suffered worse.” Her voice sounded off, kind of hoarse. She tried to clear her throat delicately, but he must have noticed her unease, because his perceptive eyes met hers. Again, she thought she caught the edge of concern reflected in their green depths.

“This isn’t the first time he’s attacked you?”

“No. It’s the first time he’s tried to seriously kill me, though.” She sighed as she closed her eyes, ready to give up fighting, the sudden tears threatening to fall. Okay, woozy and acting strange because of strain…not because of him. Seriously, as far as first impressions went, she wasn’t impressed.

 

PANDORA’S BOX is available now at the following sites in ebook and print formats:

Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=326&osCsid=197c7ca45f989e3b22059c5b92c9475d 

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HRSZRG/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0V85TMYT088EG6C8W16V&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandoras-box-gracen-miller/1105010763?ean=2940011467097&itm=3&usri=gracen%2bmiller 

ARe (ebook only):  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pandora039sbox-594252-140.html 

Smashwords (ebook only): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82329

 

Hell’s Phoenix Blurb (book 2):

 

Hell’s become more than just a playground for the wicked…

 

Going to Hell was supposed to save Madison, but knowing she’s dead because of his failure leaves Nix with only one thing to live for. Revenge. With Micah’s help he learns to use his Messianic power. Anything for Mads has become his mantra, even if it means killing innocents to gather the power he needs to succeed. A tsunami he unleashes on aGulfCoast city is stopped with magical interference, and Nix is more than surprised to feelMadison in the opposing magic. Can he and Micah set a trap to lure her out?

 

Pandora’s Box…once you open it, there’s no turning back!

 

Madisonhas done the unthinkable, opened Pandora’s Box to save Nix from Hell. And failed. She’s willing to risk her own life to rescue Nix, but she worries about the welfare of her accomplice in the mission and leaving her son behind. Following up on a lead, she’s ambushed by Nix and Micah. Shocked and hurt to discover Nix has become a willing participant of Hell, she’s more certain than ever she won’t escape the demonic fate her husband outlined for her. While in Hell, she discovers denying the emergence of her succubus is futile, which means getting Nix out of Hell after embracing her inner demon just became a very real dilemma…

Hell’s Phoenix Excerpt:

“You’ll heal her promptly,” Micah growled, shifting back into his human persona, as he offered his legs as a pillow for her head. She’d have pushed him away if she could’ve managed to contort her body to that angle.

Madisongaped at the blood darkening her jeans and spreading down her thigh. “That hurts way worse than I thought being shot would.”

“I need to get your pants off, Mads, to heal you.” Nix’s fingers went to the snap of her jeans.

She knocked his hands away. “You’ll heal the others first.”

“He shot the main artery in your thigh, Madison. You’ll bleed out before he finishes with them.” Micah compressed his lips together and spoke as if he ground his teeth together. “I’ve lost you twice. I will not lose you again.”

“Death would at least grant me freedom from you!”

Micah’s mouth flattened in displeasure. “Phoenix, I would ask you to do as she requests.”

“Goddamnit, Mads, I swear I’ll heal them immediately after I take care of you.”

Madisonglared at Nix. “E kawoja ciok tauqelv.” I refuse your healing. Nix spewed curses in Xapil. “Impressive, you’ve learned how to curse in demon.”

Nix scowled. “Stubborn.”

Madisonclenched her teeth in silent mutiny. Nix cupped the back of her head, tugged slightly and kissed her hard on the lips. Excitement zinged through her system. Her attraction to him always presented itself at the most inappropriate moments.

“I find that stubborn trait sexy, baby.”

“Flattery gets you nowhere, Nix.” She winced at the tug against her wounded flesh as he rested her against Micah’s thighs.

“What does?” Nix jerked the hem of one pant leg up and tugged the blade strapped to her ankle out of its harness.

“Good deeds.”

He brandished the knife he’d given her for her thirtieth birthday and grinned. “Does healing them count?”

“No.”

Nix rolled to his feet and leveled her with his stare. “You’re a hard woman to please.”

