Thursday, February 28, 2013

VBT: Stacy Gail Guest Blogs!






How A Serial Series Writer Makes It Work

Before we begin, I’d like to thank Nikki at Storm Goddess Book Reviews for letting me pop in to talk about my latest release, SAVAGE ANGEL and The Earth Angels paranormal romance series!

Though I’ve only recently been published, I’ve been writing novels since I was fourteen.  Believe it or not, almost all of these projects have been connected in some way.  I’ve always thought of it as “my world”, a place where anything can happen, and one person’s story always leads to another, and another, and another.

The Earth Angels series, my latest from Carina Press, is no different in that regard.  But since I knew I wanted the story arc to have a defined beginning, middle and end, it had to be much tighter in focus.  How I started: first I had the idea of what it would be like to be a modern-day descendant of the Nephilim, an ancient race of human-angel hybrids.  Second, I wanted to take familiar paranormal themes—a superhero, a wounded loss-of-powers warrior, a lover-turned-fighter and a soldier—and display these characters within the series.  And lastly I needed a common foe to tie it all together.

What would a common foe be for a band of almost-human super-powered beings with hints of angelic DNA?  A demonic apocalypse, of course. ;)

All of this needed a TON of research, so I started with character outlines.  The heroine of SAVAGE ANGEL was the first character that came to mind.  All the modern-day Nephilim have special abilities, but I wanted Sara (currently the only woman with angelic DNA in the series) to be the ultimate super soldier.  Right away she appeared in my mind as being calmly capable in any battle situation, but her social skills are nonexistent.  She’s awkward and self-conscious, and almost painfully shy around the man who makes her tremble, Gideon Mandeville.  To have a character like this brought to her knees through the force of love was a ton of fun to write!

Once I had outlined all the protagonists for the four Earth Angels books, I went in search of an appropriate villain.  Ack, there were so many demons to choose from!  But I finally settled on a reaaaaallllllly terrible spawn of hell who has some of the sneakiest—and most insidiously terrifying—powers I’ve come across.  The big reveal of who their ultimate foe is will be revealed later, so I can’t talk about it now, but trust me—this demon can threaten an apocalypse like nobody’s business, and in such a way you’ll never see it coming.  He’s deliciously evil.  >:)

There’s no right or wrong way to build a series, but for me it’s all about the characters.  Unless the series is open-ended—and I have one of those coming out with Carina Press later this year—it was important to have a clear path of where I wanted this four-part story to go.  It might be time-consuming in the beginning, but it’s so worth it when you reach the end and have a tight, organized series that has absolute resolution.

Question: Do you like a series that you know is 1.) finished, 2.) open-ended or 3.) has a finite amount of books to it, but is not yet complete?




Savage Angel      
by Stacy Gail

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Book two in The Earth Angels

Feel nothing. Sara Savitch's personal mantra has been hard to live by ever since her torrid one-night stand with army doctor Gideon Mandeville. Descended from the Seraphim, angels known as heaven's soldiers, Sara may be an expert fighter, but she's an amateur when it comes to relationships.

Physically unharmed, but still battle-scarred, Gideon has returned to Dallas in the hopes of regaining his faith in humanity—and in himself. Instead he's walked into a nightmare. His father is on a serial killer's hit list, and has hired a personal bodyguard—the very woman who has haunted Gideon's dreams for a year.

As Sara works to build an impenetrable fortress around her client, she yearns to tear down the one around Gideon's heart. With his bitter rejection of warriors, will he ever be able to accept her true nature? Sara must find a way to trust Gideon with her secret as the killer closes in…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt: 


Let’s make this quick,” she announced without preamble, heading over to the desk and gesturing an invitation toward the chairs on the opposite side of it. “I have a meeting waiting for me, along with about a fifty other things that need to get done before noon. And in future, I’d appreciate it if you would call and make an appointment the next time you want a face-to-face.”

