Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Krystal Shannan Features - Ria Cantrell #romance


Celtic Fury by Ria Cantrell

In 14th Century Scotland amid Highland Feuds and Clan division, rugged men fight for their birthrights and their place in history. The MacCollum and Campbell Clans are bitter enemies, especially for the son of the Laird MacCollum, Rory, the fabled and lethal Wolf of the Highlands. When his betrothed is killed at the hands of his enemies, Rory has sworn vengeance on all named Campbell. Darkness pervades this warrior to the point of poisonous destruction.  Each day the darkness creeps forth, changing him and embattling his psyche. Each day, the blackness is becoming harder and harder to quell. Only Love can save him from the impending darkness, but his heart is walled. 
After years of self enforced exile in England, Rory returns to Scotland to seek his own destiny.  On his journey, Rory aids and rescues a young woman who is broken and battered from a terrible accident.  Rory knows he has to save her. In saving her, is it possible to save himself?  His heart gradually opens, only to find this woman is his most sworn and hated enemy.  Amid lies and betrayal, can Brielle’s love save Rory from the Darkness that seeps through his veins?  Can her love prevent him from the self destructive course he has been destined to run?

“Love and Passion transcends time and space in this dramatic tale set amid harsh Medieval realities…”
“Supernatural forces bring bitter enemies together in this epic Highland romance…”
“Can the seeds of love flourish in the bloodstained soil of Medieval Scotland where warring clans are divided by hatred?”

About the Author:
Ria Cantrell lives with her English rock star husband on the sunny shores of Southwest Florida.  When she is not writing, Ria is busy singing and performing with her husband in local venues. She is a classically trained vocalist with a specialty in baroque and early music, but she can “rock” out with the best of them.  Her dreams came true when she met her husband Paul in 2010 after speaking to him via internet for nearly three years. They married in May, 2012. Ria would say that their love story was as good as the fictional ones you read and in fact, she may tell it in one of her upcoming books.  Ria has always been drawn to the distant past and so it seemed only fitting that Celtic Fury was set on a medieval stage.  She began writing at a very young age and one would rarely find her without her trusted notebook scribbling her romantic musings. She hopes you enjoy the Celtic Saga with the Clan MacCollum at the forefront.  Look for her prequel, Celtic Tempest, which should be completed by February.  Celtic Traveler, is already in the works where the present, past and future collide.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Krystal Shannan Features - Laura's Light by Donna Gallagher @donnag63


Laura’s Light
by Donna Gallagher



~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forty-two- year- old single mother Laura Harris devoted more than half her life to raising her son. She remembered the concept of having sex but it had been aeons since she’s actually been a participant - especially with a real flesh-and-blood partner. But it’s time to reclaim her life. Her son is a man now. And the rising star of the Jets rugby league team. Their future is brighter than ever and, for the first time, financially secure. But Laura is starting to think agreeing to have dinner with Trevor Hughes could be biting off more than she can chew. Not that she can’t see herself taking a nice big chunk from the absolutely gorgeous thirty-four-year-old sports commentator’s rump, he’s one prime piece of masculinity! She just isn’t sure how or when the whole sex thing will become an issue. She can’t even get past the what-to-wear step. Let alone the when-to-take-it-off stage…

Trevor Hughes usually avoids the woman with substance - he has enough of his own demons to deal without trying to care for anyone else. But there’s something about the upbeat, sexy, one-woman-dynamo Laura Harris. The woman is pure sunshine and happiness. And that’s surprising when you look at what life has handed her. Nothing seemed to dampen Laura’s spirits and she quickly becomes someone Trevor needs in his life…Until misunderstandings come between them. Can Trevor put things right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m sorry… I should have left hours ago. This isn’t what is supposed to happen these days, I suspect.” Laura caught sight of the light shining from the corner of the closed drapes. 

“The sun is up! I have no idea what time it is. What on earth is Mitchell going to think?” Laura started to struggle in an attempt to free herself from Trevor’s hold, tried to remove herself from his arms, his bed. Then, realising she was naked, she froze. How the hell was she going to make a gracious exit when she would have to hunt, completely naked in front of him, for her clothing? Any chance of her maturing body’s flaws remaining hidden in the room’s darkness was now fading as the sun rose. Not to mention the walk of shame she was facing, going home in the probably now rumpled clothing that she’d left home in last night. Laura groaned.

“Oh, this is so embarrassing. I’m not really up on the etiquette this sort of thing involves. You know, the morning after the night before. What the hell was I thinking?” Laura buried her face into the pillow, thinking that hiding from the world might magically make all her uncertainty and embarrassment go away.

She heard Trevor chuckling next to her, and anger was the first emotion to take hold.

“This might seem funny to you, but I’m not some young bunny that hops from bed to bed. This is my first one-night stand and I’m a mother, for goodness’ sake. What will I tell my son? ‘Yes, Mitchell, it’s okay for me to stay out all night without letting you know, but heaven help you if you do the same to me—I’m the only one allowed to worry in this family.’ Not to mention the fact I’ve never stayed away from home before. No, I’m sure Mitchell is feeling just fine that his accusations proved correct, that we did end up in bed together. My God, what must he think of me?” And if the embarrassment of admitting her lack of a sex life hadn’t been enough to completely humiliate her, then bursting into tears left her in no doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sydney-born Donna Gallagher decided at an early age that life needed be tackled head on.
Leaving home at 15 she supported herself through her teen years.
In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -- especially rugby league -- probably overriding her good sense.

The seven-year marriage was an adventure. There were the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field. There were always interesting characters to meet and observe and even the opportunity to live for a time in the UK.

Eventually Donna returned home a single woman, but she never lost her passion for watching sport, as well as the people in and around it.

Now happily re-married and with three sons Donna loves coffee mornings with her female friends, sorting through problems from the personal to the international. But she's on even footing with the keenest man when it comes to watching and talking rugby league.

Donna considers herself something of a black sheep in a family of high achievers. Her brother has a doctorate in mathematics and her sister is a well-known sports journalist.

An avid reader, especially of romance, Donna finally found she couldn't stop the characters residing in her imagination from spilling onto paper. Naturally rugby league is the backdrop to her League of Love Series, published through UK publisher Total-E-Bound, spicy tales of hunky heroes and spunky heroines overcoming adversity to eventually find true love.

Donna will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Be sure to leave a comment and email to enter to win! 
No email = No entry


Find Donna @






Monday, February 25, 2013

Krystal Shannan - FINDING HOPE - Cover Reveal! #pnr #romance #fantasy #greekmythology

Cover Reveal

Warning: The plot thickens with a passel of pissed off Olympians, but Ares and Aphrodite are in for a double dose of trouble! More Olympians join the mix in Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2. A jewel addict, a kick-ass possibly-virgin huntress, and an insatiable ancient oracle are just a few. But don’t worry. Ares and Aphrodite are still front and center.

Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?

Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancĂ© tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him?

Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness?

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Krystal Shannan's #SneakPeekSunday - WIP - Pride Rules #43


You know you had to come back and see how Eshe is doing. Her nail were sliding over Darren's skin last week :-) You might need a fan. It's even hotter today!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His eyes flew open. The irises were elongated and fully cat. They were bright gold with flecks of black.
“Mine!”
The exclamation was so deep it sounded more like a lion’s growl than a human voice. Eshe trembled, fear and excitement fluttered across her skin like thousands of butterfly wings. He grasped her waist, lifted her off of his body, and moved from beneath her. Holding her hips, he thrust from behind into her wet pussy and a roar echoed through the room as he seated himself deep inside her.
         Eshe cried out into the sheets. He moved one hand to her shoulder and pulled her upright, pressing her back against his stomach. 

Krystal Shannan Features - Male Cover Model/Writer Scott McKinley


Please help me welcome Scottish Cover Model and Writer, Scott McKinley/A.B. McKinley!

Tell us a little about yourself. When did you start writing?
Born in Scotland, former member of the British Special Forces, now living in the USA. Started writing aboot 2 years ago after getting injured on one of my adventures! People kept telling me I should write a book aboot the things that had happened tae me, so being as though I was going tae need something tae do while recuperating - I decided tae give it a go.

What made you want to start modeling for book covers?
When I needed a cover but did nae want tae pay fer one! I'm Scottish, we're frugal!

How many book covers are you on?
Just mine and a couple of others, plus a couple that have nae been released yet - it's early days.

Have you ever been to a romance reader/writer convention?
Nae, unfortunately that something I cannae do.

Do people ever recognize you from your covers?
Nae yet ;-)

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
I like sports, comedies, working oot, writing ;-)

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate

Hamburger or Pizza?
Burgers

Tropical Beach or Snowy Resort?
Love Mountains

If an author wanted to contact you or find stock photos to purchase, where would they go?
They could email me at abmckinley2011@gmail and we'd work something oot ;-)

Scott McKinley Author and Cover Model writing as A. B. McKinley

Kilted Desire Sands of Betrayal

Sensual! Exciting! Passionate! Scott Maclaren, a strong, Special Forces Scotsman, terribly injured during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. His journey begins with a broken heart after his wife leaves him for another man during his time in the hospital. Traveling across the Atlantic to visit family, his story now begins.

After years of physical therapy and being alone, things were about to look up. Katie Johnson, a beautiful Ohio schoolteacher, was where his ‘dream’ of passion and love were to become reality. Smoldering embers became a passionate, raging fire between them. A wanting and desire that burned for one another as neither had ever experienced before. Scott’s love for Katie and her two girls would lead him to great lengths to make all their dreams come true, including a six-month security contract in the Middle East. The money would ensure financial security for life.

The contract was to secure the safety of a young attractive businesswoman, Britney Parnell, who is accustomed to getting what she wants… and she wants Scott. She wastes no time in making her yearnings known. All can see her motives, but Scott. His only thoughts while in Baghdad are to keep her safe amidst terrorist attacks, shootings and bombs exploding all around them… This sensual, sexy adventure begins with the ultimate betrayal and is filled with action, intrigue, passion and steamy love scenes. Inspired by true events…

Author websites:

Books can be purchased in eBook or Print at:

Friday, February 22, 2013

Krystal Shannan Features - Dariel Raye #romance #pnr


Please welcome fellow Romance Troupe member, Dariel Raye!

Tell us a little about yourself.
Like many writers, I’m an introvert. Because I started humming tunes and talking before I walked, I’ve always been a musician, too. Worked in education and mental health over 30 years because I love helping people discover and accomplish their dreams. I’m an animal rights advocate, probably what most people consider an unexpectedly organized artsy type.
    
Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance? 
I started writing stories as a child and won a few essay and story contests. Always had a book in my face even if it was the dictionary or encyclopedia – yeah, I love reading that much! I was a tomboy/Daddy’s girl growing up, and didn’t read romance until I was standing in line at Barnes & Noble one day and spotted a Christine Feehan cover at the checkout. I picked up one book from the series and from there I was hooked.  I thought, hey! These heroes aren’t full of a bunch of purple prose – they’re he-men like the ones I’m used to, and the women aren’t delicate flowers, either, so the sex is real. I can do this! Plus, we could all use more romance – the escape to the power of endorphins, the land of hope ;-)

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author? 
Getting to know readers and other writers, adding enjoyment to people’s lives and offering that much needed escape.

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?
The “Dark Sentinels Series” is my cry against the senseless massacre of wolves and every living creature.  Here’s a little about the origin of the series:

Mother Nature is Fighting Back!

Meet the “Dark Sentinels.”  Weary of shedding tears over the senseless murders of her children, thoughtless abuse of her resources, and blatant disrespect for her authority, she had to take drastic measures. Mother Nature created sentinels to protect and preserve nature, their first priority to stand vigil against those responsible for the destruction of wildlife.

Two sentinel wolf-shifters are born to each pack – male and female. Larger, stronger, and faster than other shifters, and able to shift at will, regardless of the moon’s phases, they risk their lives daily to restore balance between man and nature. Unfortunately, their very strengths have gained the attention of arrogant beings bent on exploiting their abilities for selfish gain.

Forced to leave their packs for a time to find mates, the sentinels are no longer able to avoid human contact. Dr. Sable Adler, of “Dark Sentinels Book One: Sable,” alpha of the Washington pack, one of the largest packs in the United States, was the first sentinel to fall in love with a human female. He’s a calm-natured Libra, while Torin DuMont, of “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin,” is a hot-headed, bad-tempered Scorpio alpha who resides in the Florida Everglades. 

Like Sable before him, Torin is about to find himself in uncharted territory when he seeks the legal counsel of Stephanie Bates, an uppity human lawyer who needs his help more than he needs hers…


When greedy land developers set their sights on Dark Sentinel land, Torin turns to attorney Stephanie Bates for help, but she’ll need his protection to stay alive long enough to save his land.

Real estate lawyer, Stephanie Bates, has risen to the top of her field through meticulous sacrifice and goal setting. She has no time for distractions – and that includes pets, messy relationships, and loose ends.

Torin DuMont is a forensic scientist who chose the profession to avoid dealing with people as much as possible. Raised by a stepfather who hated him, he’s been forced to live a life of solitude, fueled by anger and distrust. When wolves and shifters start turning up dead, Torin must battle an enemy bent on destroying those he was born to protect. His greatest challenge, however, is Attorney Bates and the surprising affect she has on his heart.

Short Excerpt
He sensed the sun had gone down before he stepped over to the small window and looked out. Even in the complete darkness, his eyes did not fail him, and he saw the grounds as clearly as if daylight greeted him. Finally, one man remained in the waiting room with him, but it was well after six p.m. 
He picked up the pleasant scent of mint, lemongrass, and lilies and turned just in time to see shapely legs, a voluptuous body full of promise. The warm, mocha-colored face wasn’t bad either. Clearly, it was the owner of the musical voice. His wolf bristled beneath his skin, forcing an internal battle just to remain civilized. Confusion increased his frustration. He’d never reacted to a female this way before, and certainly not a human. 
She glanced at the other client and headed straight for Torin, arm extended to shake his hand as she called over her shoulder, “Go on home, Cindy. It’s already late. No need for both of us to stay.”
Cindy was out of the office in a flash, glancing back apprehensively as she closed the door. 
“Mr. DuMont? I’m Ms. Bates, Stephanie Bates.”
Torin nodded and grasped her hand but did not return her smile. He was far too busy trying to resist the crippling effect her melodious voice seemed to have on him. His nerve endings sizzled as he attempted to manage the sensory overload. This isn’t supposed to happen, he secretly seethed. What in the hell is wrong with me? His sexual encounters had been quick, unemotional, and necessary for physical satisfaction only, and he’d never been overtaken so--completely. Her scent intensified, tinged with desire, as molten chocolate-colored eyes gazed at him confidently, only confusing him further. Desire? 

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?
Guess you could say I’m a combination of the two. The artist and OCD are constantly battling for control, so to keep my warring sides at peace, I do a chapter-by-chapter outline to appease OCD Dawn, then Dariel comes along as soon as the story starts to take shape and changes everything, allowing the characters to do whatever comes naturally for them. LOL

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?
Seems so long ago, and times have changed so much for authors since then, thank God! I was working as a senior high school counselor, so I adopted a pen name to keep my very inquisitive students from getting their hot little hands on my book so easily (of course they found it anyway). Like all of my books, it was multicultural/intercultural (I don’t use the tag “interracial” because there’s only one race – the human race), and I had to print the entire manuscript, send it snail mail to each publishing house, and wait.  Well, I wasn’t about to do that, so I decided it would be my “learning book,” and published it through “1st Books,” now “Authorhouse” in 2003. Continued to read and learned a lot from that experience about writing and publishing over the next several years before winning a story contest and publishing contract with The Wild Rose Press  in 2007.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business? 
One of the most important things for writers and authors to do is READ. I talk to people all the time who claim they want to write a book, but they don’t read! They don’t talk about other people’s books or exhibit the desire to read other people’s books, and reading is not one of their favorite pass times. What are they thinking? There’s too much knowledge and information being ignored. Even when you’re a great writer, like music, writing is a process, and it demands all of you. You never know everything – there’s always room for improvement, and if you don’t enjoy the process, do something else. Lastly, and just as important as reading, don’t expect your friends and family to be your biggest supporters. Your best resources and friends are other writers. They become your strongest support system along the way – nurture those relationships.

Do you have another book in the works?
I’m actually working on two other series: “Jordan’s Wings,” book one of “The Alerians – Dark Progeny Series” is already available through Red Rose Publishing on their site and Amazon.com. I’m about 70% finished with book 2, and book 3 is coming together quite nicely in my head. I hope to be finished with book 2 and whisk it off to my editor by the end of this month (fingers crossed). My third series, “Children of Cain” will hopefully be in process by November of this year, just in time for NaNo. 

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?
I love animals and would have even more pets if I could afford them. LOL. Love beautiful music with a passion, and enjoy number and logic games. I live close to beaches, so I enjoy crossing the water and hanging out over there when I can.

Where do you dream of going on vacation?
Italy and Switzerland

Boxers or Briefs? Boxers – give ‘em room and surprise me.
Cookies or cake? Cookies, so it’s quick, sweet, and easy.
Pizza or hamburger? Pizza – more variety.
Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Mixed drink – creativity at its best.

Be sure to leave a comment. Dariel is drawing two names for a copy of Dark Sentinels Book 1: Sable. No email = No entry

Be sure to join The Romance Troupe Facebook release party and giveaway HERE!

Link to The Romance Troupe Rafflecopter

Post a comment on this blog with your email address and click here to enter TWO Rafflecopters (“Torin” tour Rafflecopter and The Romance Troupe Rafflecopter) for books, gift cards, even coffee J






Thursday, February 21, 2013

Krystal Shannan Features - Heather Sharpe


When time’s the enemy, there’s no room to pussyfoot around.

Betrayed by her fiancĂ©, Mahri Lassler swears never to risk losing her heart again. She’s convinced she may as well collect cats since she’s on the path to spinsterhood. She adopts a tomcat, and just as they’re beginning to learn each other’s idiosyncrasies, the cat bolts out the door, disappearing without a trace. Her quest to find the darn cat leads her to a confused, naked man writhing on the street. The hopeless look in his eyes touches something deep inside Mahri. Can she trust her heart enough to risk it on a man with no past? Will her love be enough to break his curse?



Excerpt: 

            Unimaginable agony ripped through him, searing every nerve, and igniting his blood. Contorting in pain, his muscles contracted independently, twisting his body into impossible positions.
            What seemed an eternity later, he lay gasping in the dirt. He pulled his lips back in a  painful grimace as he sucked air into his aching lungs and looked around for Brigid. He would think twice before giving her an opportunity to hurt him that profoundly again. In all the battles he’d fought, he’d never felt such pain.
            The clearing was empty. Brigid, the cottage, his horse, the small garden where they’d spent hours talking; all of it, had disappeared without a trace. A shiver of unease raced through his limbs.
            The breeze, gentle now, ruffled his hair playfully. Testing his muscles tentatively, he noticed only a slight tenderness remained after the unbearable agony of before. His muscle and joint pain paled in comparison to a sudden thirst.
            Climbing unsteadily to his feet, he stumbled to the brook. Whatever she’d done to him had messed with his vision. Everything seemed skewed. While trees and other still objects appeared fuzzy, anything that moved snapped with clarity, instantly claiming his undivided attention. A silver sheen blanketed the world before him. It dampened the saturation of the forest colors, but he noticed more small animals scurrying about than ever before.
Closing his eyes to offset the dizzying effects of this visual phenomenon, Morgan stretched toward the musical bubbling of water over stones and lapped several mouthfuls before daring to crack his eyes open. After the tortuous eternity and weird theatrics, he was unsure what he’d expected, but it definitely wasn’t this.
            A furry black face with two short, pointed ears and feline eyes stared up at him from the surface of the water.

✧✧✧

Heather Sharpe lives on six acres in Central Kansas with her husband, perfect baby boy, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. In case the house isn’t full enough, it also includes four noisy dogs, one cat who inspired For the Love of a Sphynx and another who torments him, and a lizard. At night, all of them think they need room on the bed (except the lizard, thankfully). Up until the birth of her son, Heather taught elementary school. Now she chases around her toddler and writes whenever he naps.

Links:


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Krystal Shannan Spotlights - Dangerous Temptation by Catrina Barton


Dangerous Temptation

by Catrina Barton

Seventeen year-old orphan Kaitlin Sinclair's world gets turned upside down when she's forced to move half way around the world to Indonesia with her uncle she never knew existed. Things get worse when the demons she left behind in America follow her to the land of intrigue.

Her uncle forces her to attend a celebration where she meets Cadmon, a mysterious, captivating stranger, who reveals that he knew her parents. She uncovers secrets that in the wrong hands could destroy his endangered clan of were-tigers and the entire world.

When Kaitlin dives into a foreign culture, full of mystique and dangers everywhere she turns, keeping her heart safe might prove as impossible as staying alive!




EXCERPT:
“I’m not afraid of you.” Kaitlin stroked his scarred cheek.
“You should be.” His hand cupped hers, heat pouring into her skin. Cadmon pressed it firmly against his cheek. He nuzzled it, before pulling it away.
“You’re not a monster.” She licked her bottom lip. “You’re… beautiful.” She ran a finger along his squared jaw line.
“Men aren’t beautiful.” He held her fingers away from him, staring from them, into her eyes. “What have you done to me?” Confusion etched onto his face.
“I could ask you the same thing.” She swallowed, and tugged her fingers away from him, rubbing them down the side of her jeans, hoping to chase away the electric currents tingling her skin.

Buy Links:

Catrina Barton is a real go-getter, who in 2006 turned her avid reading addiction since she was three, into a vigorous passion for writing. Especially Young Adult Romances. She draws on her knowledge as a Kung-Fu Instructor to make her fight scenes both realistic, and action packed. 

When not indulging her fertile imagination to craft stories for your reading pleasures, she enjoys hiking with her family, and amateur belly dancing.


Her love of writing, and her family, rival her exhilaration from helping fellow writers. She is a proud member of many writing, and marketing groups, and an active participant at Critique Circle, and several other crit groups.

Favorite personal quote:
"An author cannot grow without both constructive criticism and encouragement."


Social Media Links:
Blog: Kitty's Inner Thoughts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KittyB78
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kittyb78
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6423796.Catrina_Barton
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/catrina-barton/49/682/165





Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Krystal Shannan Interviews - Lynda Kaye Frazier #romance #suspense


Please welcome my fellow Romance Troupe member, Lynda Kaye Frazier!

Tell us a little about yourself.
Lynda Kaye Frazier spends her days working for a group of Cardiologists doing ultrasounds, then each evening she’s in front of her computer working on her next story. She grew up in Pennsylvania, but now lives in Arkansas where she enjoys the four seasons without a long, cold winter. She’s an avid reader of romantic suspense, which is the genre that she writes. Other than spending time with her family she enjoys writing, reading, going to the movies, listening to music, and—her most favorite—going to the beach. Surf, sand and a good book-her stress relief.

Did you always want to be an author? 
I know it’s a clichĂ© but my writing started with a dream 2 years ago and hasn’t stopped since then.  

What made you choose to write romance? 
I love Romantic Suspense.  Who wouldn’t fall in love with special Ops and Navy Seals. They can rescue me any day.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author? 
I love how my story writes itself. I wake up with a scene or a story idea in my head.

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it? 
I had a vivid dream about an FBI agent saving a girl from a dark room. It began the next morning and two months later I had a full length novel. 




She has no memory of their love...

Kidnapped by terrorists and sent into a drug-induced coma, FBI intern Mercedes Kingsley awakes with no memory of her ordeal—or the intimate interlude that left her pregnant. Convinced her child was fathered by her ex-fiancĂ©, she walks away from the only man she has ever loved, determined to make things work with her ex, a man the FBI suspects is implicated in her abduction. 


He knows the truth, but no one will listen...

FBI undercover agent Jason Michaels remembers what Mercy can’t and those memories are breaking his heart. Forced to keep his distance from his lover and their unborn child, Jason risks his life to protect Mercy from a cell of international terrorists who have vowed to get the secrets locked in her memory, no matter the cost. Can Jason convince Mercy to trust him until she remembers their past, or will he lose her to a man who will trap her in a nightmare world of darkness from which there is no escape?

This is a teaser...

He had to get her out of there, but with all the drugs in her system, would she even remember who he was?

Mercy was lying on the bed. Even in the dim light, he could tell she was pale. Her clothes were wrinkled and her shirt caked with what they forced her to eat. From the looks of the room she fought hard. Damn, he needed to get her out before the drugs took her from him.
“Mercy, wake up. Come on, open your eyes.” Nothing. She didn’t move. Okay, she’s not going to like this. “You need to wake up and take a shower, so let’s get both done at the same time.”
He took the chair into the shower and turned it on then went back to the bed. He picked up Mercy, and placed her under the fine mist of cold water. Just what she needed. He held her in the chair as the water flowed over her head, soaking her hair and drizzling down her shoulders. His back was pelted by the spray as he knelt in front of her, but he didn’t care. He shook her shoulders, and she stirred.
“Good, Mercy. Come on, open your eyes.” He struggled to hold her slippery, wet body in the chair. The T-shirt was soaked and her thin bra could not hide the effects of the cold water. He clenched his jaw tight at the thought of never being able to touch her, love her. She has to remember him, remember them. She struggled against his hold as she started to wake. “I’m not letting you up until you open your eyes. Come on, look at me.”
Her eyes flew open. They were filled will fear and confusion as she frantically searched the room. Then her head dropped and their eyes met and he knew.

EXCERPT:  (This is from the first Chapter)

An explosion ricocheted behind Jason Michael’s eyes as the pressure mounted in his head. The rush of panic consumed him. He struggled to move, tried to swallow, but nothing. His throat burned as the flames engulfed his lungs. He needed to breathe but couldn’t. Shit. He strained to make out the muffled voice, but the pounding in his ears erased all hope. His head started to spin and he succumbed to the realization, this was it, the end. He won. The flames dampened and his heartbeat slowed as the drums subsided, then the voice became clear.
“Give it to him now you son of a bitch. What were you thinking? We still need him.”
In a split second, Jason sucked in a breath, causing stabbing pains to shoot through his chest. Every muscle fiber burned as the cold blast of air shot through his lungs releasing the oxygen his body craved. He arched his back, raising his chest up to pull in more air when his head snapped to the side and the crack from his neck echoed in his ears. The pain ripped through his jaw, racing across his cheekbone. Before he could gather his senses, intense burning set his face on fire. What the hell?
The slap against his cheek stung, and his eyes snapped open. He wrenched upright, hitting his head on the roof of the SUV. His gaze darted back and forth looking for something familiar until he locked onto the ice-cold stare of the devil himself, Shaun Flanagan.
Damn, that was close. Jason could not blow his cover, even if it meant he would die as David Logan and not Jason Michaels.

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?  
Pantser, all the way. I tried to be a plotter but me characters took over.  

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published? 
I submitted my story to three publishers and I received re-write and re-submit from all three. I did and Black Opal Books sent me an e-mail two days after they got it. I was so excited. My many months of workshops and critique groups paid off.

What advice would you give new authors?  
Never give up. You will get your feelings hurt and rejection letters but each one should be a building block to make you a stronger writer. Have a strong support group and most important a strong critique group. They will help you mold your story into one a publisher will fall in love with.

What have you learned about the business? 
It’s very competitive and you need to stay on top of all the changes in the market. Be active and you will build respect and a lot of readers who will anxiously wait for your next book to come out.

Do you have another book in the works? 
Yes. Rescued from the Dark is the first book in a series of eight. It takes you through the lives of a group of FBI, Navy Seals and Special Ops men who work for the Guardians of Hope. A rescue group that takes on missions our government can’t or won’t. My next one is called Last Chance to Run.

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course? 
Love to go to the movies and to the beach. My family and I go to the movies every weekend. Boy do I miss drive-ins. I am so showing my age there.  

Where do you dream of going on vacation? 
To any beach. I love the ocean and collect sand from every beach I go to. 

Boxers or Briefs?  Boxers  
Cookies or cake? Cannot choose, they are both my favorite
Pizza or hamburger? Hamburger loaded with everything even jalapenos 
Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?  I’m a wine kind of girl. 

Lynda is offering 1 free digital copy of Rescued from the Dark to a lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your email or we won't be able to find you.

Where to find you @
Twitter- lynda_kaye  

Monday, February 18, 2013

Krystal Shannan Features - RT Wolfe


Welcome RT Wolfe back to the blog! So glad to have you back!

Tell us a little about yourself. 
Thank you, Krystal. I’m thrilled to be back on your beautiful blog. You’ve done an amazing job with it! I am the author of the Black Creek Series set in beautiful upstate New York. I enjoy creating diverse characters and twining them together in the midst of an intelligent mystery and a heart encompassing romance.
It’s not uncommon to find dark chocolate squares in my candy dish, my Golden Retriever at my feet and a few caterpillars spinning their cocoons in their terrariums on my counters. I love my family, gardening, eagle-watching and can occasionally be found viewing a flyover of migrating Whooping cranes.

Did you always want to be an author? 
I’ll always say that writing found me. I did not go looking for it. I’m not sure what made me type out the first few lines of Black Creek Burning. It wasn’t my style. Two lines turned into two pages that turned into two hundred pages and more. It was like crack cocaine and I’m never going back. The process, the research, the editing, the hours in one spot (7,500 words in one seven-hour sitting at Panera is my record), I completely love it all. The book has earned a 4.8 star average on Amazon and has been featured on the USA Today Happy Ever After blog. I’m so incredibly blessed.

What made you choose to write romance?
There are other genres? LOL

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?
Ugh. That’s a hard one. My favorite? I would say it is when a reader messages me to tell me they are holding their eyelids up with toothpicks because they couldn’t put down my book. So kind!

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?
Flying in Shadows is Book 2 in the Black Creek Series. Book 1 is more of a prequel to books 2 and 3. 
Andrew Reed grew up with an instinctual need to keep an eye on his best friend. Not that Rose couldn’t take care of herself. Wild and sassy, she could hold her own in a fight, yet turn on a dime to volunteer at the local zoo or animal shelter. It wasn’t until later in life when Andy discovered his instincts were well founded.
Rosemarie Piper spent much of her life hidden from a brutal past she didn’t know she had. As the most upcoming conservation biologist in the Northeast, Rose works to find common ground with her passion to preserve nature’s creatures and the fact that the love of her life turned into a builder and land developer.
Little do either of them know their differences in life choices won’t be the only thing that works to keep them apart. When the violence from Rose’s past discovers her existence, she and Andy fight not only to keep their love together but to keep Rose alive.

Here is an excerpt…


Walking in the dark, Andy readjusted his tackle box. Moonlight shone on the dark ripples creeping down Black Creek. He spotted a raccoon as he crossed the bridge. Startled, the animal hissed at him. Andy stomped his foot and hissed back; he was in no mood for it.
In his peripheral vision, he saw movement Larger movement. A man? The shape disappeared as quickly as Andy imagined it. When you let yourself get this worked up, you start seeing things, he chided himself. 
He needed Rose.
She would calm him down and lighten his mood, help him feel normal again. He looked at his watch and winced. What were friends for if you couldn't count on them to be there? Even at this time of night. Or morning.
* * *
Rose slept soundly in her twin bed dreaming of her favorite spot at the zoo. In the small rain forest building, she allowed a newly emerged monarch butterfly to dry its wings on her apron while sharing facts about the insect to one of two visiting young boys. The other threw pebbles into the nearby wishing pond. The sound of the small rocks plunked as they hit the stone wall before dropping into the water.
Oh, crap. She woke and sat up straight. The plunking noise came from outside, not in her head.
Heart in her throat, she ripped off her blankets and hustled across the hard floor to the window. It was still pitch-black out.
Grabbing the flashlight she always kept on the windowsill, Rose paused for moment. She shook her head assuring herself it was Andy and lifted the window. She found him with the beam as she hissed loudly, “I thought you didn’t get home until tomorrow.”
"It is tomorrow." He held up fishing poles and tackle box.
"It's not tomorrow until the sun comes up." Tugging on a pair of jeans, Rose smiled wildly to herself. This reaction she had to Andy Reed had to stop. It was not healthy.
"I've got the worms." he called. "Get down here."

Flying in Shadows purchase links:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/XZxMTf 



Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?
I try to be a plotter. I am a plotter in other areas of my life. But the characters are constantly pulling me away and making me re-outline. I don’t mind. 

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?
After many queries and submissions, I was offered a contract by a smaller publishing company. That didn’t work out and I was able to get my rights back (that actually hardly ever happens). I am now with ePublishing Works and loving the intelligent, data-driven work and marketing through this company. 

What advice would you give new authors?  
In the words of my aspiring author friend, Kate Bateman, “Finish the damn book.” LOL The biggest obstacle I see in new authors is the guts to finish. I won’t say it’s easy, but it’s worth it!

I absolutely agree!

What have you learned about the business?
Such a thought-provoking question. I’ve learned it mostly not true. What I mean is I know of quality self-published author works and truly awful published novels. The traditional standards of the publishing world are IMO still heavy-laden on authors. I see unconventional publishing companies such as Entangled and ePublishing Works who are proving to be highly successful and author-friendly but are looked down upon because … well … they are unconventional. Interesting. 

The square pegs in a round world! LOL!

Do you have another book in the works?
I do, Krystal. Thank you for asking. Book 3 in the Black Creek Series is tentatively set to be released April 1st. I had barely gotten it to my editor before three more series were buzzing holes in my head. Decisions.

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?
I have three boys who are swimmers. I spend many nights and weekends traveling around the Midwest attending their meets. I can often be found in bleachers with my laptop in my lap. I love working my golden retriever, could spend days upon days in my gardens and love learning about nature. 

Where do you dream of going on vacation?
Right now, I need to get to a beach on the east coast. One of the series buzzing those holes in my head features a conservation biologist who specializes in the protection of sea turtles and a rogue deep sea treasure hunter. Fun.

Boxers or Briefs?
Boxer-briefs. Sorry, I know that cheating

Cookies or cake?
Completely cookies. I gave up sweets for Lent. Trying not to think about it!

Pizza or hamburger?
Pizza with the works! This is not a sweet. Whoop!

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?
Budweiser. Bottle. Not Bud Light. Red wine when I’m being healthy. 

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)
What were your first impressions of each other?
Andy: Rose was five-years old, bossy, rude and cussed like a sailor!
Rose: Andy was a pansy. I taught him better. 
What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?
Andy: Rose is a survivor. But she shares her nature of survival with those less able to fight for themselves, mostly the endangered animals she adores. 
Rose: Andy can talk his way in and out of just about any situation. I wish I had that skill. I guess Andy has stepped in for me with his thousand watt smile and quick tongue, like with Whooping crane reserve land and that time in grade school when I got in the ‘spat’ with the boys on the playground? Yeah, he’s handy alright. 
What are your plans for the near future? 
Andy: Win the girl and keep her alive!
Rose: I’m too busy to think about anything but my work. Eagle bandings, presentations, protests, the care of injured animals. I don’t have to time to plan for anything, especially my broken heart.  

Be sure to leave a comment. RT Wolfe will draw a random commenter for a free digital copy of Flying in the Shadows!!! No Email = No entry

Where to find you @
Websites, Blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, etc.
R.T. Wolfe Website/Newletter: http://www.rtwolfe.com
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