by Sarah | Jun 4, 2013 | Books, Changing Tracks, Derailed, Hump Day Hook, Publishing Credits, Secret Cravings Publishing, Writing
Oh me, oh my, oh me, oh my! The day has come!! With this weeks Hump Day Hook I’m revealing the cover for book 2 in my Dominion Falls Series, Derailed. My editor and I have done one round on the book, and the release date is ONE MONTH from now!!
I am so excited for this book, and this cover, I can hardly tell you!!
As part of this cover reveal, which will span several blogs over the next few days (stay tuned here or on my Facebook page for regular updates on where to find the giveaways!!). Each website that’s hosting my cover reveal is having a giveaway for an ebook copy of Changing Tracks (if you win, but already have CT, we can work out a deal for Derailed or Masked Hearts).
>>>Grand Prize is a signed paperback copy of Changing Tracks, plus a surprise book by one of Jane Doe’s favorite authors**
Every comment on every participating blog is considered an entry. If you post a comment on each participating blog, you receive an entry for each of those locations. Please include your email address in your comment to be counted, so I know how to reach you!
Participating blogs: Dawne’s Reading Nook | Sabrina Garie | Book Babe |
All entries will be accrued and tallied, and a winner will be drawn on June 14th, 2013 at 9PM. Winner will have 48 hours to get back to me, or I will choose another winner.
**Grand Prize Giveaway open to US participants only
Now, onto the reveal, blurb, and hook!! (I beg lenience this week as a special week, I’m going a small bit over my usual limit of 7-10 lines).
In book 1 we met Mike, Clara Young’s brother, who quickly became a part of Jane’s life as she still felt an attachment to the brother she couldn’t remember.
In Derailed, an, um, issue arises and he decides to deal with Cole:
A splinter of wood drove into his arm, but he ignored it in favor of delivering a solid kick to Cole’s kidneys. His arms were grabbed, and he was dragged back, but he wasn’t finished. Pure venom shot out of his throat. “You aren’t a man. You never were.”
Cole was held back by Graham and a soldier, fighting against their grip with a deep growl. “She never had any complaints. Kept comin’ back for more.”
“Stay the hell away from her.”
“Mike.” David’s voice strained as he fought to keep a hold of him.
“She’ll be back. She won’t be able to help herself.” Cole fought an arm free only to have it grabbed again. “Just tell her to stay away, see how she takes it.”
With renewed fury, Mike fought against David and Archie, trying to get free. “Bastard. You don’t deserve her. You didn’t deserve—”
“Michael.” Daisy’s shriek stilled both men for the briefest moment.
Remember to leave a comment to win!!
And visit all the other blogs:
BLURB:
The sins of a past she can’t remember could destroy a present she’ll never forget.
The crimes of her forgotten past threaten the very life Jane Doe has learned to cherish.
Jane is out of time. With a warrant on her head, a maniac out for her blood, and a secret baby on the way, something has to give.
Without Cole Mitchell’s help to find the answers, there may be no hope left.
Cole has nowhere left to hide. He unwittingly let Jane into his heart, and is ready to share the secret of his dark past.
Fate has a way of playing its hand, and tragedy strikes. With the world crumbling around them, it’s easy to lose faith. If they can’t forgive past sins, they have no hope for the future.
Because the noose waits for no man or woman.
*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Jun 4, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
*The excerpt below is steamy. NSFW & 18 or older only warnings apply.
|[amazon_link id=”B00CQUPUKW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Apple | Kobo |
Blurb:
Following the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Kaya Brehna is awarded custody of their three children, and to avoid financial ruin, she must move them to Palm Beach where her successful career in interior decorating can provide financial security. Her plans are, however, thwarted by New Hampshire business mogul, Bryce Fontaine, who is determined to keep his godchildren in Granite Falls at all costs—even emotional blackmail.
Ever since he lost his own family five years earlier, Bryce Fontaine has been a tormented soul. His godchildren are the closest thing to family he has, and he’ll be damned before he let some corporate ladder-climbing stranger take them away from him.
When a second will surfaces that changes both their plans, Bryce talks Kaya into a loveless marriage of convenience. One delectable nibble of Kaya’s sweet lips, and Bryce is yearning for more of his sexy little bride. He gently entices her into his bed. But as she quickly learns to quench his physical desires, Kaya wonders if she has the power to free her husband’s heart from the nightmares that plague it.