An appointment? For me?” Refusing to even look at the chairs she’d indicated, Gideon kept his distance and stayed by the windows, his expression so remote he looked as unapproachable as the moon. “Do you insist all your lovers do that, or is it just me?”


She hoped her swift intake of breath was something only she heard. “You’ve made it apparent we don’t have that kind of relationship and after yesterday, I’m forced to agree with you. You’re not my lover, or boyfriend, or even acquaintance. We’re strangers, and I have no problem keeping it that way.”

Except for the small fact that strangers don’t usually have mind-blowing sex up against the garage wall, do they?”

Her fingers curled into her palms, and she wondered if her face looked as neon-red as it felt. “And here I was, thinking you’d forgotten about that.”

Something that hot is hard to forget.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.

Stacy Gail –Website: http://stacygail.blogspot.com/





Buy Links for SAVAGE ANGEL:






Spotlight & Review: When I see You



Blurb:

She believes that love can never last, promises are usually broken, and true happiness is extremely elusive in the long run. He believes most risks are worth taking, the promises he makes can be kept, and love doesn't factor in his relationships any longer. They're both wrong.


Jordan Holloway has never fully recovered from the unexpected deaths of her famous Hollywood parents. At 27, she is still slow to trust and remains uncertain about the true duration of love and happiness. Yet, it's been four years since she fell in love with Ethan when he rocked her world even as he marched off to war leaving her alone with their young son Max. Now, Ethan tells her this will be his last tour in Afghanistan and that soon the three of them will be together. Still anxious at his leaving again, Jordan extracts a promise for Ethan's safe return from Brock Wainwright, her husband's sniper partner and best friend. But, can she put all her trust in Brock and can he keep such a promise?

At 29, Brock Wainwright fully embraces the dangerous life of a Navy Seal. He enjoys his freedom and not being committed to anyone; and, there's been a long line of women who can attest to that. Everything changes for Brock after he meets Jordan. When the two men return to Afghanistan, Brock's intent on keeping his promise to Jordan about keeping Ethan safe for a variety of reasons, including the most disturbing one of all, he is more than just attracted to his best friend's wife. This revelation plagues Brock on the battlefield and in a violent moment changes everything.


EXCERPT: 

