Friday, April 27, 2012

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Diana Duncan



I just want to say how excited I am to have Diana Duncan as a 
guest today!  Everyone give her a big round of applause.

Without further ado.....

Tell us a little about yourself, Diana.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for over 30 years, and for me, it was love at first sight…which is why I totally believe in it! I knew after our very first date I was going to marry him. It took him a wee bit longer. *G* I’m a mom to 2 amazing, challenging young adult daughters who definitely keep me on my toes, and I’m the human servant to 3 cats and an extremely spoiled dog. *G*
I worked in several different jobs before becoming a writer, but this is the best job I’ve ever had. (Okay, maybe not salary-wise, but it definitely feeds the need within me to create!) I devote between 8-14 hours a day to writing. I try to give myself weekends off to be with my Hubby, but with the current book coming out and two more shortly afterward, I’ve not stopped for a month straight! Thank heaven for coffee!
Gardening and decorating are also passions of mine, and I’m an HGTV and DIY addict. Every time the family sees paint chips taped to the walls, they all get terrified…the cowards. *G* I once repainted my front door a different color every day for a week until I found just the right one I wanted. My neighbor said he couldn’t wait to get home every day to see what color the door had changed to. (And then he probably went into his own house and thanked his wife for not being crazy.)
And of course, I read voraciously! I’m never without at least one, maybe two books that I’m reading. It’s a great way to unwind and relax before going to bed.
I love HGTV and DIY too.  They are addicting TV channels.  *giggle* 

Did you always want to be an author? 
Yes! My grandmother was a librarian, and she was my primary caregiver for the first three years of my life. She took me to work with her, and I developed a love affair with books practically from birth. *G* I wrote my first “book” at age 4… “Perky the Kitten” was crafted in orange crayon, and illustrated with pictures cut from a magazine. I think my mom still has it somewhere. *G*
What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?
Hanging out with my fictional characters, who constantly surprise me. I never know what they’re going to do or say next, and it’s always such a thrilling adventure. I never tell them what to do…they tell ME what’s going on in their world and I take dictation. I can’t imagine doing anything else (except for maybe being an interior decorator, but that’s a whole ‘nother story. *G*)
Tell us a little about your book.
“Devil May Care,” (available May 1st) is the second in my “Devilish Devlins” series. It’s a fast, fun, super hot contemporary romance and my all-time favorite book I’ve ever written (so far). My heroine, Marisa Matheson, is a wedding planner and a complete control freak…and her beloved business is about to go bankrupt. Then Irish bad boy Flynn Devlin roars into her life on his Harley, with a body built for sin and a magic touch with a camera that makes even the most…ah… “unfortunate-looking” bride appear beautiful. Flynn shows Marisa just how much fun it is when she lets go, and she’s out of control. This book is sooo hot, I think I need to give away free batteries with it. You know, in case your eReader or…ahem…anything else runs low. LOL!
However, there’s also some seriousness woven throughout. Travis Ross, one of Marisa’s gay business partners, has been shunned by his family. In real life, I know a terrific guy who came out to his parents right after college…and they totally cut him out of their lives.
Prejudice and intolerance on any level horrifies me, but the fact that his own parents hurt him in such a deliberate way made it so much worse.
Sounds like an odd topic to include in a fun, sexy romance doesn’t it? Which is why it’s the perfect venue. You get to know Travis, love him, feel what he feels, and empathize with him without a “heavy-handed” story. Since Travis is a secondary character, we don’t learn every detail of his life. But maybe, hopefully, it might inspire thoughts about the consequences of how we as human beings treat one another.   
Blurb for Devil May Care:
Free-wheeling rogue Flynn Devlin roars into Marisa Matheson's well-ordered life on a Harley, with a devil-may-care attitude, a body made for sin, and an Irish lilt that could charm the panties off a nun.

Exactly the kind of bad boy she doesn't need.

Except Flynn also possesses magic talent with a camera—something she desperately needs to keep her wedding planning business from tanking after her regular photographer is injured.

