by Sarah | Aug 19, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Geoffrey: Welcome, everyone! I’m Geoffrey, a page living at Arnhem castle, and I’m going to interview the newest page. She’s a girl! Can’t get over that.
*Aislinn punches him*
Geoffrey: What was that for? Anyhow, Aislinn, what’s your story?
Aislinn: I’m just a girl who wants to become a knight. My older brother died shortly after getting his shield. I want to honor my family and take his place.
Geoffrey: I guess that makes sense. But you’re so small. Aren’t you afraid that being a girl on the battlefield that you…you know…fail?
*Aislinn punches his shoulder*
Aislinn: I’m going to earn my shield and make Arnhem proud. I’ll show you. And Calean too!
Geoffrey: So I guess that means you don’t think you have any weaknesses. *coughs* What about strengths?
Aislinn: Maybe being able to take stupid boys by surprise by wielding my sword better than them.
*Geoffrey steps away to make sure she doesn’t try to hit him again*
Geoffrey: How does your family feel about your training?
Aislinn: Mother hates it. Father… I’m not sure. I don’t want to let either of them down.
Geoffrey: Well, that was depressing. How do you envision your future?
Aislinn: I’ll be a lady knight of course! *glares at him for asking such a silly question*
Geoffrey: What about love?
Aislinn: What about it?
Geoffrey: Do you think you’ll ever get married?
Aislinn: If my mother has her way, yes.
Geoffrey: But you don’t want to?
Aislinn: I don’t know. Maybe. If I found someone.
Geoffrey: Have anyone in mind? *sidles a little closer*
Aislinn: No!
Geoffrey: What about me?
Aislinn: We’re friends, if that.
Geoffrey: No one’s caught your eye? Not Caelan?
Aislinn: That stuffy-headed entitled pompous prince? Never! Interview’s over.
*Aislinn stomps off*
Geoffrey: Well, I guess that ends our interview. Aislinn, wait up. Want to go to the swimming hole?
Aislinn: You know I can’t swim!
Geoffrey: How about a horseback ride then?
Aislinn: Dream Rider still doesn’t listen to my commands. I’m going to train with a knife.
*Geoffrey shrugs*
Geoffrey: Guess I’ll go find Caelan. I don’t think I want to be around Aislinn and pointy objects right now.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B0021L9YDK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N |
Blurb:
Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother’s horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn’s wish and she begins her long years of training.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.
*~*
Excerpt:
“Is there anyone else that you have feelings for, Aislinn? Is that why you don’t want to be with Geoffrey?”
Aislinn blinked, thinking about his question. “I haven’t thought about such things. I’m too focused on becoming a knight. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Caelan pushed back his chair and stood. With him on his feet, Aislinn had to tip back her chin to look him in the face, he had grown so much in the years since they’d first met. “There is no one else?”
She shook her head.
Caelan took a step closer to her, stepping so close he only had to whisper for her to hear him. “What if I told you that Geoffrey isn’t the only one who favors your company?”
His closeness overwhelmed Aislinn and she tried to take a step back. Her shoulders bumped the bookshelf behind her and several books shifted, but none made enough noise to draw the attention of anyone else in the library. Caelan lay a hand against her cheek, his thumb beneath her chin, and with a gentle touched, forced her to look at him.
Her heart pounded hard in her chest like a caged bird and Aislinn caught her breath.
“Caelan,” she whispered softly, but before she could say more, his lips covered hers.
Aislinn froze for a second as he held his mouth against hers, then heard herself sigh when he pressed closer and moved his lips. Aislinn’s eyes fluttered closed and she raised her hands to lay them on his chest, feeling his heart pound as hard as her own. Then reality snapped at her and she shoved him away.
“Stop it!”
She pushed past the prince and rushed from the library, with several squires and younger pages turning at her escape. Aislinn ran to her room and slammed the door shut. She leaned against it and slid to the floor, her head in her hands.
How dare he kiss me!
But the worst realization was that she’d kissed him back. Even the memory now made her insides tremble and her hands shake.