An hour later, the household has been fed French toast, and all the adults have been replenished with multiple cups of Brock’s strong black coffee. Max is busy showing off his swing set and sandbox to the clearly hung-over Ashleigh and his daddy. I watch my son as he constantly pulls at Ethan’s outstretched hand. His unmet need for Ethan’s attention brings tears to my eyes, but our child’s enthusiasm is contagious. I can’t help but smile, when I hear Max call out, “Look at this, Daddy; look at this, Ashleigh,” in his sweet, elf-like voice. I gaze at the three of them through the open French door that leads to the backyard and feel this surge of love for my little family.
A half hour later, Brock peruses the Los Angeles Times, while I decorate cupcakes for Max. Decorating cupcakes has become my signature specialty within this small community of Malibu. It’s kind of a sideline hobby to my real job as head chef at Le Reve.
I look up. Brock watches me with the rapt interest similar to that of a small child. It reminds me of Max when he’s mesmerized with a television program like Big Bird or Barney. The newspaper is folded up and lies next to his forearm.
I slip up with the icing under his studied scrutiny and attempt to refocus upon the task at hand by breaking eye contact with our unexpected house guest.
“Ethan tells me you studied at CIA,” Brock says. “That you’re a head cook, here in Malibu. At Le Reve, is it?”
I glance up from what I’m doing and nod, but looking at him is worse. The man continues to interfere with my ability to concentrate on the cupcakes for some reason. I glance away from him, intent on getting back to looping blue icing across the little cake’s surface in a circular pattern, making ocean waves. I’m going for a Finding Nemo theme, per my three-year-old’s request. He’s taking the cupcakes to his play date with his friend, Davey. I hold my breath in an attempt to drape the icing in a steady wave pattern.
“Head chef at Le Reve. Before that, head chef at Rivera,” I say. “And before that, I worked at L’Ecole in New York, even a summer in Paris.” I lift my chin in defiance and can feel myself blushing. Why do I feel the need to provide my resume to this guy?
“Chef,” Brock says with a wide smile. “Sorry, you gourmets are so touchy about titles.”
“It’s a big deal in the culinary world to be a head chef. It takes years to get that title and the responsibility that comes with it.” I shrug, trying to give off an air of indifference, but even I can hear the edge in my voice.
“Okay,” Brock says. “Head chef at Le Reve. Tell me what that’s like.”
I put down the pastry knife, somewhat disconcerted to be asked about the restaurant. Ethan sees it as a drain of my time away from Max, away from him when he’s here. Le Reve is a source of tension between us every time he’s home.
“There’s a certain energy and excitement in running a restaurant every night. You spend your whole day preparing and planning, and then, the satisfaction of execution on a nightly basis is exhilarating. Almost spiritual.” I smile over at him. He gets this disconcerted look. “There’s nothing quite like it. Le Reve is small, only eight tables, but people come from all over to eat there. We have a good thing going. My boss, the owner, Louis DuPont, is from Paris. He’s amazing and gives me a lot of flexibility. It’s close by. Ashleigh or Mrs. Richards watch Max in the evening, and I try to be home by midnight or so.” My voice trails off at the thoughtful look on Brock’s face. “What?”
“Isn’t it kind of hard to juggle all of that with Max?”
“It works. I don’t know any other life. Of course, Ethan would prefer me to work part-time and be home with Max more.” I hesitate, before saying, “Running a restaurant, making decisions about food, and preparing it is cathartic for me. I need to do it.” I pause, experiencing misgivings about saying anything more, but somehow, needing to. “Ethan was gone when Max was born. He’s been home three times in the past three years. I have a life. Here. In L.A. It works.”
I sweep the pastry knife across the air in agitation and openly blush, knowing I sound too defensive. I take an unsteady breath. I’ve given too much away. “We make it work,” I say in a low voice.
I look over at him. He’s shaking his head. I’m unable to look away.
“You just don’t know how rare you are. I think it’s great that you have a career and still manage things with Max.” He frowns. “Most women wouldn’t put up with the long tours away from home. It wreaks havoc on a relationship. It takes commitment. Trust. It’s rare.”
“Relationships are hard, no matter what the circumstances,” I say.
“You think so?” Brock asks. There’s discernible disquiet in his tone.
The ground seems to shift beneath me. I reach out for the counter to steady myself. Yet, I’m unable to stop myself from saying more. “We sailed into marriage with all these dreams and made all these promises. We were so naive. Within fifteen minutes of meeting him, I knew how I felt about him and how he felt about me.” I try to smile. “He swept me off my feet and I didn’t hit the ground, until I was standing at the airport and watching his flight to Afghanistan take off.” I smile, but then, it fades.
“At that moment, I’d never felt so alone in my life. And, there have been other times when I have felt pretty much alone.” I stop, take an unsteady breath, and close my eyes, remembering the death of my parents and that exact moment when Ethan left the first time. I open them and he’s staring at me intently.
“Alone. Eight weeks pregnant. Ashleigh and I had been in L.A. for a couple of years already. Then, I’d met Ethan and everything changed,” I say in a low voice. I gaze over at Brock and then shrug my shoulders, attempting to lighten the mood at seeing the disconcerted look on his face. “But nothing really changed. Do you know what I mean?”
“Yes.” Brock looks even more troubled.
“What?” I ask with growing trepidation.
“I was engaged once. It didn’t work out.” A shadow crosses his face. “I dropped out of my last semester of law school and signed up for SEAL training, then sniper school. My father wasn’t too happy.” Brock gets this bleak look. “Relationships are hard whether you’re in L.A. or Austin.”
Ethan and Brock both grew up in Austin. I pause in mid-air with my pastry knife, realizing that this is one more thing that Ethan hasn’t really shared with me. I don’t really know much about his life in Austin, before me. We rarely go there because his time is so limited when he’s home.
“I’m sorry. About the fiancĂ©e. About your dad,” I say.
“I got over it. I moved on.” He shrugs and looks indifferent.
“Is that why you go through women like they’re an endless supply of shaving razors? To defy your father? To prove you’re over her?”
I blush at my bluntness.
“I suppose so.” He tries to smile but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I sense this profound sadness in him. “But razors aren’t as sharp. Never disappoint. Never maim. Not intentionally, anyway; and don’t require commitment.”

Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS

Review:

Dramatic, poignant and emotional, When I See You took me on a journey that I'm not going to forget anytime soon.

That being said, there are a few issues I had. Some of the things Jordan and Brock endure has the over the top effect, borders on the margin of not completely believable, but it still captured my attention. The story flows and moves along nicely. The characters are well rounded, full of their flaws and conflict, and there's enough drama, twists and turns to keep things very interesting. I never knew what was going to happen next.  The characters pasts entwine with their lives in the present.

Sometimes it's like a train wreck. You need to look away, but can't. That's exactly how I felt in this book. Let's just say I was up late reading when I had to get up early. But hey, can't very well stop in the middle of a book when there's so much to find out!



 Author Bio:

Katherine Owen graduated with a journalism degree and a minor in English from the University of Washington and promptly went into high tech sales because someone told her it was fun and there would be stock options. For years, she damped down the urge to write and spent money like Evian water. But after a successful, storied career in high tech sales and public relations, she finally made what felt like a necessary, soul-calling leap to writing full-time in April of 2009. Owen has written three novels SEEING JULIA (debut novel and Zola Award Winner), NOT TO US and WHEN I SEE YOU. She lives near Seattle in an old house with a fabulous view with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, she can be found cheering at her son's football games or her daughter's volleyball games or heating up frozen dinners for the "fam-dam-ily" as she fondly refers to them.

Connect with Katherine Owen in these ways:

Website: www.katherineowen.net or bit.ly/KObuymereadme (leads to the same place but this one’s cooler aka memorable)
Twitter: @katherineowen01  line: https://twitter.com/KatherineOwen01

In all these social media places, she talks about her writing life and what inspires her as well as her novels and, sometimes, her latest work-in-progress.


Buy The Book at any of these online retailers:

Amazon (Paperback & Kindle):  http://bit.ly/WISYbuyme
Barnes & Noble (Paperback & Nook ePub): http://bit.ly/WISYbuyBN


VBT: Wise Men Say


ell me about yourself, and your writing.
That’s a loaded question, doncha think? Well, I’m older than most people think I am. Since I can’t yet rely on my writing to keep a roof over my head, I spend my days as a TV producer and radio air personality.
As for my writing—there’s always a happy ending, but for some reason my characters need to ‘earn’ them.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I’ve always written, even as a kid. I write daily for my jobs. My first published work came out in 2011, I have four under my belt now, all romances.

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
I would love to write a mystery/suspense/action. I’m working on more than one of those right now.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
PANTSTERS UNITE! I have no use for outlines…my characters take me where they need to go.

What is a typical writing day like for you?
Typical for ‘fiction’ writing or just ‘writing.’ Because I write for my TV job all day…as for fiction, with my workload, I’m kind of relegated to Saturdays and Sundays.

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
Brad Thor, James Rollins, Brad Meltzer and James Patterson. Thor-the Scot Harvath Series; Rollins-the Sigma Series. And, Patterson-the Michael Bennett series.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
Getting a couple of my favorite unpubbed works in progress, finished and sold.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
The ability to converse with the dead. I miss talking to my mom, dad and brother. And, I would really like to know if they think I’m ‘doing a good job’ with my life.

Tell us a little about your latest release.
WISE MEN SAY –just a little story about the perseverance of love.

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
Brad Thor and/or James Rollins. I’d let the boys do the heavy lifting of research, technology and suspense – I just want to see Thor’s Scot Harvath and Rollins’ Sigma gang get in the sack with people they care about…I can take care of that, right?

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
I work –but sometimes my ‘work’ isn’t really ‘work.’ My husband and I travel when we can—we like historical places. I read, a lot. I try to keep my house clean. I garden—poorly.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't? 
I’d love to be handy around the house.

Weather: Hot or cold?
Cold.


Wise Men Say (1Night Stand)
by Wendy Burke
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Category(ies): Holiday-Themed, Military
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 12,300

Buy Links

Blurb
More than twenty years ago, Emmy Patterson kissed her fiancé for the last time. Despite bad news from U.S. military services, to this day she has reasons to hold on to hope he's alive and celebrates his life every chance she gets.

Her family, however, thinks her partly crazed, unable to grasp the reasoning behind her perpetual optimism.

Called on a business trip to promote her glass artwork, she spends the winter holidays in Las Vegas. Is this chance travel to the The Castillo in Vegas a coincidence, or does the wise Madame Eve know ‘some things’ were meant to be?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Book Trailer
Embed Code:

Reviews
5 Stars:one of the best 1NS”
I have read over 50 of the books in this series and this is one of the best yet. Heartfelt and sexy I totally loved it.”--MLK (Amazon Review)

4 Stars:Short Story That Is Sweet Yet Satisfyingly Sexy”
The 1Night Stand series of books from Decadent Publishing can always be counted on to entertain and delight. Wise Men Say by Wendy Burke adds to that reputation with its heartwarming storyline about the unending power of love.

For over twenty years, and despite what she's told, Emmy Patterson has been hoping the love of her life returns from the war. Her loyalty and memories of a lost love keep her going and while this might seem crazy to some, deep down we all wish we had someone who affects us that deeply. So this part of the story worked for me and made the story even more heartwarming once all the events played out. While in Vegas for work she gets an unexpected surprise that is her dream come true and gives her a night she'll never forget that changes her future forever.

Nick's never forgotten Emmy but isn't without scars, inside and out. He's a strong and proud man and wants to put the past behind him and move forward with her, but some flashes of the past still remain that are lightly touched upon. The sexual chemistry between them is still hot and their connection is both comfortable and satisfying. These romantically-charged sexual interludes lead to a fairytale ending that, while a bit rushed, will leave readers misty-eyed.

Wise Men Say is a feel good story that reminds us of the power of love. With its fantasy-like feel it becomes every little girl's dream wrapped in an adult package. Those wanting an entertaining start to the New Year will find it with Wendy Burke's newest release!”--J. Faltys (Amazon Review)

About the Author
A TV producer by day and a romance writer at night, sometimes the two employments inadvertently cross –whoops! When not at her fulltime TV job or part-time job in radio, Wendy is either writing or fighting off a furry attack by one of her two cats. She leads a wonderfully silly life with her way-too-cute chef husband in a suburb of ‘beautiful’ Toledo, Ohio.

Connect with Wendy Burke



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VBT: Heart and Soul


Thank you for dropping by my stop on Tess Black's blog tour. I'm featuring the author for an interview. I hope you'll help me make the author feel welcome!


Tell me about yourself, and your writing.
I was born in New England and now reside in the Midwest. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years for two lovely daughters. My writing is in the fantasy/paranormal romance genre, which is what I love to read.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I’ve been writing since my early teens, but only thought seriously about being published in the last two years.

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
I write in the fantasy/paranormal romance genres, but I would definitely consider straying to science-fantasy or contemporary romance.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
I’m definitely a by the seat of my pants kind of gal, which is how Heart and Soul was written. I’ve done online roleplaying for a few years and that is all about writing improv. It’s nerve wracking.

What is a typical writing day like for you?
Get up, feed pets, then sit down in front of my computer to check email, etc. Resist the urge to check FB page and play Zynga games and instead open Word. I am easily distracted so I need to force myself to stay on task. Once I start writing, it’s all good though, and I’m engrossed in my world.

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
Haha! This list could go on forever and starts with the usual suspects; J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jessica Andersen, Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter, Elisabeth Naughton, LaVerne Thompson aka Ursula Sinclair, Jeaniene Frost, Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Shannon K. Butcher, J.D. Robb…to name just a few of the established authors. I also like to read newer authors and peers, such as Eve Tesoro, Scarlet Hunter, and E.W. Walsh.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
I’d like to complete the next two books in my Solaria Trilogy and have them published.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
The ability to flash, port, dematerialize or whatever word you want to use. To be standing in one place and then at the blink of an eye be in another.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
A mini-dragon. Although I can imagine it would be difficult trying to put out the many tiny fires it would set around the house. Most likely it would also terrify my cats.

Tell us a little about your latest release.
Heart and Soul is a short and sweet story about a strong woman who is rescued from a car accident by an elf and brought to his world. She is stuck there for a couple of days and decides to make the best of it. He is an easy going kind of guy, but when they get together things heat up.

What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)
My Nook Tablet.

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
Definitely. Up until recently I had a writing and critique partner. We had a couple of stories started that I’d like to see us complete.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?
I have never liked this question, because I’m always embarrassed to say that I have no idea.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
Reading. Reading. Oh, and in my spare time—reading.

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
This is a tough one as I’m on the fence about books being adapted to movies. There have been very few where I’ve liked the outcome.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't? 
I wish I was able to just sit down at my computer and start writing whatever’s in my head without obsessing over what is being written; the just let the words flow.
Favorite color?
Purple

Weather: Hot or cold?
Neither. I like a happy medium.

Favorite place to read?
In my bedroom.

Favorite meal?
Chicken and shrimp fajitas or jambalaya.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Vitamin Water Zero Lemonade.
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
The Highlands of Scotland or Hawaii.





Heart and Soul (Solaria Trilogy #1)
by Tess Black
Genre(s): Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 17,600

Buy Links


Blurb
What would you do if you were given a second chance at life and love?

On a mission to rid herself of her engagement ring, jilted attorney, Greer Ivers, loses control of her vehicle in a freak snowstorm. She finds herself awakening to a mind-blowing world and in the arms of a handsome man. The intriguing Caelan Virilion, a hidden witness to the tragedy from another plane of existence, discovers himself in an unacceptable situation. Spending a few days together in Caelan's world draws them closer in more ways than one and feelings they are fated surface in the heat between them. With only a few days until she must return, will they recognize risks are worth taking for true love?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.


EXCERPT: 

She pulled up short when a man appeared from out of nowhere, startling her. Jumping back, Greer stared, hoping she didn’t drool. Tall, dark and handsome didn’t even begin to cover it. Craning her head back to look up into his face, she realized he must have stood at least six and a half feet tall with golden skin and a body to die for. He looked so hot in fact, she could hear the sizzle from where she stood. His dark hair fell to just above his broad shoulders, framing an exquisite face of chiseled features. Deep green eyes watched her with interest from under killer lashes. As her eyes traveled lower, she actually felt her breath catch and stop. He stood before her, shirtless. His smooth muscular chest and six-pack—no wait, make that eight-pack—rippled down to reveal a smattering of dark hair starting just below his navel and trailing south to disappear into snug dark rust-colored pants hanging low on his lean hips. He posed in the doorway, all lithe, sinewy muscle with colorful tattoo symbols running down the left side of his torso.

Oh, sweet Jesus. She’d died and gone to heaven—or perhaps hell, since he looked to be so sinfully tempting. Suddenly realizing she stared at him too intently, she glanced away. A blush crept from her neck on up to heat her cheeks.