Flynn Devlin is the only thing standing between Marisa and complete financial ruin.

He's also hiding a damning secret from her. All in the name of love, but still...Flynn knows that when the lass who's capturing his heart as easily as he captures images finds out he's not quite what he claims to be, all hell will break loose.

And his devil-may-care attitude doesn't include his heart.

Because this devil doesn’t want just a one-night fling with his stubbornly independent lass…he wants forever.

Excerpt from Devil May Care:
Marisa marched across the lawn, low heels sinking into the close-cropped turf. The piquant scent of fresh grass wafted up with each footstep, but she didn’t have time to stop and smell springtime today. Or any day for that matter.
She halted several feet from her potential employee. His six-foot-plus length was stretched out on his back, big hands folded beneath his head. A wadded brown leather jacket pillowed tousled raven collar-length waves. Thick, dark lashes fanned over high cheekbones, and several days’ worth of beard scruff shadowed a square jaw, full, sensual lips, and a determined chin.
She sidled closer. The distinctive, beautifully chiseled masculine features were tanned, a sure sign he was from out of town. A black T-shirt defined every ridge of his muscled torso, the right sleeve revealing the edge of an emerald and gold Celtic knot shamrock tattoo on a big bicep. Worn denim hugged a trim waist, the faded creases below cupping… Yowza. 
Marisa swallowed. A brain-boggling male package.
She quickly skimmed her gaze down long, lean thighs and legs crossed at the ankles over scuffed black boots.
Even with his eyes closed, he emanated dangerous animal magnetism. One hundred and eighty pounds of sin on the prowl.
Her stomach flipped. And he wasn’t asleep.
His breathing was slow and even, and he didn’t stir. But the odd tingling across her skin told her Bad Biker Boy was alert and fully aware. She bent over him. “Hello?”
No response. 
She hadn’t made it this far in the brutal bridal trade by being easily daunted. “Hey.” She nudged his thigh with the toe of her pump. His rock-hard muscles didn’t give an inch. “I’m talking to you.”
“Naff off,” he growled without opening his eyes.
His low Irish brogue glided over her, raising goosebumps. Her brows drew together. Why? She wasn’t the least bit afraid of him. Any woman in her right mind probably should be. Instead, she was—reluctantly—intrigued. “Listen, I need you—”
“Sorry, darlin’.” The flavor of Ireland warmed every syllable of his lyrical drawl with the same slow burn as fine whiskey. “You’re not my type.”
He still hadn’t opened his eyes. Her fists clenched against the reflex to slap his gorgeous face. “Oh, you mean not inflatable?”
Thickets of black lashes drifted up to reveal mischievous brown eyes as deep and dark as fresh-brewed espresso, glinting with golden highlights…and razor-sharp intelligence. No moron, this guy. But her other guess was dead-on target. Self-assured male arrogance fit him as well as his faded 501’s. The man could handle just about anything life threw at him.
She swallowed again as her mouth went dry and her panties got damp.
His smoldering gaze roamed lazily down her body, starting with the top of her tightly cinched bun and ending at the tips of her sensible taupe pumps. Then it traveled upward again, just as slowly, just as thoroughly, scorching her skin as if he’d touched her. “You’re a looker, to be sure.” Naughtiness sparkled in his gilded irises as they clashed with hers. Daring her. Tempting her. Seducing her. “Wanting a walk on the wild side, are you?”


