Sally Felt on Writer Wednesday

Sally Felt on Writer Wednesday

My friend, Author Sally Felt. She's almost always laughing!

My friend, Author Sally Felt. She’s almost always laughing!

Sally Felt is another one of my online writer hang-out group that I dearly adore. Way back in 2003, when there were four of us exchanging snippets and encouragement online, Sally blew me away with her writing.

So I’m extremely happy to note that two of the books she’d been working on back then are now (and soon to be) available for purchase.  I’ve had her on Writer Wednesday before, but she deserves another showcase.

Her first romantic comedy is called Going Native, and I had the pleasure of watching this novel evolve from tentative first steps to the glorious thing it is now.

Here’s the blurb for Going Native:

“Violet Maison is house sitting a fabulous penthouse loft with a wardrobe to die for. Tired of worrying about everyone else’s expectations, Violet’s ready to walk a mile in her friend’s very sexy shoes. She embraces her new life by planting a jubilant, champagne-fueled kiss on the sexy stranger

Going Native by Sally Felt

Going Native by Sally Felt

next door.

Eddie is in town to help close a business deal—and lick his wounds after a bad breakup. The last thing he wants is complications. But surprise kisses from the tipsy redhead next door prove a Texas-sized distraction he can’t ignore. Violet is demure one minute and suggesting clandestine sexcapades the next. Eddie can barely keep up. Or wait to see what Violet does next.

Something about Eddie burns away Violet’s inhibitions, though discovering he holds the key to the future of her family’s business shakes her newfound confidence. But Violet finally knows what it’s like to feel sexy and powerful, and she’s not about to give that up. She’s ready to fight for the life, and the man, she wants.

A Romantica® Contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave”

Sally’s newest book, Flushed, comes out on February 6th, 2014 and is currently available for pre-order. Here’s the quick blurb for Flushed, also an Ellora’s Cave publication.

“Blush sensuality level: This is a sensual romance (may have explicit love scenes, but not erotic in frequency or type).

Flushed, by Sally Felt. Available February 6, 2014

Flushed, by Sally Felt. Available February 6, 2014

Kissing her plumber in the middle of her dinner party is the very last way Isabelle expected to spend her night—after all, she’s sworn off dating. But when Kim Martin, plumber to the rescue, charms her guests and poses as her new guy to spare Isabelle the humiliation of an uninvited ex, she makes an impromptu exception—and gets carried away.

At first, being Isabelle’s faux beau suits Kim Martin just fine. She’s hot, intriguing and won’t get in the way of his plans to blow town and build a business he’s passionate about. But Isabelle just isn’t cut out to be a goodtime girl. She gets under Kim’s skin and into his head—and he’s not entirely sure what to do about that.

Kim should be everything Isabelle believes of men in general—confident, flirtatious and too attractive for his own good. Yet the more Isabelle tries to fit him into a box, the harder he fights his way out of it. He’d be maddening if he weren’t so intriguing.

A Blush® contemporary romance from Ellora’s Cave.”

Check out Sally’s Amazon Page, and her website.

Happy Wednesday, my lovelies!

)O(

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer Wednesday – Showcasing Anne Nesbet

Writer Wednesday – Showcasing Anne Nesbet

Middle Grade Writer Extraordinaire

Writers tend to gather. Sometimes online, often in person, but with other writers who they admire, like, are inspired by, and who truly get the journey. I have been incredibly lucky to belong to a small online group of women writers that support each other as we traverse the storms of publishing and life. One of these women is Anne Nesbet, a hugely talented Middle Grade author.

I get to read snippets of her work before it’s polished, and I am always transported. No one puts words together quite like Anne.

Anne is currently on sabbatical to France, where she is traveling and gathering information for a research-type book, but also gathering information for her next middle grade novel. This next bit is from her Amazon Page:

“Anne Nesbet teaches Russian literature and the history of film at U. C. Berkeley. She lives near San Francisco with her husband, several daughters, and one irrepressible dog. THE CABINET OF EARTHS is her first novel. You can visit her online at www.annenesbet.com”

Anne Nesbet, Author and Teacher

Anne Nesbet, Author and Teacher

She’s working on a new novel that I can’t talk about, but holy moly is it fascinating! I haven’t yet read THE CABINET OF EARTHS but it’s on my list.

cabinet

Here’s the Amazon description of The Cabinet of Earths:

“The Cabinet of Earths, Anne Nesbet’s debut novel for tweens, blends fantasy, science, and horror into an irresistible story in the vein of the classic His Dark Materials series.

Twelve-year-old Maya is miserable when she has to move from California to Paris. Not speaking French at a school full of snobby French girls is bad enough, but Maya believes there is something sinister going on in her new city. A purple-eyed man follows Maya and her younger brother, James. Statues seem to have Maya’s face. And an eerie cabinet filled with mysterious colored bottles calls to her.

When James becomes the target of dark forces, Maya decides she must answer the call of the Cabinet of Earths, despite the danger.”

Anne has a sequel to it, as well, called A BOX OF GARGOYLES…take a look!

A Box of Gargoyles by Anne Nesbet

A Box of Gargoyles by Anne Nesbet

Here’s what Amazon has to say about Gargoyles…

“Fans of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass will love Anne Nesbet’s middle-grade fantasy A Box of Gargoyles.

In this sequel to The Cabinet of Earths, twelve-year-old Maya is feeling more at home in Paris, a city filled with old magic. Her little brother, James, is safe, and the terrible man with purple eyes is gone. At least Maya believed he was until a person-sized column of dust and leaves with hints of purple where its eyes should be begins following her.

Maya suspects the strange, shadowy column is what’s left of the purple-eyed man, and that it—he—is behind the eerie changes in Paris, including the appearance of flying, talking stone gargoyles. She’s right. Worse, he has bound Maya to make him whole again, even if it kills her.”

If you’ve got a Middle Grade reader, surprise them this holiday with Anne’s books. And when they’re busy doing other things, read them yourself. I have a feeling you’ll be as transported as your child.

What are the kids in your life reading these days?

)O(

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Writer Wednesday – Jewel Quinlan

Writer Wednesday – Jewel Quinlan

Please welcome Jewel Quinlan to Writer Wednesday!

JewelCA: So, Jewel. What made you decide to write a novel?

JQ: The wish to write stories has been within me forever. When I turned forty I found that there was still this vague dissatisfaction with my life. I remember one day preparing a fifty page document for my employer that was a real pain and I thought, “If I can do this for someone else why can’t I do it for myself? I’m obviously capable of putting words on a page.” That’s how it finally clicked that I could seriously do this. And, ever since I pursued it full force, this wonderful joy has materialized in my life.

CA: What genre do you write in, and why?

JQ: I love to write anything other than ordinary, everyday life. This incudes fantasy, paranormal, post-apocalyptic, and even contemporary if it takes you somewhere you would never normally see. I love the possibility of anything being able to happen. It makes my imagination drool!

CA: Is this a series or standalone book? If a series, what is the name of this series, and how many books/short stories do you have planned?

JQ: At the moment this is a stand-alone novella. Well, not really stand-alone since it is part of an anthology. The idea of a series still is daunting to me but I have been starting to fall in love with some of my characters have been starting to  picture sequels.

CA: Where would you live, if you could live anywhere in the world?

JQ: That’s easy, I think about that all the time. Bavaria. I love it there! I travel there as often as I can and I also study the language in the hopes of soon being able to make my dream come true. However, it would be very hard to completely give up Southern California, so my dream is to be able to write full-time and live half the year in Bavaria and the other half in California or where ever my mood takes me!

CA: Bavaria! How exotic. We’ll have to talk later, mmmkay? Name 3 simple joys in your life.

JQ: My dogs. A great glass of wine. Laughter.

CA: If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead or fictional, who would it be and where would you go to eat?

JQ: It’s hard to zero in on one person but I would love to meet Oprah Winfrey. I have something in common with her. I am fascinated with uncovering the mysteries of life that make us the best we can be. I would love to take her to Herringbone in La Jolla CA. I love food, and that place is at the top of my list. I once had chicken there and couldn’t believe how great they made such a normally bland piece of meat taste plus they have such great atmosphere. All you have to do is check out their website to believe me! www.herringboneeats.com

CA: If you could give just one piece of advice to a writer starting out, what would it be?

JQ: Believe that you will be published. Remember how much you love your story, give it one hundred percent. Finish it! And then keep polishing it and pitching it until someone takes you up on it. In life you get credit for trying and every little effort takes you more forward than you think it will.

CA: What do you do when you’re not writing? Do you have a Day Job?

JQ: Yes, I have a day job. For now. But I have a plan to become a full-time writer as well and I know that will happen soon. During the day I work in pharmaceutical sales. I cover a lot of ground since my territory is Southern California and Las Vegas. Aside from the usual chores, I walk my dogs daily and then I make sure to spend at least one hour working on writing something. I keep a log of the time I spend writing (and on which project) so that I make sure I am meeting my goals. For fun I love reading, snowboarding, hiking, paddleboarding and travel.

CA: Name one thing your fans would be surprised to learn about you.

JQ: I have traveled on my own many times and I love it. I always meet such wonderful people and have great experiences. I decided long ago to stop waiting for other people to have the money and interest to go where I wanted to go and I haven’t regretted that decision once.

CA: Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?

JQ: I just wanted to say thanks so much for having me on your blog!

CA: My pleasure! Now, let’s get to your story, shall we?

Sinserationally Yours

Sinsperationally Yours 

Surrender Sweet Succubus is part of the Sinsperationally Yours anthology which was released November 15, 2013 from Hot Ink Books.

About Surrender Sweet Succubus – When Dr. Stephen Wallace, a fertility specialist from Sydney Australia, is approached by his brother and sister-in-law for help conceiving a child, there is no way he can refuse. Since they have already exhausted all the possibilities modern medicine can provide, Stephen turns to his skills as a shaman for alternative solutions. His search leads him to Las Vegas, Nevada on a slim lead to capture a succubus who he hopes has the power to help. But when he meets Geneva, the exotic and passionate succubus, he finds himself being captured instead.

About Sinsperationally Yours – Welcome to the realm where sins, desires and love collide with all things that go bump in the night. Where tales of lust are flavored with a happily ever after or a happy for now. Ghosts and Vampires and Werebears oh my! Immortal heroes and heroines who strike fear in those they meet but also ignite passion and desire—Sinsperationally Yours.

A peek inside Surrender Sweet Succubus!

“I came here because I was looking for a succubus…” he began.

“Mm hm. Well, you found one.”

He lost his train of thought as she rolled a tube of lipstick over her lips. The same lips that had been wrapped around his cock last night doing the most wicked things to him.

She finished and started to walk back into the bathroom but her feet stopped short just before the door as if she had hit an invisible barrier. The look on her face was almost comical.

“What the…?” She backed up a step and then tried to move forward again but was halted once more in the same place. She reached in front of her and grabbed the doorway then tried to pull herself through but from the waist down, nothing else moved.

“What the hell is going on?!” She sounded scared now.

He stood. It was working, the binding spell was working! “Okay, I don’t want you to get upset but I put a binding spell on you.” He couldn’t help feeling bad about it. It wasn’t really in his nature to cast such spells but it had been necessary.

“You did what?” Her tone turned to acid and her eyes narrowed.

“A binding spell,” he repeated, “So you can’t go more than three yards away from me. Sorry, were you trying to go to the bathroom?”

He moved closer to give her more slack so she could go in. She stumbled slightly as the perimeter of the bind shifted. She straightened, looking even more upset, and moved away from the bathroom towards the front door.

“How dare you!” she raged. “I am not to be held in bondage by any man. Release me at once!” Her hands scrabbled at the door behind her for the knob.

“I’ll remove it I swear! It’s just, I need your help with something and I didn’t want you to disappear. I wasn’t sure how you would react when I told you I knew what you were.”

“You think I’m going to help you now!?” She looked like she would hit him if she could. Her eyes blazed emerald fire.

“I think, when you listen to what I have to say, you will.”

“And what if I don’t want to listen? You’re going to force me?”

He started to negate it but then stopped. She was right. The look in his sister-in-law’s eyes had haunted him since they’d spoken. He couldn’t let her down. Couldn’t let them both go on with the heartache of being childless. He shook his head, not knowing what to say.

“That’s it, I knew it! You men are all the same. You just take what you want and bend other people to your will.”

He held his hands out to her in pause. “Now look, I don’t even know if you can help me. I just wanted the opportunity to discuss it with you. That’s all. But before we do there’s something else I have to tell you about.” Better to come clean right away. He slowly inched forward towards her.

She yanked the door open. “I don’t care! Whatever it is, I’m not doing it you jerk!” she said, turning to go.

He quickly called out, “I just wanted to be honest and tell you…”

She took one step and then crumpled into a heap on the carpet.

“…about the sedative.”

Where to buy: You can get it in print or Kindle edition on Amazon or add it to your list on Goodreads.

About the Author:

From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels.  She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and Penny.

For more information visit her website and blog or you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter  and Tumblr

Questions for Jewel? Let ’em rip!

)O(

Thanks so much for stopping by, and Happy Thanksgiving to my lovely U.S. friends!

Writer Wednesday – Teresa Noelle Roberts

Writer Wednesday – Teresa Noelle Roberts

I’m re-launching Writer Wednesday, and am so happy to introduce Teresa Noelle Roberts to you! The first time I met Teresa, it was WAY early in the morning (or WAY late at night) and she was one of my roomies at RWA National Conference. Four of us crammed into one hotel room for several days – and we had a blast.

The lovely Teresa, beachside on the east coast.

The lovely Teresa, beachside on the east coast.

Here’s Teresa, and here’s the interview!

  1. What made you decide to write a novel? Because the voices in my head don’t give a choice? The serious answer is that I started dictating stories to my mother before I’d learned to write, got a subscription to Writers’ Digest for my twelfth birthday, and started my first (aborted) novel in junior high. Story-telling is in my blood.
  2. What genre do you write in, and why? I write romance, erotica, and some fantasy. Cougar’s Courage is an erotic paranormal romance, which combines all three of my favorites.
  3. Is this a series or standalone book? If a series, what is the name of this series, and how many books/short stories do you have planned? Cougar’s Courage is numbered as book 3 in the Duals and Donovans: The Different series. Confusingly, there are currently 4 published books in the Duals and Donovans world, but one, Fox’s Folly, takes place before the series timeline. I’m currently wrapping up what will be the last book in the series. I may set more books in this world, but the big conflict of the series will wrap up with my WIP so I’ll need to find a new antagonist.
  4. Where would you live, if you could live anywhere in the world? That’s a tough question. Definitely near the ocean. Possibly coastal Maine, but there’s so much of the world I haven’t seen yet!
  5. Name 3 simple joys in your life. Sharing daily life with my husband. (He’s hardly simple, though!). Cooking. My big, lazy, loving cats.
  6. If you could give just one piece of advice to a writer starting out, what would it be? Write, write, take a break to read, then write some more. Lather, rinse, repeat. Education, be it degree programs, workshops, or online classes, is valuable, but nothing beats the act of beating your head against the blank page.
  7. What do you do when you’re not writing? Do you have a Day Job? When I’m not writing, I’m often cooking, gardening, or doing something else vaguely homesteader-ish. I’m between day jobs at the moment and am loving it far too much. Past day jobs have ranged from field hand at a winery (my favorite ever, though the pay was just above minimum wage) to development/fundraising officer.
  8. Name one thing your fans would be surprised to learn about you. This crunchy, hands-in-the-dirt woman went through a phase of wearing 4-inch heels and red lipstick no matter what the occasion. I still yearn for sexy heels, but my knees and back will never forgive me for years of abuse, so I stick to flats even when heels would be appropriate. (Still love deep red lipstick, though.)
  9. Is there anything else you’d like to talk about? To celebrate the release of Cougar’s Courage, I’m running a contest on my blogthe prize is an e-book of Cougar’s Courage and a print copy of the first book in the series, Lions’ Pride. (Or an e-book if the winner is outside the US.) Comments on my blog count as entries, but check my site for details.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Teresa, and best of luck on the novel! Off I go to download…

FIND TERESA HERE:

www.teresanoelleroberts.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTeresaNoelleRoberts?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/TeresNoeRoberts
Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0047V74PC

Blurb: Toronto cop Cara Many-Winters Mackenzie is still reeling from her fiancé’sCougarsCouragesmaller murder when her orderly life takes a turn toward the weird, complete with voices in her head and phantom bleeding wounds.

This violent awakening is the rise of her Different gift—a chaotic, Bugs-Bunny-on-crack magic that she must learn to control before it destroys her. There’s only one place to get help: her mother’s ancestral village, and a mentor who seems to have stepped straight out of the smoke of her erotic dreams.

Cougar Dual Jack Long-Claw reluctantly agrees to take Cara under his wing, though he’d much rather take the beautiful city girl into his bed. As he guides her through a crash course in shamanic magic, sparks fly—some sexy, some snarky. But when an ancient enemy attacks the village, they must work together to hone a magical weapon against certain destruction.

Common sense tells them it’s a terrible time to fall in love. Their spirit guides have other ideas. And shamans who don’t listen to their spirit guides are dead shamans…

Warning: Hot shape-shifting feline hero. Strong but shell-shocked heroine. Snarky, meddling spirit guides. And lots and lots of sex: angry sex, crazy sex, magical sex, and just plain sexy sex.

Amazon US/Amazon UK/Kobo /Barnes & Noble Nook/Samhain

Bio:
Teresa Noelle Roberts started writing stories in kindergarten and she hasn’t stopped yet. A prolific author of short erotica, she’s also a published poet and fantasy writer—but hot paranormals and BDSM-spiced contemporaries are her favorites.

Teresa enjoys belly dance, yoga, medieval re-creation, playing in the ocean, cooking, and growing more vegetables than she and her husband can possibly eat. She shares her home in southern Massachusetts with her husband, a Leo who works in law enforcement, and two overstuffed cats, who deserve their own shout-out as inspirations for her works. She and her husband often plan vacations around food, history, and/or proximity to water. Next up, Rome, Florence, and Venice!

~oOo~

Remember, Teresa has a contest going – check out her page for all the details!

Writer Wednesday – Lynne Marshall, Dee J. Adams and Roz Lee

Writer Wednesday – Lynne Marshall, Dee J. Adams and Roz Lee

Writer Wednesday

Are you looking for some summer reading? You are SO in luck! It turns out that some of my favorite people are now my favorite authors! Here are three ladies I am proud to call friend, and they all have new books out.

Lynne Marshall

Lynne Marshall

Lynne Marshall, a long-time Harlequin Medical Romance author, has the second in her Whispering Oaks trilogy out for Harlequin Special Edition called The Medic’s Homecoming. (You can find my review of it on Amazon, but here’s a hint…LOVED it!) Here’s the blurb:

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR… ALL GROWN UP! Lucas

The Medic's Homecoming by Lynne Marshall

The Medic’s Homecoming by Lynne Marshall

Grady never planned to return to Whispering Oaks. But when family duty called, the prodigal son arrived like the good soldier he’d been for years. And with him came the unfulfilled expectations of the past-expectations his neighbor, Jocelyn Howard, knew all too well.

Jocelyn had been in love with the rebel next door since she was a little girl. But she couldn’t shake those old insecurities that she’d never be good enough, for Lucas or for anyone else. Still, the newly discharged army medic had scars that could never be truly healed-or so he thought. Maybe together, they could mend their wounds…and make each other whole again…

Dee J. Adams has a very successful romantic suspense series out with Carina Press

Dee J. Adams

Dee J. Adams

called the Adrenalin Highs series. This next book, Against the Wall, a High Stakes novel, is her newest and if its anything like her previous books, will undoubtedly grab you by the throat and not let go until the last, final explosion (and kiss, lol!)

Against the Wall by Dee J. Adams

Against the Wall by Dee J. Adams

Here’s the blurb:  Tanner Bryant wants revenge. After spending seven long years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s determined to even the score with the man who put him there. The only thing in his way is a slip of a girl in a big-ass bind.

Jess St. John needs eight million dollars or her kidnapped family will die. Caught in a war between the mob and her boss, a corrupt film producer, she will stop at nothing to get the job done.

In a race against the clock, and a deal with the devil, Jess forms an unwilling partnership with Tanner to help find and free her family before it’s too late. In return, she’ll look the other way when her boss goes permanently missing. It soon becomes apparent that Tanner has more honor than he wants to admit and Jess finds herself falling for the gentle man beneath the rough exterior. But love and revenge run a close race and when push comes to shove, Tanner has to decide which one is more important.

 

Roz Lee

Roz Lee

Roz Lee is the author of the successful Lust Boat novels, and she’s just come out with a new series with baseball heroes. Who doesn’t love those boys of summer? The latest, Bases Loaded, looks fantastic! Here’s the blurb:

Antonio Ramirez is ready to leave his wild reputation

Bases Loaded by Roz Lee

Bases Loaded by Roz Lee

behind in New York and adopt a more respectable life with the Texas Mustangs. When he spies the woman of his dreams at a Fundraiser—its love at first sight. Convincing Clare Kincaid that he’s sincere is harder than he expected. Giving Clare what she wants could wreck his career and compromise his feelings for her.

When super sexy Antonio Ramirez approaches her, Clare is sure he’s playing a cruel game, but the Mustangs new Center Fielder won’t take no for an answer. She might be convinced of his sincerity if only he would invite her to play the one game she longs to play.

~oOo~

Links to Amazon are in the book titles – you know the drill! What are YOU reading this summer?