Showing posts with label Author Override. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Author Override. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Author Override: Diane Escalera


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Today's guest blogger is no other than Diane Escalera! Diane is the author of Dangerous Desires, a book filled with heat and heart. In this book, Diane tackles the issue of illegal dogfighting and in her post, she talks about what inspired her to write about this. Come check it out!

 

Diane Escalera 

Thank you so much, Annie, for having me. I really appreciate this awesome opportunity! Now that Dangerous Desire has been reviewed, I’d like to go behind the scenes and tell you how the story came about.

When I set out to write Dangerous Desire, I wanted to do something different, a little more edgy than my previous books. I chose to make the hero a pet detective (No. He’s nothing like Ace Ventura!) because frankly, I hadn’t seen many tough guys with this profession. A love for animals softened his hard exterior. I found it attractive, and thought my heroine would too.

I knew who my hero was. How would he utilize his special skills? While I was brainstorming ideas, pro football player Michael Vick’s dogfighting scandal made headlines. Believe it or not, it spurred the plot for Dangerous Desire!

I’m an animal lover, and I had strong feelings about dogfighting. Still, the story called out to me. I like to write about real-life issues. Bad things happen, and I try not to shy away from something just because it might be unpopular.

But I digress… After all, Dangerous Desire is a hot romance! It’s a story about a second chance at love. The road to a happy ending may have some bumps along the way. It doesn’t stop us from trying to reach our destination.


Excerpt
In full view, Cruz stripped off his sweaty black tee and Sienna nearly had a heart attack. Jesus Christ. The men at her gym would’ve despised him. Her eyes slowly drank him in. Good God. He had the sexiest bod she’d ever seen. Taut and tan, his muscles were chiseled in a way that gave his dimensions beautiful symmetry. Tori would’ve been impressed. She’d always preached about the importance of muscle balance. Some men took it to the extreme. Not Cruz. He sported a tapered waist with shredded abs, V-shaped torso, and arms that made her drool because, if she had to pick a favorite body part, arms were it.
He used the dirty shirt to dry sweat off his gorgeous frame. Her eyes followed his movements, stopping at the bulldog tattoo etched on his sculpted pec, with the word Marines below. He’d been in the service, a kickass Marine. How hot!
He busted her checking him out.
She yanked her eyes away. Jeez. Her face probably looked as red as it felt.
Holding up a fresh shirt, he shook it out a few times. The sound of fabric caught her attention. Her gaze slid that way again. Okay. Sound had nothing to do with it. She just had to look one more time. He pulled the shirt over his head. Terrific. Now he wore a white muscle shirt tailor-made for his ripped physique. The thing should’ve been outlawed.
Wearing a sly smirk, he combed his fingers through his short, spiky hair. Running down the inside of his arm below his rock-hard biceps, he had another tattoo, this one with five small Chinese symbols. What a unique spot for a tattoo, and unbelievably sexy, like everything else about him. Even his name sounded hot.
He climbed into the driver’s seat and snapped his door shut. He didn’t look at her, but then, he didn’t have to. She knew he knew what kind of effect that little display had on her. Oh yeah. He had it written all over that smug face. He might be a soaking-wet dream she didn’t mind entertaining on a nightly basis, but she didn’t have to be so obvious.
Sienna grabbed her seatbelt and tried to latch it.
“Damn,” Cruz mumbled, as he watched her struggle with the belt. He turned on the ignition and flipped the air conditioning to the highest setting.
She looked at his face instead of his sinewy arm. It took willpower, because those arms really did it for her. “Is there a trick?” The mechanism wouldn’t click into place.
“I keep forgetting to get that thing checked,” he said. “Don’t usually carry passengers except for Roman.” He looked back at his dog and grinned. Roman sat on the bench seat patiently waiting to go bye-bye.
“It doesn’t work at all?” She preferred to wear a seatbelt, and not just because of the law. South Florida had some loony drivers.
“It just takes a little maneuvering,” he replied. “Let me give it a try.” He turned all that magnificence toward her and reached across her chest.
Holy crap, he was totally in her face, his delicious body stretched across her lap. She held her breath and pressed her back into the seat, felt his weight, smelled his soap and baby shampoo. Her every cell fell under his spell. She tried to find her voice. “Any luck?” she squeaked out.
They were eye-to-eye, his mouth so close that if she puckered her lips, that would be it. His gaze traveled downward. He tilted his head like he wanted to kiss her. Uh-oh. She hadn’t made out in years. She probably sucked at it by now. A magnetic intensity pulled her to him, and she had a feeling she’d relearn pretty quickly. Her body buzzed with sexual urgency. Not once in her life had she felt this consumed, this desperate to feel a man’s lips on hers.

Dangerous Desire is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lyrical Press, and digital bookstores everywhere. The Print Edition comes out in October.

Please visit DianeEscalera.com to learn more about my sexy tales. I love to interact with readers! “Like” my fan page on Facebook.com/DianeEscaleraOfficial. Follow me on Twitter.com/DianeEscalera.


 

Diane Escalera will be giving away a ecopy of Dangerous Desire. To win this, you must:
1. Be a follower
2. Fill out the form below
Open to everyone! Good luck!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Author Override: Cynthia Eden


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Look who is here for a guest post! It's Cynthia Eden! Today Cynthia will be talking about what makes a (good) bad boy in her books. Read on to see what characteristics she thinks all bad boys should have.


Cynthia Eden 
Bad Boys, Beasts, & Some Angels

Thanks so much for having me here at Under the Covers. Today, I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite topics: Bad Boys. Come on, surely there are some bad boys fans around?

I love reading about the heroes who slip over that fine line between good and bad. These are the guys that make you shiver. They make you tense. They make you wonder…how can being bad be so very good?

I like to write about less-than-perfect heroes in my books. Men who are flawed and men who’ve even done some very wicked deeds (my demon and werewolf heroes know all about wicked deeds), so when I decided to write a new series for Kensington Brava, I knew I would want to write about more wicked men. My problem? This series was gonna be about angels.

But who says an angel can’t be a bit wicked? And when angels are wicked, guess what happens? In my world, they become Fallen. Dark, dangerous, tortured, they aren’t “good” any more (maybe they never were), and these guys can deliver death with a simple touch.