Excerpt:
Bryce opened the door of his dimly lit penthouse to the sensual sounds of soft music floating from the surround sound built-in stereo, and the earthy aroma from the pillars of burning candles wafting through the air.
He stepped inside and his breath caught in his throat at the sight of his wife leaning against the back of the sofa—one black stiletto clad foot, slightly bend, one hand resting seductively on her thigh, and the other holding a juicy red strawberry, dipped in whipped cream, close to her half-opened mouth. Her brown curly hair fell like a mystical curtain down the sides of her beautiful face, bounced off her gentle shoulders, and disappeared down the curve of her back. Her eyes were wide and luminous, and full of enchantment and expectation.
“Don’t move,” he ordered when she made an attempt to straighten up. “And don’t talk,” he added when she opened her mouth to speak.
She settled down obediently, but not before she brought the strawberry to her mouth and closed her succulent lips around half of it, a wicked smile flashing in her eyes as she rested her hand quite seductively on her voluptuous cleavage spilling over the top of the pink lacy bodice of her outfit. She was glowing.
Bryce swore he would have come in his pants if he hadn’t recently taken a cold shower. He’d been anticipating this moment; he’d left orders for her to follow, and she’d obeyed. Good girl. But God, he didn’t expect her to look this freaking tempting and irresistible like a centerfold lingerie model straight out of the latest issue of Victoria’s Secrets. Bryce didn’t know Kaya was the first thing he would see when he came home, much less find her standing in such a provocative pose. She must have asked the front desk to let her know when he arrived. His little recently deflowered bride was staging for him. He loved it!
She made an erotic picture as she stood there, clad in the flimsy lingerie he’d left on the bed for her to wear—innocent and sinful all at the same time, he thought, admiring the soft curves of her brown body through the black silky mesh that made up the lower half of the garment. The shapely beauty of her near-nakedness taunted him, and he couldn’t wait to slip her thongs off her hips and down her shapely legs to her ankles. He knew well the full weight of her firm young breasts in the palms of his hands, and the sleek sensation of her moist heat opening for him like a dewy flower opens its petals to the magic of the morning sun. Knowing his wife’s copious reservoir of love juices, Bryce could bet that the crotch of that thong was already soaked. Oh yeah, he was keeping those.
Author Bio:
Ana began indulging in romance novels at a very early age. By the time she was sixteen, she’d read every Mills & Boon, Regency, and Historical Romance novel in the library on her small island of Nevis in the West Indies. Her love for everything romance has grown stronger over the years.
Just recently Ana resigned from teaching 11th-grade Writing and English Literature to devote her life and time to writing, and she is loving every minute of it. She has self-published The Doctor’s Secret Bride – Book One, and The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride – Book Two of theBillionaire Brides of Granite Falls Series. She is currently at work on The Playboy’s Fugitive Bride – Book Three, which she hopes to release in October, 2013. The Tycoon’s Temporary Bride – Book Four, will be released in early 2014.
When she’s not writing, Ana enjoys reading, cooking, dancing, and spending time with her daughter.
Read more about Ana via her website: www.anaeross.com
by Sarah | Jun 3, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I welcome Jennifer Garcia (Aka Forbes Arnone). She stopped by for an interview and to talk about her upcoming release, In my Mother’s Footsteps.
*~*
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.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I would say I’m a pantser because I’m not a plotter in the sense that I outline formally. I usually write the story in my mind and then write. Most of the time, I have the basic plot, the ending, and I let the rest come as I’m writing. So, I suppose, yes, I’m a pantser.
Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
I think I got really lucky. I wrote a novella for an Open Call with a publishing company I wanted to work with. I put it all together, sent it in, and closed my eyes waiting for a response. Unfortunately, they did not accept my story for the Open Call, which was a holiday compilation, but they did want me to expand my novella into a novel. So, the challenge was filling in all of the blanks one leaves open when writing such a short story. However, the biggest challenge was trying to get that all done while working full-time, going to college full-time, starting a whole new story during NaNoWriMo, and writing another novella, In My Mother’s Footsteps in one month. It was a challenge, but I did it.
Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The heroine, Anela, her thoughts and feelings were the loudest to me. She had this longing for a father and lived a very lonely life. Anela’s mother was everything to her but she also betrayed Anela. So, when being so used to losing everything, she felt skittish at first gaining something/someone and then held on for dear life. Her life turns around and comes together but there are things she can’t get back.
