by Sarah | Jul 8, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome Jennifer Garcia to the blog today. She’s talking a bit about her, and introducing us to her novel, My Mr. Manny.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me.
I grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles when I was sixteen and that was twenty-six years ago. My husband of eleven years is an amazing man and deserves an award for putting up with me and picking up all the slack since I’ve taken up writing on top of all my other responsibilities. My two sons and two dogs keep my house full and myself very busy.
I’m a businesswoman in the Scrap and Recycling Industry. I also attend college full-time for the first time. I received my AA in Communications last year and am working toward a BA in English Literature. I have been writing for a few years now and last October submitted my first manuscript to a wonderful publishing company, Renaissance Romance Publishing, which was accepted.
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
In my novel, My Mr. Manny, the ninth chapter was the most fun to write. The main character, Mia meets her love interest, the manny (male nanny) during his interview. She was anything but professional at first, a complete spaz. It was, to me, an awkward and funny meeting. Mia was shocked at the reaction she had in seeing this man. She had never had such a strong feeling about someone before and ended up making a huge fool of herself. I actually felt bad for her, but she was able to pull herself together and conduct the interview.
Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
They were pretty easy for me. I think picturing them all as my friends made it easier, and I did, I felt as if I knew them all. Not to mention some of these characters were loosely based off people I know. The main character, Mia, had similar experiences as I did growing up, but our personalities differ greatly. Mia is a lot nicer than I am and much more patient. I admire that about her.
Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
In my opinion, it is a sweet romance, with real life issues and we get to see the Heroine, Mia grow throughout the story. Her manny, Dominic helps her find her true self and rediscover happiness in the truest form. Plus, it has the most adorable little girl, Lucia and her interactions with Dominic are swoon worthy. It will give you a serious case of the feels.
Thank you so much for hosting me again.
*~*~*~*
Blurb:
Mia Balducci misses her childhood days and yearns for the big, Italian family that she left behind in small town Massachusetts. At the tender age of sixteen, Mia moves with her bachelor father to Los Angeles, but no matter how many years pass, it never becomes home to her. The years spent living with her father aren’t easy, especially since she can’t stop thinking about what she once had. Her enrollment in the University of Southern California promises to bring exciting changes to her life, but Mia winds up with big problems instead. When she runs into an old friend from her old hometown of Winthrop, she gets swept up in nostalgia, and she soon loses herself in a quickly-progressing romance. When the fantasy falls apart, she is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide child care and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land him a job in California working for his first client – the beautiful and intriguing Mia Balducci.
Will Lucia like the new man in her mother’s life? Will Mia? And will this new trio discover the happily ever after they all so desperately seek?
Bio:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Find Jennifer on:
Facebook
Goodreads–Forbes Arnone
Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia
Twitter
Blog
About.me
Authorsdb
Amazon
by Sarah | Jul 4, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I suppose I should tell you that I am the daughter of the Guardian Leader, Essen, who is respected and admired. My mother is an Asuriya demon so you could say I am of mixed heritage. My mother and father are from opposite side – enemies really. Any way being the first born has been dull and frustrating. Everyone has all these great expectations of me and I just want to be me, discover who I am without the need to be what other’s expect me to be.
I introduced myself to Michaela at the end of the first book she wrote in this series called Guardian Awakening which was about my mom and dad. I am the kind of person who gets under your skin and I did just that until Micky wrote my book.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
The love of my life has to be Zachriel. He came into my life to kidnap me and take me away to the realm of the Dark Master. Along the way we just connected – you know- he was struggling to find a real place to be just him. So we had lots in common. It took a while to realize this though. We had an instant connection that was too strong to deny.
What’s your motto in life?
Know who you are – push to be you.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think I frustrate the leaders. They want more and more of me but they do not get it that I don’t want to prove who I am or the skills I have. My parents love me unconditionally, I never see disappointment in their eyes. My brother, Oryan, loves me too. I am sure he wishes I would just do as I’m told. He often acts like the responsible one – looking out for me. We have this strong link that others don’t always understand.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
My life has given enough fodder for others to pick and gossip over. I don’t have head space to think about what others are doing or not doing. Sorry, that’s just the way I am!
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Being two-faced, lazy and smug. I just want to grab them and ….okay I better stop!