“Cease the flirtations with my wife.” Micah’s grip on her shoulders intensified. “Heal those bottom-feeders, and then heal her.”

***

HELL’S PHOENIX available now at the following sites:

Decadent Publishing:

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/advanced_search_result.php?osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414&categories_id=&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=0&pto=999999&dfrom=&dto=&manufacturers_id=82 

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Phoenix-Road-Hell-ebook/dp/B0079RD82Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1329417854&sr=8-8 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133450 

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html 

Barnes & Noble: Coming Soon

Give a warm welcome to Sarah Makela

There’s talk about whether to write what you know or not. I think with fiction writing, if we solely wrote what we know — at least for most of us — our books wouldn’t be very interesting. Part of the fun about fiction is being able to make believe. We can dream that hunky werewolves, vampires, aliens, and whatever else we love are all possible.

With my latest book, Captive Moonlight, I really took that advice to heart. It was the first story I’d written that wasn’t contemporary (or slightly futuristic). It’s a historical western. While I had dreams of being an English/History double major in college (which I ended up going for a Creative Writing degree), the Wild West was never really my focus except for watching westerns on TV and reading the occasional western romance book. I’d always longed to write a book set in the medieval period. The first romances I read were medieval historical romances. Yet I always held myself back since the thought of writing any kind of historical story intimidated me.

That said, I had to do quite a bit of research and fact-checking for Captive Moonlight, but that’s what we have to do with any of our books to make them accurate. When I finally was able to take a deep breath after signing the contract to write a western paranormal romance for my publisher, I realized that with some research it would be okay. I didn’t have to go on a learning binge to know absolutely everything there is to know about the Wild West before I wrote the story. It’s enough to write **need info about women’s nightgown** while you’re writing. You can come back to that later after you’ve written the book.

After conquering this project, my dream to write a medieval book doesn’t seem so far-fetched. I have the courage now to do it because I have more faith in myself that I can. It was kind of been a baby step toward my dream, and a lot of fun to boot.

Instead of looking at what other people think we should write or do, it’s important to be true to yourself and write the desire of your heart.

Captive Moonlight

Wolves of the Wild West, #3 (Multi-Author series)

Changeling Press

Erotic Western Paranormal Romance

Buy Now HERE 

A gentlewoman will do whatever it takes to rescue her captive werewolf betrothed.

When her betrothed, Joe, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it’s up to Charlotte to track him down and win him back — even if that means putting her own life in danger.

Excerpt:

Charlotte wrapped her arms around Joe’s broad torso and scraped her fingernails gently along the length of his muscular back. His breath came out quickly against her skin as he brushed feather-light kisses against her neck.

He nudged her thighs apart. Anticipation built within her as his hand dipped to her pussy. He parted her wet folds with his callused fingers and pushed one finger inside her.

She moaned, enjoying the tantalizing sensations his skilled attention brought about. She looked into his eyes, and he grinned down at her. The look of masculine satisfaction that he could please his lover was written clearly on his face.

She opened her mouth to protest when Joe removed his finger, but then he thrust his firm cock inside her, filling her so completely in one smooth stroke.

Charlotte dug her nails into his back. Joe’s eyes nearly rolled back in his head, and she couldn’t help but smile as he arched into her touch. Her betrothed liked a little pain with his sex. Not much, just nails and some teeth. Then again, it was befitting of a werewolf.

They didn’t talk much about that side of who he was. She figured he would share what he wanted with her. Sometimes he did, but she suspected he preferred to pretend like they were both normal. People were too quick to judge others by their race, or even species, these days.

Charlotte didn’t care about any of that. Being with Joe was her only need. She trailed a fingertip across his cheek while her other hand continued to dig into his flesh.

He met her gaze. His eyes, normally dark brown, were now wolf amber. “What did I do to get such a sweet lady like you?” he said, his voice gravelly and low.

She laughed, but the sound caught in her throat as his lips caressed her breast. “I wonder that too. Maybe it was destiny.”

He flicked his tongue over her nipple before pulling it into his mouth. He sucked on it, bringing pleasure sweeping through her. His other hand trailed along her full hips, which he insisted made her curvaceous and luscious.

