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.

Ten Weird Things About KaSonndra Leigh....

Please help me welcome KaSonndra Leigh to the blog 

today! She has a new release called HACIENDA 

MOON.

11)     I always considered myself to be a Goth girl and still do. Want to see how bad my obsession with my past life is? Head over to http://pinterest.com/alestasia/the-goth-girl-i-ll-always-be/ and check out all of my fascinating black, white, and red pics galore.

22)    I had a crush on Frodo in LOTR. What girl didn’t? Even if they won’t admit it. Dark hair, gorgeous blue eyes, brave aura: what the heck is there not to like? Never mind that I probably tower over him.

33)    I still have a cassette player in my truck. I specifically ordered it to have one when I bought it. Giving up my old Ike and Tina Turner collectibles wasn’t an option. I still haven’t found them on CD or mp3 yet.  **sighs**

44)    I talk to my flowers. Sometimes they answer me back. And then those answers become great stories for you all to read. My grandmother taught me all I needed to know about gardening. I miss her terribly.

55)    I get sea sick on ferry boats. Riding across the way to see the Statue of Liberty with my best friend made me sick. I’m pretty sure that in a past life I was one of the people on the Titanic. I’ve never taken a cruise and probably won’t ever do it.

66)    I chew my cuticles and the skin around my fingers when I’m writing. It’s a thinking process. I can’t help myself. I’ve tried everything to stop it. I even tried using that stuff that turns bitter when you taste it on your fingernails. Well, guess what? I started liking the way it tasted, so I stopped using it. I know…strange.

77)    I generally tend to fall for the fictional bad boy instead of the good guy. That bad habit has probably carried over from some of my real life ordeals. Okay, so I love bad boys. That’s why I get so many emails from readers telling me how they feel conflicted about my characters. Some of them even say that they prefer the bad boy character more. This is a good thing. I’ve done my job well when something seems so real that people get so emotional. Better to have conflicted over cardboard character comments any day, right?

88)    Physics was my favorite subject in high school. I didn’t care for English much at all. Horrors!

99)    I’m a human phone book. I can remember phone numbers after seeing them once or twice. I remember all of my childhood numbers and even some of my friends I used to hang out with.

110)  I have a Nook instead of a Kindle…don’t ask. LOL

Thank you for having me allowing me to guest post on your blog today.

I pretty much live online at:

Author website:  http://www.kasonndraleigh.com

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/kasonndraleigh

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbooks

Facebook#2:  http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbookspage

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/alestasia

 It was my pleasure to have you here today!

Variety is the Spice of Life.... Scene and Structure #10

Halfway through the first week of school! It's going really smoothly so far and I'm looking forward to a great year with the kids. In case you didn't know, I moonlight as an elementary music teacher during the day, LOL. Teacher by day, writer by night! I'm trying to focus on patriotic songs this year. It amazed me how many kiddos can't sing the Star Spangled Banner or don't even know what it is...Yikes! So that's what this first month will drill into those precious impressionable minds.

Last week I talked about pacing your scenes and sequels. What's funny is that at my DARA RWA meeting last saturday, the speaker talked about Scene/Sequel/Pacing. LOL, maybe something was trying to give a hint.

This week Jack Bickham goes a little deeper into Scene/Sequel and discusses the variations you can take so that your writing doesn't always plod along the familiar beaten overused path.....

"Classic structure of a scene is goal ... conflict ... disaster in that order, and classic structure of a sequel is emotion ... thought ... decision ... action, also in that order."

 He makes a point of assuring his readers that a perfectly good novel can progress in classic form of scene #1 - sequel #1 - scene #2 - sequel #2 and so on and so forth. Once you have your basic plot points and everything laid out ... here are five variations in scene structure.

1) You can start your presentation somewhere other than at the classic and logical entering point, which is statement of goal
2) You can end somewhere short of a fully pronounced disaster.
3) You can interrupt the scene virtually anywhere by having other action intervene.
4) You can interrupt the conflict component by having the viewpoint character's internalization in response to a stimulus develop into "a sequel in the middle of things".
5) You can present the goal-conflict-disaster segments out of the natural order

Here are his five variations in sequel structure:
1) You can skip one or more parts, or portray a segment in only a word or two.
2) You can amplify any given portion out of all proportion to the others
3)You can mix up the normal presentation order of the component segments - i.e. emotion, thought, decision, action - if there is reason to do so.
4) You can interrupt a sequel with the unexpected onset of a new scene.
5) You can insert one or more remembered scenes within the though component (like a flashback).