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Purple – I love the depth and richness of the color!
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DP0DBVW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | ARe | Breathless Press |
Blurb for Guardian Possession.
Royanne longs to be free of everyone’s expectations. Meeting a mysterious stranger who she is drawn to confuses her. He feeds her longing to be free and ignites a fire inside of her. She is aroused by this tortured soul. When he kidnaps her and reveals his plan, she is torn between loathing him and wanting him.
Zachriel is under orders from the Dark Master—kidnap Guardian demon Royanne. Only hiding away until the coast is clear draws him closer to her, especially as she seems to see the real man in him.
Rescued at last, Royanne feels uncertain what to do. For Zachriel his past is revealed and he must face the truth. This truth cuts to his very soul and questions who he really is. Now he must come to terms with the lie that has been his life. Royanne fights her feelings for Zachriel. She begins to see him as a kindred spirit. There is only one thing to do reveal her love for him. Can she convince him her feelings are real and he is worth loving?
Excerpt
He could read strands of desire in her mind. He planted more, he planted himself. This little Guardian was proving easier to manipulate than he had first thought. But what did they know of strength? All their kind was good for was the torture of the young and weak. He was no longer young or weak. The Dark Master had ensured they took care of him, nurtured, and trained to be a warrior of worth. Zach reached out and touched her bare arm lightly. With feather-like fingers, he stroked her skin. Royanne’s gaze drifted to his fingers playing on her skin. She had not recoiled, which was good. He became bolder as he moved his hands to her shoulder. Her skin was warm and smooth. Zach maintained eye contact, knowing it would strengthen his bond with her. He caressed her cheek, and he slid his other hand lower to hold her curved hip and then her rounded ass. He massaged her ass cheek, and when no resistance was apparent, he lowered his lips to her pinky full lips, that called to him to kiss and claim. She seemed frozen to the spot. Yes, just as he liked them, under his control, helpless. He had her mind. Fire met ice. She kissed him back with equal force, which surprised him. Does this Guardian actually want me?
*~*
Here is a little more about me.
Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she is multi published and loves writing!
She has teenage children and a husband, who also keep her busy. However, it is whilst travelling into work that she has time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overheard often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook.
I usually hang about here:
Website: http://michaelarhuaauthor.weebly.com/
Blog: http://www.michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelaRhua
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michaelarhua/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelaRhua
by Sarah | Jul 3, 2013 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
As a writer, I’m always interested in how or where writers get ideas for their stories. Story ideas invade our consciousness, often uninvited, sometimes unwelcome if we have other stuff going on, and occasionally, incognito. And we fail to recognize them as the jewels they are.
The idea for my upcoming release, Love and Murder In Red Satin, came in two parts several years apart. One idea occurred when I read an article in the Writer’s Digest that listed several items to choose from and include some in a story. That’s how a red dress took up long-term residence in my head.
The second idea came as an announcement in a grocery store. So, instead of “Wet cleanup in aisle 4,” I thought, “Homicide in aisle 13.” But I write romantic suspense, not mystery, so Love and Murder In Red Satin became the title.
This book is set in Colorado and features a marriage counselor suspected of murdering her ex-husband, a cop out for redemption and maybe a bit of revenge, a neat-freak killer, burned pancakes, and hot passion.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DH0BU5E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | Passion In Print |
BLURB:
Allie Blair, a divorced marriage counselor accused of murdering her ex-husband, tries to prove her innocence but unwittingly accepts the help of the man who wants to prove her guilt.
Greg Weston, a Denver homicide detective, vows to bring his cousin’s accused murderer, Allie Blair, to justice. To win her trust, he signs up for a class she’s teaching, “What Women Want.”
When Allie becomes a target of the actual killer, her sizzling chemistry with Greg ignites passion too hot to ignore. But Greg knows even if they survive, he’ll lose Allie when she learns he’s a cop.
*~*
EXCERPT:
Ian Feldman had confessed his desire to Allie Blair over coffee an hour ago, but nothing had changed. He sucked in his gut and tugged harder on the zipper. He’d put on a couple of pounds, but slowly the fabric came together encasing him, transforming him.