It seems that I like to make my good boys into bad men. That’s a flaw I have. I’ll work on it. Maybe. While I work on that flaw, I thought I’d share 5 characteristics of a (good) bad boy:

1. Kicks butt, doesn’t take names. (He doesn’t care about names.)
2. Black is his favorite color, and the man can wear it so very well.
3. The guy’s body is a lethal weapon. Chuck Norris has nothing on him. Really. Nothing.
4. Sexy is his middle name.

And characteristic number 5?
5. No matter what else happens, a true bad boy hero will make dang sure that no one ever hurts his heroine. After all, underneath that badness, he’s still the hero. He may be bad to the rest of the world, but to the heroine…he can be a white knight.
What do you think about bad boys? Got some characteristics you’d like to share? One commenter will be randomly selected to win an ARC of my December release, ANGEL OF DARKNESS.

Thanks!
Cynthia Eden
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/
NEVER CRY WOLF—Available now from Kensington Brava


You heard it! Eden is giving away an ARC of ANGEL OF DARKNESS to one lucky commenter!  I know I'd love to get my hands on this, and all YOU have to do to enter is:

1. Be a follower of this blog
2. Answer Cynthia Eden's question in the comments section and make sure you leave your email address as well so we can contact you!

 Good luck maidens!!!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Author Override: Gena Showalter (and the Lords of the Underworld)

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

 

Today we have Author of the month, Gena Showalter, with us and she has brought with her the Lords of the Underworld!!!! *squee* We're all trying not to hyperventilate here, but failing miserably. We'll try to compose ourselves so we don't look like fools in front of all of them. We're not doing a good job...

BUT we hoped we asked the questions that our maidens would've wanted us to ask the Lords. So check out our interview with the Lords below!

1. Hi Gena! *looks seductively at the Lords* Hellooo boys. *ahem* Ready for this interview? How is it having your house full of your friend’s wives/women now? Do you think it has improved things?

Kane: Bleep that! Wait, can I say bleep?
Gena: No.
Kane: Whatever. Everyone is driving me bleeping crazy. When is it my turn?
Strider: Oh, goodie. Someone brought whine.

2. For Torin: How many times have you watched Carrow’s video on Youtube?

The same number of times I’ve thanked the gods for her creation.

3. For Paris: How do you feel about having had sex with Kaia now that you know your friend Strider is in love with her?

Shit, you just had to go there, didn’t you? But no way in hell I’ll start spilling details. Strider will try to spill my guts. Again.

4. It's not a secret that Nix from Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series has a thing for the Lords of the Underworld. Does the sexy sooth-sayer catch any of your interests?


A collective: Hell, yes!
Paris: That’s not even a question. Girl is straight up hot.
Strider: You say that about everyone, P-man. But in this case, you’re right. So if Nix and Kaia want to do a little fighting over me, I say go for it.

5. Lords, time to fess up. Give us the dirty on Gena Showalter. Got any secrets you'd like to share about the wonderful person who writes your books?

Paris: That little witch loves to torture us, but that’s hardly a secret.
Torin: I’d do her.
Aeron: I caught her crying over a commercial once. I won’t say I was disgusted by it, but I think we’ll all know I’m lying.
William: She’s my true love, I just know it.
William: Scratch that shit right now, Showalter. I’d give you a go, sure, but true love? Please.

6. Where would the ideal vacation spot for the Lords be and what would you do?

Gideon: Pits of hell. For real.
William: Gena’s bedroom.
William: For the love of all that’s unholy! Stop answering for me, woman.
Paris: Making love to the same woman over and over again. And I think we all know who I’d pick as mine.

7. What do the Lords do for each other's bachelor party?? We won't tell anyone!

Paris: Not that he appreciated it, but I tried giving my man Stridey some tips about pleasing his woman.
Anya: Lucien will have strippers at his, and I’ll kill those strippers at mine. It’s win/win!
Kane: Since I can see where Showalter is headed with my “happily ever after,” I’d rather gnaw off a limb than get engaged.

8. If you could trade demons with another Lord, which demon would you rather have?

Maddox (Violence): Paris
Lucien (Death): Paris
Reyes (Pain): Paris
Sabin (Doubt): Are you kidding? I’m made of awesome! Right? Right!
Aeron (Wrath): Paris
Gideon (Lies): Anyone but Paris
Strider (Defeat): Screw that! Everyone had better pick me, or their last encounter with Hunters left them stupid
Paris (Sex): Anyone but Strider
Kane (Disaster): If I could kill every single demon, I would. So trade? Bleep no! (Why are you letting everyone else cuss, Showalter, but censoring me?)
Cameo (Misery): Did you know 8.6 million women die from heart disease every year?
Torin (Disease): Paris
William: Gena
William: I give up! Fine, whatever. I want Gena, can’t get enough of Gena.

9. If we could have a contest where a loyal fan would get to have a date with you, what surprise will you have in store for her?

Paris: Me, naked.
Strider: Like that’s really a surprise, Sex. Me? I’d do the whole candy, flowers and candlelight thing. (snicker) Okay, okay, I almost gagged even saying that. The truth? Me, naked.
Gideon: A hot air balloon ride through a rainbow. Yeah, I’m romantic like that.

10. Which do you prefer football (NFL), hockey (NHL) or basketball (NBA)? Any big Superbowl parties at the Lords place?

Strider: Dude, I can’t believe you even have to ask. Naked oil wrestling. Or so Paris thinks, I’m sure (snicker).
Paris: What’s with you and the snickering, you ass? Never mind. Don’t answer. I don’t care. Because if your balls are what we’re kicking around, I’m for the sport, whatever it is.
Strider: Someone clearly needs a massage to release some tension. With oil.

11. Pick your poison . . . What’s your drink of choice?

Paris: single malt
Maddox: And isn’t that a shocker? I thought you preferred ambrosia-laced wine that nearly kills my woman.
Paris: shut it, Violence.
Strider: God, the arguing. Both of you shut it, ‘cause it’s my turn to answer and I say Harpy blood. What? It’s good.
William: Gena. Of course.

12. And because our maidens are dying to know. . . Boxers, briefs or commando?

Paris: what do you prefer, beautiful?
Gideon: women’s underwear
Aeron: Someone mentioned gnawing off a limb. Yeah, I’d rather gnaw off a limb than answer that.
Strider: Whatever Paris’s mom prefers.
Paris: You are such an asshole.

