Meet the Futuristic #MFRWauthor of The Turn of the Card @VickyBurkholder

Meet Vicky Burkholder.
Vicky Burkholder lives in a three-generation home with spouse, kids, grandkids and cats. Fortunately, two of the other adults are writers so she is surrounded by creativity in the midst of chaos. She has worked for magazines, newspapers, government organizations, e-publishers, and private clients. At various times in her life, she has been a teacher, a secretary, a short-order cook, a computer specialist, a DJ, and a librarian.

http://www.vickyburkholder.com  |  http://www.facebook.com/victoriaburkholder

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing? My dad was the first one to influence me. He taught me my love of the written word and that books can lead to whole new worlds.

How long does it take you to write a book? It really depends on the book - how long it's going to be, how much research is involved, and all that boring stuff. But generally, if I have all the backwork done, just a couple of months.

How do you come up with your ideas? From everywhere. From something on TV, a snippet in the news, something I see on the street... ideas are everywhere. You just have to be aware of them and run with them.

Tell us about your latest book.
The Turn of the Card was a ""what if"" sort of idea. What if... you got bet in a game of cards, and lost? What if... the man who bet you was your father? What if... he sold you off to pay off his debts? What if... and so on. And outer space? Whole new worlds to explore. It's a little science fiction, a little adventure, a little mystery, and a lot of romance.

The Turn of the Card
Liquid Silver

Jessica Windemere loses her freedom when her father bets her in a poker game. But she isn’t willing to accept her fate without a fight. To have her revenge, she first must survive an unknown world while contracted as some stranger’s wife. She wants nothing more to do with men until a huge, dark god rides into her camp. Can she risk losing her new love on the turn of a card?

Kiernan Randall is on his way home from a trading mission. The group of abandoned women he finds were definitely not expected, especially their feisty red-haired leader. She is contracted to his enemy, but gives herself to him and firmly entwines his heart. Can he trust her enough to let her wager their future together on her skill with cards?

Buy Link

EXCERPT

“Did you see how big they were?”
“I saw the big bulge in the leader’s pants.”
“I’d love to get some of that.”
“Me too.”
Jess strode into the sleeping area and shut the door. Her body temperature rose from warm to hot as she remembered the way his eyes had traveled over her. Her nipples tingled and tightened into hard nubs. Lower down, the heat built in intensity and she fought to control her libido. “He’s a man. Nothing more.”
But oh, what a man.
She went into the bathing room and ran water over her head, attempting to cool her overheated body.
“Jess?” Cammy called. “The food is ready and the men are here.”
“Fine. I’ll be right out.” Jess leaned against the sink and stared at her reflection in the grainy mirror. “Just a man. Nothing more.”
She stopped at her bunk and pulled her PDA out of her bag so he could see the contract. If these men weren’t their mates, then who were they? She felt for the knife in her pocket. No matter who they were, she wouldn’t take any chances.
She went out to find the men sitting at the long table in the center of the room. The women stood around them, glaring at each other.
“What’s wrong now?” Jess asked.
Cammy came to her. “They can’t decide who gets to sit with the men and who has to sit at the other tables.”
Jess snorted. “Oh for star’s sake.” She went back to her room and retrieved the deck of cards. Maybe her father had been good for something after all. He’d taught her how to handle cards well over the years. She returned to the group, shuffling the deck as she went.
“Everybody draws a card. High cards sit at the main table. Low cards sit elsewhere. In the case of a draw, hearts are high, followed by spades, diamonds, clubs.” She spread the deck face down on the table. “Don’t show your card until all have drawn. Cam, you start.”
“You will not draw,” the leader of the men said to Jess. “You sit by me, or we leave.”

What can we expect from you in the future? More futuristics - this one is just the first of a series (but they're all stand alone books so no cliffhanger endings!) and more paranormals and shapeshifters. Why stick with the plain when you can create new life and new civilizations? :)

Do you have a favorite author? Too many to list, but some of my favorites include Anne McCaffrey, Neil Gaiman, Misty Simon, Laura Bradford... and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

TALK TO Vicky...

Who are your favorite authors?

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Emerald Keep @Torquere @ACatherineNoon #MFRWauthor

Emerald Keep

Book 2 of the Persis Chronicles
A. Catherine Noon
Erotic GLBT Science Fantasy Romance
Torquere Press

When Emerald Keeper Teeka returns to the city of Reghdad and leaves the harsh desert behind, he finds that not all dangers come from the Great Valley. The dangerous Daymonth is nearly upon them and no one can survive on the surface of the planet -- but Senior Hunter Quill Mayer is trying to get to Reghdad, and Teeka, before the start of it. Even if he makes it, Emerald Keep denies Teeka's Contract with Senior Hunter Quill, and Teeka discovers his enemy is more powerful than any of them suspected and he will stop at nothing to separate Teeka and Quill -- even by striking in the very heart of the city.

Trapped by the blazing suns of Daymonth inside a cliff city, will Keeper Teeka be able to save Hunter Quill from the censure of the Emerald Council, as well as a new unseen foe, both whom are determined to part the new lovers?

BUY LINK

ABOUT A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder
For author and textile artist A. Catherine Noon, it's all about the yarn, both metaphorical and literal - spinning a yarn, knitting with yarn, weaving, sewing, painting, sharing stories and good times over a cup of coffee with dark chocolate.  She teaches creative writing, creative expression and textile arts.

For author Rachel Wilder, it’s all about the person – from characters to clients.
Image Consultant | Dominatrix | Author

http://noonandwilder.com/
http://noonandwilder.com/category/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/noonandwilder
http://www.amazon.com/A.-Catherine-Noon/e/B005HKG4EO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_2
http://www.goodreads.com/noony

#Thursday13 LUSTY LINES @RobinGlasser1 #MFRWauthor

MFRW Author Robin Glasser shares 13 LUSTY LINES from her latest book.
Recovering copywriter, Robin Glasser has written for a variety of magazines ranging from Readers' Digest to Penthouse Letters, where she wrote a column called "The Red Hot Woman." Her poetry has been published in Upstairs at Duroc and The Riverside Poetry Review. Ms. Glasser's novel, MY LIFE AS A CONCUBINE, is based on her experiences in Paris or as she likes to call it, The City of Merde, and has been re-released from Smashwords and is available in paperback and as an ebook. Robin guarantees MEN AT WORK, her fully-illustrated book of poetry, will put twinkles in your eyes and sparkles in your pants. Don't forget to watch her fast-paced peepshows based on these tongue & cheeky poems at http://www.youtube.com/msrobinglasser. You can get a copy from robinglasser@yahoo.com. Her latest novel, THE BRAIN EXCHANGE, is available at Smashwords, Amazon, and virtual bookstores near you. She now reads at various venues in New York. 

13 lusty lines from THE BRAIN EXCHANGE.

1. Steel has never experienced such an intense, full-body orgasm. 
2. Come to think of it, the redhead could sling mud at him and he'd get hard.
3. The ultimate aphrodisiac for Jon comes the moment he feels her melt into him, tremors of excitement pulsating against his flesh. 
4. As if she weighs no more than a whisper, Jon scoops his woman up.
5. The oh-so-fuckable females want to leave Eden and return to the Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyle of Club SXXX. 
6. Amana has become an addict. Her narcotic of choice is sex.
7. Reecher's erection feels like hand-forged Katana steel, ready to slice through his pants
8. Like Johnny Appleseed, Jon's been spreading his across the many moons of Jupiter. 
9. I want to be royally fucked but first, a little electronic foreplay.
10. She adores her hard-muscled body. Just looking at it, touching it, makes her sizzle.
11. The aquatic adventuress performs a breath-defying dance of sex upon the genitalia beneath the sea.
12. Jayla is doing a brisk business in blowjobs.
13. If it wasn't for the muscular arms circling her, she'd drop to the floor~a quivering pyre of passion.

The Brain Exchange

Erotic SciFi Suspense

BUY LINK

Abandon your beliefs and let your reality run wild. Imagine being fully aware inside a body of the opposite gender. Now imagine the best sex you ever had. Would this just be different? Or better? Or the best ever?

************************************************

Amana—a supersized woman, and Steel—a fitness freak. Two dissatisfied people with very different appetites. Fate’s middle finger triggers a tailspin when they sign up for vacations at The Brain Exchange. Their odyssey will change them dramatically...but for better or worse?