She liked his answer.

He thrust even faster. Desire built within her as they reached ever closer toward climax. Charlotte leaned back against the pillow, clinging to him as he became the only thing real in her life. “Joe…”

Joe brushed kisses up from her breast to her neck until he finally placed a kiss on her lips. “Yes, love?” Hunger filled his eyes as he watched her. “You’re getting close. So tight.” He slid in and out in longer strokes.

He knew what she liked. “I love it when you talk like that.” Her body clenched as orgasm rushed toward her. She gasped and gripped his back. Joe covered her lips with his, ravishing her mouth until she didn’t know which way was up. He was the hungry wolf to her somewhat innocent maid.

 

Author Bio:

Sarah Mäkelä lives in North Carolina with her husband and cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, computer and console games, and traveling all over the world. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal chapters. Find her online at www.sarahmakela.com, www.twitter.com/sarahmakela, and www.facebook.com/authorsarahmakela

Guest Author Kathryn Scannell

  Welcome author Kathryn Scannell. She is giving any commener who emails her a free read. Details are:

Leap of Faith is a short story set in the same universe as Embracing the Dragon. It was originally published by Torquere, but was not renewed after its initial contract ended. It’s an explicit M/M romance featuring two of the minor characters from Embracing the Dragon, and takes place approximately a year prior to Embracing the Dragon. If you’d like to receive a copy, please send me an email request at kathryn.scannell <at> gmail.com, and I will be happy to send you one.

How long have you been a writer?

I started dabbling about six years ago. I sold my first short story two years ago. Not long after that the same publisher picked up Embracing the Dragon for their serial fiction site.

Tell us about your latest or coming soon book(s). What inspired it?

My latest book, Embracing the Dragon, released on the 13^th of April. It’s a M/M romance in an urban fantasy setting. The world is one which a good friend and fellow author, BA Collins, and I have been sharing. Embracing the Dragon is the first novel length work in the series, but there will be other coming, both from BA and myself. It started out originally as a setting for a fantasy roleplaying game, created by BA. The game ended, but we both liked the world, and decided with some judicious editing it would be a good setting to write in.

This particular story started out as kind of an outtake from an epic fantasy novel I had planned. The romantic entanglements between several of the main characters were part of that storyline, but I didn’t expect them to be on screen, so to speak. So I thought I’d just write a quick little short with a scene that I was sure wouldn’t make it into the novel in detail – Danny’s first sexual encounter with another man.  And like everything I touch, it expanded. First it was going to be one 10-20K story. Then it was going to be a set of three related ones. Finally it expanded to a novel, and then when we looked at the length, it turned into two. There will be a sequel in a year or so.

Was there a lot of research involved in creating this book?

Strictly speaking, there was very little research for this book. The Tengri Empire, where much of it takes place, shares common cultural roots with ancient China and Japan, so I did do some reading on those cultures for ideas for things like civil bureaucracies, and some other cultural tidbits. The Imperial Register of Sacrifices, which is a list of religious rituals the Emperor is obligated to participate in, is one of those. It sounds odd, but there was something substantially similar in ancient China.

Most of the development time behind the book falls into the worldbuilding category. The game where the world was developed was built up gradually over more than ten years of regular gaming sessions. Then we spent another couple of months of intermittent discussions and sifting through old notes from the game to decide how we needed to adjust the major plot arc to make for good novels rather than good gaming, what subplots should get pruned out, and how the world timeline should go beyond the point we’d developed during the active game. This included things like coming up with casualty numbers for the war which is part of the major plot arc. By the end of that we’ll have killed off in excess of 50% of the population of Asia.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

The very first book is still in the trunk, so to speak. Someday I’ll salvage the plot and rewrite completely and try sending it out.

