#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: If... Then @Emerald_theGLD

MFRW Author Emerald recently released If... Then: a collection of erotic romance stories with 1001 Nights Press.

In these tales of sizzling erotic romance, deep affection and the warmth of familiarity underlie the erotic connection between longtime lovers. “The Plant on the Mantel” explores the unexpected implications of a generations-past affair on a young married couple. “Honey Changes Everything” finds Kim wondering how to lead her husband out of his state of despair upon losing his job; inspiration comes when breakfast in bed serves up more than just pancakes. And “If…” and “…Then” examine what happens when Valerie finds herself intensely attracted to someone other than her boyfriend—and what he does when he finds out.

With original stories (“Soft and Gray” and “Shattered Angels”) joining the eight previously published tales in this collection, If… Then is a testament to the scorching eroticism that can so seamlessly subsist with long-term romance. " In these ten tales of sizzling erotic romance, deep affection and the warmth of familiarity underlie the erotic connection between longtime lovers. If… Then is a testament to the scorching eroticism that can so seamlessly subsist with long-term romance.

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EXCERPT
I entered the bedroom as Sylvia was turning down the sheets, already in her nightgown.  Her countenance was thoughtful, as it had been since our return from her grandparents’ estate.

“What’s going to happen to the plant?” I asked her.

“What?” She straightened and turned to me.

“The plant. At your grandparents’ house. Where’s it going to go?”

“Oh,” her voice sounded casual, but for some reason I suspected the thought wasn’t new to her. She paused. “I don’t know.”

“It just seems kind of important, it being so old. Seems like someone should take care of it.”

Sylvia looked introspective and nodded.

“I never really knew my grandmother,” she said after a silence.

I looked at her, unsure where this new thread was going.

“I mean, we lived much further away from them when I was growing up, and I was only 19 when she died.” Sylvia sat on the bed, still not looking at me.

“Her affair seemed...mysterious. I wonder if there are more letters that we didn’t find, or how it ended, or why. I wonder if my grandfather found out. My mom and sister and I found the letters—we decided not to mention them to him,” she added.

I had wondered those things briefly too, but since she hadn’t volunteered any information, I hadn’t wanted to ask. I watched her. She still hadn’t looked at me.

“They were very...explicit. The letters, I mean.” I thought I saw Sylvia blush faintly, and a soft, spontaneous smile lifted my lips.

She looked at me then and saw it. “Yeah, I know, you think I’m a prude,” she said with a self-deprecating smile, huffing a little as she looked back down.

I went to the bed and sat beside her. “No, I don’t think you’re a ‘prude,’” I said. I didn’t. She tended to be somewhat reserved verbally and publicly about sex, but it didn’t stop her from letting loose when it came down to the act. I smiled. “I just think it’s interesting that you would seem surprised that your grandmother may have been sexually ‘explicit.’”

Sylvia blushed more and laughed a little, still looking down. “Well, it’s admittedly not something I ever thought about in relation to her. I just experienced my grandparents as so...stiff. You know?”

I shrugged. “Maybe that’s why she did it. Maybe she didn’t fit in with that environment and needed more than she was getting.”

Sylvia looked up at me, slight surprise in her expression.

“I’m sorry,” I said immediately. “I didn’t mean to be disrespectful to your grandfather.” I paused. “I almost forgot who we were talking about for a minute.”

She looked back down, nodding. “Yeah. I know what you mean. That happened to me earlier this evening when you talked about the plant. What it had seen.” Her voice trailed off. “It’s weird to think that it was sitting there that whole time, all those years, in that same place. It’s been alive and sitting on that mantle for more than half a century.”

I pictured the motionless collection of sturdy leaves, twined together and looped around each other and the surrounding objects, growing languidly for six decades in the best seat in the room for anything that took place there.

-from ""The Plant on the Mantel""

ABOUT Emerald
Emerald is the pen name of Emily McCay, an erotic fiction author whose work has been featured in anthologies published by Cleis Press, Mischief, and Logical-Lust. She is an advocate for sexual freedom, reproductive rights, and the rights of sex workers, and she serves as a Facebook group moderator and assistant newsletter editor for Marketing for Romance Writers (MFRW). Her first single-author collection, If…Then: a collection of erotic romance stories, is out now from 1001 Nights Press. Find her online at http://www.TheGreenLightDistrict.org.

