MP-Do you find that your personality came out in your main character Lilah?

JL-Absolutely, I do.  It’s never easy being trapped in a circumstance you didn’t plan for, especially when you’re surrounded by forces (or people) who would stop and nothing to tear you down.  But for a type-A person like myself, and like my heroine, it is always better to keep a stiff upper lip.  In Dangerous Ally, Lilah Benson, a well-respected journalist, is told by her editor at the New York Times that she must go undercover, both working for and living in the home of Raphael Ramone (a known-criminal) and also his son Lucas (also a known criminal.)  Though I’ve never been forced to do anything so extreme as my heroine is, I have no doubt that I would have reacted in much the same way that she does.  That is, accepting the challenge head-on and, and, once in the throw of things, refusing to show my enemy fear. 

MP-What is the hottest physical and the hottest personality trait to you in your character Lucas?

JL-Hmm…tough to narrow that one down ;)  Strange as it may sound, one of the things I found most physically attractive about Lucas was his hair. I am definitely a sucker for guys with dark hair and it seemed that Lucas’s perfect strands were a strong compliment for his dark and mysterious persona.  (If you’re not sure what I mean, check him out on the cover ;) )

Personality wise, I loved that Lucas is a practiced seducer.  And as Lilah Benson is working overtime to expose his extracurricular, criminal activities, he has the perfect opportunity to put these skills to use.  From the moment they meet, when Lucas kisses Lilah’s hands, I am totally hooked on the character.  I just love a hero who knows how to put the moves on a heroine so that both she (and I!) can’t resist.  Lucas is the epitome of that type of hero!

MP-Is Dangerous Ally a stand-alone book or do you see it becoming a series?

JL-As a matter of fact, Dangerous Ally was not the first story I wrote in what is now the Pinnacles of Power Series.  I simply fell so hard for Lucas Ramone, that this story (actually book 4 of 5) wound up coming first!

In Dangerous Proposal (which released in June 2012, and comes prior to Dangerous Ally) we meet Lena Benson, Lilah’s older sister, and we see what sort of trouble comes her way when she runs from her then psychotic fiancé Lucas, and meets Alec Westwood, the man she believes her fiancé hired to track her down, a man who’s eyes and touch rob her literally, of sense. 

MP-Were there any parts of your book that were harder than the rest to write?

JL-In the last third of Dangerous Ally, Lilah uncovers a long-lost secret, and in turn is kidnapped and held captive in Italy by Raphael Ramone.  This portion of the story is very emotional, both for Lilah, who does not know if she will ever get home, and for Lucas, who is very much in love with her and does not know if he will ever see her again.  It was very emotional for me as well, the writer, to depict what these two characters, who have essentially lost all hope, are feeling.  I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone a great deal on this section of the story, in order to enhance the overall conflict as well as to make the bond between Lilah and Lucas that much stronger. 

In turn, there is a scene earlier in the story, in which Raphael is trying to persuade Lilah to help him to steal Lucas’s flashdrive, and he uses some rather unconscionable tactics to make his point.  This too, was a chapter in which I pushed myself very out of my comfort zone.  But I was glad I did it because, once again, things are that much stronger between hero and heroine when Lucas learns what occurred and comes to Lilah’s rescue.    

MP-What was the best thing about writing your own book?

JL-The best thing for me, about writing my own book, is having a place to put all of my ideas.  I write outlines for stories pretty far in advance (I have notebooks full of them!) and I love the feeling I get when I put something together that can stand as a story on its own.  Sometimes, I’ll think, wow, where did that come from?  Other times, I’m filling in the blanks on an idea that’s only come to me in pieces.  But regardless of the order the pieces arrive in, I, the writer, get to assemble them.  There is no greater feeling than putting the last piece of the writing-puzzle into place!
Blurb:

For five lonely years, diamond smuggling kingpin Lucas Ramone has hidden himself from the world. With a father who has baited him all his life, made a game of trying to trip him up at every turn, Lucas will do whatever is necessary to protect what is rightfully his. What he isn’t prepared for is Lilah Benson…

Upon accepting a job in the home of her sister’s maniacal ex-fiancé, reporter Lilah Benson believes she has finally found the perfect way to make her mark on the world. Exposing the criminal endeavors of Lucas Ramone won’t soon be forgotten. But as she comes to know the man who was supposed to be her adversary, Lilah is tempted by a passion far stronger than the desire to see her name in print…

Power and control are tools of survival, critical in a world of thievery and deception. Lilah, an innocent in a land of criminals, may be the one person capable of bringing Lucas to his knees. But Lucas will stop at nothing to keep his empire secure.

He will have it all: His Fortune, His Legacy, and Lilah Benson in his bed…
Bio:

At two years old, Jessica became a devoted fan of both listening to and reciting the books her parents would read to her at night. When she was a little older (about four), she sought a greater challenge in her life, and began making up stories of her own, acting them out with her dolls. “When the dolls got “boyfriends,” she says, “I knew I was getting too old for dolls!”

As a romance novelist and a reader alike, Jessica is most intrigued by dark heroes, who have many demons to conquer…but little trouble enticing female companions into their beds! She feels that the best romances are those where the hero is already seducing the heroine from that first point of contact. “Isn’t it the hero’s job to seduce?” she says with a grin.

Jessica loves to see the sparks fly when a stubborn, domineering hero crosses paths with a bold, feisty heroine, and uses the combination frequently in her stories.

When she’s is not writing, Jessica enjoys listening to as much 80’s music as possible, watching the same re-runs of Smallville over and over, shopping for exceptionally unique cameos, and taking long walks in nature where she can daydream about anything romantic. Though she resides in Central New Jersey, her heart belongs to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.
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The Beast Within by Savannah Chase

The sound of the water cascading down the rocks echoed around them, nature’s serene melody embracing them in its grasp. For the first time they were alone in their secret hiding place.

“I don’t know how you found this place but I’m happy you did,” she said and wrapped her arms around him. Her fingers slowly caressed his naked back as she got lost into his magical blue eyes.

“I will go to the ends of the world if this will give me time with you.”

Marius tangled his legs around her as his powerful arms took hold of her tiny frame. Lowering his head he captured her lips. Salaya parted her mouth, letting his heated breath fill her as his tongue swiped over her hot flesh. Pressing her body against his she relinquished full control to him. Marius knew how to bring the beast from within to the surface, and he was no longer afraid to do so. But she couldn’t deny the fear she still held buried inside her. It still clawed to the surface yelling at her to stop, to push him away. Control was not easy to keep hold of and to master, even after all these centuries of learning to.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked breathlessly as she tore herself away from him.

Marius gave her a calming smile, as his eyes lit up with joy.

“Yes my beautiful pussy cat. I’m ready for the beast you hold inside you.”

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Raphael’s Fall By Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

They sprawled beneath the aged oak, short of breath and sated.  He cradled the beautiful blonde in his arms and she nestled against his chest.  Raphael had no idea what her name might be but he knew her, body and soul.  When she came to him in the clearing, eyes wide with fear, he’d taken her into his arms to offer comfort and protection.  Nothing more, he vowed it.  But she raised her tear-stained face to him and Raphael drank in her deep blue eyes.

His mouth came down onto hers with the fury of a gathering storm.  She brought out his half-human side, his desire for flesh.  Although he knew he should resist, he yielded.  His mouth caressed her lips with the skill he’d learned once and his hands explored her body beneath the simple garments she wore.  Heat flared between them like summer lightning and exploded into fire as he entered her, his shaft hard and her place wet for him.   The first come happened swift but he loved her again and again, through the long night.  Each time he tasted, he tempted and he gave the same pleasure he took.

He’d fallen from grace but Raphael would not go back, not this time, never again.

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The Proposal-By Lacey Wolfe

Mia gazed up at Ben as the water fall splashed beside them, drenching them both with cool liquid. She didn’t care though. Ben had planned a whole day around her to show her that he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with only her.

Leaning into his embrace, she gently pressed her lips to his. This man was everything to her and as he kissed her back, a warmth of safety swept through her entire body. Opening herself to him more, the kiss deepened. Mia caressed his biceps and then trailed her lips from his mouth, down his neck, and finally to the tender spot on his collarbone.

She then peeked up at him through her heavy lashes. “How did I ever get so lucky?”

Ben smirked. “I think the real question is; how did I get so lucky?”

“Well, since we both seem to have the luck of the Irish, maybe we should elope to Vegas and then hit the casinos. Maybe we could score big.”

Ben leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “Oh, you’re going to score big all right.”

Turning her body, she straddled him. Staring into his eyes, the world stopped, except for the waterfall beside them. The splashing was loud enough to block any loud sound that they might make. “Make love to me, right here, right now. Show me just how big and lucky I’m going to get.”

Ben cupped her ass and said, “You got it.”

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Untitled by Laura Breck

"When I return to the sea this time," Mikayla whispered against his lips. "I will not come back here again."

He laced his hands in her hair to stare into her turquoise eyes. Brayden saw the love she would not profess, the desire they shared which only grew each time she left her mermaid form and became human. "I will not lose you. I can not let you go." Panic rose and nearly choked him.

Her shaking fingers touched his cheek. "If I stay, I will only have another week before I fade to nothing."

"Not if you read the words." He glanced at the markings on his arms and chest.

"I can not take your immortality from you." She pushed away from him but he held tight.

"You can." He smiled without humor. "What is everlasting life if I can not share it with you?" She owned his heart and possessed his soul.

Dropping her head to his chest, she drew a breath that shuddered through her body. "But then I will be in this world for eternity, alone after you…"

"Fade to nothing?" Brayden tipped her chin to meet his gaze. "That's the genius of my plan. Once you take these words unto your body, we need only find another who wishes immortality."

"Someone to read the words from my flesh." Her eyes lightened with excitement. "And then you and I would both be mortal."

"Read them, Mikayla, so that we will make each day of our lives like an eternity."

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Waterfall by Nikki Prince

Master Jae had told me that he wanted my collaring to be special.  That he knew just the place to take me.  I’d chuckled when I heard those words because I knew that there was a double meaning.

            The waterfall in the background besides just being plain gorgeous was romantic and the perfect backdrop to have him collar me.  I wanted to please him and I’d found the way to do it.  Everything he asked of me, no matter how big or small I did it without argument and with complete trust.

            Leaning in he kisses me softly.  “You’re the only one I want to wear my collar.”

            I realized then that I’d been holding my breath.  “I’m honored Master.’

            “You seem shocked.” He chuckled softly.

            “Only because I didn’t expect to be the only one to wear your collar, there are other girls at the house who want that honor.”

            “The other girls are in training for other Masters and Mistresses.  You I’ve been saving for myself.”  I felt the flush that covered my skin at his high praise and turned my face up to kiss him softly.  What an honor to know I was his alone and no one else would be able to take my place. He stroked his thumb across my neck and said the words I wanted to hear.

“Mine.”  He said.

Then I felt the coolness of leather and I was his.

“Yours,” I said and I knew it to be true.

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He looked away-Cassandre Dayne
There was something so incredible about the rain falling across their heated bodies. Jasmine couldn’t believe she was nestled in his arms, arms she thought she’d never be in again. Tears mixed with the warm beads of water, creating a stream down her face and yet she knew she couldn’t understand or even tell him why she was distraught. How could she? Justin hadn’t known how close to death he’d really been. Those long days of waiting and praying had taken their toll, not only in her beliefs but in her very soul. She was a shell of the woman before the accident.

“What are you thinking?” Justin asked as he kissed her forehead.

“That I love you.”

“There’s more. I can tell when there’s more. You know that, you...” Inhaling deeply, he looked away. “You can’t hide from me.” While he laugh was genuine, the sound was strangled, husky from the tubes remaining in his neck for over a solid month, breathing for him -- trying to keep him alive. The sound silenced by the real truth.

Jasmine swallowed hard as she tipped her head back, her eyes darting back and forth across his. For a second she could swear she reached deep inside, to the man she’d fallen in love with and then the fleeting moment was gone. She palmed his chest, gripping the drenched fabric. “I love you.”

“I know you do and I love you to.”

But she knew differently. Justin didn’t remember who she was.

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The Dragon's Keep by Michel Prince
            There was only one thing Geirr feared and that was sharing his keep.  Dragon’s open themselves to attack once men know of their wealth, but Gwendolyn had found his closed off heart.  Having never wanted to share his cursed existence he looked at the long golden tresses circling her porcelain skin.

            “My love,” Geirr growled against her throat.  “I wish you to leave your home and be with me.”

            “Oh Geirr,” she giggled then pounced away on the wet rocks beneath the waterfall. 

            The tiny lagoon under the spray held more than just a secluded place to play with a lover.  It held everything he owned in the world and Gwendolyn would be his crowning jewel.

            She still did not understand the ink that covered his chest and back.  Or the reason he became exhausted to the point of a useless man.  All were side effects to his service to Odin as one of his dragons protecting the world. 

            “Don’t make me chase you love,” he said as he too bounded from rock to rock with quite a bit more grace than she.  “I mean it.  I’ll share everything I have.’
            “What could you possibly have to share with me?  I’m a Duchess of the highest rank.”

            “Betrothed to Prince, yet bedded by a man you think is a pauper.”

            “Urgh, you’re a monster Geirr.”

            “No,” he said sweeping her into his arms and holding her soft frame to his firm one.  “Not with you I’m not.  With you I’m a man.”

 check out Michel's latest release

The Lagoon By ER Pierce

Every lagoon featured something different. My personal habitat was unique, and I wanted to share it with Ceithin. I flipped my favorite switch and the roof opened, leaving us basking under the glow of the real stars and moon. The stars twinkled mischievously, inviting wishes and laughter. I closed my eyes for a moment and wished with all my heart that love would find me

I turned to my mate and yes, Ceithin's my mate, my heart recognized him, but we were not true-mated yet. I hoped we would be someday, but for now, I was content to share this one small piece of myself with him, and hope he didn't flatten me in the process. I'm afraid of giving away too much of myself to any one person, but Ceithin made me re-think my reservations. He made me want to be better, to laugh and sing. He made me want to love and believe. I wanted Ceithin to be part of my family.

I just couldn't tell him any of this. I didn't want to scare him away before we even had a chance to start.

I closed my feelings and stretched out my arm, reaching for him in the low light. We could see each other perfectly. I pulled him closer and kissed the hollow of his throat, across his collarbone and tilted my head back, straining upwards to plant one right on his kisser. "Thanks for trusting me and coming here, I wanted to share this with you."

~ Featuring Aurelia and Ceithin, the characters from Fractured Moon by ER Pierce

You can find me many places, but here is my facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/authorerpierce

The Guardian's Heart is my first published contemporary romance.  Releasing through Secret Cravings Publishing I think it's going to be the kick off to a series...what can I say.  I don't like characters to leave.  I want to know what happens next.  In this book you're going to meet Gabbie Vaulst and her journey of love with Case Thomas.  With a set of adorable twins you'll be in for a sweet special treat.  


In celebration I've got some custom bookmarks and a gift card to give away.  Although it's not paranormal, the paranormal book club has given me such support I have "liking" them as another opportunity to win.  

So like, share and win.  I hope you two will love The Guardian's Heart.

Buy it now on SCP

MP-Since there are so few interracial books in general do you find that you’ll have to break through any walls to get your books read?

TD-I think every new author faces the same challenges when trying to get their book read. There are so many books released each year, readers have thousands to choose from. I don’t think the interracial element will make a difference in terms of finding readership. I think my greatest challenge will be finding enough time in the day to promote my books.

That being said, I hope to see an increase in the number of books with multicultural characters. As a mother, I’d like to see more young adult books that feature heroes and heroines with different skin colors and cultural backgrounds. As a reader, I’d especially like to see more variety in fantasy and sci-fi.


MP-You have the glorious love triangle in your book, but this time there is a twist with Alisa in love with Jace who loves Rachel…then Jace’s brother adds an outside element.  Is it hard keeping all the attractions straight?

TD-The love triangle is my favorite part. It isn’t hard keeping the attractions straight in The Claiming Words, but in the second book, I throw another twist into the story with another character, and that makes it a little more complicated.

MP-You’ve gotten a big writing community surrounding you how have you found their support?  Is it always good or have you had some pull you down?

TD-The wonderful community of authors has been such a blessing. I’ve met the most generous and supportive people and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the help I’ve received from them.

MP-With five books in the series do you feel that you’ve completed your characters journey or is there a chance that you’ll go past the five?

TD-My two main point-of-view characters, Alisa and Rachel, will definitely complete their journeys by the end of book five. I wouldn’t rule out writing a book that follows a different character, but I’m honestly not planning anything like that right now.

MP-How do you handle reviews?

TD-I’m grateful for any reviews, good or bad, though I’d certainly prefer shining five-star reviews. All joking aside, criticism is hard for anyone to take, but it’s a part of life. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and whether or not you agree with a less than favorable review, you have to accept it and move on. 

MP-Have you been able to balance writing with life?

TD_I haven’t. I have four kids, three of whom are still underage and living at home. I also have a full-time day job. Writing and marketing get squeezed in between everything else I have to do. Something is always slipping through the cracks. Just when I think I’ve managed to strike that elusive balance in my life, I remember something I forgot to do because I got distracted by my imaginary friends.

MP-What gets your muse to start talking?

TD-I wish I knew. It seems to be hit or miss. I tend to write in spurts. For example, The First Protector was written in thirty days. Book five has taken months. I never know when inspiration will strike. I named The Claiming Words when I was sitting at my desk at work. And, part of the final chapter was written when I was sitting in morning traffic on the way to work. 


Author Website: http://www.triciadrammeh.com/

The Claiming Words’ Site: http://theclaimingwords.com/

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheClaimingWords

MP-As my mirror opposite I’ll have to ask you the obligatory questions…how has writing interracial characters been received by readers?

JB-*Honestly I have to say that most of my readers have loved reading my stories, they connect with my characters on a level as if they are real people because of course some of the things that my characters deal with in my stories are things that most people deal with in real life. I know that even though my male characters are white and the females are black, it doesn’t seem to faze the reader. All they can see is two people who are really and truly either already in love with each other or slowly falling in love with one another, throughout all the obstacles that may come their way. I see it like this however, that even though two people are different as far as their race, it doesn’t mean that the love between the two of them is no more different than that between two people who are of the same race. Love is love….no matter the color.

MP-Do you set out to have interracial characters or is that the way the characters come to you?

JB-*I write about what my muse comes up with and mainly it deals with interracial characters.  My 1st book was about an interracial couple, mainly I based it about myself and a really great friend of mine, who I never got the chance to let know how I felt about him. For years I’ve always been attracted to white men but of course with my shy ways that never came to be as far as dating, so I write from the heart about characters who deal with issues that either I’ve dealt with myself from my past or from what I get from others.

MP-Is Beauty and Beast your favorite fairytale?

JB-*Oh yes, I honestly think that the fact that Beauty was able to look beyond the fact that the Beast was so beastly makes for a wonderful story in itself.  This is something that made me write my 2nd book but I thought that wouldn’t it be neat if instead of the beast being the “man” which it has always been in stories since the beginning of time, why couldn’t the beast in the story be the “woman” instead. I know for myself that I can relate wholeheartedly with the female character in that story because like her, I have been afflicted with something that had made me scared to deal with the outside world, so I can so relate with her in how she felt.

MP-If you wrote in another genre what would it be?

JB-*Oh that is a tough one there, I would like to try either Paranormal with shape shifters or something. Or maybe even something dealing with espionage. Even though I have always been partial with Contemporary and Interracial, I wouldn’t mind trying some other genres down the line.

MP-Has your daughter ever put together a book trailer for you?

JB-*No she hasn’t just yet but I’m gonna see if she can one of these days.

Blurb:

Jackson Belle, the son of a prominent family of landscapers and architects whose work has been the “Showcase of the South”, goes to take what he thinks is a routine job for his father who is soon in bed after a fall. He soon finds himself going to Gladstone Manor, a home well known in town as a house that once would host grand balls and parties for the town. But is nothing more than a shell of its former glorious self. Soon Jackson finds himself diving deep within the mystery of Gladstone Manor and its owner Brooke Langley.

Brooke Langley’s life at Gladstone Manor at one time was wonderful and she enjoyed the many memories she had as a child, watching the many people coming to the parties and balls that her parents would give. But a tragic accident leaves Brooke in seclusion, afraid of what the world outside of the Manor would think of her now. It isn’t until Jackson Belle comes into her life and shows her that someone does care that slowly starts to come out to the world and soon finds true love as well.

Links:

Secret Cravings: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=259

Amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Gladstone-Manor-ebook/dp/B007BDZ46E/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346878861&sr=1-2

B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-of-gladstone-manor-jamallah-bergman/1108477525?ean=2940013963542

ARE:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theladyofgladstonemanor-727065-149.html

            It’s funny there are two types of parents.  Those that expect better for their kids and those who don’t expect anything for them.  As someone who had one of each to say I grew up confused would be an understatement.  My father didn’t just expect that I was going to college it was a forgone conclusion.  Just like I was to attend elementary school I would attend every educational opportunity until I had achieved at least a Bachelors.

            Then I had my mother who reminded me that she couldn’t pay for college and I should just look for a realistic job.  That  said, my mother who never expected me to go to college, was the creative type.  She was always using her hands to create a one of a kind beauty.  I’ve always wanted the creative outlet but I didn’t have the artistic skill.

            Between the two of them I became a creative person that expects to be successful.  Earning awards and accolades.  I love getting reviews saying my books are good, creating a character that was well formed and flushed out.  I’ll never create a visual masterpiece, but I hope to create one in your mind. 

            On October 3rd I have two books releasing.  The first is called The Guardian’s Heart where a senior in college suddenly becomes the father of two-year-old twins.  Case Thomas doesn’t know how he can provide for these two children and give them what his parents had given him; direction, love and a better life then he had.

            The second is The Beam book two in the Chrysalis series and as we know Ellie’s parents are far from connected with their children.  The only expectations on Ellie come from within.  The world outside sees her as a success; inside her home she goes unseen. 

            Both books have romantic elements that provide the balance needed to support and strengthen their lover.   Inner strength can only get you so far, you need to find that outer support to maintain and nurture the inner.  I write and although I love hearing from other how much they connected with my book yet it seemed more relevant when my husband after three years of writing finally looked at one of my works in progress and said “You are a really good writer.  That story you had up on your computer was easy to read and engaging.”  Sigh…it’s not that my husband hasn’t supported me, but it’s always been financially.  I want it.  I get it.  If it’s a flop it’s a tax deduction if it’s a success it’ll pay for itself.  Either way no is not a word I’m used to hearing in my house. 

            Praise on the other hand, well that seems to come almost as a placating response to an immature dream.  “Of course you’ll be President son, if that’s what you want.”  But to actually hear the belief in his voice was something I never thought I’d hear.  When people asked if he’d read my books they always got a quick “no”, but no more.  Now, like Ellie with Oscar and Case with Gabbie, I don’t have to be strong by myself.  I have a scaffold to brace me until I’m to a place where I can no longer crumble.