Embracing the Dragon was a very quick process. I was working with an editor who’d bought a short story set in this world, and thought a longer story set there would be a good candidate for Torquere’s serial fiction site. I pitched the plot for Embracing the Dragon, which was already about three quarters complete, to her, and she encouraged me to get it whipped into shape to take advantage of some upcoming openings in the schedule. I think it was about two months between turning in the draft and when it started running on the serial site. After it finished its run in December of last year, we did two more rounds of copy edits, which added another three months into the timeline.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

The characters are not. Some of the world history is shared with our world. The timeline diverged seriously from our in the 1980’s.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Not really. I’m not going to be quitting the day job any time soon, and wouldn’t want to.  I actually like my day job. I work in the field of environmental remediation, which means that I go home at the end of the day feeling that I’ve helped make the world a better place, quite literally.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I generally focus on one project at a time. I may put a big one aside temporarily for a smaller one like a short story that has a deadline. I have a lot of ideas in the queue, but I’m not actively writing them. I find it works better to do a draft, then set it aside for a few weeks or even months if I have time, so I can go back to try to edit from a fresh perspective. I have a finished draft on another novel in that stage now, while I’m working on completing the first draft of the sequel to Embracing the Dragon. I’ll go back to editing the first book when I’ve got the draft done on the sequel done, then return to the sequel. There might also be a short story or two in the mix somewhere.

When not writing, how do you relax?

I do a lot of reading, both fiction and non-fiction. I’m also an active member of a medieval recreation group called the Society for Creative Anachronism (http://www.sca.org) . We recreate various aspects of life in pre-16^th century Europe. We’re a bit different from historical reenactors, as we focus on skills and arts, rather than re-enacting specific battles.

What song would best describe your life?

Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce

Please tell us what you got coming up and what you may be working on in the future?

The next story I’ve sold is a short in Spells and Swashbucklers, an anthology of stories combining pirates and magic, which will be forthcoming in print from Dragon Moon Press in November of this year. It’s set in this same world, but involves different characters, and no romance elements at all.

My current active project is the sequel to Embracing the Dragon. I’m hoping to get that in to the editor this fall.

In a completely different arena, I have the first draft of a supernatural thriller set in contemporary Israel done. I’m hoping to finish edits and rewrites and get it out to beta readers by the end of the year, then I’ll start looking for a home for it. It has no romance elements either.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

I think I’d like to be a feline shifter. Cats manage to always look so totally, bonelessly relaxed. I envy them.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

Book shopping. Neither my wife nor I can pass a book sale or a used book store without stopping, even though we’re running out of places to put the books.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I tried my hand at a little historical piece. I thought it would be easy because I had done a lot of research on the period and location where I was going to set the story. Then I started to write and suddenly realized just how much I didn’t know, and how few of the details I’d learned in history class or reading histories of the period were actually useful when it came to writing the story.

I knew all kinds of things about major political events, who knew who, what they’d written, and things like that. But when it came to the actual writing and I started needing to do things like describe what the characters were wearing, things they would see on the street, and so forth, I had nothing. That’s a whole different area of research that I hadn’t considered.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Embracing the Dragon is my first published novel, so by default it would have to be this one. If you include works in progress, right now I’m still in love with the thriller I’m working on. It’s not perfect, and it still needs a ton of edits, but I love the characters and the chemistry between them.

What sound drives you crazy?

Snoring. There’s nothing worse than lying in bed when you’re having trouble drifting off to sleep, and having your spouse be out like a light, and snoring. Earplugs are underrated as a marital aid.

If you were a tool, what would people use you for?

I’d probably be something like a magnifying glass or a measuring tool.  I’m a perfectionist when it comes to details in any project I tackle. So I’d be good for quality control or organization.

Where can we find you on the ‘net?

Email: Kathryn.scannell <at> gmail.com

Website: http://www.kathrynscannell.com

Blog: http://kathryn-scannell.dreamwidth.org

Live Journal: http://aishabintjamil.livejournal.com

Embracing The Dragon

Available at Torquere Books

Buy HERE

In the days of Atlantis, in other lives, Danny O’Riordan and Emperor Mordellir were lovers. Now, they’ve found each other again. But Danny already has other commitments. Can he afford to follow his heart and embrace the Dragon of Heaven in this lifetime?

Blurb:

Danny O’Riordan’s life was complicated before he had the vision of a past life that forced him to admit to himself that he was bisexual. There’s a war going on, and being Liegeman to Aran, the Elven King of Avalon puts Danny squarely in the middle of the politics of two worlds, Earth and Avalon. Adding a romantic relationship to the mix could be explosive.

His lover from that previous life has been reborn as Mordellir, the ruler of the Tengri Empire. The Dragon of Heaven is the most powerful person in his world. Will he want Danny back once he knows he’s been reborn? If he does, how far will he go to get his way?

Danny knows it isn’t smart to get involved with the Dragon of Heaven. Aran hates the Tengri. Following his heart and renewing that old relationship with Mordellir will leave him torn between his commitment to Aran and those old feelings which are still frighteningly strong. If he yields to temptation, can he balance his love for both men?

Excerpt:

Looking at him now, in this mood it was easy to see the resemblance to Demeth. Certainly there were differences. Demeth had been only part Tengri. He’d been shorter and a bit heavier built. Demeth’s hair had reddish highlights, which hinted at demon in his family somewhere. But there was still something in the body language, and the aura which reminded Danny achingly of those memories of Demeth. It wouldn’t be hard to put this man in place of the image of Demeth in those memories…

Thinking that had not been a good idea. Danny realized his mistake when he felt his cock start to swell. Just remembering the damned dreams he’d been having was enough to get him hard again, and the bathrobe he was wearing was not going to hide it. He could see a telltale bulge already. He shifted to cross his legs, hoping to keep things under control, but it just didn’t work.

Mordellir had noticed, too. His gaze followed that moving bulge, and he gave off a mix of amusement and interest. All the extra blood that wasn’t already in Danny’s cock rose promptly to his face as he realized that.

Mordellir grew even more amused as Danny turned bright red. “I didn’t think you were interested, Daniel. It’s certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re a handsome young man. I’m not intimate with all my Favorites, but it’s certainly an option.”

Danny cursed inwardly. This was rapidly becoming a disaster. “No! I’m not– I mean I don’t– Oh Hell.” He ground to a halt. Doing anything would be stupid, and guaranteed to make settling the problem of those old memories worse, not better, but how did he say no without insulting the Emperor? Especially when his cock was obviously saying yes.

“Slowly, Daniel,” Mordellir said gently. “If I read that wrong, I’m sorry. Will you tell me why you’re so confused and embarrassed? It can’t be just having an erection in front of someone else, not after living among the Elves and the Kennakriz. What is it?” He looked probingly at Danny out of his good eye.

Danny took a deep breath to try to calm himself. “No. This isn’t simple to explain. You didn’t misread my reaction, but it would be a terrible idea to act on it.”

“Why?” Mordellir sounded genuinely puzzled.

“Because you’re the Emperor of the Tengri, and I’m the senior Liegeman to the King of Avalon, who happens to hate Tengri in general, and you in particular. That gives whole new levels of meaning to conflict of interest,” Danny said, wondering why he was explaining the obvious to someone this experienced in politics.

“So?” Mordellir felt perplexed. “Is this an Earth thing? A little sex hardly constitutes anything important. It’s not as if there was a commitment involved. There isn’t even a chance of children to worry about negotiating.”

A crazy writing day

Did you ever open an exsisting manuscript, thinking you were finally going to get this book done and themuse goes…”Nope buddy, I decided we will work on this new story instead.” I had that happen to me this evening. Listening to some Josh Groban tunes, I was already to open my one book I needed to get done and WHAM! The muse pulled it from under me and shoved this scene in my face when Josh’s “Where you are” played. A broken man, a shattered heart and the scene flowed into over three thousand words in 20 minutes. The story wouldn’t let me go and I just had to finish writing it.

What came out of this burst of writing was a new book I am calling “The Forever Love” since no title is coming to me right now for it and it’s a M/M Paranormal about a cat shifter and a lion shifter finding their forever love after the heartbreak of a relationship.

I am thrilled over it and eager to see where it goes. Max and Leo are driving me nuts but in a good way. Now to explain tot hem I NEED to get this book done before I get tossed on my arse by my editor.