Pretty much I'm learning that if I plan out my scenes and sequels I can rotate them around to do anything I want with them. But if I chose to write in the standard scene/sequel tradition that's ok too. It's just a little more predictable. He also mentioned that for newer writers it was often helpful not to change up too much structure and let yourself get really good at your craft. So the lesson this week is - There are fathomless ways to "mix" up your scenes and sequels, BUT! don't do it unless it feel natural to the story and you feel comfortable shaking up the structure.

So there's my two cents in a nutshell. More coming next week. Happy Hump Day!

Happy Reading

Happy Writing

Krystal Shannan

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Honey Jans

Please help me welcome our guest author today, Honey Jans.

Without further ado.......

Honey, please tell us a little about yourself.  

I’m just a small town girl from Wisconsin.  I love to read and I really love to write.  I hope that my tales of erotic romance with humor and heart touch my readers.  I think I was born with a vivid imagination and I just love to share.

Did you always want to be an author? 

No as a matter of fact when I was a child I wanted to be a nurse.  I had a chronic illness when I was young and spent a lot of time at my doctors.  His nurse was really great and I wanted to be just like her.  A few years later I wanted to be an artist like my mother.  You’d never find me without sketch paper and a sharpened pencil.  At the time I had no idea that I’d become an author and would have laughed at you if you’d suggested it.

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

My favorite part of being a writer is creating my characters.  Of course I fall a little bit in love with the hero’s.  Who wouldn’t :-)  What I love about being an author is hearing from and meeting my readers.  The first time a reader approached me at a book signing to tell me she loved my books I was so flustered but it also really touched my heart.  It’s still the same to this day.

Tell us a little about your book.  

It’s a torrid twisted tale for Whiskey Creek Press.

GOLDIE AND THE THREE BEARS

When Goldie Lockwood, a half breed Were-Bear with no powers, runs away from her clan the last thing she expects to run into is the trio of Were-Bear studs of her erotic dreams. It’s mating season and she isn’t even in the running, being a dud DNA-wise. But when they touch her she can’t resist making them her harem. Just who seduces who in this twisted tale? And will Goldilocks find the Were-Bear mate that’s just right?

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

I started writing after my sister gave me two grocery bags full of paperback romances.  Well let me tell you once I dove in I couldn’t stop reading.  Then I thought I just might be able to write one.  The rest is history.

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

I’m definitely a pantser and I can’t outline to save my life.  Believe me I’ve tried to get more organized but it just slows down my muse.

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

Yikes that was a process.  First of all I was really green, didn’t have a clue.  I actually sent it off to a New York publisher that had actually closed.  I had no clue.  After I got it back I heard great buzz about an epublisher named Hard Shell Word Factory.  I took a chance and sent it in and it was accepted.

What book have you most recently released? 

Goldie and the Three Bears for Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.  I love turning traditional fairy tales on their heads and giving them an erotic spin.  Goldie is my third Torrid Twisted Tale.  The first two were A Wolf’s Tale a spin on little red riding hood, and Cindy Revisited a spin on Cinderella.

What was your favorite part of the book?  

I just loved the premise of the spunky heroine who thought she was a dud DNA wise turning into something more powerful than she could have dreamed.  To say nothing of the sexy three bears she needs to add to her harem.  Of course she’s in way over her head but that doesn’t stop her.

Rate your story in terms steaminess? steamy times 5 :-)

Do you have another book in the works?  

I sure do.  I have an upcoming release with three of my colleagues, Debi Wilder, Shari Dare, Lynn Crain.  This paranormal erotic romance series was inspired by the Beast of Bray Road a myth that lives in the Kettle Moraine Forest of Wisconsin.  It’s really special and I hope you’ll give it a try. 

BLUE MOON MAGIC

One father.  Two mothers.  Four siblings.  One incredible night that will change them all forever.

Boxers or Briefs? boxers or commando if you please

Pizza or hamburger? how about hamburger pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? mixed drink.  Chocolate Martini.  Yum!

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

A secluded Greek Isle with my Kindle, Laptop, and Hubby.  I’d do all of the above and then some.

(Character Questions) 

What were your first impressions of each other? 

Goldie AKA Honey Lockwood-I think Cruz Bear is drop dead gorgeous and have ever since I first saw him at our Bear Clan meetings but he never noticed me.  However now that he’s found me sleeping in his bed he’s noticing me, and how. 

Cruz Bear AKA leader of his renegade were-bear clan- He surged into the room and froze, taking in a sexy semi nude goldilocks sleeping in his bed.  Shit, she was wearing his robe.  Someone was playing a warped joke on him.  Her golden curls spread out around her head like a halo and her closed eyelashes looked like angels wings.  He gulped.  “Goldilocks is sleeping in my bed, it seems.” 

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Goldie- I like his strength. 

Cruz- I like her natural sensuality and the fact that she doesn’t know she’s beautiful.

What are your plans for the near future?

Goldie- I want to survive this mating period with my independence intact. 

Cruz- I plan to protect Goldie from rogue were-bear’s hoping to capture her.  

Thank you so much for visiting with us today Honey. It was a pleasure. GOLDIE AND THE THREE BEARS sounds positively delicious.

Readers, please be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win one of Honey's e-books! Be sure to leave your email addy.

Also you can visit Honey Jans@ 

website- www.honeyjans.com

blog- http://atasteofhoneyjans.com

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Lorraine Nelson

So pleased to welcome Lorraine Nelson to the blog today!


Without further ado.....

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Canadian author, born and raised in New Brunswick on the East coast. I’ve always enjoyed reading, and English was my favorite subject in school. I won a writing award in grade six and the Canadian Legion published a poem I wrote in grade nine. I always seemed to have a book and pencil in hand back then, jotting down poems that came to mind, or writing up short stories. In the early nineties, I wrote and published stories for children, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I began writing for adults.

Did you always want to be an author?

Oh, yes! Most definitely! But my life took a series of turns that meant putting it off.

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

Reader reviews and fan mail. I love hearing from readers and getting their take on what worked for them and what didn’t. It’s rewarding to know that I can craft believable stories of romance and romantic suspense that people actually enjoy reading. J

Tell us a little about your book.

Blessed Homecoming is a story that is close to my heart. My faith has seen me through plenty of troubling times over the years and I challenged myself to write a good, clean story. I’m proud to say that I accomplished just that. This is a book that mothers can share with their daughters and women everywhere can share with family and friends without worrying about content. My mother is already anxious to see it in print. J

Wendy Danforth and Jake Roberts have to work through a lot of emotional baggage and outrun a crazed ex in the process.

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

I wrote my first adult novel in the spring of 2009. It took seven weeks, start to finish, although it has been edited a few times since. Love on the Rocks is a sweet romance and it’s scheduled for release through Breathless Press on August 10^th.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes it’s an unusual name, an idea, or a location. Every story seems to come about in a different way.

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

I’m very much a pantser. I do a general outline, or GMC sheet, which lists names of main characters, their goals, motivations and conflicts. Sometimes it even lists the plot, black moment, and resolution. Once I have the basics figured out, I write.

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

It was a long process. J I wrote Zakia and the Cowboy during NaNo 2009. I submitted to it different publishers during 2010-11 and the story was rejected seven times. Then I received two contracts within a week of each other. I signed with Evernight Publishing and haven’t looked back.

What book have you most recently released?

Blessed Homecoming is my ninth release. It’s an inspirational romantic suspense contracted through Breathless Press and I’m proud to say it’s the first release in their new Blessings line.

Blurb:

The hometown girl and the handyman both carry emotional baggage. Are they destined to remain friends or is there room in their hearts for more?

***

Wendy Danforth is preparing to be a single mom, her ex-husband in jail for spousal abuse.  She returns to her hometown, to renew her faith and to heal. Caught off guard by the handyman in residence, attraction hits, swift and piercing, but she quells her unruly emotions, in no hurry to get involved in another relationship. Besides, at almost nine months pregnant, she wasn’t exactly looking her best.