Her emotions were so strong and I hope I did them justice.
In My Mother’s Foosteps will be for sale on July 2nd. Follow my blog for updated info and buy links.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I do! My Mr. Manny, my first novel will be coming out August 26th. I love both of my books, but this is my baby.
*~*~*~*
In My Mother’s Footsteps by Forbes Arnone
Blurb:
Anela Alborn’s life is a lie. After growing up without the love of a father, her mother reveals his identity. Tragedy strikes and she sets off on an adventure that leads to more than she could ever imagine. Bumping into Christian Sivers distracts her from the real man of her dreams, her father. Will he live up to her dreams? And does she follow in her mother’s footsteps?
*~*~*~*
*~*~*~*
Author 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
by Sarah | Jun 2, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Melissa Keir was good enough to loan out Lissa Vincent Hunter of her book [amazon_link id=”B00CTCDHVQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Three’s a Crowd[/amazon_link] for an interview, and Alex was good enough to join her. It’s a lovely interview, please enjoy.
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
(Lissa) Hello. *waves* You don’t mind if Alex sits in with me, do you? I came to Melissa’s attention when she wrote my first book, Second Time’s the Charm. That’s the story where I met Alex and fell in love. Melissa and I met at a counseling session. I work as a nurse at a local pediatrician’s office with Alex’s ex-wife, Chloe, who is also my best friend. She helped me through my horrible divorce. We used to sit around and talk about our ex’s. It was so nice to have someone who understood.
(Alex) I was just waiting for the perfect time to charm Lissa and prove I wasn’t all bad. *smirks*
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
(Lissa) Other than my two little boys, Alex Hunter is the love of my life. *blushes* Who would have thought that my best friend’s ex-husband could have been the love of my life. While I had my reservations about Alex, especially since Chloe spoke so badly about him, he proved my fears wrong. When you see a man with his child, you can see into his soul.
(Alex bends and kisses Lissa on the lips)
(Lissa) The first thing that drew me to Alex was the twinkle in his eyes. He appeared to have a private joke and was always so positive. After a bitter divorce with a man who hurt me emotionally, Alex’s positive outlook drew me to him.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
(Lissa) I have two boys. Having anything happen to them is my greatest fear. I saw firsthand how scary it was when Alex’s son was in the emergency room with meningitis. Thinking about my own little guys, I couldn’t live if anything happened to them. Now that Alex is in my life, I worry about him as well. He’s made me a stronger person.
(Alex) I agree with Lissa. It’s horrible to think about anything happening to your child. Parents are supposed to protect them. There are times when I’m not with my son, Joe and it is frustrating that I can’t fix all his problems.
4. What’s your motto in life?
(Lissa) Live, Love, Laugh
(Alex) Always kiss and make up!
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
(Alex) I think my ex-wife was finally happy but she began to see me as the answer to the problems in her marriage. She started causing problems with Lissa. Frankly, I don’t care what she thinks of me, only Lissa matters. If Lissa hadn’t taken matters into her own hands, I’d have done something to really tick Chloe off.
(Lissa) *pulls Alex closer* You’re mine and I’m not sharing. *laugh*
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
(Alex) I’d prefer to be a creator of gossip fodder. In fact, come here Lissa…let’s get started on some more gossip.
Lissa laughs* See he’s hard to resist.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
(Lissa) I’m a lot like you. I’m a mom, who wants the best for my children. I’ve faced challenges but didn’t let them keep me down. I’ve kept searching for love and happiness for my children and myself. Even with all that, I’m more the girl next door next to Chloe who is Angelina Jolie. And, who doesn’t love to cheer for the underdog!
8. What was your happiest moment?
(Lissa) My happiest moment was when Alex and I had our wedding in Las Vegas. We wanted to combine our families in a ceremony that was very different from our previous ceremonies.
(Alex) The honeymoon was pretty nice.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
People who cheat make me crazy. My ex-husband, Steve, cheated and used to tell me that it was my fault. I wasn’t a good enough wife or woman. But I’ve learned that he was wrong.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
I would be the color blue like the color of Alex’s eyes. He has the most beautiful eyes, which I can’t help falling into. That blue reminds me of the sky on an amazing summer day.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00CTCDHVQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | ARe |
Blurb:
For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.
Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.
When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?
Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.
Excerpt:
Facing Chloe at work the next day was tough. Every time I saw her, I thought of her comment about Alex. Just because she’s having problems at home doesn’t mean she can lash out at me. What would Alex think of what she said? Was he still interested in her? They had a past and shared a child. Could he love her again? My stomach pulsed with pain as I worried about work, Chloe and my own marriage.
Hiding out at my desk, I avoided talking to Chloe as much as I could. Facing her was hard. Putting on my game face, I did my job and kept my mind on work. My hands shook anytime she came near me. Was she going to bring it up again?
A text message popped up on my phone. Love you and miss you, xoxo. It was from Alex. My heart tightened with emotion. It was nice he was thinking of me. I texted back love you more! It was a nice validation of our love to hear from Alex just when I was feeling bad.
****
“Hi, honey. I’m home.” I called as I entered the house. The boys were spending the night with their father but I could see Alex was on the phone and he quickly waved me toward him. Sitting down next to him on the couch, I listened patiently, curious as to what was going on.
“Yes, I suppose we can switch days for Joe to come over. I’m sorry things are that way at your house. Joe’s always welcome here. Just let me know what I can do to help.” Chloe. Frowning, I listened for more. “Mike seems like a great guy. If you two are having issues, maybe you can talk to a counselor or something. Let me know what I can do to help. I’m always willing to listen. Bye.”
“What’s going on? Your conversation seemed pretty edgy.”
“She and Mike are having issues. She thinks he might be having an affair. She wants us to get Joe early and maybe keep him a few days extra so she can spend some time with Mike and try to talk things through. She doesn’t want to put Joe in the middle. You know how he feels about Mike.”
“I’m sorry to hear it. She mentioned the stress to me at lunch yesterday but nothing about an affair. I didn’t want to bring it up to you or share things I shouldn’t. The boys love spending time with him and it’ll be good for Joe to spend more time with you.”
Alex put his arm around me and kissed me softly. “You’re wonderful, Lissa. I know this will take more work on your part, but I really appreciate how you’re willing to do anything for my son.”
“I love Joe, you know that. But honestly, I’m worried about something. Chloe seems to want to rely on you for support. I don’t want you to get caught in the middle of their issues. The other day at lunch, she told me how much she still cares for you and warned me away from you. It was uncomfortable.”
“Lissa, I love you. Not Chloe. You have nothing to worry about.”
Author Bio:
Melissa Keir has always wanted to be an author when she wasn’t hoping for a career as a race car driver. Her love of books was instilled by her mother and grandparents who were avid readers. She’d often sneak books away from them so that she could fantasize about those strong alpha males and plucky heroines. In middle school and high school, Melissa wrote sappy love poems and shared them with her friends. She still has those poems today! In college, her writing changed to sarcastic musings on life as well as poems with a modern twist on fairy tales and won awards for her writing. You can find many of these musings along with her latest releases on her website and blog.
As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America, Mid-Michigan RWA and EPIC. Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars. She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.
Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.
Melissa loves hearing from readers!
www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir
by Sarah | Jun 1, 2013 | Books, Holiday, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week was Train.
I’m heading back to Lake Point again. I’m going to return to Eve’s New Year. Last week you all felt such sympathy for Jake, this week I’m going from Eve’s POV. This event is before last week’s prompt…I like Eve a lot…she’s just struggling to deal with this life-long crush she thinks is un-returned…(what would you think if all your crush did was call you his BFF and give you chaste kisses and hugs).
As always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
“Who the hell does he think he is?”
“I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s Thomas Strayer, an antiquities dealer—and he’d be right.” Eve inched past Jake’s red-faced bluster to step into her office.
“That isn’t what I mean.” Jake snarled. “I mean he was checking out your ass.”
She wasn’t sure what to make of that statement, or his clear displeasure about it. Rather than stammer or fret as she would have done years ago, she snorted. “I sincerely doubt that.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I know when a guy is checking out my ass. On the rare occasions it does happen, I can always hear them mumbling that they like big butts and they can’t lie.” She sat at her desk. The miniature train she’d been holding got set to the side while Jake continued to somehow manage to stare with a combination of anger and shock. “What?”
“I don’t like that.”
“What? Aren’t you the one that always told me not to let them get to me? I’ve learned that the best defense is a good offense. You should know that after all your years of hockey.”
He shook his head. “I don’t like anyone talking about you like that, not even you.”
With a sigh, she leaned her head back against her chair. “The point is, what difference does it make either way? He’s not interested, and if he was, what does it matter to you?”
“He is interested. The guy wasn’t listening to you talk about that stupid train. He asked you to get it down so he could ogle you.”
Eve had to forcibly hold back her snort at the suggestion. No man had gone to lengths like that just to do anything akin to ogling. Most of them managed well enough just with her chest. It was the best thing about her big-boned body, the girls got her lots of attention when she wore her favorite low-cut tops.
“Eve?”
“Hm? Oh, right. Well, I think you’re imagining things.”
“What were you two whispering about?”
She sighed in exasperation. This interrogation was pointless. He was acting like a guard dog, but she was a grown woman. After a lifetime of him giving her the big-brother act, she was just about at the end of her rope. Not once had he bothered to ogle her, what did he care if anyone else did? “We weren’t whispering. We were making plans for dinner, actually.”
“What?”
“Oh, don’t get your panties in a twist. It’s a business dinner.”
“Business.” Jake scoffed. “Right.”
“In case you’ve forgotten. I am trying to establish a relationship with the auction house so we can sell your excess inventory. That is what dinner is about.”
“I don’t want him taking advantage of you.”
Eve groaned and dropped her head into her hands. “Did you ever think that maybe I need a little bit of advantage taken?”
“No.”
She sighed and rose. “I’m not getting any younger, Jake. Unlike you, I haven’t had much of a chance to dive into the dating pool all my life. For the first time ever I’m starting to like myself and I’m damn well going to enjoy myself if I want to.”
“But…”
“I’m a big girl.” She leaned forward. “I can handle myself.”
“You’re my—”
“Best friend. I know.” She knew all too well. It’s all she’d ever been to him, and it was all she’d ever be. Her friend Ivy was right, it was time to piss or get off the pot. Eve’s fantasy life where she and Jake had a happy ever after was never going to happen. “As my best friend, you should want me to be happy. You’re the one that’s always telling me I need to stop playing it safe.”
“I do want you happy.” He sighed and leaned against the doorframe. A smile curved his adorable lips. Damn it, maybe she wasn’t quite done with the fantasy. “I just get a bad vibe from this guy.”
“You’re being silly.” After all, Thomas was gay, but she wasn’t about to tell Jake that. In Eve’s fantasy’s later Jake’s freak-out would be because he was jealous, not because he was once again riding in on his white horse to protect her from some big bad.
“Call it an old habit.”
“Old habits are hard to break.” Eve sat back down and eyed the train engine she’d set in front of her computer. Thomas did want a business dinner, but not over the auction. It involved a job—in Albany. Far enough away from Lake Point, her life-long crush, and her boring life. She’d never been outside of Lake Point for anything, her whole life was nothing but habit and pipe dreams. “But sometimes it’s what you have to do.”
“What if you don’t want to?”
“You never want to, that’s why it’s a habit.”
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
by Sarah | May 29, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today we have Chloe, the heroine from Katya Armock’s [amazon_link id=”B00BMVRTP0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]To Hiss or to Kiss[/amazon_link]. Please welcome her!
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I’m Chloe. I’m in my late 20s, introverted and a tad misanthropic. I’d much rather spend my days with animals, and I devote much of my free time to working with shelter pets. I can telepathically communicate with animals, and I’ve found I’ve become an animal shrink of sorts. My day job is as an office assistant.
I got Katya’s attention because she took a class with an animal communicator and became interested in the subject. She’s an animal lover too, so when I started sharing my thoughts with her, she listened up.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Jorge. I’ll admit I’m not the easiest person to get to know. I don’t trust easily and I hate being vulnerable. Jorge kept battering at my walls. The fact he was the first human I could ever telepathically communicate with initially drew me to him, and the fact that I felt the chemistry between us instantly certainly helped a lot. A healthy libido can trump a good deal of fear.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Being hurt by someone I care for. Not that I believe all my problems can be blamed on my parents, but it’s safe to say my mother leaving my father and I when I was ten left some scars. My father withdrew a lot after she left, and our relationship has never been the same. With a little courage, I’d like to try to become closer with him.
4. What’s your motto in life?
The more I get to know people, the more I like dogs. OK, that’s probably not an appropriate motto. Maybe something more along the lines of humor keeps one sane.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Hmm. My best friend Naomi has seen the worst in me already and she’s still my friend. Although I’m sure she’d like to give me a shove sometimes to take some risks with my heart. Until Jorge, I never even gave love the good ol’ college try. Everyone knows I have a big heart for animals, but I struggle with people and often keep myself fairly isolated.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I guess the creator of gossip fodder, since I don’t really socialize enough to be an effective gossip. And there’s really not much to gossip about with animals. I’m sure if everyone knew about my ability I’d be creating a lot more gossip.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I put my life on the line to save animals. I hope that readers see that underneath my bravado, I have a good heart. Sarcasm just gets me through the rough times.
8. What was your happiest moment?
The day I knew for sure that Jorge loved me back.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Silver. I can be a tad bit pessimistic, but I’d like to think I’m learning to see the silver lining.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00BMVRTP0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | ARe |
BLURB:
Chloe can “talk” to animals…so why can she hear the thoughts of this hot, green-eyed man?
Abandoned by her mother and raised by a father who’d given up on life, Chloe doesn’t let anyone get close. Lucky for her, she can communicate with animals—telepathically. Animals are the only people she needs. When a suspected dogfighting ring comes to her attention, Chloe decides to do a little spying. In her rush to win the dogs’ trust, she almost gets caught.
Until a sexy stranger intervenes, and she finds she can overhear his thoughts. She’s never been able to hear people, and this man’s about as sexy as she’s ever seen. It’s more than intellectual curiosity that drives her to discover his secret: he’s a jaguar shape-shifter, and the presence of this cat among the dogs might be a bit too much to handle. But the animal attraction is just too hot to resist, and the passion between them makes both the sparks—and the fur—fly…
EXCERPT:
Jorge and I are fast asleep after our antics in bed, when I feel a wetness on my hand and I hear Ringo calling out to me.
“Chloe, wake up. I really, really, really need to pee.”
I moan and sink deeper into Jorge’s arms, pulling my hand back.
“Chloe, wake up. I’m dying here. I have to pee.”
Ugh, why won’t that voice go away? I crack my eyes open and see Ringo by the bed, prancing around, doing the doggy version of a potty dance.
Ringo starts hotfooting toward the bedroom door. “Thank goodness. I’ve got to go.”
With a sigh, I extricate myself from Jorge, which causes him to groan in his sleep. I get out of bed and throw on one of his T-shirts.
His voice is groggy. “Where are you going?”
“Ringo’s got to pee.”
He nods and closes his eyes.
Gee, thanks for the assistance. I roll my eyes as I head to the front door.
The other dogs all crowd around the door. Guess Ringo was just the messenger. They fly out when I open the door. I send out a telepathic reminder to stay close to the house.
Headlights flip on, and a van pulls into the end of the driveway. Ringo, who is closest, starts to bark and lunges toward the van.
“Ringo, no, come back!” I yell at him aloud, but he keeps on going. I mentally tap him, but he is in the zone and doesn’t respond.
I watch in horror as the van door slides open and a man catches Ringo with a rabies pole and then hauls him into the back. I scream as the door shuts and the van tears out of the driveway. It peels away, dust flying in its wake.
The van is still in sight when Jorge rushes up behind me. His hair is mussed, and he’s wearing only a pair of jeans. “What happened?”
“Ringo just got pulled into the van, and they sped off.” I don’t know if I’m more pissed off or worried.
*~*
Bio:
I like books that are funny and fun to read (and hot!) but also make me think or look at the world in a new way. I am influenced by magic realism, comparative mythology, and esoteric spiritual practices from around the world.
I spent too many years chasing someone else’s definition of success. My life simplified, I returned to my first love of writing.
These days you’ll find me writing, pet sitting, juggling a number of freelance gigs, and reigning as my home’s domestic goddess. I live in the Midwestern U.S. with my husband, dog and cats. Alas, I have, as of yet, been unable to teach my husband how to purr.
Website: http://katyaarmock.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katyaarmock
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyaArmock
In book 1 we met Mike, Clara Young’s brother, who quickly became a part of Jane’s life as she still felt an attachment to the brother she couldn’t remember.
