Monday Author Interview with Paloma Beck!

Today I’d like to welcome my friend Paloma Beck to the couch. She’s here to talk about her latest book and answer our decadent questions. So let’s get on with the interview. Hi Paloma! How are you? Why don’t you describe yourself in three words.

Closeted Erotic Author. In everyday life, I am just the average mom of three boys. I drive carpool, volunteer in PTA and teach religious education. Most people wouldn’t believe it if I told them what I write. In fact, those who’ve found out –because they read the naughty things I write- were shocked at first that I even read erotic romance, forget write it!

Hee hee. It’s always fun to mix things up. We do it here all the time. Cast your book. Tell us who would play the main characters in a movie and why!

Isla Fischer would be the perfect Layla. That sweet look of innocence is perfect. Joe Manganiello could be Madden. Definitely dominant, he exudes dark and dangerous. Bradley Cooper could be Anton. Handsome but in a less hunk/ more tender way.

Oh, you’ve named two of my man weaknesses. I’m all in for that. Where do I sign? What’s your favorite love scene from a movie?

Mmm… there’s this scene when Anton is playing the piano while he and Layla are waiting for Madden to come home. I’ve included the photo that inspired the scene and how about a snippit from that scene too…

Anton’s music grew louder and louder—the gentle rhythm gone—and Madden responded in kind. His teeth brushed over her clit, before his lips closed fully and sucked it into his mouth until Layla screamed out in agonized pleasure. Her screams were eaten up by the music as her orgasm was eaten by Madden. His tongue gently licked away her orgasm and she melted, no longer able to hold herself up on her elbows she lay down on the top of Anton’s piano.

It was only a moment before she felt Madden lift her. She didn’t open her eyes, too relaxed to do more than enjoy the afterglow. Her skin was slick with sweat, sated yet still a hunger swirled inside. The memory of Anton watching her orgasm wouldn’t let her go.

Shock caused her eyes to fly open as Madden placed her on Anton’s lap, directly onto his fully erect, unclothed cock. That’s when she realized he no longer played. She sank onto him slowly as Madden continued to support her. The room was silent—the lack of sound almost eerie after the room had been filled with music.

Nicely hot! What’s your wildest fantasy?

To be Layla. I think I’m only half kidding – what woman wouldn’t want what she gets? Two incredible men available to her, committed to meeting her every need, sexy as hell, stronger than the average man with incredible stamina. Yea, sign me up for that!

Hee hee. A man with stamina... Wish they were all like that. If you were to lose one of your senses, which would you rather lose and why?

My sense of smell. I’ve heard you tend to eat less because you can’t smell it – that’s one diet plan I could stick with!

Makes sense. Grin. What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid?

I read Judy Blume’s Forever after my dad –a Baptist Deacon/ Preacher- forbade it. And life was never the same again. No, he never did find out but my whole addiction to romance books took flight from that book.

And now for the hard questions. Yes, the ones that are fast and funny! The Quickies:
Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer briefs.

Top or Bottom?

Bottom.

Pajamas or nude?

Nude.

Hairy chests or smooth?

Hairy.

Alpha or Beta?

Alpha.

Here’s a little about the book:

Lustful Cravings Promo Sheet

Series: Seven Sin Sisters Series, Book One
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Elements: Adult language/ Ménage
Author: Paloma Beck
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61885-352-3
Page Count: 96

Read on!

Seven sisters are entwined in a legacy bigger than anyone ever expected. One by one, they will find their mates from the immortal Valendite breeds and secure their place in history. Each sister embodies one of the seven deadly sins only to be cast aside once claimed. But claiming comes at the price of separation, causing a weakening of their combined powers, which none want to happen... until Layla, holding the sin of lust within her body, locks eyes with Madden.

Madden is one of the strongest of the Valendite Breed, a group of near-immortal men originating from the Italian Wars in the 1500s. Today, the Valendite Breed serve as the Terrorist Elimination Unit (TEU), an invisible arm of the CIA. Their only weakness is their need for a mate to carry on the Breed. So now that Madden has found Layla, he will never let her go.

With forces mounting up against the Breed, Madden and Layla will need to rely on all of their powers combined to get them to their Pronouncement.

Where to Buy:

Secret Cravings Publishing
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=383
All Romance
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lustfulcravings-910661-140.html
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Lustful-Cravings-Seven-Sisters-ebook/dp/B008XB10AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344973534&sr=8-2&keywords=lustful+cravings
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lustful-cravings-paloma-beck/1112483848?ean=2940014873369

And now a little about Paloma!

Paloma Beck is an erotic romance writer in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms. Happily married and living a life of total contradiction, Paloma runs carpool service for her three sons, volunteers in PTA and teaches religious education.

Then in the moments when her characters talk to her, she journals their stories - and they are anything but PG. As a natural introvert, quiet time with her characters is necessary to keep sane while writing is the perfect outlet for her creativity.

Paloma believes a daily dose of coffee and a good book make any day better.

