Romance Author Hotspot

Meet Justyn Perry!

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Breathless Press!

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

I enjoy both (but not together). Eggnog is really good in coffee, and mimosas are good with breakfast. J

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

I did J It’s one of our new releases this month!

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is… ok I don’t really have a favorite holiday. I love summer break (or just the summer). I am a sun person and would love to lay in hot weather all day long. I’m in Canada, so for about 8 months of the year, we get snow; and cold weather. It’s quite depressing.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I asked him for more time. It seems like this year is going by fast. I’m not much for asking for things during Christmas. But there are a few things I wouldn’t mind him bringing me

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Last year, I spent it at my brother’s place. He lives in the interior of British Columbia aka mountains. We had about 5 feet of snow at his place and when we went up to the top of the mountain, it was about 10-12 feet of snow. Everything was still, white, silent. It was an amazing holiday. One that I would love to repeat.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

My favorite memory would be when my grandmother used to come down and stay with us for the holidays. It always felt traditional to have her there with us…

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

Work harder, faster, and eat less LOL

Why do you publish romance?

Romance brings joy in so many forms to a lot of readers. I like it when I can see a reader who finds a new author thrilling.

What do you love in running a pub?

Running a publishing company is hard. It takes a lot of dedication, time, and effort. At times, it feels like I am being pulled in every direction but at the same time, I get to talk to people from all over the world and make new friends in countries that are “across the pond” from Canada. I like being busy and the constant deadline of something. It’s how I made it through University lol.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Never stop writing. Even if you get a hundred rejections, you should never stop writing. You can only get better.

Who are some of your favorite authors? 

I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy with a small mix of romance. Some of the authors I enjoy are Robert J Sawyer, Stephanie Meyer (yes, she is a decent author), LJ Smith, Jessica Lee, Piers Anthony just to name a few.

What goals do you have for the new upcoming year?

I am in the process of scheduling print book for next year. We have decided to move slowly into print. It’s an exciting time for us J

Any big projects for 2012?

To continue with the above answer, we are hoping to do 12 print books next year. We already have 5 scheduled and are on the lookout for more J

What news would you like to share with your readers?

In the past few months, we have introduced a few new lines. Naughty Nursery Rhymes (for those stories that you grew up with as a child and can now find a new amusing twist on them), Clearwater Series (an open series that anyone can write about set in the fictitious town of Clearwater), and some new anthologies. Check out our website for full details.

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: @breathlesspress
2. Facebook: facebook.com/breathless_press
3. Website: www.breathlesspress.com
4. Others:

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot! 

Meet Camryn Rhys!

Camryn Rhys grew up on the border of Canada and the US, and still hasn’t decided which country to call home. She splits her time between the Alberta and Montana Rocky Mountains, with friends and family in both beautiful locations. After running her own restaurant for several years and acquiring advanced degrees in writing, foodie romance seemed the only logical option. When she’s not watching the Food Network, she’s reading a romance novel, or if absolutely necessary, working as a consultant. Someone has to put really excellent food on the table.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Eggnog, hands down. I’m a sucker for those spicy, more complex tastes, so I’ll always pick something like eggnog over a one-note mimosa. Now, if we’re going to get creative with our drink mixing, I’d be up for a mimosa, too…

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

I brought a pretty book cover… :pets: I hope Santa is… open-minded.

Blurb:

Mindy Edwards can’t bake to save her life, but with no where else to go, she returns to the one place she’d avoided for six years. Her boss’s son, Leo—still strictly off-limits—doesn’t help her starved libido, and what’s a girl to do when she could barely keep her job as the cook?

Leo Fortiss has never quite gotten over his first love nor did he expect her to return and pretend they didn’t have a heartbreaking past, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t save her from all the other cowboys–who definitely weren’t after her burnt buns and horrid cooking. He proposes a trade: he’ll teach her to bake bread if she’ll come to the big Barn Dance with him.

Mindy accepts, but when things heat up in the kitchen, she finds history repeating itself. Will she run or risk her heart a second time?