*~*
Bio:
Nicole Zoltack loves to write fantasy/paranormal, romances, horror, historical, for adults and young adults, novels, short stories, and flash pieces. She doesn’t want to get boxed in 
by genre — she might be claustrophobic! She’s also an editor for MuseItUp Publishing and works as a freelance editor.
When she isn’t writing about girls wanting to be knights, talking unicorns, and zombies, she spends time with her loving family. She loves to ride horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, dressed in period garb.
To learn more about Nicole and her work, visit her website at www.NicoleZoltack.com or her blog at http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com.
All of my books on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Zoltack/e/B00304YARW/
by Sarah | Aug 14, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
- What is your story? Heartland (Black Irish #2)
- Who are you? Abigail O’Riley
- Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? I do. I think Tricia did a fantastic job.
- Do you have any special strengths? Patience. I live with a very sexy, fast tempered Irishman. I have to be able to soothe him at time while keeping myself in check.
- Do you have any special weaknesses? The same dark, sexy Irishman.
- What makes you happy? My husband, Sloan. And my extended family – my Mom, Gordon, Maggie, Bartholomew. Oh, and Robert. I guess.
- What are you afraid of? I am afraid of losing Sloan. There is a large price on his head and many evil men who want him dead.
- What in your past had the most profound effect on you? I was bullied in high school. It made me kind of an introvert. It also caused me to be very critical of myself seeing myself as the bullies saw me. Sadly, they didn’t change even though we’re adults.
- Who is your true love? Sloan O’Riley.
- What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? Why? The most important thing that happened to me was the day I married Sloan. The funny thing is that we did it so he could get a visa to stay in the United States. I thought he was gay. Little did I know he was telling me a little white lie so I would stay in New York City with him.
- Was there a major turning point in your life? When I discovered Sloan’s lie I ran. I didn’t know my ex-boyfriend stole all my money. I was left alone and penniless in New York City.
- What is your most closely guarded secret? My closely guarded secret is Sloan’s. Not many people know he used to be a member of the Irish Republican Army. And he’s still a wanted man for murders he didn’t commit.
- Do you have any hobbies? Writing, reading, running the gallery with Sloan.
- Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets. My cell phone that I’m not allowed to turn off per my husband (“Non-negotiable” he says), pre-natal vitamins, Kleenex (my pregnancy is making me emotional), the gold shamrock pin Sloan gave me in New York City and a small sea shell we found on the beach in St. Thomas.
- How do you envision your future? I envision a house full of children with black hair and blue eyes, just like their Daddy.
- What is your most prized mundane possession? Why do you value it so much? My gold shamrock pin. Sloan pinned it on me personally before our meeting at Panda Publications to see our first book in print. Every time I see it I remember him smiling at me with his beautiful blue eyes.
- What was your family like? It was just Mom and me. I have no siblings. My dad left us when I was little. I’m glad. He wasn’t very good to my Mom.
- What is your worst childhood memory? My entire high school experience. There were three popular girls – Dani, Violet and Sami – who made it their personal mission to make my life horrible. Unfortunately they succeeded
- What is the perfect romantic date? Cuddling on the couch to watch TV after a wonderful dinner I cook with my husband.
- What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why? Intimacy. I want to be part of Sloan’s heart and soul. We can only get there through intimacy. Sex is just the bonus.
- How private of a person are you? Why? I am a very private person. Which doesn’t exactly work well when I’m married to the great Sloan O’Riley.
- If you were to gain an obscenely large sum of money (via an inhertiance, a lawsuit, a lottery, or anything else) what would you do with it? *giggles* Sloan is a billionaire. He has an obscenely large amount of money. I did buy a firetruck for our town, Mount Vernon. They desperately needed it.
- What would you wish for if you found a genie? To keep Sloan and our family together and safe forever.
*~*~*~*
| SCP |
Blurb:
Sloan and Abbey move to Abbey’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa, to start their new lives together away from the chaos of New York City. And they are not alone – they are joined by Gordon, Maggie, and Bartholomew each looking for a fresh start and new love in the small rural town.
Their marriage is put to the test by the reappearance of Abbey’s father, bullies from her high school days, a business opportunity in Miami, and a new baby on the way. When a person from their past comes back looking to make Abbey his own again, will he be able to tear Sloan and Abbey apart forever?