BLOG: http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/PalomaBeckAuthor
FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/SevenSinSistersSeries
GOODREADS: http://goodreads.com/PalomaBeck
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Paloma-Beck
ROMANCE REVIEWS: http://www.theromancereviews.com/PalomaBeck
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/PalomaBeck

Sunday Book Video ~ Castaway Hearts by Taryn Raye

Twice orphaned, Catherine Barrett arrives in Virginia a stranger to her

closest kin and secretly engaged to the one man her family would disapprove of- her sea faring grandfather’s apprentice. Add to her troubles, the rich and intriguing older brother of her secret betrothed, Dawson Randolph, a plantation owner who is as heartless as he is handsome. Heart brokenwhen her intended sets sail for his maiden voyage, Catherine finds it difficult to adjust to her new life, hoping to befriend the one man who is, undoubtedly, the match her grandparents wish for her. Dawson’s distaste for her secret engagement to his brother makes it clear he has no designs for marriage to anyone.

Especially her.

Ten years since the tragic loss of his young wife and infant son, Dawson Randolph is convinced love and marriage is a fool’s game and resents being pardon to his brother’s hidden engagement. Damned by his instant attraction and his own growing desire, Dawson vows to befriend her against his better judgment. Determined to bring her happiness in a time of fear and uncertainty, Dawson puts aside his animosity to become her confidant, only to realize Catherine holds the key to his heart. When tragedy strikes at sea, Catherine’s guilt pushes Dawson to the fringes of her life as madness consumes her.

Can his love save her before she drowns in her own grief? Or is he doomed to love her from a distance, always in the shadow of her love for his dead brother?

Castaway Hearts is available in eBook & print from the publisher-

Turquoise MorningPress-http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/collections/historical/products/castaway-hearts

Also available on Amazon for-

Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Castaway-Hearts-ebook/dp/B007QGZDJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333304648&sr=1-1

Print- http://www.amazon.com/Castaway-Hearts-Taryn-Raye/dp/1622370155/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1335283287&sr=8-8

On Nook from B&N-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109853037?ean=2940014183352&itm=1&usri=taryn+raye

Various formats on

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/147100

All Romance Ebooks- http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-castawayhearts-770205-158.html

OmniLit- http://www.omnilit.com/product-castawayhearts-770205-158.html

Bookstrand- http://www.bookstrand.com/castaway-hearts

Here are just a few places you can find Taryn Raye-

Website- http://authortarynraye.webs.com/

Blog- http://tarynraye.blogspot.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/#!/ScribblingTaryn

FB Page- http://www.facebook.com/TarynRayeRomanceWriter

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823272.Taryn_Raye

Google+- https://plus.google.com/u/0/106417470051541112992/posts

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!


davidarts / 123RF Stock Photo

Sexy Cover Saturday ~ Honeybun at the Dude Ranch by Sam Cheever

Depressed by injuries that have sidelined his career and pretty sure he’ll never find love, Heathcliffe goes to his cousin Peyton's Dude Ranch in Southern Indiana for some "alone" time. His plan is to contemplate the direction his life is taking and figure out how to get back on track.

But he didn’t count on Nita Harley, the ranch's newly hired activity director. Nita's an attractive, young widow who's trying to make sense of her life too, but her problems are much more urgent and dangerous than Heathcliffe's. Someone is killing everyone Nita connects with and, as their feelings for each other grow, she's pretty sure Heathcliffe will be next.

Available here!

Monday Author Interview with Jessica E Subject

I want to thank my friend Jessica Subject for stopping by this week for the interview. It’s always fun to have friends here and this guarantees to be a great interview. So let’s get on with it. Grin. Hi Jessica!!

Describe yourself in three words.

Oh my gosh! No, kidding. I would say busy, and morning person. I always get more done in the morning. If I work on something at night, I usually end up rewriting it.

Wow. So the opposite of me. If I get up too early , I’m cranky for the rest of the day. I tried it and it didn’t work. Cast your book. Tell us who would play the main characters in a movie and why (send pictures!).

Oscar – Jude Law
Bo – James Franco
Delayna – Kat Dennings

These actors personify the characters as I imagined while writing the story.

Love me some James Franco. Sigh. Happy Sigh. What’s your favorite love scene from a movie?

Wow, I’ve never been asked that question before. I’d have to say Neytiri and Jake in Avatar. It’s very sweet and sensual, and so romantic. >

That was a good scene. Grin. What’s your wildest fantasy?

Hehe. Um, two of my recent releases touch on it. *grins* But honestly, my husband and I have a lot of fun together. With the kids though, we fantasize about a night out by ourselves.

Yeah, that tv show where the dad shouts, this is all we have! When the child is interrupting him having a quick smooch in the bathroom...yeah, welcome to my life. If you were to lose one of your senses, which would you rather lose and why?

That’s a hard one. My immediate thought was smell, but then there would be scents like roses and chocolate chip cookies that I would never experience again. And would food taste the same if we couldn’t smell it? Still, I think in the end, I would go with my sense of smell.