"If you could walk in someone else's shoes, would they fit?

REVIEWS
Hugely Original Sexy Sci-fi *August 27, 2014*
By R.D. Hale ""Author, SkyCity:The Rise of an Orphan"" (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Brain Exchange (Kindle Edition)
Hugely original sexy sci-fi. The premise is ingenius and this book does not disappoint!

A hot and heady must-read! *March 30, 2013*
By Joel Briel
This review is from: The Brain Exchange (Kindle Edition)
I think The Brain Exchange is a great idea. I mean, aren't we all curious as to how the other half lives? When I got this book, the only thing I knew for sure was there would be a lot of sex. But in between all the various positions, partners & places, including outer space, the story is so satisfying as well. The author takes you on a wild rollercoaster ride after the two main characters, Amana & Steel, exchange brains. The back-and-forth action between them was on the fast track, and the many plot twists were hair-raising. I really liked the scenes at Club SXXX, would love to go there one day--today even?! Shouldn't give too much away, but this book seemed like a movie to me & if one ever gets made, let's hope it will be as good as the book.

CONNECT with Robin
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/252000  |  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOHKG8E
http://www.myspace.com/robinglasser  |  https://www.twitter.com/RobinGlasser1
http://www.authorsden.com/robinglasser  |  http://www.youtube.com/msrobinglasser

#MFRWauthor Jessica Subject @JSubject goes #SciFi on #Thursday13

MFRW Author Jessica E. Subject shares her favorite science fiction movies.
Jessica is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to sexy. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous. When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby. Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and twitter.

13 Favorite Sci-Fi Movies

The Host

Contact

Pacific Rim

Super 8

Star Trek (2009)

Star Trek Into Darkness

Independence Day

I, Robot

Man of Steel

Avatar

Matrix

Men In Black

The Island

Jessica's latest release is The Star Princess, an Erotic New Adult, Sci-Fi/Futuristic Romance, with Decadent Publishing.

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little, but the alliance offers much, and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Will Princess Ro'sa honor her duty or follow her heart?

AMAZON Buy Link

EXCERPT

At the whoosh of the space shuttle flying overhead, the feline on Ro’sa’s knee hissed before jumping to the floor. Ro’sa hurried to the front of the house, pressing her palms and nose against the window. Somewhere in that ship was her betrothed, the prince from Earth she would marry.
Ka’lyn, her best friend, squeezed in beside her, claiming the rest of the available window space. “What do you think he looks like? I’ve never seen anyone from Earth before. Maybe he has two heads, or one eye....” She nudged Ro’sa’s side. “Two cocks?”
“Ka, really?” Flaring heat rushed to Ro’sa’s cheeks and temporarily paused the fluttering of firetubes in her stomach. In seven rotations, she would say good-bye to her home, her family, and all of her friends to be with a complete stranger. She’d grown up knowing this time would come, but it had always seemed so far away. Until he’d arrived. Ro’sa swallowed her nerves. “His people just recently joined the Confederacy. I think the only reason they were invited was to prevent an intergalactic war when they learned of the existence of life beyond their own solar system.” They’d already destroyed most of their planet. Who knows what they would have done had the Confederacy not intervened?
Ka’lyn grabbed her shoulders and turned Ro’sa to face her. “I know all this, but what do they look like?”
“Humanoid, like us.” She searched her memory for the few Terran dignitaries she’d met. “But their skin is different shades of brown, from nearly white to almost black.” Though she had no idea where her betrothed fit into the spectrum, never having been allowed to travel to Earth. How she wished she had. If her parents had allowed them to meet earlier, she’d have far fewer worries and much more experience with how to interact with those from Earth, and with her betrothed. She’d retained her virginity for him, the only female her age on the planet who hadn’t experienced sex, though she hoped to know what it was like before she left for Earth.
“Weird. So, when do you get to meet him?”
“Tonight.” Ro’sa returned her gaze out the window, watching the shuttle descend onto the runway. Had the prince saved himself for her? “There’s an official introduction ceremony where we will shake hands and eat our first meal together.”
“That’s crap.” Her friend tugged on her fingers. “Let’s go meet him as he’s coming off the ship.”
Ro’sa shook her head, yanking her hand away. “I can’t. I have to follow protocol.”
“Then we’ll hide in the shrubs. Don’t you want to check him out before you’re introduced to him in front of everyone?”
Biting her bottom lip, Ro’sa watched the spacecraft disappear below the treetops. “I guess.” Then she wouldn’t look like a fool in her first reaction to him. She could hold her emotions in check, having already caught sight of the prince.
“Let’s go then.” Ka’lyn stood at the door before she had the chance to move.
They left her friend’s home behind. Darting through the woods on the packed dirt path, Ro’sa hoped they’d make it to the runway in time. If the castle guards hastened him away, they’d never make it in time. Why hadn’t her parents let her meet him years ago? Was he that horrendous looking? At least they could have shown her a picture.

QUICK and QUIRKY #MFRWauthor INTERVIEW @BarbBradley

A Quick & Quirky Interview with MFRW Author Barbara Donlon Bradley.
Barbara Donlon Bradley’s writing started innocently enough, she kept diaries, journals, and wrote an occasional letter but her vivid imagination had her writing scenes and short stories, adding characters to her favorite shows and comic books. As time went on the passion for writing became too strong to ignore. Humor dominates her life. Write something deep and dark, will never happen. That humor bleeds into her writing. Since she can’t beat it she’s learned to use it to her advantage. Now she lives in Tidewater Virginia with two cats, one mother in law – whose 87 now, her husband and son.

What song would best describe your life? 
Don’t worry be happy

Picture yourself as a store. What type of products would be sold there?
It would be totally eclectic. I’d have books, crystals, dragon and mythical figurines, teas, unique t-shirts...I’m not sure what else.

Can you describe the funniest thing that ever happened to you?
Holy cow, I’m so goofy I have to pick one? I went to an event with my sister and on our way back to the car I didn’t want to walk in the rock road because I knew I’d find that rock or hole and fall in so I walked on the grass. My sister said she kept an eye on me and I was there one minute and gone the next. I found this giant hoel and fell in to my knee – I looked like Dorfman.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Oh boy – I once walked into the men’s room in a bar by accident – no one was in there thank goodness but how goofy could I be?

City life or country life? 
I like the city life. Everything is convenient

Ebook or paperback?
Gosh, both

Zebras or elephants?
Elephants – they never forget.

How can readers connect with you?
Website: http://www.barbaradonlonbradley.com/
Publisher: http://www.phaze.com/author.php?author=21
Blog: http://barbaradonlonbradley.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Donlon-Bradley/118673448173249
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbbradley
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbaradbradley/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7773192-barbara-bradley
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0072OTZJE
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Barbara-donlon-bradley
ARe:http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Barbara+Donlon+Bradley
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?Query=Barbara%20Donlon%20Bradley
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/search/books?Keywords=barbara%20donlon%20bradley

Barbara released Stolen Desire, Book 7 of the Vespian Way, an Erotic SF/Futuristic Romance, with Phaze Books.
When Heather is confronted with her time traveling self she fears the worst. The woman came to warn them of a terrible accident but something isn't right. The visitors her future self says are there to help only wants to kidnap her and kill her mate.

Using her mind she tries to protect her friends and family. Yet she wakes up as a prisoner after seeing the ship Storm is in blow up. She is now alone, and trapped.

Somehow she has to figure out a way home and hopefully reverse all the horrible things that have taken her family from her.