“Greetings. My name is Caelan Virilion.” He didn’t move from the doorway, perhaps waiting for her to acknowledge him, but his mega-watt smile, revealing perfect white teeth, captivated her as did his unique name and lyrical voice. Ah, so the sandalwood scent came from him. He even smelled yummy.

Greer snapped back to herself as soon as she realized he was waiting for her to speak. Believing the best defense to be a direct approach, she stepped forward with her hand outstretched to shake and broke her silence. “I’m Greer Ivers. I don’t believe I know you or where I am at the moment. Perhaps you could enlighten me.”


About the Author
Tess Black was born in Massachusetts and now resides in a small town in Wisconsin. After spending many years as a stay-at-home mom for two lovely daughters, she has now found the perfect time to start her writing career.

Previously an avid reader of most genres, particularly fantasy, she was surprised when several years ago a new friend suggested a book series from a genre she was unfamiliar with, Paranormal Romance. (Shout out to Kiwi!) The rest is history! Although she still occasionally reads normal fiction, her love of paranormal romances, the edgier the better, has grown into an obsession.

She is currently working on Book Two of the Solaria Trilogy; Tolan's story and writes for an interactive storytelling website, www.rpworldgroup.org. Most days you can find Tess' physical body sitting with her Nook Tablet in hand or in front of her computer typing away; her mind, though, is off somewhere in an imaginary world.

Connect with Tess Black


Check out the other stops on this tour here


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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Meet Andy and Rose! Character interview


Today, I'm visiting with Andy and Rose, characters from R.T. Wolfe's Flying Shadows. 


So tell me, how did you approach your author about your story? I'm well aware of how those like you just pop up out of nowhere

We started buzzing holes in R.T.’s head as she was writing the prequel to our book. We were small children in Black Creek Burning. So much happened to us as we grew up, it seemed only right to share our story with the Black Creek Burning fans.


Care to share a juicy detail about yourselves that we may not otherwise know about you? Oh, come. Let's call it a little game of truth.” < Winks>

Andy: She’s the loud one. See? She’s blushing.

Is there a talent you wish you had, but currently don't have?


Andy: I want to take a mission trip to Liberia. Is that a talent? For each tree Reed Builder’s takes down, I donate a dozen rubber trees to the war-torn country of Liberia. R.T. has a link on her website for the place I use, Treecyle. I want to see my rows and rows of trees. The people there deserve them.
Rose: Sorry, Nikki. He’s been a talker like that since he was six years old. I’m looking into sea turtles. No wait, that’s the main character in one of R.T.’s next series.

Without getting you in to trouble, either of you....what is your biggest turn off?


Andy: Clingy, needy women who don’t know how to appreciate a classic Mustang, catching crawfish in Black Creek or singing along to Led Zeppelin or The Boss.
Rose: Sheesh. What he said.

Biggest turn on”?

Andy: Red painted toes propped near a campfire.
Rose: The look on Andy’s face when my red painted toes are propped near a campfire.

Pet peeve?”

Rose: Me first this time. Scum bag land developers who come in and tear up local reserve land for strip malls.
Andy: She’s not kidding. Mine

Other than loved ones and the absolutely necessities, what is one thing you can't live without?”


Andy: My Maserati.
Rose: Easy, my research and action center.


Favorite way to relax and wind down?”

Rose: Rock climbing and pounding on a heavy bag.
Andy: Weights when I can find the time.


Where is a place you'd love to travel to?”

Andy: Again, it’s Africa. I’ll make it there someday soon.
Rose: I’ll go with, but the place I’d love to go is Alaska. I hear it is truly America the beautiful.

Biggest fear?”

Rose: For the bastard antagonist in our book to get his hands on my mother.
Andy: Well, my brother and I tend to … explore on computers now and then. My biggest fear would be getting caught.

Do you have ANY idea what your author is working on next?

I know there was a celebration because she turned in the final book in the Black Creek Series to her editor. That’s my brother, Duncan’s, book. Book 1, Black Creek Burning, went to .99c and was featured on Bookbub last Monday and she’s on USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog this Friday talking about what it’s like to be married to a romance author.

What good quality do you think you bring out in one another?”


Andy: Rose brings out the best in everyone around her. Her and her mother spend their lives helping people and animals who can’t help themselves.
Rose: Sheesh again. There is some good sex in your very near future. For years, I lived all right without Andy, but he is what makes the circle in my life complete.

Well, I know you both are busy, so I don't want to keep you all day, but is there anything you'd like to share?”


One more thing, sure. R.T. has a new series she’s started. Detective Nickie Savage is Duncan’s conquest. (good luck with that, brother). She’ll have her own series tentatively titled the Savage Books. Book 1 comes out later this year. 


BLURB: 
Andrew Reed grew up with an instinctual need to keep an eye on his best friend. Not that Rose couldn’t take care of herself. Wild and sassy, she could hold her own in a fight, yet turn on a dime to volunteer at the local zoo or animal shelter. It wasn’t until later in life when Andy discovered his instincts were well founded.
Rosemarie Piper spent much of her life hidden from a brutal past she didn’t know she had. As the most upcoming conservation biologist in the Northeast, Rose works to find common ground with her passion to preserve nature’s creatures and the fact that the love of her life turned into a builder and land developer.
Little do either of them know their differences in life choices won’t be the only thing that works to keep them apart. When the violence from Rose’s past discovers her existence, she and Andy fight not only to keep their love together but to keep Rose alive.


EXCERPT:

Walking in the dark, Andy readjusted his tackle box. Moonlight shone on the dark ripples creeping down Black Creek. He spotted a raccoon as he crossed the bridge. Startled, the animal hissed at him. Andy stomped his foot and hissed back; he was in no mood for it.
In his peripheral vision, he saw movement Larger movement. A man? The shape disappeared as quickly as Andy imagined it. When you let yourself get this worked up, you start seeing things, he chided himself. 
He needed Rose.
She would calm him down and lighten his mood, help him feel normal again. He looked at his watch and winced. What were friends for if you couldn't count on them to be there? Even at this time of night. Or morning.
* * *
Rose slept soundly in her twin bed dreaming of her favorite spot at the zoo. In the small rain forest building, she allowed a newly emerged monarch butterfly to dry its wings on her apron while sharing facts about the insect to one of two visiting young boys. The other threw pebbles into the nearby wishing pond. The sound of the small rocks plunked as they hit the stone wall before dropping into the water.
Oh, crap. She woke and sat up straight. The plunking noise came from outside, not in her head.
Heart in her throat, she ripped off her blankets and hustled across the hard floor to the window. It was still pitch-black out.
Grabbing the flashlight she always kept on the windowsill, Rose paused for moment. She shook her head assuring herself it was Andy and lifted the window. She found him with the beam as she hissed loudly, “I thought you didn’t get home until tomorrow.”
"It is tomorrow." He held up fishing poles and tackle box.
"It's not tomorrow until the sun comes up." Tugging on a pair of jeans, Rose smiled wildly to herself. This reaction she had to Andy Reed had to stop. It was not healthy.
"I've got the worms." he called. "Get down here."



R.T. Wolfe is the author of the Black Creek Series set in beautiful upstate New York. She enjoys creating diverse characters and twining them together in the midst of an intelligent mystery and a heart encompassing romance.
It’s not uncommon to find dark chocolate squares in R.T.’s candy dish, her Golden Retriever at her feet and a few caterpillars spinning their cocoons in their terrariums on her counters. R.T. loves her family, gardening, eagle-watching and can occasionally be found viewing a flyover of migrating whooping cranes.


R.T. Wolfe website: http://www.rtwolfe.com
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