~ SECRETS, SINS, AND LIFE CHANGERS~DR. DREW CAN'T CURE THIS ~

Life Changers…Dr. Drew Can’t Cure This

One of my favorite television shows is ABC’s Once Upon a Time. I love this show because we receive a glimpse into the lives of time-honored and much loved fairy tale characters. We discover their stories—like how did Snow White and Prince Charming meet before the fated kiss? Why did Rumpelstiltskin choose to become an evil, magical imp instead of the loving, self-sacrificing father he once was? How did the queen become an embittered, warped, rage-filled evil bi—I mean, sorceress? It’s fascinating—the histories, choices and events that shaped them into Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Pinocchio are fascinating.

Last year my local RWA chapter hosted a program presented by author Carrie Lofty called “From Clichés to Keepers”. She spoke about the events that establish a character’s inner-self and the psychological repercussions that affect their behavior and emotions. What altered a heroine’s path from rebellious, high-spirited child to biddable, don’t-rock-the-boat woman? What event ingrained a fear of snakes inside an otherwise fearless hero?

When I was five, I attended Messiah Lutheran Day Care Center. That summer there was an infestation of Daddy Long Legs. They were every-freaking-where! One hot day while eating lunch out on the playground, a couple of spiders crawled up my arm and—unbeknownst to me—one disappeared inside my Doritos bag. Imagine sprinkling those last, all-important crumbs—cause we all know the bag isn’t truly finished until you upend the crumbs on your tongue!—on my palm and discovering an eight-legged freak amid the chips! Oh Lawd! Up until that point my only fear was water pooling in my bathing suit and dragging down my top to expose my itty-bitty, non-existent boobies to my class! But after that point I developed a horrible, debilitating case of arachnophobia. And as twins often share many things, my sister did, too. We even stapled the spider section together in the Encyclopedia Britannica so we wouldn’t flip to it by mistake! Unfortunately, the fear hasn’t abided. I still haven’t watched that part in Return of the King. I’ve never watched the movie Arachnophobia—had nightmares for two weeks from the trailer alone! If the Daddy Long Leg infestation hadn’t happened, well, I wouldn’t have heart palpitations every time I see a web. Aaand I wouldn’t sit in the car during a hot summer’s day sweating off five pounds waiting on my husband to get home so he can kill the spider on the front porch.

I started thinking about my characters and their life-changing events. In Secrets and Sins: Malachim, my new release from Entangled Publishing’s Ignite line, my heroine Danielle Warren hates the dark. As a child, she and her older sister, Carmen had to often fend for themselves because in the term of priorities they logged in under boyfriends and drugs with their addict mother. Their mother overdosed when they were eleven, and Danielle, home alone at the time with her, had been trapped for hours in the dark bedroom with the body. Since that time, Danielle has found complete darkness claustrophic and terrifying.

Malachim Jerrod, the hero, learned a hard lesson about evil early in life. Twenty years earlier one of the three boys he’d been best friends with—literally—since birth, killed a man who had tried to attack him. He and his other two friends helped cover up the crime, including burying the body and protecting the secret for two decades. It was Malachim’s first brush with true evil, and it tainted him. He never looked at the world through the same eyes again, and he grew up to be an attorney, a defender of the hunted, persecuted, and innocent.

How these characters overcome their fears, hang-ups, and world views—or persevere in spite of them—are as wonderful to read as witnessing them outsmart a psychopath, discover the identity of an obsessed stalker or stand up to their pasts. Now my happily-ever-after where I can kill a spider or even look at a picture of one without flipping out hasn’t arrived yet… But hey! One can dream!

Thank you so much, M.J., for sharing your blog with me today, and allowing me to introduce myself to your readers. There’s still time to enter the Secrets and Sins: Malachim Giveaway September 23rd through October 4th. The prizes are a $20 Amazon Gift Card, a World Traveler Boston cuff bracelet, and the 4 September Ignite releases! You can enter through the Rafflecopter below!

Blurb~

When Danielle Warren shows up on Boston attorney Malachim Jerrod’s doorstep looking for a job, his first thought is trouble. Well, actually his first thought is how does a woman with the face of a saint have the voice of a sex phone operator? But sexy trouble or not, he’s desperate for a paralegal to help keep his struggling law office afloat. Can the boss keep his distance from the silk of his employee’s skin, the siren lure of her body…or ignore the haunting vulnerability in her eyes.

Danielle can’t remember her own name, because it belongs to someone else. The new identity has afforded a fresh start and a new job. She’s taking control, making her own decisions, and refuses to allow anything to distract her—even her unwanted desire for her boss. Because distraction is dangerous and letting her guard down is not an option. Especially with a shadowy figure stalking her every move.

Danger is on the hunt, threatening the boss she’s falling in love with. Should she fight for the future of her dreams or flee to save Malachim’s life? Danielle must make a decision. Because her lies are unraveling. And some secrets can kill…

EXCERPT~

“I don’t…” Danielle paused as if considering her phrasing. “Have a lot of faith in the police or the justice system. In my experience, they haven’t always been…reliable.”

Oh, Malachim heard so much in that slight hesitation. At some point in her life, those sworn to protect and serve had failed her. She didn’t trust cops. Suddenly, her vehemence about not calling the police after the mugging made sense. Through the years, he’d had clients who’d had troubled pasts and possessed an inherent dislike for anyone with a shield pinned to his or her chest or carried in a wallet. While her reply assuaged some of his questions, it didn’t answer all of them. What had occurred to instill her mistrust? Was it related to the fear of men she tried—and failed—to conceal?