When did you start writing and when did you finish your first 
book?
I’ve been writing all my life, mostly essays, short stories, poetry, and plenty of highly opinionated letters to everyone from the local newspaper to various Presidents. *G* Around 1996, I began writing Fan-Fic for the TV series “Highlander,” because Duncan MacLeod stole my heart and spoke to me as everything a hero should be! However, I was way too chicken to show my writing to anyone.
Then I made a good friend online in a Scottish interest chat room who also shared my massive Duncan love, and eventually she convinced me to let her read my work. As soon as she was done, she emailed me with a photo of her home library, standing in front of shelves filled with hundreds of romances, and said, “Your stories are better than all of these. You HAVE to write a romance!”
I’d been a romance reader since the age of 14, so it really wasn’t that much of a stretch to at least give it a try. The two of us eventually met up in St. Louis and flew to Scotland together for the research trip of a lifetime (that fun true story—complete with pictures—is on my website under “Di & Berny’s Excellent Scottish Adventure.”)
Years ago, before I started writing novels, I kept dreaming the same dream. Over and over. For five years. Always the same dark-haired kilted warrior. Always the same ending (which I can’t tell you, lest I spoil it.) *G* But that dream haunted me until I wrote out that ending scene. Way back then, I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to write the rest of the story and do it justice. So I put it away for the right time. When I got back from Scotland, I spent a year writing my first book, inspired by that dream, (with Berny reading my efforts and bullying me all the way thru it to keep going *G*).
Of course, the minute I finished it, paranormals dropped out of popularity with the marketing big-wigs and nobody would touch it.
But I couldn’t forget this deeply emotional Scottish novel that truly was the book of my heart. Fourteen years later, it eventually became my paranormal Celtic romance, “Sword of the Raven!”
During the next 5 years, I wrote 8 more complete manuscripts, and collected over 100 rejections, before I finally sold a book, which was a romantic suspense titled “Bulletproof Bride.” 
Where do you get your inspiration?
Would you believe my Muse—who, by the way, looks and sounds exactly Vin Diesel—slips ideas under my pillow at night when I’m sleeping?
Ha, I wish! Diesel Muse is too capricious. The truth is, brainstorms strike at random—anywhere from inside the shower, to driving to an appointment. When an idea hits, I have to immediately write it down, or it evaporates forever. I have—honestly—jotted notes on napkins in restaurants, on fast food wrappers while driving (sorry, officer), on my own arm in the grocery store (talk about getting strange looks), and yes, even on toilet paper with lip-liner at a party. New lip-liner: $7.95. Inspiration: Priceless.
Everything around me inspires ideas, with all five senses. An evocative song, a solitary walk on a fog-shrouded beach, a compelling photo of a bare-chested hunk with mystery in his eyes. Even a bottle of chocolate syrup and handcuffs…oh, wait…that’s a whole ‘nother story. (Did I mention the third book in my Devilish Devlin series has a cop hero?) *G*
Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or 
Pantser?
I’m a total Pantzer, and let me tell you, it gets horrendously scary at times. My plots stem from character, and I don’t really know who my characters completely are until the end of the book. Sometimes I have no idea where they’re dragging me. It’s like holding a flashlight on a dark, twisty path in a mysterious forest, and I can only see a few steps in front of me. Following that light one step at a time, I eventually get through it and break free on the other side.
I don’t know why I doubt the process, because I’m about to publish my 10th book—2 of which were nominated for RITA awards—and I know I can do it. However, those doubt demons strike every darned time, and Diesel Muse has to beat them back. I’m glad he has those nice, big, yummy muscles. *G* 
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first 
book published?
As I mentioned above, over a 5 year period, I wrote 8 completed manuscripts and collected over 100 rejections before I finally sold. I have a distinct, sassy, snarky voice that apparently scares the hell out of a lot of editors and agents. *G* My heroines kick ass, and don’t apologize for it, and those strong women don’t always go over well with traditional publishing houses. Which is why I’ve gone Indie, now and am writing my stories the way I want to instead of how I’m told to. I think I might share a few traits in common with some of my heroines. ;)
I published 6 books with a traditional house and learned some very valuable skills that helped me grow and mature and polish my writing before striking out on my own.
What book have you most recently released?
“Devil May Care,” which I talked about earlier, is my newest. In June I’m releasing “Laws of Attraction,” which is a compelling, emotional romantic suspense, followed in July by the second in that series, “Big Bad Wolfe.”
What was your favorite part of the book?
I have to say, I loved writing every single word of “Devil May Care.” It’s truly the most fun I’ve ever had writing anything in my entire life. I laughed, I cried, and yeah, my hero got me pretty steamed up (in a good way.) ;) I can’t really pick out a favorite part, because the entire book is just my all-time favorite, ever. As soon as Flynn Devlin arrived on the scene, he took over the book and ran with it. And I adore him!
Rate your story in terms steaminess?
Hmmm… well, how do you feel about blindfolds? Or wild sex on a motorcycle? It’s hot. Not erotica hot, but very spicy. However, I also include plenty of emotion with my lovemaking scenes, because let’s face it, physically, sex is pretty much all the same. Tab B into slot A. It’s the emotions of the couple involved that change the dynamics of every encounter to make the connection unique and special to only them. Flynn and Marisa have a love story that unites their hearts as well as their bodies.
Absolutely! I agree completely.  

Do you have another book in the works?
I actually have four. *G* Along with my two romantic suspenses coming out this summer, I’ve already started“Devil to Pay,” which is Brody Devlin’s story, and then I also have a Scottish time travel in progress.
Indie publishing has inspired me to greater heights than ever before. I’m loving what I’m writing and that translates into writing more, faster. And I’ve *almost* got an empty nest, which helps as well. Every mom out there knows how much full-time parenting sucks the time and energy right of out you. Having more of my own time and space has definitely helped.   
You are one busy lady!

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you
learned about the business?
I learned some hard lessons, the hard way. First: Don’t ever let anyone tell you, “you can’t.” “You can’t have snarky heroines who undermine the hero. You can’t have so much funny banter. You can’t write contemporary fun, sexy romances, and romantic suspense, and paranormal romances…so pick just one.”
Hello, I’m Diana Duncan, and I live to write flawed alpha males and strong, capable—and yes, snarky—heroines who kick the hero’s arse when he behaves like an arse. And a lot of readers enjoy reading them. Readers are way savvier and open to far more variety than editors/agents give them credit for.
“Can’t” kills the Muse. I fell into the trap of trying to please editors and agents instead of myself and my readers…and poor battered Diesel Muse went into a paralyzed coma. It took over three awful, wretchedly painful years to bring him back off life support.
Secondly and most important: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. No matter how much you want to believe your agent and/or publisher have your best interests at heart, you come in a distant second after their profit margin. Lines change. Editors change. Trends come and go and “the big six” traditional NY publishing houses single-mindedly follow those trends like bloodhounds. Diversify as much as possible. Seek new opportunities and grab them. Don’t let yourself be pigeonholed into one slot at one publishing house. You are the only one looking out for your career. 
Boxers or Briefs?
Commando, baby.
Pizza or hamburger?
Pizza, with the works and stuffed crust! Or…mmm…maybe instead, I’ll take an avocado bacon burger with melted Swiss. (Excuse me while I run out for a snack! BRB.)
Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?
Yes, thank you.
C’mon, I’m of Scots/Irish descent. We live to celebrate. *G*


(Character Questions)
What were your first impressions of each other?
Marisa: “One hundred and eighty pounds of dangerous sin on the prowl. I wanted to strangle the sexy bad boyo…after I jumped him like a trampoline.”
Flynn: “The bossy, uncompromising lass was a challenge, and I do love a good challenge. I couldn’t wait to free her shiny curls from that bun, pop open those Plain Jane buttons, and get her messy. Snatch her breath away, along with her cool control. Get her naked, and sweaty…and compromise the bloody hell out of her.”

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?
Marisa: “His unpredictability and complete fearlessness. Flynn will do anything, anytime, anywhere, and throw himself totally into it.”
Flynn: “I adore Marisa’s formidable brainpower. There’s no problem she can’t solve…and in quite creative ways. Frankly, the lass scares me a wee bit.”
What are your plans for the near future? 
I hope to keep writing prolifically, and produce well-crafted stories that take people away from their problems and out of everyday life into fun, exciting, romantic adventures that make them laugh, and cry, and finish that final page with a satisfied sigh. My purpose is to use the gift I’ve been given to give a little something back to the world (which is why I also donate 10% of all my book sales to different places that help both people and animals who are in need.)

Diana, thank you so much for the interview 
today.  You have been amazing and I know we 
have all enjoyed getting to know you and your 
characters better!  

Be sure to leave a comment so we know you
stopped by and to enter for a chance to win her
fabulous first book "Deal with the Devil". 

Please be sure to visit Diana @
Facebook Personal Page: http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1






Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tuesday Teaser


So glad you stopped over today to visit.  I have a scene with Tonia and the Duque Tomás from my WIP Misplaced Heiress.  Hope you enjoy.  Please leave a teaser of your own on the comment board.  Be sure to stop over and check out my critique partner April London's teaser.

Have a great Tuesday!

“My husband is here to take me home, Duque Tomas.” Tonia spoke slowly and precisely.  “We are leaving.  I will not be meeting my grandparents or marrying you.”
A growl emanated from deep within the large Duque.  He turned his gaze sharply to Lorina, but Tonia could see the pain reflected in his eyes.  He seemed to be searching for something, but couldn’t quite find it.
“No.”  He groaned, stood up, and began pacing in front of the large window.  “I understand now why you want to leave.  I didn’t fight my father on this venture, because I assumed you would be unattached to your husband due to the nature of the arrangement.”  He gestured to her stomach and Tonia blushed.  “You are obviously attached to this man, therefore my stance on the matter is completely opposite what it was originally.  The problem is that my father won’t allow it.”
“He can’t force you to take me.  I would never truly be your wife.”
“You do not know my father.”
Tonia shuddered and sank back into the chaise lounge.  A cloud of defeat was settling over her.  Tears pooled in her blue eyes and poured down her olive toned cheeks.  There was no way out.  Tomas had said without saying that his father would find a way to force the issue.  He had most likely tried to kill Byron once.  What was to stop him from trying again... and succeeding?
She glanced up at Tomas and saw compassion.  He nodded, intuitively knowing the conclusion her mind had foreseen.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Fabulous Author Friday ~ KT Bryan


I just want to say how excited I am to have KT Bryan as a guest today!  Everyone give her a round of applause.

Without further ado.......


Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm an action, adventure, suspense (with a hint of romance) writer who enjoys good wine, great art, Tuscany, and a touch of mayhem. (You never know what you might see when you wake up suddenly in the dark.) I’m the author of TEAM EDGE.

I currently live in Georgia with my family, one overweight German shepherd and three very spoiled cats. I have a varied background in the military, the airlines, antiques, and medicine. My favorite career is writing and sharing stories with readers and fellow writers.  Lying for a living is a lot of fun. 

Now, now, now.... writers aren't liars.  We are creators of fantasy truths.  *giggle*

Tell us a little about your book.
Book One is The EDGE Of Trust and pits Dillon and Sara against the most ruthless drug lord since Pablo Escobar.  With the border wars going on, this is a story I really enjoyed telling.  I think it’s a lot about human connections and how trust can go all kinds of wrong.

Based in Coronado, CA, Admiral Edge’s Tactical Security Team (TST) consists of military offensive and defensive operations, as well as private personal security. Sanctioned by the president, these former SEALs operate under the radar, off the grid, and as covert tacticians they strike with a kind of cunning that can knock the CIA on its ass. They are a clandestine unit of special forces operators nobody at the pentagon or the DOD would ever admit existed.  

Exciting!

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I started writing seriously in 2001.  I wrote my first book (400 pages) in two weeks.  Then I regained my sanity and joined several writers’ groups and found out just how much I didn’t know.  Then I started editing professionally and that old adage about the more you teach, the more you learn really rings true.  Now I average about nine months per book.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I was a military wife for 20 years, so my heroes come from that walk of life.  My dad served at Guadalcanal during WWII and he’s always been my biggest hero, so my heart lies with those defending our county.  Plus my husband sets a great example…although he’ll tell you he does sleep with one eye open.  (I think he’s afraid I’ll give the dog opposable thumbs...his)

That's so great.  I have a huge respect for anyone who has served in the military or has family in the military.  I have two brother-in-laws in the military.  My father-in-law, my dad, and my grandfather both served as well.

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?
Absolutely both.  I started out as a pantser, but found out that without a roadmap of some sort I got too sidetracked.  I still let the characters tell me their story, but now I make sure they don’t wander too far off the page.  Yep, I have the same problem with mine.

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first book published?
My agent helped immensely.  She really knows what works and what doesn’t.  We tried going the NY Big Six route, but they’re not ‘buying’ much romantic suspense these days.  A lot of my friends told me to try going Indie, so I did and I am loving every minute of it.  I’m still keeping my eye on NY though, and hoping they’re keeping their eye on me.  I’m waiting to hear from my agent about the rest of this series.

*crossing fingers* I hope it happens for you!

What book have you most recently released?
The EDGE Of Trust.  Book one of the TEAM EDGE series.  It’s available in digital and paper formats.

THE EDGE OF TRUST

The stakes are incredible. Failure is unimaginable. The malice unthinkable.

Living a nightmare…
When EDGE operative Dillon Caldwell follows a direct order to bring down the Sanchez Brothers drug cartel, he never imagines that his wife, Sara, would be next on the cartel’s hit list.
Dillon thought nothing could match the pain of losing his wife, but when Sara mysteriously turns up twelve months later, beaten yet alive, he realizes he was wrong. She has secrets she’s unwilling to share, secrets that could cost them their lives.

Hunted by a relentless killer...
Rafael Sanchez has turned a vendetta into a war with no rules. He has taken retribution to an extreme and wants to shatter more than just Dillon’s life. He wants to destroy every reason Dillon has left for living. 

One way in, and no way out...
Trapped in a hostile jungle, Dillon and Sara have nowhere to turn, nowhere to hide, and they find themselves shifting from the shadows of vengeance into the sunlight of justice. In order to survive, they can trust no one, will betray anyone, and are determined to win at whatever the cost. 
Even if it means going over the edge.

Great Blurb! 

What was your favorite part of the book?
I love the camaraderie between Dillon and Jake, but I have to admit I really liked writing about Sanchez.  I did a lot of research on drug cartels and Pablo Escobar, and Sanchez isn’t too far off the mark.  I also really enjoyed writing the journal entries.  Being alone and undercover for three years would have to be extremely difficult for anyone, but especially for someone who can’t see his family. 

I agree.  I can't imagine not being able to see my family for three years.

Do you have another book in the works?
Yes, I do!  The EDGE Of Honor (Jake’s story) should be out in June.

What advice would you give new authors?
Read, read, read, then write, write, write.  Get critiques but don’t adjust your voice and story to what everyone else says.  Go with your gut.  It is, after all, your story.  And don’t argue too hard with editors, they almost always have great suggestions.

Great advice!  They are there to help, not hinder.  *grin*

Boxers or Briefs?
Boxers all the way!

Thank you so much for coming over and sharing with us today, KT Bryan.  It was such a pleasure to get to know you better. 

Visitors, good news!  KT Bryan has promised an e-copy of her new book THE EDGE OF TRUST to one lucky commenter.


Thanks for dropping by today.
Be sure to also visit KT Bryan @

Website:  www.ktbryan.net
Twitter:  KTBryan1



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tuesday Night Teaser

So I kinda forgot to post this morning.... Oooops!  But here it is.  I'm being kinda mean today.  It's really short, but it's really good.  It's from a rough WIP called Bride Price.  I hope you enjoy Erick and Dei's little scene.  Be sure to hop over to April and Jennifer's blogs too for more great teasers!


            Abruptly, he dropped the dress and cloak to the floor and stepped toward Deianira.  He locked eyes with hers and was surprised to see silent expectation.  His body ached to touch her, even if he had to settle for only a kiss.
            A shiver went through her body as his hands came to rest softly on her shoulders.  He was breathing heavily and his shoulders moved with each forced breath.  “I didn’t want to love you,” she looked into his eyes, “I didn’t want to love anyone.”
            “Do you love me?” he asked with a heavy rasp in his voice.
            “I’m starting to,” she whispered a reply.