He puffed out his chest, admiring his reflection in the full- length mirror. Satisfied, he glanced at his watch, ten-thirty. At least a half hour before Laura would be home. Maybe it was time to tell her. Would she still love him? Would revealing his secret eliminate the rush he got from doing this and he’d be normal?
A noise downstairs made him flinch. Oh, my god, Laura was home early. He grabbed the zipper tab then stopped. He’d told Allie how this made him feel, and she wasn’t repulsed.
“Courage,” he said to his reflection and went downstairs to tell his sweet wife.
But it wasn’t Laura.
by Sarah | Jul 1, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I could, but it would probably bore you to death! I live in the middle of Nowhere, Minnesota. Life is pretty simple around here. My day job of working for a print company supports my writing habit. We have a hobby farm. When I can, I’m out on one of my horses. Snow, wind & rain, I’ll be watching a favorite movie or curled up with a book by a friend.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Pantser, hands down. My characters always run the show and boss me around. I never try to plan out getting from A to B. They know what they are doing. (I’m glad one of us does! 😉 )
Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
It was tough to learn not to take “No” personally. It seemed everyone was too quick with “not for me”. I knew if someone would give me the time of day, I could make that novel work. It took a lot of research & a lot of rejections to find a publisher to give me a chance.
Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
All my men took on wonderful personalities. I loved every one of them. All my females were bitches. They were (obviously) me. 😛 The men love and fight for them anyway, though. For me, writing those scenes was easy. They all just fell together. Of course a lot of them threw surprises at me along the way, but I rarely argued with them. I’d just yell at them for not letting me know some things sooner. “Why didn’t you tell me you played the piano 20 chapters ago?” And “I told you not to sleep with him!” are just some of the things you’ll hear me screaming as I work.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
My 1st answer here is always to run for the hills!! I never dreamed that writing would be the only fun part in this game. Everything after “The end” is hard work. Okay, for some getting to that point is hard work, too, but you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t like (or being forced to by the voices in your head.) Trying to find an agent or publisher, weeding out the scammers, dealing with rejections, promotions…the whole picture is a lot of work. Getting my book out there was the hardest thing I’ve done (& I had my daughter in the car in a snowstorm!) You can’t give up if it’s what you love but the writing will always have to be enough. Recently I added a “tips” page to my website for people. I have been asked a lot of the same questions so I thought I’d get them down in one place. If you are just starting to look or if you are ready to self-pub – check it out. http://www.junekramin.com/tips
Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
I love books that let me get lost in someone else’s life for a while. If you want to take a jaunt to Maui with a hot dude and fall in love on the beach, this may be for you J. There is just something about this one that made me love it more with each turn. I melted at Dani’s determination to fight for her what her heart wanted.
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Like knowing the lyrics to every 80’s song? WA-POW! Then yes! I recently picked up crocheting again. I hadn’t done it in years but stumbled across a minion pattern. Had to do it – now I’m “hooked” again. (Sorry – bad pun. 😉 )
Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The one with PMS. 😉 Seriously though, my female MCs. Lately I’ve been switching up my novels to be 1st person. I tried it with one & I loved how much more you could get into the character’s head. The things that suddenly fly out of their mouths crack me up.
Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have plans for a November release. It’s the start of a thriller series. This was another surprise twist of a novel for me. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out and how it allowed me to dive right into its sequel. I have 2 other books that have turned into sequels – I didn’t plan either one of them. The characters just wouldn’t leave me alone. My cover artist said, “I wish I knew it was going to be a sequel.” I said, “Me too.” LOL
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”148493248X” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Blurb:
Trying to get his bearings on an unfamiliar street and not paying attention, Jeremy slams his breaks to avoid hitting the most beautiful bride he has ever seen. When Danielle climbs in his truck, he assumes she’s in a hurry to get to her wedding; he didn’t realize she was escaping one. He agrees to let her return to his apartment so she can call for help, only she refuses to leave.
As the days pass, Jeremy finds it harder to fight off her passes and claims of falling in love with him. Besides having almost ten years on her, Jeremy discovers the family secret she had been trying to hide. How could the daughter of a billionaire settle for a plumber living paycheck to paycheck?
Despite every tactic her father throws at her and an ex-fiancé who refuses to let her go, Dani stakes her claim to the only thing she has ever truly wanted in her life and fights to make Jeremy hers.