Blog: http://TheGreenLightDistrict.org/wordpress
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldAuthor
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Emeraldauthor
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Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/emerald
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/652859.Emerald
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Emerald_theGLD

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Misfits by #MFRWauthor Brenda Jernigan @bkj1608

MFRW Author Brenda Jernigan released The Misfits, a Mainstream Historical Western.

They were misfits that no one wanted.  Watch how they come together to become a family against all odds.

What Reviewers Are Saying...
If you love Julie Garwood’s “For the Roses”, I think you will enjoy The Misfit series. The author, somehow, was able to make me care for all the characters throughout the entire trilogy. Each book is a stand-alone story, but if you read all three you will see just how brightly the writing talent of Brenda Jernigan shines! Past characters, such as Thunder, return for an encore. Be warned that there is a lot of adventure in the fast paced novel, so do not begin reading until you have plenty of time with no interruptions. Unputdownable! Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

"Until September is definitely Brenda’s BEST book so far.  I’ll be looking forward to the next one and the next one.  Claire and Billy have earned their places in my heart.”  Merry Cutler - Annie’s Book Shop

“Ms Jernigan writes with such passion for her characters, that they come alive for the reader.  The plot setting are accurate and very believable and will make you feel as if you were right there in the stagecoach.  I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.  This is a definite keeper!”  Deb Kepler - A Romance Review

EXCERPT

Finally everyone was gone. Brandy moved back to the gravesite one last time before they went home. Amy had fallen asleep on her shoulder, and Brandy had to switch her to the other arm to ease the weight. “Goodbye, Father,” she whispered, then added, “Promises are sometimes hard to keep, but I’ll try.”
Before turning to leave, she glanced up at a nearby hill. There, seated on a large horse, sat a powerfully built man. Animal and rider stood perfectly still while long, black hair blew around his square jaw. Brandy couldn’t make out the rest of his features but something about the man impressed her.
Fascinated, she stared boldly at the stranger. Who was he? And why did he stay in the background instead of coming closer?
“Come on, Brandy,” Mary called.
Though Brandy would rather have looked at the stranger just a little longer, she knew it was time to leave.
Before stepping up onto the buckboard, she turned and looked back toward the hill, but the stranger had disappeared. It was as if he’d vanished into thin air.
A wave of disappointment washed over her. She didn’t understand this odd reaction to someone she didn’t know and would probably never meet.
But for just a moment, she’d felt an odd excitement as if she were dancing on the wind.
Brandy smiled for the first time in days.

ABOUT Brenda Jernigan
Brenda Jernigan grew up living the life of a tomboy – climbing trees, playing ball, and excluding starry-eyed romance from her daily repertoire.  Brenda discovered the love of books while taking her son to Story Hour at the local library -- she was hooked.  She set an ambitious goal and began work on her first novel.  She continued to write six more novels in rapid succession.  She figured having the same birthday as Ernest Hemingway couldn’t hurt.

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A Short And Sweet #MFRWauthor INTERVIEW @Sherry_Ewing

Welcome MFRW Author Sherry Ewing.

Sherry Ewing is a self-published author who writes historical and paranormal romance novels to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Her debut historical romance, If My Heart Could See You, hit Amazon’s top ten bestseller list only two days after the paperback release. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. She is a national and local member of Romance Writers of America since 2012 and is currently editing her second novel, For All of Ever, to be released soon.

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Why did you decide to write romance novels?
My first experience reading a historical romance was as a teenager. Once I read The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, I was hooked. It was only natural that I would attempt to follow in her footsteps and write one myself someday.

What genre is it? 
If My Heart Could See You is an historical romance set in twelfth century England.

Tell us about your latest book.
If My Heart Could See You, takes place at the border between Scotland and England. Berwyck castle has been taken over by the English and a conquering knight, Dristan, the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore. The heroine, Amiria, is one of the last remaining descendants of clan MacLaren and would rather be in boots, hose, and tunic than stuck in a solar with needle and thread.

Where did the idea come from?
I was actually working on my Regency, One Moment in Time, when the idea came to me and I couldn't wait to get started. I had no idea If My Heart Could See You would inspire me to write the next four books including a work in progress all with secondary characters from this novel!

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?
I always wanted to write but raising my children was my main priority. It wasn't until 2008 when I was talking with a friend during a rough period in my life that I mentioned I should write that novel that’s been waiting for me to tell its story for years. He asked, “What’s stopping you?” A light bulb went off inside my head and I've been writing ever since.

