Tell us about your favorite character from your books?

I loved writing about Katie from “Gone to the Dogs” I wrote that book in first person and loved being “in her head” all the time!
Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx

Tell us about your current/upcoming release.

“Anything You Can Do” was released by Breathless Press on 19 Feb., http://www.breathlesspress.com. BLURB:

When her daycare facility needs financial aid in order to offer the employees at Ryan Industries the best care for their children, Allison Minetti approaches the CEO, Jeffrey Ryan. After he fails to answer her requests for a partnership, Allison dares him to spend one week at the center. Jeff accepts the challenge and ups the ante by demanding her company for the weekend if he wins.
Instant mutual attraction leads to a week of seductive teasing and brief steamy encounters. Is there a way for them both to win? Or will someone’s interference in their challenge lead to mistaken conclusions and pull them apart?

How would you describe your writing style?

I like to think I write as I would “tell” someone my story, face-to-face. Easy to read and understand, yet intriguing enough to catch a reader’s attention.

Tell us five things about you.

1. I have 7 grandsons and am VERY good at buying “BLUE”.
2. When I first taught Kindergarten, I dated two men on the USS Enterprise at the same time but during their different work/time off shifts. Obviously I could function on less sleep then and had more energy!
3. When my husband worked at the White House, we had a direct line to the WH switchboard and had to keep the kids from using that line.
4. I write nonfiction memoirs as a ghostwriter.
5. I once took archery lessons.

What is on your bookcase/E-reader right now? What are some of your favorite authors?

Too many books to mention on my Sony reader, and a few print books I still need to get to, including some non-romance books by Glenn Beck. Favorite authors? Again, lots of ebook authors, plus Carla Cassidy, and love romances by Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland (although I don’t write in that genre).

What do you have coming in 2010? Any sneak peeks we can look at?

I’m trying to find an agent for a nonfiction book about a woman who lived in Sarajevo during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War. In romance, I’m 3/4 of the way done with a paranormal mainstream romance, and just started another erotic romance.

Where can readers find you on the web?

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.aprilash.net (erotic)

http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com

http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com (every Monday)

If we talked to your muse, what would they say about you?

“Marianne likes to find humor in her writing, although some of it can be suspenseful. If she could only get past the dreaded “middle of the book” writer’s block…” Happens with every book!

If you were a superhero, what would your name be and would you wear tights and a cape? What super power would you have?

Super Organizer. No tights or cape. I like to organize everything, and drive people crazy sometimes. My super power would be to magically wave my hand and have everyone’s life/home/job be completely organized and scheduled.

You get to meet any fictional character. Who would it be and what would you do together?

Jessica Fletcher from the “Murder, She Wrote” series. Love how she solves crimes. I’d like to get some story ideas from her that haven’t been done yet!

Where can readers find you on the web?

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13 Cerridwen Press

http://www.breathlesspress.com

“Anything You Can Do” release date TBA

http://www.aprilash.net

http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11 Ellora’s Cave
“SEXY GAMES” http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7393-sexy-games.aspx
5 HEARTS, Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance, REVIEWER TOP PICK

*****

Sneak Peek into “Anything You Can Do” by Marianne Stephens

Buy Link: www.breathlesspress.com

EXCERPT:

Allison thought she’d go crazy. Being stuck in an overheated elevator within kissing distance of a sexy, charming man, made her crave to purr like a kitten. The electricity charging the air between them should’ve been enough to jump-start the elevator.

As sanity warred with the fantasies marching through her brain, Allison scooted a short distance away from Jeff. She smoothed her skirt before pushing back the damp curls clinging to her forehead. Damn his kissable lips. Their closeness weakened her control and made her vulnerable.

“I wish they’d work faster.” Exhaustion and the heat, coupled with embarrassment and passion, tore at her composure.

“So. One week with you and the kids. I won’t be left alone with them, right?” A tinge of nervousness colored his question.

Allison laughed and then said in a nonchalant tone, “Absolutely not. I have to make sure they’re taken care of in case you decide to escape.”

A sly grin spread across his face. “Just checking. I wouldn’t wanna whip them into shape and encroach on your territory.”

A niggling doubt crossed her mind. When he’d accepted the challenge, she’d been positive he wouldn’t be able to handle even one day in the daycare. Could he make it through a week?

“I’ve gotta stand up and stretch. Maybe the air from the vent will reach my head quicker that way.” Jeff maneuvered his body into an upright position. “Hey, I think it’s cooler when you stand.” He offered his hand to Allison.

She grasped it, and prickles of heat raced up her arm. He gave a gentle tug and helped her up. Once standing, Allison wiggled her hand free and concentrated on yanking down her skirt. Doing something, anything, helped her forget his burning touch. “Yep, it’s cooler this way.” She fanned her face with her hand.

“Should we shake hands and seal our deal?” Jeff stretched out his hand to once again encase hers.

“Let me make sure I absolutely understand this. If you live through one week of daycare, all I have to do is accompany you around town for a weekend, no strings attached?”

He drew back his hand and placed it over his heart. “That’s the deal and all I ask.” He grinned and added in a sexy tone, “Unless you decide to change the rules.”

Allison considered the realities of their agreement. Although confident she’d win, logic wormed its way into her assessment of their dare. Even if she lost, she’d be in his company. She could sneak her requests into their conversations, so it wouldn’t be a total defeat.

“Hey down there! Grab onto something or hit the floor. I’m gonna start up the motor!”

With one huge grating sound, the elevator jolted and rocked into action, causing them to lose their balance. They stumbled as the car sped upward. Jeff landed in a sitting position.

Unsteady on her feet, Allison tripped and lost her footing. Jeff reached out, gripped her hips to stop her from falling backward, and pulled her down toward him. She landed with unladylike grace in his lap, renting inches of splits in her skirt seams as she straddled his body.

They grabbed onto each other, locked in an intimate embrace. Basic instincts took over. Her lips slid across his, and her hands wound into his curly hair. His tongue teased her into a frenzy of soul-searching kisses.

Jeff groaned and moved his head back to rest against the wall. “Wow. Very nice.”

Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. Is it part of a series? A stand alone title? What inspired it?

My latest release is a stand alone title, Diary of an Incubus. It is, like many of my books inspired by dreams and just flat wish fulfillment. LOL Who doesn’t want two hot vampires?

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to put what I think, feel, and imagine into words. It’s wonderful. I hate that I never have enough time to spend coming up with all those words.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I like to sketch my characters sometimes. I normally do this while listening to R&B and enjoying a glass of wine. I occasionally share my drawings with some of my closest friends, but they tend to drool on my notebook.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

I would love to go back to Jamaica, simply because I’ve been there before and it was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. It’s an easy place to forget the rest of the world … I think we could all use that from time to time.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

I would take Lilith Mercury’s (from my werewolf hunter series) life over mine most any day. LOL

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

J.K. Rowling is one of my new favorites. I am in love with Professor Snape. LOL Other than that, I tend to stick to the classics. My bookshelf is full of a little bit of everything, comic books (I collect Batman and Vampirella), reference books (Vampire Dictionary, Bullfinch’s Mythology, etc.). I haven’t read anything in my own genre in a while, just because I don’t want it to influence my work.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

*sigh* All the time. Sometimes, I get my best ideas then.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?

I pursued my dream of becoming a bestselling author and didn’t listen to the people who said I couldn’t do it.

What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween. I just love to dress up. It’s like the one day of the year where I get to be myself.

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?

Hmm … That’s a tough one. Probably Bitten or Diary of an Incubus, they really are a tie.

And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*

A tie once again. In Bitten there are four hot vamps and in Diary of an Incubus there are two …. I just can’t decide. LOL

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

You can find out more about me and my books at www.traceyhkitts.com

On a slightly different note, I thought readers might like to know that 10% of all my royalties are always donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. That goes for every book.

Sneak Peek into Diary of an Incubus, now available at New Concepts Publishing:

“Of course. Like I was saying, I love clubs. There are so many different kinds of fear here. Fear of being alone, fear of never finding that special someone and falling in love.” As he spoke Alucard clapped his hands together and batted his eyes.

I laughed. “You’re sick.”

“This is true, but you find me attractive.”

He winked at me and I couldn’t fight back the smile. Still, I denied it. I mean, I wasn’t supposed to find the bad guy attractive. And Alucard was the bad guy … wasn’t he?

“What? How dare you?”

This time he laughed and I shivered again. I was beginning to learn that fear also made my heart race and if handled properly that was only a heartbeat away from arousal. How twisted was that?

“Deny it all you want. I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Bastard.”

“So my mother said.”

“Why are you here, Alucard?”

“Dance with me.”

I turned to order another drink. “I don’t think so.”

He leaned in close and whispered for my ears only, “Wouldn’t you like to know why her boyfriend is dead?”

“You knew about this,” I hissed.

“Dance with me and all will be revealed.”

He held out his hand and I only hesitated a moment before accepting his invitation. Fortunately, Brea was too drunk to be paying attention to any of this. She only gave us a sideways glance as we walked onto the dance floor before turning back to her rum.

“Did you kill James?”

He twirled me around and pulled me close. Despite our height difference, my high heels made it possible for us to dance with relative ease. I wish I could deny that it felt good to be pressed against him. But he knew that it did so why bother lying to myself?

“No.”

He watched me for several minutes before saying anything else. I took the opportunity to observe him more closely too. I couldn’t help myself. He put his hands on my hips as we moved and I liked it. His touch was possessive, yet gentle. And the more I was near him, the more I wanted his hands on me. The top few buttons on his shirt were open and I moved my hand to touch that small expanse of flesh. I shuddered at the contact and so did he. Skin against skin, it was so wrong, so sinful to touch him. He was the monster underneath my bed and all I wanted to do was pull him under the covers with me. Every move, every smile, every subtle gesture spoke to me. And they all said, “I want to do bad things to you.”

To purchase a copy of Diary of an Incubus:

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/diaryofanincubus.htm

Q: Please tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it and is it part of a series or a stand alone title?
Dead Hunter is the third book in the Dead series at Aspen Mountain Press. It is an eBook, but the first two novellas in the series have been combined into a print duet that will be available at Amazon in POD, in additional to the Kindle single versions.

Q: What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?
Characters that I like, enjoy or commiserate with and a story that makes me laugh or moves me in some way.

Q: Do you have a strict writing schedule? I’m working on that. This year’s goal is to become stricter with myself in that area. How do you balance your personal and writing time? Some days, not very well. I know how I want the day to go, but I have a family that can need help with a problem, or my husband will need me to handle something for him and I have a hard time saying “no” unless I’m down to the wire on a deadline. Even then it can be difficult…grin

Q: What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and
writing?
Snuggling with my husband, watching a movie or reading. I love to read and if my brain isn’t numb after dinner, I love to dive into a book.

Q: What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?
A lot of them would be interesting if one didn’t have to live the day to day horrors. Roman history fascinates me, and in our country, I’ve always gobbled up history on the Revolutionary War and especially the Civil War period. Maybe it’s because I’m from the South and so much history was around.

Q: What character out of all your books is the closest to your
personality?
I don’t think any of them are really close. There is probably a little of me in each one, or at least some of the character I’d like to have.

Q: What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? That would include the floor around the bookcase, too. A little bit of everything. Stephen King, Ian Rankin, Melissa Mayhue, Linda Wisdom, Robert McCammon, Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts…the list can go on forever! What is one of your favorite authors? Wolf Hour and Swan Song by Robert McCammon are ‘must’ rereads every few years. I love the stories.

Q: Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book come out? How much does reader response mean to you over your books? Want to try “every time” one releases? What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them? Enjoyment and a sense of fun.

Some of the books on the planning board will hopefully have the reader come away with a better sense of how the hand life deals one, helps make them the person they become, unless they take steps to change.

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
Romancing the Stone, is right up there. Along with that, Saving Grace, Sabrina and Something’s Gotta Give.

Q: Where can readers find out what’s new and how can they contact you?
www.lizzietleaf.com has a list of books available and the links. Also, a Coming Soon Page when a book is scheduled. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Q: What is coming in 2010 for you? Anything you want to share with us?
Currently, I’m working on a new book in the Cougar Club series for Aspen Mountain Press which is scheduled to release in April. And a stand alone for Red Rose Publishing is in the works, but not sure on a release.

I’m polishing a full length novel that I’m not sure where it will go. Its the first in a new series.

Q: If the world ended, what would you be able to not live without (Computers, candy, etc)?
The only 2 things I couldn’t live without…food and water. After that, there are a number of things I’d miss, but books would be at the top of the list.

Sneak peek into DEAD Hunter, now available at Aspen Mountain Press:

They were here, no doubt about it.

They were here. The chilly tingle radiating across the back of her neck left no doubt.

Hot damn! I’m in the mood to kick some ass. Don’t mess with ArieAnne Hews when she has a bad case of PMS. This time of the month didn’t bring much in the way of bloating and cramps for Arie.

Just a seriously pissy mood.

The only person who could tolerate her when she was in one of her “moods” was her father. He’d just pat her on the head and laugh when she snarled at him. The fact he could accomplish that said something about how big he was. She stood six feet without the added inch of soul in her favorite red high-tops. Of course, he was a minister and found good in everyone, except for the creatures he’d trained Arie to destroy—vampires.

The chill on the back of her neck intensified. They’re here all right. But where?

A quick scan of the park revealed a woman sitting on the bench shaded by a huge oak tree. Obviously pregnant, the spiky-haired blonde munched on a chocolate bar.

Wonder if she has an extra she’s willing to share? Chocolate was at the top of her food list all the time, but the craving was another symptom for this time of month.

Oblivious to Arie, who was salivating as the blonde consumed the rich chocolate, the pregnant woman watched in amusement as an older female pushed a tow-headed toddler on one of the kiddy swings.

“Higher, higher,” demanded the child who squealed with delight when a stronger push met her request for greater height. “Watch me, Mommy. I can fly with the birds.”

The woman shoved the last bite of candy bar into her mouth, freeing her hand to wave. She seemed reluctant to move her other hand from the pregnancy-induced protrusion she was using as a table. “So I see. If Grammy pushes much higher, you can touch the sky.”

ArieAnne picked up the pace as she trotted along the path toward the family. They were exactly the kind of prey vampires loved to stumble on and it was up to her to protect them.

Just let you bastards try to feed on these unsuspecting victims. It’s not wise to mess with a hunter in PMS mode.

As she drew nearer, the chilly tingle over her neck reached vibration level. The blood-suckers were getting closer to their intended meal, but they’d have to go through her first.

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/dead-hunter/prod_272.html

Dead Hunter is also available at Amazon in a Kindle version

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XZOUBA/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p351_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0S1FKCWA4G0VBWGHZMPB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
*** Love: Being published, having more deadlines, able to get paid doing what I love and people telling me they enjoyed my stories. Hate: The deadlines. Though I love them because it means I’m working, they can also stifle creativity and create unwanted stress.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?
*** I like to lay out in the sun and then take long bubble baths. It helps me to relax and get grounded.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?
*** A cabin in the woods either in the mountains or near a lake. To get away from the city and all the people and stress. To commune with nature in a peaceful environment.

Is there any heroine from one of your books who you would change places with?
*** I’d be Calissa Parker, a heroine in my book Postponing Eternity (released April ’09 by Devine Destinies,) so I could hang out with her cute, younger love interest Tarrin. Yum!

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?
*** Anne Rice is my favorite. My TBR pile is a bit unwieldy at the moment but it includes Barker, Ludlum, Rice, Roberts, Galenorn…

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?
*** It’s happened a couple of times but I think my muse knows better now.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
*** I’ve done a bunch of things… hiked in the Swiss Alps, crewed for a balloon pilot, rode horseback in the jungles of Cozumel…

What is your favorite holiday?
*** Halloween/Samhain

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?
*** So far my favorite for steamy is Dirty Little Trip and non-steamy is Into Eternity.

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?
*** For information on my available books and WIPs, please visit me at the following links:

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cr_moss

http://themanyshades.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CRMoss

Excerpt from my favorite steamy story ~ Dirty Little Trip
Time seemed to slow and she could have sworn she was in the dream again, this time as an active participant. This time, with the man she craved in the flesh.

So you crave me, my pet?

She nodded and warmth encompassed her. Like in the dream, he reached out to her without moving and wrapped her in a soft, cushioning embrace. He continued to smile, his dark-eyed gaze penetrating her, his overwhelming virility zinging her. His steady attention peered into her soul, searched it, found the core of her wants and desires.

Do you fear me? He took another drag of his smoke and though he tried to be a gentleman and blow the smoke away from her, it went into her face anyway.
She shook her head, breathing in the heady fumes. Her muscles, stiff and hard from all the tension during the past several months, eased, became light and pliable.
Good. I sense your needs, your longing to feel beautiful, to be a woman desired. I feel your passion, how you want to touch me, feel my hands stroking your skin. I ache for your touch as well.
A feather light contact caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and tilted her head into it, but encountered nothing. Mary Jane opened her eyes and studied the man on the other side of her car door. His hands were at his sides.
If I asked you to take a trip with me, would you? Would you go wherever I wanted to take you?
She nodded again, already feeling transported from reality. …
Lustful need drilled through her and her knees went weak. She clutched the top of the door to steady herself. The sexual hunger terrified her and thrilled her at the same time. She stared at the throbbing pulse at the base of his throat, gazed at his full carmine colored lips, looked into his deep, dark eyes. Never in her life had she been so erotically driven in her want for a man. But before she lost herself in the throes of a sexual wonderland, there was something she needed to know. She cleared her throat. “What is your name?”

Her voice sounded far away and faint. For a moment, she wondered if she had asked it or only thought it.
“You may call me Ash,” the man’s deep, sensual voice rolled. He held out his hand.
Eagerness flooded all her senses and primal attraction took control. She slammed her car door shut, strode up to him and took his hand.

For more information, visit: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cr_moss/id31.html

Have you always wanted to write? Was it early in life or later that the “bug” bit you?

I’ve actually been writing stories since my early teens, so the bug got me early.

I used to sit in my room with a notebook or typewriter (it was electric, lol) and spent hours in there writing. I started writing romance stories, I used to read a lot of Sweet Valley High and Sweet Dreams books, but as soon as I discovered Clive Barker I started to combine my love for writing and my love for horror movies and started writing scary stuff.

I’ve been writing ever since, and continue to toe the line of darkness. J

Tell us about your latest/upcoming release? Is it a series? If so, please tell us a little about the series itself.

Well, my latest release is called Wither and also happens to be my first Samhain Publishing book. It’s a category length Sci-Fi story featuring a space cowboy and his feisty sheriff. They happen to have some history together, and meet again when Brynn needs his help with a ‘monster’ problem.

It’s actually the first book in a series I have planned called Recast. Wither introduces a galaxy filled with planets, moons, space stations, and spaceships. In the first story, we meet Colt — a wrangler who gets caught up in the web of lies created by a very powerful man who is also tied to Brynn’s past. This is the first step into introducing a galaxy filled with stories that will feature different heroes and heroines, but will all be connected somehow, expanding on the world, by both answering and raising more questions.

I’m very excited about it.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Readers can visit my website: www.yolandasfetsos.com. I try to keep it as up-to-date as I can. From there you can follow the links to my books, blog, newsletter, MySpace page, and Twitter account.

I love to Twitter, so here I am: http://twitter.com/yolandasfetsos

Describe a typical day for you.

Well, I write Monday to Friday, taking advantage of every hour that I have on my own. So I wake up each morning and tackle either a yoga or weights workout, get my daughter off to school, then hubby and I go for a walk. When we get home, we have lunch and then he’s off to work. That’s when I open up my Word doc and get started on either writing a first draft, revision, or editing. I try to shake it up every week and usually plan my month in advance.

Though sometimes projects/ideas pop out of nowhere, or the priority changes. Edits always come first, though. No matter what I’m working on at the time they come in, I put everything aside until they’re done. I actually enjoy the process.

When it’s time to get my daughter from school, we go for a walk, get home and I read a little, help her with homework and/or reading, get dinner ready and try to squeeze in a little more writing after putting her to bed. It’s always a full day and I wind up exhausted at the end of it.

Does your family read your books? Do they like/dislike them?

My husband reads most of my books, although he’s fallen behind a little because of the hours he works nowadays. But he’s enjoyed everything he’s read so far and is very supportive of my writing.

Most authors are readers as well. Is this the case with you and if so, who are some of your favorite authors to enjoy?

Oh, I’m a huge reader. I actually review books as well, and my TBR pile is huge. I’ve got a bit of a problem with book buying — I can’t stop. But it’s not my fault. There are just too many awesome books/series out there.

My most fave authors are Clive Barker and Stephen King, but there are a bunch of urban fantasy authors that are on my auto-buy list.

You won a chance to spend a day with any character/author/celebrity of your choice. What would you do and who would you pick?

Oh, gosh, this is a really hard question. *thinking, thinking* I’m really not sure at the moment…

Anything coming from you in the future we should mark down?

Well, I’ve got the second book in my Damnation Books Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy coming out in March. It’s called Careless, and will be followed by the third in June. That one’s called Boundless.

Oh, and the first book in an urban fantasy trilogy I’ve got contracted with ImaJinn Books will also be available shortly.

For Fun: If you were a superheroine, what would your name be and would you wear tights and a cape?

Well, I can definitely say no to tights and a cape. I wouldn’t want to wear those. I’d probably go with dark, tight and stretchy jeans and a tank top. Not much into tights. And my name would be IndyDark.

Sneak peek into Wither:

The terminal’s flashing message screen was replaced by static. The black and white dots were fuzzy as an image slowly materialized. Even grainy, he recognized her instantly.

He leaned forward, turning the square screen so he could glare at it, ignoring the flashes of Wither still playing on the opposite viewer. “What the hell?” It may have been years since they’d last been together, but he would know her anywhere. Her long blonde hair was tied in two matching braids that hung over her shoulders and disappeared from view where the screen ended. Her face seemed a little more hardened than when they’d been together, but any other details were stilted by the bad reception.

“Clean up the audio,” he called. “It’s not coming through.”

“Colt,” she said in her familiar soft voice. “It’s Brynn. I know it’s been a long time, and you’re probably still pissed, but I need your help.”

His immediate reaction was to switch her off. He didn’t want to hear anything she had to say, and didn’t want to help her after the crap she’d put him through. He’d spent over two goddamn years looking for her, never thinking she’d be stupid enough to return to her birthplace.

“I know you’re probably itching to delete this message but please, hear me out.” She stared into the camera. Was that desperation in her eyes? “I’m sorry, okay? I know that doesn’t make up for what I did, but there was no other way to deal with it. I couldn’t involve you in my problems any more than I already had.” Her eyes were shiny. He looked away, couldn’t bear to see her right now. “I know you won’t turn your back from helping others…especially when they’re willing to pay with as much gold as you can load onto your rust bucket.”

He chuckled. She was in for a big surprise. The rust bucket had been dumped in a junkyard years ago.

“Anyway, I embedded my coordinates within this message. It’s probably not the smartest thing to do, considering.” Brynn paused to sigh. “But I can’t let these people suffer anymore. Please, if you’re willing to put what happened between us aside, come as soon as you can. Help us, Colt, before we all die. You’re the only one who can get us out of this mess.”

The message faded into static.

“Replay it for me,” he called.

“I’m sorry. The transmission destroyed itself after viewing. It is gone now,” the mechanical voice answered.

“What the hell are you up to now, Brynn?”

Whatever it was, Colt had to admit that he was curious enough to head right over there. She was lucky he intended to head that way anyway. Now he could scoop up his target, make a little extra while he was there, and finally get some answers from the woman who’d crushed his heart. And, of course, find out why the hell people dying on her planet had anything to do with him.

And the buy link for Wither is: http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/wither

What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is keeping up the momentum. Sometimes, I look at what I’ve written during the day, and find that I haven’t even reached a thousand words. Also, when I’m nearing the end of the story, I just have to let the word count drift. It’s no use writing superfluous words. I just have to accept that the manuscript will be shorter than anticipated.

The most rewarding part of writing is getting that cover. The book instantly comes alive. My recent cover for ‘Lessons in Love’ just came through a few days ago. The heroine and hero are just as I imagined. Jinger Heaston the cover artist has done a wonderful job.

What is your newest release (or coming soon) all about? What inspired it?

‘Lessons in Love’ is due to be released on the 16th February, from Siren-Bookstrand.

Here’s the blurb:

English beauty Eva St. John is flown to Texas to shadow rugged billionaire oilman Jack McClaine, for the magazine article she is writing.

He has a reputation as a fast living, womanising rogue, who has quite literally come from the wrong side of the tracks. A self-made man who always gets what he wants.

Still nurturing a broken heart and a secret past she left behind her long ago, Eva intends to remain professional at all times. But will she be able to resist the inevitable sexual advances of the predatory Texan Jack McClaine? And will she really want to?

As a rule Jack McClaine never mixes business with pleasure, but for the beautiful and intriguing Eva St. John he will make an exception. Who is she really, and what is she running from?

I was inspired to write ‘Lessons in Love’ when I thought of all the people in the world who just didn’t get a good start in life. Would they eventually find love? And if they’d never been loved as a child, would they even know how to love?

What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?

I am a big fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. My favourite books are -
The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston
Night Play (Dark Hunter book 6) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Dragon Actually by G. A. Aiken

My favourite movies are:
Twilight
White Noise
The Sixth Sense

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

Marielle, the heroine in ‘The Return’. I’m afraid one can’t help writing certain aspects of our characters. When I re-read it I can see certain aspects of myself in her character.

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

I was going to have Robert Tremayne the hero in ‘The Return’, jump off a cliff on Madeira. It’s called base jumping, and takes a lot of nerve. Of course the hero would have had a parachute. Marielle would have been left watching him descend the tallest cliff in Europe, wondering if he would make it.

Thankfully, I left that out. I found other ways to portray his bravery.

How do you keep track of your world building?

I have a storyboard approach, and write a specific number of words for each chapter. That way I know I will be near my word count goal.

What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader to the environment?

They’re very practical. They’ll hold a whole bookshelf. All that paper saved on printing, has to be environmentally friendly.

I think, the younger generation will embrace them far easier than older people. I know people who’ve received them for Christmas last year. Now they couldn’t do without them.

Now, that’s exactly how I feel about the internet. The internet has only really been around for the last ten years, yet I know I couldn’t do without it. I’m sure electronic readers will be the same.

What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?

Electronic readers have had a massive impact on authors. It’s opened up a huge market that wasn’t there before. All the small epublishers have sprung up because of it. Ebooks will probably outstrip paper books soon. I know this happened recently at Amazon over the Christmas period.

Overall ebooks must have a positive effect on authors. They have to be good news.

Which authors works do you enjoy reading and do you have any other authors that you bounce ideas of?

I’ve always been impressed with Patricia Cornwell, and her Dr Kay Scarpetta novels.

At Siren-Bookstrand we have a particularly helpful group of authors. We ask each other questions all the time. There are plenty of groups on the internet too to join, where help can be sought.

Where do you see the paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it?

I think the paranormal/urban fantasy genre is there to stay, and can only get stronger. People will always have an appetite for the ultimate fantasy I guess.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website:

www.janbowles.com

And my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000172675945

Sneak Peek Excerpt of Lessons in Love:

“Just what is going on, Mr. McClaine?” Eva folded her arms across her chest, her mouth compressed with indignation, as she waited for his answer. Her gaze was drawn inexorably to his, and like a laser it burned into her. Then as a smile spread from his eyes down to the deep dimples at the side of his mouth, she felt the breath escape from her lips in a silent gasp. Why did he have to be so damned attractive? She had to fight the sudden urge to push the stray hair back that had fallen forward across his forehead.

“Mr. McClaine, are you going to answer my question?”

“Hold on now, darlin’, I thought we were on first-name terms already.” He smiled at her in amusement.

“No, we’re not.” She slumped into her chair and glared up at him. “Andrew Jameson could shadow you for a month. Why do you want me? I won’t be a pushover, you know. I’ll certainly write exactly what I think.”

He smiled easily and twisted around to meet her frosty gaze. “Now, why would I want Andrew Jameson to shadow me for a whole month? Live in my home. Share my food. Share my life. Why would I want him when I’d be much happier with you?”

Eva picked up a pen and pointed it at him. “You, Mr. McClaine, have a reputation. If you are expecting anything but a working relationship, then you are mistaken.”

“Well, that’s settled then, honey.”

She looked up watching the amusement play around his eyes. The creases channelled down to his mouth. “Don’t look so smug, Mr. McClaine. You may regret your decision to invite New Dawn magazine into your home. You may not like what I write. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. McClaine.”

“Darlin’, I’ve never regretted anything in my life.”

“I told you once before, Mr. McClaine, I’m not your honey, and I’m telling you now, I’m not your darling either.”

He laughed. “Eva, it’s just a figure of speech. It don’t mean anything.”

That afternoon a huge row developed with her boss, Simon Jessop, but he wouldn’t back down. If she pulled this off, he’d give her a raise. Even more than that, he’d give her a promotion. She wanted to know why he thought Jack McClaine specifically asked for her to do the article. His thoughts exactly mirrored her own. He had lifted his hands in the air, an expression of helplessness on his face, and said, “You’re a big girl, Eva. I’m sure you can handle yourself, and Jack McClaine.”

Well, thanks!

Eva felt like a dish served up specifically for Jack McClaine’s pleasure. What’s more, her boss had handed her over on a solid silver platter.

“Mr. McClaine, are you going to answer my question?”

“Hold on now, darlin’, I thought we were on first-name terms already.” He smiled at her in amusement.

“No, we’re not.” She slumped into her chair and glared up at him. “Andrew Jameson could shadow you for a month. Why do you want me? I won’t be a pushover, you know. I’ll certainly write exactly what I think.”

He smiled easily and twisted around to meet her frosty gaze. “Now, why would I want Andrew Jameson to shadow me for a whole month? Live in my home. Share my food. Share my life. Why would I want him when I’d be much happier with you?”

Eva picked up a pen and pointed it at him. “You, Mr. McClaine, have a reputation. If you are expecting anything but a working relationship, then you are mistaken.”

“Well, that’s settled then, honey.”

She looked up watching the amusement play around his eyes. The creases channelled down to his mouth. “Don’t look so smug, Mr. McClaine. You may regret your decision to invite New Dawn magazine into your home. You may not like what I write. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. McClaine.”

“Darlin’, I’ve never regretted anything in my life.”

“I told you once before, Mr. McClaine, I’m not your honey, and I’m telling you now, I’m not your darling either.”

He laughed. “Eva, it’s just a figure of speech. It don’t mean anything.”

That afternoon a huge row developed with her boss, Simon Jessop, but he wouldn’t back down. If she pulled this off, he’d give her a raise. Even more than that, he’d give her a promotion. She wanted to know why he thought Jack McClaine specifically asked for her to do the article. His thoughts exactly mirrored her own. He had lifted his hands in the air, an expression of helplessness on his face, and said, “You’re a big girl, Eva. I’m sure you can handle yourself, and Jack McClaine.”

Well, thanks!

Eva felt like a dish served up specifically for Jack McClaine’s pleasure. What’s more, her boss had handed her over on a solid silver platter.

You can find out more about ‘Lessons in Love’ at my website
www.janbowles.com Due for release on 2/16/10.

Q: Please tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it and is it part of a series or a stand alone title?

 It’s a stand-alone title and oddly enough, I got the inspiration for it from The Food Network’s and Bravo’s various food competitions. One night on Iron Chef there was a chef who was so hot I couldn’t stop staring at him. He was Latino with those smoldering dark good looks. I started thinking what it would be like if he was the judge and a wealthy restaurateur, the kind of man who is so rich he can have anything. And what if he was drawn to a  young woman in the competition. And what if she lost the $100,000 prize on his vote? What then? The plot just snowballed from there.

Q: What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?

 Emotional connection with the characters. You can have the greatest plot on earth but if the reader doesn’t care what happens to your characters, you’ve failed.

1. A fast pace. Books that have endless description or back story tax and irritate readers.
2. A satisfying conclusion. It doesn’t have to be happy, but it does have to make sense and it must be a logical outcome to what’s happened before.

 Q: Do you have a strict writing schedule? How do you balance your personal and writing time?

-+s, I do have a strict writing schedule. I write or research my novels 7 days a week. I write a few hours before work and a few hours after. I’m able to balance personal and writing time by being very well organized. Unlike many women writers, I don’t have children, so I don’t have that added responsibility. I admire any mother who can balance work with children.

Q: What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and
writing?

I like to watch cable – a program that engages my mind or emotions. A good film is always great. The other day I saw “No Country for Old Men” for the first time. Wow. I was riveted. Although it’s not a relaxing movie by any stretch, it definitely satisfied me.

Q: What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?

 Late 1400 Spain. Early on in my career I pubbed a book with Kensington, an historical romance that took place in that time period. I’ve been tinkering with another historical for awhile in that same time period. The research for the book made me fall in love with the Spanish people and culture.

Q: What character out of all your books is the closest to your
personality?

Probably Eden in my current book Deep, Dark, Delicious. She’s had it hard but she’s never stopped trying. And although those close to her have hurt her emotionally and she’s afraid of love, she still longs for it

Q: What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? What is one of your favorite authors?

Every type of book imaginable. When I was a kid, my parents used to tease me that I’d read anything – even a cereal box – and be happy. I love all genres. One of my favorite authors is Hilma Wolitzer. She wrote “Hearts”. It’s mainstream. I only bought it because I couldn’t find anything new from the usual authors I liked. To my surprise, “Hearts” captivated me from the first page. It was funny, sweet, sad. A tremendous read.

 Q: Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book come out? How much does reader response mean to you over your books? What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them?

 Always. I want readers to enjoy my work; however, I know I can’t please everyone.

I look forward to having readers tell me what they thought were the strong points and weak points of my work. It makes me a better writer.

I hope readers are moved as I was when I wrote the book. The biggest compliment I can get is if someone says – you made me laugh, you made me cry. That means everything to me.

Q:  What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?

 As weird as it sounds, I like the old musicals like Oklahoma and Carousal. It’s probably because I had trained to be a dancer and lots of the recitals had show tunes. So, my favorite movie (at least for movie musicals, because I have favorites for other genres) is Gigi. The music was so beautiful, the costumes were lush and the lead guy – Louis Jourdan – Wow, Wow, Wow – he was so gorgeous he didn’t look real. At the end, when Gigi captures his heart and he asks her to marry him, I broke down and cried. Happens every time I see that movie on AMC.

Q: Where can readers find out what’s new and how can they contact you?

 They can go to my website: www.tinadonahue or my blog http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/ I post daily, all sorts of news and stuff. My email addy is tina@tinadonahue.com

 Q: What is coming in 2010 for you? Anything you want to share with us?

 Well, I have this newest release Deep, Dark, Delicious and I’m just finishing up a new novel for my editor at Ellora’s Cave – another erotic romance, what I like to call “heat with heart” – where the emotional aspect is as important as the sexual electricity between the characters.

 Q: If the world ended, what would you be able to not live without (Computers, candy, etc)?

 The net – if I wouldn’t do my research quickly like I do it now, I’d go nuts. J

 Sneak peek into Deep, Dark & Deliscious:

When he sensed he’d frustrated her enough, he turned his head. Eden leaned against the railing, one hand stroking her throat, the other running down her fly as she took in his ass.

He straightened, depriving her of the view.

Eyes on his, she murmured, “Ready to roll?”

“I can’t wait.”

On the landing, she turned to the left and padded over the hardwood floor into the first open doorway. Lavender fabric softener scented the chamber. Though larger than he expected, nearly the size of her living room, it owned as much charm. A high-backed rocking chair had an extra blanket hung over its arm to provide warmth and comfort to a weary traveler. Two large windows with rounded tops allowed ample light to stream in from outside. Diaphanous white curtains rippled over the immaculate panes, stirred by the breeze of the white wicker ceiling fan. Carved wool area rugs in pale blue and white lay on either side of the queen-sized cherry wood bed. A four-poster clothed in a puffy blue comforter with a canopy of a gauzy material not unlike mosquito netting, which fueled no end of dark fantasies. Rafe pictured Eden’s wrists and ankles tied to the posts with the fabric, her eyes recording his approach, her voice begging for his touch, saying the words he most wanted to hear…she welcomed whatever he proposed. Her trust in him, her urgency to have him was complete.

Turning his head, he caught her reflection in the oval mirror above the bulky dresser. Fingers to her lips, she studied him, her expression unreadable.

He’d soon change that. “Which drawers are mine?”

Her attention went to the dresser and returned to him. “They all are, along with the closet.” She inclined her head to the left, the dark blue and silver beads hanging over a narrow doorway.

He put his bags on the floor and crossed the room for a better look. The glass globes created a representation of a chubby man in the moon who smiled broadly and winked as stars circled him. “Another design by Trish?”

“She’s got a lot of time on her hands. Her husband’s gone quite a bit. He’s an attorney.”

“He should quit law and get into marketing her work.” He turned. “Where are your things?”

The change of subject and his direct tone caught her by surprise. Expectation and a trace of caution flickered across her face. “In the guest house where I’m staying at night.”

“You’re staying in here with me. We’ll bring your things back here later.”

She hooked her thumbs into her shorts’ front pockets, an insubordinate stance.

“Do you want to argue about it?” he asked.

“Would it change your mind?”

“No.”

She studied him, deepening submission to his resolve shimmering in her eyes. “Then I guess I don’t want to argue. I’ll do what you want.”

“Good.” He stepped closer, his attention fully on her, his tone deceptively mild. “Take off your clothes.”

 Buy HERE

Hello beautiful people. I’m The?Girl. Yeah, I know – cryptic name. When you know that my job is asking questions and when you figure out that I stop at nothing to get my answers… Well, let’s just say I try my best to give an entertaining piece and interview when I tackle one.

Today my victi— uh, guest is Jane Smithers, the heroine from Storms in a Shot Glass. She’s sitting right next to me, her long black hair loose and free, her face tense and guarded. So here we go – trying to know this young woman a little better.

The?Girl: So, Jane, tell me a little about you.

Jane: I’m twenty-nine, British born and bred, and I’m the personal assistant of a bank CEO.

She evades the very thing I want her to touch upon.

The?Girl: And you’re single?

Jane: Yes.

The?Girl: But? I hear a but coming here.

Jane (shrugs): There’s nothing more to say.

The?Girl: Are you sure?

One thing I know is that no one is ever without a story to tell. What’s Jane’s story?

I get a big hint at the answer when Jane suddenly pales and looks over my shoulder. I turn to see what has caught her attention in such a drastic manner, and whoa mama!

There’s a hunk of a man coming towards us. From the determined long steps to the tensed jaw, everything in this Greek-God-like fellow screams purpose.

Hmm, totally my sort of man. My gaze darts back to Jane, and I notice how the tip of her tongue comes out to moisten her lips.

I tell ya – there’s a story there. And I’ll do my best to get it.

He stops next to our sofas on the veranda, his dark, intense gaze boring into Jane.

“Reporters,” he says softly. “You’re speaking to bloody reporters.”

The?Girl: Dah-ling, I’m not a reporter.

He trains his midnight gaze on me, and man, would I want to see those eyes in the bedroom. The man all but oozes sensuality and the promise that he knew how to give a woman a good time.

As I keep watching him, it dawns on me who he is. I nearly fall out of my seat – for there before me, stands Michael Rinaldi, one of the richest men and most eligible bachelors in the whole of England.

And he and Jane seem to know each other… What’s their story?

The?Girl: Will you join us, Mr. Rinaldi?

Jane: No!

Michael (narrowed gaze): Why not?

He now seems completely oblivious to me. Watching the battle of wills between the two, as well as feeling the thick, sensual and sultry tension that seems to tie them up, I cannot help but think there’s more than meets the eye where this couple is concerned.

The?Girl: You know each other?

Silence greets my question, Jane looking at him, he staring right back, their eyes apparently speaking a language of their own that I couldn’t decipher. Damn!

The?Girl: People…?

He turns towards me, and I am taken aback by the seriousness and intensity on his features. A glance at Jane shows she could be on the verge of fainting.

Michael: Jane is expecting my baby.

Leaving me still reeling with the shock – these two knew each other that well? – he tugs on Jane’s hand and pulls her out of the sofa. Then with his arm around her waist, he all but propels her out of the shaded terrace and away from me.

I blink.

One of the biggest catches in London is going to have a baby with a woman no one suspected he even knew.

Damn – what was the story behind all this?

To find out, come check out Storms in a Shot Glass, a novel by Nolwynn Ardennes and released by Eirelander Publishing on January 8, 2010.

Buy Link: http://www.eirelander-publishing.com/stormsinashotglass.htm

Blurb:

A little bump is about to cause a lot of ripples…

Personal Assistant Jane Smithers needs a baby as much as she needs the immature boss, bitchy mother and lunatic Russian models who cohabit peacelessly around her. What she also doesn’t need is a man who pops out of nowhere, intent on taking over her accidental pregnancy. 

Cold logic and hard facts rule the world of millionaire corporate lawyer Michael Rinaldi. Until he meets Jane, and the insignificant-looking woman plunges him head first into the churning waters of tempestuous emotion and hot-blooded impulse.

Unlikely feelings crop up at the same time relentless gossip escalates. Both realize their respective world has irredeemably changed. The question is – will they be able to live with this reality?

 Excerpt:

Jane looked up from the papers strewn in front of her when she heard the ‘ding’ of the lift. Who could it be? Umberto had no meetings scheduled before two o’clock. She glanced at her watch and saw it was nearly noon. At the same time, the growl of her stomach reminded her it was lunchtime. She had yet to eat anything since the smoothie she’d had for breakfast.

The metal doors slid open and a man stepped into the room as soon as the opening was wide enough for him to pass through. Her pen slipped from her grasp as she contemplated him.

He was dressed in an expertly tailored dark grey suit, the slacks hinting at long legs while the coat hugged his massive chest. He had broad shoulders and was tall, around six-three she’d bet.

Her gaze travelled to his face and she sucked in a breath. He was very handsome, his skin a light golden tone and hair dark as the mahogany wood in the room. His wide jaw was clamped shut, reducing his mouth to a thin slash.

He was also very angry; she could almost sense the heated vibes radiating off him, and this impression was confirmed when she saw his eyes. Deep set and dark, the fire in them was emphasized by the way his thick eyebrows met due to his frown.

He wasn’t someone to cross; this she knew as her mouth opened and she exhaled a small puff of air.

In a few strides, he crossed the room and came to stand before her desk. Jane had to crane her neck to gaze at his face. The walls seemed to close in on her as she took in the powerful shape of him, reducing her world to an airtight bubble where only she and this man existed.

“May I help you?” she croaked, running the tip of her tongue over her dry lips.

He watched her for long seconds. His eyes darted to the nameplate on her desk before he trained the full force of his midnight gaze on her face again.

“You sure will, Jane.”

His voice was low and the husky sound strummed in her whole body.

“He’s in?”

Jane snapped out of the fog. “I beg your pardon?”

He clamped his mouth, a nerve twitching in his cheek and offsetting his square jaw even more.

“You and I will have a little talk. Later, though,” he added as he turned towards the door to her boss’s office.

“Sir, wait.”

She should have saved her breath, for he was already stepping into the office. Jane shot out of her chair and made it to the threshold just as the sickening grind of a punch resounded.

“You stay away from her,” she heard the stranger say.

Oh no. What she’d dreaded had happened. Umberto had gotten embroiled with the wrong woman and now the jealous husband or boyfriend was here to bust his arse. Reluctant competence flowed through her when she realized she would have to bail her boss out of this predicament.

“What’s going on here?” she asked as she purposefully strode into the room.

“Stay out of this,” the stranger said.

Jane stopped in her tracks, startled by the sight before her. Umberto stood, his palm cradling his nose and mouth. He’d probably received a fist in his face. She shook her head before glancing at the other man in front of him. Both of them turned towards her at the same time.

The staggering realization hit her at that moment. The two males were of the same height, with the same build. Even their faces looked alike, from the wide jaw to the dark, deep-set eyes.

It was like seeing a before and after picture, with some twenty years between the images.

Jane’s mouth dropped open. “Michael.” The name rolled off her tongue and escaped her lips, a soft moan losing itself in the thick silence surrounding them.

This was the first time she was seeing Umberto’s son face-to-face. What woman in London hadn’t heard of him? The very eligible, very handsome, very rich and very powerful corporate lawyer. He had seemed to be the embodiment of a ruthless legal shark on the pictures and pages of the British tabloids, but the reality was even more breathtaking.

She had also heard about him through his father, so much that she seemed to know the man already. Many a time, Umberto let slip some information about his estranged son. The yearning and the pain in his tone when he said Michael’s name hurt her heart every time.

Michael watched her now with eyebrows drawn together. Her gaze left his breathtaking features for Umberto’s. The older man cursed and removed his hand from his face. Blood covered his mouth and palm, and more of the thick, ruby liquid seeped from his nose when he released the pressure on his wound.

Jane knew she wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of blood again after the episode at the doctor’s practice earlier. At the gory sight, everything inside her plummeted, leaving her head light and spinning. Her stomach churned and a wave of cold washed over her. Belatedly, she realized her legs were crumbling under her, but she was powerless to do anything to break her fall.

A pair of strong arms grabbed her, clenching her upper body while she was pulled reflexively to the solid, warm expanse of a broad chest. Her head landed in the crook of an elbow and she felt the steady beat of a heart against her shoulder.

Jane let go of her hold on the soft fabric of his jacket when he deposited her on a plush settee in the office. With her lids tightly shut, she concentrated on letting the spinning feeling ebb away. When the world finally stabilized, she opened her eyes. Her gaze landed on the concerned expression of the man who knelt by her side.

Worry transformed Michael’s face. She couldn’t explain how exactly, but right then he was a million of miles from the angry man who had walked into her office a few minutes ago. There was almost something soft on his chiseled features now.

“Jane? You okay?” His voice was low and concerned.

She blinked and nodded.

“What was that about? Are you sick?”

Again, in his midst, the world seemed to reduce itself to the two of them. Jane blamed the weird feeling on her erratic hormones, and this made her remember her condition. “It’s nothing. I’m not sick. I’m pregnant.”

He blinked, as if coming out of a spell too, before nodding. “We need to talk, you and I. Not here, though.” His voice was gentler now, and Jane could only nod her assent.

“Can you get up?”

She braced her hands on the armrests and pushed herself off the seat. Her head felt light again, but she managed to keep her balance.

Lifting her eyes, she noticed her boss. Concern grabbed her and she went to him. The sight of all the blood on him made her queasy but the sick feeling was obliterated by her distress at seeing him like this. “Oh my God. Umberto? Are you all right?”

He sat on the edge of his desk, his bloody hand back to cradling his nose.

“Let me see that,” she said upon taking a deep breath. As much as she was repulsed by the gore, she had to be sure he was fine. Her hand went to the tissue box on the sideboard and she pulled a handful out, using them to dab at the blood.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

“Bloody hurts,” he groused and tried to move his face away from her when she attempted to wipe his upper lip.

Jane brushed his evasive tactics aside. “Try to smile.”

His eyes grew wide. “You mad?”

“Just smile, will you? If you manage to do so, it means the nose cartilage isn’t broken.”

“He’s fine,” Michael’s voice growled behind her.

“Yeah, like hell,” she muttered as she turned in his direction. “You’ve caused enough trouble already, so stay out of this now.”

Both men remained silent. Satisfied to have won a few minutes of calm, for she knew a storm was brewing, Jane went into the adjoining bathroom and came back with a wet hand towel. Michael was gone and she shrugged, going back to Umberto to clean his wound.

“Jane,” he said. “You know Michael?”

“No.”

“Did I hear that right? You’re pregnant?”

She sighed. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jane paused and looked at him straight. “It’s complicated. I just found out, and I’ll tell you about it later, okay?”

Umberto didn’t press for more information. Relieved, Jane returned to her careful ministrations.

When all the blood was gone, she was satisfied to see only dark red swelling on his nose. Making an ice pack with cubes from the mini bar and another towel, she left Umberto with the cold compress on his face and went back to her desk to grab a couple Paracetamols for him.

Jane nearly did a double take when she saw Michael casually seated in one of the plush couches of the waiting room. What was he still doing here? He didn’t bother to glance her way, his dark head not lifting, enthralled as he seemed to be with his PDA.

After giving Umberto the tablets and closing the door softly behind her, she returned to her desk.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Michael get up and stroll her way. He stopped at the edge of the table, but she didn’t look up at him.

“I suppose in your condition you have to eat lunch. Let’s go out.”

She raised her eyes up his tall frame. “Thanks, but no thanks.” This guy was nothing but a bully. Look what he had done to poor Umberto. Granted, she’d known it was a very bad idea for her boss to get entangled with his ex-wife again, but did that mean his son had to come in and punch him in the face? That sort of behavior was fit for the primary school playground. Not lunch time in The City.

“Jane.” His voice carried a slight growl again. “You and I have to talk.”

“I doubt that.” She had nothing to discuss with the likes of him.

His gaze narrowed. “Don’t push me.”

She returned an equally narrowed gaze at him. “What is it you want? Haven’t you proved your point by punching your father back there?”

“That was between me and him.” He pressed open palms on the desk in front of her before he leaned forward until his face was inches away from hers. “Now it’s between me and you.”

Jane parted her lips, but no words came out of her mouth. All her thoughts were scrambled by the close proximity of her body with this hunk’s magnetic persona. Michael Rinaldi had his father’s Mediterranean charisma in spades too, and he didn’t even need to smile for it to weave its spell on those physically close to him.

“Lunch,” he said.

Jane frowned. This sounded too easy. “What’s the catch?”

He didn’t reply but gave her a slow, lazy grin.

“Please,” he said softly, his warm breath caressing her face.

She blinked, but couldn’t break the spell. And that’s how she found herself a few minutes later in the underground car park of the bank, stepping into a sleek, black Mercedes sports car.

When Michael slid in the driver’s seat next to her, her gaze landed on his hard profile. The sight of him and the overall impression of the car made her think of the dark, dangerous, and Gothic world of underground superheroes. Michael reminded her of a hardened character in a graphic novel, and his car resembled a modern version of the vehicle such an urban hero would use to zip through the darkened streets of the town.

In the comic books however, she recalled, the superhero or the masked lawman spelled bad news for any woman who crossed his path – the women always lost their heart and more to the impassive heroes hell bent on doing their duty.

What was she going to lose?

Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?

Hot Chocolate Kiss was released by Eternal Press on January 7. Since it’s the story of a couple who meets up during some extreme winter weather, I expect there will be three seasonal adventures for Rick and Keela.

Hot Chocolate Kiss began when I was caught in a nasty storm at the summit of a ski mountain and remember thinking “I have to write a story about this!” It took three years before the idea formed into a plot, and then I wrote the story in about a week.

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to indulge my wildest fantasies, to put my dreams into words. I hate editing. But it’s all worth it if even one reader says, “Wow, what a great story.”

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I’m so boring. I love a long, hot bath. I treasure a day I can sneak in a nap. I also long for enough free time to take a full afternoon of ballet-both a traditional and pointe class back to back. Then I don’t feel so guilty about a huge frozen yogurt cone, a soak in a hot tub, and a nap.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

Since it’s midwinter, and a cold one at that, I’d pick a secluded beach in the tropics. The seashore is one of my favorite places, with the mountains being a close second. I can watch the ocean for hours and hours, and wander through the woods for days and feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Of course, I’d want my husband to go with me–without the kids.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

Honestly, no. All my characters face difficult trials and challenges. I’m thankful to be boring me.

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

I walk around with The New Yorker, which I love for “Shouts and Murmurs” and the fiction. Their articles are great, too. One of my most favorite recent short stories was “The Shoot” by Andrew Richardson. It was an Eternal Press release in December and a wonderful contemporary women’s fiction piece (F/F).

On my list now are Sharp Points of a Triangle by Rachel Brimble, a romantic comedy, and Killing Havana by David Pereda, a thriller. I also am trying to get to Angel of Windword by Maggie Dove. All three were recent Eternal Press releases.

Cecilia Tan of Circlet Press edited an awesome anthology a couple years back: Best Fantastic Erotica. I’d love to see another one. She is a very bold writer, as well as a superb editor. Great person, too.

I hate e-reading, by the way. There is just something about holding a book in my hands.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

All the time. That is my “witching hour.” My husband thinks I’m crazy but I dream up plot and dialogue. If I don’t write it down, it’s gone.

If the world was going to end within the next 5 days, what 3 things
would you HAVE to do before everyone perished?

Well, besides spending time with my family, I’d publish all my stories remotely near being finished on my blogs so they could be read. I’d try to get a few special places–to visit my grandparents’ graves, to my absolute favorite beach in the world, and to walk in the woods one last time.

How important is reader/reviewer feedback to you?

Reviewer feedback helps strengthen my writing. They can sometimes point out flaws, and I won’t make the same mistake again. Reader feedback is very important. No one likes everything, but if at least one person “gets it” I’m happy. All my books have deep underlying themes which are important to me.

What is your writing schedule like? Do you have a strict daily schedule or do you write when the mood strikes?

I write whenever I can. I get up at 5:30 most days to figure out what has to be done and structure a schedule. Early morning is for social networking and marketing. Assignments and things due come first. Then revision and submission. Then critiques and feedback for other authors.

Unfortunately, I don’t have time for new writing unless there is a deadline to meet. So I scribble outlines or type up scenes and save them in a file for the future use. I use every minute of down time I get. I try and read published fiction or nonfiction every night, even if only fifteen minutes. I have to be up on the trends

What character do you identify with the most? Who could be said to be a bit like you?

Everyone thinks I’m Keela from “Hot Chocolate Kiss.” That’s because I’m an avid skier and hiker. But I’m not out looking for amorous adventures in the wild. Just a little peace and quiet—and sleep.

Milena, my heroine in The Journey, is one of my strongest characters. I’d like to have her resolute determination in the face of the impossible

Which book, character was the most difficult to write? Who was the biggest challenge?

I wrote a horror story a few years back about a psychopathic, serial killer bent on revenge. The motivation was there, and people identified with her. But getting into the mindset of a villainess is very hard, especially when you’re a very passive, peaceable person like me. That story is pending publication, if the anthology doesn’t die an economic death.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Lots of places, depending on their preferences.

My Website:

http://giannabruno.com

My Blog:

http://giannabruno.blogspot.com

My Social Networks:

http://twitter.com/Gianna_Bruno
gianna_bruno@yahoogroups.com

Eternal Press Reader’s Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders/

Rick and Keela’s character blogs:

http://www.giannabruno.com/forums

What is coming in 2010 from you?

I’m marketing The Journey, which I just finished. It’s a historical, paranormal erotic novella featuring a witch in Salem, circa 1850. This required a lot of research and was slow to write, but I love the way it turned out.

Rick and Keela from “Hot Chocolate Kiss” will have a spring skiing adventure. Keela wants to try surfing, and they’ll likely get lost in the woods around Samhain. There, that rounds out the sexy, seasonal adventures.

“At Home With Peter and Sandra” is right now a collection of humorous, erotic shorts about a couple in the suburbs seeking to “reinvent” their relationship. I’m working on that, not sure about length or structure.

Then, last night, I dreamed up (I’m not kidding) the plot for a ménage story involving a M/M couple and a woman they meet for a business deal which turns into a very tender love story.

Excerpt:

His arrogant stare looked her up and down, but didn’t focus on the designer clothes. She could tell he was wondering how good she was après ski.
Keela met it with her own version of his tilted head leer and savored the adult male attention. She hadn’t gotten laid for nearly a year.
“You’re paying to go out there today? With the wind chill, it could go below -60°. He gestured to the thermometer that read -10° at the base- without the wind.
“I’ve skied worse. Tuckerman’s.” That was usually sufficient to shut up an amateur. You couldn’t claim to be a real backcountry skier in the Northeast unless you’d been there, done that.
“Must be pretty good then.” He rolled a wad of gum around with his tongue.
“Yeah.” She cocked her head and pursed her lips.
“Later.” He pushed the door open with the tip of his boot and exited.
The blast of cold air reminded Keela she was there to ski, not hook up. She hobbled back up to the ticket booth.
The blonde perched on a stool wore boots that looked like she’d strapped a husky dog to each leg. Keela doubted she had ever skied in her life. That sleek blonde ponytail wouldn’t fit under a helmet, and she’d freeze her perky tits and tight ass off wearing that pink fleece jacket and black spandex pants.
She prattled out the usual disclaimers while processing the credit card transaction. “No refunds for conditions. The gondolas are closed due to high winds. Only the open chairs are going to the summit, and we might have to close them as well. The ski patrol has put up an extreme weather alert: no exposed skin, take frequent re-warming breaks.”
Keela tried not to sound bitchy. This wasn’t one of Ken’s girlfriends. The kid was just doing her job. “Thanks for the tips.”
After securing the $75.00 ticket on her parka and putting on every piece of protective equipment in her pack., she waddled out the door like a stuffed pig, sweating like one, too.
She knocked the ice off the bottom of her boots with her poles and clicked into the bindings. No matter who I’m with, it’s always me against the mountain—alone. Keela skated over to the lift where the same guy she’d met outside the can was working. “It’s the Tuckerman lady.” He winked and guided the chair under her butt.
She couldn’t see the rest of his face but imagined him licking his lips.
The lift swept her up, and he called out, “Seriously, be careful. I’ll buy you a Hot Chocolate Kiss when you come down from the summit, sister.”
I don’t think so, dude. No more being treated like a buddy who happened to have a receptacle instead of a plug. No more schlepping boots and ski equipment, plus a backpack full of camping gear to the summit of Mount Washington , dodging rockslides and avalanches, to ski Tuckerman Ravine. No more romantic nights crammed into a lean-to, surrounded by a unisex cadre of other idiots, with a sleeping bag, thermals, and Gore-Tex to light her fire.

Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?

Ebony & Ivory is the third book in my Sky Castles trilogy. The first book Blue & Silver was inspired by a song about castles in the air. The original thought developed into three books and each one evolved from a character from the previous books insisting that I tell their story.

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to let my imagination run wild and put the stories in my head down on paper. I have never been stuck for a story; in fact I have so many floating around in my head I have to consciously make the decision which one to choose next.

I hate not having enough time to write. I would love to be a full time writer, but the time isn’t right. Hopefully it won’t be too long though.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I have two guilty indulgences. I love to go to the day spa and indulge in a spa, massage and the Spectracolor Spa – don’t ask me what that is because I don’t know. All I know is I am feeling great when I have one. The day package also includes a healthy lunch with bubbly.

My other indulgence is twice a year I get away from everything and write. One is at a writers retreat weekend held in one of the up market tourist lodges near here and facilitated by the creative writing tutor who taught me how to put my ideas onto paper. The other is at the Michael King Centre in Auckland. It’s a cottage which is run for writers. I spend ten days there and get so much writing done it’s unbelievable.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

Oops, I think I answered that in my reply to the previous question. One place I’ve never been but where I would like to spend a secluded weekend is a little bed and breakfast place set in the bush about two hours away from where I live. Friends tell me the owner takes good care of you but leaves you to your own devices too. An ideal place to get away and write, or take my husband and have a romantic weekend.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

I love all my characters but each time I finish writing a novel I want to be the heroine of that book. This means my latest heroine, Tazia of Ardon, is the one I would like to change places with at present. Next month—who knows?

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

Where do I start? Ann McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, David Eddings, Trudi Canavan and that’s just the fantasy authors. I tend to buy them in paperback version. I did buy all of Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series in e-book though. Romance I always buy as e-books. I don’t think I have favourite authors in this genre. E-books make it so easy to browse and buy the ones that appeal to me.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

I usually sleep right through the night but no doubt if I woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep I’d hop out of bed and go and write. You’ve got to take the opportunity when it comes haven’t you? When I’m away on writer’s retreat I get up early and write—I’m determined not to waste a minute.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?

The most interesting thing would definitely be living in Kuwait for two years. This was before the troubles with Iraq. I found this a wonderful experience. Residents of Kuwait tended to be multi-national and my children got to know how other people live. They made friends from many different countries around the world.

What is your favorite holiday?

Holiday – what’s that? Seriously, we haven’t really had a holiday as such for some years due to job commitments. My next one is going to be to England to see my grandson. He’s two and a half and I haven’t even met him yet. It’s just so expensive to go the other side of the world.

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?

I don’t really write steamy but I am rather fond of the bath scene in Blue & Silver for the emotional interchange and sexual tension between Caishel and Ailan.

And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*

Ooh I’d rather not answer that one. Although maybe a sharing a bath with my beloved—no best not go there!!!

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

As I have more than one publisher the best place to go is my website or my blog. I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to blogs but I’m trying to find my way with help from fellow authors.

http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/

http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Thank you once again Raine for providing me with this opportunity to reach out to readers of romance and fantasy. It’s been a very enjoyable experience.

Sneak Peeks into Ebony & Ivory AND Three Hearts:

Three Hearts – Excerpt

The younger man was incredibly handsome and looked familiar. Blonde hair like dark gold shone above a finely sculptured, tanned face, and when his body shifted slightly, the sleeves of his tailored suit pulled tightly across his muscled arms. Dreamlike, her gaze shifted to his eyes and she blinked, her admiration replaced with confusion.
The grey eyes staring at her were steely with disapproval. She didn’t know him, so why on earth would he look at her with such obvious dislike? Recognition dawned as she realized she did know him, or at least she’d seen him before. He was the man who’d talked to Brooke at the ice cream van yesterday.
“Miss Farrell.” The middle-aged man rose and held out his hand. “I’m Herbert Case, and this is my client, Mr. Travis Denton.” He indicated his companion.

“Mr. Case, Mr. Denton.”

The younger man took in every detail of her clothing, and made no attempt to hide the look of disbelief cross his face.
“If you’d like to take a seat, I think it would be better if I came straight to the point, then we can progress from there.”
“As you wish.” Darcy felt disadvantaged as she sat across the desk from Mr. Case. The other man still leaned against the cabinets, arms folded across his broad chest, eyes hard and unforgiving, his whole demeanour intimidating.

“I believe you have an eight year old niece named Brooke, whose mother died giving birth to her.” The solicitor looked at Darcy over his half rimmed glasses, waiting for her acknowledgement of these facts.

Darcy nodded, bewildered by this opening statement. What does this have to do with Brooke?

“And you are her legal guardian?”

“Yes. I’m also her only living relative,” Darcy replied.

“I don’t think so.” Travis Denton spoke for the first time and she blinked in surprise as his broad American accent cut through the room.

“I beg your pardon, but I believe I know my own family situation better than a total stranger.” Darcy prickled defensively, determined not to be intimidated by the man’s dislike of her.

“Now, now.” Mr. Case tried to ease the tension in the room. “Perhaps it might be better if I explained my client’s circumstances. Mr. Denton’s wife left him almost nine years ago telling him she couldn’t stay married to him and was returning home to New Zealand. When he had no further communication from her, Mr. Denton assumed she would eventually contact him when she wanted a divorce. She never did, and of course, we know now the reason.”

“Mr. Denton’s private history is fascinating.” Sarcasm filled every word Darcy. “But I fail to see what it has to do with me.”

“My wife’s name…” A smug smile crept across Travis Denton’s lips. “was Kelly Farrell, your sister. Brooke Farrell is my daughter.”

****

Ebony & Ivory: Sky Castles Book 3 – Excerpt

The doors were flung open and Tazia took a deep breath before walking towards the group around the big table near the fire. She was pleased to see Jefor had accompanied Robard. At least there would be one friendly face at the ceremony.

Her brother turned to her with a grin, which changed to confusion when he saw what she was dressed in. He shook his head and Tazia knew he realised Halla had been making mischief again.

The tall dark man standing talking to her father turned and she recognised Duke Robard of Ardon. The welcome on his lips began to fade then turned into a fixed smile as she moved towards the group.

“There you are, my dear.” Her father came forward to take her hand. “Looking lovely as usual.”

For one small moment, Tazia wondered if her father was blind, but then realised women’s fashions held no interest for him, so he had no idea how ridiculous she looked. Taking his arm she moved forward.

“Duke Robard, may I present my daughter Tazia.”

“I am pleased to meet you again, Milady.” Robard bowed over her hand and dropped a kiss on the palm. “Especially on such a happy occasion.”

Embarrassment flooded Tazia. Quickly, she dropped her head to hide the blood rushing to her face. Robard led her towards the dignitaries who were waiting to perform the legal duties of the betrothal. The touch of his hand sent a weakness rushing through her body and she longed for this to be over so she could go and hide in her bedroom.

“Milady, if you would sign here and Duke Robard, if you would sign here.” The dignitary pointed to the appropriate places and she wrote her name, hardly knowing what she was doing.

After the legal part of the ceremony was over, wine and finger food were served. She noticed Robard was attentive but distant and she knew he was disappointed. She’d got the better part of the bargain, while he must think he was lumbered with a half-wit woman for his Duchess.

* * * *