I’d like to welcome debut author DAVID BRIDGER to the Writer’s Block today. David’s novel, Beauty and the Bastard released last month from Liquid Silver Books. He’s agreed to hang out today, party a little and talk about his new book. He has no idea what he’s getting himself into. (Or perhaps he does ;))
Tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing
I knew from an early age that I would be a writer, but first I needed to scratch my wanderlust itch. The sea called to me. After nearly twenty years and a variety of jobs that included lifeguard, sailor, intelligence gather and investigator, I came home badly injured. It took me several years to regain my mobility. Learning to write helped me stay sane (ish) during that dark and scary time.
Yeah let’s not touch that sanity statement *g* and move right along to the details of your book:
Saul the Bastard is a fallen angel who works as a bounty hunter for powerful urban demon families. Rebecca Drake, a modern day demon princess, is being hunted by dangerous desert demons. When Rebecca’s family hires Saul to protect her, they are both unhappy with the arrangement, but before long sparks fly as they try to resist their strong mutual attraction. For the first time in living memory, Saul has someone to love; someone he is scared of losing; someone the desert demons have marked to be their next sacrifice.
Wow, angels and demons, I’m in love already. How did you come up with this story?
They invaded my mind late one night when I was waiting for sleep to take me. Saul’s opening scene played over and over in my head. It was like watching the first five minutes of a film noir movie on a loop. I was wide awake anyway by that point, so I went looking and found Rebecca.
I fell asleep eventually. At dawn I opened a new file on the computer and started writing their story before the kettle boiled for my first cup of tea.
Interesting the hero came to you first. Well, since we’re on the subject when you’re reading a romance what about the way the hero is portrayed drives you crazy? In other words … do woman get it wrong?
In general, you all get it right. Well, what did you expect me to say? 🙂
I get bored when someone writes a cardboard cut-out character, but there’s no gender-based qualification for that.
LOL! You certainly dodged that bullet. I’ll move away from the gender questions and just ask you to describe your writing space.
I get to know my characters in bed, and like to do my plotting in the bath, but I always write in my study.
Ya know … two erotic authors should never be left alone with statements like that so I’m just going to show my readers a picture of your study and move on …
The study is at the back of the house, which is dug into a steep hillside. It’s quiet in here, except when people stamp around on the roof garden above my head. But I do my yoga up there so I can’t complain about other family members enjoying it too.
The study has been redecorated since I took that photo, and we’ve shuffled the furniture around to give me more leg room. The chesterfield is still on the left wall but the far end of it is now against the window wall. The club chair is immediately inside the door, below the bottom left corner of the photo, and my desk is under the window where the club chair used to be. When I raise my eyes from the monitor, I’m looking up the slope into our back garden.
Since you opened the door into your private world I figure I can ask you most anything. Why romance? I mean … you’re a GUY, everyone knows the majority of romance readers are women. We’re pretty particular about our stories.
I’ve always been a romantic. Show me an ocean-going sailor who says he isn’t a romantic and I’ll show you someone in denial. Show me a man who claims he’s never had a romantic thought or feeling and I’ll show you a bloody liar. But I didn’t choose to write romance. There just came a day when I realized that everything I’d written so far contained a strong element of romance, even if it wasn’t always the main storyline, and that I was good at it. So I simply followed the path.
I want to believe you, but I’m a skeptic. Quick, which do you prefer … a cold brew on the back deck with your lady or a scotch at the local pub with the boys?
A long cold G&T with ice and lemon, on the roof with my lady, watching the sun sink into the Atlantic.
*sigh* Are you sure you didn’t walk right off the pages of the latest best selling romance? … Oh, sorry, I was making a character sketch of my next hero … Um, where was I? Oh, anything else you want to share with your readers?
Never google “wolfbagging”.
ROFLMBO … most writers have writing advice, but since I didn’t follow yours I’m going to suggest to others to heed David’s advice. And while I try to recover from that let me share with everyone a short excerpt from the second chapter of Beauty and the Bastard (click on publisher’s link up top for an excerpt from chapter one)…
Rebecca woke to the luxury of warm nudity on silk sheets. She stretched until her fingers and toes tingled, smiled hello to the sun kissing her eyelids, and felt like purring, right up until the moment she opened her eyes and saw an angry angel glaring at her from the rooftop opposite her bedroom window.
She sat bolt upright in bed and glared right back, ready to tell the freak to fuck off, and laughed aloud when she realized what it was.
It wasn’t glaring into her apartment. She held her hair back from her face and stood at the window to study the statue. Well, probably not. Its thousand-yard stare seemed to aim somewhere above her head. And now that she knew what she was looking at, the wide wing span felt more protective than aggressive. His sculptor had given him great abs and a good weighty dick, too. She’d never met an actual angel. Were they all hung like incubi? Who knew? She tipped a casual salute to her new friend and went hunting for breakfast.
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I’d like to thank David for hanging out here today. I’ve hired a few cabana babes for the day to entice him to stay and respond to your questions and comments. So while we sit around talking all things romance and erotica you can find out more about him by visiting his website or his blog. You can also follow him on twitter.
Today I’d like to welcome author, Grace Hood. Her debut novel “Where There’s Heat”, is released today at The Wild Rose Press.
I’m so happy she could take some time from her busy day to hang out with me here at The Block. (Of course I’ve got her feet propped up and the pool boys giving her a massage. I hope it calms down those nerves just a tad.)
Grace, tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing.
I’ll give you the short version. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, met hubby in college (one of those student/prof things). Married and moved to the States, had two beautiful babies. All this time I was a voracious reader, everything from biographies to thrillers. About four years ago I tried my hand at writing romance, and got hooked.
A professor? I’m sure there’s a great story around that romance. Sorry, I’ll try to stay focused. What I meant is please tell us about your book.
Writing as Grace Hood, “Where There’s Heat” is a novella in the Champagne Rose line of The Wild Rose Press, releasing today, July 21!. Angie, the heroine, is a pastry chef at a hi-falutin’ restaurant in Boston, but she has to return to her small hometown in Maine to take care of a family business. She’s determined to sell up and get out quick. But then she runs into her high school crush at a charity auction, and ends up buying him. Darren, the hero, is a volunteer fire fighter, and he helps run an equine shelter. When the stuck-up girl from the old days buys his time, he discovers a warm and sexy woman. And he has his work cut out convincing her to stay.
Maine, horses, pastries and firemen? Your characters sound dreamy. How did you come up with them?
Well, I love to bake, so it was easy coming up with Angie, the pastry chef. And back when I was in junior high school, a new family moved to the neighborhood – three boys. The middle one was scrumptious, and his name was Darren. The fire fighter and horse thing just sort of appeared. I did have fun writing the scene where Angie and Darren go for a ride, end up in an old orchard and, well…hehe.