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

:runs for the bar:

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving, easily. Because of my job, Christmas tends to be a little bit of a production every year, but Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to just be with family and have some good food and watch sports. I’m definitely a sportaholic, so anytime there’s basketball or football on, I’ll take that.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I think I have just about everything I want this year. If Santa has a good weight loss program he can recommend, though, I’m gonna need that. I am way out of control this holiday season…

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Disneyland. There is nothing better than Christmas at Disney. Granted, it can be a bit crowded, but it really is the happiest place on earth and to be there with my family, it’s going to be amazing. Oh, did I mention I’m going to Disneyland this year for Christmas? :cheers: Can’t wait.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

It’s not actually a memory of mine. But my grandpa used to tell this story all the time about the first time I ever saw a Christmas tree. Since my birthday is in February, I was already walking (or toddling), and I came around the corner in my grandparents’ house and saw this huge, lit and decorated Christmas tree and I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at it with wide eyes. Then my face broke into this huge smile and I started bobbing up and down and hyperventilating and laughing all at the same time. To see my grandpa impersonate me is almost as entertaining as anything I’ve ever seen. But I’ve loved Christmas ever since.

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

I’m going to resolve to write every single day of 2012. Some kind of writing on a book. I’m not going to set limits, because I want it to be a resolution I can keep. But I definitely want to write *something* every day.

Why do you write romance?

Because I think love is the one thing we all wait and search for, at our deepest core. And while there’s only one place we can find the truest love, we’ll take whatever love comes at us. I am a hopeful romantic. I always believe that love will win out in the end, whatever end we come to. So it’s a natural fit for me.

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

My publication journey was… strange. I always knew I wanted to write romance, but I had no idea what kind. I tried historical (of all shapes and sizes) and then tried contemporary. And I could never finish anything. (Well, I finished a historical or two, but lordy, they sucked.) But then I started to write what I knew (which was food and cooking and restaurants) and it just clicked for me. I’ve been writing foodie romance ever since. And then, I started writing historicals again and just sold my first of a Steampunk series to Ellora’s Cave. So I guess I’m still growing into my full capability, but it’s been quite a ride so far.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

I used to be a major pantser. In fact, I was trained to write short fiction and flash fiction, and had published several shorts (under 2K) as an MFA student. And it’s really hard to hit the right note for how to tell those shorts. In fact, one of my MFA profs said that it’s harder to write flash fiction than to write novels, and in some ways, I think I agree. It’s hard to write really well in such a short space. There is no room for failure. But you really have to learn to trust your gut to write that short. And in a lot of ways, it hamstringed me as a novelist. I had to unlearn all my pansty ways in order to write novels (and I’m sure my editors would still like to unteach me a few things I learned doing that, haha). Now, I’m more of a plot-ser. I plot all the major plot points ahead of time and do the minor ones as I go. It works better, but it’s also a new muscle for me, so it takes longer. But I think it makes my books better.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

A love of food. Both of them aren’t always nuts about it. In fact, in my first book (The Barn Dance), my heroine was a horrifying cook, and my hero saved the kitchen. But since I write foodie romance, one of them is typically a foodie or chef or cook of some sort.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

A lot of people poo-poo this, but I use Wikipedia a lot. I always check the resources, and if I have time, I often read or research from those resources (especially for my historicals). And I always try to verify the information I get on Wikipedia. But I use it a lot, and by and large, it’s incredibly helpful as a jumping-off-point. As a trained academic, I have a tiny bit of shame for admitting that, but it’s true.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Two things.

First. Write. There is no substitute for experience, and the more you write, the better you’ll get. You can have 10,000 followers on Twitter, and if you don’t get a book out, it won’t matter. You can have 1000 blog hits a day and a super huge platform, but if people don’t want to read your books, you might as well pick your toenails. Don’t neglect social media. But it’s not going to make you a better writer.

Second. Listen. You’re surrounded by people who know a lot about the industry. Listen to them. Don’t ever value your work so highly that you can’t take criticism. Despite what everyone says about listening to your gut and it’s your book, you’ll not last long if you can’t take criticism and don’t listen. Especially to your editor. Sometimes, you are not the best judge of what your book does and doesn’t need. Your gut might lead you astray, so make sure you’re always listening.

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing a series of Western foodie romances for Decadent Publishing in a super secret project, which I guess I just outed. But there will be more information coming soon (keep an eye on my blog for more info). This is the most fun I’ve had writing, maybe ever. I adore collaboration. And I was lucky enough to get to collaborate with writers I admire and editors I respect and adore. We’re going to be open for submissions soon.

I’m also writing sequels to this book (Off the Record) and the book I’m releasing with Liquid Silver in 2012, in addition to the final book in The Barn Dance series. And I’m plotting (or plot-sing) my second and third Steampunk books. It’s a fun place to be right now.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I have several books coming out in 2012 and I hope you’ll enjoy them all! I have a sports-themed erotic novella (Every Time I Think of You) coming out from Liquid Silver and the foodie Western coming out in February from Decadent. Then, my Steampunk Erotic novel (my first full-length novel!!) coming out from Ellora’s Cave in 2012. So, lots coming from me. I hope you love them all as much as I do.

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: @camrynrhys
2. Facebook: @Camryn Rhys
3. Website: http://camrynrhys.com
4. Others: http://dirtybirdiesauthors.com

List other books you have out:

The Barn Dance and Off the Record

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Prize: As part of my release party, I’m giving away one $50 Amazon Gift Card to one commenter on my blog or any of my guest posts, and a copy of Off the Record to two other commenters, randomly selected.

Meet Debora Dennis!

Hooked on all things romantic for as long as she can remember, Debora Dennis has never stopped believing in the fairy tale dream of a Happily Ever After. Since picking up her first Barbara Cartland novel from the middle school library so many years ago, she’s rarely been without a romance, either in her bag or on her nightstand (and now on her Nook!)

A firm believer in happy endings, she writes romance sprinkled with spice and adventure.

Debora and her own hero live in New York and spend their days raising their three kids along with Godzilla the lizard and two spoiled cats named Oreo and Rocky. She can usually be found at her computer early in the morning and late at night with a mug of coffee and a bag of Lindt chocolate truffles keeping her sane.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink? Eggnog and I’ll take that with a shot of amaretto! (I haven’t been carded in years, so I guess I’m well over the legal age to drink!)

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…) Of course I brought the fun cover of my novella, The Kandy Shoppe!

Blurb:

Kandace Parker wants nothing more than to have a thriving ice cream parlor, but her run down equipment isn’t cooperating. Watching her profits melt away each time her freezer breaks is only half her problem – the other half is her sexy repairman, Jason Chapman.

Jason is man enough to admit he’s made some mistakes in his personal life; the biggest one was pushing Kandy away years ago. He knows the Ice Cream Queen won’t willingly give him a second chance, so he devises a plan to keep him front and center in her life with the hopes of wearing her down.

How far will Jason go to get his second chance? How far will Kandy go to keep her freezer running? When desires collide in The Kandy Shoppe, they will have to decide if love can be the best dessert.

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

I’d love to say Christmas, but it’s way too stressful for me these days. I’d have to say Halloween is my favorite – dressing up and everyone expects you to eat chocolate – what could be better than that?

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Definitely at home. There’s nothing better than not having the stress of leaving the house, the kids would always rather stay home with their new toys too.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

The years when I was young and my grandfather dressed up as Santa on Christmas Eve. The smell of cinnamon in the air, the warm apple pies and all the chocolates. It all seemed so magical.

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

Hmm…besides the usual write more and spend more quality time with the family? That would have to be to finally be more organized (if my husband is reading this – then my resolution is to stop hoarding papers and magazines so he can reclaim his office!

Why do you write romance?

I write romance because everyone deserves to believe in a happy ending, everyone deserves those moment of escaping into the fantasy. Fairy tales aren’t just for kids!

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

I’ve been writing seriously for 7 years. Much of that journey has been about finding my voice and my path.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

I’m a middle of the road girl. I start with a basic outline and the major plot points then I fill in pantser style for everything else. I love my colored stickie notes and I use a big white board to help keep me on track. I’m definitely not above staring into space for long periods of time and then typing like a maniac for hours at a time. I write early in the morning before the house really comes alive and I edit my morning pages at night – then start over again the next day. Not sure if it’s efficient, but it works for me!

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

All my characters have flaws, most are looking for a second chance or to be forgiven – because no one is perfect and most of us have regrets.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

Horoscopes for character traits and the meaning of names.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

NEVER give up and never let anyone talk you out of your dreams.

What are you working on right now?

I’m actually working on two manuscripts right now. One is a pirate time travel and the other is a small town contemporary.

Where can readers find you?

1. a.     Twitter: Twitter.com/DeboraDennis
2. b.     Facebook: Facebook.com/DeboraDennis.Author
3. c.     Website: www.DeboraDennis.com
4. d.     Others: Blog: www.TheSaucyScribe.com

List other books you have out:

A Fistful of Fate

A Knight in Her Arms

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Prize: pdf copy of The Kandy Shoppe

Meet Liz Crowe!

Microbrewery owner, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town.  Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author.  When she isn’t sweating beer inventory, sales figures or promotional efforts for her latest publication, doing pounds of laundry for her sweaty athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner, she can be found walking her standard poodles or doing Bikram Yoga.  Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn’t any decent European football on the telly.  If you want a beer education follow her: www.a2beerwench.com.  For writing related stuff, including her backlist, go to: www.brewingpassion.com.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?  Eggnog please. pours a healthy dollop of Pappy Van Winkle 150 year old bourbon in the glass and stirs*

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)  Santa loves my Brewing Passions series Clarissa, especially since it’s gotten a bunch of rave reviews lately.  Here is the cover to the latest installment: Specific Gravity (a.k.a. MORE from Trent and Lisa)

Blurb:

Trent and Lisa have a sizzling-hot physical relationship. Ever since they first met, it’s been a nonstop, hands-on fest. Perfect for him, he thinks, coming off a rancorous divorce. But lately, it feels like something more—and it terrifies him.

Lisa knows Trent is the man she wants but is too independent and stubborn to make him believe it. He has to figure it out on his own. Their shared love of craft beer and specific expertise in the business do make them a good match, and the sex? It’s off the charts.

“Specific gravity” is a crucial moment in the beer-brewing process—a turning point upon which successful outcomes depend. Lisa hopes Trent will go to the next level with her and isn’t about to force him, but the moment of truth has arrived. Can he admit his true feelings before it’s too late?

Recently received a 5 Heart Review from Sizzlin Hot Reviews!

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

I used to LOVE Christmas. My parents worked hard to make it special even on their meager college professor salaries.  It always involved church music, the Nutcracker (although I’ve danced in that thing more than I care to remember), tons and tons and tons of homemade cookies and candy and a trip to my grandparent’s house which remained as close to heaven as I could imagine, until I discovered alcohol.

Now, this particular holiday makes me stressed, broke and want to drink a lot. But I own a brewery and beer bar so it also makes my bottom line very healthy. I’m already pondering the bonuses I’m gonna give my staff in our first year of biz on our Boxing Day Bacchanal (keeping the doors shut to the public, catering in some incredible food, table dancing is not only encouraged it is rewarded)

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I did I think.  His name is Tony.  He’s tall, very dark and very handsome. And he is the best damn house cleaner and overall life organizer on the planet.  And I THINK I’m getting him once a week for 2012.  It’s a long story.

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

On the couch.

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

I plan to add one more publisher to my growing list AND spend a ton of time promoting my cool Realtor Trilogy which you don’t realize yet dear and precious editor friend, has taken a decidedly naughtier turn when Jack discovers his inner Master. Sorry, inside joke kids.

Wiggles glass for more nog.

Why do you write romance?

Great question and one I ask myself every time I log onto to a book purchase website.  Damn there are a LOT of us aren’t there?  I guess because I enjoy the challenge of taking a genre and flipping it inside out a little with settings and characters that haven’t been explored.  Here’s a great example from my latest rejection:

I really liked getting to know your characters and your style.  Both were distinctive.  The story was just not what we are used to.

All that and not a Were Raccoon in or transsexual, blood vampire in sight.

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

I had my first story published in September 2010.  I’ve been “writing” (fiction) for about a year before that.  But I blog as the “A2 Beer Wench” and so exercise the writing muscle with that and endless beer descriptions and press releases daily.

I got lucky with my first editor.  She’s a demanding wench, which is why we get along so well.  But she’s also a great cheerleader, encouraging me to shoot higher and try harder at every turn.  I’ve collected a ton of rejections in a short time span lately which hurts but have learned from them.  And I’m still trying.

I have some great publishers already, including Breathless Press, Rebel Ink Press and Decadent Publishing.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

Huh, funny but you could probably answer that question better than me now couldn’t you?  I’d say my heroes are nearly always bigger than life, cocky, funny, and hard to pin down…until they meet my heroines.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

Chicago Manual of Style (this is me, sucking up)

A couple of GREAT “thesaurus sites” including one called the “Emotional Thesaurus” found this week.

And when I get stuck or uninspired I just pluck something from my huge TBR pile and burrow into the couch for a good read by a great author. That always inspires me to try harder.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Run away.

No seriously.

Learn to drink heavily.

I’m not kidding.

Okay I am—just keep trying, keep learning and for God’s sake grow a thick skin.

What are you working on right now?

Several things actually. I have 2 novels with Decadent Publishing including Cheeky Blonde, a brewery based intrigue/romance and The Diplomat’s Daughter, the Turkish Delights prequel in various stages of editing processes.

As mentioned above, I’m converting my hot Realtors Trilogy over to a more overt BDSM theme which, while not too far of a stretch, is making me de-vanilla the 2^nd book a LOT.

And I am head writing a time travel novel to 1800s Germany involving a super hot brewer of the day and a young woman trying to find her way as a female brewer in the present day.  Who knew all she needed was to knock boots with Max? Well, I did.  It’s gonna be hot with a tragic element.

Oh and I own a brewery and a bar.  Oh yeah, and its only a few days until Christmas.

Taps edge of glass for more bourbon

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I’m helping launch a new publisher with The Realtors series.  Tri Destiny Publishing is busy signing several authors to its Sizzling Line—the hawt stuff—and The Realtors will be their first novels under that name.  They already have half a dozen writers doing the tamer stuff.  We will be launching using an electronic autograph app (“Autography” on your I-stuff) program for giveaways and such like.  Should be fun.

Where can readers find you?

a.     Twitter: beerwencha

b.     Facebook: Liz Crowe

c.     Website: www.brewingpassion.com and www.lizcrowe.com (or if you like the Beer stuff: www.a2beerwench.com

d.     Others: I’m on Google+ as Liz Crowe

List other books you have out:

Breathless Press:

The Rookie, Sept. 2010

XXXMas Ale, Dec. 2010

Jockey Box, Feb. 2011.

All are short stories serving as “missing chapters” to the Brewing Passion novella:

The Tap Room, Sept. 30, 2011. It is a “choose your romance” format wherein the reader will choose my heroine’s ultimate path from three different potential heroes and story endings.

Specific Gravity, Nov. 2011, the final “missing chapter” from the series.

Rebel Ink Press:

Vegas Miracle, Oct. 3, 2011, a m/f/m 47,000 word novella.

Player Conference, Oct. 15, 2011, a 12,000 word “cougar story” as part of their Claw Marks Anthology.

Decadent Publishing:

Caught Offside, 12/30/11 a hot soccer player 1NightStand

Turkish Delights, Blue Cruise, Tulip Princess: November 2011 (trilogy)

The Diplomat’s Daughter, Prequel to the Turkish Delights Series

Cheeky Blonde, early 2012 45,000 novel of sabotage, intrigue and romance set in the craft beer world

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot! 

PRIZE: Two book of choice from Liz’s backlist at Decadent Publishing!

Today, we have Dianne Hartsock here! Yay! And we’re talking about…monogamy! 

Interesting concept, monogamy. I never gave it much thought. I mean, why should I have, with so many gorgeous men making themselves available? Come on, don’t act shocked. You know how it is. You’re having a quiet drink, when that sexy blond at the bar comes over. He makes small talk, maybe buys you a drink, bats those pretty blue eyes. What’s a fellow to do except take him up on the offer? Maybe take him home. Especially if he promises breakfast in next morning.

That is, until I met him. Shelton, the sweetest man…

My firm was designing the extension for the bank where he works. I walked innocently into the first meeting to be ambushed by a pair of lovely hazel eyes. The rest of the man is pretty spectacular too, but it was those eyes that captured my attention. Not only their unique beauty, but the shy looks he kept giving me across the table. I don’t think he was even aware of doing it at the time. But I was. Absolutely. I needed to find out if he could back up the amorous promise. I asked him out for drinks, always hinting at more, but he soon made it clear he wanted all or nothing from me.

I’d like to say I gave up my flirtations immediately, for his sake, but old habits and all… And I really do like men! It isn’t easy to stay faithful, when dark chocolate eyes meet mine, smoldering with a passion I’d love to explore. Shelton really had me in a tight spot. I still don’t know what convinced him to go out with me that fateful night we slept together for the first time. I lost my heart to him then, though I didn’t realize it until later. Looking back, I was a prick. He should have run far away from me. I thank the fates every day that he didn’t.

So what keeps me faithful with so much temptation on every side? Shelton loves me. And believe me, in this world where you can change partners as often as socks, that is a precious thing. Also, Shelton is the most sensual man I’ve ever met. No matter how angry I might get with him at times, he’ll give me this look that melts me. It’s a knowing, loving glance that also burns with desire. So hard to explain! You’d have to see it turned on you to feel its devastating affect…but then I’d have to hurt you.

So here I am, staying faithfully monogamous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Potential lovers I turn away have asked me if I don’t get bored with the same man. Let me tell you, making love with a person who knows all the ways you like to be pleasured is mind-blowing. I’d be a fool to lose that to some hot lay, no matter how tempting the package. And besides, Shelton has my heart. Why would I want to be with anyone else?

Enter to win: A PDF copy of ‘Shelton in Love’ to a commenter who tells me what they find most attractive in another person. 

Book Title: Shelton in Love

Publisher: Breathless Press

Release date: May 13, 2011

Buylink: Shelton’s falling quickly for his sexy roommate, but can he forget the pain of past rejections and give Nevil what they’re both aching for?

Blurb: Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Buy: Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-love

Amazon: http://amzn.to/kbL2b4

Excerpt: Shelton In Love

Shelton slid into the passenger seat as Nevil held the door, watching him as he settled in. Then suddenly Nevil bent down and kissed him full on the mouth, sending shocks of electricity straight through him.

Nevil lingered over the kiss, bringing a startled moan from Shelton as pleasure churned in the pit of his stomach, slipping down to his more intimate region. He couldn’t get enough of Nevil’s taste nor the way the man’s tongue twined with his own, seeming to wrap around his soul.

He was bereft when Nevil left him to circle the car to the driver’s seat. Without a word Nevil slipped the key in the ignition and started the engine. Shelton was intensely aware of his hand only inches from Nevil’s thigh as he shifted gears, grinding a few in his hurry. They exchanged a grin and Shelton’s pulses thundered in his ears. His fear grew in pace but he pushed it down. He had to trust someone again, sometime.

Shelton’s heart stumbled at the thought. Frantic, he closed his mind to the possibility of rejection, wanting this night with Nevil; aching to have the gorgeous man in his arms, pushing into him. It would be worth any heartache that followed.

Nevil parked the car in front of their apartment and shut off the motor. His beautiful eyes smoldered as he gazed at him and Shelton could hardly breathe when he touched his cheek. Nevil shifted on his seat and leaned over to claim Shelton’s mouth again with his own.

The kiss was different this time, urgent, demanding, drawing an instant response from Shelton’s love-starved body. Nevil’s tongue plundered the soft lining of his mouth, plunging in and out until Shelton’s head was spinning with a nameless yearning. He slipped his own tongue between Nevil’s lips and thrilled at his soft moan. The scent of Nevil’s cologne became a pleasure in itself, alluring, seductive, swamping his doubts in an overwhelming need.

Book title: Shelton’s Promise

Publisher: Breathless Press

Release Date: July 7, 2011

Buyline: Shelton has a gift for Nevil but can’t seem to score a moment alone with him. Will Nevil ever let Shelton take him home?

Blurb: Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?

Buy: Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-promise

Amazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx

Today, our guest of honor is Nina Croft. It’s so nice to have you here, and I’m sure you’re ready for a good time! Let the party begin!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you want club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

Red wine please. I’m also partial to beer but only in the summer.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

I’m a salt person, though not chips (or crisps as we call them in the UK) Can I have some pizza instead to go with my wine?

Wow, you’re demanding! Actually pizza does sound good…Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

Too old actually—I should have stopped years ago.

Don’t lie. I know how old you are! Which isn’t very old at all. I think you told me 21…Tell us about your new release.

My new release is The Calling, which is book 2 in my fantasy series: The Laws of Segregation.

Blurb: On the world of Arroway, witches have been persecuted for a thousand years, stripped of their magic at birth and kept as slaves by the Order of Warlocks.

Freya, a pleasure slave, fled from the Order while pregnant. Now she’s been recaptured, and to save her daughter and the world of Arroway, she must work with one of the hated warlocks while fighting her growing attraction for him.

From the first time she knelt before him, Jarrod was drawn to Freya. Twenty years ago, he would have given up everything to be with her, but she had run from him. Now, he has another chance. But can he risk destroying their world for a forbidden love that might never be returned?

What makes your character and story so special?

Well the characters are going to save their world from total destruction—that makes them pretty special.

But they are also both characters who have been damaged by the past. Freya was born a slave, her magic taken from her by the hated but powerful warlocks. Jarrod is a warlock himself, but he has lived with guilt for a thousand years. Neither of them wants or expects to fall in love and certainly not with each other.

All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why? I’m a big believer in writing the sort of things you love to read. I read just about everything as long as it’s fiction so my writing tends to be varied as well. Mostly though, I write some form of romance: paranormal, sci-fi (sometimes a mixture of the two) and I’ve recently had my first contemporaries contracted—they’ll be coming out soon!

Very exciting. How would you describe your writing style?

Fast paced with lots of action and dialogue.

What do you think makes a good story?

Great characters in impossible situations.

What is one thing about you that most people don’t know? After all the author interviews I’ve been doing—I doubt there’s anything! How about – I ran away from home when I was twelve (I was a horrible child). My mother apparently told my sisters to check whether my hairspray was gone—which was a sure indication I was serious. I was picked up by the police the next morning—my first and last (honest) trip in a police car!

Hey, I learn new things from you all the time! Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

I love an Alpha hero!

How much do you write in a day? Day or Night? Everyday?

Right now I’m doing NanoWrimo – that’s National Novel Writing Month, where a whole load of crazy writers try and finish a novel in a month. I’m working on Book 3 in my Blood Hunter series (Sci-fi/paranormal romance) which will hopefully be somewhere in the region of eighty to ninety thousand words. So I’m aiming for three thousand a day right now. So far, it’s going well.

Are you a pantser or plotter?

I’m a plotter. I do a detailed outline before I begin writing. Really for two reasons. Firstly, because I like to write my first drafts fast, and if I outline then I don’t have to keep stopping to think about what happens. And secondly, because it gives me a chance to get to know the characters before I start writing.

You’re too organized! Is there anything you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

There’s probably lots that I hope they never find out…

 *snort * Good luck with that! Lol. What else are you working on right now?

I’m working on the first draft of book 3 of my Blood Hunter series. After that, Books 3 and 4 of the Laws of Segregation (currently in the planning stage) will be written. And I’m also working on finishing off a couple of contemporaries.

Last Question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

www.ninacroft.com

Thank you so much for coming!

Comment! Meet Nina! Enter to win a copy of The Calling! (Yes, you really really do want this book!)

Welcome Ambrielle Kirk with her new release Hard Drive!

The romantic hero in Hard Drive was my first attempt at creating a leading beta hero. Most of my romances feature alpha males who are tough, opinionated, and sometimes complicated individuals. And not to mention, alphas are masters at seducing women J Well, at least mine are.

In evaluating the beta male, I found that not all their traits were undesirable. In fact, I wouldn’t mind a male who weighed all risks carefully before diving into a life altering decision. I’m also a bit of a “people watcher”. My research for Hard Drive involved observing some beta males (some known and others unknown) while they were working, shopping, or engaged in conversation with others. For the story, I imagined a beta male who was submissive, avoids conflict, and hesitant when it comes to taking risks.  Carlos, the male lead, is hesitant about pursuing Dana, shies away from the conflict when it arises in the story, and finally submits to his feelings at the end.

 Blurb:

Content with his computer business, Carlos is happy with his choices in life…until a confident Nubian beauty walks into his store. Too bashful and insecure to unleash the romantic man inside, he is instantly attracted to Dana as she unknowingly changes his preconceived notions about gorgeous women who need every male at their beck and call.

But the truth comes out: Dana may have another agenda, and Carlos is ready to hide behind his glasses and computers. But will he combat his trust before this beauty walks out on him…for good?

Excerpt:

Whatever it was that overcame Carlos in that instance, he didn’t know. He was in Dana’s path in seconds, and before he knew it, his fingers were tangled in her hair. He pulled her into his embrace effortlessly and pressed his lips to hers. She breathed in a sharp intake of breath and stiffened only briefly. As their mouths meshed, her body became pliant within his arms.

He was doing with her what he’d wanted to the moment she stepped foot in his shop. They nipped softly at each other, but then both became more involved and the kisses turned deep and aggressive.

She broke apart and panted against him, her hand pressing against his chest as if pushing him away.

Her eyes were a mixture of confusion and lust.

“I’m sorry.” Carlos took a step back.

Dana moved toward him. “No, don’t be sorry for that.”

“That was wrong.”

She shook her head and wrapped her arm around his back. “No, it was so right.”

He smiled, and saw the acceptance in her gaze. The same truth that’d been there since day one. “You like that?”

She grinned back. “Yes, I definitely like when you take control.” Walking forward, she forced him further into the darkened room. “But you forget, I like to be in control too.”

Enter to WIN a PDF copy of Hard Drive!  

Meet Sherri Lee!

Meet Camryn Rhys!