What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I really have no routine. I write by the seat of my pants but also chapter by chapter. I can’t move forward with the story until I’m satisfied with what I've already written. I get my idea’s at all hours of the day, so when I have them, I have to stop what I’m doing and write it down even if it’s in the middle of the night.

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing – or are there constant interruptions?
I do my best writing sitting at my mother’s house on NASCAR Sunday’s listening in the background to the roar of the engines. My oldest daughter has all but given up trying to have conversations with me in the evening if I’m writing but she understands. She’s a writer too.

Sherry released If My Heart Could See You, a Mainstream Historical Romance, with Kingsburg Press.

BLURB
When you're enemies, does love have a fighting chance?
For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

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WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT THE BOOK
"Heart Pounding Action! ""This is an outstanding first novel by this promising new author. It was very hard to put down and I spent many nights staying up until the wee hours of the morning! What sets this book apart from other historical romance books that I've read is the character development. I felt that I really understood each of the characters, and not just the main ones. I cared what happened to them and found my heart pounding out of fear when something was about to go wrong. I'd love to see another book in which we get to see the two main characters again. This is an author to watch...I truly believe we will see more five star books!""

A Great Read!!! ""I love this read. This is the kind of medieval conquest romance I love. It was filled with adventure, intrigue and hot romance. The h/h were very likeable because the hero was stern, yet very humane, and the heroine was a warrior type woman, but also very feminine and did not over do herself in terms of wanting to behave like a man. She was tough, but practical. I just could not put this book down. I would recommend this book to whomever loves a great medieval conquest romance where not only does the the hero conquers the heart of the heroine, but of the reader's as well.""

EXCERPT

Young knight MacLaren stood with steady feet upon the narrow parapet and looked down into the inner bailey, surveying the destruction and devastation below. Ian, the guardsman ever by the youth’s side, had the same grim expression as his charge.
The constant thunder of a battering ram slamming upon the solid oak door echoed harshly throughout the keep. Afore long, the wooden portal would give way, and with its demolition, all hope would surely depart from the occupants who had fled inside to find safe haven. Too soon, the enemy would be within, causing more lives to be lost in the castle’s defense. The siege had been bloody, lasting more than two fortnights, and, in truth, ’twas surprising the battle endured as long as it had, given the small number of knights available to defend the castle walls.
For nigh unto sixty years, Berwyck Castle had known peace over its land while governed by the last remaining descendants of the Scottish clan MacLaren. The castle and its people, however, had grown accustomed to constant upheaval, being between two kings struggling for power and control over the region. Situated on a cliff high above the raging sea, the castle towered over a prime port for transporting goods into the interior of the country, both north and south. Its location, bordering Scotland and England, had been the cause of many a battle over the centuries, and the fortress had changed liege lords more often than most could remember. With the arrival of the enemy, and the breaching of the curtain wall, ’twas but a matter of time afore England would once again call this castle its own in the name of their king.
Although young in years and slight of frame, the fledgling knight had fought valiantly and bravely, never giving quarter, even whilst the enemy relentlessly pressed forward in determination to win the day. Only at the command of the castle’s laird and chieftain of the clan did the knight order the garrison to fall back into the keep to protect the family within. Moments earlier, all had watched in horror as a sword laid low their liege and his eldest son, though they continued to pray that perchance the leaders had been spared and yet lived.
Blood, of those whom the young MacLaren’s loyal garrison had slain, covered their armor, and the stench assaulted their senses. The cries of the wounded and dying were but a soft whisper on the wind and had all but quieted. MacLaren knew all of Berwyck’s inhabitants were now focused on the newest threat to come, as the castle’s last defense was about to fall. The distinct sound of splintering wood rang out into the chilled air. The warriors atop the battlement grimaced at the forecast of what their future held.
“Ach, ’twill not last much longer now,” Ian predicted.
“Aye Ian, our fate it seems has been sealed,” the young knight said, retrieving the sword that had been carefully laid up against the stone wall. “We shall soon be held accountable for those lives we have taken this day.”
“I do not relish swearing fealty to some English pig,” Ian cursed loudly, “especially as our laird and the dead of our fellow clansmen lay scattered on these cold grounds, awaiting a decent burial.”
The young knight flinched at the mention of their lord.
Ian mumbled his apologies for his loose tongue.
“My sire and brother died in battle . . . in truth they would have had it no other way,” was all young MacLaren said.