Don’t stop there! I’m assuming this book comes with a warning label for all that yummy heat. If you came with a warning label what would it read?
If you make me angry, you’d better have tissues and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
*hands Grace a box of chocolates just in case * Describe your writing space. Do you move around or always write in the same place?
My drop-front desk sits in the back corner of the dining room, between two windows. The desk belonged to my maternal grandmother, and has all sorts of little cubbies. That’s where I write. For editing on hard copy I’ll be on the couch with my highlighters and purple pen.
I’m sure you’re grandmother is enjoying all that naughtiness. *g*Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantzer? Do you have comfort drinks or snack foods? Any favorite music you play while writing?
Despite numerous attempts to change and many online workshops, I remain a pantser. I get an idea and write. At the chapter three mark or thereabouts, I pull up on the reins and make sure I have a plot that’s going somewhere, and characters who won’t put readers to sleep. Then I go back to pantsing. This leaves me with a big pile ‘o mess that needs heavy revisions, but it’s the only way I can get from “page one” to “the end”.
I used to drink Diet Coke by the litre, but a good friend sent me a terrifying email about the dangers of said beverage, so now I’m hooked on water. For snacks, the saltier the better. I’ve been known to make microwave popcorn, the Movie Theatre flavour, and sprinkle on extra salt.
For me, silence is golden.
What happened to the first novel you ever wrote?
It resides on my hard drive, where it will remain. About a year ago I started reading it, thinking it might be fun to polish it up. ~snort~ I couldn’t get past page ten without whiplash from the head hopping. I have learned so much in the last few years.
At least you got to page ten. I haven’t even dared look at my mess of a first manuscript. Okay, now for a little fun … if you had super powers what would they be and what would you call yourself?
I would be “Omnipotent Woman”, and I would give magical dope slaps to everyone who is screwing up the world.
May I add to your list? Why are you looking at me that way? Do you think these pants make my butt look big or something?
Darling, you look marvelous!
That’s the margaritas talking I’m sure, but thanks dah-link, right back at you! Ah hem, back to the serious stuff. I know this is your debut novel. CONGRATULATIONS! Could you tell us a little bit about your writing journey and perhaps share some advice with aspiring authors?
Well, I’ll try, but I’m still learning. When I started writing I knew less than nothing. RWA and GMC were just groups of letters. With the help and guidance of all the wonderful writers I’ve met in person and online, I’ve become the published writer you see before you, in a virtual, pixilated sense.
The best advice I can give is the same advice I follow. Never give up. Keep learning. Find a critique partner or two, and learn to take criticism. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Plant your butt in the chair and don’t get up until you’ve met your goal. To paraphrase Nora the Great, you can’t fix a blank page. Keep writing even if you think its drivel, because chances are, somewhere in the muck, a little slice of perfection is hiding.
Great advice. I’ve got nothing else to ask. Perhaps you could share an excerpt from your book?
But of course! And thank you so much for inviting me to your lovely blog, I’ve had a blast! Well feel free to finish that … cough cough … third margarita and enjoy the pool boys while my readers enjoy this Excerpt:
The noise in the ballroom was deafening. Screams, whistles and laughter blended into a palpable force.
Angie slid into her seat. “What’s the bid up to?”
“Someone named Missy bid four—” The rest of her words were drowned out by the MC.
“Going once, going twice…”
Angie’s gut churned. Only four hundred? Darren was worth tons more, even if he was from the wrong side of the bay. Her heart pounded and a trickle of sweat crawled across her chest. Like in the minutes spent waiting for the pregnancy test to turn blue. Or not.
Without wasting another second worrying about the consequences, Angie stood, raised her paddle and shouted, “Five.”
Utter silence cloaked the room, except for a few gasps. The loudest of which came from Jill.
“What the hell are you doing?” She grabbed Angie’s arm and pulled her off her feet.
“You told me to get a man. In fact, you told me to buy the firefighter. So I bid.” There was no way on God’s green earth she would allow Darren to fall into Missy’s talons. The viper had been the bane of her existence all through high school.
She risked a glance in Darren’s direction. He shook hands with a couple of the other bachelors, who should have been looking smug at out-pricing him, but instead they looked a little peeved.
“Are you crazy—five thousand dollars? You don’t even know this guy. No one knows this guy.”
“Thousand? No, it was five—” Coffee and booze churned in her stomach.
“Sold!” The gavel rapped, Missy glared, and Angie had bought herself a man.
Oh cripes, what have I done?
Slumping in her chair, Angie rubbed at the pain blossoming behind her right eyebrow and struggled to breathe. Damn, she wasn’t hyperventilating, was she?
She took a final gulp of cold coffee before trailing behind Jill as they approached the group of men, and the women who had bought their services. Jill sashayed to her bachelor and soon led him away to a private corner where they could get to know each other. Angie couldn’t help but think Jill and her new beau would get along like hippos in mud. Jill’s love of adventure guaranteed they’d have fun. And they’d look good doing it. From their identically highlighted hair to their designer duds they could be on the cover of one of the tabloids as the newest power couple. Jill had admitted to liking fancy wrapping. Angie was more concerned with what was inside the package.
Angie squared her shoulders, tugged again at her sequined hem, and advanced toward her purchase. He slouched against a pillar with his hands in his pockets, scanning the crowd, a slight grin on his handsome face. His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, and his white teeth set off the last of his summer tan. A downright yummy package.
She held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Angie Davis. I don’t know if you remember me but—”
“Yeah, I do now.” His emerald gaze traveled from her head to her toes, leaving her with the distinct impression he didn’t like what he saw. He ignored her outstretched hand. She dropped it to her side, fighting the urge to shuffle and fidget.
Only she could spend five thousand dollars to get rejected.
A wave of embarrassment heated her skin and she wiped again at her damp brow. She had to get out of there before she did something else stupid. She cleared the discomfort from her throat. “For this date, since you don’t have anything planned, I thought—”
He aimed for the lobby bar. “I need a drink.”
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To keep up with Grace’s news and her book releases you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
I’d like to welcome my guest blogger today … JUNIPER BELL
Sometimes you’re in the mood for long and sensual, something you can lose yourself in, something that keeps you in bed all weekend.
Other times, you want it short, hot, and to the point. You want that happy ending, but you don’t want to take so long to get there.
Yes, of course I’m referring to books. I love complex, thousand-page novels. When I was growing up, I was the girl reading under her covers with a flashlight all night. I still love books like that, but realistically, I know it would take me months to finish one now. I’d read a few pages while stirring the soup, then a few more after folding the clothes, or in the precious half-hour after my stepdaughter goes to sleep. When I was younger, I had all the time in the world. Now I’m always racing the clock to get things done. But when I read, I still want a satisfying story with character development and some plot twists.