Excerpt:
Abbey stepped aside to open the glass door wider. Nathan brushed past her into the spacious, opulent penthouse grasping the handles of a bulging leather briefcase. Before she could offer him a seat, he sank into the chocolate brown leather armchair.
She wrinkled her nose in disgust. That was Sloan’s chair. It’s where he sat to watch SportsCenter and read the paper. They cuddled in that chair. They made love in that chair. Seeing another man sitting in it seemed wrong. Very, very wrong.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Her voice slightly betrayed her insincerity. She really wanted him to leave.
“No, thank you. Sit,” Nathan commanded. He reached across to the sofa and patted the cushion. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and I have another appointment in an hour.”
Abbey complied hesitantly. “If we need to do this another day…”
Nathan unzipped his briefcase and pulled free a stack of documents. The pile was easily over two inches thick. “No, we need to do this today. Sloan insisted.”
“Do what?”
Nathan carefully arranged the stack of paper into several neat piles. “Sloan called me the other day to have me draw up some additional contracts for San Francisco. He told me the news of your nuptials and the little one coming. I advised him that we strong arm you into a post pre-nup to protect his investments.” Nathan looked up at her from sorting. His glare gave Abbey the chills. “By the way, congratulations.”
Classy. Abbey fought the sneer from her face. “Thanks,” she responded sarcastically. “So, this is the pre-nup?”
“No. I barely got the word pre-nup out before Sloan laid into me. Hard. I’m glad he’s in San Francisco, or he would have torn me limb from limb. After calling me some very colorful names, he very distinctly and clearly ordered me to add you to his accounts. Immediately.”
“His accounts?”
“As his wife, you share in his assets—bank accounts, properties, car titles, etc. Billions of dollars’ worth of assets.”
Abbey’s eyes flew open wide. “B-b-billions?”
*~*
Bio:
Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing (which she loves to do), Tricia coaches and participates in track and field, does kickboxing, reads, sews and is involved in many of her children’s activities. Tricia is also the co-host of Freshly Booked on Blog Talk Radio. Freshly Booked is a member of Writers Online Network.
Tricia is a member of the Romance Writers of America and RWA Chapter 177 From the Heart Romance Writers.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/t.l.andersenauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/triciaandersen
Blog: http://insidethiswritersmind.com/
Website: www.triciaandersen.com
by Sarah | Jul 22, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I’m the lady’s maid to Lady Aleece Taylor, the only daughter to the Duke of Carlisle. We attended a house party and I went as her companion. Little did I know this one event would change my life forever, in a good way.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Lord William Gerrard. Many think of him as a rakehell but when he’s with me he behaves like a perfect gentleman. After we first meet he rarely leaves my side, except at night. The first time I saw him he was studying me through a window at the Whitchurch estate. Interestingly, when I glanced up toward him he hid behind a curtain. There seemed to be an almost immediate attraction between us even though he was aware of my true employment which I didn’t know at the time.
What’s your greatest fear?
At first it was being discovered that I was of low birth by members of the ton which could ruin Lady Aleece. Later, I feared people would try to kidnap me and force me into a marriage with a horrible man.
What’s your motto in life?
I really don’t have a motto.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
Much to my astonishment everyone, even the Duchess of Carlisle, saw me as who I really was. Unfortunately I can’t tell you that, so you’ll have to read the book to find out. Trust me, you’ll be as surprised as I was when I found out.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. Gossip hurts people. I’d rather spend my time helping people.
What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m not afraid of anything, even the attempts to (sorry but if I continue I’ll spoil the book)
What was your happiest moment?
There are several in the book, beating Lady Aleece and Mr. Thomas in a fishing contest and when I’m with my Lord Gerrard.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying except when it protects someone, like me.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Blue. It’s the color of the sky and with my blonde hair suits me perfectly
*~*~*~*
Blurb-
While acting as chaperone to Lady Aleece at a house party, little does lady’s maid Debbi realize how her life will change.
Not prepared to fall in love nor see a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her, Debbi’s world begins to turn upside down.