Jake Roberts, hired to renovate the Danforths’ house, took one look at his employer’s daughter and wanted to run far and fast. He hadn’t possessed an ounce of faith or been around a pregnant woman in three long years, not since his wife and unborn son died in an auto accident.  They become friends, and when her ex-husband escapes custody, he steps up to protect Wendy and her unborn child. Will the danger and close proximity test their friendship? Or will it lead to more? Can Jake regain his lost faith, or will it elude him forever?

Excerpt:

Jake found it hard to believe what he'd overheard, what that sweet, caring woman had endured at the hands of a man who had vowed to cherish and protect her. He'd been heading down to retrieve a package of wood screws when he heard Wendy crying and didn't want to interrupt. He didn't want to eavesdrop either, but her pain-wracked voice kept him an unwilling captive as she relayed events.

Broken bones, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder and bruising over seventy-five per cent of her body. Then to heal and find out she was pregnant! Why would she be so happy about having that man's baby? Surely, she couldn't still love him after all that.

Hearing her speak of her faith in the midst of all that suffering struck a rusty chord inside his gut. Somehow, deep down, her quiet acceptance and determination spoke to him in ways that expensive therapy had not. She was a survivor, he'd give her that, but if her friend hadn't found her—no, he wouldn't go there. He couldn't. Divine intervention, she'd called it. He called it lucky. 

She'd come home to heal and build a new life for herself and the baby. Surrounded by family and friends, she'd never have to fear for her life again. Although he'd barely known her twenty-four hours and had a definite aversion to getting involved in her problems, he'd do what he could to help her adjust to living in a small town again. If the gossips wanted to pair them off, so be it. He'd been through worse—much worse.

He sat on the step with his head in his hands, undecided whether to let her know he'd overheard or pretend ignorance. How could he ignore the pain she'd suffered? More surprisingly, he realized he wanted to be there for her, to prove that not every man was prone to acts of violence. Although, like her father, he'd had some thoughts on what he'd like to do to her ex if he ever had the chance.

She took the matter out of his hands when she sat a couple steps below him and, placing a hand on his knee, asked, "How much did you hear?"

His head jerked up and he searched her eyes, expecting to see anger and disgust at his audacity, but there was none. "Pretty much all of it. I'm sorry, Wendy. I didn't intend to eavesdrop, but I didn't want to barge in on you either."

"Are you all right?"

"You're asking me? After all you've suffered, I should be asking you that question."

"My suffering ended the day he was found guilty. All that's left now is the sentencing in two weeks' time and I don't need to be there for that."

"But you're expecting his child. How is that not suffering, considering what he put you through?"

"Every life is a gift from God. I don't always understand His methods, but at least I have one good thing resulting from a failed marriage."

"Did you love him that much?"

"At first, yes, very much. He was the man I'd always dreamed about, kind, caring and it didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot." She smiled at the memory, then sobered. "The love died a slow death when the abuse started. He always made me feel like it was my fault, until the day I ended up in the hospital with a broken arm and didn't go back. I realized then my dreams of a happy ever after were never going to happen."

"What did you do? Where did you go?"

"A social worker at the hospital made a couple of calls and arranged a bed in a shelter for abused women. My arm being broken meant I couldn't work for a couple weeks, but when I returned, I found out from my boss, Emma, that he'd been haunting the place, waiting for me to show up. She'd had to call the police on a couple of occasions.

She became my best friend. Emma encouraged me to lay charges and file a restraining order against him, which I did. I also filed for divorce. He didn't show up in court, didn't contest it, so the judge granted the petition based on the abuse."

"I would think so," he huffed in agreement.

"I saw Clyde around from time to time after that, and he never made any effort to approach me, for which I was thankful. But the night before the divorce became final, he showed up after I got home from work. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Can you really put it all behind you that easily?"

"Believe me, Jake, it hasn't been easy. Easy started yesterday when Mama met me at the bus stop with her arms wide open. Until then, I'd hoped, but wasn't at all certain of my welcome, circumstances being what they are."

He placed a hand over hers where it still rested on his knee. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. You are one remarkably strong lady and I'm honored to be your friend."

"My faith is what's strong. I had to believe the Lord has a purpose for me in this life. That's when I decided it was time to come home. I'd been away too long." She gently disentangled her hand and rose to her feet, slightly wobbly at first, causing him to reach out and grab her upper arms to steady her. "Thank you."