BUY LINK

EXCERPT

Heather sighed as she opened her eyes and stretched. Before she could move she felt a warm hand on her breast.
“I see you’re awake.” Storm’s breath brushed against her cheek.
She looked up at her mate, who had a knowing smile on his face. “And I see you are awake too.” She was referring to the erection pressed against her hip.
“True, but I can’t help it when I have such a wonderful partner lying beside me.” Storm nibbled against her throat. “We still have time before we need to be anywhere.”
“Why didn’t you wake me earlier?” She smiled as he settled himself between her thighs. “You could have had all the time you want if you had.”
“Because the twins aren’t allowing you to get enough sleep yet. I don’t mind watching you sleep when I know you need it. It gives me time to appreciate having you in my life.” He dipped his head to her mark. “And waking you up this way is an anticipation I look forward to. I don’t mind stretching that out a little.”
“Because you know what will happen when I wake.”
“That is the best part.”
She felt him smile against her neck as he pulled the soft tissue of her mark into his mouth before he worked his way down her body.
“You are incorrigible.”
“And that is why I’m your heart.” His tongue lathed her nipple before drawing the tip into his mouth. She arched up against him and he slipped his hands under her.
A growl escaped him when they were interrupted by the computer system. “Heather, you have a communiqué from Admiral Barrister.”
She sighed again. This time in frustration. What did he want now?
“The last time he contacted us you ended up being whipped.” Storm blew against the tip before he climbed back up her body. “I’m inclined to not let you answer him.”
“Storm, I’m still part of Earth’s security.” She looked up at him, his face only inches above hers. “I can’t ignore him.”
“Fine, but you’re not getting out of this bed until I say so.” He rolled off her and helped her sit up and settle herself against him. “Put him on, Cim.”
“Sir.” She adjusted the cover to make sure she didn’t expose herself.
“Commander, sorry if I interrupted something, but we need to talk, in person.”
“Sir?” What was so important that he wanted them to make a trip to Earth. “You know it’s not that easy for me to step away from my duties here.”
“I know, but I have something to show you that you need to see.” Bear pressed a key and changed the image they were looking at. The new picture was a holding cell. Inside was a woman who looked a whole lot like Heather. “Before you ask I ran DNA tests against the data you gave me. She is you.”
“That isn’t possible.” She suddenly felt cold.
“Tell that to her.” Bear switched the image back to him. “Needless to say this was something I didn’t want Earth security to investigate too deeply so I pretended she was you. I’m on my way to Vespia and will need clearance in about fifteen minutes.”
“We’ll meet you at the landing port.” Storm closed the communiqué and was the first one up. “I don’t like this at all.”

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Brand New Address by Kathleen Rowland @RowlandKathleen

MFRW Author Kathleen Rowland released A Brand New Address (Intervenus Series), a Mainstream New Adult, SciFi/Futuristic Suspense.

Yardley is reserved, Marchand has communication issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it

looks like they are never going to work things out.

Taking place during 22nd Century Earth’s second ice age, A BRAND NEW ADDRESS follows childhood friends, Yardley Van Dyke and Marchand LaFond, who trick and tease each other.  Robin-hooding thief Marchand sails his ice-boat across the frozen tundra to deliver fuel and food to the needy.  Subsistence gardener Yardley gives away home-cooked meals.  Just when their attraction sizzles, he enters a space race to Venus.

Yardley promised her dying mother she’d care for the family by growing food in their greenhouse.  Clashing with Dad’s fiancé puts her on the outs at home.  After winning a prize for an intergalactic garden project, she wants to prove her prototype works on Venus.

Groomed for the mission and calling the shots, Marchand can’t let emotions to get in the way.  Maneuvering through sun spikes and space junk is dangerous enough.  Evil competitor Vito Savage plans to annihilate competing shuttles. Will Savage’s darkest sins come to light? If Yardley goes, will she tolerate Marchand’s brazen exterior?  Will Venus be their brand new address where life will find them?

AMAZON Buy Link

A REVIEW
"This is a good choice for teens or young adults suffering from Divergent or Hunger Games withdrawal. Ms. Rowland has created a very detailed futuristic world where the Earth is in the throes of a second Ice Age. Her heroine, Yardley Van Dyke is a capable young girl, much like Katniss. Yardley's talents lie in botany and gardening which makes her valuable in a desolate world where growing your own food means life." goodreads reviewer

EXCERPT

From the living room Dad's voice charged its way to the front porch swing.  He and his fiancé were at it again.  Just terrific.  Hunkered under a fur-lined quilt, Yardley Van Dyke's head pounded, worsened by the frigid air.   As if trapped in a vise, pain squeezed hard from both temples.  On the swing she faced forward with her back against the house.  Against them.  Between them.  With their fight on its fourth day, they battled over her late mother's greenhouse.  Yardley tended it all day, every day.His fiancé, Pinky Hazelton, wanted to sell it and move into the Biosphere with its profits.  Powerless with her at the top of the pecking order, her mouth strained.  Around Pinky, she forced it into a straight line.  Why did Dad ignore her promise to her dying mother?  For three years, she'd grown food for the family.  Mom's hodge-podgy structure protected plants against the freeze of Earth's second ice age.  Yardley met the challenge of gardening in the frigid hinterlands, but without a surplus to sell, she had the low pro of a subsistence gardener.  She reined in ideas to maximize sunlight although her latest effort worked. Discarded Mylar balloons reflected light.  With fifty mounted, she pinched fewer dead leaves.  Under the quilt she balanced a basket of peas on her lap, proof of success from her dirt-candy world. Yardley took a pod, tore down the string, and dumped peas into the basket.  Inside the cabin Pinky screamed, ""Time is running out.""  Timeliness, a variation of her hammering technique, arose with every current event.   ""I'll think on it."" Dad's voice razzed like a trombone.""Better be quick."" As Pinky squawked about the essence of time, the trombone cranked louder and louder.  Their bombardment sent Yardley a wakeup call. Her hands shook, and she stopped shelling for one reason.  She predicted their routine.  Dad blew a gasket before giving in.  After that, Pinky won.  He yelled, ""Stop needling me, Pinky."" Hearing a smash, Yardley jerked upright.  A crashed dish against the wall?  She had no idea what would come next.  A flipping of a table? His fiancé screamed, ""Yeah?  Put this in your data bucket. An ice cap moves south.""  She imagined Dad's face turning beet red as he fumed just short of a gasket-blow.Rubbing one side of her head, she faced the frigid combination of family tension and the twenty-second century ice age. Their now quiet cabin in Newport Beach, California sat in an Arctic spruce forest with northern Siberian climate suffering an annual drop of five degrees.""Cold, colder, and about to be coldest."" Pinky filled the vacuum with truth, but was timing immediate?""You know, Pinky.  While I tested you out, you took over."" Dad's off-topic roar revealed bitterness, but he'd come around to her side.""Good thing I did. Want to sit on a polar ice cap?  It kills everything that's not dead.""Sick of listening to them, Yardley's gaze shifted to the porch steps.  With the inclement weather, they'd turn slick.  She'd slip and spill her peas if she stepped down them to walk the path to the greenhouse.  Not quite done shelling, a syrupy voice came through the rough-hewn triple-plank wall.""I don't want you dead, sweetheart.""  Pinky's wear-down entered its completion stage.An icy gust blew strands of hair across Yardley's face.  She groaned and let it be.  If she moved her hands, she'd spill the pods.   Her thoughts shot from the greenhouse issue to a parallel problem.  Without the greenhouse, she'd be a non-contributing eighteen-year-old still living at home.  Pulling the quilt over her head, she preferred the ice-age temperature to hanging out with them.    Using a chipmunk voice on herself cheered her up.  Yardley, there's no work for you.  Run along, won't you?Inside the cabin Pinky fueled her hissy fit with a nightmare.   ""Oh, Robert,"" she said, ""I had a bad dream.""  Pinky's premonitions often came in this form.  ""If we stay here, we'll die of full-body frostbite.""The chipmunk squeaked in her mind.  Bit of a cold snap.""No one wants that.""  Dad's tone warmed up.Yardley's throat tightened.  She swallowed a lump of raw emotion but refused to cry or give into defeat. She listened to Dad's steady voice as he brought up hidden expenses at the Biosphere. ""Selling the greenhouse might get us in, Hon. But can we afford it long term?""  Right on, Dad.  Don't give up.""Sweetheart, we need a contract.""  Within the cabin, the drama queen spoke matter-of-factly.  ""I know people at BotGen Incorporated.""  Yardley cringed, wishing she had the means to incorporate the pink-yappy hour. Since when had Pinky become a member of Botany General's inner circle?  A few minutes passed, and they stopped talking.  Was smooch-kissy-face going on?  Great.  Somewhere inside, her twin brother wandered about.  At times like this, Skeeter bugged the crap out of her. Nothing about Pinky bothered him including her obsession to watch century-old movies.  A few nights ago he'd shared his crush on a girl who lived at the Biosphere.  Yardley had nowhere to go.