Isn’t that a hard question? Stumps me, too. Grin. What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid?

Really? My cheeks are warming just thinking about it. I hope my daughter doesn’t read this until she’s an adult. Well, I might have shown something to a neighbor boy. Got caught, and received a lecture, but didn’t get grounded.

Hey. We’ve all done those things we said, yanno, maybe that wasn’t good. Or maybe it was if you learned. Grin. Quickies, because there’s something so right in being bad!

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer briefs

Top or Bottom?

Top

Pajamas or nude?

Depends if kids are home. LOL

Hairy chests or smooth?

Smooth

Alpha or Beta?

Alpha

Want to know more about Jessica Subject?

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://jessicasubject.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/jessicasubject

And now a little about her latest release:

Cursed to live amongst several stone gargoyle statues, Oscar watches a young couple, yearning to participate in their sexual activities. For he has been away from his own lovers for over a year, and longs to touch and be touched again.

When he tumbles off the headboard onto the couple, he is released from the statue but must find a way home. His only thought: a ménage with the man and woman who freed him. But will they try something new to grant him his return passage, or leave him wandering Earth alone?

Now available from Decadent Publishing, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks & more!

For more information and buy links, please visit: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=10029

Monday Author Interview with Sam Cheever

I’d like to welcome the fantastic author Sam Cheever here today on the blog. She’s one of my fellow authors over at Changeling Press and an all-around fantastic person. But you’re not here to read my blabbering. You are here for the interview, so let’s get going. Sam, thanks for being here. Describe yourself in three words.

Short, snarky, creative...Maybe that explains why so many of my heroines are small and feisty. Hmm, self-reflective moment…

Nothing wrong with being short and feisty. I know from personal experience. Cast your book. Tell us who would play the main characters in a movie and why?

In the Blockbuster movie, Honeybun at a Dude Ranch, Heathcliffe would be played by Christopher Gorham from Covert Affairs, yum! Nita would be played by Sarah Shahi from Fairly Legal.

Ooh! Good choices! Love. What’s your favorite love scene from a movie?

I’m a huge True Blood fan, I love the scene between Sookie and Bill when he first emerges from the grave after being badly burned running through the sun to save Sookie from certain death. Sookie visits the scene of his apparent roasting the next night, thinking Bill is dead, and he suddenly climbs out of the earth and leaps on her, all lips and hands. The scene is very emotional and hot!

Now that’s happy shiver inducing. Might have to go take a look-see at the DVD once the interview is done. What? You know you’re going to, too. Grin. What’s your wildest fantasy?

Sex on the back of a horse. Oh yeah! A galloping horse.

Intriguing. Knowing my sense of... grace, I’d fall off in the middle. And inevitably the one time I get to goof off with Gerard Butler, too. Sigh. If you were to lose one of your senses, which would you rather lose and why?

Taste, so I could lose weight and keep it off. LOL I’m pretty sure that’s the only way I could stay skinny!

Love it. I bet a lot of people would like that. What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid?

In high school I had the biggest crush on this one family of brothers. There were 3 of them and each one was hotter than the last. Of course they were the most popular boys in school and they only dated the cheerleader types. I would have done anything at all if one of them looked twice at me. They were so incredibly cute. It’s probably good they didn’t know I existed. LOL

I can relate. There weren’t three of them. Just one. I accidentally deleted his resume when we were seniors. Yeah, then I offered to retype it—except I couldn’t type for snot. Not good. So now it’s time for the blitzy quick questions! Plus, they are fun. Boxers or Briefs?

Boxers, silk ones, yum

Top or Bottom?

Bottom, but not because I’m a Beta. I like being able to relax and enjoy the moment.

Pajamas or nude?

Nude in my mind, pjs in reality

I’m all about the PJs because I don’t want caught in a fire in the buffo. Hairy chests or smooth?

Smooth, but I do like a man with just a dusting of hair over his pecs and trailing south to heaven. I just don’t want to be able to make a rug out of the hair on the guy’s chest, Bleurgh!

Alpha or Beta?

Alpha…oh, did you mean my partner?

Snicker. Here’s the blurb for Honeybun at the Dude Ranch, because you know you want it!

Depressed by injuries that have sidelined his career and pretty sure he’ll never find love, Heathcliffe goes to his cousin Peyton's Dude Ranch in Southern Indiana for some "alone" time. His plan is to contemplate the direction his life is taking and figure out how to get back on track.

But he didn’t count on Nita Harley, the ranch's newly hired activity director. Nita's an attractive, young widow who's trying to make sense of her life too, but her problems are much more urgent and dangerous than Heathcliffe's. Someone is killing everyone Nita connects with and, as their feelings for each other grow, she's pretty sure Heathcliffe will be next.

Available here:

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1222

And here’s a little bit about Sam!

SensualReads.com ~"Sam Cheever creates some of the best characters you could ever find in the pages of a book. Any book by Sam Cheever is entertainment at its best."