***

Available @: http://www.breathlesspress.com/blessed-homecoming

What was your favorite part of the book?

I’m not sure I have a favorite part. From the time the idea popped into my head, Wendy and Jake’s story seemed to write itself. I guess the time they spent in the wilderness was pretty special though.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

It’s an inspy, so it’s not steamy at all. I set out to write a satisfying, clean read of love and faith, and I accomplished just that.

Do you have another book in the works?

Always! J I’m currently working on Book 5 in my Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight Publishing. By the way, Monday, July 16^th is my birthday and Evernight has agreed to list all four TCR books at $1.99 for the one day. My way of saying thank you to my readers. If you’ve started the series, or if you’ve been wanting to read them, Monday is a great time to pick up the rest of the books.

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

Learn your craft. Writing is hard work. You write, rewrite, revise, edit, edit again, submit your work, suffer through multiple rejections and finally get published only to learn that you need to do a lot of promo as well. Build your following as you go. Learn to blog, build a website, tweet, and any other social media you can handle. Don’t give up on your dreams. Perseverance, patience, and dedication win out in the end.

Boxers or Briefs? Briefs!

Pizza or hamburger? Pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Wine coolers

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

I’d love to rent a cottage on a beach anywhere warm, but not too hot. I would walk the beach daily, and read and write to my heart’s content.

(Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Wendy thought Jake, a drifter, was using her parents for a place to stay.

Jake took one look and Wendy and wanted to run fast and far.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Wendy likes the way Jake always does the heavy labor during renovations, taking it easy on her father’s weak heart condition.

Jake loves Wendy’s outlook on life, even though he doesn’t share in her faith.

What are your plans for the near future? 

Like all newlyweds, leaving to start their honeymoon.

Where to find you @

I so love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:

http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com
http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author
http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson
http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Thank you for helping me celebrate this new release. Please follow along on my blog tour (schedule listed at: http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com) and comment daily for several chances to win a free download of Blessed Homecoming. Remember to leave your email address so I can reach you. :) Winner to be announced on July 31st.

It was so good to get to know you today and hear all about BLESSED HOMECOMINGS. 

Thank you for having me here today, Krystal! It’s been fun.

My pleasure!

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Sheri Fredricks

Please help me welcome Sheri Fredricks to the blog today! I am so excited to have her here.

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

Sheri please tell us a little about yourself.

I’d like to give a huge thank you to Krystal for having me on her blog today!

You are very welcome!

I was born on September 5, which makes me a Virgo, I fit the attributes of that Zodiac sign to a tee. Before I became a writer, I worked in an engineering contractor's office. It was great: 65 men, 3 women, and as close to heaven as a single girl could get. Now I write full-time, work in my husband's home office full-time, and cater to the kids, livestock, and ranch around the clock. 

Sounds very busy.

So beautiful Sheri!

Did I mention I live on the scenic central coast of California, where the weather is always near perfect?

Did you always want to be an author?

No. In second grade, the teacher had us draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I seated my hugely grinning self on a golden throne and drew sacks of money all around me.

The caption beneath read: I want to be RICH!

That's fantastic! LOL

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

Here’s two answers to your question.

Personally:  I’ve always been a geek— never athletic enough, uncoordinated, and live with freaky ideas in my head. My husband is the complete opposite, achieving top shelf results in whatever he sets his mind to. When I wrote my first story, it blew him away. That was a glorious moment for me!

Professionally:  It’s a tough tie between creating stories that have never been told, and all the GREAT people I’ve met along the way.

I completely agree! The writing community is unlike any other. It really is a lot of fun and filled with awesome people.

Tell us a little about your book.

Remedy Maker is about Rhycious, an ex-military centaur medic whose battle scars are hidden beneath the surface. Moments of high stress trigger hallucinating flashbacks, a condition he continually fights to overcome. When he meets Patience, a beautiful wood nymph and the race of the late enemy of his people, he learns about unconditional love…and the healing power of a single touch.

Together they must battle human hunters who wish to enslave the mythological beings, rebels taking over the centaur kingdom, and the affection they have for each other in a mythic world filled with prejudice.

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

It was November 2008. A fire was burning in our living room while my husband and our boys were watching The Cowboys, starring John Wayne. I was probably whining about something to do FOR ME that I would be GOOD AT and RECOGNIZED FOR.

My husband suggested I write a story instead of reading them. It was my “ah-ha” moment.

I penned two other books before I started Remedy Maker. It took just over a year to complete, from outline to submission.

Where do you get your inspiration?

From a bottle of gin and a liter of tonic. 

ROFL! Personally, I like tequila and margarita mix.

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

I plot. As a list-maker, I plot out my day. My kids’ day. My husband’s To-Do list.

I’m a Plot-a-holic!

With Remedy Maker, I wrote an outline, which was a narrative form of the book. It ended at 13,400 words and 33 pages long. Yeah, I plot.

Holy smoke!!!

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

When I was ready to query, I hit all my favorite agents first. When all of them rejected me (lol), I submitted to all my favorite ePublishers. A week would pass without a word. I sent more submissions out. A second week went by.

By the third week, I had my first contract offer. Then another. And yet another!! In total, I had 5 contract offers in just over a week. At that point, it was a matter of feeling them out, reading the fine print, and making a decision.

That's so great! It must have been a good feeling, I know when I got my contract on my novella with Ruby Lioness I was ecstatic! 

What book have you most recently released?

Remedy Maker was released by Ruby Lioness Press on July 27 in both print and eBook formats.  Portals of Oz was released the month prior, on June 29, in an anthology named Love Down Under.

What was your favorite part of the book?

My favorite part is also one of the darker scenes. Where the hero, Rhycious, returns home to find the heroine, Patience, missing from his home. He suspects the worst and suffers an all-out PTSD breakdown. It was an extremely hard scene to write, but the most rewarding.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

Above sensual, but below erotic.

STEAMY:  Mainstream audience. Heavy sexual tension; graphic details; may contain coarse language; sex scenes contain some adult language. Still suitable for the general audience.

Do you have another book in the works?

Absolutely! I working on the next novel in the series, tentatively titled Trolly Yours. The outline is complete and I'm digging in with all ten fingers to finish the book. The story involves a side character with a huge ego named Aleksander, introduced in Remedy Maker. He meets the only mythic female in the Boronda Forest who isn't fazed by his charms and good looks…and the sparks fly!

There is also a time-travel western romance I dusted off to finish writing. Her Future Past is novel length and is sure to be Yee-Haw good! Trey MacPherson, a marshal from the 1880’s, is tracking a murderer and finds himself sucked through a wormhole with his posse. He meets Holly Laurens, owner of the ranch they appear at, and realizes the murderer has come forward in time as well.

Sounds like fun!

What advice would you give new authors? 

Join a critique group and sign up for classes. Savvy Authors has many low cost workshops, as well as FREE classes. If you’re serious about writing, and your goal is to seek publication, then NEVER GIVE UP!

Good advice!

OMG! I LOVE THIS ONE SHERI!

Boxers or Briefs?

Can I choose commando? 

Of course, you wouldn't be the first! LOL 

Pizza or hamburger?

Pizza— It’s the most perfect food in the world. You’ll notice how a pizza holds all five food groups and keeps our meals balanced.

  

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

Hi there. Sapphire and tonic girl here. Add a twist of lime and throw it in a bucket. (that’s a large high-ball glass for you newbies)

I have those in my cabinet, LOL, my hubby drink whiskey out of them.

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

If there's one destination to blow my savings on in the name of love, this tiny, pricey South Pacific island is it. Novelist James A. Michener described Bora Bora as, "the most beautiful island in the world" and if I ever reach this romantic getaway's far-flung shores, I doubt I’d disagree.

To answer the second half of your question, I would hope my husband and kids are there with me. I’d soak in the experience and BE THERE in the moment.

If you're looking for a book that will take you away to a mythic world that might exist…

If you love hot guys with insatiable appetites who have a dash of vulnerability…

If you're looking for a sensual read with the power to make you gasp…

This would be the book for you.

Man by day, Centaur by night, Rhycious is a remedy maker who needs his own healing.

He's the royal physician, famous for his cures. War and posttraumatic stress disorder has broken his spirit, preventing him from finding true happiness. Then a direct order from the queen to investigate an uprising forces him out of his secluded cabin at the edge of the forest.

Patience is an optimistic, good-natured Wood Nymph who works as a mediator to ensure harmony within the Nymph sector.

Environmental pollution in the aquifer stream that feeds the taproot tree of her heart is slowly killing her. Resigned to the fact she will not live long, she sets out to discover the mysterious disappearance of her sister. Experience has taught her to deny herself the love of a male, but the gruff Centaur is different. He doesn't push his expectations on her, only his healing nature.

When Rhycious loses his grip on reality, he believes his inability to control his disorder will drive Patience away. Nevertheless, desire flares, and Patience draws him close. Kidnapping and betrayal turn their mythic joint venture into a deadly bout.

Will their love endure when survival hinges on trusting each other?

Excerpt

“You ever see her before?”

“No, I haven’t.” Rhy ran his hands down both bare legs and a slender exposed arm. He checked for broken bones, noting her supple skin and a clean woodsy scent.

Her blouse had an unusual design, made of homespun fibers. It had a diagonal cut neckline with tiny puff sleeves, pink and soft. Created from the same material, a short skirt flared, and was embroidered with spring-green leaves.

A tickle teased his neck again, but not from annoyance this time. He repeated the examination of her other arm. Tension curled tighter in his gut, suspicion spread like spilled wine.

Tilting her head with care, he pushed her dark brown hair from her smooth décolletage, sucked in a short breath, and froze.

“What is it? Snake bite?” Samuel raised the brass lantern higher and leaned over for a better view.

Rhy tapped his thumb against her neck. Designs a few shades darker than her natural color marred the creamy complexion. The millennia old skin formation carved its way into his painful memories. It started behind her ear, an inch wide at the hairline, and extended to the other side.

The words choked out of him. There was no use trying to hide his revulsion. “Wood Nymph.”

That was fabulous Sheri! 

Thank you so much for being my guest today! 

Thanks for having me! You have a beautiful blogsite, and I really enjoyed being here!

Readers, be sure to leave your email address in your comment for the chance at a great swag pack from Sheri.

Be sure to visit Sheri@

Website:           www.sherifredricks.com

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Fabulous Author Friday ~ Krystal Brookes

Thank you for joining me for another Fabulous Friday! Please help me welcome Krystal Brookes.

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

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in a small village on the West coast of Scotland.  I live alone, unless you want to include the giant spiders that come in for a heat.  I’m a teacher in real life.  I’m a bit of a sci fi geek and love meeting actors and actresses at conventions.

Did you always want to be an author?

Not really.  I was put off writing at school because I had too vivid an imagination.  I guess I wanted to live all the adventures in my head.  But I never did get to be George Kirrin from the Famous Five

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

Being able to exercise my vivid imagination.  I think it’s made my dreams more exciting.

Tell us a little about your book.

It’s a contemporary romance, set on the small Scottish island of Kilrigh.  It follows Fiona Campbell as she arrives home for her friends wedding.  She meets up again with Brodie MacNeil, her childhood friend and sparks fly.  But Fiona’s past gets in the way and she has to make a decision whether to let it go and take a chance on happiness with Brodie.

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

I started writing Fan Fiction in January 2011.  I did Nanowrimo in November 2011 and finished a novel.  I’m currently completely rewriting it.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I don’t really have a place to get inspiration.  I find just knocking around ideas with friend or reading books and watching TV is enough to spark my imagination.

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

I’m a definite pantser. I’ve never prepared anything in my life.

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

I sent a short story into Pink Petal Books, expecting a big fat no and was surprised that my first submission was a yes.  It was a short story as part of the Dangerous Men Dangerous Places Anthology and I basically just did what I was told.  Content edits, line edits, social media questions, book cover questions.  Then I set up Facebook accounts etc in my pen name.

What book have you most recently released?

Yesterday (5^th July) The anthology The Boys of Summer was released.  I have a story in there called Fan Girl and the Geek.

What was your favorite part of the book?

My favourite part of Highland Fling is the scene the night before the wedding.  It’s hot and steamy.

Gotta love hot and steamy!

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

Probably a 3 to a 4

Do you have another book in the works?

The next book in the Kilrigh Heat Series is still to be edited and I have two more of them being written.  I am also rewriting my nanowrimo novel.  It’s a sci fi romance.

Fantastic!

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

Take any opportunity to promote yourself and your books.  Don’t worry about what others are doing.

Boxers or Briefs?  Boxers

Pizza or hamburger?  Pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?  Alcoholic Pear Cider  Ooooh, interesting!

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

I fancy sitting on a beach in the Cayman Islands with a netbook and an internet dongle and writing a hot steamy romance.

Sounds good to me! Except maybe for the 'dongle'. Not sure what that is..... let's check.

Ahhhhh..... wireless laptop card. I should have known that..... maybe....*giggle*

(Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Brodie: we knew each other growing up.  Though when she arrived back on Kilrigh, she was stunning.  All flowing red hair and matching temper

Fiona:  He looked so good in that vest top with his biceps bulging that I crashed my car.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Brodie: Fiona’s a single-minded girl

Fiona: He loves me despite my flaws and he’s very sexy.

What are your plans for the near future? 

Fiona: We’ll see how it goes.

Brodie: What she said.

Thank you so much for being with us today, Krystal.  It was a pleasure getting to know you and your characters better.

Please be sure and enjoy the excerpt below from HIGHLAND FLING. I know Krystal Brookes and I (Krystal Shannan, LOL) both look forward to hearing from you.

Be sure to visit Krystal Brookes@

Websites, Blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, etc.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KrystalBrookes

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5779760.Krystal_Brookes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystalBrookes

When Fiona Campbell travels home to the Island of Kilrigh for her best friend's wedding, she doesn't count on meeting up with Brodie MacNeil, her childhood friend. Fiona can’t help but be charmed by the Laird’s handsome son – until he starts to tell her some home truths.

A city girl at heart, Fiona tries to resist his charms and his offer of a life together on the tiny island.  Can Fiona heal the rift with her father enough to accept Brodie’soffer and take on the job as the island’s vet or will she walk out on the one man she truly loves?

~

Fiona was practically falling asleep when she heard a low chuckle from somewhere near her feet. She sat up immediately, pulling her skirt down over her thighs. She found Brodie's gaze raking up her legs and over her body, lingering momentarily on her breasts before he turned and looked at Sarah.

“Gary was looking for you, Sarah. Something to do with the baking competition.”

“Oh damn, I forgot,” said the bride-to-be. “I get to choose who is going to make the cake for the wedding. Brodie, will you look after Fiona?” She scampered away without waiting for a reply.

Brodie threw himself down on the grass beside her, his kilt splaying out beside him, and then he smiled.

“Is this Sarah's?” he asked, lifting up the half-finished beer.

“Yes, but...”

“I doubt that she has anything too infectious,” he shrugged, taking a mouthful of the now lukewarm liquid. Fiona picked up her bag and pulled out her phone, trying to ignore her companion. The bright sun made it impossible to see the screen, so she tossed it back where it came from and studied the craggy hills in the distance.

“I'm sorry if I over-stepped the mark yesterday,” said Brodie. “It's just... well... he has missed you, Fee. And he also knows you've been having a hard time. John's been worried sick. You barely even email him anymore.”

“It's none of your business.”

“I know, but he's my friend.”

“I'm not a child anymore.”

His gaze moved over her again as he replied hoarsely, “Oh, Fee, you don't have to tell me that you're not a child.”

Fiona shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a way to change the conversation. His words were stirring feelings in her that she had put to rest a long time ago. She spotted his sporran sitting on the grass between them.

“What's wrong with your sporran?” she asked. He was close now—too close—and his breath on her neck was having a distracting effect.

“The chain broke. I'll be able to fix it easy enough with a few tools when I get home.” His hand was sneaking around her waist and she turned her head to find her lips close to his.

“Brodie, we used to play together in your paddling pool. This is...”

“You are welcome to join me in my paddling pool any time you like.” His voice was barely a whisper before his lips grazed over hers. She closed her eyes and allowed him to tease her bottom lip with his tongue before she parted her lips slightly. He pushed his tongue into her mouth, gently forcing her teeth apart and exploring. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he manoeuvred her back onto the grass, lifting his body half on top of her. As they devoured one another hungrily, he grazed his hand up from her waist to her breast, palming it gently.