Enter … the novella! Longer than a quickie, shorter than a novel. Long enough to get intimate with the characters, but not so long my family gets neglected. Long enough for an emotional arc, short enough to focus on the essentials of the story.
As both a reader and a writer, I love the novella form. Writing short forces you to hone your story down to its most compelling elements. It makes you choose the most interesting moments in your characters’ lives. You’re constantly asking the question, what’s necessary, and what’s extraneous? How can I bring this character to life as quickly as possible? It’s a challenge, but an exciting one.
My new book, “Doll“, is a novella.
Here’s the blurb:
Even a plaything can be pushed too far…Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom-and custody of her daughters.Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.
Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past… BUY THE BOOK
The time covered in this story may be short, but it completely transforms Chloe’s life. By writing this story as a novella, I was able to focus on this one significant turning-point in her existence. Honing the story down to those few tumultuous, magical days made everything about her relationship with Dustin more intense, more meaningful … and yes, hotter.
So readers, how do you like your books, long or short? Authors, which form to do enjoy more? Or is it a question of what you’re in the mood for on any given day?
Thanks to Nina Pierce for having me on her wonderful blog!
I’m so happy to have you Juniper. You can visit Juniper on her website or her regular blog or facebook or chatting away on twitter
This week I’d like to welcome Catherine Bybee author of BINDING VOWS
Wow, thanks Catherine for chatting with us! The cabana boys are serving drinks and giving massages. *wink wink*. Feel free to relax. And if you have any questions for Catherine, she’ll be answering them in between Holiday drinks in the pool house!
Here’s the blurb…
Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.
Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.
When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?
And is it love they feel? Or something else?
I am so pleased to have Naima Simone here at the Writer’s Block. Naima is brand new to Ellora’s Cave and she stopped by today to talk to us about her debut novel, Sweet Ultimatum.
Tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing
Hi, Nina! A little about myself…Well, my name is Naima Simone, I live in the southern US, but my dream home would be in one of Thomas Kinkade’s paintings! Complete with steepled church, cottage and lighthouse. I’m married and have two kids who-since I’ve received my first sale with Ellora’s Cave-go around the house yelling, we’re going to be rich!! I keep trying to explain, look, mom has to write a lot more books before that happens, but as we speak my son is listing all the PSP games he wants to buy and my daughter is stomping down the toys in her chest to make room for more! LOL! Like most writers will say, I’ve been writing all my life, but the milestone that set me on the road to romance was the day reality pimp-slapped me and I realized the odds of me playing guitar in a rock band, meeting Ralph Tresvant from New Edition and marrying him were nil to “not gonna happen”. So, I decided to create a world where I it would! It’s been romance ever since.
Hey, I had that same band dream, only I wanted to be Barbra Steisand. Yeah, that is so not gonna happen. How about we not sing and you tell us a little about your book?
My book is titled, Sweet Ultimatum, and it’s a new release with Ellora’s Cave on October 23rd. Whoo-hoo! Ahem. Sorry. I promised my husband I would show some decorum in this interview. So, six years ago Caitlin Madison, my heroine, devastated Selig Richardson by breaking off their relationship and leaving. Now they’ve come face to face again and he plans to exorcise her memory that’s haunted him for all these years. And he intends to do it with her body. What Selig doesn’t know is Caitlin hurt him to save his life. That danger has now reawakened with their reunion and is stalking them again. So Caitlin has another choice to make-a life with the man she’s never stopped loving or break his heart again and save his life. You can read an excerpt HERE under the Books tab for your reading pleasure. A longer excerpt is under the Coming Soon page at Ellora’s Cave. Page 2. Third row. Second from the left. Or there about…
We’ll see if we can find it with those vague directions, Naima. *g* How about telling us a little more about Caitlin and Selig and how you discovered their story?
First, my guilty pleasure is tortured heroes. Whether they’re in historical, contemporary, paranormal or romantic suspense. I love ‘em! Selig is bitter, shipwrecked by a professional and moral crisis, and to top it off, he’s reunited with the woman who betrayed him after he’d given his soul to her. And Caitlin has a quiet strength that made me love her even as I wrote her. She faced a “suck and suckier” situation, as Dianna Love Snell would call it. She could risk Selig’s life by staying with him or save his life by letting him go. No matter which choice she made, she would lose. It took strength to make the decision she did, but it also takes courage to face the consequences of that decision six years later.
Wow, that’s an impossible decision for Caitlin. No right answer. I bet she wishes she could have waved a magic wand to make it all better. What if you had super powers? What would they be and what would you call yourself?
Definitely the ability to run super fast. I’m going to reveal my age here, but as a kid I loved Thunder Cats! Cheetarah was my girl! So to run at supersonic speed would be my superpower. But, not just to run-run in really sexy knee-high boots with a five-inch heel. ‘Cause my costume would be a red leather catsuit. And I’d have a weave ponytail swinging against my butt. I’d call myself “Dang, she’s fast and sexy”! You can see I’ve thought about this a while…
I could have sworn I saw you at the grocery store in that costume. Not you? Hmmm … perhaps you could tell us a little bit about your writing space.
My writing space is wherever and whenever! Of course I have my desk at home, but I also carry my NEO so whenever an idea hits, I whip it out of my purse…hold on just a minute, Nina, because I know my husband is reading this…Yes! It is a purse, not a suitcase!…Okay I’m back. So, as I was saying, I just whip it out and get to writing.
Sounds like you’re prepared anytime you have a minute. Could you tell us a little more about your writing process?
You know, a couple of years ago, I would’ve been like, what is this process thing you speak of? LOL! But, yes, I definitely have a process. I’m a plotter so I outline the characters, idea, plot, setting, etc. Super Notecard and the templates from Dianna Love and Mary Buckham’s Break into Fiction are the tools of my trade! And a large cup of McDonald’s coffee with seven creams and nine sugars. My father always said I could ruin a perfectly good cup of coffee! LOL! I don’t know about other writers, but the TV must be on, even if it’s muted. Also, I absolutely must have music. For romantic scenes, preferably Chicago-yes! Chicago! (I’m glaring at all those snickers!) And for the sexy scenes? Well, it depends on what kind of sex they’re having. It can swing from Jamie Foxx to Nine Inch Nails to…Chicago. I’m embarrassing myself, aren’t I? LOL!
Yeah, totally strange choice in old music (hides her Chicago albums behind her back). So that’s a little insight into Naima. But what if I asked your friends to name 3 personality traits, what would they say?
They would say I’m vivacious, fun and charming because I have too much info on them. LOL! Okay, let me see…they would say I’m friendly, good for a laugh and sarcastic…but I don’t get that at all!