The Romance Studio ~ "She plots a suspense with the best authors around. Then adds her own unique brand of humor and romance throughout to make the stories even more fun to read."

I write romantic suspense and fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi at a variety of heat levels, including Young Adult under the name s.i. decker. I like to mix a little fun, a little magic, and a little real-life spice to create my fictional characters. My fun-loving creations fight their way through a dizzying array of dangerous challenges without letting little things like dangerous bad guys, angry, manipulative gods, evil dark world denizens, or killing Furies dampen their zest for life and hot love!

In my real life, I live on a hobby farm in Indiana with 11 dogs, 2 horses, and one husband. Not necessarily in that order. Yeah...11 dogs...what can I say, I'm a dog-aholic!

To find out more about me and my work, please pay me a visit at any one of the following online hot spots: My 'Tween You and Me Blog (http://tweenyouandme.blogspot.com/ ), Twitter (http://twitter.com/samcheever ), or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Cheever-Author/102117321982 ) . I look forward to chatting with you!

Monday Author Interview with Natasha Blackthorne!

Kealie took another breather, so I’m here welcoming our Monday Interview author and my friend, Natasha Blackthorne! Welcome!! And what’s cool, is we both have a release with Total-E-Bound, TODAY!! Yeah, pretty neat! But she’s here for her interview, so let’s get that going. Grin.

When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote from an early age. My imagination pressed me to write. Whenever my mind is at rest my imagination gives me images and stories and they won’t give me peace until I write them down and try to bring them to life. It becomes an obsession. A painful drive pressing down on me. It was never a choice to write or not to write. I had to write. But the choice came in when I decided to apply myself and learn how to write craft-wise. No one is born knowing how to write. The desire and drive may be there but one still has to learn how to do it well just like any art or skill. And then choice came into play again to decide to submit a story for publication. These were huge, scary steps.



No kidding. There’s all kinds of scary involved in deciding where to send your MS which is like sending your kid out into the world alone. What inspired you to write your first book?
Grey’s Lady was the first book that I submitted for publication. It is not the first book I ever wrote. The inspiration came while reading a book on male-female sexual interactions in Revolutionary and Federalist Philadelphia. After I had read this book, in a quiet moment, Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.


I love when the characters show us what they want. How did you come up with the title?
The heroine Beth doesn’t believe she is a lady. She’s the illegitimate child of a housemaid and an unknown man. When young, she was seduced and had her heart broken by a gentleman. She believes that she is a soiled dove and that she doesn’t deserve love from the kind of man who really attracts her.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Out of something common, something uncommon and unexpected may develop.

How much of the book is realistic?
Did a wealthy American merchant prince ever have an assignation in a carriage with a lovely young woman and become obsessed with possessing her? Well, I am not sure. LOL. It’s a fairy tale about love, let’s not over think it. Seriously, it’s meant to be a fairy tale for adults set in an early USA setting. It’s character based romance set against a realistic as possible historical backdrop.

Hey, there’s no crime in just letting the story be what it is! What book are you reading now?
Henry Adams and the Making of America by Garry Wills

What are your current projects?
I am working on the Carte Blanche series for Total E-Bound Publishing. The sequel to Grey’s Lady is titled White Lace and Promises and is out now.

The next book in the CB series is titled Alex’s Angel and is set in Philadelphia in 1793 right after the devastating yellow fever epidemic. Sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble—and into the arms of gorgeous, golden haired Alexander Dalton. Alex’s Angel is due to be released February 28, 2012. I am currently working on a sequel for Alex’s Angel and I plan another book for CB after that.

You’re a busy girl! Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a necessity like breathing or eating. Even if I had no access to paper and pen, I’d be writing in my head.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always just there. When I learned how to read and write in school I knew this was the way to record my imaginations. I did not know at that time that writing is also a craft. The people around me were not supportive of my budding attempts to write. I was strongly discouraged to write by those around me. (A vast understatement.) I can’t help but have deep regrets that I didn’t learn early that writing is a craft that must be learned. It would have made sharing my writing and publication seem more tangible, something real I could aspire to. But it really didn’t matter. The drive to write was never a choice and it wouldn’t be pushed away.


Who designed the covers?
The art department at TEB and April Martinez made me the loveliest possible cover for Grey’s Lady. I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It really brings the story to life, what more could any author hope for in a cover?

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Being patient with my imagination. I’d like to have more control over the process but when I try to take over the process it always slows me down and lands me into writer’s block.


Yeah, writer’s block stinks! Do you have any advice for other writers?
Study all you can but respect your own processes.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I am mostly always writing. Some at the computer, some in my head. When I am unable to spend time writing I feel very lost as if some vital part of myself is missing so it is always the priority for me.

I’d love to have that much time to write. Grin. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was six. For many years I wrote for my own self-expression and I had no thought of being a “serious” writer or publishing. As I said, I wrote not because I wanted to or because I made a decision to at any point but because I had to. Becoming serious about writing and applying myself to learn to write didn’t happen until much later. There’s a huge difference between writing and becoming serious about learning the art and craft of writing.


What does your family think of your writing?
My husband believes in my writing deeply. He always has.


That’s fantastic! What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
Cats. I have always loved cats. It runs in the family. My father and older sister loved cats too. Cats are so warm, affectionate and loyal yet they are selective. They don’t give their affections or loyalty easily. People who say cats are aloof have never truly known a cat. They are capable of deep loyalty and emotional closeness. The right cat makes a dedicated companion. Sometimes I really do despair of getting any time alone! Cats communicate with those they love in such subtle ways, if only the person they seek to connect with will attune to them and be open to it. It hurts me but I know it’s true, when I was younger I was not always patient or open enough to what the cats in my life wanted to communicate or share with me.

Dogs are wonderful, loving creatures but I am a steadfast cat person.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?
I can’t stand boxerbriefs. I am not sure why, I just don’t like the way they look on a man. On my husband naked is best.

What is your strangest habit?
Zoning out and daydreaming. This got me into a lot of trouble as a child. Oh, who am I kidding, it gets me into trouble now.

Nothing wrong with getting into trouble here and there. I spend a lot of time in trouble. Grin. What is your favorite pizza?
Cheese and mushrooms with black olives.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am definitely a night person.

Now you know you want to learn more about Natasha! Here’s her links:


Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Nblackthorne
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Blackthorne/e/B0056H8TY6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002385587652

Want to know more about Grey’s Lady? Here’s the vital stats!
Book one in the Carte Blanche Series

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.
But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.
But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.
For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?
Buy here!

And here’s a little bit about White Lace and Promises:
Book two in the Carte Blanche Series

Beth and Grey’s passionate battle of wills continues...
New York Merchant Prince Grey Sexton loves the audacious, spirited young temptress who seduced him in a Philadelphia bookseller’s and made passionate love to him in his carriage. Her fiery nature broke through his cold self-protection. But in a time of war and trade disruption, he cannot allow himself to be distracted. He vows to put business above all else in his life, including his bride.
Shocked and hurt by Grey's distance, Beth wonders whether he truly returns the burning love she feels for him. Beth demands that Grey prove he can truly change once and for all or else she will not start a family with him. But will the dark, sensual secrets she yet keeps repel this arrogant, self-controlled gentleman she has married?
Buy Here!


And coming soon: Alex’s Angel!

Monday Author Interview with Starla Kaye!

This week we have the fantastic Starla Kaye on the couch. I apologize now for not getting her here faster. Blame it on the craziness of the holidays. I would like to thank her for stopping by. But who wants to hear me chatter on? Welcome Starla!!!



How did you come up with the titles?

The title for a book is the first thing I come up with, followed by the characters. I’m just one of those authors that can’t us “WIP” as a title. My title fits everything about the story and I’m fortunate enough to publish with e-publishers that never change my titles.

Their Lady Gloriana refers to the heroine in this medieval and the two powerful knights. These men have not only been lovers prior to meeting her, but also both fall in love with her. Their situation, of course, is complicated.
Starting Over fits the two men, who are both in some way starting over in a relationship in their lives. One man has finally “come out” as a gay man and struggling to take the next step in his life. The other is a long-time gay man, who has lost the man he considered the love of his life.

Aww. Sounds heart breaking, but good! What is the hardest scene you have had to write?

I’d like to modify that a bit to make it the most interesting, surprising, and difficult for at least one of the characters scene. The scene was in Their Lady Gloriana and has come after when she has accidentally witnessed an intense love moment between her husband Thomas and his best friend Rowan. She and Thomas had had an argument and then he left to ride off by alone, frustrated and disgusted with himself. Rowan found him and the men had another intense sexual scene. When Thomas joined Gloriana in bed later, he squirmed around a little in discomfort and she was worried about him. She refused to let him get away with “it’s nothing” and eventually he grudgingly admitted that Rowan had taken him and hard. The tender-hearted side of her came out along with her stubbornness. She wanted to help him heal by applying one of her salves. He, naturally, was appalled at the idea. The scene was a complete surprise to me as I wrote it. Gloriana often surprised me throughout the story.


Don’t you love when the characters pull fast ones? What is the favorite character you have written?

I have published 19 novels and 19 novellas, so I have had a gazillion characters to deal with. I fell in love with both Thomas and Rowan in Their Lady Gloriana and will be writing Rowan’s story for Christmas this year. Yet I have to say that the character probably most near and dear to my heart was the heroine in Whiskey’s Rebellion, from Blushing Books. This was a story that I wrote a dozen years ago and never could quite get it the way I wanted it…until I had an epiphany one day. Whiskey was one of my most fun, most independent heroines. She was the daughter of an English nobleman, raised in Dodge City with two older brothers, and a twin sister (who will have her own story next year). The young deputy she thought would be the love of her life died and she went to live with an aunt for a short while. Until her oldest brother insisted she come home and marry his U.S. Marshal partner, Morgan. Morgan was every bit the gruff, stubborn, macho alpha man. She, of course, drove him crazy from the moment she flew into town in a hot air balloon. There is nothing better, in my biased opinion, than bringing a man to his knees and making him admit that he loves an impossible woman.

Hee Hee. We here at the Menagerie know NOTHING about impossible women. What are your current projects?

I have four publishers, though I write for only three at the moment: Blushing Books, Black Velvet Seductions, and Decadent Publishing. I have three projects going on at all times. Currently I’m writing a novella, So Not a Cowboy, a contemporary western romance, for Blushing Books. But I’m also writing an historical western series of novellas about five brothers for this publisher. I will be starting on the second book, Braddock Brothers: Adam, next.

I am working on the follow-up story to my medieval ménage story, Their Lady Gloriana, for Black Velvet Seductions. This novel will be For the Love of Rowan, which will continue the complicated relationship and have him find a woman who finally heals the emotional wounds he bears. I have to admit that I will hate to finish his story. He is my most beloved hero.

And I am working on Naughty, Naughty Santa for Decadent Publishing as a holiday novella. This will be a very sexy, very fun story and I don’t want to give the characters away right now. I write at least one holiday story every year, usually two.

Busy, busy, busy! How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 19 published novels, 19 published novellas, and 5 published anthologies from my various publishers. Starting Over, which comes out sometime in August, will be my 10th novella. It is hard to say which one is my favorite and they are from a number of romance sub-genres: contemporary, erotic, historical western, sci-fi, futuristic, pirate, medieval, and Regency. I’d have to say the ones dearest to me are Whiskey’s Rebellion, If You Loved Me, Bah Humbug Cowboy, Maggie Mine, Hawke’s Lady, Maggie’s Secret Wish, and Their Lady Gloriana.


You’ve got a lot going on! Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why?

Pictures, like mirrors, give too accurate an image of who you are at a particular time. I think most people, me certainly, carry an image around in their head of what they looked like at a certain time…when they looked their best. It can be a grave disappointment to look at a photo or the mirror and see what you look like now.

Yes. I agree. What is your heritage?

I’m half German and half a mixed bag of nationalities. I’m the genealogist in our families, not necessarily by choice. But I like finding about my heritage and relatives I never really knew. It’s all those quirky things that I find which most interest me. Like that my great-grandmother decided one day that she didn’t like the spelling of her husband’s last name (Toliver) and he let her change it to Tolliver. Let me tell you, little things like that really screw up genealogy work. One time I found a will from the mid 1600s, where the two daughters were each left a spoon while their brothers inherited land, etc.

Well, that’s certainly fair. (said sarcastically) Have you ever cried during a movie?

All the time. I’m such a softy that I even cry at Disney movies. I like it, though. I want a movie and a book to play with all of my emotions.

Yup. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Morning definitely. I’m up with the sun (which is difficult in the winter) and ready to go. I work my best on whatever I’m doing until about 1 pm, then I drag a little. I revive and can work more for another 4-5 hours. But come 7 pm or so, I’m done for the day. I don’t write at night because generally anything I write then gets thrown out the next day.

Do you like thunderstorms?
I LOVE thunderstorms. The intensity of the moment in invigorating. The rumbling of thunder, the smell of rain, the brilliant flashes of lightning…all great stuff. And I enjoy sharing them with someone.

Want to know more about Starla Kaye? Here’s her official bio:
Starla Criser, aka Starla Kaye, wears many hats, too many at times. Having a B.S. in gerontology, she coordinates a number of projects with and for the benefit of senior adults in Wichita, Kansas. Married to an aggressive CPA with his own accounting firm, she works part-time plus as the firm’s community coordinator. In the back of her mind, though, at all times is her love for writing. She uses her skills in a variety of ways: writing and publishing a newsletter for a senior adult church group, writing articles for the writers’ group that she is editor for, and maintaining two websites with blogs.

And here’s her links:
Author Website: http://starlakaye.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/starlawrites
Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=151725
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5494986-starla-kaye
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjGj_cZKzXc

Monday Author Interview with Lucy Felthouse!

We are happy to welcome the fantastic Lucy Felthouse to the couch this week. We love her stories and her FF are smokin’. But let’s get going with the interview!
Where are you from?

I'm from Derbyshire, in the UK. I was born in Derbyshire, though not the same place I'm living now, and have lived in the same house since I was a small baby. I'm a home girl, through and through!


Tell us your latest news?

I'm currently hard at work promoting my new release, LOOSE ENDS, which is my first release from Summerhouse Publishing. It's an erotic romance short story about two people who meet at a University reunion and are startled that even after all those years have passed, they still have feelings for one another.

Sounds exciting! Do you have a specific writing style?

I don't consciously have a 'style', I just write what comes naturally. I guess many of my stories have a fairly conversational tone with humour thrown in, but it just seems to be the way it flows out of me, or the way my characters talk.

What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?

I really like my character, Meg, from my Noble Romance release, BITE WITH HEIGHT. She's a vampire, and even for a vampire, she's a kick-ass chick. She turns typical on its head and was a really fun character to create. She and her new girlfriend, Grace, are currently nagging me to continue their story, which is why I have a research trip to Paris planned. I can't wait!

We’d love to go to Paris. So Lucky!! Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Tense! I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I often change tense without realizing it. It's often not until I read back through my completed work that I see what I've done and have a real *headdesk* moment. Sometimes I make my life even more difficult by including flashbacks or anecdotes in my work which make writing in past tense and past-past tense (if that makes sense!) a real challenge!v

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I certainly don't have to. As much of my work is short, it's more character-led than description led. However, I'm often inspired by the places I visit and sometimes want to go back and do further research when I'm struck by an idea, hence my research trip to Paris.

Well, we never have to go anywhere per se, but travelling is so much fun! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to read, watch TV shows, spend time with my other half, family and friends. I like to go walking and visiting historical properties and sites.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?

It depends on the guy. A guy would have to have a certain look to pull off briefs, I think. If we're talking Jared Padalecki or Chris Hemsworth, anything is fine, or nothing. I really wouldn't mind either way. If we're talking 'real life' then boxers.

Depends on who has to to the laundry. What is your favorite animal?

I love dogs. I don't have one (yet) but I do love them. I just find them comical, cute and fun.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

What? I have to name just one? I'm quite soppy when it comes to crying at films. Just a few that spring to mind are Dirty Dancing, Ghost, P.S. I Love You, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, The Notebook.

Some great flicks there.  What is one thing scientists should invent?

A cure for cancer. I'm not going to get maudlin, it's not my style, but I've lost so many people to it that it's difficult not to resent it. And I know lots of people reading this will feel exactly the same, so let's keep hoping, eh?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

A night person, definitely. I very rarely want to get out of bed in the mornings, never mind what I'm doing that day.

Not much for getting out of bed in the morning myself. Guess that’s why we have the cabana boys! Do you like thunderstorms?

Nope, I'm a big old wimp. I don't scream or cry or anything, but they definitely freak me out, so expect to find me with my bedcovers pulled up to my chin!

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Yes, absolutely. Pepsi is sweeter, and Coke can leave a bit of a weird aftertaste in your mouth. I prefer Pepsi as I have a real sweet tooth.

Want to buy Lucy’s books? Here’s the links:
Bite with Height: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitewithheight-575237-139.html
Loose Ends: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-looseends-577310-149.html

Want to know a little bit more about her?
During Lucy’s first year studying Creative Writing at the University of Derby, she was dared to write an erotic story. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing and Xcite Books. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter

Guest Blog: Jami Gray

For the first Guest Blog on Menagerie Authors, we'd like to welcome Jami Gray. Take it away Jami!Thanks for having me. I love the leopard print on your couch!

Where are you from?
The Southwest, where summer is a year -long event. I’ve made a few forays to the northwest, but the fact that mold would grow in the strangest places, the roads are planned around trees and gray seems to a central color palette has kept me under sunnier skies. The only drawback is the amount I invest in sun screen since my Irish/Scot genes have chosen fluorescent as an acceptable skin tone.

Tell us your latest news…
My book, Shadow’s Edge is out November 1st from Black Opal Books. It’s the first in a planned Urban Fantasy series where magic exists in the real world. It follows our lethal heroine, Raine McCord, as she comes face to face with the demons of her past as she wades through a series of murders stalking the world of the Kyn. Of course, she’s not sure if she should drool or curse when she finds herself having to work with the extremely sexy and disturbing, Gavin Durand.

So is writing your only career?
I wish. It’s hard not to turn green when I hear of those other lucky authors who finally figure out the secret code of having their writing become their “job”. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to decipher the code, but I seem to get closer every year. *sigh* I telecommute for the “job-that-pays-the-bills”, and I have two monsters…I mean, boys…who torture…sorry…enrich my life. Plus a knight-in-muddy-armor and a hellhound, who resembles a small horse, but is mistaken for a lab.

What are the pros/cons of writing?
I have a type-A personality and the phrase “OCD” pops up occasionally. My critique group thinks it’s hilarious that with my personality I am actually a “panters”—I write by the seat of my pants. I’ve tried outlining, but it always turns into an epic fail. Instead , an idea or character spark and then they take over. Take Raine, for instance. The idea of magic existing in the real world, then that magic being exploited by government agencies, started my world building. As I created the world, bits and pieces of Raine started to peek out and then one day she was lounging at the opening of a dark alley I was skittering pass to get out of the damn rain in Portland. Talk about near death experience. She had a little chat with me, and when I could breathe again, she was in control. She’s not one to follow outlines.

I don’t suggest writing this way for the faint of heart. It’s a rocky, perilous road and you never see the yawning pit of hell until you’ve got one foot hovering over it.

Sounds dangerous…
Yeah but I love every minute of it. Writing is my form of therapy. Instead of paying someone to listen to my perceived issues, I just work them out with the voices in my head. At least on paper when I have to use lethal force as a solution, I don’t have to hit up friends for bail.