Excerpt:
“Exactly who the hell are you, Dani? Paris Hilton?”
She walked to a bench then sat down. “We’re doing this sooner than I hoped.”
“What’s your last name?”
Again she sighed. “Houseman.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“I wish I was.”
Jeremy sat down, afraid his knees would give away. “You’re… your dad is… Dani that’s…” He couldn’t form a proper sentence and opted to shut up.
“That’s pretty much how everyone reacts. It was nice while it lasted.” She went to stand up, but he held her hand and pulled her back down.
“First of all, nothing about this was nice, so cut the crap. You pretty much kidnapped and raped me… twice on that second one.”
She managed a giggle.
“I’m sorry I was a stammering idiot. I guess I’ve never been in the presence of a billionairess before. My humble plumbing and heating ass feels a little put to shame.”
She rested her cheek to his chest; he wrapped an arm around her. “I liked that you liked me for me, not who I was.”
“I don’t like you. What are you talking about?”
She gave him a playful slap on his chest. “You were starting to like me. Admit it.”
“Maybe I finally got to where I could tolerate your two a.m. jumpings.”
Again she laughed. “What Blake and I had was practically a medieval arranged marriage. His family is even more loaded than mine. I didn’t date much before him because I was always under lock and key. I was damn lucky I didn’t have a chastity belt put on me. If I was out with family without him, everyone swooned over me like a trophy. They wanted to date me because of who I was.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous.”
“You never said you like the way I look.”
“Am I dead? Come on, Dani. You have to know how beautiful you are.”
“I don’t think anyone has told me that – not anyone who didn’t want something from me, anyway.”
“Well then, I guess you can take my compliment off your list of firsts.”
“Why? You don’t want anything from me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He moved her off his chest and stood up.
She followed him up. “You do like me. I knew it!”
“You are certifiable – a total nut job, one of the pickiest eaters I have ever known… but you drive me crazy.” She tiptoed up to wrap her arms around his neck, but he stopped her and held her by the wrists. “Nothing has changed, Dani. No, wait. In fact is has. It’s worse. We are even more of a mismatch than we’ve ever been. I’m still too old for you and you still need to wake up and quit your pouting. I knew I should have stuck to my guns about us. Nothing good is going to come to me for falling for you. There’s no way your family will tolerate anything less than this Blake.”
Bio:
Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.
“There is a fine line between genius and crazy… I like to use that line as a jump rope!”
June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.
She enjoys riding her Paint horse, Ringo, around the small ghost town they are playfully reestablishing with the neighbors and playing in Photoshop. Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.
Being hopelessly addicted to 80’s music is her super power.
http://www.junekramin.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JuneKramin
http://about.me/june.kramin
http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/ (My middle grade series)
by Sarah | Jun 27, 2013 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Killarney Sheffield, the author of ‘Through Gypsy Eyes’ releasing from Crimson Romance on April 15th 2013. ‘Through Gypsy Eyes’ is my 8th published novel.
Many people have asked me just how I came up with the idea of a blind heroine and a guide animal in the form of a seeing eye pony named Jester. Like many authors I sometimes struggle with ‘showing’ vs ‘telling’ and developing the sensory dimensions in a novel. I started writing a short piece from a blind woman’s pov. Obviously my character could not ‘see’ the world around her but had to interpret it through touch, taste, smell and the sounds around her. It is a wonderful exercise that really helped me connect with Delilah. The story just took off from there and refused to stay quiet until I seriously wrote her story and for me as a Canadian farm gal a book is never complete without some kind of animal sidekick. Most people would have gone with the guide dog approach but, I hate to offend anyone here, I am just not a dog person. My whole life has been spent around show horses of various breeds and disciplines. As I was thinking on an animal sidekick I remembered an old show I saw once on ‘Animal Planet’ about a lady in the USA who trained miniature horses to be guides for the blind. She used a harness similar to a dogs, put cute little sneakers on the pony’s feet for traction and house trained them. These remarkable little creatures could do everything a guide dog could and posed less allergy problem. From this simple show the idea behind Jester was born and he quickly became a most endearing character who threatened to steal the story in more than a few scenes! You can view a quick teaser of the tale here: http://youtu.be/S6qfLlbIkxA
True to my love of critters big and small I am currently polishing another historical romance novel with suspense, adventure and paranormal aspects to it titled ‘Love’s Magic’. It is the story of a female magician and her unusual sidekick, a black Holland rabbit named Dexter.
| [amazon_link id=”B00C9KNYSO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | ARe |
BLURB:
Delilah Daysland doesn’t see herself as marriage material. After all, who could love a woman locked in darkness?
Try telling that to Lord Tyrone Frost. He’s determined to do his duty and see her wed to a suitable gentleman, as the King commands.
Delilah has other plans. Convinced her father’s death was no accident, she must depend upon her pony Jester to guide her through everyday challenges as she seeks the truth behind mystery, murder, and deception. Though drawn to Tyrone she’s afraid to trust him, until she sees the world and love through gypsy eyes.
Excerpt:
The pony snorted and then nickered. She strained to hear anything beyond her own
movement as she kept herself afloat. Was there a slight rustle in the brush? Stilling her
movement, she paid closer attention. After detecting no further sound she closed her eyes,
allowing herself to relax and float in the blissful rocking motion of the current. It must be
a small woodland creature out to parch its thirst on such a stuffy night. There was nothing
to fear from such creatures, she was sure. A soft splash gave her pause and she rolled
over. Treading water she turned to face the opposite bank. Ripples rose, slapping her
chest as if something waded in the shallows. She listened again. A rhythmic sloshing
made its way toward her. Alarm quickened her pulse as she concentrated on the sound.
“Jester?”
An answering nicker came from the bank behind her. She worried her damp lower lip
between her teeth. If Jester is yet on the bank, then what is in the water with me? The
unknown visitor slowed, treading water a few yards from her. By the noise it made she
surmised it was large. Intuition told her it was not a mink or beaver come to fish. The fine
hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle. Crossing one arm over her breasts and
paddling with the other to keep afloat she inquired, “Is someone there?”
“I thought my eyes deceived me when I spied a fair maiden floating in this pool.”
The unexpected baritone froze her movement. Delilah gasped, almost going under the
surface of the water when she forgot in surprise to paddle for an instant. She scrambled
for something appropriate to say under the circumstances. “I beg your pardon, sir? ‘Tis
most unseemly to disrupt a lady’s swim.”
He chuckled, a low, husky sound making her picture a large, muscular physique. “Ah,
you are right; however, I have yet to determine whether you are a lady or merely a
figment of my overtaxed imagination.”
Heart thudding against her ribcage, she swam backward toward the opposite bank,
struggling to appear calm and collected. The stranger could accost her here and no one
would know to come to her rescue. How senseless I have been. Surely Jester will be no
match for a man intent on harming me. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage.
“I assure you sir, I am not a figment of anyone’s imaginings, least of all yours.”
“Hmm …” the preponderance followed her. “Perhaps then you are a woodland nymph
out to temp any man who passes by to try your nectar?”
Her feet touched bottom, sinking into the sand. Before she could turn and make for the
bank his hands were on her waist. To her horror he cradled it in a firm, yet gentle grip.
“Release me sir, for you do offend a lady, not a nymph.” She fought a growing sense of
panic as he drew her to him.
His minty breath tickled her damp cheek. “You have flesh as any maiden. Do you taste
as sweet as one, too?”
Anger and shock at his boldness brought her hand down with force to slap the surface
of the water. He sputtered in response to the spray splattering his face. Perhaps I might
have the upper hand. “Release me this instant or I shall scream and alert my maid who
sleeps on the bank,” she bluffed.
Despite the warning, he chuckled. “There is no maid, wood nymph, for I walked the
whole perimeter when I spied you here.”
Is his intent to take advantage of a lone woman and defile me? What am I to do?
Summoning her little remaining courage, she tried to reason with him. “I say again,
release me good sir, for my presence will be missed at the manor even as we speak.” She
grimaced at the tremor in her voice betraying her fear. He shifted, his mouth brushing her
ear, and she gasped at the intimate contact.
“Ah, even so I would take a moment to test your lips to see if they are as soft and
sweet as your voice,” he whispered.
by Sarah | Jun 26, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Cassandra. I am a sorceress. I am also now Queen of the kingdom of Savon. I was the personal advisor to King Matthew, a man I loved since we were children. We were raised together in the palace. And since I am a sorceress, I came to my author in a dream. *wink*
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
My greatest love is Matthew. I fell in love with him the first moment I laid eyes on him when we were children. I nearly didn’t marry him since I have no royal blood. I was nearly married to his Commander of the Army, Victor. I’ve always felt safe with Matthew. That is what drew me to him.
What’s your greatest fear?
Losing Matthew like I lost my father and mother. They were murdered by men following Gorgon, an enemy trying to take over the kingdom.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
Many, like Victor (my former betrothed) only see my great magic and power. The citizens of my kingdom see the girl who saved them from starvation. Some in the palace see only a woman who slept her way to the crown. Matthew only sees the real me.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. I’ve been the subject of gossip one too many times. I avoid gossip when I can.
What was your happiest moment?
Oh, it was definitely marrying Matthew. It was my wildest dream come true. I never thought it could happen.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Deceipt. Thanks to Victor I learned that painfully first hand when he delivered me to Gorgon himself. To think I almost wed him…
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Scarlet, the color of Savon. I am proud to be a citizen of Savon, my homeland. And of course, its Queen.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DGF1MM6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | ARe | Secret Cravings Publishing |
Blurb:
Cassandra is brought to the palace by her grandfather, the sorcerer Malicar, after her parents are brutally murdered. After being presented to King Thomas she is raised alongside two boys – Thomas’s son, Matthew and Victor, the young man chosen to be Matthew’s commander of the army.
However her life in the royal palace comes at a price. She is vowed into a life of servitude Matthew’s advisor, forfeiting the dream of having a husband and children of her own.
As they mature into adults, childhood curiosities turn to jealousy and burning desire. Cassandra finds herself caught between the two men and forced to make a decision – to throw away her vows for the life she dreamt about with a man she does not love or to stay shackled to the promises she made as a child to be with the man she wants with her heart, body and soul but cannot have.
Excerpt:
In no time, she stood in the courtyard, the soldiers around her completely oblivious to her presence. She glanced up as Victor rode next to her. “Lock yourself in the tower. I will see you when I get back,” he instructed as he kissed her on the cheek.
“Stay safe,” she murmured.
Cassandra looked to the ground as Victor’s horse trotted away. Then, she raised her head as she heard hoof steps approach. Matthew wandered across the courtyard, leading his stallion behind him. His eyes, yearning and desperate, locked on her.
She shuddered as he approached, his stride determined as he wove his way around the soldiers scattered around the courtyard. He stopped, dropping the reins of his horse, when he reached her.
Without warning or care for decency, Matthew cupped Cassandra’s face in his hands drawing her lips to his and parting them in a soul-wrenching kiss. She clung to his arms as he tasted her, clearly searching for confession, answers—her love for him. As he pulled away, he whispered, “Lock yourself in. I could not live another day if anything happened to you.”
Matthew’s fingers caressed Cassandra’s skin once more before they slipped away to grasp his horse’s reins. He glanced at her over his shoulder before he disappeared behind the wall. Cassandra hugged herself tightly, her limbs shaking in uncertainty.
Collecting herself as much as possible, she wound her way to her tower blindly. Her thoughts were incoherent. Matthew? Victor? She rubbed her fingertips against her swollen lips. Both had made their feelings for her abundantly clear. And both were riding out to battle. Above all, the vows she had taken as a child dictated she could have neither of them.
Tears filled her eyes as she collapsed onto her cushion. The only thing she knew with clarity was that she needed to get her thoughts together. It wouldn’t be long before she would be joining them on the battlefield.
*~*
Bio:
Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing (which she loves to do), Tricia coaches and participates in track and field, does kickboxing, reads, sews and is involved in many of her children’s activities.
Tricia is a member of the Romance Writers of America and RWA Chapter 177 From the Heart Romance Writers.
Author’s links:
1. Blog – http://insidethiswritersmind.com/
2. Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/t.l.andersenauthor
3. Website – www.triciaandersen.com
4. Twitter – https://twitter.com/triciaandersen or @triciaandersen
5. Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5122241.Tricia_Andersen
Bio:
