by Sarah | Apr 3, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to have J.L. Hammer back on the blog with her latest release, [amazon_link id=”B00BLPYO3M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Blue Horizon[/amazon_link]. Today she introduced me to her hero Beckham Connors, and allowed me to interview him. He wasn’t exactly thrilled with the prospect…he’s usually on the other end of the questions, but still he obliged and I thank him heartily for that.
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Beckham Connors. I’m a freelance mercenary. I take care of problems the government doesn’t want you to know about.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
(He shifts in his seat.) This is a girlie question. I’m a guy. Okay, Elena gets my blood pumping. She’s special—we understand each other. And yeah, I love her.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
This interview. I’m usually the one asking the questions.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Always have a plan A, plan B, plan C, and the Shit Happens Plan—which means when the shit hits the fan, run—and hope you’re quicker, smarter, and bulletproof.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
At first, Elena stared at me like I was hell incarnate. After a while she let her guard down. And when I kissed her, she melted in my hands.
6. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
Blue Horizon is all about danger and secrets. It revolves around a government project that could cause mass destruction and terrorists who will do anything to get their hands on it. I have orders to rescue Elena from her captors, or if necessary—kill her. Whatever happens, she cannot be left alive on Iranian soil. This is the most difficult decision of my life.
8. What was your happiest moment?
(He smirks.) Any moment I’m not riddled with bullets and I can inhale a breath.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Black. I’ll be a shadow and you won’t know what hit you until it’s over.
*~*~*~*
[amazon_link id=”B00BLPYO3M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble
Book Blurb
Part of a secret government project, Elena Davidson’s life is in serious jeopardy when she is kidnapped by terrorists. Safeguarding ‘Blue Horizon’ isn’t just a mission to Elena. She knows that if its purpose is revealed and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous for the entire world.
Beckham Connors has a simple mission: the retrieval of Elena Davidson, no matter what the cost. He has orders to rescue Elena from her captors and to send her home to America, or if necessary—kill her. Whatever happens, she cannot be left alive on Iranian soil.
Forced into a whirlwind adventure, she can depend on no one. Elena must decide if she can trust the ruggedly handsome Beckham—or if he poses a greater danger than the terrorists.
Excerpt
She watched him as he secured the new bandage. Until that moment, Elena hadn’t realized how close he sat next to her on the bed. His thigh brushed against hers. Elena lifted her head, and their gazes locked. She found herself becoming lost in his brown eyes. This hard man fought to be unfeeling, but she knew he wasn’t. Beckham had needs, just like her—to be touched, loved, and wanted.
His hand reached out to her cheek, and the roughness of his fingers met the softness of her skin. Elena’s breathing quickened as his fingers lowered to the curve of her neck. Her flesh tingled. Shivers of warmth bolted through her body. The same desire she felt reflected in his heated gaze. His chest rose with the rapid intake of his breaths. It felt as if the pull of a magnet drew them together as time slipped away. Elena braced herself for the kiss that was sure to come. She should have been afraid; Beckham could overpower her and she wouldn’t stand a chance, but fear was the last thing on her mind.
His fingers encircled the back of her neck, and he tugged her lips to his. Sparks ignited, lighting the backs of her closed eyelids. Without hesitation, their tongues explored. Her body demanded more of the sensual, intoxicating kiss. Elena’s heart raced. Grasping his broad shoulders, she felt his solid weight above her, pressing her firmly against the bed. Her breasts molded against his muscular chest. Beckham smelled so good, like earth and man.
“You’re so beautiful…so damn soft and sweet.” The heat from his husky words sent a shiver of excitement across her skin. She willed him to devour her. Elena had been so lost and alone that being held securely in his arms felt good and right. She could tell Beckham needed her just as much as she needed him.
The whiskers from his strong jaw rubbed against her skin, sending a ripple of painful pleasure through her. She moaned. With one hand she tugged at his shirt so she could touch his bare skin. Beckham caressed her breast. Even through the cloth she could feel the heat from his touch. She bit her lower lip to stop the cry from escaping. Scattered thoughts raced through her mind. She should be stopping this. She should be outraged that he dare touch her. The voice of reason pleaded with her to remember who she was and what he was, but she told it to shut up. She threaded her fingers through the length of his brown hair, bringing him even closer, needing to feel his lips once again on hers.
The sudden pounding on the door echoed throughout the room. Before the noise even registered in her mind, Beckham had leaped to his feet and was standing beside the bed. He took a second to slow his breathing and then cracked open the door. Mumbled words were exchanged. Elena strained to make them out. Apparently Beckham understood, since he opened the door a bit farther.
“Okay, be right there.” He glanced back at her. His wrinkled shirt was half unbuttoned, his hair disheveled. Beckham looked as if he’d almost been devoured. Had she done that to him?
His heated gaze raked over Elena as she lay sprawled on the bed. “Damn—I’m going to kill him.” After uttering those words, he smashed the turban back on his head, went out, and shut the door behind him.
About the Author
J.L. Hammer resides in California and enjoys the relaxed pace of small-town life with her husband and two children. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. Visit her website at www.JL-Hammer.com
by Sarah | Mar 27, 2013 | Character Interview, Giveaway, Guest Authors, Writing
Every comment on the post is an entry to win a PDF copy of Trouble With a Cowboy. Drawing will happen on 3/29 about 9AM!! So leave your comment today for a chance to win a copy!!
I’m very pleased to have the hero of Sandy Sullivan’s latest book,[amazon_link id=”B00BL9QCU6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Trouble With A Cowboy[/amazon_link] stop by today. Tucker Marshall had me enraptured by his Wranglers…I mean, um…ah, hell. Just read up.
Hi Sarah. It’s nice to be here on your blog.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Let’s see. I own a large ranch outside of Amarillo Texas and I raise Bucking Bulls for the PBR and several rodeos all over the country. I do a lot of traveling but I got stuck in a little town in Oklahoma with one of my bulls on the way to National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
The greatest love of my life is raising bulls and Jacie. What drew me to raising bulls was the thrill of watching them compete in professional bullriding just like the riders do. They get points and compete with the other bulls on the circuit for Bull of the Year. My bull Lightning Strike is up this year with a 98% bulloff rate.
Jacie is the most important life in my life these days.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Losing my ranch. I grew up kind of poor and there wasn’t a lot to eat some days. I wouldn’t know what to do if I didn’t have my ranch.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Live life to the fullest.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
The guys don’t like me because I’m with Jacie now. Several have the hots for her or are protective of her and they think I’m going to hurt her. I wouldn’t hurt her for the world. She means everything to me.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I don’t do gossip. If I hear something I try to ignore it and move on. Gossip isn’t good and usually leads to someone getting hurt.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
*evil grin* I look good in a pair of Wranglers?
8. What was your happiest moment?
Probably the day I paid off my parents’ house at least so far.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying. I hate liars.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Definitely blue. I try to never lose my temper and be cool, calm and collected mostly of the time. Of course, Jacie gets my pretty fired up sometimes.
*~*~*~*
18 wheels had her heart until one hard-up cowboy found her kickin’ up her heels and propositions her to take his bull to Vegas.
Jacie Hawkins drives big wheelers for a livin’. Something not a lot of women do. Littleton Oklahoma is just a dry stopover for a few hours of rest and relaxation at the nearest bar. Jacie needs to find a hot cowboy to release some of her pent up frustrations on for the night, but wannabe’s aren’t her style.
Tucker Marshall needs a big-rig driver to haul his prize bull to National Finals Rodeo and he needs one fast. Who would have thought he’d find one shootin’ pool at the local bar dressed to kill and takin’ numbers?
Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun and a little more?
Buy link
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=533
Excerpt
Lean hips and a bull rider belt buckle blocked her view of the multitude of cowboy boots standing nearby. Her gaze crawled up a flat, chiseled abdomen, across sculpted muscles, over a firm jaw to meet sexy brown eyes.
“What’s the frown for, pretty lady?”
She tipped the bottle to her lips to take a long drink, keeping her eyes on the gorgeous man in front of her.
Once she’d swallowed, she said, “Contemplation.”
“Huh?”
Great. Probably barely made his way through high school.
“I was trying to figure out how many of them,” she nodded to the crowd twirling on the dance floor, “are real.”
“Real?”
“Real cowboys or just wannabes.”
Brown eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled as he hooked his fingers behind his belt buckle and tilted the shiny metal up. “Mine’s real, sweet thing.”
“Is it? Where did you win it?”
“National Finals Rodeo last year. Bull ridin’.”
“Is that right?” She took another sip of her beer.
“Yeah.” The cowboy pulled his shoulders back proudly.
“You know, that’s funny. I rode last year. I sure don’t remember you. What did you say your name was?”
The man frowned as a trickle of sweat appeared over his lip. “Kyle Fredrick.”
“Kyle…” She tipped the bottle to her lips again. “Mmm…nope. I sure don’t remember you. You know what else?”
His eyes narrowed as he shifted from foot to foot. “What.”
“I have an official belt buckle in barrel racing.” She tapped the buckle at her waist with her fingernail, and then pointed toward his. “That’s about the worst fake I’ve ever seen. The real one, honey, is gold with World Champion Bull Rider on the bottom and your name engraved just above that.” She stood in front of him so they stood toe-to-toe. “That trinket might work on one of those rhinestone babes out there, but it won’t work on me. I know the real thing when I see it.”
When the music changed, bathing the bar in silence for a moment, she heard a soft chuckle to her left. Tipping her head, she locked gazes with the guy two stools down. He lifted an eyebrow and tipped his hat as a crooked, half-smile graced his mouth, showing off pearly-white teeth with a dimple in his left cheek. Before she got a good look at the color of his eyes, the cowboy in front of her pulled her attention back to him.
“You’re a bitch.”
“I’ve been called that before. You’ll have to come up with something more original…Kyle.”
With a pissed-off growl, Kyle spun on his heel, disappearing into the crowd farther down the bar. Jacie took her seat again, propping her boot heels on the rung of the chair and tipped the bottle to her lips. Beer slid down her throat in a cool wash of satisfaction.
Moments later, two-stools down cowboy moved one stool closer when the man next to her headed for the door.
Elbows balanced on the bar behind her as the bottle dangled from her fingers, she glanced sideways and her gaze met the prettiest baby blues she’d ever seen. One sweep from the top of his black Stetson and dark hair, over his broad chest and down his yummy torso, told her a lot. A working man. Dusty cowboy boots peeked out from the hem of his jeans.
“Hi,” he offered.
“Hi, yourself.”
“Name’s Tucker.” He held out his hand.
She stared at his palm. Calluses. Working hands. Short nails. Clean.
Grasping his hand in hers, she wasn’t prepared for the zing of electricity pricking her skin where they touched.
“Jacie.”
“Nice to meet you, Jacie.”
“You, too Tucker.”
“Sorry about that guy.”
“Why? Is he a friend of yours?”
A short snort left his mouth. “Not in this lifetime. I’m only hopin’ you don’t judge the whole lot by him.”
“Nah.” She smiled and lifted the bottle to her lips again, draining the remaining beer. “He’s nothing new. I’m used to his type.”
“What type is that?”
“The lay ’em and leave ’em kind. Once he gets between a woman’s thighs, he’s gone.”
The chuckle returned. “Probably right on the money.”
“Occasionally, that’s not a bad thing, but tonight…not necessarily what I’m looking for.”
He leaned closer as the music started again. The spicy, almost citrusy scent of his cologne and virile male mixed with…cattle, reached her nose. Interesting.
“Can I buy you another beer?” he asked, his breath rushing over the shell of her ear.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “Sure.”
Signaling for the bartender, he stood to pull some money from his front pocket, bringing his chest into close proximity with her shoulder. The heat radiating off his skin sent shivers skittering across her arm, and she fought the urge to rub the flesh to calm the goose bumps.
His tanned hand held a bottle out in front of her.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He sipped from his beer, but when he lowered the bottle his eyes found hers again. “What are you doing in Littleton, Oklahoma?”
“Hanging out with you.”
“Yeah, right. A babe like you doesn’t hang out in small town honky-tonks.”
She flinched at his comment as she dropped her gaze to the front of his shirt. “Just passin’ through.”
“I see. Mysterious. Works for me.” He set his beer on the bar behind her. “Care to dance?”
Do I really want those hands on me? Hell yeah!
“Sure.” She set her bottle next to his before they headed for the dance floor.
The song changed to a slow ballad causing her to cringe. Slow dancing with this gorgeous, rugged cowboy could send her right between the sheets with him in a heartbeat. Good or bad, she wasn’t sure he would be the type to easily walk away from. When she turned, she sucked in a ragged breath before she slipped her hands up around his neck. He settled his palms on her hips. Her heartbeat hitched up a notch and her fingertips itched to run along the solid ridges of his pecs—ridges that came from hard work, not a gym.
*~*
Sandy Sullivan is a romance author, who, when not writing, spends her time with her
husband Shaun on their farm in middle Tennessee. She loves to ride her horses, play
with their dogs and relax on the porch, enjoying the rolling hills of her home south of
Nashville. Country music is a passion of hers and she loves to listen to it while she writes.
She is an avid reader of romance novels and enjoys reading Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux
and Susan Wiggs. Finding new authors and delving into something different helps feed
the need for literature. A registered nurse by education, she loves to help people and
spread the enjoyment of romance to those around her with her novels. She loves cowboys
so you’ll find many of her novels have sexy men in tight jeans and cowboy boots.
by Sarah | Mar 13, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I am very happy to have a fellow Secret Cravings Author, Jean Joachim, stop by today. Or rather, her heroine, Susanna Barnes from [amazon_link id=”B00BOTXQZW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Red Carpet Romance[/amazon_link] has stopped by. I think you’ll enjoy her interview as much as I did. She’s fun and sassy…the kind of character I can get behind.
**
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I had a tragedy. Jean, my author, loves tragedy. Tragic figures call to her. Frankly, I think she needs anti-depressants. Oh, yeah, I’ve got real dark hair and gray eyes. She wanted a pretty, but different looking women for this book. I used to be a budding art historian. Now I’m a nanny. Tragedy struck. It sucks.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Quinn Roberts, without a doubt. Geez, if you had a gorgeous movie star panting after you, would you fall in love? What drew me outside of his looks and fame? His generosity and sense of humor. He’s sexy and funny, a perfect combination.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that something will happen to Quinn or my sister, Annie, and her brood. They are the only family I have left.
4. What’s your motto in life?
My motto? Hmm, let’s see. A positive attitude will bring positive results. I’m kind of a romantic, a believer. Unrealistic maybe but it keeps me happy.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Jaden Sinclair thinks I’m the biggest man-stealing slut going. And I can see her point-of-view. Quinn’s sister, Maggie, sees me as a new best friend. I’m pretty good at getting along with people.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I hate gossip. After Tiffany Cowles, tabloid editor, came after me, wow, scared the crap out of me. I guess hear gossip but mostly I prefer to stay away from gossip, since I’ve been at the center of some pretty nasty stuff.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
My chemistry with Quinn, my affection for Junior, a baby, and my snappy comebacks. Okay, okay, Jean – she’s responsible for the snappy comebacks. *whispers* I thought we were doing this interview without her!
8. What was your happiest moment?
*Blushes* there are a few I can’t tell you about. Let’s just say, being on the Red Carpet with Quinn. Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out what that means. That ought to keep Jean happy.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Dishonesty and greed – it’s a tie.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Me? I’d be turquoise blue, I think. My favorite color and the color of a gown I wore in the book.
*~*~*~*
A bit about the book
Why is gorgeous movie star, Quinn Roberts, sharing his space with a baby he calls “Junior”, if it isn’t his own? Susanna Barnes, live-in nanny, can’t figure him out. Overwhelming mutual heat melts his guarded heart and her reserve until a slip of the tongue shatters his dreams. Will she unravel the mystery of Junior’s birth and will they regain lost trust?
Excerpt
Raven-haired Susanna Barnes pushed open the unlatched door. Quinn Roberts, stuck up, rich boy movie star. With a kid. Great. “Hello?” She called out, stepping just inside the doorway.
“In here…twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty,” called a deep voice.
She moved toward the sound, stopping a few feet from the entrance to the living room. When she glanced up, she saw the almost-naked, suntanned body of a muscular man, hanging by his hands from a metal pull-up bar stretched high across the entryway. Her gaze wandered over the flexing, sweaty muscles of his shoulders then back and down to his hips. Boxers…cute butt. Farther down were strong thighs tapering to Bermuda-shorts-perfect calves and bare feet.
When she cleared her throat, he dropped off the exercise device and turned around.
“Do you always greet people in your boxers, Mr. Roberts?” She cocked an eyebrow as her stare roved over his damp chest covered with a smattering of brown curly hair, stopping at his waist. Shoulders as wide as a basketball court.
He grabbed a black, terry towel from a nearby chair and wrapped it around his middle. Color flooded his cheeks.
*~*
Buy Links
[amazon_link id=”B00BOTXQZW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]AMAZON[/amazon_link]
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks
*~*
Bio
Jean Joachim is an author, married, a mother of two boys and owner of a rescued pug named Homer. She writes contemporary romance and has more than a dozen contemporary romance books published with more scheduled to be released within the coming months. Jean has been writing non-fiction for over twenty years and fiction for three. Her review column, “Movie Choices for Kids” has been syndicated on parenting newspapers websites for the past 12 years. A native New Yorker, she still lives in New York City. Her website address is: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com.
by Sarah | Feb 25, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I’m happy to have Sherry Gloag here with her heroine, Deborah Stavely from her regency romantic suspense, No Job For a Woman. I hope you enjoy getting to know Deborah as much as I did.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Hello, Sarah. Thank you for inviting me to share a little bit about myself with you and your readers. My name is Deborah Stavely and my author, Sherry Gloag starts my story, a Regency romantic suspense, No Job For a Woman, when the life I have mapped out for myself after losing my husband, Harold, is threatened. I have been widowed for two years and since then have been running Stavely Manor and its lands and tenants in the way my late husband taught me.
Oh did I mention my eldest brother is Lord Worth and while a wonderful brother, is at times, meddlesome and stuck in the mores of what he perceives is the rightful place for a woman. My insistence to take over Harold’s role after his death offends Freddy’s sense of ‘rightness.’
You can imagine that I did not relish his interference when he heard about the little difficulty I was facing. Nor did I appreciate when he called upon his best friend, Julian Farnsworth, to back up his actions. I mean, I could deal with it myself. Couldn’t I…?
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
While this may appear to be a straightforward question, when I came to answer it, I found it complicated. Not—I hasten to add because I am capricious, but because as my life changed so did my allegiances. My family is the constant thread of love that weaves in and out of my life. No I don’t fall out of love with them, just that they fade into the background, as they should, when I met and married Harold Stavely. He was the love of my life. He was the man I hoped to create a family, and grow old with. Believe me stepping into his shoes and taking the reins of Stavely Manor was not only what Harold would have wanted, but it saved my sanity. So for a while, Stavely manor, after my family and my husband, became the love of my life. And then Julian Farnsworth re-entered my life and turned it upside down, well no, my neighbours did that before Julian arrived. It was Julian’s arrival that reveals the dark intent behind my neighbours increased interest in my affairs…
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Losing control and losing my independence. If I have been more amenable things would not have come to such a dangerous path and Julian would not have found himself fighting for his life.
4. What’s your motto in life?
I don’t know that I have one, but now you make me think of it I’d say ‘Seize the day.’
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
*laughs, a throaty laugh of self acceptance” With exasperation most of the time, but make no mistake they love me with the same familial love I have for them. As for Julian… well, you’d have to ask him.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I hate gossip, but if I hadn’t attended to it I may not be alive today to share my story.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I am a real person, with the same kind of flaws everyone in your modern twenty-first century. The only difference is the time. I lived in what you now call the regency period, while you live in the twenty-first century.
8. What was your happiest moment?
There are too many to recount. That said, I nearly split my sides laughing when watching my brother and Julian sail across the lake after I’d removed the bung in the boat. They deserved it, they thought they’d stranded me up a tree. I won’t say more here as the tale is included in my story.
9. What trait do others find most deplorable about you?
Oh, that is easy. My need for independence.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
I can’t choose just one because I’m like a chameleon my colour matches my moods, but red because Harold always told me he loved my vibrancy. Yellow because it always makes me feel spacious and happy, and deep purple because I hate black, and purple is an intense colour that also grounds me.
*~*~*~*
No Job For a Woman
Blurb:
Julian Fanshaw answers a call for help from his life-long friend Lord Worth to help keep his friend’s widowed sister, Deborah, safe from her increasingly vindictive neighbours. It doesn’t take long to realise him or Freddie long to realise the Grangers aren’t using her as a long-promised act of revenge against them; but are playing a deeper and far more sinister game of their own.
Deborah Stavely is determined to overcome the increasing harassment from her neighbour without calling on her brother for help. So she is not pleased when Freddie intervenes and involves his friend, Julian Fanshaw.
Circumstances demand Julian and Deborah learn to work together and Julian dares to dream that he might gain the love of the only person he’s ever given his heart to.
But will Deborah live long enough to discover that by releasing everything she values, she will gain everything her heart desires?
Excerpt:
Julian Fanshaw ignored the other letters in front of him when he recognized one from his long-time friend Freddie Dalrymple, now Lord Worth. He broke the seal and scanned the single sheet with growing concern.
Julian, my friend, I am writing to implore you to put aside whatever plans you have in hand and to set out immediately to stay with us for an indeterminate period of time.
Thoroughly alarmed, Julian flipped the page in his hand to discover it had been dispatched more than a week ago.
If I bring to mind a certain student up at Oxford with us, and reveal that he and his wife are, and have been, my sister’s neighbors for several years, it will give you but an inkling of the root of my concern.
It has come to my attention, due to the arrival of his brother upon the scene, and recent events concerning my sister, Deborah, I am persuaded you need not only to know what is happening here, but be on hand to assist in circumventing any consequences of actions taken against her.
I have taken the liberty of gathering some friends together for a couple of shooting parties, thereby creating a reason for your presence.
Since his return from the Peninsular, Julian kept promising himself a trip to Worth’s Norfolk estate. Unfortunately in the last eighteen months, time and circumstances had worked against him.
Casting the letter aside, Julian strode to the door and called for his butler.
“I am leaving immediately for Norfolk. Please see that my bags are packed and have my horse ready within the hour.”
“You do not intend to use your chaise, sir?”
“No. I’ll ride, with a stop to visit Mr. Sewel. Arrange for Becket and French to follow me in the chaise with everything I’ll need for a month.”
Not by so much as a flick of an eyelid did Thomas reveal he recognized the name of his master’s man of business.
“Very good, sir.”
Author Bio:
Multi-published author, Sherry Gloag is a transplanted Scot now living in the beautiful coastal countryside of Norfolk, England. She considers the surrounding countryside as extension of her own garden, to which she escapes when she needs “thinking time” and solitude to work out the plots for her next novel. While out walking she enjoys talking to her characters, as long as there are no other walkers close by.
Apart from writing, Sherry enjoys gardening, walking, reading, and cheerfully admits her books tend to take over most of the shelf and floor space in her workroom-cum-office. She also finds crystal craft work therapeutic.
Buy Links:
Sweet Cravings Publishing
[amazon_link id=”B0095II45G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon.com[/amazon_link]
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Manic Readers
Nook
Book Strand
All Romance
by Sarah | Feb 20, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I’m happy to welcome Gray Dixon to Sarah’s Storylines. To celebrate the release of her novel, Master Knight, she brought along her character Marcus Knight for an interview. The interview went…well, the way I love to see character interviews go. Please sit back and enjoy 🙂
*~*
GRAY: Hey, Marcus. I’m so happy you decided to share with the readers.
MARCUS: My pleasure, pet. It’s the least I could do for my word master. (An eyebrow shoots up and the corners of his mouth turn up revealing a wicked grin.)
GRAY: *blushes* Oh Marcus, you’re so bad. Can we change the subject and you tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to my attention?
MARCUS: If I remember correctly, you came to me. I guess I should amend that and say you came to us. My friends and I were watching a Dallas Cowboys game at Club Tabu for Sports Night and you walked in. Our lives were never the same.
GRAY: Oh, yes, I remember that night. You’ve changed my life too. Tell us more. What do you do for a living?
MARCUS: I’m a businessman, an entrepreneur really. I started the parent company, Knight Enterprises, on a dare from my buddies at Texas A & M. My little computer gaming business eventually turned into a worldwide multi-millionaire conglomerate, acquiring eleven smaller companies from Dallas to Hong Kong to New York. Of course, my favorite is Club Tabu which I co-own with my friends.
GRAY: A self-made man. How sexy is that, right? What or who is the greatest love of your life and why?
MARCUS: Thanks Gray. Strong, powerful, wealthy men are usually considered sexy, but to me it’s just my job. Work used to be my passion, my love, my reason for success. However, today I’ve found a new love, one that makes getting up in the morning and going to bed at night. I lost her once and those were the worst seven months of my life, even after the cheating wife and stalker. I wanted perfection, but in the end I discovered what I wanted was a woman who complimented me and enjoyed the whips and chains that excite as much as I do. All the rest falls in place after that.
GRAY: *shivers run down the spine* Oh, she must be treasure. With that being said, what’s your greatest fear?
MARCUS: Losing her again, of course. Enough said.
GRAY: Okay then. Do you have a motto in life?
MARCUS: Not really, but if I have a code I try to live by it’d be play safe, sane and always with consent.
GRAY: I agree, those are good words to live by in any lifestyle choice. Switching up a bit here, how do the other characters in your debut book view you?
MARCUS: We get along great. We may have a few disagreements now and then, but I’ve known the guys since college and a couple longer. Mitchell Prince works for Knight Enterprises as the chief counsel. Simon Tempest only appears briefly and he’s new to the group. I bought out his music production company but offered him a position to stay on. You’ll get to meet him next year, as well as the others making cameo appearances throughout the series. I guess it all depends on you, my pet.
GRAY: Yes, it does. You bad boys better behave or I’ll give you some of my own version of bondage and discipline. *winks*
MARCUS: I wouldn’t do that, pet. Topping from the bottom is something I don’t tolerate. Let’s just get back to the questions, shall we?
GRAY: *swallows hard* Yes, Sir. What do you prefer? To spread and hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
MARCUS: Neither. I’m a straight-shooter. If I don’t like something, I’ll tell you. I don’t have to go behind someone’s back and fabricate or perpetuate another’s gossip to get pleasure from doing so. Communication, and I mean honest, true communication, is vital in any relationship whether business and personal. If I don’t like you, I’ll say so. If I don’t like what you’re doing, I’ll voice my opinion. If I want to bring you pleasure, I expect you to tell me how.
GRAY: I so agree, Sir. What is it about you that will draw readers in?
MARCUS: My magnetic personality, of course. *Grins* If you were to ask Khari, she’d probably say how well I use my hands and voice to make her insides do flip-flops and her skin tingle with pleasure.
GRAY: Alrighty, I think it’s time to shift gears here and ask random, innocuous questions. If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
MARCUS: Black, but I do like blue, to match my eyes. Why? Because they look good on me. *Leans back in chair, crosses arms over his chest and winks* Don’t you agree?
GRAY: *clears throat* Um, I’m supposed to ask the questions, Sir. I think we need to move on. I think I’ll stick with a few lightning speed questions instead. Are you ready?
MARCUS: Pet, I’m always ready, are you?
GRAY: *sighs* Okay. Blondes, Redheads, or Brunettes?
MARCUS: I love all women, but I prefer blonde, especially the color of Khari’s. Long, bouncy curls and slightly disheveled.
GRAY: (trying to stay composed) Boxers or Briefs?
MARCUS: Commando all the way baby.
GRAY: (quickly losing composure with that image) Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?
MARCUS: Definitely not vanilla, but I’ll take a scoop of each and lick the melting cream from—
GRAY: Sir, that’s too much information for the readers!
MARCUS: What? I was going to say lick from the cone. What did you think I’d say?
GRAY: (mouth still agape) Oh, I…I just thought, oh never mind. Next one. Soft and Sweet or Up Against the Wall?
MARCUS: You’re really asking me that? Seriously? Up Against The Wall. Hands pinned above your head. Legs spread. Blindfolded. And—
GRAY: Oh, please stop, Sir. This isn’t going well. I’m losing control. Let’s just end the interview with a thank you Master Knight for sharing some interesting information for the readers. I understand you’ve brought little excerpt to share as well. Why don’t we go ahead and bring that up. I’d like to also a heartfelt thank you Sir for being gracious in granting this interview. I know how busy you are and look forward to reading more about you and Khari.
MARCUS: My pleasure, pet. I hope I brought you and the readers a little pleasure today. I always strive to do just that. A little pain combined with the right kind of pleasure is always good.
*~*~*
The Masters of Tabu center around the journey of college friends from Dallas, Texas, seeking redemption, healing and love when they least expect it. Hot days and sizzling nights await—Marcus Knight, Mitchell Prince, Jared King, Shane Marshal, Brock Dragon and Jagger Squire with Simon Tempest, a friend of Marcus Knight rounding out the co-owners of Club Tabu, a BDSM private club.
Dallas will never be the same.
BLURB:
Marcus Knight, entrepreneur and CEO of Knight Enterprises, is a Dom with a darker side. After a nasty divorce, he’s sworn off any emotional involvement with any woman. By accident he meets a woman at a party when he travels to New York City for business. She’s too young and inexperienced with his lifestyle. Or so he thinks.
Khari Bradford, small town girl in search of fame and fortune on the Broadway stage. On a chance meeting, she meets an older man who captivates her. Within a short time, she becomes his newest submissive, but wonders how she ended up with him instead of on Broadway.
Will her new aspiration have her lose both dreams, Broadway and her Knight after discovering he has no intentions of staying in New York or with her? Will Marcus return to Dallas and give Khari her dream, but lose the woman who makes his heart sing?
BUY LINKS:
Secret Cravings Publishing
Barnes & Noble
[amazon_link id=”B00BHO2GZU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
*~*~*
LOG LINE/TAG LINE: A Princess in search of her Knight in shining armor.
STORY EXCERPT:
He had to think fast to keep her from dropping her gaze again and tripping him over the line to take her full mouth with his.
“Sorry, I was taken aback by your beauty. My offer still stands. Do you need my help?”
She blinked a few times before answering. “Sure. Do you have success with that line or are you kidding?”
“What? No, no. I mean it. You’re quite breathtaking.”
“Thank you.” She bit her lip again. “Are you one of Sandra’s clients or one of the brokers scoping out the property?”
Keep control, man. “Neither,” he said as he opened the metal door, and they proceeded down the stairs.
“Oh.”
An hour later, he’d assisted with ushering out the stragglers from the party, disposed of all the trash, and secured the penthouse. The caterers had taken care of the rest.
As they waited for the elevator, Marcus made his move. “The evening’s still young. May I take you for drinks?” he blurted out just as the bell chimed and the doors swooshed open.
“Um, I have an early day tomorrow. But, thanks. Maybe some other time.”
They descended to the lobby in total silence. He’d never been so tongue-tied with a woman, but she was so different. The quiet submissive nature of her personality was evident, and he should have had no problems, but he lost all reasoning with her.
When they reached the exit door and stepped out of the building, she turned to him, smiled and shook his hand. “Thank you for helping me, Marcus. I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure. Are you sure about that drink?”
She widened her smile. “I’m sure.” She turned and walked away.
As he watched her run down the sidewalk toward the subway station, he lamented about not getting her number. Didn’t matter, he had come up with a better plan and put it into action the next morning.
About the Author
“What’s to tell?” Gray Dixon asked. The nom de plume of erotica writer of hot, sexy stories for the adult crowd loves walks along the beach at sunset, a glass of wine over a romantic dinner and a night of love.
On the serious side, she’s married to her Dear Heart for many years, has three children, many grandchildren, a dog, a couple of fish, a big yard with lots of fruit trees, two cars and a house. Ah, the American Dream she loves to describe. She likes a lot of different things, crafts, watching the History Channel, reality shows (not all, but some), travel, and of course writing. She’s worked hard all her life in many interesting fields and enjoyed all of them, but she finally found enough time to relax and enjoy escaping into the worlds she created through her stories. She mainly writes erotica with BDSM elements, and hopes readers will enjoy the tales she weaves.
Gray Dixon can be found on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gray.dixon.50
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrayDixon
Between the Pages of Black and White… Blog: http://graydixon.blogspot.com
by Sarah | Feb 13, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very pleased to have Elizabeth Morgan here today to interview one of her characters from Creak. The story sounds both hot…and like a good, creepy mystery all at once. It’s definitely at the top of my list. So let’s meet Kacey Howard from Creak…I have a feeling once you read it, you’ll want to read this book as much as I do…just for this guy.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I just strut in and gave her a smile. Like all females she fell for me. What can I say, I’m good looking.
Not much to tell. My parents and I moved to Wichita when I was eleven. I’m originally from California, another reason Elizabeth loves me so much. Sun-kissed skin. Great body. I like to walk around with my top off a lot. Hey, if you can’t it flaunt it, right?
I’ve been friends with Tyler and Nicole since I moved onto their street. So that’s like, shit, fifteen years. Man, that’s crazy. I like sports. I like food. I love sex, hey, who doesn’t?
I went straight into work from High School and
Good with my hand and I don’t mind doing dirty work. What do you think my occupation is? *grins* I’m a mechanic. Hey, what can I say, there is something about getting under the hood of a car and making that baby purr.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
My campervan. My uncle got an orange campervan when I was a kid and I swear it was the coolest vehicle I had ever seen. I get that all these men think women dig sports cars and all these sleek cars and shit, but what could be hotter than a van that you can throw a mattress in the back of and just basically kick back and have a little fun anywhere you please. Beach, fields, the side of the road if you’re feeling adventurous. . .
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Impotence. It’s not happen to me yet, but the idea that such a thing can happen is just f***king disgusting. It’s wrong, man. So wrong.
4. What’s your motto in life?
I’m afraid it’s old school, but “Life’s a bitch and then you die, so fuck the world and lets get high.”
Death is inevitable, and too much shit happens in this world. So have sex, party, and enjoy the hell out of yourself.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think the following will sum that answer up. I like Nikki’s view the most. She’s so damn feisty.
Jayne: “Speak of the devil, and his sexy ass will most definitely appear.”
Nicole: It really didn’t help that Kacey looked one hell of a tempting package, the type of guy that you wanted to do nasty things to in exchange for finding out what that wicked glint in his eyes was all about.
“My drink’s gone and Kay’s being a dick.”
“You’re a dick, and I hope you genuinely know that . . . ”
“I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
Tyler: “Kacey’s a tool . . . .”
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. I don’t waste my time with such petty shit. Then again, I’m usually the subject of most gossip going around.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m irresistible. You will hate to love me, and want to think that I am a jackass, but even if you do, you will still want me like crazy.
8. What was your happiest moment?
Finally being able to buy my own campervan. I had saved like crazy for it since I was a kid – something which is damn hard to do when you’re a teenager and have a social life as crazy as mine – and I have to say it was orgasmic to finally get behind the wheel and take my baby for a spin.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Shyness. At first it can be fun when you come across a sweet and somewhat innocent girl; there is always something sexy about tainting a good girl, but honestly, it’s boring. There is so much fun to be had in the world people just need to kick back, embrace it, and f***ing enjoy themselves, you know?
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Red. I know it seems like a total chick color, because it represents confidence and passion. But the way I see it, red is used for sin and sinners, and that basically sums up one hell of a dirty night with me.
*~*~*~*
Creak
(An Erotic Thriller)
By Elizabeth Morgan
BLURB:
“What happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek.”
After spending the summer as a recluse due to a bad break-up, Nicole Saunders agrees to go to The Heat Wave Festival with her best friends, Kacey and Tyler.
Along with three other friends they plan to take a shortcut through the small town of Silver Creek; the last thing any of them expected was to become lost and end up pulling in to a motel for the night.
The Creek Motel is isolated and the last place Nicole wants to be, especially after meeting the glacial owner, but her discomfort is soon forgot as she finally gives in to her feelings and asks Kacey and Tyler to spend the night with her.
A decision she quickly regrets when she discovers that their friend has mysteriously disappeared from her locked room in the middle of the night. Worried, Nicole presumes the worst, but quickly discovers that Jayne’s disappearance is more disturbing than any of them could have guessed.
BUY LINK:
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=514
~ * ~
EXCERPT:
He stared down at me. Uncertainty flickered across his features. “You’re drunk?”
“My head’s a little fuzzy, but I’m sober enough to know what I’m talking about.”
“Nikki, I don’t want you doing something you’re going to regret just because you’re upset over James.”
“This has nothing to do with him.” I leant up and kissed him. It was gentle, hardly exciting, but at least my stomach didn’t turn.
He didn’t kiss me back.
I pulled away and looked him dead in the eyes. “You’ve waited seven years. If it doesn’t feel right kissing me, then you know keeping quiet was the right thing, and I know that we just had a crazy moment earlier. One kiss and we can stop being curious and just move on.”
A small smile appeared as he arched an eyebrow at me. “You’ve been curious?”
Warmth blossomed in my cheeks. “Maybe.”
Kacey chuckled. “I so fucking knew it.”
I scowled at him. “Look, we’re adults, all right? I don’t want us all falling out over this.”
“What if it does feel right?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
I took a deep breath as Tyler cupped my face. My eyes fluttered shut as his mouth caught mine without hesitation. His tongue slipped against the seam of my lips and a small pop of heat hit the walls of my stomach. I pressed my hands to his chest, my nails sliding against the material of his T-shirt as I opened up to him.
His tongue slid slowly against my own and the agonizing pace and tease of his gentleness caused my heart to skip. I slid my hands up to his shoulder and neck. I ran my fingers through his black hair as my body melted against him.
He trailed his fingers down my throat and each tip sent a different pulse of electricity straight to my stomach. His hands fell to my hips and as the pressure of his fingers began to increase with the pace of his demanding lips, my slowly sobering mind began to twist with familiar and forbidden fantasies.
And I wanted to give in to them all.
Why the hell had I ever thought that this would be weird?
We shared everything with one another, so why couldn’t we share ourselves? I would never dream of hurting him and I knew Tyler would never hurt me. I trusted him more than I trusted myself and the idea of being locked in his arms while he rocked languidly into me had my entire body thrumming with need.
“Right, I can’t watch this shit.” Kacey grunted as he got up. “It’s one thing getting a hard-on over you, baby girl. The fact that Tyler happens to be in the picture…I’m freaking slightly.”
I pulled away from Tyler, my breath somewhat shallow as I angled my head so I could glance at Kacey. “I don’t want you to go.”
Tyler didn’t shift his focus from me and I watched as realization slowly slipped across his features. “You weren’t just referring to me, were you?”
I shook my head and the smallest dose of guilt began to stab at me. “I think I could kinda love you both in my own way. I have—sometimes I have—God why is this so hard?” I took a deep breath. “There have been times when I’ve wondered what—across the years I’ve sometimes wondered—sometimes I have considered risking our friendship.” I looked over at Kacey. “Do you understand what I am saying to you?”
“You’re usually naked when I imagine you saying you want me, but yeah.”
My jaw tensed. “I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
“But you still want me, right?” He moved closer to me. “When are you going to get it in your head that you’re not just some girl, Nikki? You’re our girl.”
“I want you both.” I said quietly, not caring that my cheeks had grown warmer. “I have for a while.”
“If we try this—” Tyler took a deep breath. “And it doesn’t feel right—”
“We’ll stop.” Kacey promised as he slid his hand beneath my halter neck and began caressing my skin. “You say it baby, and we’ll stop and forget all about it.”
My stomach flipped at the feel of his fingers circling my navel. “And if I don’t want to stop?”
An unreadable look crossed Tyler’s face and my heart skipped as Kacey moved behind me. The warmth of his body seeped into my back, while his fingers painted trails of heat across my abdomen and along my ribs.
“Then what happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek. Unless you decide otherwise.” Kacey pressed his lips to my ear. A shiver ran down my neck and spine. “Does that sound fair?”
I closed my eyes and tilted my head to the side as his lips brushed against my jawbone and down the side of my throat. A groan escaped me as his hand closed over my bare breast and he squeezed eagerly. Tyler’s hands fell from my hips and I felt Kacey’s right hand splaying on my stomach as he pulled me closer and ground his growing erection in to my lower back.
“Yes or no, Nikki?” he asked raggedly. “Tyler ain’t the only one whose been fantasizing about this baby, and I hate to remind you, but I’m not exactly patient.”
I opened my eyes and looked at Tyler, watching as he pulled his T-shirt off and revealed the lean muscles of his abdomen and arms. I reached up and cupped his jaw, idly running my thumb along his bottom lip while I lifted my left arm and wound it around the back of Kacey’s head. I slid my fingers in to his mass of curls and pulled playfully. “Yes.”
~ * ~
BIO:
Elizabeth lives in a small country village in Cheshire, England, with two cats. You will always find her on the computer, blasting music and writing away. She started life wanting to be an actress because she loved performing. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh, to distract them from reality for a few hours. She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with ideas for scripts and she began writing plays. Slowly over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channeling her imagination into more detailed manuscripts…
Here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.
Where to find Elizabeth Online:
Website: www.e-morgan.com
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944
Blog: (Shared with Dianna Hardy): http://notjustastiffupperlip.blogspot.co.uk/
Cobblestone Publishing: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/elizabethmorgan.htm
Noble Romance Publishing: https://www.nobleromance.com/Authors/184/Elizabeth-Morgan
Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=201&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=191 Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/ElizabethMorgan/
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_al1?_encoding=UTF8&refinementId=368165031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0ZHQ1BAH0E7X2S7KTJ9M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1351550906&sr=1-2-ent
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/elizabeth-morgan
About the Author