After several attempts on her life, and a run-in with yet another look-alike, she uncovers her true heritage, as the unknown daughter of a countess. Having been raised and trained as a lady’s maid, but educated alongside her employer, Debbi begins to wonder in which world she truly belongs.
Only when her new love’s life is threatened does Debbie claim her rightful place and do what’s necessary to save him.
Excerpt:
After breaking her fast Debbi slipped into an old, well-worn grey gown she always wore when fishing. With her custom-made flies in their protective container she and Lady Aleece, who was dressed similarly, descended the stairs to the main floor, there to be met by Lord Gerrard and Mr. Thomas.
As she stepped onto the marble flooring Debbi couldn’t help but notice how her partner, Lord Gerrard not to mention Mr. Thomas were dressed.
Instead of the immaculately turned out gentleman of breeding she notice he was in more versatile attire. He’d chosen a dark brown bandana tied loosely around his neck. His shirt, of a fawn color, was open at the collar showing a hint of tan matching the hue of his face. With the morning already warming he’d eschewed a jacket in favor of a multi-pocketed vest. She could only guess they were for the necessary accessories required when fishing. Covering his legs a pair of heavy, dark brown britches and well-worn boots on his feet.
“Why, Lord Gerrard, if I didn’t know better you look like you’re ready for a day of fishing.”
“Why thank you and I must say your gown is interesting, to say the least,” he responded.
“Before my father took to his sick bed he had been nearly fanatical about fishing and I seem to have caught the same enthusiasm.”
“Then let us be off,” he said with a smile, offering his arm.
Once on the terrace they collected their fly rods and creels from the footman and joined Aleece and Mr. Thomas on the lawn awaiting the earl to announce the start of the contest.
Glancing around at the other guests, in search of one in particular, Debbi wondered how the others save for Susan and Jeff would survive the rigors of this activity. When she spied the man, Debbi moved in such a way that Lord Gerrard was between her and Thompson. This way she could scrutinize him without appearing obvious. After a minute of studying him she turned to Aleece.
“Yes, you’re correct. If I didn’t know better we could almost be brother and sister. Not that I’d want to be related to him in any way.”
When queried by not only Lord Gerrard but also Mr. Thomas she promised to explain at the first opportunity when they were in private.
Author Page:
Secret Cravings Publishing-http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=175
by Sarah | Jul 15, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Jesse Colter, 36, former SEAL, now Chief of Police of the town I grew up in, Marshall’s Creek, Virginia. My childhood sucked—my father was a drunk and a bully who liked nothing more than to take out his frustrations on me. My mother disappeared when I was a kid. He always claimed she ran away with another man, but I’ve always suspected he killed her. I came to my author’s attention the day I rescued Sarah Marshall from falling out of a tree.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Sarah Marshall is the only woman I have ever loved, the only woman I ever will love. I met her the summer she was 13, dangling upside down from a broken tree limb 40 feet above the ground. I was nineteen, but she intrigued me. She was an arresting combination of child and adult. She grew up rich, but her childhood sucked as much as mine did, just in different ways. Her father had no time for her, so she was raised by tutors and nannies. She was the first person to really listen to me. To value my opinion. To actually seek it out. She bullied me into reading all her favorite books just so she could get my opinion on them. She turned me into an inveterate reader, for which I’ll always be grateful. My life was a throwaway until I met Sarah. But I knew if I claimed her, I would ruin her life, and so I left, a decision that would nearly destroy both of us. A decision I will spend the rest of my life making up to her. Because I can’t imagine my life without her.
What’s your greatest fear?
I’m a dominant—so is my best friend Adam, who also happens to be in love with Sarah. We want to introduce her to the D/s way of life, but we’re afraid that the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-fiance will not let her submit to us. I can’t change what I am, but if it comes down to having to choose between BDSM or Sarah, I’ll choose Sarah, even at the risk of losing part of myself.
What’s your motto in life?
Honesty
How do the other characters in your book view you?
My best friend and brother, Adam Sinclair, knows me as a dom, a fellow SEAL, and a man of principle. We love and admire each other.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Since I believe that honesty is the only way to build trust, I want nothing to do with gossip.
