Getting DOWN & DIRTY with #MFRWorg @AuthorTinaGayle

We're getting Down & Dirty with MFRW Author Tina Gayle.

Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books. She is currently working on two different series. The last book in the Executive Wives’ Club series will be coming out 2014. This series combines elements of women fiction with the passion of romance.

The Family Tree series has two books out with Fallen Leaves release in April of 2014. A paranormal romantic suspense series, the books follow the keeper of the Winston manor and the trials she has to overcome to remain in the house of her ancestors.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Tina answers some of our questions...

Q. Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

A. Three to six months. I write every day for a few hours.

Q. Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

A. I have changed throughout the years. I write a brief outline then let it flow.

Q. Tell us about your latest book. 

A. My current book, Fallen Leaves is a romantic paranormal mystery so you can see it cross several genres. I love romance so all my books have romantic elements. It could also be described as an inspirational tale because of the spiritual guide elements in the story.

 

Q. How do you come up with story ideas?

A. They come from shows I’ve seen on TV, books, conversations, from anywhere. I have an active imagination so I’m seeing the world through a crazy lens that see stories in the strangest places.

Q. What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels?

A. You got to have them. I realize the heat level is different for every person but a romance isn’t a romance without some type of love scene.

Q. What does your husband/wife think of your writing?

A. My husband is not a fan of romance but he understand how much I enjoy them so he supports my writing and celebrates my publishing accomplishments.

Q. Do you ever ask him/her for advice?

A. Yes, but his answer is to kill off the character or blow something up not usually very helpful.

AUTHOR CONTACTS

Here's where you can find Tina...

Home - www.tinagayle.net
Blog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle
Goodread - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle
Google + - https://plus.google.com
Linkin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759

NEWEST RELEASE
Fallen Leaves
Series: Family Tree

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Release Date: 4/14/2014

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.

Buy Links
AMAZON  |  AllRomanceEbooks

EXCERPT

The light from the bathroom exposed the cracks running through the worn tile floor. Add in scarred furnishings and shifting shadows playing across the off-white walls from the window; the eerie atmosphere in the cramped dorm room didn’t evoke a homey appeal.

The girl, standing in front of the dresser, didn’t notice. She stood like a statue with her gaze glued to the mirror. The reflection, staring back at her, had the same color eyes, nose, and facial features. Except for the permed hair on one head, they were identical.

“Delilah, why are you so interested in me visiting Amber?” Lilia queried, convinced her sister wasn’t sharing everything she knew concerning the woman. “You’ve never even met her.”

“Yes, but she lives in Hawkins County, near Newark. That’s where the lawyer lived who handled our adoption,” the apparition stated, driving home the fact as if it was new information.

 “But he’s dead. He can’t help us now.” Lilia shifted restlessly, irritated with the interruption and unwilling to deal with her sister’s restless spirit at the moment. She had a shitload of assignments due tomorrow.

“I know,” Delilah responded sarcastically. “Who do you think was in the car with him when he hit the tree?”

Lilia waved the comment aside. “Yes, but Amber doesn’t know anything about the accident. She only moved here from California a few months ago, and I don’t have time right now to track down leads on where our mother is.”

The reoccurring argument played through her head, and she fought to dampen her sister’s excitement. “It’ll have to wait until I get settled here at school.”

“But that’s the point.” Delilah didn’t let the subject drop. “Susan’s friend might be able to help you with the search.”

“She won’t want to take on our problem.”

“You can ask.”

Lilia stared at her twin, who in appearance resembled her in every way. Her sister had a very compulsive personality, which had driven her to seek answers about their parentage and had caused her death. Why couldn’t she just let go? 

 “Okay, I’ll call her. Between you and Susan, you’d think the lady was the best thing since sliced bread.” Lilia turned away from the mirror and refused to glance back at the image. “Now, leave me alone. I have homework to do.”

NEW RELEASE: Mistress of Merrivale @ShelleyMunro #MFRWauthor

Shelley Munro released Mistress of Merrivale, an erotic historical romance, TODAY, March 24 2014 with Samhain Publishing.

Jocelyn Townsend’s life as a courtesan bears no resemblance to the life she envisioned in girlish dreams. Desperate to find a new benefactor, one kind enough to accept her mother’s increasingly mad flights of fancy, Jocelyn is nearly overwhelmed with uncertainty when a lifeline comes from an unexpected source.

Leo Sherbourne’s requirements for a wife are few. She must mother his young daughter, run his household, and warm his bed. All in a calm, dignified manner with a full measure of common sense. After his late wife’s histrionics and infidelity, he craves a simpler, quieter life.

As they embark on their arrangement, Leo and Jocelyn discover an attraction that heats their bedroom and a mutual admiration that warms their days. But it isn’t long before gossip regarding the fate of Leo’s first wife, and his frequent, unexplained absences, make Jocelyn wonder if the secrets of Merrivale Manor are rooted in murder…

BUY LINKS

Amazon  |  BN

Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She's a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.

Shelley is also a writer blessed with a VERY vivid imagination and lives with her very own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres.

GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SHELLEY MUNRO

Author Website  |  Author Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Getting Down&Dirty with #MFRWauthor @MerryBond

We're getting Down & Dirty with MFRW Author Meredith Bond.
Meredith is an award-winning author of a series of traditionally published Regency romances and indie-published paranormal romances. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart”, Meredith’s paranormal romances include Magic In The Storm, Storm on the Horizon, and the short story “In A Beginning”. Her traditional Regencies include The Merry Men Quartet of which An Exotic Heir and A Dandy In Disguise have recently been republished.

Welcome Meredith. Tell us, generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me around five months to write a book from plotting through editing.

Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow? 

I write every afternoon – or at least that’s the goal, and pretty much, I stick with it.

Meredith also teaches writing at her local community college. If you want a taste of her class in book form, Chapter One is available at your favorite e-retailer. 

Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres?

It covers too many genres! It’s a New Adult Medieval Fantasy Romance. I get tired just writing all that out every time.

I love the New Adult genre. It’s actually what I’ve been writing for years, only they were called “traditional Regencies” when I first wrote them. LOL! Now I’ve got a new one with early 20-somethings who are trying to find themselves amidst the chaos of destiny coming to call and an evil power-hungry Lady Nimuë who is trying to take over Britain.

So, I’ve got New Adult – 20 somethings trying to figure out who they are.  I’ve got Medieval – it’s set 200 years after King Arthur’s death and has Lady Nimuë, the Lady of the Lake as the villain, Lady Morgan le Fey plays a role, as does Sir Dagonet, a knight of the Round Table (actually, he plays a very large role). Merlin pops in a few times as well. It’s a Fantasy – magic! Loads of magic and fun. And it’s a romance. Each book in the trilogy features one of the trio of lead characters in a romance and they all end happily ever after. 

How do you come up with story ideas? 

I came up with the idea for the Children on Avalon because I was trying to discover the beginning of the world I created in my Regency Paranormal Romance, Magic In The Storm. I created a world where there are a magical people called the Vallen who have magical abilities with which they help ordinary people. So anyone extraordinary (think Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Shakespeare) are actually Vallen. 

I knew that Morgan le Fey and Merlin had to play a role because I love them so much, and I knew that the world had to begin with younger people trying to learn who they were. It just built from there. As with many of my books, I started with the characters and created a story around them.

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels?

I love love scenes that are passionate and romantic. I don’t need to have all the body parts described, I know what they are. Most of all they need to pluck at my emotional strings and usually they lead to some conflict. 

What does your husband/wife think of your writing?

My husband reads just about everything I write. Admittedly, he doesn’t love the paranormal so much as the historicals, so he’s a little behind on this current series. But he’s extremely supportive of my work. 

Do you ever ask him/her for advice?

Always. He’s great at analyzing my work for character consistency, plot holes and just what works and what doesn’t.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

Georgette Heyer started me writing – I grew up reading her Regencies. Julia Quinn showed me what great characters can do for a story and just how important they are.  Mary Jo Putney taught me to love the modern Regency novel and now she’s writing paranormals too that are fantastic.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve got much, much more to come! Way too many books, in fact. LOL!

After the Children of Avalon series is published (March, April and May, 2014), I’m going to get started revising and editing the two traditional Regencies to which I just got my rights back from Kensington Publishers. Then I’ve got another Regency I started a few years ago when I wrote a “Book In A Month” which will build on the characters in A Dandy In Disguise (one of my traditional Regencies which I re-released last year). And then more to come in my Vallen world. As I said, too many books!

How do we find out about you and your books?

You can sign up for my newsletter at my website. And I blog on the topics of writing and self-publishing every weekend. 

How can readers/fans contact you?

         Want to know more about Meredith? Check out her Social Media Links: 

         Pinterest  |  Twitter  |   Goodreads

Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Absolutely! In fact, as soon as I’m done writing Fire (almost there!), the third book in my Children of Avalon trilogy, I’m going to take a break and write a short story specifically requested by my readers who read Storm on the Horizon and then Magic in the Storm. They needed a bit of a bridge between loving my heroine in SOTH, Tatiana to understanding how she became the villain in MITS. So, that’s up next for me.

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

I had a reader write to me after she received my last newsletter. She loved it so much, she said, that she forwarded it to six of her friends! Now that’s a fantastic fan! 

Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book? Favorite series?

Too many. My favorite book of all time is The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Right now I’m really enjoying Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series – slowly making my way through them. And I love Kerrelyn Sparks Vampire series – so much fun, she’s an auto-buy for me.

Cherries or Bananas?  Leather or lace?  Black or red?  Mud Bath or Oily Massage?

Cherries. Leather. Red. Oily massage – tonight would be fine, thank you.

And, the best question of all... if you came with a warning label, what would it say?

“Silly geek who loves to laugh. Handle with care.” 

Meredith's newest book is a New Adult Medieval Fantasy Romance published with Anessa Books is being released TODAY, March 18, 2014!

Blurb: In one day Scai has gone from being considered just unusual by the people of her little Welsh village to an outcast fleeing for her life. Left on the church steps as a baby, she knows nothing of her history—or her abilities. Did she really stop the rain just by wishing it to stop? But she is determined to learn all she can. Travelling alone to find her family seems to be the only way she’s going to find the answers she seeks.

Her journey leads her to the comical old knight Sir Dagonet, who tells her that she is one of a magical people called the Vallen. Together they continue on, joined by the handsome Dylan and the fiery Bridget on a new quest—to find the fabled Merlin’s Chalice, said to hold all the power of the entrapped wizard. Together, Scai, Dylan and Bridget discover that they are the long awaited Children of Avalon, destined to save the world from power-hungry Lady Nimuë—unless she kills them first.

Along the way, Scai finds magic—both in the wind and air that she can control at will, and in the sweet ache of a first love that she cannot.

Buy Links:

Smashwords  |  Barnes & Noble

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: New Year's Eve @KristenEthridge #MFRWauthor

It's A New Release! MFRW Author Kristen Ethridge released a Contemporary Romance: New Year’s Eve (A Holiday Hearts Novella) on January 24, 2014 with Laurel Lock Books, a Division of the Laurel Lock Publishing Group.

Blurb
Love Was a Resolution They Didn’t Plan on Making

Eve Larson arranged a solitary New Year’s celebration at her mother’s beach house to give herself the space to evaluate her recent hurts—the death of her mother and a broken engagement. She wants nothing more than to put them behind her and make a fresh start on January 1. When her ex-fiance’s brother, Spencer Canley, shows up with one final demand from her past, Eve worries her plans are sinking like a ship off her beloved Texas coast. Circumstances keep Spencer at the beach longer than either of them initially want, but the delay gives each of them the opportunity to see the other in a different light. As Spencer makes a decision that changes everything about his upcoming year, he realizes he doesn't want to repeat his brother’s mistake of pushing Eve away. A year ago, the changing of the calendar brought news that changed Eve’s whole life. Could this new year bring love back?

Review
Amazon Reader Review (Five Stars) Start your New Year's reading right with Spencer & Eve! A light, quick read, but Ethridge packs a character-soaked punch into just a couple pages. Shifting flawlessly from his to her perspective, and back again, it's a well-rounded tale of end of the road realizations, tough choices, and new beginnings. I would definitely read more about where the next 364 days take this intriguing pair! Looking forward to more installments in the Holiday Hearts series as well.

Amazon Buy Link

About the Author
Author Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Amazon Author Page

NEW RELEASE: More Than Magic @DonnaJuneCooper #MFRWauthor

It's Release Day!

MFRW's Featured Author for February, Donna June Cooper ANNOUNCES her NEW RELEASE. More Than Magic, a paranormal romance, is released today with Samhain Publishing.

Books of the Kindling, Book 1
BLURB
A malignant secret could turn her mountain sanctuary into their tomb.

When DEA agent Nick McKennitt arrives undercover on Woodruff Mountain, the beautiful, edgy owner’s awkward attempts to scare him off tell him something’s afoot, and it’s not her secret patch of rare ginseng.

The last thing Grace Woodruff needs underfoot is a handsome, enigmatic writer recovering from a recent illness. Until an accidental touch unleashes a stunning mystical force and Grace senses the wrath of a malicious blight at the heart of the mountain. Now Grace must choose between her need to hide her gift from the world…and her desire to save Nick’s life.

Warning: This book contains a fiery redhead whose magic cannot be contained and a handsome DEA agent whose final case might give him a second chance at life.

Amazon BUY LINK  | Goodreads REVIEW LINK

Excerpt
Nick’s face appeared above her, blocking the stars. “Are you going to pass out?”

She laughed and sat back up, nearly bowling him over. “No. Are you?”

He stared at her for a long time. “I think I already did.”

“Well, stop looking at me and look up. We’re here because I promised Pops I’d come here now and again to get my head straight.”

“That will take a lot of visits,” he quipped, then leaned back on his elbows.

“It’s a good thing you’re a guest and I have to be polite to you,” she said.

But Nick had gone quiet, his eyes on the stars.

“Amazing isn’t it?” she said.

He made a noise of assent.

“You should see this meadow in early summer when the rest of the stars show up.”

Nick looked at her. “The rest of the stars?”

“The ones that fly,” Grace said, smiling at the memory. “Pops caught me coming in one summer evening with a mason jar absolutely full of fireflies. I had punched holes in the top and felt as if I had my own personal lantern. I’m sure the fireflies felt differently about it.”

“Did your Pops tell you to let them go?”

“Pops never told us to do anything. Pops told stories. We had to figure out what they meant.”

Meet Donna
My name is DONNA JUNE COOPER and my debut novel, More Than Magic, has just been published this month by Samhain Publishing. I write contemporary paranormal romance with a very subdued and special magic and a definite emphasis on the romance. More Than Magic is the first book in the Books of the Kindling which focus on Woodruff Mountain, the ancient power beneath it, and the family that has hidden its secrets for centuries.

I love being walked by my Jack Russell Terrier (if you know Jacks, you understand). I also love belly dancing (excellent exercise and lots of shiny costumes), going to Renaissance Faires (more costumes!), reading way too much (romance, of course), spending time on too many social networking sites, and writing, writing, writing because I must!

Connect with Donna
Facebook  |   Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest  |  Website

#MFRWauthor SPOTLIGHT: J.L. Sheppard @JL_Sheppard

J.L. Sheppard was born and raised in Miami, Florida where she still lives with her husband.

As a child, her greatest aspiration was to become a writer. She read often, kept a journal and wrote countless poems. She attended Florida International University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in Communications. During her senior year, she interned at NBC Miami, WTVJ. Following the internship, she was hired and worked in the News Department for three years.

It wasn’t until 2011 that she set her heart and mind into writing her first completed novel, Demon King’s Desire, which was published in January of 2013.

Besides reading and writing, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Connect With J.L. Sheppard
WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS  |  PINTEREST

Just Released!

Burdened by Desire, Elemental Sisters II
Paranormal Romance  |  The Wild Rose Press  |  January 31, 2014

Jocelyn, an Elemental, is stuck between the mortal and immortal worlds, yet not quite a part of either. Her power over the elements of the Earth won’t evolve until she meets her mate. Before then she’s an easy prey and a coveted possession for the Malums Inmortalis who wish to conquer the world.

Alpha werewolf, Landon, has been living with the knowledge his fated female, the one woman created for him, is just beyond his reach. For months he’s forsaken her, refusing to accept his mate because she can never grant him a much-needed heir for his nearly extinct pack.

Despite his decision Landon finds himself drawn to Jocelyn and when an attempt is made on her life, he realizes his destiny lies with her. Can they overcome the long-held prejudices of his kind and defeat their enemies in time to find what the future holds?

Amazon Buy Link (ebook)  |  Amazon Buy Link (paperback)

Book Excerpt

His heart-wrenching confession took Jocelyn by surprise. As his eyes continued to bore into hers, her heart skipped several beats. Was he being truthful? She wanted to believe he was. Maybe it was the way he stared at her, consuming her like nothing else mattered, like she was the center of his universe. She wanted to believe he was sorry and that she excited him. It would comfort her knowing he was as drawn to her as she was to him. But were the words he spoke true? 

He pulled her a touch closer, his body rubbing close to her own, she felt every muscle on his chest and his heat, the warmth from his body soothing her. Her eyes settled on his lips and she imagined what would happened if he kissed her again? What would she do? She was supposed to be angry with him but the reason was beyond her grasp.

“Baby?” 

The endearment caught her off guard, and her eyes drifted to his again. She fought to catch her breath as his gaze enveloped her. If she waited any longer, his scent would once again devour her. Was he waiting for, a response? What was she supposed to say? Did he ask a question? She couldn’t remember. All she wanted now was a kiss. Just one mind blowing, gut wrenching, searing kiss.

Aithne Jarretta’s New Release ~ Kissing Santa

Hi. I'm Aithne Jarretta, your tweetin-fiend here at the MFRW Author blog (taking a brief break from Twitter) to share some tidbits about my newest story, KISSING SANTA. This tale blossoms in the heart of holiday spirit and love reunited. It's short, bittersweet and scrumptious.

Readers will find just a hint of paranormal (Santa Claus). Paranormal-lite is unusual for my stories due to my overindulgence in world building, but the reason is simple.

KISSING SANTA is inspired by several true events in my Christmases past. 

You see, I grew up in one of those neighborhoods where Secret Santas roamed the streets on Christmas Eve and handed presents to children from bright red sleighs pulled by modern-day vans filled with Santa helpers and plenty of gifts. (whew! Breathe ... Aithne!)

Reminiscences run deep and tug at the heartstrings. Mix those two magical elements with my three favorite story essentials; bittersweet separation, love's reunion and happy endings.... What you have is a story born of romance.

The last Christmas I was gifted with the magical Secret Santa visitation N.E. Ohio experienced a major snowstorm. Wind-chill factor and huge (yet beautiful) snowflakes nearly stopped Santa.... But now I'm giving too much away.

I'd prefer to share this magical moment that Lily, the heroine of Kissing Santa, has with her young nephew, Sammy.

Excerpt:

Lily wondered at Sammy's odd behavior.

With an impish shrug Sammy faced the frosty window. Then he raised his right hand, placed it firmly on the glass and held it there for a long moment.

Watching him, Lily trembled from the cold. She crossed hands over her chest and rubbed sweater covered arms in an attempt to chase away the chill.  Little Sammy had been just over two years old when she left. No wonder she didn’t understand him—she didn’t know him.

Small shoulders beneath a holiday inspired red flannel shirt shook with mirth. He winked and pulled his hand from the glass.

A perfect handprint presented itself—a clear window to the exterior world. He leaned forward and demonstrated that she should give it a try. “See? It's just right.”

Surprised at his simple action, gratitude pooled around her heart. The little gift mellowed her like the warm scent of spiced cider.

She laughed softly and leaned down. There it was—the record breaking snow squall. Large snowflakes whizzed by on the bone-chilling wind. Their size and multitude completely obscured the street out front.

“He’ll still get through,” Sammy said with all the confidence of youthful innocence. “He’s Santa Claus.”

* * * * * * * * * *

 

If you enjoy trailers, play Kissing Santa's video. Comments are always welcome.

Today, I live far away from snowstorms. But as mentioned above, Readers can find me primarily on Twitter. The pulse of the flowing contact stream is what makes Twitter my favorite online place. I respond to all @AithneJarretta mentions and would enjoy having you join our conversation.

https://twitter.com/#!/AithneJarretta

Tweet this & Receive a Secret Santa Stocking-Stuffer:

RT Yowza! @AithneJarretta is Kissing Santa on the MFRWA Blog ;D http://bit.ly/ks-mfrw #readthis #WW #99cents #MFRW

The stories I write are showcased on my newly revamped blog: http://aithnejarretta.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aithne.jarretta

Thank you for stopping by. Before you leave, why not check out some of the other postings here. MFRW has many fascinating contributors and I'm sure you'll find something that matches you perfectly.

Peace & Love be with you always.

~ Aithne Jarretta

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An Interview with Coleen Kwan

Today we have the wonderful Coleen Kwan with us to tell us about her new release When Harriet Came Home from Carina Press. Join us in welcoming her to the MFRW Authors’ Blog. Welcome, Coleen!

Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they? (Please include the cover so we can post it as well.)

My debut novel, WHEN HARRIET CAME HOME, is a contemporary romance set in Australia. It’s a fun, sweet story about an ‘ugly duckling’ heroine who reluctantly returns to her hometown only to meet her old teenage crush. Here’s the blurb:

After ten years of exile, Harriet Brown is back in town. Things have definitely changed, but so has she. Now the confident owner of a catering business, she's no longer the shy, overweight girl everyone—including her hot teenage crush—used to ignore. In fact, she's determined to make peace with Adam Blackstone for her part in exposing his father's secret affairs and corrupt behavior as mayor.

But Adam has changed as well. No longer a pampered, rich pinup boy, he just wants to reestablish his family's good name. He reluctantly agrees to a truce with Harriet, and is surprised by how changed she is. He doesn't want to be drawn to her, but he can't seem to resist her allure.

As Harriet struggles to come to terms with her past, her adolescent infatuation with Adam morphs into something more serious… Will she ever be accepted again? Or will ancient history ruin the chance of a future full of possibilities?

The book is available from Carina Press, Amazon, and other ebookstores.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve recently sold my first steampunk romance to Carina Press! It comes out next year, but I don’t have a publication date yet.

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

I was lucky enough to receive a great first review from Naughty Cougar Tales. “I could not put this book down, I read until the early hours of the morning, until my eyes refused to stay open. As soon as I woke up the next morning, I did housework then got right back into the book until I finished it. The emotions, secondary cast and most of all Harriett and Adam kept me enthralled until the end.”

Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?

I love a bit of humor in my characters, but humor is very tricky to write as it’s so subjective. I’m not very good at writing humor. A judge once wrote on my score sheet, “Your heroine, Tamsyn, reminds me a lot of Stephanie Plum… without the humor.” Ouch!

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I live in Sydney, Australia with my partner and two children. I graduated from university with a science degree and for many years I worked in IT. About three years ago I quit my job and started writing. I’ve had a lot of setbacks and rejections, but writing is such fun I couldn’t stop. I made my first sale to Carina Press in February of this year, and it’s been a steep learning curve from then on, not just in terms of editing, but all the associated marketing and promoting. My favorite hobby is reading! Now that I write, I find I have much less time for reading, which is a great pity.
Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I belong to Romance Writers of Australia. They’re a great organization. As an unpublished writer, I entered many of their competitions and learned so much from the judges’ score sheets. Through them I’ve also joined online critique groups, face-to-face groups, and attended online conferences.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope I’ll still be writing! I’d love to be multi-published, perhaps in several genres, but most importantly I hope I will still enjoy creating stories and characters.
How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I dabbled a bit in my early twenties, but starting getting serious about three years ago. Although I’ve always been an avid reader, I haven’t always wanted to be a writer. It’s just evolved over the years.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?

I hope readers will be transported away from their everyday lives, at least for a small time. I hope they will become emotionally invested in my characters, even if they hate them or want to strangle them, that’s good! The last thing I want is for my readers to be bored.

Where can your readers find you?

Website: http://www.coleenkwan.com  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ColeenKwan

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coleen-Kwan-Author/131730270256044

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/coleenkwanauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5210210.Coleen_Kwan

Where’s your favorite place to hang out online?

My website http://www.coleenkwan.com

J.J. Keller's Jewel Heist

Today, we have the talented J.J. Keller with us to tell us about her new book, Jewel Heist...please join us in welcoming her. What exciting things do you have for us, J.J.?

First, I’d like to invite you to a party celebrating my book release. The Romance Studio is hosting a party on Thursday 10/20/11. This will run from midnight to midnight so it will literally be all day. You can win many prizes (Jewel Heist) and other fresh new books. Join us at http://theromancestudio.com/party TODAY!!

Now, here’s an excerpt and more on what my book is all about:

Jewelry designer Mary Keefe has been robbed--of a million dollars in diamonds belonging to her grandfather--by her own boyfriend, Conrad. Besides recovering the jewels, she's got to conceive a baby within 5 days, to save her family's legacy. Her friends have a plan, a singles cruise so Mary can find a sperm donor with the best qualities. The first mate could be the right choice--he rates a five on the Donor List. Then there's John Wang, her neighbor in the adjoining room. Attraction sizzles between them and they've become friends, but he doesn't act interested. Could be, she's not his type.

For John Kajiyama, posing as Wang, Mary Keefe is just his type. She's beautiful, funny and sweet...but is she innocent? Diamonds are missing and he must recover them for the insurance company. How far will he go to maintain his cover in this investigation?

Excerpt From Jewel Heist:

Chapter 1

The bag of uncut diamonds fell from the safe and poured into Mary Keefe’s palm. She gaped in wonder. A million dollars’ worth of Canada’s finest, freshly mined from Whip Lake near Yellowknife. Slivers of ice appeared in the sharp edges, indicating what lay beneath the cool surface. She ran her finger and thumb over one of the chalky exteriors, anticipating what brilliant masterpiece she could create, devising a cut plan while envisioning a beautiful engagement ring.

“Mary, I’m taking off,” Lisa said from the doorway leading into the sales room. “Dental appointment, remember?”

Mary sat at her desk and glanced at her part-time sales associate. Lisa’s bejeweled hand perched on her slender hip, and in the bright lights of the cutting room, all of her sparklers came out to play. Mary had fashioned at least two of the baubles. Unable to resist, she tore her attention away from her co-worker and focused on the rough natural diamonds. “Oh. Okay, Lisa, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Do you want me to put the closed sign on the door and lock it?” Her tone held resignation. A silvery blond eyebrow lifted. “Andre wouldn’t mind having a bit of freedom from guard duty.” Mary laughed, fingering the soon-to-be resplendent stones. She must return them to their velvet nest. “You knew I’d be fascinated with the goods.”

Lisa chuckled and glanced at her watch. “Sorry, it’s too late to cancel the appointment.”

“No, don’t worry. I’ll put these away and sketch designs between waiting on customers in the lobby.”

“You’re sure?”

Mary nodded to the door. “Yes. Please, go.”

Lisa took a step. “Good night. I’ll see you after you return from your trip.” She strode to the exit, her wide handbag flapping against her narrow side.

Mary sorted through nature’s mysterious stones one more time. At the click of the door, she stashed the rocks inside their dark blue bag.

The shuffle of feet drew her attention from the sack’s drawstring. Lisa must have forgotten something. Instead of her assistant, a tall thin man completely covered in black from his ski mask to leather shoes, swayed inside the room.

Her heart beating as fast as the second hands on the clock collection at the south side of the jewelry store, Mary moved around the desk, intending to stuff the pouch into the safe and slam the door. “Who are you?”

The intruder didn’t deter her. However, the metal safe seemed farther away than it had appeared a moment ago. She crept forward, keeping the dark opening in sight. “My assistant will be back in a second.”

An arm came out of nowhere and wrapped under her breasts, preventing her upper body from moving. Despite her breaths expelling fast and in short bursts, she hurled the stones and threw her head back, connecting with the chin of her attacker.

“Shit!” a man snapped. A familiar voice. Please, it couldn’t be him.

The bag hit the rim of the safe with a thunk. As with all things earthly, the jewels fell.

She screamed loud enough surely her grandfather, in his office two stories up, would hear the vocal alarm.

Where was Andre? God, she hoped he was okay. One huge hand completely covered her mouth and the other twisted her arm. Deep breaths brought scents, a mixture of plant fertilizer and pungent Axe cologne into her nostrils. Beneath the soft wool, she bit her lips, trying to keep them from trembling.

“Go!” he shouted, releasing her mouth. He reached for the dark blue bag of a million dollars’ worth of jewels resting on the cream and gray tiled floor. His partner shuffled out into the lobby, and soon breaking glass rippled through the silence. Smoke billowed into the office. Damn, her new glass display cases, destroyed. Surely her grandfather heard the explosion and would come running.

Her teeth clung to her attacker’s wrist as he bent, until his hand flipped and covered her nose and mouth, forcing her to relax. He stood straight, easing the tension of the hold. Velvet rubbed against her stomach where the blouse had come free from her slacks. They had made love once, on this very floor. An image of him placing a few minor gemstones on her belly and moving them around with his tongue flooded her mind. She resented the intrusion of a romantic tryst now that Conrad Peabody’s true character had been exposed.

His gloved fingers continued to press against her mouth, jamming her teeth into the soft tissue. She finally got relief from the force when he moved his hand and used his teeth to pull off the glove. He stuffed the leather into his pocket, then transferred the bag of gems to his unencumbered hand. His breathing increased, pushing his chest against her back, as his fingers worked open the yellow binding of the casing.

Mary drew a sharp breath. There it was--the mole shaped like molar tooth--at the apex of his right thumb and index finger, confirming the identity of her attacker and thief—a dishonest, unfaithful, and untrustworthy lover. Conrad’s sigh was followed by a sickly sweet scent, which tossed her into darkness.

JEWEL HEIST

http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=111&zenid=cjf37oal8ahe5j4go7iunqga97

An Interview With Karen Coté

Today we have the lovely Karen Coté to tell us about her...wait...who are you? 

Folks, we have an interloper here...Lily Delaney from Erotic Deception just stormed into the interview room and shoves poor Karen Coté aside.

I heard you’d invited Karen Coté to a launch party. This is my day! She gets to go out-and-about all the time while I’ve been stuck inside a publishing house.

I waited months and months for a manicure. Do you know the challenges of trying to style hair that’s unruly and needs a trim? I hadn’t been shopping in like…forever and I wasn’t about to show-up in something that was so last year. Now I’ve done all that…I want to plaaay!

So what are these questions. I’m sure you’ll find my answers much more interesting than hers. Let’s see…

Leather or lace?

*snicker* Hellooo. That‘s like choosing between red or pink lipstick right? Love, love love lace, but some occasions just scream leather, don’t you think?

Black or red?

Oh! You just described my favorite Jimmy Choos.

Satin sheets or Egyptian cotton?

Hmmm…now that’s a toughie. Satin can certainly bring a sigh to my lips but 1200 thread count Egyptian? That’s worthy of a groan.

Ocean or mountains?

*chuckle* You know those times when Karen gets writers block? Yeah, I’m sure you do. Well, sometimes my friend, Mr. Muse won’t come out until Karen walks to the beach and yes, Karen’s Muse is a male. It’s great for me as I can flirt outrageously with him to get my way with that pesky sheriff. So definitely ocean.

City life or country life?

City life is fabulous but dipping my toes in a cool lake can send a tingle up my spine. Hmm, moonlight caressing my skin, water lapping against the shore, leaning against those big broad shoulders…Huh? I’m sorry. What was the question?

Hunky heroes or average Joe?

Yes.

Party life or quiet dinner for two?

Is this another lipstick color question?

Dogs or cats?

Pugs…the chubby ones. Sometimes they act like cats. *snort* Of course, sometimes they act like pigs. Then there’s the bullfrog look. Yep. They’re just like people.

I love pizza with...

No one…coz when that doorbell rings and that pizza guy delivers that pie, I want nobody encroaching on my pepperoni.

I'm always ready for...

Criminal Minds. I swear, if the Chippendales stopped by while I was watching Aaron Hotchner, I’d send them off with their bow ties and cuff links tucked between their nether regions.

When I'm alone, I...

Really? We’re gonna do this here?

You'd never be able to tell, but...

Oh no. Nice try but I star in a Romantic Suspense novel and I’m not gonna... like…just hand you the answers.

If I could ...

Get those handcuffs away from the sheriff, I’d hook him up in my room and teach him some investigative skills.

I can never...

Be anything I’m not because I am what I am.

Uh...thanks for the lovely interview, Lily. Help Karen celebrate the release of her book, Erotic Deception.

Books Coming Soon from Karen Coté

Writers on the Wrong Side of the Road…An Anthology (November 2011)

Find Karen and her books here:
Buy Links: http://www.karencote.tv/newsbooks

Website: http://www.karencote.tv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarensRomance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/karensromance