ABOUT Kathleen Rowland
Kathleen Rowland writes under her real name.  She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji.  Now she wears shoes and sails a Harbor20 with her husband, Gerry, but wishes there were more lightning bugs in California.
With an M.S. in Computer Science, she plans out her plots before writing.  Romantic Suspense is Kathleen's genre, from sweet to sensuous. What fun!

www.kathleenrowland.com
www.kathleenrowland.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/RowlandKathleen
www.facebook.com/kathleen.rowland.50
http://www.pinterest.com/kathyrowl/

#MFRWorg Gets DOWN and DIRTY with @AylaRuse over her Fever Hitch

MFRW Author Ayla Ruse gets DOWN and DIRTY while sharing her newest book, Fever Hitch (Earth Con).

Ayla bakes away in the sunny south but dreams of warm fires in a cabin anywhere it might be snowy. Then she could let her muse loose on a writing rampage that would probably result in the loss of limb function! Instead, she sits in front of noisy fans and types in waves while fielding the needs of her family. She loves to hear from readers and you can find her almost anywhere on the web.

Connect with Ayla here: website  |  blog  |  facebook

Generally, how long does it take to complete a book?
If the story idea has been stewing in my head for a bit, I can knock out a rough draft of a 30K story in about a week. Then comes the edits and revisions which can take another couple of weeks. All in all, about one month.

Do you have a schedule you work by? 
I should have a schedule, but nothing's set in stone with me. It drives my family nuts. Typically (as I am NOT a morning person), I write when everyone's gone to bed. When deadline time approaches, I squeeze in writing time in every free moment I have. And, if I'm on a good roll, everything else in my life falls to the wayside while I type.

How do you come up with story ideas?
Everywhere and everything. I get a lot of ideas from songs. A song is basically a very short version of a longer story. Sometimes the refrain or idea of a song will spark something in me and I'll develop a whole tale around the words. Other times it can be something put out there, like a submission call. A publisher may say, ""we want stories that explore this idea."" I'll sleep on it, as the saying goes, and something good will spark and off I'll write.

What are your thoughts on love scenes?
Unless the romance novel is geared toward young adults, I think love scenes are very important to romance stories. I'm not one who is picky over before-marriage/after-marriage; I'm more interested in the developing relationship, period. I've read stories I've enjoyed where the love scenes were behind closed doors. The stories themselves were good, but I always felt it lacked something vital. It's not because I'm a voyeur, but because I believe strongly that intimacy can and does reveal a great deal about the characters and how the love story progresses. There is a vulnerability and openness to trust and deeper emotions during lovemaking. I want to see that part of the relationship. I want to read about how moved the heroine was that she cried and how the hero reacted to this emotion. I want to read about how the heroes dominance carries over in the intimate relationship. Is his heavy-handedness valid and can it make me believe how the heroine can fall so deeply in love with him? These kinds of things, IMO, can only be revealed through lovemaking.

What does your husband think about your writing? 
I smile as I write this because it's mixed. Secretly, he's proud of me, but it's not something that he'll ever share. Most of the family in general has no idea what I write--or that I'm published--and he'd rather keep it that way. I mean, it's enough I write romance, but that I write erotic romance? Very few people I know would react kindly to this knowledge.  

Do you ever ask him for advice? 
Believe it or not, I do. Well, not advice per se, but I will talk about my stories with him as I'm developing them. He'll help me brainstorm and even give ideas if I'm feeling stuck. The other night, in fact, he helped me work through a wall I'd had in a new story I'm writing. He may not ever read my stories, but he knows enough about them to understand when I say, ""the alien one,"" or ""the pirate one.""

Tell us about your latest book
FEVER HITCH (EARTH CON) was created from my publisher's series idea. At it's basic form, we (the interested authors) had to create stories set in a comic book convention with aliens. This discussion started my mind to spinning and my result is FEVER HITCH. As far as genre, it's classified as sci-fi/paranormal romance at Changeling Press.

Felicia Walker loves her job as an illustrator at Fever Hitch Comics. During this year’s annual Earth Con, she will not only draw caricatures, but she’ll also be decked out in body paint to represent the F’ldae -- an alien species from the comics. As she starts off a night exploring the off-limits, alien side of the convention, Felicia is unprepared for the spiraling events that will make her behave like a true F’ldae… in full mating heat.

Agent Slate Reese, along with his best friend Agent Ryker Seals, are Metons who want to settle down, but they’re having a difficult time finding the female to complete their mating trio. With the vast assortment of alien species converging on this area, surely there’s one female who wouldn’t mind spending a night with both of them.

Changeling Press  |  Amazon

Share what reviewers are saying about Fever Hitch.
5 stars from Alberta (Manic Readers): ""I loved the characters, the premise, the word pictures, the sex and the excitement of the Con, just everything.""

4 Taps from Daria (We Love Kink): ""it was entertaining bit of sci-fi mixed with erotica. The characters as well as the story was fun.""

Enjoy an EXCERPT!

Ryker lifted the drink to his lips and took a long swig. “Ah, Tazar beer. Nothing else like it in the universe.”
“You aren’t shittin’ me,” Slate mumbled, sipping modestly of his drink. “Stuff tastes like crap. I don’t see how you stomach it.”
“Acquired taste, my man.”
Slate grunted and set his forearms on the table.
“Do you think we’ll get any hits?” he asked Ry.
Ry shrugged and watched various species interact on the dance floor. “It’s a big convention. We made our rounds, dropped our hints, left our contacts. Now we sit and wait.”
Slate rubbed his huge hands together. “Something feels off.”
“You ever been to a con before?”
Slate shook his head no.
“They always feel off, like the universe is tilted or something. I think it’s because of the huge intermix of species coupled with the fact that we’re in an alternate plane here. Remember, the humans have not accepted other species as a general rule, so our presence is still relatively unknown to the humans next door.”
Slate chuckled. “You’ve always been the analyzer.”
“It’s why you keep me as your partner.”
The men shared a brief chuckle, then Slate spoke up again.
“Remember that walkway over on the human side? It was near the booth for that comic book place.”
“You mean Fever Hitch -- they’re the ones sponsoring this whole thing. But yeah, I remember. Why?”
“Did you see the F’ldae onstage?”
“No. Really? They don’t go out much. That species is frightened of their own skin.”
“Exactly. So why am I seeing the same F’ldae on the dance floor?”
Ry whipped his head around to where Slate was boring a hole through a female. Yes, it was a F’ldae, and Ry couldn’t believe his eyes. The little female was snuggled up next to a Bulzant, and that overgrown plastic looking thing looked to almost swallow the female. She turned bright eyes up to it and said something that made the Bulzant quiver.
“Damn, I never knew that species could move like that,” Ry said, amazed.
“What? The F’ldae?”
“No, the Bulzant.”
“Does it look like she’s okay to you?”
“Who? The F’ldae? Yes. She’s jamming right along --“ Ry cut his words off as his eyes zeroed in on her.
“What?” Slate wanted to know.
Ry chuckled. “Looks like your timid little creature is in heat.”
“What do you mean?”
“Wait until she turns -- there. See the orange markings along her ribcage? When a F’ldae goes into heat, those markings show up.”
Ry shifted back to his drink and noticed Slate hadn’t taken his eyes off the female. Hmm…
On the human side, he’d noticed Slate staring at the walkway but hadn’t thought too much about it. It seemed that F’ldae had caught his eye. And seeing her move on the dance floor just a little bit ago had caught Ry’s eye.
A F’ldae. In heat.
They didn’t have to ask her to be their third in a permanent relationship, but maybe he could sweet talk her into being their third for the night.

#MFRWorg Book Spotlight: TETHERED @pippajaygreen #MFRWauthor

MFRW Author Pippa Jay released Tethered, an Erotic Sci-Fi/Futuristic Romance, with Breathless Press.

BLURB
For Tyree of the Su, being an assassin isn't simply something she was trained for. It's the sole reason for her existence. A genetically enhanced clone—one of many in Refuge—she's about to learn her secluded lifestyle, and that of all her kind, is under threat by a race capable of neutralizing their special talents to leave them defenseless.

For Zander D'joren, being a diplomat has not only cost him his appearance, but also the love of his life. Scarred, grieving, he must nonetheless continue in his role as co-delegate to the fearsome Tier-vane or risk a conflict that could only end one way.

Now both of them need to keep each other alive and maintain a perilous deception long enough to renegotiate the treaty with the Tier-vane, or throw their people into a war that could wipe out Terrans and Inc-Su alike. But there's more at stake than humanity, whether true or modified. Can the love growing between them save them both? Or merely hasten their destruction?" She can kill with a kiss. But can assassin Tyree also heal one man's grief, and bring peace to a galaxy threatened by war?

AMAZON BUY LINK

WHAT REVIEWERS SAY...
"The book is beautifully written, full of vibrant language and visuals befitting the science fiction genre. And the love story she weaves between Zander and Tyree adds to the overall plot rather than detracting..."
Cate Peace, Going from Nobody to Somebody

"I really enjoyed this sci-fi romance. Pippa Jay has an elaborate style that paints a vivid world around her characters. The setting is interesting with quite a bit working around the central struggle of the main characters. I felt the turmoil between the characters as I could relate to their struggles, even though they live in a fictional future."
Elle Clouse, Goodreads

EXCERPT
Tyree spun on her heels, her long hair lashing around her as she faced the council. ""You want me to be a what?""
Thirteen elderly Inc-Su met her scream of outrage with angry stares. The last syllable echoed around the chamber. If sound could penetrate metaglass, it would have scattered the saurian lowri gliding past the panoramic windows on membranous wings.
Tyree swore G'vorek, one of her former mentors, winked at her, and her irritation eased a fraction at his silent support. Some of the other council members shifted in their hover seats as she cast her gaze over them. Several scowled. Beyond the oval table and the council members, clouds drifted past the window obscuring the slender sky towers of Refuge, a serene background that conflicted with the turmoil suddenly seething in her chest.
""I didn't think the phrase 'co-delegate' would be considered such an offensive term even by you, Tyree,"" Great Mother M'roc said.
Tyree latched her attention onto the matriarch. Unlike the majority of the Inc-Su, M'roc had a generous, matronly figure and caramel-colored skin. Dark braids tinted with gray framed her broad face. There was a saying among the Inc-Su, twisted from the old Terran phrase—as solid as M'roc. Unbending, reliable, consistent, and strong. Good traits in a leader, but it meant once she'd made a decision, nothing could change her mind. If she'd chosen this role for Tyree...
""I'm an assassin, not a frigging diplomat,"" Tyree retorted, but the initial fire of her resistance had guttered. Arguing already felt like a lost cause, but she had to make the point.
Several members of the council tsked at her insolence. G'vorek smiled, deepening the vast collection of wrinkles on his thin, seamed face. Like the other ancients, the charcoal black of his skin had faded to gray, giving him a stone-like appearance.
""Your skills are many, and you are perfect for this role,"" M'roc continued.
""Why?""
""Perhaps you should explain the situation more thoroughly,"" G'vorek said, his voice like layers of slate sliding over one another.
M'roc clasped her gnarled hands and threw her co-councilor an exasperated glare before looking back at Tyree. ""I was about to. The Terrans are once more negotiating their centennial peace treaty with the Tier-vane.""
Tyree waved a hand, dismissing the news as unimportant.
""Perhaps you'd be less indifferent if I told you there have been three assassination attempts on the co-delegates? According to tradition, once the delegates on both sides have been chosen, no others may substitute. It would be taken as a sign of deception. An attempt at trickery.""
""I didn't know that,"" Tyree murmured, but she was more interested in the revelation about the assassination attempts. Whoever had committed those attacks couldn't have been Inc-Su. It would never have taken three tries, and all of them failures. If it had—and it would be a first in their history—was that why she was being assigned? Somehow three Inc-Su had failed, and now they were sending her?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, doing freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in historical Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head

website  |  blog  |  goodreads  |  facebook

#MFRWorg Book Spotlight: BONDED @JaymiHanako

MFRW Author Jaymi Hanako released BONDED, an Erotic Sci-Fi/Futuristic Romance, with Loose Id.

BLURB
Jaren Caradoc nearly lost his ship and his life when he fell under the spell of a black widow sorceress, but for the timely intervention of her personal slave. To repay the young woman, he plans to purchase her freedom—only to find she's being auctioned off as a virgin sex slave. Required to consummate the relationship by the auction house, he's soon caught in a web of attraction, guilt, and feelings he thought long-dead.

When Jaren buys Taimi’s contract, she thinks it’s a dream come true. But after their one night together, instead of becoming his lover, she is asked to be an employee – a medic on his spaceship. Nothing more. Can she really pretend her feelings don't exist?

Then Jaren's ex-wife, Lady Ethlinda breaks out of prison, Lorus officials impound Jaren's ship, leaving them stranded during the notorious Festival of Fertility – and vulnerable to Ethlinda's plans for revenge.

AMAZON BUY LINK

EXCERPT

“Do you not desire me, Captain?”
“Of course I do.”
Heat flushed her face and pleasure spiked through her veins, despite the rather reluctant admission. “Then I do not see how this is a difficulty.”
“I feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”
“Please don’t worry about that, Captain. I have long made peace with my fate and what is expected of me. Although”--she managed a smile but needed to swallow hard to moisten her suddenly dry throat before continuing--“my fate seems better than I deserve, now I know it is you who controls it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I desire you, Captain.” She resisted the urge to cross her arms over her chest. To shield her hard nipples, the most obvious sign of her desire for him. Acknowledging her attraction made her feel even more exposed than her lack of clothing did.
He hesitated, then crossed to her side with quick, decisive strides. Jaren reached out and traced the track of tears flowing from her drugged eyes, his touch surprisingly gentle for all the size of his hand. “You’re still crying.”
Taimi shook her head. “Belladonna eyedrops. It’s an old trick of the sex-slave trade, or so I was told. It dilates the pupils to mimic desire but also blurs my vision, and light is painful.” He slipped his fingers under her chin, tilting her head back. She partly closed her eyes to block out the increased brilliance. If only she could look at him... “That’s why I--”
“I see.” He dropped his hand and walked away. She heard the door open, and he called for a servant.
“They can’t hear you.”
“Why not?”
“They would have vacated the area, to give you some privacy to claim your purchase. Unless, of course, you requested otherwise.” The stone floor made it easy to track his movements by the changing sound of his footsteps. She opened her eyes and could just make out Jaren’s blurry form as he stood directly under the light cauldron.
“Maybe I could--”
“Please do not trouble yourself, Captain.”
“But you’re hurting.”
The worry in his deep voice made her wince. Taimi wished she had never mentioned such a minor discomfort, but she had not anticipated he would respond like this. No one had ever shown concern for her before. “It is of no consequence and will wear off soon.” She held out her hand. “Please.”
He returned to her side. “So you can’t see what I look like?”
“I still remember.”
He chuckled. “I could have changed since we last saw each other. Turned old and hideous.”
“I doubt that.” She reached up and touched his cheek. Felt the roughness of his whiskers against her palm, easily over a day’s growth. Surprising. The Captain Caradoc she remembered had always been carefully clean-shaven.
He covered her hand with his. “This still doesn’t feel right.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ve never owned anyone before, for one thing. I don’t like it.”
Strange. Lorus marital laws granted him rights over Lady Ethlinda’s estate--including her slaves. “But you have.”
Perhaps he could read what she was thinking. “Not directly. Not like this.”
“This is the way the law works on Lorus, Captain,” she said gently. “You have the right to take your pleasure with my body. I accept that.”
“You should have more of a choice. Especially since it’s your first time.”
“It doesn’t matter. I would have chosen you if I could.” Desire strummed through her veins, giving her the strength she needed to be bold. “I have been taught how to please a man.”

ABOUT Jaymi Hanako
Jaymi spends so much time with the characters in her head, her husband’s co-workers believe she’s the imaginary one. She writes about spaceships, magic, and paranormal creatures. There may be sword fights. But whether set in outer space or in alternate realities, there will always be a happily ever after.

website  |  twitter

A Short & Sweet Interview with #MFRWauthor Margaret Fieland @MadCapMaggie

We asked MFRW Author Margaret Fieland a few short questions. She gave us a few sweet answers. Read more about Margaret and enjoy an excerpt from her 2013 release.

Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life.  Her poems and stories have appeared in journals such as  Turbulence Magazine, Front Range Review, and All Rights Reserved. She is one of the Poetic Muselings. Their poetry anthology, Lifelines, was published by Inkspotter Publishing in November, 2011.  She is the author of  Relocated, Geek Games, and Broken Bonds, published by MuseItUp Publishing , and of Sand in the Desert, a collection of science fiction persona poems. A chapter book is due out later this year.

Why did I decide to write romance novels?
I didn't *decide* to write one. I wrote a sci fi novel with no intention of writing any sequels, and lo and behold, my characters kept poking at me to answer questions and write more. One of the characters in my first sci fi novel is living alone at the time of the first novel in my Novels of Aleyne series, and I wondered why. I ended up writing a sci fi romance with him as one of the characters in a four-way M/M/M/F relationship.

How much of your life experience ends up in your writing?
An awful lot. For one thing, the things I'm passionate about -- art, music, poetry, politics, computers, relationships -- are things that inform my novels, and then, too, various bits and pieces make their way in.  A couple of my father's old World War Two army stories made their way, suitable modified, as incidents in my sci fi romance, ""Broken Bonds.""

What kind of research do you do for a book?
Whatever I need to. I need to know enough about whatever it is to picture my character moving through the scene. For the novel I'm just finishing up, the fourth Aleyne novel, I picked the brains of my middle son, who was in the army for seven or eight years, as the main character is a colonel in theTerran Federation Guard, and I needed a fair amount of detail about army procedures and the like.

Tell us about your latest book?
My latest book is the fourth in the Novels of Aleyne series, and it does not yet have a real title. I've been calling it ""Rob's Book,"" after the main character, who is a colonel in the Terran Federation Guard. He is posted to Aleyne to arrest Major Brad Reynolds, the main character from ""Broken Bonds,"" for treason. The opening scene occurs in ""Broken Bonds,"" but here it's told from Rob's point of view, and goes on to chronicle his trials in attempting to help negotiate a new treaty between the Federation and Aleyne.

What motivated it?
The characters kept poking at me. I rewrote ""Broken Bonds"" a couple of times, and in one of the versions, I have a meeting between Brad and Rob. That got cut out, but I by then I had  Rob and his two wives and their dicey family situation in my head, so I ended up putting them into their own novel. The politics is the main thrust of this book, but there is a strong romantic sub-plot as well.

Where did the idea come from?
Good question. From the characters and their situation and my desire to know what happens next.

What is my writing routine once I start a book?
I'm fairly linear, so I start writing at the beginning of the book and write through to the end. At that point I have the first draft, and I know the arc of the book, the characters, really what the story is about. Then I go back and revise.  I do have a plot outline and a good idea of where I'm going and the major plot points, but not how I'm going to get there.

Does my family know not to bother me?
Not really, but I have tunnel vision when I'm writing. I tend not to notice interruptions, and when I do, I jump and bark, ""What?"" It tends to lead to relatively few interruptions.

What do I do to relax and recharge?
Walk my dogs, listen to music, pull weeds, do dishes, play music -- I play the flute and the piccolo. And read. I'm a book junky. If I don't have a large stack of reading material, I get very anxious.

Connect with Margaret...
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margaretfieland/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/margaret.fielandAuthor
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/madcapmaggie
goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4417476.Margaret_Fieland

Margaret Fieland released Broken Bonds, Novels of Aleyne Book 2, a GLBT Sci Fi Romance, with MuseItUp Publishing in July 2013.

When Major Brad Reynolds is assigned to head the Terran Federation base on planet Aleyne, the last thing he expects to find is love, and certainly not with one of the alien Aleyni. How can he keep his lover, in the face of political maneuvering and of Ardaval's feelings for his former partners— and theirs for him? When you bend the rules, they may snap back and hit you in the face.

BUY LINKS
MuseItUp  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

REVIEW

I loved this book. Marvellous. I devoured it in a day.It was so nice to be able to go back and visit with this cast of characters. Aleyni is such a unique place. The scenery there, never ceases to amaze. Ardaval was still my favourite character, there is just something about him that continues to fascinate me. But it was nice to get a window into more of the other characters past and present. Broken Bonds, surprised me. It's a science fiction romance, but it gave me so many things to think about. Poetry, love. relationships. spirituality, family, right and wrong.I think that's what I love most about this series, it's not a heavy book/series but it's not fluff either. I can not think of any other book I could relate to this series, it's so unique and refreshing.
5 stars, can not wait for more from the series!

          Posted by Amazon Reviewer

EXCERPT
Brad took a deep breath of cool night air, inhaling the nutmeg scent of the flowers planted around Ardaval's front door. Before Brad could knock, the door opened and Ardaval stood in the doorway. Brad hesitated before putting out his hands palm up.

Ardaval placed his hands over Brad's. ""My heart, my home, my hearth.""

""My hearth, my home, my heart,"" Brad murmured in response.

Smiling, Ardaval directed his gaze at Brad's eyes; it evoked the same curious flutter in the pit of his stomach as the last time they'd met. Ardaval held open the door and gestured for Brad to enter. ""You've come to discuss Gavin.""

""I have."" Brad followed Ardaval into the front hall where tiles of local stone sparkled on the floor and a padded bench stood under a window. Through a doorway on one side, a glance revealed a kitchen furnished with dark wood cabinets, clean and a bit bare.

""Come."" Ardaval gestured toward the back of the hallway where a doorway led into a center courtyard, open to the cool night air, and motioned to a small table. A red-leafed tree in the center spread its leaves overhead. Brad sat, and Ardaval sat beside him.

Brad needed to talk about Gavin Frey's political views. Views that, as far as he could tell from the records, were the opposite of his own. A breath brought him the scent of Ardaval's skin, musky, with a hint of clove. Was it duty or cowardice keeping him from reaching for Ardaval's hand and kissing the palm?

Ardaval clasped Brad's hand in his. ""Tell me more about why you were posted to Aleyne.""

Should he remove his hand? No. He enjoyed Ardaval's touch and what was the harm, really? When he glanced up, he found Ardaval regarding him with evident amusement.

""I recommended that a man who used psi to save his squad be given a dishonorable discharge."" Brad hesitated. ""Although the soldier deserved a medal rather than a court martial, he was a fool to admit he caught a thought.”

Ardaval nodded.

""About Gavin Frey. Is he your shan?"" The thoughts slipped out.

Ardaval stared into Brad's eyes for a a second or two before he replied. ""As you surmise, he is my son; my shan, because I didn't raise him.""

Might as well ask this, too. ""His mother never told you about him?""

Ardaval shook his head. ""No, she didn't. He spent six months here after she died. Then we disagreed over a matter of ethical principal and he left.""

Given what he understood about Frey, Brad would have been surprised if they hadn't.

""He married, but his wife died. He has a son who is now fourteen by Terran Standard years.""

""His mother possessed a strong psi talent.""

""She contacted you?"" Brad's eyebrows rose to his hairline.

""She did. I suggest you keep an eye on the boy.""

""Do you believe he has gazal?"" If the boy developed Aleyni mind speech abilities, he'd need careful watching. Brad's own family had been fairly accepting but how would Frey react if he discovered his son possessed gazal? And what about the terrorists, who might try to exploit Keth's talent?

Ardaval nodded. ""I do, though of course we've never met. Gavin doesn't, or at least if he does, he keeps his mind so locked down it's the same thing.""

Brad sighed and rose. He'd completed what he'd said he'd come to do.

""It happens this way with us, at times."" Ardaval paused for a moment. ""We'll meet again.""

Brad turned to leave. He couldn't ignore this connection, wish it away, any longer. Only Ardaval's assurance kept him moving out the door.

Author @AideeLadnier Tells #MFRWorg All About THE BREAK-IN

MFRW Author Aidee Ladnier answers our Questions.
Aidee Ladnier began writing fiction at 12 years old but took a hiatus to be a magician’s assistant, ride in hot air balloons, produce independent movies, collect interesting shoes, and amass a secret file with the CIA. A lover of genre fiction, it has been a lifelong dream of Aidee's to write both romance and erotica with a little science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, or the paranormal thrown in to add a zing.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book? 
It depends on the length of the book. A short story under 10,000 words can sometimes be drafted in a weekend. And I did win Nanowrimo one month by finishing 50,000 words in one month. That said, those are rare occurrences. I generally write between 1,000-3,000 words a day comfortably.

Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow? 
My favorite time to write is at 5 a.m. I have to set my alarm since my body does not want to get up at that time. But it's wonderful to be up and tapping away at the keys while the rest of the house is asleep. I try to do this everyday.

Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they? 
My new ebook, ""The Break-in"" is predominantly a contemporary LGBT story. However, it has elements of science fiction and time travel in it.

Sounds exciting! How do you come up with story ideas? 
Some of my best stories have been dreams. I tend to dream like I'm watching a movie. Then I just have to wake myself up enough to write everything down!

What does your husband think of your writing? 
My husband is a writer as well and even collaborates with me on some of my stories. So he's pretty okay with it. :)  He's my first critique partner for all my books. He has a literature degree and a love of early 20th century pulp novels, so his contributions are often fun and a good counterpoint to my knowledge of standard romance tropes.

What can we expect from you in the future? 
My next book out will be a Lawrence & Myrna mystery/thriller--the series I write with my husband. It's going to the editor later this year and we hope to have it out sometime early next year.

How do we find out about you and your books? How can readers/fans contact you? 
I have a website and a blog. All my news goes up there first. I'm also on several social media outlets, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, Pinterest. I hope to hear from you soon!

Aidee released The Break-in (Busted Labs Book Two), a Contemporary GLBT Sci-Fi, with Dreamspinner Press in June 2014.

Ten years ago, roboticist Forbes Pohle received a visit from time-traveler Oliver Lennox. “Wait for me,” Oliver said. Now a decade has come and gone, and Oliver has returned. However, Forbes never dreamed Oliver would reappear as the point man for a gang of technology thieves breaking into his lab. He finds the younger Oliver just as sexy and even more annoying; still, he must convince him their happily-ever-after is meant to be—but he only has the time it takes his robotic cat Jeepers to thwart the thieves to do it. After waiting so long, he could lose everything in the span of seconds.

BUY LINK

Excerpt

"Oliver pulled the sleeve up on his jacket and checked the cheap watch strapped to his wrist. He needed to get the door to the lab open before Wilson did something stupid.
“Is your cat gonna give me back my gun?”
The metallic chunk drew his gaze back to the robot cat as it bit through the gun’s cylinder, and the two pieces of the revolver clattered uselessly to the floor.
Oliver smacked the ground, sending a burst of pain up his arm.
“Come on. Guns don’t grow on trees. That was an expensive piece. I had to trade two laptops and a password for it.”
“What was the password to?” The Doc toed the gun pieces to the side, away from the robot pretending to wash its whiskers.
Oliver sighed. “Porn site. ’Course, he didn’t realize it was a gay porn site.”

#MFRWauthor @AnneKane gets Quick 'N Quirky with #MFRWorg

Learn more about MFRW author Anne Kane as she answers some pretty quirky questions!
Anne Kane lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with a bouncy Jack Russell terrier, a cantankerous Himalayan cat, and too many fish to count. She has two handsome sons and three adorable grandchildren. By day, she’s a respectable bean counter, but after hours her imagination soars and she writes romances that span the galaxy and encompass beings of all sizes, shapes and origins. She first started telling stories as a child and she just can’t seem to stop.

Her hobbies include kayaking, hiking, motorcycles, swimming, skating, karate, playing guitar, singing and of course, reading.

If money were not an object where would you most like to live?
Hong Kong - I love it!

What song would best describe your life?
If you're happy and you know it...

What is your secret guilty pleasure?
Melted dark chocolate and berries to dip in it. Messy and soooo good!

What's your most embarassing moment?
When I was talking to someone very close (I thought) at a family reunion and realized they thought I was my sister. We're not even twins! And I bet I really confused the poor guy!

City life or Country life?
Country - hands down. The biggest place I've ever lived had a population of 2,700.

Ebook or paperback?
I love paperbacks, but ebooks are so much easier to carry, and they are available instantly. I love instant gratification!

Zebras or Elephants?
Zebra's of course. Anyone can ride an elephant!

What is the one question you wish an interviewer would ask you?
What's my favorite coffee. Then everyone would know to bring me a cappuccino when they come to visit!

Anne Kane released Her Cyborg Lover, an Erotic Sci-Fi Futuristic Romance, with Ellora's

Cave.

Natalie’s loved and lost and she’s not so sure she wants to risk her heart again. She’s willing to settle for a challenging career as a space-pilot instructor and a succession of no-strings attached lovers. But that’s before her boss saddles her with the last thing she wants—a new partner.

Jebediah recognizes his perfect match in Natalie from the moment she seduces him on a dare. Everything that makes her a top-notch pilot, from her fearlessness to her passion, make a night in her bed both challenging and unforgettable. Too bad she cuts Jebediah off the moment they’re assigned to a mission in the outer limits of Alliance space.

A dangerous confrontation with a brutal enemy, an exploding drive engine and a traitor close to home throw everything into perspective. Natalie is going to have to put the past behind her and risk it all, because when your partner is also your lover, failure is not an option.

When your partner is also your lover, failure is not an option.

Amazon BUY LINK

Review
Jeep Divas say...
"Natalie’s loved and lost and she’s not so sure she wants to risk her heart again. She’s willing to settle for a challenging career as a space-pilot instructor and a succession of no-strings attached lovers. But that’s before her boss saddles her with the last thing she wants—a new partner.

"Jebediah recognizes his perfect match in Natalie from the moment she seduces him on a dare. Everything that makes her a top-notch pilot, from her fearlessness to her passion, make a night in her bed both challenging and unforgettable. Too bad she cuts Jebediah off the moment they’re assigned to a mission in the outer limits of Alliance space."

Excerpt

“Delta Class Scout ship. I order you to identify yourself, or be prepared to handle the consequences.”
A deep male chuckle rolled through the comm link. Natalie blinked. Laughter? Was the idiot actually laughing at her? He was so going to eat her dust, and that would be before she grounded his sorry ass for the next decade or two.
Thirty years of practice gave her the edge every single time one of the cadets pulled a stupid stunt like this. Engaging the infrared overlay on the cerebral interface, she mentally plotted the other ship’s most likely course. Only an experienced space jockey understood that the shortest route was rarely the quickest, or the easiest.
Sure enough, the idiot darted between the two large asteroids directly in front of him. A seasoned pilot would know that the combined gravitational fields of the rocks created a braking effect on any smaller object caught between the two of them. Real-life one on one versus theory in the classroom. She could almost feel sorry for the pilot as he struggled to wrest control of his ship from the two inanimate objects.
Almost, but not quite.
She circled around the trap, putting herself directly between the rocket jockey and home base. Let him watch her tail for a while before she slapped him into the brig. Waggling her wings in an insulting salute that the unfortunate pilot couldn’t possibly miss, she veered toward home base.
She hadn’t quite finished congratulating herself on such a swift victory when her ship careened sideways, almost colliding with one of the smaller asteroids in the field. What the hell?
She jerked her head up, hardly able to believe the display in front of her eyes. The smaller ship had freed itself of the gravity well and moved to parallel her before turning so that his thrusters aimed directly at her side. When he fired them, the shock hit the pilot ship with all the force of a herd of thundering moon-cats.
Crap! This kid had balls. Balls and the makings of a star-class fighter pilot—if she didn’t kill him first.
Getting the ship back under control, she reined in her temper and concentrated on chasing the smaller ship. It had been a long time since anyone had actually given her a run for her money. She wasn’t sure she liked it. “Pilot, you just bought yourself a serious amount of time dirt-side. Again, I say, identify yourself.”
No answer.
“Who the hell are you?” Her voice harsh with suppressed rage, she gave the pilot one last chance to reply.
“Obviously a better pilot than you.” His voice was smooth and low, with a trace of male humor showing through. Arrogant, definitely arrogant.
She felt a grudging respect for his lack of deference. He had her on the run and he knew it. “I doubt that. I got careless and you got lucky.”
A disbelieving snort echoed through the com link. “I’m an excellent pilot. I don’t need luck.”
“And your name?” She didn’t recall the last time she’d spent this much time trying to extract information from a cadet. Who the hell was this guy? A few seconds passed, and Natalie realized the cadet was going to ignore her yet again.
Turning the mode to private, she called up the avatar. “Can you get anything on that ship? A registration number? Something to trace the pilot?”

