I’m pleased to welcome Layna Pimentel to the blog today.  She agreed to an interview, and a little peek into her book A Gift From Fate.
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1.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m married and have two daughters. I’m a geek/bookworm and I’m proud of it. Hmm…what haven’t I shared yet with people? I’m terrified of flying, my Achilles heel is a good red wine, my nickname used to be zappy. I can’t believe I just announced that. My husband is going to have a field day with that. LOL

2.  Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Both if you can imagine. I almost always start every book plotting first, and then my muse rears her ugly head and says “No! There will be none of that. I want it to go this way.” Dang muse.

3.  Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?

We could be here all day if I went into every detail, but the key problem I had was finding the right critique partner. Thankfully, my crit partner Jessica Subject has been there through thick and thin, and I’ve been eternally grateful for her help and infinite wisdom.

4.  What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

I don’t really have a favorite chapter. I loved writing this book from start to finish.

5.  Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t be afraid to follow your instinct, if you don’t think you’re in a critique group/have a partner that fits, save yourself the unnecessary stress of parting on bad terms and walk away. Mind you, don’t give up either. Keep trying and you will find the right person for you. Think of it as dating.  Also, don’t be afraid to invest in a freelance editor either, in the event you still don’t find that perfect match. They’re worth their weight in gold, and they’re a valuable resource to reach out to.

6.   Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it?  (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)

Well if you love mythology as much as I do, then you’ll love that the story is written around one of the nine muses—which we really don’t hear too often about. Plus, I added in my own fictional twist with the Fates and their hate on for Zeus. *wink wink*

7.  Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I’ve been reading tarot since the late 1990’s. Oh! And I’m also a huge fan of siege weapons. So guess what I’ll be building this summer in between projects? A trebuchet. Of course it will only be a scaled down version, but it’ll be big enough to scare off those pesky pigeons in my backyard. I warned you that I was a nerd. 😉 Aside from that, video games is another thing that I enjoy. If it’s a RPG like Oblivion, or The Witcher, I’m all over it like white on rice.

8. Do you have another book coming out soon?

I do have another fantasy erotic romance short coming out this month through Secret Cravings Publishing. So check out my blog for more details about Hardened Desire. Also, this summer my historical erotic romance series Pleasure Garden Follies launches. Scandal at Vauxhall is tentatively scheduled for July, A Sinful Education in September, and Her Deviant Lord in November. It’s been a busy year.

9. How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?

A Gift From Fate was originally intended to be a standalone book, but I do have two other books planned. I mean who knows, with nine muses you never know what those girls are up to.

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Blurb:

After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.

Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.

Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?

 

EXCERPT

“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.

“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”

His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.

“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”

He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.

“What is so amusing?”

“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.

 

 

WHAT AM I WORKING ON NEXT

I’m working on the second installment of my Pleasure Garden Follies series, A Sinful Education. The series takes place in the regency era and is going to be super hot. The first book Scandal at Vauxhall will be releasing this July, so make sure to stop by my site for latest updates.

 

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+