13. Finally, What does it take to be a Lord of the underworld?

Anya: Me, me, I want to answer this one! The recipe is as follows: two cups of evil mixed with two cups of not so evil. Avoid adding “honorable” or the beefcake will come out lame. One cup of smartass remarks, 3 TBS of muscles, 2 litters of sexy, and balls the size of boulders.

And there you have it! The ladies at UTC with Gena Showalter and the Lords of the Underworld! Hope you enjoyed this as much as we did!


Gena Showalter has offered a signed ARC of "Lord of the Vampires" + swag to one very lucky reader!  All you have to do to enter is:

1. Be a follower of this blog
2. Fill out the form below

Remember to come back every day between now and August 7 for our Gena post of the day!


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Author Override: Evangeline Anderson

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Today, erotica author Evangeline Anderson gives us a glimpse into her new series "Brides of the Kindred", a new erotica sci-fi that you have to check out!!



Hi, Evangeline Anderson here,

I’ve been writing erotica for a number of years now and science fiction has always been one of my favorite genres. Mainly because you can write anything you want—the sky is literally the limit. I love paranormal too, though. All those lusty, angst-ridden vampires and werewolves—who can resist them? So in writing Claimed, the first book in Brides of the Kindred, my idea was to incorporate some of my favorite paranormal and erotic ideas into a sci-fi series.

I came up with the Kindred, a race of genetic traders who are also warriors and total Alpha males. The Kindred have traveled the universe for centuries looking for viable matches to expand their gene pool. Since a genetic anomaly ensures that their population is ninety-five percent male, they are specifically looking for women.

The three genetic trades the Kindred have already made have resulted in three very specific types of men. But though they take on some of the physical characteristics of the race they are trading with, the Kindred gene always ensures three things: physical prowess, extremely large and muscular body structure, and undying loyalty to the female of their choice. Which kind you pick is up to you…

Beast Kindred come from Rageron—a jungle planet full of beautiful but deadly flora and fauna. They have dark hair, golden eyes, and hot tempers but their most defining characteristic is the mating fist. The mating fist is an area at the base of the Beast Kindred’s shaft which engages fully only during bonding sex with his chosen mate. This ensures sex that is both tantric and multi-orgasmic for both partners.

These guys are kind of my weres—they’re the most animalistic of the bunch and very territorial.

Blood Kindred are blond with pale blue eyes. They come from Tranq Prime where ice, snow, and arctic-like temperatures are the norm. They have a set of double fangs located where a human’s canine teeth would be. These fangs don’t develop fully or become sharp enough to pierce flesh until a Blood Kindred is with a woman he wishes to mate and bond with.

Hello—you know these are my vampires. They don’t take blood for nourishment though—they only bite to heal their mates or arouse them sexually by injecting their essence.

Twin Kindred come from Twin Moons—a world of vast, stormy oceans dotted with craggy but beautiful islands. True to their namesake, Twin Kindred always come in pairs. The brothers are not identical, however—there is always a light twin and a dark twin. These labels refer not just to skin, hair, and eye coloring but to the twin’s moods and perceptions of the world.

The twins are mentally linked and able to hear and sense each other’s thoughts and emotions. They cannot be separated by long distances or for long periods of time without severe pain. They must also share a woman, linking her into their mental and emotional exchange for very intense ménage sex.

Well, I admit there’s nothing very paranormal about the Twin Kindred except for their psychic ability. But I do like the fact that we have a built-in ménage here. They need each other but they also need a woman to complete them and become their third. Very hot.

I loved writing Claimed and as I wrote, more and more ideas came to me about the three different types of Kindred, their cultures, rituals, and of course, the way they perform bonding sex, which is different for each race. Each book in the series will have a different kind of Kindred warrior as the hero so I get the chance to explore three different worlds and cultures which makes me happy because I love world building. I’m about finished writing Hunted, the second book in the series now and I hope to have it published in the next two months.

 

Read our review of Claimed and Hunted

Monday, July 11, 2011

Author Override: Lissa Matthews!


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Today, erotica author Lissa Matthews tells us what she loves about some of her hot heroes of her sexy books!

Do you know Vinter? How about Cam? Decker?

Have you heard about Buck? What about Dallon? Jaz?

If not, why?

But if so, what was your first impression? What tempted you about any of them? Was it the cover of their books? The blurbs which give an overview of what the electronic pages may contain about them? What about the warning labels?

Their appeal to me at first glance is as follows:

Vinter: his tattoos and piercings and promises heaven

Cam: Hello! Race car driver! ‘Nuff said!

Decker: he wears a leather belt and knows how to treat a girl acting like a brat

Buck: he knows his way around tools and toys

Dallon: works in a bar and says no when he means Hell Yeah!

Jaz: bald, tattoos, full of surprises

All these guys were in one way, shape or form, awesome and amazing and I couldn’t get enough of them when I was writing them.

Vinter seems to be, hands down, the favorite among readers. His book has a fandamntastic (yes it’s a word) cover. The blurb isn’t too bad for a couple of years ago and it only being my 5<sup>th</sup> one. He’s loved for his bad boy appearance as well as how sweet and caring and over the top sexy he treats his heroine, Elise.

I’d hate to think I shot my wad when I wrote about Vinter. He is special.

I like heros that are decisive when it comes to who they want and Vinter, Cam, Buck, Jaz and all the others know who they want and what they want. They might give just a little leeway to see if the heroine comes around to their way of thinking, but if she doesn’t, they’re in it for the long haul and they’re going to wear her down.


Decker did just that in Cracklin’ Rosie. Rosie was full to the brim with piss and vinegar, but it didn’t deter Decker. He just dug his heels in and waited her out, nudged her a bit. She’s a strong woman in her own right, but there’s nothing wrong with strong needing to lean on someone once in a while, letting someone in.

That kind of vulnerability in a woman is attractive to me. And yes, I said to me. Those that do it all at the risk of pushing everyone away, I don’t write women like that. I don’t like women like that. I want some need in her that goes beyond sexual need. I want her to need him and sadly, I think I’m in the minority in that. Elise needed Vinter. She might not have seen it or realized it, but he did. Rosie didn’t see it, but Decker did.

In my new book, Twisted Up, which will be out at the end of this year with Samhain Publishing, has a woman, Ella, who is strong, has taken her life into her own hands, but falls in love with a man that has just so much patience for dawdling around the subject. Justin is determined in his way and she’s determined in hers.