What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m sexy (lol). I love fiercely and forever, and will fight to the death to protect those I cherish. I abhor bullies and abusers of women—any women. Women are to be loved, revered, protected and treasured. With a little spanking thrown in just to spice things up.
What was your happiest moment?
When Sarah told me she loved me.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
I deplore dishonesty.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
I would be deep purple, because that is the color of passion.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00ATSUJBI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | Siren-Bookstrand | Kobo | Sony | Google Play |
Eight years ago Jesse Colter fled his small town, leaving behind eighteen-year-old Sarah Marshall. Now a retired Navy SEAL, he’s back and he wants only one thing—Sarah Marshall—preferably bound, naked and kneeling before him.
Sarah has never forgotten Jesse. He’s been the object of all her sexual fantasies since she was fifteen, as well as the star of nightly dreams that have become increasingly erotic over the years. So when he suddenly reappears in her life, she warily agrees to let him introduce her to his world—the world of BDSM. When he also introduces her to his best friend, Adam Sinclair, Sarah faces the challenge of submitting to two powerful, Dominant men.
But Sarah has an even bigger problem. A stalker. Someone from her past who is determined to destroy any chance she has at happiness. Can Adam and Jesse love and protect her? Or will her world explode in betrayal and violence that will destroy them all?
*~*
EXCERPT
Uh-oh. She was in trouble now. A quick glance in her rear view mirror confirmed the
strobing red and blue lights of the unmarked police cruiser behind her, a black, Humvee H3 Alpha, powerful and forbidding, with a slight air of menace. Just like its occupant.
Jesse Colter.
Sarah’s throat thickened and she suddenly couldn’t breathe. She shut her eyes, trying to calm herself, but her nerves felt like stinging nettles burning her skin. Why hadn’t anyone told her that the newly-hired Chief of Police she was scheduled to meet with today was Jesse Colter? She’d left work the moment she heard his name, desperate to avoid this very encounter. I’m not ready, she thought, pushing against the panic that threatened to overwhelm her. I’ll never be ready!
Blowing out her breath, she wiped her sweating hands on her skirt. Her belly clenched as hot juice gathered in her feminine folds. How could he still affect her like this? She hadn’t seen him for eight years. Not since he’d abruptly disappeared the day of her eighteenth birthday.
At least, she hadn’t seen him in person.
But she had seen him nearly every night of those eight years. In her dreams. She’d seen him and tasted him and felt him as if he’d been real. As if he’d been there. She’d seen him rising over her, preparing to enter her. Tasted his full, moist lips and thrusting tongue. Felt his massive cock stretching her, filling her until she was sobbing and screaming out his name—only to wake up on the edge of an explosive orgasm that melted away even as he melted away, like a chalk painting in the rain. Her dreams of Jesse were just that. Dreams.
Eyes riveted to the side mirror, she watched, dry-mouthed as he unfolded himself from the interior of the Hummer and rose to his full height of six feet three inches. He stood without moving, just staring in her direction, his eyes hidden behind the mirrored lenses of his aviator sunglasses.
God, he was even more gorgeous than she remembered. Gypsy-dark, panther-lean, his magnificent body was taut with the unyielding ripple of tempered steel. Her eyes roamed over his beloved face, with its strong, square jaw, hawk’s beak of a nose and full, sensuous lips. And those killer cheekbones—Lord have mercy. To Sarah’s eyes, there had always been something raw and untamed about him.
There still was.
*~*
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Julie has always loved stories, both reading and writing them, ever since she was old enough to hold a book in her hands. One of her favorite childhood activities was smuggling books under the covers to read by flashlight after she was supposed to be asleep.
A career as a children’s librarian eventually led to her dream career as a freelance storyteller and puppeteer, a business she operated successfully for twenty-five years. During that time she created and wrote all the original material for a monthly language arts newsletter full of poems, songs, puppet and flannel-board stories, fingerplays, and other resource material for early childhood educators. For that endeavor she won the prestigious EDPRESS Award for the best educational newsletter of 1982. She has also written other resource materials for preschool and early elementary teachers.