Connect with Anne
Website: www.AnneKane.com
Blogs: www.annekane.wordpress.com  |  http://writersgonewild.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/annekane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.kane.author
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/sassic123

Broken Bonds on #Thursday13 with #MFRWauthor @MadCapMaggie

MFRW Author Margaret Fieland released Broken Bonds, Novels of Aleyne Book 2, a GLBT Sci Fi Romance, with MuseItUp Publishing in July 2013.

When Major Brad Reynolds is assigned to head the Terran Federation base on planet Aleyne, the last thing he expects to find is love, and certainly not with one of the alien Aleyni. How can he keep his lover, in the face of political maneuvering and of Ardaval's feelings for his former partners— and theirs for him? When you bend the rules, they may snap back and hit you in the face.

BUY LINKS
MuseItUp  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

REVIEW

Broken Bonds, surprised me. It's a science fiction romance, but it gave me so many things to think about. Poetry, love. relationships. spirituality, family, right and wrong.I think that's what I love most about this series, it's not a heavy book/series but it's not fluff either. I can not think of any other book I could relate to this series, it's so unique and refreshing. The action kept me reading way passed bedtime. I could not put it down I just had to see how things were going to end.A book that stayed true to the magic of the series and one I will most definitely read again and again.
5 stars, can not wait for more from the series!

          Posted by Amazon Reviewer

Thirteen sentences from Broken Bonds

1. Until a moment ago, Brad would rather have settled into his quarters than attend the formal reception welcoming him here.

 2. He couldn't ignore this connection, wish it away, any longer.

 3. Ardaval drew him close, and Brad opened his mouth for the kiss.

4. Brad hesitated for a moment, then leaned over and kissed Ardaval on the mouth, a promise of more.

5. “In Common I'd simply say I love you.”

6. He'd received his answer, but what did the spirits want him to do?

7. He couldn't put words to the depth of his love for Ardaval.

8. Holding out a hand, Ardaval drew Brad closer still.

9.Imarin was very possessive, but normally he held himself in check better than this.

10.  How could he react so strongly to another man, especially after he and Ardaval swore rolor?

11.“Major Reynolds, you are accused of high treason and are to be remanded for trial on New Oregon.”

12.  If only he could return to the day Imarin and the others left for good, the day he'd stood by and let Imra go.

13.  Nothing would glue their love together again.

About Margaret
Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life.  Her poems and stories have appeared in journals such as  Turbulence Magazine, Front Range Review, and All Rights Reserved. She is one of the Poetic Muselings. Their poetry anthology, Lifelines, was published by Inkspotter Publishing in November, 2011.  She is the author of  Relocated, Geek Games, and Broken Bonds, published by MuseItUp Publishing , and of Sand in the Desert, a collection of science fiction persona poems. A chapter book is due out later this year.

Connect with Margaret...
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margaretfieland/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/margaret.fielandAuthor
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/madcapmaggie
goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4417476.Margaret_Fieland

Diane Burton: Short & Sweet #MFRWauthor INTERVIEW @dmburton72

We asked. Diane answered.
MFRW Author Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I write romance novels because I love to read them. My favorite romance sub-genres to read and write are science fiction romance and romantic suspense.

What kind of research do you do for a book?
Research: for romantic suspense, I visit, use maps, tourist info, search online about weapons, etc. For sci-fi rom, I have to use the internet, but I wish I could visit other worlds.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I began writing seriously (for publication) when my children were preparing for college--empty nest. After years of putting them first, I wanted to do something for me so I began writing. That was 20+ years ago. First manuscript was a romance with a mystery. Rejected. Won't see the light of day. LOL

What genre is your newest book?
My latest book is a sci-fi romance about a woman who isn't what she seems. Total ditz covers up a brilliant mind. I love the dichotomy. People aren't always as they appear. I just took it to an extreme.

Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?
Humor is extremely important. It gives us (readers) a break from intense situations.

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
My family is extremely supportive. Since my husband and I are retired, I have the freedom to write when I want. He is very respectful of my writing time.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
One thing that makes me relax is a visit from my grandkiddies (ages 4 & 6). They are so much fun. They love to write stories with me--they tell me the story and I type it. After we print it out, they illustrate their story. Good division of labor. LOL Another way I relax and recharge is to watch movies. Love action/adventure, romantic comedy, sci-fi. Oh heck, I love all movies except horror and intense drama. And, of course, I read.

Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
Favorite authors. There are so many. Earlier favs include Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, Daphne DuMaurier, Mary Stewart. More recent: Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle, Linnea Sinclair, Janet Evanovich, Ann Aguirre, Kristen Hannah.

Diane released The Chameleon (An Outer Rim Novel: Book 2), a Sci-fi/Futuristic Story, in May 2014.

Legally Blond meets Mata Hari...

Socialite Jileena Winslott appears to be the spoiled, bubble-headed daughter of an industrial magnate. In reality, she’s her father's smart, savvy aide, who yearns to run the family business. When her father sends her on a covert mission to the Outer Rim, she has the chance to prove herself. But he insists she take along a fake fiancé—the man she’s secretly loved for years.

Adventure and Romance in another world.

Buy Link

Connect with Diane Burton...
website  |  blog  |  twitter  |  facebook  |  goodreads  |  pinterest

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Sexy Suitors from Space @PaisleyBErotica #MFRWauthor

MFRW Author Paisley Brown released Sexy Suitors from Space, a self-published

Erotic Sci-Fi / Futuristic book on April 11, 2014.

A vacation to the far North...

Heather is gifted a week away at a resort in the Arctic Circle by her grandmother, a chance to finally move on after finding her fiancé in bed with another woman.

With two Nordic hunks to keep her company...

The two sexy studs make it easy to get over her failed relationship. That is, until they tell her their secret.

Are the two men really extraterrestrials or just a fantasy created by her lonely soul?

BUY LINK

Heat Level: R+ Erotica

Warnings: Multiple Partners, Explicit Sex, sex with toys, anal sex, sex with aliens

All About the Author
Paisley Brown is a happily married with a naughty imagination. Sometimes all it takes is a whispered word or a sexy picture to inspire my next tale. My erotica stories may be contemporary, sci-fi, or paranormal, but all of them will leave you wet and panting for more. I also write science fiction romance as Jessica E. Subject.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads

#MFRWorg Author Suz deMello on #Thursday13 @ReadThis4fun

MFRW Author Suz deMello presents today's Thursday13.
Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, historical, paranormal and suspense, plus many short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. Currently Managing Editor at Ai Press, she also takes private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, won a contest or two, attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists.

A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US many times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

Find her books on her website  |  For editing services, email her  |  Befriend her on Facebook and visit her group page  |  She tweets her reading picks @ReadThis4fun  |  Check out her current blog

13 Sentences from Queen's Quest
I knew the moment the Prince of Darkness had espied my glance on him, for the speed of his long strides increased. He bulled his way through the crowd, which parted for him like the stormwind rushing around the turrets of my castle.

I consciously grounded myself, feeling the marble floor beneath my high boots, straightening my back. Deep breaths pressed my breasts against my corset, the lace trim scratching my flesh. My heart pounded.
Managing him would not be easy. If I chose him as my mate, who would rule over Shadow?

“I, Storne, Lord of Darkness, have come to claim my queen.” He approached and stepped onto the dais supporting my throne.

I was offended. “Bow,” I said.

Still standing, he reached up and removed his battered helmet. Darkness had sent their finest champion, for Storne was a prince in the prime of life.

Queen's Quest
Genre: futuristic erotic romance
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Release Date: January 24, 2014
Audryn, Queen of Shadow, has reached that time in her life when she must choose a King to rule with her or fail to bear an heir, casting not only her realm but all of faraway planet Janus into chaos.

Despite her duty, she is reluctant to share power, even a bit distrustful. Janus’ nobles vie for Audryn’s hand. Although she enjoys trysting with all her suitors, none seize her heart. Then Storne, the warrior Prince of Darkness, arrives to claim her as his bride.

Will his masterful ways allure or repel the willful Queen?

Buy Link