The sarcasm thing totally elludes me. Not sure why they would say that. *g* So tell us, what happened to the first novel you ever wrote?
The first novel I ever wrote was about a cucumber named Fred. I think my mother may still have that in the collection I fondly call the Blackmail Archives. My first romance novel is in a deep dark trunk wrapped in chains and locks. And if anyone opens it they risk letting loose the apocalypse. In other words, I ain’t telling!
LOL! Well, then let’s just change the subject. I just got my royalty check and I’m trying to decide if I should buy these heels or these boots. What do you think?
Boots with heels!! Knee-high, black stiletto boots from Frederick’s of Hollywood that would make me feel like Mistress Naima.
Hey we could be twins, boots it is! Now enough about my footwear. I know you just went through editing. How did you find the process?
Honestly, I was intimidated at first and afraid to open the email attachment! LOL! But, I just completed my third and final round and it truly wasn’t as bad as I imagined-and I promise you my imagination is active and in Technicolor…and it TIVOs! I’ll admit though, I did learn a very valuable lesson during my editing. Apparently I kept…uh…erroneously describing a certain aspect of the male anatomy. Finally, my editor had to “sit me down” and explain the correct…uh…placement. She was very nice about it, but I’m sure she was thinking, isn’t this chick married?? I called my husband and told him what I had discovered, and as head of Research and Development, he called a mandatory conference and what do you know? She was right! LOL! I’ll never make that mistake again!! See how valuable the editing process is? We never stop learning!
Oh, you so know I want to know more details about what you described. *g* But we’ll move on. Which would you prefer a hot soak in the tub or a smokin’ BBQ with friends?
Food wins every time!! BBQ. And as long as the friends bring their own, they can eat, too!
A woman after my own heart, urrr, my dinner. LOL! If you were sick in bed which movie would you watch and why?
Hands down Mystic Pizza and Dirty Dancing! Mystic Pizza is the prototype chick flick. You have girlfriends and romance. Each character and relationship is unique but has its own happy ending, just in different ways. Dirty Dancing! I mean what woman didn’t wish she was Baby and had Johnny as a lover and dance partner? “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.” That was the corniest line in the move, but one of my favorites!! I love that movie…It’s sexy, funny and triumphant. It’s a classic!
Oh, Patrick Swayze and Dirty Dancing! Be still my heart. I totally agree with you! Those are some great movies. Now that you have your first book on its way, what advice would you give aspiring authors?
Join RWA. Join your local chapter of RWA. The knowledge, experience and support there is priceless. Find a good, supportive critique partner and guard her/him like gold. They’re that precious. And most of all press and have faith. My father shared something with me that continues to lift me up to this day. “Faith is hope standing on tiptoes”. As long as you have faith and hope that what you can’t see right now will come to pass, you’ll always press toward it. Even when it seems like every response is a rejection. Take it, learn from it and continue to move forward. I’m still doing it.
I love that saying of your father’s. Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
Yes…Those PSP games are expensive so please buy the book! LOL! First and foremost, I’m a reader. Before I could pick up a pen, I read about Cinderella and Snow White. My goal is to make you feel how I did when the prince slipped the glass slipper on Cinderella. If my books accomplish that, I’m thrilled. I’m so excited that I have the opportunity to share Sweet Ultimatum with you. I hope you fall in love with Selig and Caitlin like I have. It’s available from Ellora’s Cave on October 23rd. I’m going to have a contest with give-a-ways the week leading up to the 23rd, so visit me at my website, for news and details. Also, when you go to the website, go under the Links tab and drool-I mean, view the Art Gallery. If you join my Yahoo Announcement group, I’ll keep you updated on my release date, debut of my cover, where I’m blogging at and whatever else I’m up to. Also, comment on my Hawtie of the Month. I blog on the newest Hawtie every 5th of the month. Hey! That’s today. Email and tell me who you think should appear as Hawtie of the Month! Please, feel free to drop me an email about Sweet Ultimatum, writing, this blog…I would love to hear from you. My email address is nsimone books @ aol.com (without the spaces).
Today, I’d like to welcome Jessica Anderson, author of the Final Prophecy series available through Signet publishing. This is an amazing series about the dooms day prophecy of December 21, 2012. Welcome Jessica!
Hi, and thanks for joining me today as I talk a bit about SKYKEEPERS: A NOVEL OF THE FINAL PROPHECY!
(Mmmm… love that cover. Not much beats a half-nekkid hunk with a big knife … I’m just sayin’.)
From the back cover:
Ancient prophecy holds that 12/21/2012 will bring a global cataclysm. Mankind’s only hope lies with the Nightkeepers, modern magic-wielding warriors who must find their destined mates and fulfill the legends to defeat the rise of terrible Mayan demons.
Michael Stone is a man with a dark secret that has skewed his magical abilities dangerously toward the underworld. Seeking redemption, he sets out on a perilous mission to save the daughter of Ambrose Ledbetter, a renowned Mayanist who died before he could reveal the location of a hidden library. The Nightkeepers must find the library before their enemies gain access to its valuable cache of spells and prophecies.
Sasha Ledbetter grew up hearing heroic tales of an ancient group of powerful magi who were destined to save the world from destruction. She never expected that her bedtime stories would come to life in the form of Nightkeeper Michael Stone, or that she’d hold the key to the warrior’s survival. As Sasha and Michael join forces to prevent the imminent battle, sparks of attraction ignite between them, and they’re forced to confront the unexpected passion that brings them together … and also tears them apart.
Now … I love me some alpha heroes, and the term abso-freaking-lutely describes Michael Stone. But at the same time, I don’t care for fluttering-Miss heroines who are always waiting around for the tough-guy hero to come save them. I like a woman who does her best to save herself, one who makes the hero stronger when they finally connect with each other, creating a united whole that outperforms its parts. Enter Sasha Ledbetter, who doesn’t think of herself as tough or resourceful, but discovers those things about herself as she struggles to escape from her captors and make a new life for herself among the Nightkeepers without losing herself to Michael or the darkness within him.
But rather than blather on about my opinions on gutsy heroines, I though I’d let Sasha show you what I mean. The following is an excerpt from SKYKEEPERS. I hope you enjoy it!
********
Sasha awoke, blinking up into the light thrown down by an unshielded fluorescent tube. Something’s different, she thought. But a quick look around her said it wasn’t the scenery.
She was still in hell. It wasn’t the Christians’ fire-and-brimstone hell or her father’s nine-layered Mayan underworld of rivers and roads and monsters, though. No, this hell was one of cool, blank walls and a narrow cot in a ten-by-ten cell with gray walls, floor, and ceiling. This hell was being the prisoner of an enormous, green-eyed, chestnut-haired man who called himself Iago, but whom the others called “Master.”
Where is the library? his red-robed, forearm-tattooed interrogators asked her over and over again while drug-spiced smoke oozed from stone braziers carved into the shapes of screaming skulls. Each time, her muscles screamed protest at the crucified position they’d tied her in, roping her to a wooden cross that represented not the son of the Christians’ god, but the world tree of the Maya and Aztec, with its roots delving into hell, its branches reaching to the sky. Where did your father hide it? Sometimes they lashed her with stone-tipped flails that drew bloody, purple-black lines on her body. Other times they didn’t hit her at all, but rather somehow put her in agony without touching her, watching with avid eyes as she writhed and screamed.
She would’ve given anything to make the torture stop, but she couldn’t tell them what she didn’t know. She’d kept insisting that Ambrose had never told her anything about a library. They didn’t believe her, though, which meant that the cycle kept repeating over and over again-days of impotent, drugged fugue interspersed with pain and terror. She thought they might have moved her once or twice, but the details had blurred together, growing ever more distant as her mind insulated her consciousness from the reality her body was suffering. Each time the interrogators had opened the cell door, reality had receded further, her burgeoning fantasies coming clearer.
She knew the waking dreams were nothing more than illusions, constructs that her mind created for her as an escape. But she clung fiercely to the fantasies in her drugged stupor, because if her consciousness was wrapped in the dreams, she wasn’t aware of what was happening in the interrogation chamber. And that was a blessed relief.
Sometimes the fantasies brought her to a strange cave, a circular stone room that should have reminded her of the interrogation room and the horrors within it. But she wasn’t terrified in this chamber, wasn’t hurt. Instead, she was wildly aroused, wrapped around a big, powerful man with long, wavy dark hair and green eyes that reminded her of the pine forests up in Maine. In the dreams, she breathed him in, lost herself in his kiss, and felt, maybe for the first time in her life, like she was exactly where she belonged. Which was how she knew it was a fantasy, because Sasha had done many things in her life, but she’d never truly fit anywhere.
Other times the dreams brought her back to Boston, to the pretty, sun-filled studio apartment where she’d lived across the hall from a firefighter’s widow, an elderly ex-concert violinist named Ada, who’d become her friend. Sasha had cooked for her neighbor a few nights a week, gladly trading pumpkinseed dip and spicy barbecued shrimp for snippets of Bach and Mozart, and the knowledge that someone cared whether or not she made it home at night. Only she hadn’t made it home, had she? Instead she’d gone looking for Ambrose and wound up in hell, stuck there as her menstrual clock told her months passed, almost a year, while she lay dazed by drugs and hopelessness.
Except she wasn’t drugged or hopeless now. She felt sharp and energized for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Hardly daring to trust the sudden change, she sat up on her bunk and braced herself for the pain to hit. It didn’t. Instead, nerves and excitement and all sorts of other sharp, hot emotions poked through the numb confusion that had cloaked her for too long.
“What the hell is going on?” she asked, and jerked at the sound of her own voice, the alien clarity of words that weren’t drugged mumbles or throat-tearing screams.
Starting to shake now-with hope, with fear-she took stock. She was wearing the sturdy bush pants she’d had on when she’d been captured, along with a too-big navy sweatshirt she’d had for a while now, though she didn’t know who she’d gotten it from, or when. Her underwear, T-shirt, and socks were long gone to rags, her boots confiscated. All that was the same as it had been. The cuts on her palms, though, were new.
She stared at the shallow, scabbed-over slices as a hazy memory broke through. Had she dreamed of a brown-haired man bending over her with a serrated combat knife, his eyes flickering from hazel to luminous green and back again? If so, it was a new, less pleasant fantasy than the others, her imagination run amok. But no, she was positive he had been there; she had the scabs to prove it. Had he done something to neutralize the tranquilizers they’d been mixing in her food for so long? Or had the red-robes withdrawn the drugs for some reason, wanting her fully aware for whatever they had planned next?
But she wasn’t just awake; she felt damned good. Energy coursed through her, effervescent bubbles running in her veins, making her want to leap up and run, to scream with the mad exuberance of being alive. More, she was warm. Hot, even, and suddenly needy in a way she hadn’t been in a long, long time. Her heart pounded; her skin tingled. She thought of her dark-haired, green-eyed dream man, and ached for him, for the press of his flesh on hers.
Lifting her hands, she cupped her suddenly flushed cheeks, then let her fingertips drift down to skim across her collarbones and along her ribs. Surprise shuddered through her at the feel of smooth, toned flesh. Slowly, almost afraid to look, she lifted the hem of her sweatshirt so her eyes could confirm what her hands had found. Although it seemed impossible, the festering sores on her hips and shoulders had healed overnight, and the crosshatched welts, scabs and scars of the repeated whippings had faded from her skin. Her wasted flesh had been restored; her arms and legs were muscled, her butt and breasts rounded, as they had been before her captivity.
Stunned, she let the sweatshirt drop back down to cover her irrationally taut, toned stomach. Her head spun with disbelief, but not with drugs.
If she’d believed in miracles, she would’ve called it just that. How else could matching slashes on her palm cause her body to heal itself?
“Doesn’t matter,” she told herself as the embers of the strong woman she’d once been kindled to a low, guttering flame of determination. “Don’t waste whatever time you’ve got trying to figure out what’s going on. Just get your ass out of here.”
Rising from the narrow, blanketless cot, she stood for a moment, thrilling to the sense of balance and power that coursed through her, the awareness of her own body. She acutely felt the weight of her sweatshirt and pants, the press of the floor against the soles of her feet. In the back of her head there was a splash of fear that this was nothing more than another sort of torture, that Iago had given her back herself only to take the feeling away again. But on the heels of fear came determination. “If that’s your plan, you bastard, you’re going to regret it,” she said softly. “That’s a promise.”
********
For more on the Nightkeepers, check out Jessica’s website (which is way cool with it’s clock counting down …) And remember, SKYKEEPERS (which can be read as a stand-alone, although you may want to go back and read the others after) is available in a store near you!
Thanks a TON for visiting, Jessica. I’d just like to say I loved loved LOVED Dawnkeepers and will be heading out to my local Barnes and Nobel this weekend to pick up my copy of Skykeepers. I can’t wait to read the continuing journey!
I’m so happy to have author Judi Phillips visiting today. Her newest release, Ghost of a Chance, is available at Wild Rose Press. And she’s here to tell us all about it. Welcome, Judi !!
Thanks, Nina, for inviting me over. I love your work and this is a treat.
Mwahahahaha … you have no idea what I have in store for you. So here goes with all the personal questions …
Tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing.
I have always had stories in my head, but had no interest in writing a complete manuscript on a typewriter (which may give you a hint about my age). When computers arrived with the magical cut and paste icons, it was all over for me. Within a month or two of my first job using a word processor, I was writing my first novel.
Please tell us about your newest release
Ghost of a Chance is the story of a mischievous little boy ghost, Edward. There’s Trace Hawthorn, the hero, a left-brained engineer, Wynter Storm, the heroine, intuitive but doesn’t want to acknowledge it, their matchmaking daughters, and their meddling mothers.
What was the inspiration for this story?
A comment made years ago by my daughter (10 or so then) and her friend who suggested it would be fun if I dated her dad (her parents had recently divorced) and that way they could be sisters. Made me think about matchmaking daughters.
Paranormal. Interesting. What’s your favorite genre to write?
My favorite stories to write are time travels. Love forcing either the heroine or hero to struggle with that fish out of water feeling. Also like writing contemporaries with a hint of mystery. And the hot stuff.
Oh, hot stuff, you opened that door. Now will you please tell us a little bit about your step into the world of erotic romance?
Ah, yes. Pepper Goodrich. She writes Saucy, Sexy Romps and you can check her out at her website. I can tell pretty much from the start of the story whether Judi or Pepper is writing. In fact, the story I’m working on now, I thought was going to be written by Pepper, but Judi took over from the get go.
You can find Pepper’s newest story, Meltdown HERE. There’s even a book trailer (done by the very talented DNK Productions oh, that would be me! Hee hee) …
Will you have more titles as Pepper?
Definitely. I have one completed story and at least a couple more in the works. Just need to find a home for them.
If you came with a warning label what would it read?
Very hot, but lots of fun. Very lighthearted. And hot. Remember, it’s written by Pepper.
Describe your writing space. Do you move around or always write in the same place?
My office is what would probably be the master bedroom in my house. It’s the larger room. About half of the room is where I write. My desk faces a window so I can look outside at the woods surrounding my house. Fun in the summer because I can watch the birds. Not so much fun in the winter as the snow piles higher and higher. The other half doubles as a guest room/research library. Bookcases line one wall, filled to overflowing with books on writing or on topics I write about.
In the summer, I grab my laptop and plant myself on my deck and that becomes my summer office. Love writing with the breeze ruffling the wind chimes and my little doggies snoozing as they soak up the sun. A glass of lemonade and my iPod and life doesn’t get any better than that.
What happened to the first novel you ever wrote?
Poor thing is keeping the dust bunnies company. I refer to it as my House Beautiful/Vogue story. Lots and lots of descriptions of what people were wearing and how the rooms were arranged. But I honed my writing skills with it, so it has a special place in my heart. But it will never again see the light of day.
You have a fulltime job. How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?
I try to get up early, but have been a slug abed lately. Need to kick myself awake because I have a deadline looming. I almost always write during lunch, going to a local food court with a fountain that drowns out most conversations. My iPod takes care of the rest. I can write a surprising amount in an hour. Evenings, I work on either editing my own stuff or doing critiques for my buddies.
Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantzer? Do you have comfort drinks or snack foods. Any favorite music you play while writing?
Sort of both. I start out pantzing for about the first three chapters. Then, when I think I know the characters, I start working on character sheets, conflict and figuring out what’s going to happen down the road. One of the many problems with my first story was that it wandered all over the place and I had to keep bringing it back. Much easier, I think, if I know where I’m going in the first place.
The editing process is an important aspect of writing. Do you have a routine you follow when going through it?
One of the things I do is go through the manuscript and highlight problem words, like those ending in ly, just, that, was, etc. Some pages become a nightmare in yellow. I also print out the chapters with about a 3 inch margin on the right side, which encourages editing by giving me lots of room to make comments and add missing pieces. For whatever reason, my left brain seems to click on at night, so I find evenings the most productive time to edit, whereas mornings are good for creating.
A hot soak in the tub or a smokin’ BBQ with friends?
Which would I prefer? A smokin’ BBQ with friends, especially if they’re my writerly friends. Nothing better than hangin’ with people who understand that because I have stories playing in my head, I’m not necessarily crazy.
Judi, the voices in your head definitely don’t make you crazy … but they DEFINITELY make you a writer. *g* Thanks so much for visiting. The cabana boys would love to offer you a massage… ah, Judi. Oh, there she goes.
Well, if you’d like to find out more about Judi and her books visit her website. She’d also love it if you emailed her at JudiPhillips @ roadrunner.com (without the spaces). I’ll see if I can pull her from the cabana boys long enough to answer a few of your questions. In the meantime, why don’t you entertain yourself with the book trailer for Ghost of a Chance.
Today I’d like to welcome Darragha Foster to my blog. Darr is a fellow erotic author with Liquid Silver Books.
Darragha, tell us a little bit about you and how you got into writing.
I wrote my first book when I was nine years old. I submitted it to Random House. It was rejected with the nicest letter you could ever imagine. I was undaunted. Writing is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I don’t recall how I developed my great love of the written word, but I’m sure that my reading at a very young age contributed. I am almost 48 years old. I have a sexy school custodian husband, a gorgeous, strong-willed teenage daughter, an old miniature dachshund, a huge orange cat and a white horse. I don’t like folding my clothes and putting them away. I insist on having my own toothpaste that no-one else uses. My miniature doxie thinks I’m his bitch. He adores me. He sits on my side of the bed and barks at me until I lay down with him. I see a shape-shifter story in there somewhere…
I know you’re very prolific, would you please tell us about your books.
I write shape-shifter romances with a twist. Or a fin. I am the author of “The Orca King,” after all. Quick run down:
Love’s Second Sight
Viking Age romance. Based on fact! And tid-bit: just about everything the heroine experiences, I experienced. I like my research!
The Orca King
The original whale-shifter, hot Native American shaman who can bring on erotic vision quests (which get him into some hot water in the sequel). Who says true love waits? True love makes waves!
Cold, Hard Kash
A cursed cowboy incubus looking for love and destined to never find it. Then he hooks up with a dominatrix whose nickname is “Rage.” Can anyone say “ouch?”
Teaching Old Gods New Tricks
Including: Devil King of the Sixth Heaven, Death Warmed Over, Devil’s Food Kate
This is a 3-part story about the deposed and dethroned Norse gods making their way in human society. This is a naughty, fun book.
A Witch in Time (witchcraft anthology)
My story is “Spell-Crafted for Pleasure” and involves a woman who buys and sells antique erotica and spell-casting supplies. She picks up a Viking-Age whale bone dildo for a song and finds out that the spirits trapped in the bone are ready to do a little number for her.
Of Flesh and Blood (vampire anthology)
My tale is: “Polishing Saber.” Saber is a black woman living and working in the pristine, very blonde country of Iceland. She finds out that the pristine-nature of the country is being jeopardized by her own invention and discovers that the way to save Iceland’s wilderness may just lie within the arms of one of its very blonde, ancient protectors.