Thanks for stopping over and be sure to leave me a tasty tidbit of your own!  Or a least a link back to your teaser!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Alexandra O'Hurley


I just want to say how excited I am to host Alexandra O'Hurley today on my blog.

Without further ado.........


Tell us a little about yourself, Alexandra.

Single mom, full-time employee, part-time writer and student, year-round Ravens fan and goofball…I wear a lot of hats, but who doesn’t these days?  I live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, but I was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  Fortunately, my mother broke me free from redneck hell when I was seven.  The twang comes back when liquor is applied in liberal amounts.

Tell us a little about your book.

Which one?  I’m coming down off the high of my double release day in the end of February of parts 1.5 and 2 of my Berserker Series.  Part 1.5 was a free read offered on the Evernight site (as well as Bookstrand and All Romance Ebooks) called Going Berserk.  Part 2 was Beauty and Her Beasts.  Both books are paranormal shifter stories focused on a pack of Nordic hunks.

(Mmmmm, Going Berserk was a very tasty treat!  It was actually what caught my eye first.  Then I had to go look for the rest of your stories.  I've always enjoyed a sexy Norseman *giggle*)

I also have a Naughty Fairy Tale coming out April 17th.  It’s a retelling of a classic, titled The Virgin Who Cried Wolf.  Hopefully you can guess what it’s modeled after.  In my tale, our hapless virgin likes spinning tall tales and when one sounds too close to home, the two big bad wolves feel the need to teach her a few lessons.

Excerpt – The Virgin Who Cried Wolf
©Alexandra O’Hurley, 2012

“Why can’t I just have my braies back?”
“Because a lady doesn’t wear trousers.”
“I can’t ride a horse in a gown.”
“You won’t be riding a horse tonight.”  Perhaps riding something else, but definitely not a horse.  His cock began to swell once more as the thought of pressing into her welcoming heat.
“I don’t like gowns.”
“Your clothes smelled of horse.  Wear the gown or go naked.  Either will be fine with me.” 
Her eyes finally found his again as she seemed to weigh if he were serious or not.  “Fine, give me the gown.”
He lifted his arm and remained where he was, forcing her to come retrieve the thing from his hands.  Thessa rolled her eyes to heaven and sighed, clearly affronted by his act.  She stomped toward him and snatched the fabric from him.  Once she’d donned the gown, he turned her and began to dry her long hair.
She reached behind her and fought him, pulling her hair so she could braid to once more.  “It’ll dry just fine like this.”
He snatched it back from her and released the half-worked braid, pulling the long strands out and around her face.  His mother’s silver brush was on the stand beside the tub.  She eyed it warily as he lifted it around to her head.  The bristled worked through the coppery strands on her head and he gently worked through a few knots as gently as he could.
There was something incredibly erotic in doing these intimate actions for her.  The brush slid through her soft hair like walking through summer wheat, and smelled as fresh.  His cock had been hard the entire time he’d dried her and brushed her hair.  He knew she’d felt the head swipe across her lower back from time to time as he brushed, as her body had stiffened with each one.  Instinct demanded that he press her to the cold stone floor and claim her.  But he reigned in the call yet again.
His beast was restless.  But he wasn’t giving in to his instinct and so the beast was becoming wild.  He felt the change forcing its way through his limbs and he was on the edge of control to keep the animal at bay.  A long, hard run through the woods would have to follow dinner if she were to keep her virginity till the morning.  Envisioning her running at his side, playing a deliciously decadent game of cat and mouse was enough to make him growl low in his chest. 
She looked over her shoulder tentatively, her hazel eyes shifting between desire and fear.  But there was also a mischievous glint.  He was quite sure thoughts of running from him were swirling through her mind yet again.  And he hadn’t truly punished her for the last time.
The silver brush still rested in his hand.  Swatting her ass with the metal, she gasped.  He leaned into her ear, licking the lobe. 
“That was for running from me.”
He raised the brush again, the light from the lantern hitting the back and glittering across the room.  The impact struck her other cheek.  The scent of her arousal flooded the room and garnered another low growl in response.  His claws burst from his fingers as he fought to cage his beast.
Raynd picked the best, and worst, moment to peek into the door.  “Dinner will be ready shortly, you need to dress, Caelan.”
Caelan glowered at Raynd who immediately picked up the scent in the room and looked over the both of them.  Thessa’s head dropped in shame, and that shame blackened Caelan to the core.  She’d wanted his touch, burned for him.  Her eyes had pleaded for his caresses.  Disgusted, he threw the brush on the stand and stalked from the room.


When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I’ve written on and off my whole life.  I wrote a lot of poetry as a child.  I was once accused of cheating on an essay on a test because it sounded too good for a 5th grader to have written.  And no, I hadn’t cheated.  It was then I knew words held power.

I wrote my first novel in reaction to a wallbanger.  It was horrid.  No real storyline, just pure sex, page, after page.  Now, sex isn’t a bad thing, I write a lot of it in, but there needs to be a reason behind it.  I was so bothered by the book, I told myself, “I can do better than that.”  Instead of talking trash, I sat my butt down in front of the computer and did it.  Two weeks later, I had my first manuscript.  That was about five years ago.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere and anywhere.  Dreams.  A hot guy walking out of a convenience store.  A hot guy driving past me on I95.  A hot male stripper.  Notice how ‘hot guy’ seems to be the core ideal here.  I’m so shallow.  But really, anything can spur on an idea, especially when you surround yourself with like-minded people who are super creative and talented as well. 

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I’d have to say a little of both.  My first couple were totally plotted.  Now, I waiver in between.  I may jot down a few core points I want to hit so I don’t lose focus, but what happens between point A and point B is totally on a wing and a prayer.

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first book published?

I sent it off to a traditional book pub and got a letter back with thanks, but no thanks.  I was crushed.  My MS sat for a year before I had the nerve to send it out again.  But eventually I did, and got my foot in the door with a fairly large e-pub.  They said I had potential and put me in queue.  Where I sat for a year.  Then I got the dreaded, you just aren’t what we’re looking for.  One more shot, and I got my first yes.  I did the Tigger dance all over my house.  Now, that first novel has run its course with the contract and I’ve decided to re-write and edit it to re-submit and I see why they said no!  It was god-awful!

Rate your story on a Heat level of 1-6?

That rating is so subjective.  What may make one woman’s cheeks burn and her hail mary come out may not even be a blip on someone else’s radar.  But, according to my pubs, I typically fall in the four to five range.  I’ve had a couple threes.

Do you have another book in the works?

Always!  Park and Ride is a short I have coming May 2nd to Evernight Publishing.  I’m also working on the third and final installment of the Berserker Series, a new paranormal series, as well as, a new contemporary piece.  Edits to my first novel will also be soon complete so I can re-publish that.

(Yay!  Can't wait!)

What advice would you give new authors?

Treat it like a profession, not a hobby.  Touch your work every single day, even if you only have time to edit a paragraph, create the writing habit.  Take true, constructive criticism with great appreciation, but also with a grain of salt – meaning that you should remember to keep your voice in there.    Lastly, grow really, really thick skin.  Haters gonna hate.  But don’t let it get you down.

Boxers or Briefs?

I don’t know about anyone else, but I wear bikinis!  ;P  But on a sexy man, I like a good pair of boxer briefs.  Very sexy.  Or neither – let him go commando!

Where to find Alexandra?

No stalking, unless you bring candy with you.  And by candy I mean hot men.  Deal?

Sounds like a deal to me.  

Thank you so much for coming over and sharing with us today, Alexandra.  It was such a pleasure to get to know you better.  

Alexandra has promised an e-copy of her brand new book, The Virgin Who Cried Wolf, that releases in a few short days!  Please be sure to let us know you stopped by with a comment to enter in the drawing.  

And be sure to visit Alexandra @

Twitter – alexohurley