After moving more than two dozen times in her life, Julie lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Now widowed and retired, she once again has time to devote to her two favorite things—reading and writing—especially her new love, erotic romances
MY LINKS:
www.facebook.com/Juliesheltonauthor
www.juliesheltonauthor.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16162502-loving-sarah
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?trk=tab_pro&id=241889558
www.amazon.com/author/julieshelton
by Sarah | Jul 4, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I suppose I should tell you that I am the daughter of the Guardian Leader, Essen, who is respected and admired. My mother is an Asuriya demon so you could say I am of mixed heritage. My mother and father are from opposite side – enemies really. Any way being the first born has been dull and frustrating. Everyone has all these great expectations of me and I just want to be me, discover who I am without the need to be what other’s expect me to be.
I introduced myself to Michaela at the end of the first book she wrote in this series called Guardian Awakening which was about my mom and dad. I am the kind of person who gets under your skin and I did just that until Micky wrote my book.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
The love of my life has to be Zachriel. He came into my life to kidnap me and take me away to the realm of the Dark Master. Along the way we just connected – you know- he was struggling to find a real place to be just him. So we had lots in common. It took a while to realize this though. We had an instant connection that was too strong to deny.
What’s your motto in life?
Know who you are – push to be you.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think I frustrate the leaders. They want more and more of me but they do not get it that I don’t want to prove who I am or the skills I have. My parents love me unconditionally, I never see disappointment in their eyes. My brother, Oryan, loves me too. I am sure he wishes I would just do as I’m told. He often acts like the responsible one – looking out for me. We have this strong link that others don’t always understand.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
My life has given enough fodder for others to pick and gossip over. I don’t have head space to think about what others are doing or not doing. Sorry, that’s just the way I am!
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Being two-faced, lazy and smug. I just want to grab them and ….okay I better stop!
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Purple – I love the depth and richness of the color!
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DP0DBVW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | ARe | Breathless Press |
Blurb for Guardian Possession.
Royanne longs to be free of everyone’s expectations. Meeting a mysterious stranger who she is drawn to confuses her. He feeds her longing to be free and ignites a fire inside of her. She is aroused by this tortured soul. When he kidnaps her and reveals his plan, she is torn between loathing him and wanting him.
Zachriel is under orders from the Dark Master—kidnap Guardian demon Royanne. Only hiding away until the coast is clear draws him closer to her, especially as she seems to see the real man in him.
Rescued at last, Royanne feels uncertain what to do. For Zachriel his past is revealed and he must face the truth. This truth cuts to his very soul and questions who he really is. Now he must come to terms with the lie that has been his life. Royanne fights her feelings for Zachriel. She begins to see him as a kindred spirit. There is only one thing to do reveal her love for him. Can she convince him her feelings are real and he is worth loving?
Excerpt
He could read strands of desire in her mind. He planted more, he planted himself. This little Guardian was proving easier to manipulate than he had first thought. But what did they know of strength? All their kind was good for was the torture of the young and weak. He was no longer young or weak. The Dark Master had ensured they took care of him, nurtured, and trained to be a warrior of worth. Zach reached out and touched her bare arm lightly. With feather-like fingers, he stroked her skin. Royanne’s gaze drifted to his fingers playing on her skin. She had not recoiled, which was good. He became bolder as he moved his hands to her shoulder. Her skin was warm and smooth. Zach maintained eye contact, knowing it would strengthen his bond with her. He caressed her cheek, and he slid his other hand lower to hold her curved hip and then her rounded ass. He massaged her ass cheek, and when no resistance was apparent, he lowered his lips to her pinky full lips, that called to him to kiss and claim. She seemed frozen to the spot. Yes, just as he liked them, under his control, helpless. He had her mind. Fire met ice. She kissed him back with equal force, which surprised him. Does this Guardian actually want me?
*~*
Here is a little more about me.
Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she is multi published and loves writing!
She has teenage children and a husband, who also keep her busy. However, it is whilst travelling into work that she has time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overheard often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook.
I usually hang about here:
Website: http://michaelarhuaauthor.weebly.com/
Blog: http://www.michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
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by Sarah | Jun 26, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Cassandra. I am a sorceress. I am also now Queen of the kingdom of Savon. I was the personal advisor to King Matthew, a man I loved since we were children. We were raised together in the palace. And since I am a sorceress, I came to my author in a dream. *wink*
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
My greatest love is Matthew. I fell in love with him the first moment I laid eyes on him when we were children. I nearly didn’t marry him since I have no royal blood. I was nearly married to his Commander of the Army, Victor. I’ve always felt safe with Matthew. That is what drew me to him.
What’s your greatest fear?
Losing Matthew like I lost my father and mother. They were murdered by men following Gorgon, an enemy trying to take over the kingdom.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
Many, like Victor (my former betrothed) only see my great magic and power. The citizens of my kingdom see the girl who saved them from starvation. Some in the palace see only a woman who slept her way to the crown. Matthew only sees the real me.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. I’ve been the subject of gossip one too many times. I avoid gossip when I can.
What was your happiest moment?
Oh, it was definitely marrying Matthew. It was my wildest dream come true. I never thought it could happen.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Deceipt. Thanks to Victor I learned that painfully first hand when he delivered me to Gorgon himself. To think I almost wed him…
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Scarlet, the color of Savon. I am proud to be a citizen of Savon, my homeland. And of course, its Queen.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DGF1MM6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | ARe | Secret Cravings Publishing |
Blurb:
Cassandra is brought to the palace by her grandfather, the sorcerer Malicar, after her parents are brutally murdered. After being presented to King Thomas she is raised alongside two boys – Thomas’s son, Matthew and Victor, the young man chosen to be Matthew’s commander of the army.
However her life in the royal palace comes at a price. She is vowed into a life of servitude Matthew’s advisor, forfeiting the dream of having a husband and children of her own.
As they mature into adults, childhood curiosities turn to jealousy and burning desire. Cassandra finds herself caught between the two men and forced to make a decision – to throw away her vows for the life she dreamt about with a man she does not love or to stay shackled to the promises she made as a child to be with the man she wants with her heart, body and soul but cannot have.
Excerpt:
In no time, she stood in the courtyard, the soldiers around her completely oblivious to her presence. She glanced up as Victor rode next to her. “Lock yourself in the tower. I will see you when I get back,” he instructed as he kissed her on the cheek.
“Stay safe,” she murmured.
Cassandra looked to the ground as Victor’s horse trotted away. Then, she raised her head as she heard hoof steps approach. Matthew wandered across the courtyard, leading his stallion behind him. His eyes, yearning and desperate, locked on her.
She shuddered as he approached, his stride determined as he wove his way around the soldiers scattered around the courtyard. He stopped, dropping the reins of his horse, when he reached her.
Without warning or care for decency, Matthew cupped Cassandra’s face in his hands drawing her lips to his and parting them in a soul-wrenching kiss. She clung to his arms as he tasted her, clearly searching for confession, answers—her love for him. As he pulled away, he whispered, “Lock yourself in. I could not live another day if anything happened to you.”
Matthew’s fingers caressed Cassandra’s skin once more before they slipped away to grasp his horse’s reins. He glanced at her over his shoulder before he disappeared behind the wall. Cassandra hugged herself tightly, her limbs shaking in uncertainty.
Collecting herself as much as possible, she wound her way to her tower blindly. Her thoughts were incoherent. Matthew? Victor? She rubbed her fingertips against her swollen lips. Both had made their feelings for her abundantly clear. And both were riding out to battle. Above all, the vows she had taken as a child dictated she could have neither of them.
Tears filled her eyes as she collapsed onto her cushion. The only thing she knew with clarity was that she needed to get her thoughts together. It wouldn’t be long before she would be joining them on the battlefield.
*~*
Bio:
Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing (which she loves to do), Tricia coaches and participates in track and field, does kickboxing, reads, sews and is involved in many of her children’s activities.
Tricia is a member of the Romance Writers of America and RWA Chapter 177 From the Heart Romance Writers.
Author’s links:
1. Blog – http://insidethiswritersmind.com/
2. Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/t.l.andersenauthor
3. Website – www.triciaandersen.com
4. Twitter – https://twitter.com/triciaandersen or @triciaandersen
5. Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5122241.Tricia_Andersen
by genre — she might be claustrophobic! She’s also an editor for MuseItUp Publishing and works as a freelance editor.