“I get you might have had a negative experience with the police, sweetheart. I do. And I’m sorry about that. But you lied. Why?”

She shook her head, her curls glancing off her cheeks. “I-I,” she stuttered, “I didn’t want to tell the detective what the intruder said to me.”

He leaned over the table as fear slithered across his soul like dark clouds over a bright, full moon. “What do you mean? What did he say?”

Another pause, and the skin over her knuckles blanched.

“He said we…didn’t get to spend time together.”

He exploded from his chair. The piece of furniture teetered before rocking forward, the front legs hitting the floor with a thud. He noticed her flinch, but he could do nothing to reassure her. Not while fury raced through his veins.

He stalked from the room and entered the kitchen. He didn’t want to scare her with his rage. Because part of it was directed at Danielle. Why hadn’t she said something earlier? The home invasion, the shooting, her narrow escape… Suddenly, the robbery-gone-wrong had taken on a darker, more sinister cast.

One where she, not her belongings, had been the primary target.

She wasn’t going back to that apartment; if he had to tie her to his home until she saw reason, he would. If Pat hadn’t been there, she could’ve been…

The desire to see her, to stroke her cheek, to pull her into his arms overwhelmed him. He returned to her, a scrap of driftwood being carried back on the swell of need. He’d scanned her in the hospital waiting room, but he had to do it again. Had to convince himself she was truly all right.

Her gaze settled on him the moment he walked into the room, as if she’d been watching the entrance for him. Acknowledging he faced probable rejection, he still strode to the couch and dropped to his knees beside her. He stared into her eyes. Noted the thick, black fringe of lashes. Studied the delicate arch of her dark brows. Detected the soft gasp of air between lush, parted lips.

“Can I touch you?” he whispered.

BIO~

Naima Simone is a multi-published author in contemporary&erotic romance.She’s a member of RWA’s Southern Magic chapter,mother of the Dynamic Duo,lover of everything Vin Diesel &wife to the fabulous husband who tolerates this                                       affair.

You can find Naima here:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

You can purchase SECRETS AND SINS:MALACHIM here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books

GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ IS SHE STILL THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB? READ AND FIND OUT ~

Today I'm featuring a contemporary romance by bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper!

BLURB ~ 

Joint heir to the largest construction company in the state of Ohio, master plumber, Toni (TJ) Jenkins has been groomed to behave in a way that is befitting of the respected Jenkins’ family name. But after she breaks up with the only man she’s ever loved, to protect a secret she holds close to her heart, poor decisions lead her down a path of destruction that risks ruining the reputation of the company her family has worked hard to build.

Cincinnati police officer, Craig Logan, knows Toni is the woman for him. They’ve been apart for months, but when they run into each other at a party, the passion between them sizzles stronger than ever. She says she can’t handle dating a cop, but he senses that something else keeps her from rushing back into his arms. Craig wants her to be his wife, and he’ll do whatever it takes to prove no matter what she’s hiding, she’s still the best woman for the job.

EXCERPT~

“What in the hell were you doing with that jerk?” Craig glanced at her and then back at the road, gripping the steering wheel tight enough for Toni to notice the rippling muscles on his forearm. “Anyone who would get drunk while at an event with his woman’s family is clearly not someone you want to be hanging out with.”

Toni’s pulse sped up and she gritted her teeth. All thoughts of having sex with him flew out the window and were replaced with thoughts of ringing his neck.

“It’s bad enough I have to put up with dating speeches from my cousins,” she said, her voice getting louder with each word. “There is no way I’m going to sit here and take dating advice from you.”

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I just think you can do better. As a matter of fact, you have done better.” He jutted out his chin. The smug look on his face was like that of a hawk feasting on its latest conquest.

“What are you trying to say? That I’m not capable of choosing a decent date? That no one can compare to you? So what, you think you’re the only man worthy of spending time with me and my family?”

He glanced at her again and frowned. “Well…yeah. Compared to that chump, Ronald, I’m frickin Prince Charming.”

“Whatever.” Toni waved his comment off and huffed. She folded her arms across her chest and ran her hands up and down her bare arms. In her haste to leave the party, she’d left without her shawl. The temperature had plummeted into the forties, and it was hard to believe it was springtime.

Craig shot her a look, his eyes zoned in on her hands moving up and down her arms. He reached over and turned up the heat, grabbed his suit jacket from the back seat and handed it to her.

“Listen, I don’t want to argue with you. My only concern is your safety, and I don’t think going out with a guy like Ronald is a good idea.”

Character is built by the choices we make. The words that had been playing around in Toni’s head all evening traveled to the forefront of her mind as she stared out the passenger side window. She blew out a breath and dropped her head against the headrest. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t some little hoochie who had to settle for any man that came along. Successful, handsome men approached her all the time. So why was she dating losers?

She knew why. It started with trying to fix the hole in her heart and then it was more about choosing guys who were just out to have a good time, not those who wanted to get serious and settle down, like Craig.

“So,” Craig cleared his throat, “have you been dating this Ronald guy long?”

Toni could tell he tried to sound casual, but his voice was tense, almost strangled. His expression was anything but casual.

“No,” she said absently. “We weren’t dating. I’ve gone out with him a couple of times, but nothing serious.” Closing her eyes, she fell back into what they once had­—seamless conversation.

Seconds later, her eyes popped opened. Hold up, why was she answering his questions? He no longer had a right to question what she did, or whom she dated even if a small part of her wanted him to know.

“So I guess that means you’re not seeing anyone seriously.” Craig’s voice held a hint of uncertainty, so unlike his take charge personality.

“I guess it does.” She turned her back to him and fully faced the passenger window as he arrived on her grandparent’s street. It was time to put an end to the direction that the conversation was going. The last thing she wanted was for Craig to think there was a chance for them to get back together.

Toni shrugged off his jacket and returned it to the back seat with every intention of thanking him and then jumping out of the car, but then he touched her. A jolt of adrenaline whipped through her body and her heart rate kicked into double time. Damn this man. The hold he had on her arm was gentle, yet firm. She stared down at his hand and then turned to face him.

Those eyes. Eyes so beautifully intense reached down to the depths of her soul, and all the love she once felt for him came rushing back. Double damn him.

“Toni.” He swept a lock of her hair off her face and the back of his hand slid down her cheek. She leaned into his touch and her eyes fluttered closed. “I love you,” he said. “I know you don’t want to hear that, but I do. That means I care about your safety and baby I know guys like Ronald. They’re bad news.” Toni heard concern in his voice, but his words of love caressed her like a gentle summer breeze against her heated skin.

She risked a glance at him and the heart-rending tenderness of his gaze touched her from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. “I know.” She didn’t bother clarifying which statement she was agreeing to because both statements were true – Craig loved her and Ronald was bad news.

BIO~  

Bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, lives in Atlanta with her husband and enjoys reading, writing, and rainy days. She writes sweet and contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense. Sharon is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW), and a member of the Page a Day Writers Group. 

To find Sharon:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

To purchase STILL THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB: 
Amazon

~ LOVE, VENGEANCE, AND BROADWAY MUSICALS ~

Thank you so much, M.J. for sharing your place with me! I truly appreciate it and I'd love to share a little but about the inspiration for the villain in FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE.

Yep, you read that right: the villain. He's a sick kind of guy. Totally twisted, but also totally in love with Broadway and that's the part I want to share with you!

You might be wondering why Broadway plays such a big role in the suspense story in FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE.

Well, many ages ago I used to play the bassoon. That’s the thing that looks like a bazooka and sounds like a foghorn. If you’ve ever heard THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, it’s that instrument you hear with the main melody. Here’s what it looks like:

Photo Credit: Gregory F. Maxwell@en.wikipedia.com

Not a very common instrument so as a kid, I was always being asked to play in various orchestras, bands and the one thing I loved the most: pit orchestras for musicals.

I was lucky to be involved in dozens of productions through high school and even in college, where I played my absolute for my absolute favorite Broadway musical – West Side Story. My other favorite is The Sound of Music, but unfortunately I never got to do that one.

But I did do some classics, like South Pacific, The King and I, and too many others to count!

Those musicals and my love for them inspired the villain and the how and why of his deciding to target aspiring young actors and actresses.

I also walk through Times Square and the Broadway area on a regular basis both on my way to work and as a tourist.

I hope you enjoyed this behind the scenes look at FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE. Now I’d love to hear from you on whether or not you like musicals or have been to Broadway or a local venue to see one!

About For Love or Vengeance~

FBI Special Agent Helene Alexander is a goddess. An actual frickin’ goddess. And her mission is clear, see that justice is served at all times or her days as a goddess are numbered.

Helene’s new FBI partner defines good-looking, but Miguel Sanchez, wants nothing to do with her ends-justify-the-means attitude. He knows through experience the type of guilt her actions can bring and Miguel wants nothing to do with Helene’s careless ways. Even if she’s so damned hot she makes him burn with the need.

When the serial killer they’re tracking strikes again, Helene and Miguel are drawn into a case that will challenge their most fundamental beliefs about justice and vengeance. But it’s the passion between them that forces a goddess to choose: eternal life with all her powers…or death—to save the man she loves.

Excerpt~

It was crazy. Certifiably so.





Dangerous.



Thrilling.



Helene and Miguel had made it to her Chelsea apartment in record time and now they stood in her living room, barely a hand’s breadth apart. Anticipation charged the air around them. She couldn’t remember ever wanting a man quite this much. The evening had been romantic, he was gorgeous, and her body was pulsing with need. She felt warm despite the slight chill of the air.



Miguel gently stroked his fingers over her hair and she almost felt the blast of heat from the contact. He smoothed the curls and laid his hand at the crook of her neck.



“So soft,” he murmured, brushing his fingertips over her skin.



She worried her lower lip, even as she savored his touch.



This was a dangerous step they were taking.



Dangerous both emotionally and physically.



“Are you sure?” he asked. He reached up with his thumb, soothed the spot on her lip that she had been biting.



She didn’t delude himself that the night would lead to anything more permanent. She almost wondered what had possessed her to make the invitation in the first place. No good could come of a relationship with her partner.



Then again, they weren’t talking about a relationship. They were two consenting adults doing what consenting adults did. She smiled. “I’m sure we’ll enjoy this. And no, I won’t regret it.”



Relief washed over his features, but it was tinged with apology, and she understood. He was a man for whom sleeping together was a prelude to something deeper. Something more profound. But for her, sex was just sex.



So she took the next logical step. Literally.



She closed the distance between them until her body was pressed to his and then combed through the strands of his hair. Dipped her hand down to cradle the back of his head and urge him forward, her gaze locked with his until that moment when their lips finally touched and desire dragged their eyes shut.



She was no stranger to his kiss, having experienced it the other day, but that didn’t make it any less
enticing.

He was an amazing kisser. He moved his lips against hers, urged her to open her mouth with a slight tug of her lower lip with his teeth. That gentle nip pulled a shudder from her. And a stab of desire to feel his mouth elsewhere on her body.



Without breaking away from his kiss, she eased her hands beneath his suit jacket and slipped it off his shoulders. Did the same with his holster, which thudded against the wood floor. She undid the buttons on his shirt, parted it, and covered his chest with her hands.



“Princess, are you in a rush? Because I’m not,” he said against her lips, breaking away from the kiss.



“You’re not?” she asked, puzzled by his restraint.



He skimmed his large hands across her shoulders, down her arms and to her hands. Twining his fingers with hers, he said, “All good things take time.”

About Caridad Pineiro

New York Times and USA Today bestselling paranormal and romantic suspense author Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word and in 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released. Over a decade later, Caridad is the author of more than thirty published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista.

Find Caridad:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Find For Love or Vengeance:

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books

~ THE SUSPENSE OF SWEET TREASON ~

Today I have the great honor of handing over my blog to author Gail Ranstrom.

WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN THEN

Hindsight, they say, is 20/20. I’m inclined to agree. But how can we benefit from it if we don’t get it until it’s too late? Well, we just have to believe it’s never too late. Whether we’re 19 or 90, we can still learn from our past and adjust our sails for the future.

I think we see traces of this in the old women who sit in their rockers and say outrageous things. They’ve finally learned, or decided, to say what’s on their minds. Sometimes it slips out in unexpected ways and we all giggle and think what an eccentric old granny is. Or was she just sitting there and suddenly thought, What the heck. If I don’t say it now, I never will. And what can I say but, Keep it coming, granny! and give her a high five?

So now I’m somewhere in the middle and wondering what advice I wish my mother had given me, and what advice I’m going to give my grandchildren when they’re old enough to hear it.

I think I’m going to say, Be brave! Be fierce! Be kind. Be who you are and stay true to yourself. Live and love intensely. Stand up for what you believe in and never cower to a bully. Never give up and never give in. Be proud but never so proud that you cannot admit when you’re wrong. In that order.

Good advice? Or a recipe for disaster? I don’t know. But I intend to live the rest of my life that way. And if experience teaches me anything different, I’ll adjust my sails yet again.

So what do you know now that you wish you knew then? What advice will you, or have you, given your own children or grandchildren?

BLURB~

Passion and deadly secrets…

On the run from British troops, American Revolutionary War spy Ryan Straughn forces Emily Nevins to hide him on her English farm. But Emily already keeps secrets that could mean her demise if discovered. Nevertheless as the long night wears on, attraction sizzles and they give in to unexpected passion, sure they’ll never see each other again…

Deception and desire…

A chance encounter in London society stirs heated memories of their sensual night together. They begin a heady dance of suspicion and desire. Though sympathetic to the struggling Colonists, Emily cannot trust a traitorous spy who may expose her dangerous intrigues. And Ryan risks his very life by trusting a woman privy to his true loyalties. But they are unable to deny their need for one another, even as Emily’s secrets are about to be exposed, and the noose around Ryan’s neck grows tighter.

Betrayal and love…

And now someone has discovered both their secrets. The price of silence? Betrayal. Of their causes, their love, their futures. In the end, lives will be lost and sacrifices made. Their choice is impossible. Which will they surrender—their lives…or their hearts?

EXCERPT~

The stranger lowered his head further to leave a path of soft insistent kisses from her earlobe to the well of her shoulder blade. The sensation was like nothing she’d felt before—intimate, urging, almost desperate. Heaven help her, Emily wanted more. He slipped his hand down her back, molding her against him. The hot, hard bulge pressing against her belly ignited an answering heat in hers. Naughty. Wicked. Exciting…

He asked a question, his voice a deep vibration that reached to her toes. Her very flesh tingled, sending shivers of delight through her. Her breasts ached and became exquisitely tender. She gasped as he drew her even closer, his large hands moving along her spine.

“Yes…,” she sighed, affirming her suspicion that this man’s arms would be heaven.

“Sweet…” His voice was hoarse with desire as he lifted his head to speak as he brushed across her lips. “Are you the most courageous woman I know…or the most reckless?”

Reckless. Unconscionably reckless…

He nudged her robe open with his chin and lowered his mouth to the slope of one aching breast. She caught her breath and choked back another gasp when he captured one tingling crown with his lips and tugged gently. She tangled her fingers through his dark hair to hold him close. The sensation was so foreign, yet so completely delicious, that she wanted it to go on forever. She sighed. “Tell me your…name, sir, that I…may know who my dreams…”

“You mock me?” he growled.

She gave a soft, husky laugh at his pretended outrage.

The deep vibration of his voice against her skin sent shock waves along her spine.

“By all that is holy…I must be mad! Were it any night but tonight, I’d sweep this desk clear and take you here and now.”

Emily fervently wished it were any other night. She’d have yielded him anything—everything—when he nibbled a greedy path back up her neck and cherished the tender flesh at the hollow of her throat before lifting his head.

He brushed tendrils of hair back from her cheeks with this thumbs. “Now that you’ve seen my face, my only safety—and yours—lies in the fact that you do not know who I am.”

She did not bother to deny his accusation. But betrayal had been the furthest thing from her mind. She caught her breath on a gasp as he slipped his hand up her bare thigh, exposed in the gap of her robe.

She struggled free of his arms and moved away, fighting to regain her composure and recall the true nature of this man.

Blood-red splotches on his shirt sleeve reminded her that this man had murdered someone this very night. She would be fortunate if she escaped with her life. She pushed him away to gather her robe more closely around her. This had to end before she forgot herself again. She was breathless when she spoke. “Your ten minutes are up, sir. If you are a man of your word, you will leave.”

ABOUT  GAIL RANSTROM~

Gail has been a seamstress making waitress uniforms for a German Beer Garden, Inventory Clerk at the UofM, an Advertising Account Coordinator and PR writer in a crazy high pressure office, and a Commercial Property Manager in the Los Angeles area. In between, she’s partnered in an Antique business—don’t ask her about Antique Auctions.

Finally, she was tempted by a vocation where she was in control of the next crisis, and could solve it, too—writing. She is the author of ten novels, three novellas and a brand new release, SWEET TREASON, from Entangled Publishing.

You can find Gail at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

You can find SWEET TREASON at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ YOU'RE GONNA WANT TO SINK YOUR TEETH INTO THIS BOOK! LIBERTY AWAKENED~

Today I have the privilege to have on a friend of mine, author Alicia Dean. She has a background in editing, but what she has taught me the most about is marketing. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, Alicia. So let's not waste any time! When did your love for writing start?

When I was a child, maybe ten or eleven. I wrote a romance when I was about eleven that I still have, hand written in pencil, and probably nearly impossible to read. My penmanship sucks now, so you can imagine how bad it was before I got all this practice. Not to mention, the pencil is probably faded.

I started out young, too. Second grade! Mine was in pen but has been lost along the way. Tell us, what is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

That the writing world is a close knit community and other authors are amazingly giving and supportive.

I think that was my answer to that question, too. Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

Yes, I am a legal assistant in a family law firm. It meshes very well, other than being a full-time job. My bosses are very understanding when I need to take time off, and with the crazy world of divorce and custody battles, I am gathering tons of material for future books.

I bet. Can you share with us where you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. I lived in Kansas City for three years, from 2006 to 2009, and I loved it. I would love to live there again—it’s an awesome place--but I would miss my friends and family. I have friends there that I miss too, though, so…I guess I’m just hard to please. I would also love to live somewhere really cold and wintery. Ideally, I would like to be a multi-millionaire and have homes scattered all over the place. I love to travel, so that would be amazing!

What about family? Married? Kids? Pets?

Divorced, three grown kids who are like my best friends—Lana, Lacey, and my son, Presley. No pets.

Now, just for fun, when trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you didn’t like to get?

I hated those black and orange wrapped brown square chewy candies, peanut butter maybe? I only see them at Halloween, but I always seemed to get a ton of them.

I think they may have been maple, and you're right, they were AWFUL! What CD is in your CD player right now?

Elvis Presley’s Prince from Another Planet

Ahh, The King. I wouldn't have guessed that. Name your favorite children's story.

The Little Match Girl. It was so sad…haunting. (Yes, I was twisted, even as a child)

That is pretty twisted! Well, this has been a lot of fun! Thank you for visiting with us today. Now let's find out a little bit about one of Alicia's books.

BLURB~

Evil lurks beneath the surface in the beauty of the tropics…

After graduation from her small, Oklahoma high school, Liberty Delacort is looking forward to a fun-filled summer before college. But when the people she trusts the most betray her, and a letter arrives claiming her deceased father is still alive, she jumps at the chance to travel to an exotic island to meet him.

But her excitement is short-lived. Her father is dying, and he doesn’t want her around. And, in spite of its outward tranquility, the island is filled with danger and ominous secrets. The secrets soon begin to unravel, and she discovers she is a descendant of Van Helsing, the vampire hunter.

The one up side is her budding romance with the sweet and sexy Ryan Kelly. But even that is threatened when—in spite of her fear of him—she finds herself attracted to an insolent, formidable vampire. Her plan to stay away from him fails when she learns he is the only one with the ability to train her to fulfill her destiny—to save humans from a faction of vicious vampires.

Will her inexperience lead to her death—and the death of others—or will she rise to the challenge and realize her full potential as a Hunter?

EXCERPT ~

At the Van Helsing house, Eli climbed out and opened the passenger door. Sliding one arm beneath Liberty’s knees and one behind her back, he gently lifted her from the car. Her head lolled against his shoulder. His chest tightened at the soft feel of her against him. He tilted his head, the urge to rub his cheek along the silky hair more powerful than any craving for blood he’d ever had. He gritted his teeth and forced the thought away. Get a grip, man. She’s not for you. Not in a million years.

Favreau opened the door as soon as Eli stepped onto the porch. He moved back and gestured for Eli to enter, then followed him up the stairs.

Antoine turned the knob to her bedroom, and Eli went inside and lowered her onto the mattress. She didn’t move. Her thick lashes cast a shadow against her pale cheeks. Her breasts rose and fell with her steady breathing. That same tightening came back to his chest, moving up to his throat.

“I can take it from here,” Antoine said. “How did she do?”

Eli curled his lip. “She’s getting better,” he whispered. “But she’s not a warrior.”

“She must learn to be.” Antoine put a hand on Eli’s arm, and he turned to face the older man. “She cannot be your Grande Amour.”

“I know that,” he snapped, still whispering.

“Does she?”

“She is with Ryan.”

“A woman, especially a young woman her age, can have many loves. Does she know why she can never be yours?”

A whoosh of air escaped Eli’s lungs. He didn’t want to discuss this with Antoine—or anyone else for that matter. He knew Liberty had to mate with a human. She had to continue the Van Helsing line…have babies with another man. He couldn’t give her that. Not ever. He damn sure didn’t need Antoine reminding him.

He shook his head, then spun and stalked from the room.


BIO ~

I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. I have three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. I have dreamed of being an author since I was a young child. There is no feeling in the world like seeing your dreams fulfilled, and I couldn't be happier. I wrote my first romance at age 11, and my hero looked just like Elvis Presley (which I plainly stated in the story as my description :)). I still have that story, but I hope I have learned and grown as a writer over the years.

I write suspense and paranormal, among a few other random genres from time to time. I am a launch author for Amazon Kindle Worlds, with two Vampire Diaries stories and one Gossip Girl story.

Other than reading and writing, my passions are MLB, NFL, and watching my favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Justified, and Dexter (Until I get caught up, now that it has gone away…forever..boohooo). My favorite authors, and this is only a small sampling, are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Jonathan Kellerman... I could go on and on. Oh yeah, and I am still an avid Elvis Presley fan.

Find LIBERTY AWAKENED at:  http://amzn.com/B00B3N6PMA 

Please visit my website/blog at: www.AliciaDean.com

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

~ WON'T YOU TIME TRAVEL WITH ME TODAY? COME ALONG TO THE ROARING TWENTIES AND TO A SPEAKEASY CALLED THE BLUE LUTE!~

Today we have a very special visit with Brandon and Lilly from Eryn LaPlant's THE BLUE LUTE. 

So Brandon, tell the folks back home about yourself? What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

Well, my name is Brandon Crowley and I’m a musician. I learned a great deal about reading music and playing instruments growing up in New York City. I found I have a knack for creating both song and lyric and it doesn’t take long for me to learn a new piece. I play stringed instruments, mostly the stand-up bass and guitar, but I can also play piano and bass guitar as well. Jazz was my first love, musically and even though I listen to more modern tunes now, I still try to incorporate a bit of the old sound in my work.

How did you and Lilly meet? What was your first impression of her?

The first time I “met” Lilly I was being arrested outside her apartment building. I was being shoved into the police car for trespassing--it’s a long story--and there she was, standing on the stairs in a gray skirt and black shirt with her blonde hair curling around her face. She was exquisite and looked at me with curiosity rather than disgust or pity. I couldn’t help but nod in her direction, despite being taken away.

[MJ leans closer.] So what is it that you really like about her?

What do I like about Lilly? Everything! {laughs} She’s smart, beautiful, cunning…and just a tad stubborn but I love it. The more I get to know her the more I find myself in love with her. She’s the kind of woman who doesn’t give up on anything, especially if it regards something having to do with history. Loving history is a big part of her life, so when she goes off on her tangents about Paul Revere or Abraham Lincoln, I’ve learned just to go with it. It can be just a tad irritating but still, it’s one of the reasons I love her.

I understand. My husband's habit of roughhousing with our boys is irritating, yet cute at the same time. Has life handed you any major disappointments, Brandon?


Of course. The 1920s were a very rough time period. It wasn’t uncommon to be dodging the law week in and week out. But, hey, how else was I supposed to make a living? But unfortunately having such a dicey career does lend itself to disappointments. We lose people we love, we can’t trust people we should, and yet life still goes on. But I do tend to like focusing on the positive side of life though. I have a wonderful girlfriend and friends who care for me – nothing is better than that.

You're absolutely right. And that's a great outlook by the way. Speaking of positive things, if you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

Spend it with my love, Lilly. We could take it slow and gradually make our way out to Central Park for a walk. Maybe we could grab a hot dog from a vendor cart and people-watch from our perch on the Alice in Wonderland fountain. Afterwards, we could meet up with our good friends Eliza and Matthew and have a dinner out somewhere. Knowing Lilly, chocolate would be on the dessert plate. I digress from what else we’d do for the rest of the evening but please use your imagination. We do have a vivid love story. {winks}

What CD is in your CD player right now?


CD Players – ha! Right, those tiny silver records. Let’s see…I have a Johnny Coltrane in there. He’s just the embodiment of cool. No one can play a sax like he can.

I'm more a Nickelback girl myself, but I'll take your word on that. [Laughs.] Well now it's Lilly's turn. Tell us about yourself Lilly. What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses?

Hi everyone, I’m Lilly Charles, doctoral student at New York University. My strengths? Hmm…well, I have about a million history facts roaming around in my head at any given moment. I have this uncanny knack for soaking up my favorite subject like a sponge. It should come in handy for when I intern in the curator’s office at the Natural History Museum next year. My weaknesses are pretty much in the same arena. No matter what the subject, I have to learn everything about it. It’s a blessing and a curse.

I can understand that! So what’s your family like, and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My family was a dear one. Full of love and kindness, but notice I said “was.” It seems as though tragedy has been with me since before I was born. My father never made it home from the Vietnam War, my grandparents died of elderly diseases and I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was seventeen. It’s been a rough road, but it’s made me who I am. Someday I’ll see them again, and when I do, they’ll see that they raised a strong, independent woman who could change the world in her own way. {wipes away a tear}

That's very touching. Lilly, if you could pick any object, what tangible object would you pick to symbolize you?

That’s an easy one: my great-grandmother’s ballerina statuette. It’s been in our family for 70-something years and has been passed down from generation to generation. My mother gave it to me shortly before she passed and I’ll treasure it until I can give it to a daughter I may have in the future.

[MJ slides a quick look at Brandon.] Describe Brandon. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time?

Mmm Brandon. {smiles} He’s probably the most handsome, well-round, gentlemanly man I’ve ever met. Think debonair old movie star with a musical flair. I think I was drawn to him from the very beginning. I met him being taken away by the police outside my apartment building, you know? So you would think my first impression would be fright or disappointment in the criminal I saw, but it wasn’t. I saw a sadness in his eyes that I couldn’t place, and it bugged me to no end. When we finally did meet, I learned why he was so despondent and helped him in his plight to find the truth to his many questions. Then slowly he changed into the loving, vibrant man I know and love today. Isn’t it amazing how time can change a person?

It is indeed! Is there anything about Brandon that you would consider a flaw?

Brandon’s only flaw is that he trusts too much. Sometimes he can’t see that people are taking advantage of him and it makes me so angry, because I know he deserves better. But then again, if he never trusted me to believe his odd tale, we would have never been brought together. So with the bad comes the good.

Just one more question, and this one's a fun one. If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?


Probably curled up with a book, listening to Brandon play some guitar. Mmm there’s nothing better than spending the day with him. Well, not unless there’s a box of old letters to go through and research! Ooh and maybe there’d be a mystery uncovered in there and we’d have to rush over to the library and find out what was going on and…

Brandon: Honey… you’re doing it again.

Lilly: {laughs} The crazy historian thing?

Brandon: Uh huh, I don’t think the readers want to think of us spending the day together in a dusty, moldy library. And neither do I, for that matter.

Lilly: Would they rather hear about us snuggled up in bed all day then?

Brandon: Well…{slowly grins} I don’t know about them, but I sure as heck wouldn’t mind. Good-bye MJ. I’m taking her up on her idea before something historic comes around. Thanks for the interview!

[Clears throat.] Uhh, yes. Well, then. Uhh...thank you both for joining me today. And now, here's more about THE BLUE LUTE:

A doctoral candidate in history, Lilly Charles lives in a modern-day treasure trove of 1920s architecture—Manhattan’s St. Jean Apartments. The former hotel was once in the center of New York City’s jazz scene, and holds secrets Lilly is only beginning to discover.

A musical star in his own time, Brandon Crowley lived in an age of prohibition and gangsters, surrounded by the glamour of old Hollywood and the comfort of true friendships. As co-owner of the notorious speakeasy, The Blue Lute, he poured his life and love into his business—as a storm fueled by passion, liquor, murder and money was unleashed. And in the midst of it all, Brandon simply … disappeared.

When Lilly sees Brandon in a nearly 80-year-old photograph from the basement of the St. Jean, her reality comes undone. Could he be the same man she just saw arrested for breaking into the building? As Lilly is drawn deeper into the mysteries of Brandon’s life, a new storm of desire and danger begins to brew. Beneath the silvery moon and glitter of Times Square, an epic love story across the decades is about to unfold.

EXCERPT ~

Minutes later, the train stopped and Lilly exited, making her way to her new apartment. But as she turned the corner of 28th and 7th Street, there were two police cars parked in front of the building.

“Great,” she said with dismay. Her last apartment was in a bad neighborhood and in constant threat of crime. She’d specifically chosen this area for peace, quiet and a door that didn’t require five locks. She’d only moved in two days ago. This was not a good start. Standing back, she watched the action emerging from the front door. Her superintendent, Mr. Crooker, a large balding man eating a sandwich, stood off to the side as the two policemen were escorted a man out in handcuffs.
She inched up the steps and over to the super. 

“What’s going on?"

"Ehh, I found this creep snoopin’ around the basement.”

The police each had a hand on their captive’s elbows, leading him down to the car. Lilly stared at the man walking by. He was tall but hunched forward and when he turned his head, his dark, wavy hair to blew away from his face, revealing two pained blue eyes. Not a physical pain, but an emotional longing, deep and relentless. Something she knew all too well. She felt her chest rise in a gasp. His gaze locked onto hers and sympathy washed over her like a wave. Who was this man and what was troubling him so much that
his stare made her want to cry?

He was placed in the patrol car and through the window he gave her a gracious nod. Without thinking, Lilly raised her hand in a slow wave. The corner of his mouth lifted into a sort of smile, and the car drove away. She shivered and curled her fingers into her palm, wrapping her arms around her torso.

“Do you know him?” Mr. Crooker asked.

She shook her head. “I’ve never seen before in my life.”

"Huh. Could’ve fooled me.”

Author Bio:

Eryn LaPlant grew up wishing she could have lived in another time, so now she writes her own romances and lives through her characters. When not writing, she spends time with her loving husband, and their handsome son in the land of Lincoln. If she can't live in the past, she figures she can at least live amongst it!

* * *

Hello to the world! I am a former slave for the working world and presently a woman of many trades. I am a wife, a mother, an antiques collector, a painter, a baker, a gardener, a photographer, a historian and my favorite by far a novelist (well except the first two in my list)! Thanks for checking me out!

You can find Eryn at: http://novelisterynlaplant.wordpress.com/ and on Facebook and Twitter.

You can purchase THE BLUE LUTE at: Amazon, Black Lion Publishing

GIVEAWAY!

Eryn would also like to give away a prize, some wonderful Blue Lute swag! Just be sure to ask Brandon or Lilly a question in the comments field and she will pick one winner at random. Please include your email address so that we can contact you about your prize.

Thanks for reading!

~ YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE, BUT HAVE YOU HEARD OF AN ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE? ~

Today I am happy to be entertaining Leanne from Jessica Subject's ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE. What a great title! So Leanne, why don't you start out by telling us a little about yourself? What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses?

Hello MJ! I’m Leanne Declan and I’m twenty-two. I work at my family’s dairy farm, or at least I used to, until I got my hand caught in a grain auger and had to have it amputated. Now, I’m just trying to adjust to having no right hand, doing basic things like getting dressed. Strengths? I’m not sure I have many anymore. But, after some encouragement from our farmhand, Jake, I’m going to try and do some things around the farm. Weaknesses? Well, you try going a day without the use of your dominant hand. I have to go a lifetime.

What’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents are wonderful. They taught me the value of hard work. I feel like I’ve disappointed them now after the accident. I should have been more careful.

Accidents happen, Leanne. Even at my day job, as a lunch lady, I have gotten cut, and burned, and smashed fingers, etc. Now tell me about your earliest childhood memory?

I remember being in the barn with my father, him teaching me how to milk the cows. He used to take me out in the tractor to plow the fields as well. Sometimes I’d fall asleep in the tractor with him. Now I can do it all myself. Or, I used to, before I lost my hand. Maybe someday I’ll be out there doing it all again.

You talked about Jake. Is he your hero?Describe him. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time?

Jake? I never expected him to be my hero. He’s always been there by my side, annoying the crap out of me. Now, I don’t know how I could get through the day without him. He’s still always there, but he won’t let me give up on my dreams. He keeps pushing, more so than my parents.

Is there anything about Jake that you would consider a flaw?

He doesn’t give up. On anything. Sure, sometimes I need the encouragement, but sometimes I need a break, too.

What is it that you want out of life?

I’ve always wanted to take over the farm. I never remember wanting to do anything else. And if Jake doesn’t give up on me along the way, maybe we can have a future together.

With all this talk about work, let's take the discussion in another direction. After all, it's almost the weekend! If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

A free day? What’s that? If in the summer, I’d love to go to the beach, walk through the sand, have a campfire, and catch a movie. In the winter, I would go tobogganing. I always loved that as a kid.

What songs are you listening to on your mp3 player lately?

Jake sent me a bunch that he thought would be encouraging. I guess they are. The one I listen to the most is What Doesn’t Kill You by Kelly Clarkson.
 

That is a valuable lesson to learn. Well, that's all I have. Thanks for joining us today!

Now let's hear a little bit about ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE:

At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true? 
The Challenge series 

By Jessica E. Subject 

Contemporary Western New Adult Romance 

ISBN: 978-1613334607 

Buy Links: 

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

EXCERPT~ 

A million needles pierced her wrist. She had to get away from the fire. Leanne flicked open her eyes, screaming, longing for the agony to stop.

White walls surrounded her. Machines beeped. Taking in the new scenery, she closed her mouth, the pain forgotten. Bags filled with clear liquids as well as blood hung from a metal pole. She followed the tubes from the bags into her left hand. Was that where the burn came from? She glanced at the other arm, the end of which was wrapped in thick bandages. The image of spinning blades and her mangled flesh flashed before her eyes. She screamed again, tears falling down her cheeks. This can’t be happening.

Bodies rushed into the room, many in scrubs. With her vision blurred, she didn’t recognize anyone. All strangers. She was in the foreign place by herself. A nightmare. Has to be.

“Shh, calm down, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”

A familiar voice. She glanced to her other side to see her mom standing beside her, her eyes glassy. She held her hand, but Leanne couldn’t feel it, only the throbbing which had returned to her other one, the one that was…gone? She groaned, turning on her side, and pulled her knees up to her chest.

“Mom, is it really…?”

She brushed her fingers over her forehead. “Don’t worry about it right now. You need to rest.”

“It hurts so bad.”

“I know.” Her mother stroked her face again. “But the nurses will help it go away.”

“Leanne,” one of the nurses hovering around her said. “I want you to take deep breaths and count backward from ten.”

“Ten.” She sucked in air and cried out in agony.

Between clenched teeth, she continued. Anything to stop the pain. “Nine.”

Ice traveled through her veins. “Eight.”

The throbbing slowly ebbed away. Seven.

Darkness swept over her and pulled her down with it.

Bio: 

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. 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 on twitter @jsubject.

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Jessica has been kind enough to offer one lucky commentor an e-copy of ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE. She will draw the winner's name on the 21st, so be sure to comment below. Good luck!