MP-How has your previous work experience helped you avoid the pitfalls many writers fall into?

JC–Writing is a learning experience and it's ongoing. I've been fortunate to have good friends in the industry and I ask them a lot of questions about what to avoid, what to look for. I took some writing and lit courses in high school and college, to learn the elements of good story telling. I read a lot of books to see how other authors crafted their stories. And I've been really lucky to have submitted to a handful of agents that gave me good feedback and helped me grow even more.  After that, I just keep writing.

MP-Tell us about Edin Road Radio?

JC–Edin Road Radio is my way of meeting new authors and finding new books, and letting listeners come along for the ride. With an eye for storytelling, authors are invited on the show to read an excerpt from their latest and then, I get to chat with them afterwards to find out a bit of the backstory of the book and the author. If I'm having fun, I know the listeners will, so I tried to keep it very informal and just chat with the authors.

The show broadcast live on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM Eastern. But listeners can also catch a podcast anytime they want. The podcasts are available 24/7 on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, the Edin Road Radio website, and through hour host, BlogTalkRadio.

MP-Do you enjoy writing your short stories or novels better?

JC–In a way, that's like asking me if I love one of my kids more than the other.  I have no easy answer for that question because writing anything fulfills a need in me.   

  Short stories are instant gratification to me because I have a finite amount of space to fill up with a story. They're condensed into one moment in time and then that moment is done. Sometimes I need that quickie.

  Novels have a longer payout and afford me time to get more in-depth with the story, I can take my time do develop the story, the characters. I can have more details and make it a bit more layered. Sometimes, I like to take my time.

  The answer is, I enjoy them both. Which is why I do both.

MP-Which book has the most of your personality in it?

JC–The Savior, hands down. Of all of the books I've written – even though I've had a tendency to make myself a character and I'm not telling which characters; read the books and see if you can figure it out – The Savior was the most personal. I wrote it at a time when I was going through some serious searching as to who I was, what did I want. I was exploring religions to see what bound them all together, what was the essence that reached out to my soul and answered those fundamental questions we all have. And then I told a story about what I was going through at the time but used Toby Riordan to go through it for me. The people I knew and loved were all characters in the story, from my Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother, to my brothers and my friends. In an essence, I told my story and I literally lived in the pages of that book as I wrote it.

MP-How does your religious background tie into your books?

JC–Other than The Savior and one or two shorts that I wrote, my religious background hasn't appeared in the other books. My spirituality tends to be very eclectic. I consider myself to be Pagan but I think that I could really be considered a Deist. I don't think that any one religion has it all correctly but I don't think any one religion is totally wrong about it either. They're all basically saying the same thing; some are just more self-centered about it.

  The Savior explored the aspects of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Paganism, and Toby is shaped by them all – as I was and am. I've written a few short stories in Illusions & Reality that played with religious movies more than explored religion and I think that somewhere in my career, I'll have other characters that have an alternative religious aspect of their characters but I don't know if they'll be my religious perspectives. I usually tend to keep those private. But since I'm out of the broom closet, who knows.

Follow Jesse at www.jessevcoffey.com

Stephan Cameron is impetuous and lusty; William Cameron is measured and romantic. Only one thing can divide the brothers--an attraction to the Lady Jessica Chynoweth, a flirty redhead who seems to have eyes for both--and Baron Joseph Turnbull as well. Only one thing can bring them together again--bringing the murderer of their father to justice. If it doesn't kill them first, they will!

Costa Rican Escape, by Cynthia Arsuaga

“Why did I listen to my friends?” Cara muttered, standing on the edge of a boulder. She gazed into a pool of water under a waterfall, incredulous they talked her into a rain forest escape. The tropics were one hell of a place for a vacation. What started out as a way to get relaxation from the city heat turned, in a blink, from enjoyment to a nightmare.

“Are you lost?” the husky male’s voice called out.

“Huh?” Startled, she turned to face the rugged specimen of a man standing a few feet away. The gorgeous, tan-skinned, and taut abs put any boyfriend she ever had to shame. He flashed a wicked grin as a pair of dark, stormy eyes captured hers.

“Are you lost?” He repeated.

“Yes. I was naughty and left the group an hour ago.” She swallowed hard. “I heard the water and ended up here.” She should have been frightened, but something about him got other juices flowing.

“Naughty? I can understand that.” He closed the distance like a stalking big cat. “It’s hot. You want to swim?”

Before she answered, a cloudburst drenched them in a cool rain. “I don’t think it’s necessary now.”

They laughed.

“You lost too?”

“No.” He stepped closer.

“Who are you?”

“Jaguar. This is my forest.” Leaning in, he kissed her passionately.

She couldn’t remember how they ended up on the ground, fondling each other in the rain. Regardless, the Costa Rican vacation turned into an adventure she’d never forget.


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Eternal Possession by Lila Munro

Jenna had done it again, gone home with the one person she couldn’t have. Danny had never explained why, just said it was what it was. She couldn’t argue with the fact the sex was hot, but there was always a strange longing after they slipped apart in the wee hours. There was more and she wanted it, yet he continued to refuse.

Now here she was questioning how smart leaving in the middle of the night was being she had no idea where she was, had no transportation and the ground shuddered beneath the weight of thunder. Always one for discretion, Danny always blindfolded Jenna before taking her up the mountain to his private playground. Closing her eyes, vowing never to do this again, she turned and started off in what she thought might be a southerly direction.

A half-hour later, with sheets of water pelting her skin like tiny ice daggers, Jenna pushed her hair back from her eyes and looked up to find Danny staring at her, a flash lighting his powerful frame against an oily sky. His eyes pierced her, glowing amber as they did when he was a hair past pissed. He grabbed her stringy, drenched hair in his fist and pulled her against his chest.

“No more running, love,” he whispered across her pulse leaping in her throat. “No more.”

Jenna swore she heard her skin rupture beneath his teeth as he sank them into her throat, possessing her, making her his for eternity.
 
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I Can Still Taste You…  By Lenore Elliott          

Worlds apart and yet we came together. I never knew you would become all that is vital to being alive. Your sighs helping me to breathe, your smile like the sun rising—your heartbeat matching mine, the feel of your silky tightening around my cock, around my heart, around my soul. You knew I loved you—knew there was no one else for me. You feared it as it was too frightening to be the center of my world.

I dream of it, almost every night, as its essence rolls in with the tide. The crash of the waves… the crash of my heart, the tilting of my world. Fire still consumes me from the memory of the way your soft curves met with my hard lines, your arms wrapping me in the splashing splendor of the rain. You fit me like a wet silken glove, sliding along my aching need that only you could bring.

 I had to face it that you were the one—the one that was meant for me.

In my mind, your scent still lingers, sweet and floral drifting through my soul. I savored you on my lips your flavor like the rain, pouring through my soul. My heart matching the clash of thunder, my mind filled with all that is you.

Every day, I search for you along the sand, a memory washed away by the ocean tide, leaving no trace that you were ever there. Yet, I can still taste you like the rain.

Leanore Elliott>>>More Sex


A Wave of Passion by Andrew Weston

The stinging rain and blinding spray went unnoticed by the couple perched precariously on the rocks, their urgent embrace interrupted only minimally by the salty tang that intruded between the hot passions of their lips.

Who she was, he didn’t know. A lost soul like his, drawn by morbid fascination to the shoreline to witness the end in preferred solitude.

Too late to run! Too late to seek shelter! They had found unexpected absolution in each other’s arms as the monster wave approached through the storm.

She had asked, “Do we have time for this?”

He had replied, “We can only try.” before both of them had submitted to their primal instincts to find solace before the end. Each racing to achieve the ultimate release before fate overtook them.

A tumult of sensations built within them in their last moments, filling their private cocoon with a rabid heat that blotted out the fear and drove them towards the final climax they would ever experience.

“Yes!” she cried.”

“Together!” he echoed.

In union, their excitement crested as another wave broke over them and swept them away in its cruel embrace, leaving only an echo of their consummation behind.

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Homecoming By Kerrianne Coombs

Rain battered against the cabin windows, and wind howled through the roof. The fire danced inside the hearth throwing shadows around the
room, the orange glow the only source of light in the small space.


“Come to me, Shay.” Craig’s deep voice hit her ears and danced through her insides as Shay made her way to the man who held her heart. He stood in front of the fireplace, his rain soaked shirt dumped at his feet. He still wore his jeans but Shay could see the effect of his arousal as it pushed impatiently against his zipper.

Heat prickled her skin and desire tightened her chest, as the man she
had been waiting for called to her and demanded that she move to him.

His dark eyes watched her with a steady calm, and his muscular chest rose and fell with relaxed ease, a complete contrast to Shay and her trembling limbs.

“Let me warm you, Shay. Let me touch you the way I have dreamed for so long.”

Oh, yes…

He reached out and pulled her close, the heat from his body a seductive balm to her frayed nerves. Oh, how she had missed him. All those months waiting for him to come home. All those nights spent alone and cold, frightened she would never see him again. Shay reached up and stroked her hand over his solid chest, and tears pricked at her eyes.

“You came back," she whispered into the dark room.

“I promised I would.”

Learn more about Kerrianne Coombes


Torrential Rain by Melissa Keir

“Who did I piss off to get stuck here covering the torrential rain? ” screamed Lucy Bradney, a reporter for The Weather Channel, as she watched her umbrella catch the wind and spin out of her hand and down the street.  Lucy’s new baby blue Ferragamo shoes were inches deep in the puddles and her hair hung in clumps around her face. Stomping her foot, she turned toward her cameraman, John Winder catching  a smile on his face.

“What are you laughing at? Don’t you dare smirk at me.”

“You. You want- no, need- a man to take control.”

Leaving her sputtering, John put his equipment in the van. He’d worked with Lucy for  the last six months and watched as she’d gone from a rising star to a person noone wanted to work with after throwing tantrum after tantrum. Yet John had stayed by her side.  He’d seen what other people missed about Lucy’s desires. She needed a strong man who’d dominate her. He was finally going to get his chance.

Walking slowly over to Lucy, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, pushing the hair off her face.

Leaving her breathless and complacent, he demanded, “Take off your jacket.”  When she didn’t comply fast enough, he ripped it from her shoulders. Lucy’s nipples tightened into peaks as she waited with anicipation for what would happen next.

As the rain poured , John showed Lucy exactly what she needed.

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Killing her softly by D. H. Black

     “Just get away from me!” Jennifer snapped, the sound of her voice barely audible in the raging wind. She darted a glance over her shoulder and took off running, her shoeless feet digging into the wet sand.

     Cory shook his head and had no idea what to say to her to calm her fears. No, the woman of his dreams wasn’t just afraid of him. She was utterly petrified. But she couldn’t get away. She was the one. This woman was the utter love of his life and the only girl he could ever give a damn about. After all, Jennifer was going to be his soul mate. He took off running after her as the thunder rolled in all around them, lightning flashing through the torrents of rain. It would be dark soon. Thank God for small favors.

     Sensing his approach, she screamed out, holding her hands over her ears as she tried to run faster but the sand impeded every footstep. “No! Please don’t!”

     He reached her within seconds and yanked her shaking body to his, the force dropping them both into the sand. “I love you. Don’t you get it? I love you!” His heart racing, he brushed the wet hair from her face as he pressed his lips to her forehead and could feel her heart beating rapidly. God, he loved her so much.

     She pushed hard against him, easing back. “Are you sure?”

     “Yes, baby. With all that I am.” Killing her would be devastating.

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The Perfect Moment by Savannah Chase

Spending a beautiful warm summer day overlooking the valley, she reveled in the moment that they were finally in each other’s arms. Nick had been gone on the road for so long that she could barely contain herself when he’d gotten out of the cab. This was their first day together, enjoying their secret place without fans hounding them.

“Baby, you have no idea just how much I’ve missed you,” he said, and stole a quick chaste kiss.

She wiggled her body closer, sliding her ass on top of his hard cock and wrapped her arms around him.

“I think you’re going to have to show me,” she said breathlessly.

Nick’s heated lips sucked in her earlobe, licked and teased before abandoning it. He grazed his teeth against her neck, while tasting her skin. It sent heat down her body, increasing the ache between her thighs. She’d yearned for his kiss, the way his hot breath caressed her skin. How the sound of his silky voice could make her body ache and hunger for him.

With nobody around a moan escaped her the second his lips parted and took her hardened peek into his mouth. His teeth gently tugged and teased her while his tongue lapped at the swollen bud.
Lost in each other’s arms they’d paid no attention to the rain as large droplets came barreling down from the sky. Suddenly they were caught in a downpour but they could care less. Nothing would spoil their perfect day together.

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Untitled by J.L. Oiler

"Pardon me miss. I am Rupert. Juan asked if I would show you around the Los Lobos." he said with a half grin.

Kayla muttered incoherently her eyes glued to the muscular chest visible through the wet material of his shirt. She shook her head, forcing her eyes up to meet his. The deep amber color seemed to swirl about the black centers, mesmerizing her until she'd forgotten her own name.

"Come with me sweet.” He said taking her hand and leading her out into the raging storm.

She followed without a second though, running through the brush and trees farther and father from the resort. Reaching a gulley, both of them lost their footing, sliding down the steep hillside in the mud and runoff. As they sped toward a drop off, Kayla watched him dig the heels of his boots into the heavy clay sidewalls stopping any further movement as she slid up tight against his back.

“Hold on.” He shouted over the wind.

With what she could only describe as super human strength, Rupert propelled them both out of the gulley and onto the wet grass to one side.

“Are you alright sweet?” he asked caressing her face with one hand as he rolled her so she sat astride his lap.

“With you I always will be.” Kayla said leaning forward to press her lips to his.

He met her kiss with force pushing his tongue deep into her mouth as a wolf howled in the distance. His brothers would be here soon and together they would claim their mate.

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Dating Disasters by Michel Prince

            Darkened clouds were bearing down on Amy and Paul as they tried to determine if Amy’s now swollen ankle could take the climb back up the falls before the rain would hit.  It was a stupid idea to jump off the water fall before checking the depth of the water, but Paul had made it safely and Amy didn’t expect to hit a boulder on the bottom of the river.

            Paul had been so gentle with her as he pulled her to the shore and now as he used his paramedic skills to assess her misshapen appendage.

            “I’m sorry.”

            “It was my fault,” Paul said.  “You said you liked adventure, but I know better than to just leap off a cliff.  Even answering one of those ads was a leap of faith for me.  Guess I was thinking everything had been going well so far.”

            “Yeah, I get that,” Amy smiled even though she could feel her heart beating in her ankle. 

            “You do?” Paul asked looking up at her as he delicately held her foot in his hand.

            “Yes,” she replied softly then started to nibble on her bottom lip.

            His hands slid up her leg as he stood, his large frame brought heat to her whole body as she took in biceps, pecs and abs that were so nicely defined by his still wet t-shirt.

            “I heard that a kiss could make anything better,” he teased placing a hand on either side of her.

            With a loud clap rain escaped from the heavy clouds.  Amy leaned her head back and let the water rush over her.  Her lips plumped from the thought that everything that could go wrong on this date had, yet she couldn’t have been happier to be spending this time with Paul.  When she opened her eyes she saw Paul was running his fingers through his dark locks and looked as if this was just another issue in their failed date.

            “I heard that too,” Amy cooed and snagged his arm pulling him on top of her.

Purchase Michel's latest release at ARe, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Bookstrand

MP-Catch us up on your series?

LR-The series begins with by Right of Blood, which was actually written as a prequel to My Brother’s Keeper, continuing on to  In the Wake of Ashes.    The series chronicles the life and adventures of William Fylbrigge, the second son of Lord Henry Fylbrigge, a wealthy nobleman in early 17th century Scotland.   It is notable that he is the second son, born twenty years the junior of the his old brother, Thomas.  As the elder son, Thomas had always enjoyed his status of ‘only heir’ to his father’s fortune. As was his “right of blood”, Thomas should not have had any issue of there being any younger siblings, as the laws of inheritance favored him as a sole heir, except for a 'troublesome' addition to  father’s will — which left a large chunk of things to William, and excluded Thomas of much of his own inheritance until William reached majority.  Because of this, when Henry died very soon after William’s birth, Thomas became the boy’s reluctant guardian who saw to his well being only in as much as he didn’t allow the boy to die.  Another stipulation in Henry’s will made provisions for young William to be fostered by his good friend Lord Edward, the Duke of Stonehaven, upon the boy’s 12th year.  

The story begins with William’s arrival at Stonehanven, and all of Thomas’ plottings against him comes to light.  Also during this time, William finds his own footings in life, meets new companions, Sean and Laurel, and his introduction to “The Olde Ways” — the forbidden Pagan religion practiced in secret by much of the country folk.  

By Right of Blood, is William’s rite of passage story, taking him from frightened, timid child to his adulthood and growing consciousness to the atrocities and injustices plaguing the countryside for those who are scooped up in the heresy hunts and witch trials.

My Brother’s Keeper picks up right where the first book ends.  When we re-encounter William, he is at the top of his game, strong, popular and about to marry Lord Edward’s daughter, Mehlyndia.  At this point, William is poised to inherit everything left to him in Henry’s will.  Thomas must step up his game in order to prevent this, and takes a much more sinister approach to destroying his brother by using William’s reputation as a hero to the country folk against him.  William finds himself the target of the heresy hunters, and all that goes with that.  This book takes him from zenith to nadir turning rapidly from light humor to dark drama. 

In the Wake of Ashes picks up five years after the conclusion of My Brother’s Keeper.  William is a far different man at this point.  He is literally half the man he was, having lost his memories and mobility as a result of his ordeal in the previous book.  He and his family have been sent to New France, and the newly established colony of Port Edin, by Lord Edward, to give William an opportunity to restart his life, away from the perils of the heresy hunters and all that went with them.  Unfortunately, his secret is discovered, and it is not long before the hunt is on once again.  

At present, this is the last book in the series, however I am working on a fourth book that will complete the arc.  

MP-How do research for you books?

LR-When I have the seed for the idea, and want to use a place or time, I start with history books, reference books about the day to day doing, clothing, food etc.   I spend a good amount of time researching on the Internet.  I find out what was happening in that time and place and try to just bring in the ‘flavor’ of the period, and not specific historical events.  This leaves me free to keep the story strictly fiction without getting entangled in ‘true’ details.

MP-Tell us about William Fylbrigge?

LR-William is a good soul but naive in his belief that he can change the status quo. He wants to make the world a better place, but doesn’t ‘get it’ that even though he may not like how the world he lives in works, it’s better if he accepts what he can’t change. He does become a bit more cynical as he gets older — or more of a realist.  

MP-Your series seems to go back to learn about William instead of forward like a normal series have you found that difficult?

LR-The only difficulties I had were in filling in subplots that would make sense in the later books.  For the prequel, I knew where it would start and end, and only needed to fill in the middle.  When I was writing My Brother’s Keeper, I always knew what William’s history was.  In fact, I had written personal biographies for all of the characters so I knew them better.  In the end, the difficult part of writing the prequel was more like fitting the last jigsaw puzzle pieces in place and making sure the overall picture made sense in the end.

MP-If you read your books in opposite order would that give away too much?

MP-I never thought of it, but you could read them backwards I believe and read about new things each time. I tried to write the sequel in such a way that it was a complete stand-alone story, with enough hinting around about the previous books that would intrigue the reader enough to go back and read it, but still have a satisfying story without it.  The prequel could also stand alone, however I intended that one to continue, so there is that sense of “what happens next” left at the end of that one.

Book Blurb:

William Fylbrigge is ill prepared to claim what is his by right of blood and his place among the powerful clan he has been born into. His older brother Thomas doesn’t want to share what he thinks is rightfully his, secretly arranging to have the young lad killed in a convenient “accident.” William could lose everything, including his life. 

Sean Wilbrun, the son of a common groomsman, transcends the barriers of his class and station when he is elevated to the esteemed ranks of guard for Lord Edward, Duke of Stonehaven. His first assignment, however, is not to wield a sword to protect his duke, but instead to attend to the newly arrived foster son. 

William and Sean soon form an unlikely duo and a lasting bond as together they face Thomas’ accusations of murder and treason. 


Follow Lorrieann at http://lorrieannrussell.wordpress.com/
Available at Amazon.Com  in both Kindle and Paperback.  

As you know I like to have guest bloggers on after I release a book...okay I admit it I'm lazy and my brain is fried.  So please enjoy a wonderful author Tricia Drammeh who's brain is still fully functioning and likes a little action.



Romance authors sometimes get a bad rap and that isn’t fair. Readers of more ‘sophisticated’ literature or authors of other genres occasionally criticize romance writers for penning fluff, but what they don’t realize is this: it takes talent to write a romance novel. The author must be able to create a believable, likable heroine, a hero the reader can fall in love with, a flawless plot, and a brilliant action scene.

Action scene? Before you roll your eyes and burst into laughter, consider this: Sex is the ultimate action scene. Not just sex, but romance in general. Any romantic scene, whether it’s a gentle kiss or a passionate epic sex scene, must be carefully crafted.

Every action scene requires choreography. A sex scene is no different. Every aspect of the physical encounter must be meticulously plotted out. The author must keep track of whose hands are where. When the hero’s lips trace a fiery path down the heroine’s body, they must follow a logical path. For example, the author doesn’t want to write a scene in which the hero’s hands are running through the heroine’s hair at the same time one hand is trailing sensuously down the inside of her thigh, while another hand is—well, you get the picture. Unless there’s more than one hero, or the there are space alien elements and the hero suddenly sprouts an extra hand, this simply won’t work.

Like an action scene, a sex scene can take place in a variety of settings. Props may vary. There’s a build-up of tension, breathless anticipation, a feeling of excitement. Action scenes can range from a race against time to an epic battle. Sex scenes can be just as varied. They can be sweet or spicy, breathless and intense, or soft as a sigh. Fast and furious, or slow and erotic. Still think all sex scenes are the same? Think again.

Writing a romantic scene is an art. It takes talent to create the perfect scene. A good romance writer can not only describe a kiss in a million different ways, they can make your lips tingle. A good romance writer knows how to make the reader cheer when the hero and heroine share their first kiss. A good romance writer makes you sigh with pleasure when the main characters finally come together.  

The key to writing a good action scene is to keep the reader turning the page, desperate to find out what happens next. The same with a romantic scene—the authors must keep the reader poised at the edge of her seat, up two hours past her bedtime, unable to put the book down.

What’s the fundamental difference between an action scene and a sex scene? There isn’t one. A sex scene is an action scene. Every kiss, every touch is carefully written into the story and is essential to the plot. What happens in the bedroom (or backseat of the car, on top of the kitchen table, the middle of an open field… you get the idea) can make or break the relationship between the hero and heroine. So, to all you skeptics out there: do you still think sex scenes are pointless bits of fluff? 

If you really think about it, romance writers are probably the more versatile writers out there. They must master the fundamentals of penning a novel—dialogue, grammar, narrative structure, characterization—and they must master the art of creating sexual tension and crafting the ultimate action scene.

So, the next time you hear someone criticize romance novels or the people who write them, don’t make excuses for your choice in reading material. Don’t trivialize the art of crafting a romance novel. Just look the critic in the eye and tell him romance writers are the rock stars of the literary world. Or, better yet, tell him about your favorite romantic action scene.

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I'm having a giveaway for the release of The Frozen through Rafflecopter I'll be giving away some gift cards and there will be other giveaways going on with other websites so keep your eyes peeled.  

MP-What’s your favorite nursery rhyme? 
MK-Growing up we had a Mother Goose book that I adored.  I read it every day.  The one that always stood out in my mind was of this beautiful blonde woman who was riding a horse.  She was not only beautiful but had jewelry and music.  I just wanted to be her! Here’s the nursery rhyme:
Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross
To see a fine lady upon a white horse.
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,
She shall have music wherever she goes.

MP-There are three Pigg’s in the detective agency.  Rank the three brothers who would you Marry? Dump? And Date?

MK-Jonah is who you marry.  He is steadfast and will always take care of you.

Marcus is who you date because he has the fun-loving temperament that will always make good times roll!

Luke is the one I would dump.  He is very silent and seems to be harboring a secret. 

MP-What do you think is the way to bridge from an adrenaline rush to a permanent situation?

MK-I think the best way to bridge that jump is to just close your eyes and jump right in. I know, be serious… Often it is the lust of that first attraction that pulls two people together but when you have a lot in common and share your thoughts, feelings and emotions… you develop a strong foundation for love.

MP-What book that you have written is closest to your heart?

MK-Second Time’s the Charm is by far the book that is closest to my heart.  It is the story of a woman who’s been told that she isn’t good enough and was cheated on by her husband.  This damages her self-esteem.  But when she takes a chance on someone she never thought she would… she finds love again. 

Second Time’s the Charm is my pledge that even when life is bleakest, you will find the person you are meant for—that everyone has a happily ever after.

MP-Time for the obligatory Friday the 13th question…what’s the superstition you hold tight too?

MK-I still to this day find myself avoiding cracks.  Do you remember the saying “Step on a crack and you break your mother’s back?” My mom isn’t alive anymore but I can’t stand the thought of hurting her.  Or maybe it is more of a fear that the crack will open up and I will be sucked down into the earth… hmmm… could be!


Protecting her Wolfe
Betsie Wolfe was a small town girl who left her cozy little life for a job in the big city. She never expected to become a witness to a murder or face vicious threats. Detective Jonah Pigg was immediately attracted to Betsie’s lavender eyes and small frame huddled in the gray wool blanket when he arrived on the scene of the murder.

 

When threats on Betsie's life surface, Jonah takes her into his home under the protection of the three Pigg’s who own the Pigg Agency. It will take all of his detective work to keep her safe. Passion has a way of igniting when people are in stressful situations and lust leads Betsie and Jonah into each other’s arms. But is their relationship only a matter of desire or is it something more?

EXCERPT:

Finally fed up with the tension, she left her desk, shut down the lights in the office, and locked the door. With her small clutch purse in one hand, she started the lonely walk to her apartment, six blocks over from the employee parking garage. Someday, I’ll have enough money for a car of my own. She thought with envy. Maybe something in a green color but with good gas mileage.

So focused on the noises around her, Betsie tripped over a patch of broken concrete and went sprawling on the floor, her purse hit the concrete and one lipstick tube rolled across the garage floor. Crawling on her hands and knees, Betsie yelled at herself in her head for her accident. Oh no. Isn’t that my luck! Everything has gone wrong today! Where is my purse? What fell out?

Suddenly a car appeared around the back of the garage and screeches to a halt. The sounds of yelling and gunfire erupted in the silence of the parking garage. Diving flat on the ground, Betsie begins to say all the prayers she remembered from the past twenty-three years of Catholic Mass. As a body crashed to the ground, the black sports car with the silver trim drove away.

Betsie hid on the ground near the edge of a large blue sedan, praying no one could hear her. The silence after such a deafening noise grated on Betsie’s nerves. Without thought for herself, she rushed over to the body to see if they needed help.

“Oh, my, gosh, it’s Johnny from the warehouse. Johnny, Johnny, are you okay?” She placed her hands on his chest to see if he was still breathing, only to pull away abruptly when she felt the wetness of his shirt.

Looking down at her hands, “Oh no. Blood! Johnny!” But his death was as evident as the large hole in the front of his shirt gushing blood on the pavement.

“I can’t be caught here.” Betsie realized with the dead body beside her that the garage wasn’t a safe place.

After a long argument with her conscience over what was right and what might happen, Betsie found her purse with the office keys inside and went back into the office to call the police.

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-protectinghiswolfe-834918-148.html

BIO:

Melissa Keir has always wanted to be an author when she wasn’t hoping for a career as a race car driver.  Her love of books was instilled by her mother and grandparents who were avid readers. She’d often sneak books away from them so that she could fantasize about those strong alpha males and plucky heroines.  In middle school and high school, Melissa used to write sappy love poems and shared them with her friends and still has those poems today! In college her writing changed to sarcastic musings on life as well as poems with a modern twist on fairy tales and won awards for her writing. You can find many of these musings along with her latest releases on her website and blog.  

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time.  She’s always keeping busy.  Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature happy endings and is often seen plotting her next story.

Melissa loves hearing from readers!

www.melissakeir.com

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            Susan slipped the second red stiletto on her left heel as she waited in just the black lace garter and hose she’d bought with a matching bustier and thong.  Carlton didn’t approve of her three inches heels even though it made her ass curve in a way that turned her on how could Carlton not find it hot.

            Carlton always wanted her to behave a certain way.  Perfect hair, perfect Stepford wife dress and a dinner ready at the end of the day.  Susan wanted to burn her black shift dress with the small white flower pendent on the shoulder. 

            This wasn’t her.  She had desires.  She’d married the wrong man.  One who thought lust was a sign of weakness in a person who couldn’t control themselves.  But Susan burned to see her husband’s eyes hungry.  She wanted him attack her as if his life depended on being buried deep inside her. 

            With her hands flat on the empty dining table, ass out and back arched she waited for Mr. Conservative to come home.  She’d already sprayed the air with perfume and prayed for once he’d use his God-given manhood to its full potential.

            “I’m home,” his deep voice carried from the front door.  “Susan?”

            As he rounded the corner Susan’s heart stopped as she waited.  Carlton’s deep blue eyes scanned her body slowly.  Taking in every inch and she smiled seeing a bulge form at his hips.

            “What are you doing?” he asked with a dry voice.

            “What are you going to do?” Susan countered.

You close your eyes and finally make the decision to end your life only to have him show up.  Gabriel, here to give you a second chance at salvation.  They say he’s an angel, but then again, they don’t have to serve under him.  He offers you a chance to be a member of the Frozen, a group of demon hunters.  Serve your sentence and you can ascend to heaven.  Refuse? Well, the punishment has been clearly laid out in the scriptures.  It’s a last chance.  But when your body is frozen in time, can your heart still beat?

            With less than a week to the release of The Frozen I thought I’d give you a small vocabulary lesson.  As you all know I’m no grammarian, but I’ve always had a great vocabulary.  And when you write a book about a world that may or may not exist you get to not only use real words in a new way, but create your own.

            In The Frozen I did just that.  The word ‘claustranima’ is actually the mixture of two Latin words.  Thankfully I have a father who graduated college with a degree in the Classics, which he tells me means Latin, Greek and Hebrew.  As I explained the knife used by The Frozen we came up with anima right away, because anima means soul.  In the hilt of knife holds the soul of the member of The Frozen.  Claustra is a rough way of saying prison.  ‘Claustranima’ was born because the knives used by The Frozen are prisons for their souls. 

            Until their debt is worked off their souls stay trapped.

            Now the word ‘other’ seems pretty normal…but not in The Frozen.  If a member of The Frozen talks about their ‘other’ it means their other half, or spouse.  Who they were ‘sealed’ with through a ‘sealing’ ceremony, usually they ‘seal’ with a ‘normal’ or human.

            Then there are some great words that are making a comeback in this book like ‘bantling’ which is a newborn, but twisted to for my purpose and is for a demon reborn into this world.  ‘Deumos’ is a female demon placed in coven here on Earth they serve their ‘Yahweh’, or who they treat as a God that they worship unconditionally.  At least they’re supposed to.

            Now that you have the vocab are you ready to find out about the people?  Check out The Frozen page to learn about Kiri, Nye, and Damarion.  Will you know who’s good and who’s evil?  Even though the pages of my book may be black and white, the lines drawn aren’t going to be as easy to define.

            

 
MP-What triggered the Ramblings?

AF-Ramblings of a Mad Southern Woman is a collection of poetry that for years, sat locked away in a journal.  The short stories arose from not only bits and pieces of my own life, but experiences of others that I wrote for my Creative Writing class in college.

After the success of my first two novels, Accountable to None and Zero Balance, I was jokingly bequeathed the title “Queen of Revenge” by several of my author friends.  While I appreciated the sentiment, I wanted readers to see the softer side of me, one that doesn’t deal directly with seeking revenge.

The title was inspired by the name of my blog.  When I first entered the realm of “published author” I was inundated with all of the social media options available to communicate with my audience. The one that I was least familiar with was “blogging.”  Trying to juggle a full-time job, college, family and kids plus the whole new world of promoting my work overwhelmed me.  The day I decided to start a blog, I sat staring at the screen wondering what in the world I would call it.  My husband happened to call me during that time and asked me how my day was.  I replied “I feel like a rambling mad southern woman trying to sort all this out” and thus, the title was born.

MP-Do you think there a difference between horror and thriller?

AF-The difference is strictly in the mind of the reader.  What one might classify a horror novel, like one reviewer did for my second novel, Zero Balance, others that read it might prefer to classify it as a suspenseful thriller.  Perspective from the individual in terms of their own life experiences may guide them to their own interpretation of the works they are reading.

Some tend to classify something as horror if it is rooted in paranormal/supernatural aspects, such as works by Stephen King, and Clive Barker.   A thriller can exist in all sorts of works, including horror, if it keeps the readers glued to the pages wondering what will happen next.

However, sometimes the most frightening thing in life is the cruelty we bestow upon each other which can truly be horrific. 

MP-How has the self-publishing route been?

AF-When I released my first novel, Accountable to None, I could not have been any greener in terms of my miniscule knowledge of publishing.  I made several rookie mistakes but each day, through the help of more seasoned authors, I am learning and growing.  Now that my third book is available, I am much more comfortable with the entire process.  I have an editor that I trust completely, a fellow author that is incredibly gifted in not only cover design but also with book trailers, and several author friends that “beta” read for me prior to publication.

My second novel, Zero Balance, is published through World Castle Publishing, which affords me the opportunity of duality.  I am currently self-published and with a publisher simultaneously, and there are pros and cons to both.

MP-Can you tell us a little bit more about your radio show?

AF-Ramblings of a Mad Southern Woman (also the name of my BlogTalkRadio show) started as my way to give back to other authors that are just starting out.  I wanted to offer a free platform for them to tout their works in a friendly environment, making them feel comfortable and at ease.  I also wanted to have more established authors as guests as my way of saying “thank you” to them for taking me under their wings, so to speak.  I wanted to give Indie authors a chance to promote their work to the listening audience.

Bennet Pomerantz came onboard as my co-host a few months ago and it has been so much fun.  He adds a special “zing” to the show because of his vast knowledge of the publishing world.  Although I have enjoyed doing the show, I made the painful decision to shelve it after then end of June to concentrate on finishing the third and final installment of my series.  Running the show and gathering all the necessary information from my guests, promoting it each week, and answering inquiries from writers that wished to be on, simply became too much.

MP-In your horror series what inspires you?

AF-Primal fear of what others can do to you. 

As I said earlier, horror can be construed differently depending upon the reader.  Ghosts, werewolves, vampires and monsters of all sorts do not frighten me since I don’t believe in them.  Don’t get me wrong: a gifted writer of paranormal works may cause me a shiver or two while reading, but the mere fact that I know those things are not real renders the slice of fear more like a dull poke for me. 

Things that truly have occurred or are based upon reality are what frighten me.  For example, The Silence of the Lambs comes to mind.  That book/movie struck a nerve in me because a viscous killer such as Hannibal has existed in our society.  Man’s inherently evil nature is what sends my hair standing on end.  So, when I write, I try to use realistic scenarios that are completely plausible and could actually happen.  To me, that is the scariest thing of all: what we are capable of doing to each other.

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MP-Tell us about Lola?

BW-First things first, Michel – I’m grateful that you invited me to do this Q&A, and I’m honored that you’re going to share this with your readers!

Lola, the main character in ‘Hollowing Screams’ is not a figment of my imagination, but in fact was a genuine psychic medium. A mutual friend introduced me to her in the early 70s. She, along with her mentally disabled daughter, lived in an old broken down trailer about forty miles outside of town. She didn’t advertise her unique ability, nor did she ever charge a fee for a reading. If she saw you out, say at the market getting groceries, she would pick you out of the crowd and begin reading you. Word of mouth spread about her accurate predictions, and I couldn’t wait to meet her – find out what all the hype was about. Without going into detail, she spoke of my past as if she were there, and predicted several major occurrences in detail about my life that unfolded many years later. People said she was a gypsy of sorts, as she didn’t stay in one place for any length of time. Upon my second visit, I found the decrepit trailer abandoned and the front door padlocked. She seemed to have mysteriously vanished, along with her daughter, into thin air.               

MP-What makes the hair on the back of your neck rise up?

BW-Wow, I would have to say reading, or watching anything that has to do with demonic possession sends chills up my spine – human demonic possession that is. Recently I wrote a short story entitled, ‘Spirits of a Jester’ in which a doll is possessed with several evil entities and thoroughly enjoyed writing it, lol! In fact, my co-author, Betty Dravis and I released a collection of six short stories of paranormal/horror entitled, ‘Six-Pack of Blood’ in which ‘Spirits of a Jester’ is included. It actually won an honorary horror award from Zodiac Entertainment – quite proud of that.    

MP-Do you research to put a twist on events that really happened?

BW-I often do research when writing a story, especially if the story involves actual facts. However, I count on my muse to show me the way when the time is ready to weave my web, lol.  

MP-What inspires your stories?

BW-People, human nature, places, things – anything and everything really! I can be out at dinner somewhere, look over at someone, and begin to imagine – Could they be harboring a deep dark secret – a murderous past maybe? I often take from my own nightmares when creating a tale of horror and suspense. Okay, now I’m just scaring myself, lol!   

Of all your books who was the scariest character for you?

I’d have to say of all the chilling characters that I have produced ‘Shannon’ in ‘Hollowing Screams’ was the most fun to create. If you follow ‘Stephen King’ and you’ve read ‘Misery’, then you’re familiar with the character ‘Annie Wilkes’ – Let’s just say that, well, these two gals would have been the best of friends…! If you’re not familiar with Stephen King’s work then you’re probably not into horror – which sucks for me, lol! On the other hand, if horror is your cup of tea – pour yourself a huge cup of ‘Hollowing Screams’ and quench your thirst…!          


BLURB: HOLLOWING SCREAMS

It is bizarre to say in our civilized culture some human beings still act out in a violent primitive manner causing bodily harm and death. For this reason alone incarcerating facilities will always exist. The terror of being thrust into a world in which time cannot be calculated, distance cannot be measured, and our own true existence is in question is incomprehensible. In 1971, a mysterious stranger warned a small community of their impending doom. She prophesied that if they ignored her warnings they would experience a chain of devastating events. The outcome of their fate would remain in whether they chose to believe in something that could not be scientifically validated. Is it safe to say that unexplained phenomenon does exist? If you asked the people of Patton, they would say, “Of course it does and its name is Lola.”


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