Mooncusser Cove
I love this book. I love the story. I love the cover. I wish my name was Vesper. Mooncusser Cove is the story of a land pirate’s daughter cursed with a form of vampirism, the handyman she hires to help her (in oh, so many ways), and the villagers who want to burn her and her beach mansion to ashes.
The Orca King, II
I broke every rule of romance with this novel. Big Tom (the Orca King, himself), is suffering from the effects of too much lovin’. Who knew leading women on needless erotic vision quests could cause problems later? With the help of Tom’s new friend, Devon de la Cruz, he steps out of the fog of his misdeeds, and out of the closet. This is my first full m/m romance and it is lovely. Lovely, loving and way outside the box.
Half-Were House
With my story “Tail Over Whiskers” in “Half-Were House” a were-shifter anthology written with Mima and Celia Kyle. “Tail Over Whiskers” involves Blaze Angora, a woman who can partially shift into a house-cat and a man named Jack Hawk, to whom she is inadvertently scent-matched. Only problem is, he’s a dog. Literally. (NOTE: This book is being released TODAY! Boo-Yah!)
I’ve also got a submission out to a new publisher for me, called “Her Personal Trainer,” the tale of a woman, her treadmill and the genie of the treadmill. Who knew exercise could be so much fun?
I’m writing all the time, too. Lots of wicked fun stuff coming up.
I know you write a little on the outside. Could you tell us where your ideas come from?
You just gave me an idea! That’s where my stories come from. Everywhere. Example: I was watching a stable hand break a horse named Bear. Breaking Bear. Hmmmm….a “bear” is a gay man with lots of body hair. “Breaking” could mean, well…”breaking in.” So, I’ve outlined a story about two men working at a horse ranch. One convinces the other that it’s okay to love who you love and thus the breaking of Bear (one of the men) happens. On the mounting block. Oh! That’s another outlined story. “The Mounting Block.” You use a mounting block to get up on a horse. You could use it for other things, too. Then there’s “Sinking into the Bit,” a story of a high-strung stable owner who learns to relax a little. She learns to sink into the bit. It’s pretty obvious that my daughter is a horsewoman, huh? I’ve spent lots of time in the car, with my laptop, watching her ride. Let me be a proud mother:
Here’s the last show of the season.
Hunt Equitation
2nd Place Award (You need to see beautiful girl’s smile)
When you’re sick in bed what’s your comfort movie?
The Ten Commandments or maybe Ben Hur. No kidding. Yul Brenner and Charleton Heston when they were both firm young flesh…Mama!
Describe your writing space. Do you move around or always write in the same place?
I write in my messy home office with Lyle nudging my ankles for attention. (Lyle is my dog).
I write in the staff lounge on my lunch break during my day job duties. I have a tiny laptop I take to work every day. Can’t use school equipment to write smut, after all! (I’m a shape-shifter. By day I am a school secretary. By night I am a romance novelist.)
And I write in the car while my daughter mucks, grooms, rides, etc. Sometimes I write in the barn or at a bench if the weather is nice at the stable.
Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantzer? Do you have comfort drinks or snack foods? Any favorite music you play while writing?
I am both a plotter and a pantster. I weave my ideas onto the computer and then just start writing like mad to see where stuff lands. Sometimes it suffers the agony of delete, sometimes it’s damn good! I drink tea and coffee. I always have a water bottle with me. I don’t snack. I have a lap-band and snacking is bad. I have lost over 60lbs, however! (The woman is melting down to nothing, she looks mighty fine … trust me on that one.)
If we asked your friends to name 3 personality traits about you, what do you think they would say?
Twisted.
Stubborn.
Generous.
What happened to the first novel you ever wrote?
It’s in a box in the attic along with the rejection letter from Random House.
Do you think these pants make my butt look big?
No, darling. I think your fleshy butt makes the pants look fabulous. (I knew pink striped spandex was perfect for me!)
The editing process is an important aspect of writing. Do you have a routine you follow when going through it?
I read my first drafts aloud. Oh, the mistakes you catch when you read things out loud! Then I “fill In the blanks” (add plot where plot is needed). Then I bleed a chicken in a pentagram and pray for the best.
You have a fulltime job. How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?
I write at 5am. I write at 1pm. I write when I get home from work after I feed the family dinner. I LOVE having DVR, because I can record TV shows I want to see and catch up watching them early, early Saturday or Sunday mornings. Like LOST. Love it. I write in the car while “waiting” for the kid. I write in my head while on the phone with parents wanting to get messages to their kids. I write in my head while the principal is stressing over the budget cuts. I write in my head while waiting in line at Trader Joe’s. I definitely write while paying the bills or cleaning the tub.
A hot soak in the tub or a smokin’ BBQ with friends?
Darragha likes baby back ribs. I’d say family gathering at the Foster farm with ribs and Caesar salad.
Tell us where we can find you when you’re not hanging out here checking out my cabana crew …
I have a Facebook! I love Facebook. I’m not so big on MySpace, but you can also visit me there. I run contests all the time. Check out my blog and my Facebook for more info!
I make video trailers under the guise of “Chocolate Covered Promotions.” I charge way less than anyone else-only $20.00. I’m also a gifted psychic and have been giving readings for over 30 years. I charge $5.00 per question. You can find out more about my readings by visiting my website. I have a ton of videos up on YouTube, too. Need one? Just ask!
Darragha would love to hear from you. Go on ask her some questions while Darr does a couple of tarot readings, at least that’s what she told me she was doing when she went into the pool house with a couple of the cabana boys and closed the curtains. Perhaps she’s just doing some writing. Maybe it’s just research … yeah, probably research.
And the answer is a resounding “no”. But you already knew that! *g*
I’m over at Whipped Cream doing an interview. I hope you’ll stop over and see what trouble I’m getting into today!
Rose at Whipped Cream gave Blind Love 5 cherries! And had this to say:
“The heat between Damon and Julie flare up and sparks something new and wonderful for both of them. They get to know each other and learn about new facets of their own personalities in the process. And, in the process, they meet danger and suspense head on as they work together to solve the mystery of Jason’s death… Ms. Pierce keeps you on tenterhooks until the very last moment.”
Click HERE to read the whole review!
This week I’m pleased to have my office filled with people. K.A. Mitchell, multi-published author of sexy male/male stories has agreed to an interview. And she’s brought along a few friends and the very sexy heroes of her latest story, Collision Course, Aaron and Joey. And I must say they are yummy! Unfortunately, it appears they have eyes only for each other (and a couple of the cabana boys). Let me get them settled and see if we can’t get K.A. to talk about her latest adventure.
Here’s the back cover copy:
Immovable object? Meet the irresistible force.
Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn’t have anything against love. It just comes with a lot of responsibility, like when he had to raise his sister and brothers after their drug-addicted mom took off for good. Now that the last one is off to college, Aaron’s anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He certainly wasn’t expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into his life.
Joey’s sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, and his tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron’s way. Even the fact that Joey works for the hated social work system isn’t reason enough to keep him out of Aaron’s bed.
Joey knows all about love. He’s fallen in it ten times-he thinks. It’s not that he can’t tell the difference between sex and love. All that experience has to count for something, right? With Aaron it’s different. Maybe because there’s something to fight for.
This time Joey’s fallen for good. He’s not going to let number eleven get away.
Nina: So, K.A. tell us a little bit about this newest release of yours.
KA Mitchell: Well, Nina, you know I’m kind of shy so I brought some friends. JenB, Sarah, and Tam who have some questions. And as you can see, Joey and Aaron, the sexy heroes from Collision Course, my December 9 release at Samhain Publishing. I think they should tell you about my newest release.
Joey: She means us. C’mon Aaron. We’re going to answer some questions from a few of K.A.’s friends and of course our lovely hostess … Nina. There are all kinds of readers who want to know about us and our story.
Nina: *blushing* Just a side note ladies. Joey is short, blond and absolutely mouth-watering. And the tall gentleman with the Native American coloring is Aaron. *sigh* I am in heaven … oh, sorry guys, I didn’t mean to interrupt. So what do you have to say to K.A.’s readers?
Aaron: Readers? There are what …three people asking questions? And our hostess … for this we’re not home having sex?
Joey: *rolls eyes* It’s the internet. You can’t see them all. But if we make K.A. lots of money, she’ll have to write us another book. You know what that means. Pages and pages of steamy sex for us. *Aaron’s smile is nau-au-auty!*
Aaron: K.A.’s already said enough. And you know how much I like answering questions… NOT! *Joey leans in and whispers seductively*
Nina: Oh, Joey, that’s just not fair. What are you whispering to Aaron? Oh, now that’s a happy smile Aaron. Spill, what did he say to you?
Aaron: Oh, I never tell secrets, Nina. *winks at Joey* All right, we’re ready for the questions. But nothing personal, ladies. You need to start with Joey. I want to see what I’m getting into.
JenB: *sits up staighter* Me first. This question is for you Joey. How loud and for how long did you have to yell at K.A. before she caved and decided to write your story?
Joey: Oh, honey, I’m nothing if not persistent. But look at me. Do you think I have to work to get attention? As soon as she let herself start to wonder what the next book was, she couldn’t think of anything but me.
*Aaron coughs and mimes putting a tiara on Joey’s head a la Miss America* * Joey gives him a look and slaps his hand away*
Sarah: Oh enough sexy banter, boys. It’s my turn. Joey, what made you want to go and work for child services?
*Aaron flinches. Joey rubs a hand down his back*
Joey: Well, I lucked out. My biological mom left me in a toilet at a free clinic. And then I got adopted by great people. It seemed to make sense to try to make sure other kids got lucky. Though sometimes …
*Joey chokes up*
Tam: Obviously it’s hard for you to talk about. So let’s change the subject. Name a way you are both alike and something in which you are complete opposites and always will be.
Joey: We’re both determined to get our own way. It’s just making sure that he sees that there is a right and a wrong way. *he flashes Aaron a come-hither look*
Nina: Oh, now that is one heck of a look Aaron. Me thinks you’ve hit a sexual nerve Joey. *the men wink at each other* Ummm … is it getting hawt in here or is that your chemistry fogging the windows? *Sarah’s fanning herself and K.A. grabs the back of Tam’s chair for support* Gentlemen, you are definitely naughty.
Aaron: Do I get to talk now?
KA: You’re the one-
Aaron: *lifts a hand to stop K.A.* Thanks, sweetheart, but obviously you ladies are harmless. Joey’s right-about the not giving up. At least he’d better be. *Joey’s sexy mouth curves in a heart-stopping grin* But he’s the one who’s a control freak … just for the record.
Sarah: *shifts in her chair and clears her throat* Yes, well, can we continue? With your different backgrounds, was it hard to fall in love?
Joey: Oh, it was hard all right. *snickers*
Aaron: I swear sometimes you are fu—
Joey: Watch your language. *smiles and winks*
Aaron: Oh, sorry, Nina. KA mentioned your blog was PG-13. *crosses arms over his broad chest, bounces foot and turns to Joey* Crap! You are freaking twelve. No wonder you get along with my brothers.
Tam: Okay, my turn. I must say, you guys are too cute together. Could you tell us your ideal date night. Stay in, go out?
Aaron: Date? Seriously?
Joey: *elbows Aaron* He loves it when we go out dancing and he gets to glare at all the guys checking out my ass. And he loves it when we ride home and I try to give him a-
Aaron: *slaps a hand over Joey’s mouth and blushes* Really, my sister could be reading this, Joey.
Joey: –on his bike. *grins and sucks one of Aaron’s fingers into his mouth*
Aaron: *glares impatiently at K.A.* Are we done yet?
Joey: *shakes head and points to JenB* Uh-uh, this beautiful lady hasn’t asked her question.
JenB: *smiles innocently* KA has shared all of your secrets. Now’s your chance to get back at her. What’s something about KA you’re dying to share but she doesn’t want us to know.
KA: Oh, I think that’s all we have time for, right, Nina?
Aaron: *laughs and leans his forearms on his thighs* The hell it is, K.A. I’ll take this one. Ask KA what happens now when she tries to write another toppy alpha. Hmmm?
*KA squirms and blushes*
Aaron: Ask her if she wanted to slide into Joey’s skin for an hour or two. Ask her if Chapter 11 of our book wasn’t her favorite bedtime story for a month.
Joey: *laughs harder at K.A.’s red face* Okay. I knew that would be fun, but we’ll stop teasing you, K.A. I still might want you to write us another book so …
*grabs Aaron’s head and drags him down into the kind of kiss that leaves us all blushing and breathless. A moan escapes … oh, that’s KA, Tam and JenB move in for a closer look*
KA: *letting out a deep breath* Okay, thanks guys. A big thank you to Nina for having us and to JenB, Sarah, and Tam for helping out with the questions. Guys? You can … errr, guys?
Nina: Are they going to do it here? Wait, guys … really, I think … guys? … oh, never mind.
Well, while the boys enjoy each other, I’m going to introduce K.A. and her friends to the cabana boys. Feel free to ask K.A. anything. And if we can pry Joey and Aaron apart, I’m sure they’d be happy to answer a few more reader questions.
In the meantime, you can visit K.A’s website or her livejournal for some luscious Joey and Aaron prequel info.
*Nina sits back to take notes*
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