What are your hobbies…
I read, listen to music, mountain bike (okay not so much in a desert but rocky, sand bike then) and hang with my family, at least when I’m not writing, editing or promoting. I have two huge bookcases filled with writers I can only hope to someday be like. Don’t ask me for a favorite because it’s too hard to choose.

Who’s on your nightstand?
CE Murphy, JR Ward, Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Kerrelyn Sparks, Juliana Stone, Eileen Rendahl and Kelley Armstrong. That’s not counting the ones on my Kindle. I could go on. I’m a bit behind on my reading lately.

Who’s on your ipod?
Iphone, actually. *wiggles it in the air* The greatest invention…well almost. *winks* Let’s see, Bush, Nine Inch Nails, Nickleback, Adele, Foo Fighters, Shakira, Rhianna, Tori Amos, Depeche Mode….

Okay thanks, but I’m not sure we have enough time for the complete list.
Sorry, got a little carried away.

Oh hon, we get carried away all the time. Look at the cabana boys...yeah, it's a good carried away. Let’s get back on track…what were you doing at midnight?
Making mental lists in the dark. My mind tends to go into OCD overdrive at night.

Can you tie a cherry stem in a knot?
Nope, I’m a massive klutz, but I have friends who can!

Chocolate or vanilla?
Seriously, do you really have to ask….chocolate!


Where can you find Jami Gray?
Buy Link: www.BlackOpalBooks.com
Website: www.JamiGray.com
Blogs: www.7EvilDwarves.wordpress.com or www.JamiGray.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor

Want to read more about Shadow’s Edge? Ta da!

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking. Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head. Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Want to know more about Jami Gray? Here you go:
Growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border, Jami Gray was adopted at the age of 14 and suddenly became the fifth eldest of 37 children. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and three minors-History, English, and Theater. Shortly after marrying her techie-geek hubby (who moonlighted as her best friend in high school) she completed a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix Oregon.

Now, years later, she’s back in the Southwest where she’s outnumbered in her own home by two Star Wars obsessed boys, one Star Wars obsessed husband, and an overly-friendly, 105-pound male lab. Writing is what saves her sanity.

Guest Blogging at the Anniversary Blog Fest for Whipped Cream!

So I am hanging out today over at the Whipped Cream Guest Blog. Yeah! Anniversary Blog Fest, Baby! Come on over. Lot's of prizes and hey, I will comment on your comments. I'm popping in and out of the Fest, so keep those peepers peeled.

Win a Nook, Kindle or $150 GC!!

What do weeding and writing have in common? To find out, you'll have to read my guest blog during the LASR/WC Spring Blogfest. I don't blog until 4/29 ... but there are piles of amazing authors blogging every day on both sites.

Even better? EVERY comment you leave earns you an entry into the contest. So what are you waiting for? Get your butt over there and play!

Guest Blog ~ Yolanda Sfetsos

Today we have our friend and returning author, Yolands Sfetsos here hanging out with us today. Let's all make her feel welcome. She's talking about an Unconventional Romance. Welcome to the Menagerie, Yolanda.

An Unconventional Romance

From the moment I sat down to write the first story in the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy, I knew that Alyce's romance with Ross Garcia was going to be anything but normal.

After all, the reason they broke up in the first place was because he'd tried to kill her. Of course, back then she didn't know the truth about what he was hoping to achieve. He'd been trying to help her, just like he intends to help her when he pops back into her life in Faithless.

When Alyce finally sees the truth and understands just how much Ross knew about her secrets, and how much he cares about her, they rekindle their relationship. But admitting that they never really stopped loving each other isn't enough. Not when the demonic threat keeps getting in the way.

Buer threatens to eat away at Alyce's soul if they don't get rid of him. Hence the demonologist problem in Careless. Their romance may seem to be going well, but with the amount of obstacles that continue to get in their way, things get complicated. Actually, the stronger their relationship gets, the harder it becomes for them to stay together. And Boundless proves to be their biggest test yet.

In the third and final installment, Alyce faces a huge hurdle. And this one could change everything. This time, to save the man she loves, she risks losing him. Sometimes to save the one you care about the most, you have to do the one thing that could hurt them more than anything.

Like I said, this trilogy isn't a conventional romance, but it's definitely one worth fighting for.

Boundless: Book 3 of the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Alyce remains estranged from her celebrity status as a Faith Healer and is holed up inside a motel room with the mysterious Sebastian. Her soul might no longer belong to Buer, but the fight is far from over. The price for her freedom was devastating.

Ross made a deal with a demonologist in order to save Alyce, and is now at the mercy of the crazy woman and the demon Buer. There is no escape from the basement in which the three are trapped in, and he has to bear the torture.

When Sebastian finds a way to save Ross, Alyce must engage in an ancient, carnal ritual that complicates her life further. But for Ross, she’s willing to put both her heart and soul on the line… even if it means losing him.

Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Now available from Damnation Books.

Or visit my website for information about the print versions.

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Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading.