by Sarah | Jan 9, 2014 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m an artist, writer, designer, event planner, and traveling teacher, so I’m a bit of a jack-of-many-trades. I’m almost always working on something creative. I often find there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the writing and artwork projects I have in mind. I also organize events for the Pagan/alternative spirituality community in Chicago, as well as travel and teach workshops for the broader Pagan community on topics like leadership, community building, how to facilitate workshops and rituals, and other metaphysical, esoteric, and personal growth topics.
I used to be a shy little wallflower, and now I find it amusing to be teaching workshops on public speaking and facilitation. Truthfully, I’m an introvert and I still have a lot of social anxiety, but I suppose that’s why I teach this stuff—if I can learn to do it, anyone can. I’m kind of a nerd for event planning, and I love planning conferences, concerts, and other events. I used to hang out with a bunch of Star Wars fans and we’d run room parties at Science Fiction conventions; I’d orchestrate decorating the room like a scene from one of the movies, so I’ve built a life-size Jabba the Hutt and a Carbonite Chamber.
There’s nothing I love more than getting all excited about a project, whether it’s a story, a painting, designing a magazine cover, organizing an event, building an outdoor shrine, or whatever crazy thing I’ve gotten myself immersed in.
What do you like to read? What’s your favorite genre?
Currently I find myself reading a lot of Paranormal Romance. I don’t have a lot of time for reading, and my brain is usually pretty spammy when I’m going for fiction so I like to read something that’s going to let me just get into the story and devour it. I like Sherrilyn Kenyon, Karen Marie Moning, Emma Holly, Angela Knight, and Jory Strong.
In the past, I’ve read a lot of fantasy books. Some of my favorite authors are Anne McCaffrey, particularly her Pern stories, Janny Wurtz stories about Arithon, Katherine Kurtz’ Deryni books, I liked a lot of the early Mercedes Lackey stories about Valdemar, David Eddings, Charles de Lint, and two of my favorite books are The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through by Stephen R. Donaldson.
Name your 5 favorite movies. Why?
I’m a total nerd for fantasy and scifi movies. Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, The Matrix…there’s a host of other similar movies that I love. I don’t know what it is, but fantasy and scifi has always sucked me in. I also have a special place in my heart for disaster movies. I’m not really into many comedies, unless you count Galaxy Quest and Spaceballs. I don’t know what it is; heartwarming chick flicks, comedies, and dramas don’t really grab me. Futuristic, dystopian, epic fantasy…that’s what inspires me.
Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
I’ve just launched a new web site, www.ShaunaAuraKnight.com, and it’s a little barebones at the moment but there is information on all of my books there. But I also post excerpts and other posts on my fiction blog, https://shaunaknightauthorartist.wordpress.com. There are two longer excerpts for A Winter Knight’s Vigil there. You can also contact find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShaunaKnightAuthorArtist. I post there about my books and other interesting things, as well as the occasional contest and giveaway.
Your Novel
What is your book about?
A Winter Knight’s Vigil takes place in a woodland cabin the weekend of the Winter Solstice. Amber is in love with Tristan, but she knows she can’t date him. She and Tristan are there with ten of their closest friends; the twelve of them are in a Pagan coven, and they are out in the woods on a spiritual retreat. Their coven has a rule that members can’t get romantically entangled in order to prevent some of the small group dynamics that can happen in situations like that. But it’s close quarters, and the rituals they are doing together keep pushing Amber and Tristan together. Things get pretty spicy, and then the two of them have to figure out what to do. Lie to each other about what they feel so they don’t break the rules? Or lie to their best friends? They can only hope that the Longest Night vigil will show them a way through.
What inspired you to write this particular story?
This story started—as many of mine do—with a snippet of a scene in a dream. The dream seemed to take place in a cabin, and I was reminded of a time I was out in a woodland cabin with some friends of mine. We weren’t in a formal coven but we were working toward that—at least, we would have if three of the group members hadn’t been interested in the one man in our group, two of them cheating on their partners to be with him.
And I thought, there we go, there’s the perfect conflict—the whole small group dynamics issue that happens whenever people hook up within a small group, whether religious or otherwise. I was also inspired to write about some of the particular magic of the winter solstice. It’s the longest night, and that’s why it’s sometimes used as a vigil. Once I put those pieces together, the story really fell together pretty quickly.
How did you choose your title?
The title came to me all at once; it just seemed to make sense. The characters in the story are working with the myth of King Arthur, King Arthur sat in vigil before he was knighted, and these characters were also going through a vigil, and Tristan and Amber in specific are both struggling with what to do. In this case, Tristan and Amber are each knights, facing their own consciences during their vigil.
How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
Probably what’s most myself in this book is how the characters are working to face their own shadows, and in specific, how they are working to do the right thing. And they—like anyone—struggle with what they really want to do vs. their fears. For whatever reason, it seems to happen in our lives that we often have to make a choice. Do something that is right for us, but at the expense of someone else. I think it’s important to think about these things, to negotiate them as best we can. To do what calls to our soul, and still do the right thing.
What was your favorite part or chapter, and why?
Well…I do write erotic romance, so I’m always fond of the scenes where the characters finally get together after building all that sexual tension. But I think my favorite scene is where Tristan and Amber are finally starting to get comfortable with each other. Without giving away massive spoilers, they curl up and watch one of their favorite movies together and they are joking around. For me, it’s those funny, quirky things that people say to each other when they really know each other well…that’s when the characters really come alive for me.
Writing
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’m a hybrid. I like to see the whole scope of the plan in my head, and as things make sense to me I write it out in outline form or make little notes, but I don’t have this rigid need for an outline. For me, it’s a more organic process. Often times I’ll hear a particular song and an entire scene will just open up in my mind and I’ll see exactly how it goes. I find I get my worst writer’s block when there’s a part of the plot that I don’t understand or know what is happening there, or how the characters are getting from A to B. Then I sit there praying for that inspirational bolt of lightning to hit so I know how the story progresses.
Where do you get your ideas?
A lot of my best story ideas come from my dreams; I have been writing down my dreams since I was a kid. Actually, I just published a nonfiction book on dreamwork as an introduction to exploring your dreams. For me, dreams are a direct link to the mythic language of our subconscious. I won’t go into a deep dive on Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey and the importance of myth. But any modern stories—the stories that really engage us—are working with those themes we find in myths the world over. And those are the same images and patterns and archetypes that come up in our dreams. Nothing inspires me to write a story like one of my dreams.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
For me, the hardest part is finishing the book…and that’s the advice I have is, finish the darned book. You can’t get published if you don’t complete your manuscript.
Have you written any other books?
I have dozens of books in the works, but so far I have 3 published novellas. One is a paranormal romance, Werewolves in the Kitchen; it’s currently part of an anthology but comes out as a standalone eBook in mid January. I also have an urban fantasy, The White Dress, the Autumn Leaves, coming out in the next month or so. It’s an incredibly romantic story, though it has a bit of a darker ending so I can’t really call it a romance. And I’ll release a vampire romance novella in early 2014 for free to people who join my mailing list.
What are you working on now?
I have a lot of books in production at the moment, but a few of my paranormal romance novels are almost finished. Jhalen’s a 4,000 year-old vampire held prisoner by demi-human monsters. They want the secret of his immortality, and it happens that he’s the keeper of a few secrets about the Grail. When he meets Cora, a human with some psychic abilities, they have to unravel the deeper Grail mysteries to escape and be together.
Angel is a woman who has dedicated herself to Aphrodite, and is then surprised when the Goddess begins to commune with her. She falls for Benjamin, and as their relationship grows, vampires and other monsters that live in the shadows start to come after her. Ben has been viciously attacked in the past, and he resists his connection to Hephaestus. However, accepting the Greek god is the only way to save either of them from the creatures coming after them.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00H545RW0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Smashwords | BN |
Blurb
Sexy, kilt-wearing Tristan has captured Amber’s attention on many occasions. But as members of the Kingsword coven, which has strict rules about intimate relationships inside the circle, dating him is out of the question. When the coven heads to a secluded woodland cabin to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Amber finds herself closer than ever to Tristan. As the Longest Night approaches and their group’s ritual workings intensify, the pair realizes that they can no longer hide from their feelings.
Just as King Arthur held vigil before being knighted, Tristan and Amber face their shadows—and the realization that one or both of them might have to leave the coven. Or can they be together without breaking their honor?
*~*
Excerpt:
The ritual drumming intensified. Eyes almost closed, Amber danced harder, stomping her feet, rocking back and forth, chanting the song that was escalating in intensity and volume, some of them adding harmonies and rhythmic words. She was dizzy with the dancing, ready to sink to her knees so she wouldn’t fall.
She opened her eyes enough to look at the fire to let the flickering light take her beyond herself. Then she saw Tristan. Sweating, wearing just his kilt now, he was dancing wildly by the fire, snarling and chanting. He seemed like the Horned One the way he was framed by the firelight, the way his hips moved, the complete intensity with which he danced.
She was hoarse, panting, as the sound of the chant finally hit its peak and then began to fade into a drone, a tone. The complicated drumbeats fell away until it was as it began, just a heartbeat, just their voices, then just their panting breaths.
She stumbled and Tristan’s arm flung out to steady her.
Amber looked at him, both of them panting, and she couldn’t help but follow the sweat that trickled down his neck to his chest. She wanted him so badly in that moment, wanted him to crush her lips with his, wanted him to throw her over his shoulder or lay her down by the fire right there and take her hard. Wanted him to tell her he loved her, that he wanted to be with her forever. She wanted him to drive into her until he came inside her, roaring into her neck, kissing her over and over. She looked up at him, trying to breathe, moving just the slightest bit closer as she fought down a moan, looking at his lips.
His chest rising and falling with his breath, Tristan’s eyebrows lifted and he gave her the strangest look.
Blinking dizzily, Amber pulled back from him. He stared at her, and she backed off. She hauled on her coat, not even buttoning it before she was outside, hurrying out into the snowy woods.
*~*~*~*
Shauna Aura Knight
An artist, author, community leader, and teacher, Shauna’s work is inspired by the mythic stories of heroes, of swords and magic, and of the darkness we each must overcome. That the challenges we face shape us, and help each character—each person–to become heroes.
She’s a fantasy artist and author, including the paranormal romance Werewolves in the Kitchen, A Winter Knight’s Vigil, and the urban fantasy The White Dress, the Autumn Leaves. Her mythic artwork and designs are used for magazine covers, book covers, and illustrations, as well as decorating many walls, shrines, and other spaces.
Shauna is passionate about creating stories, artwork, experiences, spaces, and rituals to awaken mythic imagination. She travels nationally offering intensive education in the transformative arts of community leadership, facilitation, ritual, and personal transformation, and is the author of numerous articles and books on those subjects.
http://www.shaunaauraknight.com
by Sarah | Dec 4, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
- What is your story?
I’ve known from the beginning that I didn’t belong in Louisiana, that my roots weren’t there, so I’ve always wanted to find my family. No one would tell me anything about them, or where I’m from. No one would explain why a heart was branded on my chest, or why my so-called Louisiana cousins didn’t like me. My story is that no one would tell me my story. Does that make sense?
- Who are you?
I’m a girl without a future. Until I can find out who I am, where I come from—who I come from–I have no future. I’m sure that sounds melodramatic to most of you but when you ask who I am—I have no answer for you. My name is Rayna Guilbeau. But is it really?
- Do you have a problem that wasn’t mentioned in the story?
No, I’m pretty open and transparent. Except … I have to admit I didn’t want to reveal too much to Trent Jones in the beginning. Why should I? No one has ever told me the truth so I didn’t think I could trust him either. Maybe in the beginning my problem was not trusting or maybe my problem was trusting too much. Read my story and decide for yourself.
- Do you embrace conflict?
Funny you should ask that question. I certainly embraced it in The Last Daughter, didn’t? I butted heads with conflict. In a way, I guess I created it.
- Do you run from conflict?
Isn’t there an old saying what doesn’t kill us makes us strong. When I think that Trent and I could have lost our lives because of the conflict I brought into our lives, my heart actually skips a beat or two. I realize we’re a lot stronger because we met conflict head on, and I learned a lot about Trent. I can depend on him. I don’t run from conflict, and neither does he.
- How do you see yourself?
Before my story was created, I actually saw myself as a nonentity: powerless, insignificant, non-existent. Now, after learning who I am, after meeting Trent Jones—after living through my story, I feel whole. Funny that meeting evil face to face, surviving evil, can infuse one with … well, life, I guess. New life.
- How do your friends see you?
I’ve never had friends. I went through school being the outcast because of the Louisiana ‘cousins’ I lived with. They blackballed me and I never understood why. Because I looked different? Because I acted strange? Because their parents told them my story? Who knows? Maybe that’s something I’ll tackle next. Wouldn’t that be interesting to confront my life and those family members in Louisiana now that I’ve embraced the horrors of my Oklahoma birth?
- How do your enemies see you?
I was compared to a stray cat. I was told he should have put me in a bag and tossed me in the river the way he did his sister’s kitten. How many daughters can say their father wished them dead?
- How does the author see you?
The author of my story loved me from the beginning. She infused me with much of her own strength, but a lot of her own fear and insecurity went into me too. My author made me more beautiful than I felt. Believe me, I argued with her, but she insisted I looked exactly like a young Angie Harmon. I think that’s hilarious. Sometimes I stare into a mirror and try to see what she sees. I still don’t see it. When she knew I was going to confront my father, she put me in a lovely, feminine sundress—one that would show him exactly what he’d done to me. When I walked down those stairs and Trent sucked in his breath, I knew it was the right dress to wear. And when my father saw me for the first time, when I saw the surprise cross his face, his eyes widen … I felt like the winner. Sure, his hurtful words, his cruelty was like a knife jabbing my flesh over and over again, but with my author standing with me—and Trent—I knew I’d come out on top. I just wish I didn’t have to suffer such loss.
- What, if anything, haunts you?
I keep asking myself if I could have done things differently. I’d yearned for my mother and father for years. I’d prayed for a family that would love me. I believe in happily-ever-afters but I guess we can’t have it all, can we?
- Has anyone ever betrayed you?
My parents. My author’s husband always asks, “If a child can’t trust her parents, who can she trust?” Is the answer no one?
- Have you ever betrayed anyone?
No. I work at being fair and honest and loyal to everyone. Even those who betray me.
- What was your childhood like?
I was raised in a small bayou town in Louisiana. I was told the family that raised me were distant relatives but I’m not sure they actually were. They didn’t act as if I was blood kin—they didn’t want me. Needless to say, my childhood wasn’t happy. I had one friend in seventh and eighth grade but she moved away. I never had another one. I moved into high school and kept to myself during those four years. It was easier being alone than having to explain myself or answer questions. My answer takes me back to your question about embracing conflict. Maybe I really don’t. Maybe I run from it.
- What in your past would you like to forget?
Nothing. I want to remember it all. I don’t want to forget anything. I can’t. I’ll replay my life over and over again until it finally makes sense.
- What in your past would you like others to forget?
There are no “others” in my life.
- Who is your true love?
Trent Jones. He says he fell in love with me the moment he saw me snooping around his house at midnight. I don’t know if I believe him but I love hearing him say it.
- Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
When I saw Wounded Heart, the three story house in Oklahoma City, advertised in that Louisiana magazine, I knew I was connected to it. I knew it held the story of my life. I should have known it was more than a coincidence, but I didn’t. I quit my job, packed up a few belongings and headed to Oklahoma City. I’d call that a defining moment because my life certainly did change.
- What is your most closely guarded secret?
I have no secrets any more.
- What is your most prized possession? Why?
My most prized possession—other than Trent Jones—is Tiva, my childhood doll. Some people think she’s cursed and she very well could be, because I feel safe with her. I guess that’s why she means so much to me; I like how I feel when I hold her. Safe and powerful.
- What one word best describes you?
Decisive.
- What is your first memory?
Looking into a pot of soup and watching a hand holding a spoon stir the liquid. I still don’t know who that hand belongs to; who was holding me?
- Any non-family member adults stick out in your mind? Who were they, and how did you know them? Why do they stick out?
I don’t remember any non-family members. I remember someone giving me my doll Tiva. All I remember is an arm, a white sleeve, a hand holding Tiva toward me. I only had eyes for Tiva.
- Who was your best friend when you were growing up?
Lauria was my best friend in seventh and eighth grade. She moved away. I heard my cousins say she was taken away from her parents because they were abusive drunks but I don’t know if that’s true. I still think of her and wonder.
- What is your fondest, childhood memory?
I went to Mardi Gras once and caught a lot of beads and candy. It was fun watching the parade and decorated floats. There were beautiful people dressed in bright colors. Everyone acted happy.
- What don’t you like about yourself?
I don’t think there’s anything I don’t like about myself. My author gave me confidence and drive. I make up my mind to do something and I do it. I seldom second guess myself.
- Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be? If not, why do you think nothing can redeem itself?
Of course, I think redemption is possible. Otherwise, how could I have faced my father?
Why would I have tried to have a relationship with him? How could I see him day
after day and listen to him berate me and call me names if I didn’t believe redemption is
possible. Anyone can be redeemed if they want to be. All they have to do is ask
forgiveness—pray—repent, accept love and forgiveness from God and the persons
they’ve harmed. Unfortunately, my father didn’t believe in redemption—or maybe he
just didn’t believe in me.
- Is it okay for you to cry? When was the last time you cried?
I cried every time I went to see my father. I’d cry each time I left him and walked back to the house. I could cry right now—thinking of him, remembering some of the horrible things he said to me.
- What is the thing that has frightened you most? Do you think there is anything out there that’s scarier than that? What do you think that would be?
I suppose I was most frightened when I realized how much my father hated me. And why. I still don’t fully understand it, and I’m sad to say my mother doesn’t have answers that make sense. There’s nothing scarier than your parents turning on you. Nothing. Thank God for Trent.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00ES5DVI6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon [/amazon_link]|
Blurb:
Given away as a child, Rayna Guilbeau grew up with questions–questions about her real family and questions about how she ended up in Louisiana with a disfiguring heart branded on her chest. When she sees a sale ad for a house in Oklahoma City called Wounded Heart, she feels an instant connection. Somehow, the house holds the key to her mysterious past.
Trent Jones, an easy-going picker who’s always looking to make a few bucks, is the new owner of Wounded Heart, a three-story house filled with antiques and mystery. When an intriguing young woman shows up on his property at midnight, claiming she was born there, he knows his life is about to change.
On an emotional journey into danger, Trent and Rayna seek answers. But can Rayna put the past behind her and accept Trent’s unwavering love?
Excerpt:
“Rayna, I need to talk with you. Rayna?”
Rayna entered from the living area just as Trey reached the bottom of the stairs. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Are you okay?”
He rubbed his forehead. “I need to talk to you about that doll.”
Rayna glanced toward a chair where she’d propped her old toy. “What about her?”
He motioned. “I did some research. She’s pretty old. Actually, she’s probably quite valuable.”
“I’m not selling her if that’s what you’re getting at. Honestly, Trent.” She turned from him and entered the room where the doll sat.
“No, let me finish.” He followed. “From what I can tell she’s been sold numerous times, landed in and out of pawn shops and doll stores. There’s been some very questionable happenings surrounding her.”
“What do you mean? How do you know?”
“Things happen. According to several collectors on the Internet…it’s almost like she causes things to happen to people that don’t like her. Or maybe don’t like you–or whoever owns her at the time.”
“That’s absurd. She’s a doll.”
He rubbed his head again. “Maybe a cursed doll.”
“She’s not cursed. Nothing has ever happened to me.”
He dropped his eyes to her chest.
She clasped her hand across her blouse and stared at him. “She didn’t cause that. How could she?”
“How do you know she didn’t? You have no idea how it happened or why.”
“I just know,” she yelled. “She was–” She stopped and squinted at him. “Trent, Trent, what’s wrong?”
*~*~*
AUTHOR BIO:
Jessica Ferguson is the author of The Last Daughter, a romantic suspense published by The Wild Rose Press. Her short story, If You Believe is part of Kathi Macias’ Twelve Days of Christmas series. Jess is co-editor of Swamp Lily Review, A Journal of Louisiana Literature & Arts and a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. She is the author of one Silhouette Romance, The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes, writing as Jessica Travis. Jess worked as assistant editor/writer/photographer for The Times of Southwest Louisiana, and her work has appeared in magazines and newspapers in Louisiana and Texas.
Follower her blog at http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
Twitter: @jessyferguson
Facebook: Jessica Ferguson and Jessica Roach Ferguson
Pinterest: Jessica Ferguson
by Sarah | Nov 29, 2013 | Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
PLAYING DOCTOR/Entangled Flaunt
Blurb:
When a fellow RN jokingly predicts that Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, it’s supposed to be from across a crowded room, not giving CPR to a wedding guest. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again, but who could have predicted the ponytailed doctor with the mischievous smile would break through her defenses?
Dr. Gabriel North blamed himself for his wife’s death. Now, after two years of battling guilt and meaningless hookups, he’s ready to move on. When he sees the sexy brunette at his friend’s wedding, his attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining her trust is going to take more than medical school has prepared him for.
Excerpt:
He worked the button at her waistband free, pulled the zipper down and drove his hand inside. His fingers slid over her sex once, twice, and then plunged deep. Her body quaked, her inner walls grasped and squeezed at his fingers, but it wasn’t enough.
“More,” she moaned. “I need…I’ve got to have my hands on you.” Beth tugged his shirt free of his slacks, keenly aware of the thick column of his cock pressing against his fly. She plunged her hands under the soft fabric, smoothed her palms up the firm ridges of his abdomen. She pressed her hand to his chest, just over his heart, felt the gallop and pitch of it beneath muscle and bone.
For her.
She was in so much trouble and she didn’t give a flying fig. Right now, at this moment, all she cared about was this man, and that he was here, standing before her. Wanting her.
His forehead fell to hers, his breathing ragged and uneven. He pulled her hand from his cock, grasped her hips and dragged her in, grinding his erection against her upper abdomen. “I’ve dreamed about you, woke up with the taste of you in my mouth.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “I’ve dreamed about you, too. Of your mouth, your tongue on me.” She shuddered against him.
“God, Beth.”
“I came, but it wasn’t enough. It’s not enough now. I need you…inside me. Right here, right now.”
“Fucking hell!”
Had she not known it was lust that caused his fingers to bite into her hips, Beth would have been frightened, but she knew she was safe. By the way his eyes burned with it, the way his shoulders heaved as he fought for control, by the way his touch gentled, she knew. The hollow feeling in her chest filled to overflowing, sealed over, and healed. A new sensation crept in and tapped at her heart. Open up, it beckoned, and see what awaits.
Fabric shifted, just enough to accommodate. Beth toed off her shoes, slid her slacks and panties down to kick one leg free. Gabe fought his belt open, yanked down his zipper and shoved his slacks over his hips. His cock sprang free, heavy and full.
He bent his knees, cupped her ass in his hands and hoisted her up. “Hang on to me. I’m sorry. This is going to be fast,” he apologized and reached between them to align the rigid length of his cock between her thighs. “Ah, damn, you’re so wet,” he gritted, and then slid into her.
Beth buried her face against his neck, ran her tongue along the line of his jaw. His body shuddered. She wrapped around him, wound her arms around his neck, squeezed her legs around his hips and held him there. He was thick and hard and she thought she’d come from the sheer bliss of having him inside her again. He pulled back, all the way to the tip, and, when he thrust back in, the door rattled on its hinges.
They both froze.
Beth sucked in a breath. “Oh, God, as much as I’d love for you to do that again—”
Gabe’s forehead banged against the door. “You’d hate to get fired for getting fucked against my office door.” He turned, moved to the side and braced his back against the wall.
Beth glanced around the small room, her gaze landing on the desk. Gabe laughed, causing his cock to flex and pulling a moan from her throat.
“Baby,” he rasped, “there’s nothing I’d like more than to bend you over that piece of furniture and take us both to heaven, but unless it’s nailed to the floor…”
“Oh, God.” The image he painted, pushing over the desk, driving into her…her pussy clenched.
“Ah, fuck! Squeeze me like that again,” he panted. “Just…hold on to me.” Widening his stance, Gabe grasped Beth’s hips and lifted her, angling his pelvis up as he brought her back down hard on his shaft. Then he did it again.
“Gabe, that’s…oh, I…just don’t stop!” Each pause was punctuated with another lift and thrust.
“No way in hell. Just don’t scream when you come.” And then he moved, lifting, lowering, rotating his hips to find that sweet spot that drove her wild.
It started in the soles of her feet—that sizzle of electricity signaling her orgasm. It snaked up her legs, curled around her inner thighs, and with a low keening sound, Beth buried her face in Gabe’s neck and welcomed it as it speared her clit with an orgasm that clung to every inch of Gabe as he drove into her. He was right with her, his breath a harsh hiss against her ear as he thrust deep and held her tightly against him.
The soft brush of Gabe’s lips over her sweat-dampened temple was in stark contradiction to the choppy breaths lifting his chest against hers. “I’ve missed you, missed this,” he whispered hoarsely.
“Me, too.” After a moment, when she’d caught her breath, Beth lifted her head and said, “We really…”
“Need to talk,” he sighed. “I know.”
Bio:
Jan Meredith has been a romance junkie since her teens. When she isn’t penning steamy stories about strong-willed, independent women and the sexy men who love them, she works as an Infusion Therapy nurse. She lives near Mammoth Cave, KY with her husband (and former high school sweet heart) Tommy.
You can learn more about her at her web site: http://www.janmeredithauthor.com/
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.meredith.121
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanMeredith21
by Sarah | Nov 28, 2013 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
- Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Gray Dixon is my nom de plume for the erotica—hot, sexy stories for the adult crowd—I write. I love walks along the beach at sunset, a glass of wine over a romantic dinner and a night of love.
Okay, that sounded like something I’d write. On the serious side, I’m married to my Dear Heart for many years, have the 2.1 children according to statistics, a dog or two (depends on how I feel when I visit the pet rescue center), a couple of fish (they’re easy to take care of), a big yard with lots of fruit trees (I like organic gardening), two cars and a house (both two much to take care of when I want to write). Overall, I like a lot of different things—crafting, watching the History Channel, reality shows (not all, but some), travel, and writing. I have a few skeletons in my closet, but I’ll never tell. I’ve worked hard all my life in many interesting career paths and enjoyed all of them. Writing and getting published, however, has topped all my previous endeavors. I love creating new worlds and living in them for a brief time before moving on to the next one.
- Do you laugh at your own jokes?Yeah, I do.
- Have you ever found true love? Yes, I married him.
- Do you have a saying or motto for your life and/or as a writer? People’s lives change daily, be prepared.
- What is something you never leave home without (apart from keys, phone, money, and ID)? Business Cards.
- Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
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
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/25504491-gray-dixon
YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQx7aa87kRVpa0XdjG4Tzw
Your Novel
Master Marshal is the fourth book in the Masters of Tabu series. As the tagline states, a cowboy and a supermodel hook up and passion ignites. Shane Marshal inherited his family’s cattle ranch and struggles to keep it out of the red, financially. He is also a co-owner in Club Tabu which he doesn’t get to visit often because he works almost every waking hour to keep the ranch going. With the help of his friends, he turns the property into a working dude ranch, with BDSM activities for additional revenue.
In walks Sharon Berger, aka Valentina Halston the supermodel. But, Shane doesn’t know she’s famous in the fashion world. She’s there to find rest and relaxation with a little fun to escape the paparazzi and get over her cheating ex-boyfriend.
Therein begins the fun and naughtiness.
- Are the names of the characters in your novel important? I strive to find the perfect names to fit the characters I have in my head. All the characters in the Masters of Tabu series came to me quickly and I never changed them.
- How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book? All of them have bits and pieces of me.
- What was your favorite part or chapter, and why? The rope scene. Sensual and really enjoyed writing it. I wanted to put one in this story after watching a few rope suspension scene at a club.
Writing
- How many stories are swirling around in your head? Do you keep a mental list, a computer file, or a spiral notebook filled with the ideas? I’m already thinking about adding a few more to the Masters, but they might end up a new series. I keep notes and ideas in a journal I refer to often. If I’m out of the house and an idea strikes, I type it into my phone notes and transcribe when I get back to my laptop.
- What are you working on now? I’m working on Book 5, Master Dragon. He’s a bad boy and can’t wait to delve into his character.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
- Have you ever gone out in public in mis-matched shoes, or with your shirt on backward, and when you realized it just said ‘eh, screw it’? Many times I’ve had embarrassing moments with wardrobe malfunctions. Like, several buttons opened on a shirt, the lining to a see-thru skirt or dress up around my waist and me baring everything, or once I lost a garter and didn’t know until the stocking started inching down my thigh. Real good times.
- Are you a neat freak? Or clutter-bound? Used to be neat freak, but as I’ve grown older and clutter bug because I’m always writing!
- You were just given a yacht. What would you name it? Excite Me
- If you were a Star Trek® or Star Wars® character, which one would you be? More Star Trek than Star Wars. I love space exploration and when growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut. The best I’ll ever do is maybe one day write about traveling in space.
- If parents say ‘never take candy from strangers’ then why do we trick or treat? Great marketing years ago by the candy companies.
Quick Questions
- Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Sing in the rain
- Pen or pencil? Pen, I do crossword puzzles in pen.
- Summer or Winter? Summer, hate the cold.
- Movies or TV? Movies
- Theater or DVD? DVD
- Rural or Urban? Tough one, done both and like something about each
- Facial hair or clean shaven? Clean shaven
- Marvel or DC? I’m not into either
- Cowboy or Bad Boy? Oh, I have to choose?
- Sunrise or Sunsent? Both are beautiful, but I’m a night person, not morning, so sunsets.
- Fall leaves or Spring flowers? Spring flowers
- Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut butter
- Spender or Saver? Saver
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00GWTVKU2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | SCP |
BLURB:
A cowboy and a supermodel ignite unbridled passion in the Texas heat.
Shane Marshal struggles to keep his family’s cattle ranch above financial flood waters. With help from friends, he turns the homestead into a BDSM retreat. He can’t keep his mind on business when a single woman from New York with legs to infinity arrives. To tamp down his lustful thoughts, he goes out of his way to give her grief, but she doesn’t flinch. He needs a new strategy.
Valentina Halston, a high fashion model, changed her name from Sharon Berger to hide her past. After finding her boyfriend in delicato with another model, she books a vacation at a dude ranch with BDSM activities in search of change. Rest and relaxation, fresh air, no phones, no paparazzi, and no cheating boyfriend sounded perfect. Instead, she finds more than she could imagine.
EXCERPT:
Kneeling closer, he enfolded his arms around her back and drew her back against his chest. Leaning toward her mouth, he noted her eyes closing.
Shane lowered his mouth and captured those delectable parting lips. He swirled the tip of his tongue inside, discovering every tiny inch of the wet warmth. She didn’t resist and neither did she change her position. He deepened the caress causing his body to react, his erection pressing harder against his tightening jeans. He longed to restrain her, whip her, and finally take her places he could only imagine as a mind-blowing fuck.
What the hell was he thinking? How many times had he told himself he couldn’t get involved with her over the past twenty-four hours? He knew better and reined in his hyper-drive Dom to release her.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Wow,” she gasped. “You were so—so incredible. Do all cowboys kiss that way?”
He chuckled. “I’m not sure about other cowboys.” Shane grinned and glanced over at the other couple to make sure he hadn’t disturbed them. “Glad you liked it. I do pride myself in delivering my all in a kiss.” He winked.
Sharon pursed her lips. “There’s no shame with you, is there?”
“Nope.”
“All this confidence comes from experience? How many women have you had?”
He cocked his head and crinkled his brow. “Darlin’, I don’t kiss and tell. Now, back in position.” He slid along the blanket until he positioned himself behind Sharon. He wrapped his hands around her waist. “Are you comfortable?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice fluttered. “Not really. My knees hurt.”
“Thank you for being honest. This can’t be your first time, darlin’. Lean back on your heels and spread your knees wider.”
“I can’t—”
by Sarah | Nov 22, 2013 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
- Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve always had stories swirling around in my brain; until recently I thought everyone did. When I’m not actively talking or thinking about what I’m doing, the characters start showing me scenes in their lives, demanding I tell their stories so they can live in the heads of readers also.
- Have you ever found true love?
I met my husband over 30 years ago at a 60s party thrown by a mutual friend. I drank a lot too much beer, so my brother carried me out of the party that night, fireman-style, while I yelled over his butt, “You there, cute boy! Remember, party at our house next weekend! Be there!” He came to that party and never left. We’ve loved and supported each other through raising 4 kids, and the loss of 3 of our parents. He’s my soul-mate.
Your Novel
- What about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I like to write about strong women who are living independent lives. They’re not looking to fall in love, but are willing to have a hot encounter with a sexy man. I don’t like alpha-hole men, so my heroes generally appear to be betas…until the chips are down or their woman is threatened. Then they will move Heaven and earth to protect her. Sigh…
- What inspired you to write this particular story?
When I finished my previous book, For The Love Of His Life, the epilogue ended with Dmitri, the cousin that Ivan sent to convince the scary red-headed biked queen to forget about her promise to hunt down the famous actor and force him to have sex with her, deciding to stay and try to “tame a wildcat”. At that point I had no plans to write another book with these characters, but after I wrote that last line, Dmitri and the biker queen started to urgently tell me their story, so I had to write it.
- How did you choose your title?
I like to use puns or double entendres in the titles. I’ve been dismayed more than once after choosing the perfect title, to search for it on Amazon and find lots of other books with that same exact title! So I work to create unique titles. In For The Love Of His Life, the hero, Raul, learns to love himself, as well as the woman he falls in love with. In Only One Man Will Do, the heroine, Alexandra, learns that not only can she be happy with only one man for the rest of her life, but that Dmitri is the only one who can thrill her for the long term.
- How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
Ooh, tricky question. One of my closest friends, who was a roommate after college, says that when she reads my books it’s like sitting and chatting with me…she can hear my voice narrating the story to her. I guess that’s what gets called the author’s “voice”.
Writing
- What are you working on now?
The epilogue in Only One Man Will Do has Raul telling Ivan that they need to find a woman for him. He smiles and says he’ll wait, leading Raul to tease him, asking him if he expects that someday she’ll just walk in the door of his resort. He says “yes”. When I wrote those words, I suddenly knew who was going to star in the next sequel. I never set out to write a series, but I get so fond of the characters that I want them all to have a HEA. Plus I respond to the ones who make the most noise in my head.
- Have you written any other books?
I have a series of 6 books about the members of a large Hispanic family, and the people they all find to complete them. The Reyes Family Romances was my first series, and one of the books, # 4 in the order, is a free download at: http://www.smashwords.com/b/18367. I’ve also written 2 female spy novels that just got re-issued as a 2-in-1 eBook for only $3.99 for 2 complete novels. I wrote 2 stand-alone romances, and then a series of 2 books about the return of Mayan alien vampires and how their plot to destroy humanity gets foiled–these are also romances!
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
Be able to retire and get a small camper to travel around the country with my husband, maybe taking any grandbabies that might come along, with us.
Quick Questions
- I even do crosswords in pen.
Summer, when going camping is so easy, and the outdoors is so wonderful!
Rural-I don’t like big cities.
- Facial hair or clean shaven?
Barely-growing in facial hair…and a mustache.
Marvel, of course! Have you seen any of the recent spate of super-hero movies? Those are MY favorites! I’m a sci-fi and action movie nerd and proud of it!
***************
Blurb: For The Love Of His Life
Can a sexy Hispanic action movie star find himself in the BWCA of upper Minnesota? Will the local woman he grows to love believe someone who “lies for a living”?
Buy Links:
http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615729210
http://www.amazon.com/For-Love-His-Life-ebook/dp/B00CMHMGXI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369855652&sr=8-3
Blurb: Only One Man Will Do
Tough-as-nails businesswoman by day, Alexandra is a biker queen by night. When a large Russian man inserts himself into her life, she follows her instincts to some explosive sex. But he’s not willing to share her with her gang, and she’s not willing to give up other men. When two of her bikers are killed, Dmitri is the main suspect. How far is he willing to go to keep her to himself? And has she really fallen in love for the first time ever…with a murderer?
Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Only-One-Man-Will-Do-ebook/dp/B00GKNPO2A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1384304195&sr=8-12&keywords=love+fiona+mcgier
Excerpt from Only One Man Will Do:
Alexandra is attending the yearly charity ball at her father’s country club. She told Dmitri she was going alone, because he’s too “rough” and wouldn’t “fit in”.
Alexandra was so busy with her thoughts that she didn’t hear her Father approaching her from behind. When he cleared his throat she turned and almost swallowed her tongue.
“Alex, I’ve been looking for you all over! I know you don’t like when I introduce you to men not directly in our business, but this man here represents a conglomerate of interests from Russia. They aren’t big in the US market yet, but if they ever get to the point where they need our expertise, it would be nice if we knew we would be in the running at least for an interview. Isn’t that right, Dmitri?”
Dmitri was wearing a European-styled power suit so tailored to him that it had to have been hand-made. It was flawless and hugged every part of his body, accentuating his broad shoulders and tapered waist. The trousers had generous pleats in the front for a smoother line, amply covering up what Alexandra knew was under them, making her mouth go dry as she forced herself to not stare. His shoes looked to be hand-tooled Italian leather oxfords, and his conservative tie was held in place by a tack that had a diamond encrusted on it. As he held out his hand to shake hers, Alexandra idly noticed that the cufflinks on his sleeves had the same diamonds on them as his tie tack. The overall impression she got from looking at him was that this was a man born to wealth, who only walked among the plebeians when he had to; otherwise he stayed on Mt. Olympus, within his own social group.
She tried to speak, but had no voice. She cleared her throat and tried again, her hand still held in Dmitri’s massive paw as both men waited patiently for her to acknowledge him.
“I’m please to meet you, mister…” she began then turned to her Dad, her hand still being held. “What did you say his name was?”
“Dmitri Illyanovich,” her Father smiled at the man. “I did pronounce it right, didn’t I?”
For Dad to be so ingratiating, he’s totally under Dmitri’s spell! Either that, or I’ve been played for a fool in a major way. What the fuck?
Alexandra felt her face begin to hurt as the fake smile she was wearing caused muscle fatigue. Her eyes searched Dmitri’s face but he kept up the act of having never met her before.
****
Copyright 2013, Fiona McGier
Find out more about all of my books, including excerpts, reviews and buy links, along with a free erotic short story at my website: http://www.fionamcgier.com
by Sarah | Nov 16, 2013 | Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00EN33QNI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |
Blurb:
A contemporary romance about a dog that brings two people together who don’t want to be. She’s a vegetarian veterinarian who needs cash for a no-kill shelter. He’s the heir to a hot dog fortune who must give away money before he gains his inheritance. Sounds like a perfect match. It isn’t.
*~*
Excerpt:
She didn’t have time to soothe his ego. If he couldn’t understand about animal emergencies than she couldn’t explain it to him.
Not now. Not ever.
Running down the steps in front of the hotel, she stumbled. When she landed upright, the heel of one shoe broke. “Damn. Cheap shoes.” She pulled them off, standing in her stockinged feet.
She gave the valet her ticket then waited for her car. A light drizzle, dropping the temperature. She shivered hoping the valet hadn’t parked too her car far away from her.
After what seemed like an eternity, the young man pulled up. She shook his hand, slipping him some bills for his trouble. At least she tried. She ended up dropping the bills. He reached for the money the same time she did. Her shoulder hit him in the eye.
“Ouch.”
“I’m sorry.”
The parking guy managed to stay on his feet. Daria landed on her butt in a puddle. Another dress ruined. “How about I let you get the money?”
“Can I help you up?”
“Maybe you better not.”
| [amazon_link id=”B00H545RW0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Smashwords | BN | 
Shauna Aura Knight