One can still submit even though they’re strong. They can still let go and let someone in. In some ways, that makes them stronger. It’s about knowing when to dig in. In writing, it’s what makes characters real for me, letting their emotions out, sometimes through sex, yes, but sometimes through fights or long talks. They have to have a breaking point so they can come together.

The true coming together for Vinter and Elise was the phone call. God, I love the phone call.

I want to thank the women under the covers here for letting me slide into bed with them for a bit. It’s been a pleasure...

~lissa

Under the Covers also has an exclusive sneak peak at Lissa Matthews's upcoming release, Twisted Up! Read the excerpt here: 

Ella rolled over and spied the rather large cup of coffee. As she looked at it from her position on the bed and then inched up closer on her belly, she realized it wasn’t a cup at all, but a soup bowl with a handle. She wondered for a moment if it would be considered ‘Texas size’?

“What a sweet, wonderful man,” she intoned aloud to the empty room.

Sitting up, she propped a pillow against the solid wood headboard and reached for the coffee. From her current angle, the bowl wasn’t much smaller than the tray it sat on. There were four shot glasses of creamer and a spoon as well. She couldn’t have been more touched and the sudden emotion that clogged her throat and made her chest ache …

She blinked her eyes rapidly, swearing she had something in them before actually picking up the cup and one of the shot glasses. Emptying one, she swirled the cream through the coffee and tasted, screwing up her face at the still too strong flavor and emptied the second, third, and fourth shot glasses of cream.

Yes, a bowl, giant cup, huge mug required four full ounces of cream instead of just two. She took a sip and let the caffeine and sugar do their magic on her still tired and not quite awake system. As she became more aware of things, the silence in the house being the biggest thing. Where was he?

Being that his bedroom was a loft, no sound came from downstairs. It didn’t surprise her that nothing had awoken her while she slept being as tired and worn out as she was. She also had to take into account that her limbs had been like jell-o after sex and orgasms. She felt the aches now though.

However, the silence was beginning to make her nervous. She didn’t know why exactly. She was used to being alone and it had never bothered her before, but for some reason, maybe because she was in a house that wasn’t her own, she didn’t have that same peace that solitude usually brought in its wake.

She slid her leg over to the side of the bed he’d slept on and it was cold as ice. He must have been up for a few hours and looking around, she didn’t see a clock anywhere, but she did see her purse sitting in a ladder back chair in the corner. Her suit case sat against the loft railing. She’d bet her laptop bag was somewhere around, too and if she looked on the floor beside the bed … Yep, her bunny slippers sat there, waiting for her feet to slide on in.

That thing was back in her eyes again making her blink rapidly to get it out.

She lay in his bed, drinking the coffee he’d made for her, feeling the aches in her body and the light ache in her neck where he’d held her down. It felt like a bruise and she’d be curious to see if there was one, but she doubted it. He didn’t squeeze hard enough but the slight tenderness when she touched where his thumb had been … She smiled.

God, she loved the way he pinned her down, held her. It was possession of her.

They’d toyed with some light control play over the months of meeting. He’d tied her up, but so loosely she could get out with little more than a twist of her wrist. He’d spanked her a bit, enough for it to sting, not enough for it to mark. But the kiss before she’d left the room the last time to head home had been tender and rough by turns, possessive and freeing, too. He’d pushed her up against the hotel room door and gripped her throat in his hand, pressing his body so hard into her that it had lifted her up on her toes.

She’d felt his hold on her all the way home that day and every day since. She had no idea what she was doing here with him now, what pipedream she might be living or buying into. Sure, they’d gotten along well and they had a sexual chemistry that defied anything in her previous experience, before and including her ex.

Those feelings, those desires, those pleasures were things her life had been missing since she’d married and she hadn’t realized it, hadn’t realized exactly what she was missing, what her mind and her gut had been trying to tell her before she walked down the aisle …

Justin had shown her, had opened her eyes. First through words, then through actions. She’d hadn’t ever imagined she could have a life with him, and she still didn’t know if it was possible. There were questions and obstacles and their ages and …. How much did all that baggage matter? He knew her shit, all of it. She knew his too, or at least most of it. And she knew if she brought up the age difference to him, he’d tan her hide until she couldn’t sit.

They’d never discussed the … she had to count it out on her fingers, the ones not holding the coffee … ten or eleven year gap between their birthdays, but it hadn’t bothered her before and she couldn’t think of a reason for it to bother her now, other than maybe because she was in his bed, all the way in Dallas because he’d gone to get her and bring her back.

And that he’d gone to Birmingham for her …. He’d been right though. She wouldn’t answer him with more than general statements. She wouldn’t talk to him about personal stuff anymore. She kept putting him off about how she was really feeling, what she was really thinking and their friendship, their relationship was worth more than that. He’d always allowed her and encouraged her to talk about anything and she’d shut him out. The only choices he’d had was to either let her be or show up on her doorstep.

But she’d never thought he’d actually take the latter option. It wasn’t like she’d said ‘put up or shut up’. No, she hadn’t said anything at all and in his mind, she was worth trying to salvage something.

No guy had ever come after her, ever chased her, ever thrown her over his shoulder like a caveman. No guy had ever brought her coffee in bed.

“Damn,” she whispered.

She flipped back the sheet and slid her feet into her slippers before setting the coffee down on the tray. She felt a little nervous walking across the loft naked, but that was the only way to get to the bathroom and then her suitcase. Besides, if anyone walked into the house that wasn’t Justin, well, they’d sure get an eyeful.

Once some necessities were taken care of, she got dressed in one of only two sets of casual clothes she packed. One set consisted of a pair of brown slacks, a pair of bronze sandals, and a creamy white camisole with a short sleeved matching, light weight sweater with pearl buttons. The other set was a pair of yoga pants and top for her daily sessions of yoga and pilates. Beyond that, she didn’t pack for anything other than work or sleep.

She had no idea what to do, what to put on to go looking for him, but standing there naked looking down into her suitcase wasn’t helping. Making up her mind to don the brown pants and white sweater outfit, she quickly went back to the bathroom for a shower before getting dressed. She wrapped her towel dried hair up in a pony tail and brushed her teeth, debating on whether a little make-up was called for or not.

“Gonna have to get you some boots for around here. Can’t have you walking in sandals and heels all the time.”

She yelped and her hand flew to the flesh over her heart. She hadn’t heard him coming, hadn’t heard … Her gaze immediately began to take him in. Damn, he looked good all dirty and sweaty in faded jeans that looked about worn through in all the right places and a dark blue t-shirt with faded writing on the front. A tan cowboy hat was plastered to his head and his brown boots were scuffed with dirt and scrapes and well worn. He was every inch a cowboy. “What about bunny slippers?”

“Nah, we’ll save those. You like to wear those when we fuck.”

His outright crudeness should have probably shocked her, but it didn’t. “Yeah okay. Plus, don’t want to get them dirty.”

“No more than they already are after last night. Probably made the poor bunnies blush.”

“Eh.” She shrugged. “They’re bunnies. They’re used to such things.”

He grabbed her by the waist and hauled her up against his sweaty, dirty body. “They better not have seen any action before us last night.”

The look in his eyes wasn’t a happy, teasing look. Jealousy? It never occurred to her that Justin would ever be jealous of her or that he would think she would have been with someone else all these months. She’d been asked out but she’d always said no. She wasn’t ready to date anyone new and there was a lot of truth to that that had nothing to do with her divorce.

Should she date others? Should she play the field a bit? Maybe it wasn’t just Justin that could make her feel the things he did.

As she stood against him, with his arms holding her tight and imprisoned against his body …. No, no one else would be able to do for her what he did and she didn’t want to date a bunch of guys in search of something she already had.

“No. No one else has seen me naked with bunny slippers. No one else has had sex with me while I wore my bunny slippers, either. Only you.”

“Good. I might not be too sure about the kinkiness of bunny slippers and sex, but I sure don’t want anyone else seeing how sexy and cute you are wearing them when you’re naked and wet and got your legs spread wide for me.”

He bent his head and nuzzled her neck, tipping the hat off his head in the process. She caught it before it dropped farther down and placed it on her own head. He smelled like the outdoors; grass, dirt, horses. The ends of his hair dripped sweat and his neck was streaked with dirt, but she didn’t care. She slid her hands under his tee shirt, flicked his nipples with her fingers and was rewarded with a bite of her earlobe before sliding her hands around to his back and down to the waistband of his jeans.

He was lean, his body honed from hard work and manual labor, not built in a gym. She’d always liked that about him, that he didn’t work behind a desk. It wasn’t that she had anything against men in offices, she just liked the blue collar men, the ones that had physical jobs best. She felt safe with men like that. She felt they could take care of her physically, take care of her if something went wrong and she was in need.

She also realized that for most that probably sounded silly, but men like Justin with jobs and hobbies like he had turned her on. Besides, she wasn’t ashamed to admit she liked the man to protect, to be the physical strength.

“What are you thinking?”

“Huh?” she uttered against his throat.

“Your breathing has gotten all hot and heavy.”

“Uh huh.” She nodded and licked a trail up from his Adam’s apple to his chin.

“You’re playing with fire, baby.” But he slid his hand up into her ponytail just the same.

“You started it.” Ella stood on tip toes and continued licking her way up his chin until she could reach his mouth. He met her in a swirl of tongues. His jeans were loose enough she could slide her hands down inside the back of them to grab and squeeze his ass. H—“You’re not wearing any underwear,” she whispered against his mouth, continuing to kiss and nibble on his lips.

“Nope,” he whispered back, allowing her all the freedom she wanted to explore him.

“Naughty boy.”

“Very.”

“Well,” she said as she slid her hands around to the front of his jeans, smiling when he sucked in his already flat stomach. She felt the fluttering of his muscles against her fingers and gave a soft purr of delight. She loved the effect she had on him because it mirrored the effect he had on her, “since you’re sans underwear, you should be sans jeans, too.”

 

We are giving away the winner's choice of either all her EC books (Simple Need, Carnal Ecstasy, and Ink Spots) or both books in the Blue Jeans and Hard Hats series along with the promise of sending the third book to the winner when it is published. AND a B&N or Amazon gift card valued at $25.

Open to everyone! 

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

Author Override: Olivia Cunning


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings. 

Musicians have it all! The babes, the talent and the good looks. But have you ever wondered what's the story behind the Sinner's ink? Olivia Cunning, author of BACKSTAGE PASS and ROCK HARD is here spilling those secrets with us here today! 

The Stories Behind Sinners’ Ink

Sinners is the sexy, fictional rock band in my erotic romance series Sinners on Tour. It’s all about sex, love, and rock ‘n’ roll. The five members of Sinners each have numerous tattoos. Today they’re going to share their favorite tattoo and a story about its significance.

Brian Sinclair, lead guitarist and hero of Backstage Pass.
On the inside of my left forearm, I have a dagger and the name Kara surrounded by bloody, red roses. Kara was my little sister. She died in a car accident when she was sixteen. I went and got the tattoo after her funeral. The roses represent her beauty, which will never fade in my memory. The thorns, her reckless ways. The color red signifies my love for her. The blood, her death. The dagger? That was feeling like a knife had been plunged into my heart when we reached the hospital and were told she was already gone. I never got to say good-bye to her, but I will never forget her. I think she’d laugh about her big brother being sappy enough to get her name tattooed on his arm. She was always the tough one. My only sister. We were close growing up. I still can’t believe she’s gone.

Sed Lionheart, vocalist and hero of Rock Hard.
The day we formed the band, I had Sinners’ logo tattooed on my chest over my heart. I’ve been adding to that tattoo ever since. Every time something important happens in my life, I’ll have new things added to it. First, there are the six skulls in the background. One for each member of the band. One of the skulls has a dagger through it. Not because anyone died, but because we had to kick Jon out of the band. The sixth one, which represents Jace, is only a couple of years old. I had a pistol added when Sinners signed our first record deal. I said we were going to take the music business with guns blazing. The microphone was added after our first sold out live performance. Along the bottom, there are interlocking pieces of chain. I have a new link added for each gold record. There are three so far. Then when our last record went platinum, I had a piece of barbed wire threaded through the chain. There’s a red rose that was added when I fell in love and if you look closely, you’ll see the name Jessica mixed in with the petals. I had her name added the day after she agreed to marry me. The first time. The second time, I had a padlock tattooed around the rose stem. I’m not letting her get away again. That padlock is to remind me to keep my mouth shut. The next thing I want to add are little footprints for each of my kids. I just have to convince Jess to have them first. I think six will look good along the stem of Jess’s rose. What do you think?

Jace Seymour, bassist.
I don’t have any stories to tell about my tattoos. I just like the way they look. And the way it feels when you have one done.

Eric Sticks, drummer.
All of my tattoos mean something. I guess the one with the most significance is the one on my back. It looks like fissures in the ground and through them, you can glimpse the bowels of hell. I was going through a pretty rough time in my teenage years when I had that done. That demonic claw gripping the edge of the crack? That’s me trying to claw my way out of the hell I was living in. I keep it there to remind me what life was like before I found my real family; this band.

Trey Mills, rhythm guitarist.
On my eighteenth birthday, my older brother, Dare, took me to get my first tattoo. If you’ve been living under a rock for the past ten years, Dare’s the lead guitarist of one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Exodus End. He and I learned to play guitar together at my mother’s insistence. So we decided matching flying-V guitars tattooed on our shoulders and beneath them the saying, Flying V Forever. At the time, we both played a flying V because my mother thought they were tacky. Hey, the woman is cool. It was very hard to find a way to rebel. Ten years later, neither of us plays a flying V. We both still have the tattoo though and the memory. I asked Dare why he hadn’t had it removed or covered up and he said it reminded him that forever was a very long time. Between you and me, I think it reminds him of me. I have quite a few people out there who have a tattoo to remember me by.

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Author Override: Laura Wright


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings. 

Check it out! Today on Author Override, we have Paranormal Romance writer Laura Wright! Laura is the author of the Mark of the Vampire series! Join us as she chats with the sexy Roman brothers and see what kind of mischief occurs...



INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE…or three..

I walk into the library in the Soho House to find the Roman brothers in casual states of being.  As usual, Nicholas is behind his computer at the desk, while Alexander and Lucian are seated in club chairs.  All three stop talking the moment I enter.  They’re expecting me.  I sit down in the empty chair across from Alex and smile.

Laura Wright: Evening, boys.  Let’s get right to it.  We’re going to do this light and easy and attempt to not cross over into the dark and oversexed, okay? 

Lucian: <raises a brow at Alex> What’s she talking about?
 
Alexander: <chuckling> I believe she’s referring to your dark and oversexed attitude.  She doesn’t want it.  Can’t say I blame her. 

Lucian: Hey, that isn’t me – dark and over sexed!  Shit, that’d be Sir Sex for Hire behind us.

Nicholas: <a low growl rumbling in this throat looks up from his screen> Get over it already, Luca.  Like the song says, I was born this way.

Alexander: Your taste in music makes my balls shrivel, Nicky.  <turns to Luca> Told you he listened to that human female… what’s her name again?

Lucian: <snorts> The one who wears the meat clothing? <Shrugs, thinks> Although...I quite liked that...
I’ve had enough and quickly interrupt.

Laura Wright: So Nicky digs Lady Gaga, can we move on please? 

With a smooth, cool smile, Nicholas gets up from the computer and comes to stand beside me. He touches me on the shoulder, his skin warming me instantly through my clothes.
 
Nicholas: Of course, female. We apologize.  And by we, I mean Alex and myself.
 
I look over at Luca for confirmation of his indifference. The paven is spread out in his chair, his eyes narrowed, his arrogant chin lifted. Yeah, he’s not apologizing for anything.

Laura Wright: So, Lucian? Are you pleased with your book, Eternal Captive?

Lucian: You know how I feel, Writer Lady. I am resigned to my book and to my fate.
He will always make me crazy.  I know this and yet I continue with the questions.

Laura Wright: You know, Luca, I still have the editing process to go through on your book, I could change--

Lucian: <quickly> No. <way too quickly> Fuck, no.

Laura Wright: And your heroine...she doesn’t have to be—

Lucian pushes forward in his chair, his eyes slits now, and feral.

Lucian: <low and slow> Change her in any way and you and I are done.  <He stares me down> Got that, Writer Lady?

I swallow.  There’s a lump there, has been for many months now, and its name is Lucian Roman.

Laura Wright: <cautiously> I’ll never get you, Luca, but I won’t change anything, all right?
 
He says nothing, just drops back in his chair and keeps his eyes locked on mine.  With a deep inhale, I move on to Nicky.  Nicky, who is never callous or ferocious toward me, but is also rarely open.

Laura Wright: What about you, Nicky? Do you feel good about Eternal Kiss?

Nicholas: <his dark eyes soften> I have Kate.

Laura Wright: <his answer makes my entire body melt and I think that veana is damn lucky> She was worth … everything, wasn’t she?
 
He and I share a silent, understanding smile.
 
Oh, my tall, dark and soulful Nicky…

Nicholas: She is worth life and death, hunger and misery.  For one moment in her presence, beneath her, feeding from her, I would die a thousands painful deaths. <he turns, feeling Luca’s gaze on him and snarls at the brother, his mood instantly changed> Say something, Duro and I rip the fangs from your head.

Lucian grins, and I can see he’s mulling it over. What to say...how to react, what he wants the outcome of this exchange to be.  

I quickly move on to Alexander before it gets all fists and blood in here.

Laura Wright: Alex, you are my first. <I blush at this.  I’m so silly, so girly when I’m around him. I try again> You know what I mean, right?

Alexander: <nods, smiles in that charming, casual, sexy way of his> I do. And in truth, Laura Wright, you are my first veana.

I smile back and try to pretend my heart isn’t pounding.  We have been through a lot together, Alexander and me, and I love him even though he belongs to Sara now – as it should be.

Laura Wright: Alex, are you pleased with your book? Was Eternal Hunger a nightmare for you, having to see and deal with your parents, or was it the only way for you to let go of your past and --“

He cuts me off with just a look.

Alexander: I don’t dwell in the land of regrets, Laura, you know that.  I faced what I was forced to face and was fortunate enough to have a warrior by my side when I did.
 
Laura Wright: Two.  Two warriors, right?

Alexander: <smiles, showing off the tips of his fangs> Not my brothers, female. The warrior I speak of is Sara.  She is fierce and strong and every good, wise thing I am not.
Lucian: <snorts> Christ! I think you just gave me a cavity, Duro.

Unable to stop himself, Nicholas laughs.

Alexander: <snarls> Which tooth of yours harbours this cavity, brother?  I’d be happy to pull it for you. <he leans in closer and hisses at the albino>  No pain meds on me today but I’ll make sure to knock you unconscious first.

Oh crap.  Here we go.  Too much vampire testosterone--

Nicholas: <sobering only slightly> Easy Alex. <stepping between them as usual> Let’s wait for Writer Lady’s interview to conclude before we play Dentist with our albino asshole of a brother, yes?

But Alex is already out of his chair. Like a cat with a fat rat in his sights, he moves toward Lucian - who incidentally is grinning and pointing at his tooth. 

I get up.

Laura Wright: All right.  I’m done.  I’m out of here.  Have fun and don’t kill each other.  <Nearly to the door now>  Your veanas will never forgive me if you do any permanent damage to each....

But they hardly hear me.  Nicholas has given up being the logical one and has joined the dog pile that now blankets the floor before the fire.  

I leave the room quickly to the sounds of fists connecting with bone, but as I walk down the hall I also hear laughter amongst the brotherly tussle and I smile and shake my head.

Oh, my boys.



**REMINDER!! Tomorrow Laura Wright will be stopping by and chatting with us! She will be giving away a book of the winner's choice as well as some swag! Don't forget to stop by!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Author Override: Sara Curran-Ross


Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that we have Sara Curran-Ross, author of Knight of Swords! Read her recollection of events on her unexpected day out with a special someone...
A Day Out with Nathan Valancourt
By Sara Curran-Ross

** You can download the PDF here for easier reading: Click Here **

It was a cold frosty early morning as I walked through the graveyard on the way to meet my friend for coffee in the village.  Snow had fallen like a fine powder the night before covering the path and the tops of the gravestones.  The air was crisp and fresh and I could see my breath.  I folded my arms around my chest in an effort to keep warm and picked up my pace.  I was never comfortable walking through the cemetery.  It was always deserted and eerie as you would expect but it was too much of a tempting short cut to the village, especially on a cold morning.  Today it felt and looked more sinister than usual under the umbrella of heavy grey cloud.  There was somebody watching my progress along the path.  I was sure of it.  I glanced around the tombstones looking for signs of life.  At first, there was no indication of anyone around but a second look had me taking a sharp in breath.
I could have sworn I saw the flash of a man in a long black riding coat.  No, it couldn't be.  It couldn't be him.  Whirling around to search him out I found nothing.  I shook my head and hurried along the path, deciding that my writer's imagination was getting the better of me.  Characters simply did not come to life in physical form.  It just didn't happen.  If they did, then you were a candidate for the funny farm.  But another glimpse of black made me stop.  Heart beginning to pound, I began looking across the gravestones.  I didn't imagine it.  I didn't.  There it was again.  I turned quickly but instead of finding Nathan Valancourt standing behind me there were two rough looking young men.  Before I could utter a cry, one of them grabbed me and the other snatched my bag from my arm.
Instinctively I lashed out at the man, determined to defend myself but my blows were futile against his strength.  He pushed me to the ground with a loud laugh and held me there whilst his friend rifled through my bag.  He gave a loud groan.
'There's plenty credit cards but no cash.  It's not going to get us what we need,' he moaned to his friend.  The other man looked down at me.  He shook his head.
'Should have carried cash.  Maybe we can get something else out of you,' he said grabbing my hair.
No, there was no way he was getting that from me.  Not without a huge fight.  I felt my anger rise and overshadow my fear.  It made me feel strong and helped me renew my fight with the man.  I was pulled upwards as I kicked and punched out at him.  They just kept laughing at me as they dragged me off the path towards the graves.  I couldn't escape them and I began fearing the worst.  The moment the thought entered my head I heard a strong calm male voice reassure me of my safety and courteously inform me in a quaint old English voice that he would not allow any harm to befall my person.  What?  Now I was hearing Nathan talk to me in my mind?  I really was losing it.  I was too close to this book and my characters.  But I had more to worry about that moment than my sanity.
I couldn't help but gasp out loud when I saw Nathan Valancourt's tall dark figure appear behind my attackers and take hold of their collars, pulling them backwards.  The action appeared to cause him little effort.  I fell backwards onto the snowy grass between two graves watching in awe as Nathan lifted the two struggling men he held in each hand into the air.  They swore at him but when he bared his incisors and hissed at them they were struck dumb.  Obviously terrified, their bodies shook like pneumatic drills.  Nathan addressed them in a dark tone with a smooth even velvet voice that commanded their full attention.
'Apologise, gentlemen or I will have no choice but to make you regret your actions,' he demanded.
My mouth fell open in shock.
They remained silent.  Nathan didn't appear to approve.  He flashed his pearly white incisors again and hissed.
'Sorry, we're sorry.  We didn't mean,' they chorused at me in fear.  Nathan dropped them to the ground as though they were merely stones.  They landed heavily.  One of them was clutching his ankle in pain.
'Leave now, gentlemen before you provoke me to violence.  If I see you doing this again to anyone, I may be forced to make you pay for your actions with your life blood.  Do I make myself clear?' he fiercely shouted making me jump.
They both nodded and rose to their feet to run away as fast as they could.  The one with a damaged ankle limping, striking a pathetic figure along the path.  Nathan turned and strode towards me.  I backed away still on my backside on the grass.  He grinned and bent to offer me his hand so that he might help me up.  I just stared at him.
There he was in the flesh.  Tall, leanly muscled with hair as dark as a raven's plumage worn long at the neck.  His vivid blue eyes sparkling with mischief setting off his fine handsome aristocratic features off to perfection.  Just the way I had written him in my novel.  He was as real as the day itself.  How?  Was I dreaming?
'Come on take my hand.  You will get cold sitting on the ground like that,' he said gesturing for me to move.
Nervously I took his hand and let him help me stand.
'Thank you for helping me but how...?'
'Do I exist?' he finished for me.    'I don't think we should worry about that right now.  We haven't got long together and I want to talk to you.  We have much to discuss.'
He kept tight hold of my hand as he led me back up the path towards a sleek black horse he had tethered around a tree.
'Where are you taking me?' I asked feeling a bit apprehensive, not to mention surreal.
'We are going for a ride.'
'No, no way.  I don't do horses.  I fell off one when I was seven and broke my elbow.  I have never been back on a horse.'
I slowed down and tried to slip my fingers from his grasp.  His grip tightened and I found myself pulled along.  He laughed.
'I knew you would be like this.  Relax, you will be perfectly safe.  I assure you.'
'No.  No way.'
He gave a sigh and the next thing I knew his arm was under my legs and lifting me up into the air and into his arms.  He shook his head at me as he carried me towards the horse.  I was annoyed. 
'Hey, I am not Juliet, you can't tell me what to do.  Put me down.'
'No, I won't.  You are more like Juliet than you realise.  She is stubborn just like you.  I want to take you somewhere in the countryside where you can get some peace from your hectic life.  You need to relax and take some rest.  Now hush.'
He sat me on top of the horse making me scrabble around to hold on to the reins as he mounted the horse behind me.  When he took the reins from me and walked the horse on there was nothing else to hold on to but him.  With a small squeal I reached out and caught hold of his coat.  He grinned down at me and swept his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him.  He kept tight hold of me.  A part of me was embarrassed but the other half was relieved.
Nathan walked the horse across the field and headed for the forest away from the houses and village.  The snow lay surprisingly thicker and deeper here.  I was confused.  I knew the forest well yet it had a different feel.  I got the impression I wasn't just leaving civilisation but that I was entering a different time.
'This can't be real.  I must be dreaming,' I whispered to myself.
He laughed loudly.
'Here, feel my arms.  Touch my face.  Then tell me whether I am real or not.'
I hesitated but he pressed me.  I gently squeezed his arms nodding with approval at the tight muscle I found there.  Then very carefully, I briefly touched his pale features.  I nodded.  Boy he was real all right.  It started to snow.
'Come closer and shelter from the weather,' he instructed, gently pressing my head back against his chest and holding me there.  It felt warm and snug.  He brushed his lips across my hair with a light kiss.
'You see riding isn't as bad as you thought.  Maybe you will take time to enjoy yourself.'
We eventually stopped at a clearing in the middle of the forest.  A low wooden fence surrounded the large space.  Nathan jumped down and lifted me off the horse.  Once more he took my hand and guided me towards the fence.  He pressed his finger to his lips motioning for me to be silent and then gestured with his eyes beyond the fence.  A large herd of deer with a four stags stood grazing in the middle of the field.  I couldn't help but marvel at the wonderful sight of nature.  It had been so long since I had taken the time to walk in the forest.  I missed it.
I leaned against the fence, resting my head on my hands, watching the idyllic scene.
'Peaceful, isn't it?' I heard Nathan ask.
I nodded.
'I can't remember the last time I came here,' I told him.
'No.  You don't seem to make much time for yourself these days,' he said gently but I did not miss his tone of disapproval.
'How do you know?' I shot him a quizzical look.
'You should slow down and see what is around you from time to time and make more time for yourself,' he continued, ignoring my question.
He smiled and reached out to cover my hand with his on top of the fence.
'You have been feeling under the weather and tired.  Slow down before nature forces you to take a rest,' he told me softly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.  I stared bewildered.
He beckoned with his finger for me to follow him.  He led me to a space in the clearing free of deer and jumped the fence, turning to help me over it.  A sword was standing in the snow covered ground.  He picked it up and handed it to him.
'What?'
'I thought you wanted to learn to sword fight like all those swashbuckling pirates and musketeers in your favourite old films?' he grinned wickedly with humour.  He had a habit of doing that.  It only made him appear more attractive.  With that smile, you would forgive him anything and he knew it.
He took off his coat, lying it on the fence and stood poised ready for a sword fight in his black Victorian waistcoat and shirt sleeves.
'Now is your chance.  Come at me with the sword and I will teach you.'
I shook my head.  I could hardly hold the thing but he would not give up.  In the end I simply decided to give him what he wanted for peace.  Our swords clashed loudly disturbing the still air around the forest.  I couldn't help feeling thrilled as he instructed my movements.  I had wanted to do this since a child.
I don't know how long we were out in the forest, watching the deer, sword fighting, walking and talking about all manner of topics but mostly about my life.  He seemed to have many questions about it.  He seemed to know more about my existence than even I could have told him.  After a while, he remarked on the lateness of the hour and the dimming light.  I must be hungry and in need of a drink.  We mounted the horse again and set off on our travels once more.
A short walk led us to a quaint small village on the other side of the forest that I had never come across in my visits to the forest before.   We stopped outside a small tea room and it was then that I noticed everyone around me was wearing late Victorian dress.  I felt strangely self-conscious when Nathan led me into the tea room but that was about to change.  The moment I entered the room my clothes transformed themselves and I was suddenly wearing a blue and grey velvet Victorian dress and jacket.  Even a pretty hat adorned my head.  I touched it, amazed.
'I feel like I am in Doctor Who,'  I laughed.
We sat down at one of the small tables and Nathan ordered.
'I thought you would appreciate coming here.  I see you drinking tea all day, every day.  Probably more than is good for you.  You appear to be obsessed with the drink.'
'You watch me?'
'Let's just say, I keep an eye on you and make sure you are safe.'
'But . . .'
'Ahh, here it is.  I can't really eat being a vampire but I do hope you enjoy it,' he interrupted.
I tucked into the bread and butter, cakes and berries and devoured the tea with relish.  It was then that I remembered my friend had been waiting in the coffee shop.  I expressed my worry.
'She is fine.  I sent a message to her.  She knows you couldn't make it.  Now do you recognise anyone here?'
I looked around.  The tea room was busy and all of my other characters sat around the tables.  One by one they all nodded to me and then returned to their business.  It was so strange.
'Now, I think it is time we were going.  It is getting dark.'
I remained in my Victorian clothes until we emerged from the forest then they vanished and I was back in my jeans.  I was disappointed.  Nathan took me straight to my door.
'Thank you,' I said still wondering how my day with Nathan had even been possible.
'Now go inside and get warm,' he insisted.  'Remember, try to slow down and take some rest.  I will be around if you need me.  And please do not go walking in the cemetery or other dangerous places alone.  You shouldn't take so many chances with your safety,' he ordered.
He began to walk away.  I didn't want him to go.  He suddenly stopped and turned as though he had forgotten something.
'Oh and one more thing.'
To my surprise and shock he walked purposefully towards me and lifted my face in his hands to bestow a kiss on my lips.  Then he was gone on his horse disappearing into the darkness like a ghost before I could utter a word.   I hope he visits again one day.

***DON’T FORGET!! On May 14, Sara will be stopping by for an interview as well as a giveaway of her latest book, Knight of Swords! This giveaway is open to everyone so don’t miss it! To enter, you must be a follower and simply leave a comment on Suzanne and Sara’s interview tomorrow! Good luck to those who enter! See you there!

For more information on Sara Curran-Ross, you can visit her website here. Or check out her blog here. You can also find her  author page on Facebook as well as a series page here.