Krystal Shannan Interviews - Jamie Salisbury - Tudor Rubato

Please help me welcome Jamie Salisbury to the blog

 today!

Tell us a little about yourself. . .

Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.

 An avid reader of history, biographies, and romance it's only natural that she prefers to write  romances with characters said to be "so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader's hand." No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile when she was a teen because of the unstable political climate.

 Finding herself unable to walk great distances  as a result of  several foot surgeries, she started writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing paradigm. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

Yes, I've wanted to be an author since I was a little girl. The desire was only fueled by creative writing and journalism teachers.

I didn't necessarily choose romance to write - it chose me. I read a variety of genres, but at least for right now I am comfortable writing romance novels.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Having a reader tell me how much they enjoyed what I've written.

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it.

Having survived a near-death experience all Amadeus Tudor wants to do is escape to the countryside of Scotland with his wife Zara so the two can have some much needed down time together as a couple and work on rebuilding their relationship.  Life for the past couple of years, however has been “a long, strange trip (it’s been)”* for the internationally acclaimed rock star, with no signs of stopping.  (*Grateful Dead - Truckin')

 But before the couple can even get away, tragedy hits close to home forcing the couple into almost delaying their new adventure. Grace Tudor, the family matriarch insists the two embark on their new adventure and recommitting to each other immediately.

 The change of scenery proves exactly what Amadeus needs to reboot his songwriting and his all encompassing bond with Zara.  Together they embrace their new adventure as slowly Amadeus, with the guidance of music icon, Peter McNichol embarks on what promises to be another notch in Amadeus’ career.

 The road is full of twists and turns for the pair as one moment finds them frolicking in the meadows outside Edinburgh to the next learning the shocking and sinister side of one of Amadeus’ own brothers.

Tudor Rubato is the second in a series entitled Tudor Dynasty.

 Tudor Rubato

Having survived a near-death experience all Amadeus Tudor wants to do is escape to the countryside of Scotland with his wife Zara so the two can have some much needed down time together as a couple and work on rebuilding their relationship.  Life for the past couple of years, however has been “a long, strange trip (it’s been)”* for the internationally acclaimed rock star, with no signs of stopping.  (*Grateful Dead - Truckin')

 But before the couple can even get away, tragedy hits close to home forcing the couple into almost delaying their new adventure. Grace Tudor, the family matriarch insists the two embark on their new adventure and recommitting to each other immediately.

 The change of scenery proves exactly what Amadeus needs to reboot his songwriting and his all encompassing bond with Zara.  Together they embrace their new adventure as slowly Amadeus, with the guidance of music icon, Peter McNichol embarks on what promises to be another notch in Amadeus’ career.

 The road is full of twists and turns for the pair as one moment finds them frolicking in the meadows outside Edinburgh to the next learning the shocking and sinister side of one of Amadeus’ own brothers.

Excerpt:

I closed the front door and found Amadeus back in the kitchen helping himself to a huge slice of the blackcurrant pie. He certainly had no problem finding the plates and forks.

“Amadeus! I was going to warm the pasties so we could eat first.”

“But I’m starving.”

“So am I. Put it down. I’ll heat up these pasties so we can eat. Why don’t you open the bottle of wine. And put that pie down!”

“Mmm, okay,” he mumbled as he crammed his mouth full of pie.

I walked over and snatched the plate out of his hand, knowing full well he would eat the entire piece while we waited for the main course. Fortunately for us, the pasties were still fairly warm and I popped them into the microwave for a minute just to make them hot.

I found a corkscrew in a drawer and tossed it to him as I looked for a couple of wine glasses. I took two out of the cabinet and walked them over to him. As I laid them down, the buzzer on the microwave beeped letting me know the pasties were ready. I plated them, grabbed a couple of forks and walked over to the kitchen table situated along a cheerful large window. Amadeus quickly followed and placed a glass next to me as he sat down across the table.

The food was good, and we were both hungrier than we thought. We devoured all four of the pasties before Amadeus was back at his slice of pie. My mind was still spinning with the events of the day. It had been quite a long day for that matter, but I was too keyed up for sleep.

Instead I got up, gathered the dishes and put them in the dishwasher before I walked back over to where Amadeus sat, still at the kitchen table. I began to massage his neck and shoulders.

“How does that feel?”

“God you’ve got good hands. That feels wonderful.”

I knew beneath the table Amadeus was hard as granite, the blood running like lava through his veins, and I knew where this was going if I kept touching him.

I moved his hair to one side and began kissing him against the nape of his neck and smiled as a shudder rippled through him.

“Amadeus,” I cooed softly, “would you like to check out our new bedroom?”

It was all the encouragement he needed. Noisily he shoved back his chair and hauled me into his arms. “Why go all the way upstairs to the bedroom, love?”

Copyright©2012Jamie Salisbury

                                                            Buy Links

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Barnes & Noble: 

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

A little bit of both. I keep notebooks with outlines, ideas, you name it. But that doesn't mean I don't just sit down and write, because a lot of times that's exactly what I do.

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

It was interesting, let's just leave it at that. It (the epublishing) industry was like the wild west out there. But now six books later I am much more at ease and in my own skin going through the process.

What advise would would you give new authors? What have you learned about the business?

To new authors? Write. Keep writing, never give up.

What have I learned? A lot! It is an ever changing business, especially if you are self published. You need to keep up with a mountain of information and stay on top of your game.

Do you have another book in the works?

Always! I have started the sequel to Tudor Rubato. I've also about finished the sequel to my book Timeless Sojourn and I have two others in various stages.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? Seriously, I like to knit in order to relax, but find myself plotting books, characters, etc.  Anything equestrian always, along with traveling, photography.

Where do you dream of going on vacation?

Hmmm, tough call. I'd love to go to Jordan and visit some of the ancient ruins they have (the ones that were used in Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc.). I've traveled a lot and lived overseas, so it's a tough call. Depends on how much time, etc. too.

Boxers or briefs?  I'll never tell

Cookies or cake? Cake, but only if it's a "to die for" chocolate cake.

Pizza or hamburger:  both

Beer, wine or mixed drink? None - I don't drink!

Hero/Heroine Character Questions

What were your first impressions of each other?

Amadeus:  I was immediately attracted to Zara, but it took years to allow our relationship to be anything but professional.

Zara: I was certainly attracted to Amadeus, but I had a strict policy "not to date or bed the client".  It took a few years for him to grow into the man he is now.

What's your favorite characteristic of each other?

Amadeus:  Her unconditional love. She's amazing.

Zara:  His strength. He's always there for me, even when he's being a butt.

What are your plans for the near future?

Both:  You'll have to read the next book!!

Where to find Jamie @

Blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.jamiesalisbury.com/\

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Salisbury-Womans-Fiction-Author/202978499741542

Romance Novel Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/jamiesalisbury

Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury

There will be a drawing at the end of the tour for a couple of grab bags of goodies which among other things will include book thongs made just for Tudor Rubato, copies of one or both Tudor Dynasty ebooks.

Be sure to leave a comment and email to win!

Krystal Shannan Spotlights Stephanie Queen - The Hot Shots Book 2

Please help me welcome Stephanie Queen to the blog today!

Tell us a little about yourself.

SQ:     I’ll divulge a secret, Krystal—I’m not really a royal. Although I do indulge in occasional crown-wearing. Also, I love to wear heels and prefer my skirts above the knee. My favorite pajamas are fleece and I adore Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia. I cook everything with butter now. (No, I’m not a heart attach waiting to happen!)

Did you always want to be an author?    

SQ: Only since the second grade.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

SQ:  How much time do you have?  Really, maybe instead I should point out the one thing I don’t like.  I sometimes get tired of my own company after being trapped (inside my head) in my house by myself for hours, days, weeks, writing away on the computer with only my cat, Kitty to talk to. (No, she doesn’t talk back. Geesh, what do you think I am, crazy?) (Yes, I should probably get out more.)

Tell us a little about your book.

SQ:  Here’s the SNAP on THE HOT SHOTS :

Would you jump off the USS Constitution into Boston Harbor with a perfect stranger?  You would if that stranger was hot shot Scotland Yard detective Chauncey Miller, the usual tall-dark-handsome type, especially since he has an assassin with a score to settle who just caught up with him…

Decorator Sophia “Pixie” Alano’s career gets side-tracked from the moment she meets hot shot Chauncey. He's on the run from a madman terrorist out for revenge when Sophia ends up targeted too.  Now he has to protect his spitfire of a Pixie while they escape to London to outwit the madman. But once Chauncey catches their would-be killer, how can they go back to the lives they had before?

THE HOT SHOTS

STEPHANIE QUEEN

Decorator Sophia Alano’s career gets side-tracked from the moment she meets hot shot Scotland Yard detective Chauncey Miller. On the run in Boston, Chauncey must now protect this spitfire Pixie from the madman out for revenge. But once he catches their would-be killer, how does he hold onto his Pixie decorator?

Chapter One Excerpt:

“I have a favor to ask,” Grace said from behind her desk, pencil in hand and dimple in place. “I need you to pick up David’s latest recruit from Scotland Yard at Logan Airport today and keep him busy for the day. Show him around.” 

Sophia couldn’t stop her usual sarcasm in spite of the fact that Grace was her boss as well as her best friend. This so-called favor made no sense. Even for Grace.

“Are you serious?” Sophia planted her hands on her hips. “Let me make sure I understand you--You’re asking me to babysit one of David’s Scotland Yard hot shots on the eve of my possible career breakthrough?”

Grace nodded. Her big blue eyes were wide and honest. Something was up.

“That’s crazy talk. Tomorrow’s the shoot for the audition tape.” Sophia knew that Grace knew this since Grace helped set it up for her, but she felt it was worth mentioning the obvious.

“Yes. I know.” Grace smiled then looked back down at her drawing. “And a distraction is exactly what you need to keep your nerves at bay.”

“What? My nerves are fine.” If her dam voice hadn’t squeaked at that moment, she’d have been more convincing. Something was definitely up. And Sophia would never admit it to Grace, but she did feel a bit edgy--if edginess included nausea, headaches and sleeplessness.

“I know you.” Grace paused and gave her the serious-yet-loving older-sister type look that she mostly put up with. “This will be good for you and…and I’d really appreciate it.”

Grace was playing dirty pool now with that appreciation bit, but Sophia still didn’t buy it.

“And what if I didn’t have time today?  Were you going to tear me away from my project?”

“Actually, yes.  I wasn’t going to mention it, but some of the men were complaining about your presence at the set and asked me to have you back off just a smidge.” Grace scrunched her brow. “But don’t worry, honey, they think you’re wonderful. It’s just lately...”

“Great. That’s great.” Her hands flew into the air. “I got painters and paperhangers and carpenters talking to my boss behind my back.” This was not good. She plunked herself on the edge of Grace’s desk and folded her arms. She tried staring at the stack of fabric samples on the other side of the office so Grace wouldn’t notice if a tear slipped out. Because, damn it, she might be on the brink of crying.

Grace picked up the box of tissues and handed it to her. “You’ll be alright, Pixie honey. This is the perfect way to get your mind off everything to do with decorating and the design show audition filming and TV cameras. I’m asking for a one-day one-shot favor.”

Grace’s voice sounded a little too sweet, even for her, and “Pixie honey” or no “Pixie honey”, that was cause for suspicion.  She blew her nose. Okay, so maybe she needed a break, but she wasn’t convinced that playing tour guide to some British guy fresh off the boat...or rather airline--was the way to go.           

“I’m saving up my vacation time and I don’t think you have the authority to assign me to pick up some random guy at Logan Airport and show him around town while I’m on the clock.  We’re in the decorating business.”   She remained seated on the edge of Grace’s desk, tossed the balled-up tissue in a basket halfway across the small office and re-folded her arms.  “Besides it doesn’t even sound safe.”   She blew the blunt-cut bangs off her forehead for emphasis.

Grace looked at her with that smile and said, “He’s from Scotland Yard, honey.  Of course it’s safe.  It’ll be fun.  I don’t know what you’re worried about.” Her face brightened and she added, “You don’t have to use vacation time. Consider it a client recruitment assignment.”  Grace went back to the sketch she’d been working on.

Sophia looked at her best friend and boss with a suspicious squint.  What it sounded like to her was another one of Grace’s blind date set-ups in disguise.

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

SQ:  Guess it was a long road for me now that you ask. I started writing my first book in about second grade, but I never finished one until I was just out of college. (I’ve improved my writing speed since then.)

Where do you get your inspiration?

SQ:  The other day I got inspired when I went to the local middle school gym to vote. Happens every time I go out. It’s a curse. No matter where I go there’s a story lurking. I’m putting off an overdue trip to the hardware store because who knows what will happen there. That’s why I don’t go out much. Every time I venture out I’m struck with more inspirations for stories to write and I already have enough to last me until I’m 107. We’re starting to push the longevity envelope here.

Or, maybe I’m going to have to kick up my writing speed another few notches. Hmm…

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

SQ:  I’m a Hybrid, just like the new fashionable cars. I make the most of both gasoline and electric energy—err—I mean, I do some plotting and some pantsing.

What was your favorite part of THE HOT SHOTS?

SQ:  I have to admit it was the jump into Boston Harbor. (Did I mention I’m a big James. James Bond. Fan?). I loved the crazy notion even if it was a logistical challenge—and a very protracted extension of the suspension of disbelief.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?  

SQ:  It’s about 2.5 tamales out of 5. It’s got some spice, but it’s edible.

Do you have another book in the works?

SQ:  Wouldn’t be without one. I’d be naked as a writer!

THE HOT SHOTS is book 2 of the Scotland Yard Exchange Program Series (THE THROWBACKS was book one and is available now), so I’m working on book 3 of the series featuring Joe Allario from the Hot Shots. He’s sent to London to visit the Queen—err, I mean for a special assignment on the royal protection detail.

What have you learned about the business?

SQ:  I learned that I LOVE this business! Start to finish, everything about it!  ESPECIALLY the readers! Kisses to you all! (Picture a Queenly wave here, except I’m throwing kisses.)

Seriously, I get some of the most wonderful notes from readers—and I really love it when I meet a fan in person!  I’ve been known to reward my fans—sign up for my newsletter if you don’t believe me.

Boxers or Briefs? 

SQ:  I don’t usually wear either, but if I had to—I’d try Boxers. Pink ones.

Pizza or hamburger?  

SQ:  Pizza – I’m Grace Marie DelVecchio’s granddaughter all the way!

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?   

SQ:  Must I choose?   Okay. For now, I’ll choose beer--to go with the above-noted pizza.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?

SQ:  It would be less of a place and more of an occasion—somewhere—anywhere—with all my family and best friends. Maybe I’ll hire out a cruise ship and invite them all along…

As for the writing and reading—no—I can do that anywhere anytime.

Fabulous! Thank you so much for being my guest today! Readers, be sure to leave a comment and email addy for Stephanie. She will draw a name for her first book 

The Throwbacks, Book 1 of the Scotland Yard Exchange Program.

About the Author:

Stephanie Queen lives in bucolic New Hampshire where writing happy, snappy romances takes most of her time. However you can also find her watching UConn football and basketball games whenever they’re on TV, and sometimes even in person. Right now, she’s busy writing her next book in the Scotland Yard Exchange Program Series. Visit her website to learn more at StephanieQueen.com or connect with Stephanie Queen on Twitter or Facebook.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Krystal Shannan Spotlights - Sonia Hightower - Sinful Urges

Relaunch Party!!! Sinful Urges by Sonia Hightower

Follow the confessions of Juan and Maria as they fall prey to lust at first sight. Can they stop themselves before it's too late, or will they become victims of their own sinful urges?

A new neighbor sends Juan running to confession to rid himself of the lustful thoughts he experiences. Each confession becomes more erotic, more sinful than the last. Can Juan stop himself, or will he give in to the desire that threatens his very faith?

The man across the street causes Maria to question her own morals. When she seeks out a priest for confession, she weaves a tale of exotic kisses and stolen moments. How can Maria find sanctuary in her prayers when her body demands she finds solace in her neighbor's arms?

Warning: NOT a romance. May contain steamy, first person narrative that makes one uncomfortable, content that will raise your eyebrows, and a tragic ending.

Excerpt:

"I sauntered outside, tossing my black mane, relishing in the feel of the setting sun brandishing my skin, wishing I could replace it with hot hands. I grabbed the hose from where it was connected in front of the house and, watching from the corner of my eye, I began running water over my car. Not even five minutes passed and I felt his eyes on me. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to turn and meet his stare.

"It only took ten minutes for him to come outside under the pretense of playing catch with his little boy. By this point, I was soaked and knew my nipples were visible through my top. The smack of a ball repeatedly hitting a glove was the only background noise I heard as I grabbed a sponge from the soap bucket and scrubbed the roof of my car. I allowed my shorts to climb higher up my buttocks as my hips swayed with my scrubbing movement. I had a very dirty roof. It required me to reach further and further and my breasts squashed against the car windows. I felt my nipples harden under the cold water, but the rest of me, the lower part of me was burning up.

"Still, I refused to turn, refused to allow Juan to see my front.

"Thump went the ball into a glove.

"I maneuvered around my vehicle at a crawling pace, keeping my back to street. I bent over my trunk, reaching for a spot I had missed in the first scrubbing, the sponge clutched so tightly in my hand that it ached, much like the rest of my body.

"Thump went the ball into a glove.

"I finished with that spot and finally turned around, allowing my wet hair to swish and slap my cheek as I braced myself against the trunk, pretending to need my balance on the wet driveway. My eyes were closed, and I tilted my head back to catch the last of the sun's rays on my face, the front end of me dripping wet. The inside of my shorts were even wetter.

"Crash went the ball into a car window.

"I smiled as I realized I had obtained my goal. Juan was mine...

Sonia Hightower is a pen name for Tara Chevrestt, a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn't allowed to be unleashed until the last year.

While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index.html or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.

Guest Blogger ~ Nona Raines

Pleased to Welcome Nona Raines to the blog today to tell us about her new release UNCOLLARED.

Thanks so much for letting me be here today. I'm very proud to announce that my novel "Uncollared" was released on August 7.  It's a bit of a departure for me in that it's my first erotic romance that contains BDSM elements.

The heroine of "Uncollared" is Mia Manetti. When the story opens, she's heartbroken to learn that her current Dom is severing their relationship.  What she doesn't know is that another man already has his eye on her.

Chess Ryan is a sexual Dominant who's been attracted to Mia for some time. Now that she's free, he wants her for himself. But of course, it's not that simple.  Mia's still stung by rejection and Chess has secrets that could destroy any chance he has with her.

Mia seems a bit of an underdog from the start, as she's trying to recover from hurt feelings and shattered pride. But who among us can't identify with that? Most of us have been hurt and rejected at some point in our lives. I have to admit, I've always been more inclined to side with a character who starts from a "one down" position.

Chess on the other hand, seems to have the world by the tail. He's handsome, wealthy and successful. How could a man like that have any problems? Well, appearances are sometimes deceiving.

Both characters have to do some serious soul-searching before they can begin to move beyond the rigid roles of Dom and sub. But can their relationship survive when reach out to each other as lovers?

The tagline on my website is "Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic" and I've tried to hit the high notes in this book. I hope readers will think so, too.

Blurb:

Submissive Mia Manetti is devastated when her first Master uncollars her just as she was hoping for a permanent relationship with him. Trying to move on, she agrees to sub for a powerful and sexy new Dom.

Chess Ryan has wanted Mia from the first moment he saw her at Club Restraint, but it was always "hands off" because she belonged to his friend Philip. Now, thanks to that friend's maneuvers, Mia is finally his. But only for a little while.

Mia finds it increasingly difficult to keep her feelings in check as she experiences erotic delights with Master Chess, sensual and sexual fantasies that she's never known before. Is she setting herself up for another heart ache?

Guilt, secrets and misplaced pride all keep Chess and Mia from being completely honest with each other. As they connect sexually and emotionally, they realize their relationship has grown too serious to be called "play". How far are they willing to go as Master and slave?

Excerpt:

As she turned toward the lobby she bumped, almost literally, into Chess Ryan. He appeared suddenly, as if he’d been waiting right outside the ladies’ lounge.

“Oh!” She stepped backward in surprise, wobbling on her high heels. Chess steadied her, his hands warm on her bare arms, his gray eyes fixed on her face.

“I didn’t, uh, didn’t expect you—”

“Have you been crying?” His voice was rough. He sounded angry.

“I’m not feeling well,” she murmured, looking away.

His fingers flexed briefly on her skin and then fell away as he withdrew. “Let me take you back to your table.”

“No!” Mia cried, panic-stricken. His eyebrows flew up, and she immediately calmed herself. “I mean, no, thank you. I’m going home now.”

His brow lowered, and his gaze drifted to her bare throat. Something flashed in his eyes. She was shaken, as though he’d seen her nude.

Though one of the most respected Doms at Restraint and one of the most popular, he had never done more with Mia than exchange a few pleasantries. Master Philip wasn’t into sharing, and neither was she.

But now he said, “I’ll take you home.”

“No…your friends…”

“They’re not really friends. Business acquaintances, more like. I’ll make my excuses.” Before Mia could even think what to say next, he quickly took charge. “Wait for me right here. We’ll leave in a moment.”

She could have easily slipped away while he said good night to his dinner companions, but for some reason Mia waited, just as Chess told her. She had no idea why. Was it easier to simply let someone else take charge? Or perhaps Chess’s attention soothed the hurt of Philip’s rejection?

A dull ache throbbed behind Mia’s left eye. She was almost grateful for the distraction it provided from the pain in her soul.

Chess appeared again, his expression still taut with simmering anger.

“Your friends weren’t upset?” she asked.

He shrugged as if it made no difference. “They’re fine.” He paused a moment. “I spoke to Philip.”

Her steps faltered. “You didn’t—”

“I only told him I’m taking you home. He was fine with it.”

Fine with it. Another hurt, another small sign that Philip no longer wanted her.

In spite of Chess’s abrupt manner, he was most gentle as he took her by the arm. “Come, Mia. We’re leaving.”

AFTER TELLING HIM her address, Mia had nothing to say on the drive home, and Chess didn’t push. Her bare throat and stricken expression told him all he needed to know. He kept a tight rein on his own anger so as not to upset her further, but he couldn’t help wondering what the hell was wrong with Philip.

How could he just let Mia go with no explanation?

Chess remembered the startling sting of jealousy he felt when he first saw them together at Restraint. That wasn’t like him at all. Mia was appealing, sure, and if she’d been available, he’d have enjoyed playing with her. But he’d played with plenty of willing subs, some of them real knockouts. So why did Mia get him going?

He thought of the way she looked at Philip as if the sun rose and set on him. Could it be that he, Chess Ryan, wanted a woman to gaze on him with that kind of admiration and love? As if he were Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, and George Clooney rolled into one. But she’d always been off-limits because she belonged to Philip.

She’s not off-limits now. Chess frowned, his hands tightening on the steering wheel as he pushed the thought aside. Mia was in a bad place emotionally. He wouldn’t take advantage of her vulnerability by putting the moves on her.

“Here it is.” Mia’s voice was low as she pointed out the multiunit building where she lived. He pulled into the lot and accompanied her inside. Without speaking, they climbed to the second floor and stopped in front of Mia’s door.

“Thank you,” she murmured as she unlocked the door.

Before she crossed the threshold, he spoke. “Mia.”

When she turned toward him, he told her, “Look at me.”

She lifted her beautiful brown eyes to meet his gaze, and he took her hands in his. “You will have another Master, Mia. And when he finds you, I hope he realizes what a lucky man he is.”

As she stared at him, he felt as though he could look into her eyes forever. A shiver went through her and passed to him before they pulled away simultaneously. She fumbled with her keys and finally managed to slip them back into her purse. “Thank you,” she repeated, stepping quickly inside and closing the door quietly but firmly.

As though she wanted to escape him.

To purchase Uncollared : http://www.loose-id.com/uncollared/

Link to website:  www.nonaraines.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonaraines

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.

Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.

Website / Facebook

Andrew Katz Spotlight Interview

We are shaking it up a little today! Please help me welcome Andrew Katz to the blog with his novel DESCENDANTS, releasing tomorrow. I love anything that has to do with Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table so I asked especially to have him here today. 

Andrew, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a twenty year old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I take classes at Temple University and live in house near campus with some friends. “Descendants” is my first full length novel, but I have tons of ideas in a word document and various short stories.

Fabulous!

Did you always want to be an author?
Absolutely not. Writing had always been my least favorite part of school and I couldn’t stand it. Then one night I was sitting around with nothing to do, complaining to a friend. She suggested since I was always reading, that I should try writing something. I thought “What the hell? Why not?” and in the next ten minutes I wrote what turned out to be the first page of my novel. When I took it to my Dad he gave me a skeptical look and asked if I’d actually written it. It all pretty much spiraled on from there.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?
I love the intellectual and creative release. It’s a great feeling to take some hair-brained idea or a weird dream and create a story, person, or world from absolutely nothing.

Tell us a little about your book.
It takes place in modern day society, and the world is the very one we live in. The catch is that the Knights of the Round Table still exist behind the scenes and protect society from unknown supernatural threats. The main character is one of those Knights and must go on a journey to stop a brewing war between humanity and the trolls, while battling an ancient evil looking to corrupt and control him. It’s a fast paced, fun novel, full of action and sarcasm, and I had a great time writing it. 

Excerpt:

            I was still standing around lost in thought, brooding, when an explosion happened directly in my left ear. Oddly enough the bomb seemed to say Boo! I turned and glared right into Devin’s stupid smiling face. 
            “How the hell are you so freaking quiet?” I asked him with a scowl.
            It’s a valid question since Dev is seven-foot-two and built like a young Andre the Giant with an additional fifty pounds of slab muscle. He also happened to be my best friend since I was ten years old, and my adopted brother. 
            “It’s a gift I guess. Did you actually do what I heard you did?”
            “That really depends on what you heard now doesn’t it?”
            “Did you truly kill off the rest of the bloody gnomes?”
            “Did Melinda Clark really slap you in the face when we were thirteen?”
            “Are you going to continue to answer all my questions with questions?”
            “That depends, does it annoy you half as much as I hope it does?”
            “You are aware that I could step on you, right?”
            That seemed like a good time for me to knock it off. I looked at him and shrugged. “I’m assuming that if you’ve heard about it, so has the rest of the castle. Yes I did. But my official stance is that they really deserved it.”

I love the snarky sense of humor!

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I started it in late September of 2011 and finished in mid February of 2012.

Where do you get your inspiration?
From the various books I read and more importantly the people around me. I’ve had friends read some of my work and laugh because they recognize a conversation that we’ve had or mannerisms of themselves or others. I borrow a lot of characteristic of the people close to me and put them into my writing. It’s so much realer that way.

Absolutely. The best nuances come from real life.

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?
Honestly, I outline as I write. I go in pretty much blind, but as a story starts to develop I’ll outline vague details of where I want it to go. It doesn’t always turn out the exact way I want it, but that’s another thing I love. A good story can sometimes tell itself.

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

Well, I really sort of lucked into it. I was about half way through writing my novel and a friend told me about Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. I got in contact with SJ Davis through facebook and submitted a short story I had for their anthology “Dark Light”. She liked the short story, which was the same protagonist as “Descendants”, so I submitted that when it was done and here we are.

Congrats! 
What book have you most recently released?
“Descendants” is my first and only feature novel; it will release tomorrow on August 10.

What was your favorite part of the book?
The character interactions. The characters are living creatures with emotions and aspirations, and it was a great experience bringing them to life through one another and their reactions.

Do you have another book in the works?
Yup, I’m working on a sequel to “Descendants” right now. It should be completed sooner than later.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?
As a new author myself, I would say just don’t sweat it and have fun. Write what you want, because it will be better than trying to force something.

Pizza or hamburger? Hamburger all the way

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?
Just a secluded beach somewhere. It wouldn’t really matter as long as it wasn’t too crowded and I could sit in the sun with a book to read and a notepad to write on.

Great interview, Andrew. It was so nice to have you here today and hear about your book. I'm already about half-way through it and am really enjoying the change of pace (since I mostly read romance). The characters are fun and I can't wait to see what happens. 

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