Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Double Crossing - Lily Granville and Ace Diamond Square Off by Meg Mims



Double Crossing - Lily Granville and Ace Diamond Square Off



By Meg Mims in Character Interviews

What do you get when you pair up a wealthy, well-bred heiress – sheltered and educated with an impulsive streak – and a gambling, mercenary Texan cowboy?

Double Crossing is a twist on “True Grit” but it takes place on the 1869 Iron Horse – months after the Union and Central Pacific railroad lines joined at Promontory Point. Nineteen-year-old Lily Granville is stunned with her father is murdered and vows to track the killer across the country to California - who also stole a valuable gold mine deed.


Once Lily arrives in Omaha, she discovers that someone is now tracking her. Could it be the killer? And why? Lily decides to enlist “Ace” Diamond, who agrees to protect her – for a price.


Q for Lily – how did you feel when you first met Ace?

A – Since he literally crashed his way into my life, I did feel a twinge of compassion… he was injured, and I felt my Christian duty was to help… until I caught sight of his Confederate belt buckle with the Texas Lone Star. I *know* my father would never have approved of an ex-Rebel soldier – and that deepened my guilt. However, after someone searched my hotel room and my personal belongings, I had no choice but to hire Ace Diamond for protection. He was the most unlikely “angel” as an answer from God after I’d prayed for help! I suppose beggars can’t be choosers, though.


Q for Ace – what was your first impression of Lily?


A – First time I set eyes on that pretty filly, all golden-haired and sweet, with the most kissable mouth, I was bushwhacked. Couldn’t remember my own name.

Q for Lily – were you surprised that Ace bargained with you over his fee?


A – To be truthful, I was. I offered him a fair wage, but then he demanded an exorbitant amount in addition to the expense of a Pullman ticket! But it made sense that he had to be near on the train. Still, he insisted on a bonus once we reached California. And I was furious when I discovered that Ace had bragged to the other gentlemen in the smoking car about that bonus I promised my uncle would pay - him when we arrived in California! And that was before we were halfway across country. Really, Mr. Diamond was quite presumptuous. And forward, given his roving—well, let’s just say he’s no gentleman. I shouldn’t have been surprised at that!


Q for Ace – why did you accept Lily’s offer?


A – Easy as ropin' a baby steer, riding shotgun on a train. But that stubborn little gal sure fooled me. I earned my fee. And then some.


Q for Lily – before the railroad trip, what was your dream for a happy future?


A – I wanted… well, I wasn’t really certain what I wanted and whether I'd be happy becoming a missionary to China. I know my father wanted me to marry and provide him with grandchildren. He believed I deserved a decent man, a good provider and one who supported my ideas. I did want to experience adventure and independence, since I'd lived a sheltered life in Evanston, just north of Chicago, but I also wanted to come home again where I felt safe. I so enjoyed long talks with Father, sketching my pet lizard in the lovely garden and watching the leaves change in fall and the snow fall in winter. Father’s death changed everything, however. I was devastated. And I *had* to see that justice was done.


Q for Ace – what about you, same question?


A – A good woman in a nice, cozy bed. I’ve got my eye on a certain woman now.


Hmm -- seems Ace is a man of few words. Lily will soon find herself in hotter water in the sequel, Double or Nothing -- I hope readers are looking forward to more adventures!



Thank you, Meg!   This sounds really good. I'm looking forward to taking a gander at it.  Especially since I lived in Omaha for a time. 

So, if you're looking to win a free book, my Virtual Blog Tour for Dating 911 is still running. I'm over at Sharon Hamilton's blog today.  Just go to http://sharonhamiltonauthor.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment for your chance to win.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Kathleen

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT~CARRIE ANN RYAN~


Inspiration: Hot Guys, Flying Birds and Broccoli

            I love when readers and other authors ask me where my inspiration comes from. Because frankly, my answer is always either: I wish I knew or everywhere. An author can come up with their ideas from the strangest things. From the way your broccoli is placed on your plate – yes Jessica, I’m talking to you – or the way Chris Helmsworth walks across the screen shirtless. *Let us all pause and reflect on that image.*



Okay, I’m back.

But really, my inspiration come from everywhere and anything. For An Alpha’s Path, my inspiration came from the fact that I wanted to see how I would react in an odd situation. You see, Melanie is a chemist – just like me. She also spent most of her life behind a lab bench – just like me. Now, what would happen if I found out that the world was bigger than I’d imagined? What would my analytical mind do? Hopefully I wouldn’t react quite like Melanie, but I digress.

            I also wanted to put myself, *ahem* Melanie, in a situation in which I would never be in – an overnight blind date. I mean – hot! – right?  Melanie and Kade have a splendid time, you’ll see. Kade is an amazing man who came from all of my dreams of a man. He’s not perfect, but he’s perfect for Melanie.

            My inspiration comes from what I want to be and what I think might happen. I saw two doves flying in the air one day, very pretty, and tried to take a picture. My epic fail at that caused my dreams of writing an novel about angels – which I one day will write.

            But for An Alpha’s Path, I wanted to see what would happen to me. Because apparently I’m self-centered. LOL. Now be warned, Melanie is quite different from me after I finally found who she was. So don’t be scared!

            An Alpha’s Path is start of my Redwood Pack seven book series. I didn’t have a set inspiration for my wolves, but I did have an idea. I don’t know where it came from – but I wanted to talk about a family who loved each other and fought for each other. That is what you will find with the Jamensons. I hope you find it too.

            Now go back to the picture of Chris and smile. Then go out and find your own inspirations. Where do you find yours?

Thank you so much Kathleen for letting me come here today!
An Alpha’s Path will be released December 5th.


An Alpha’s Path Blurb

          Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she's to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she's to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – be he is more than what he appears and Melanie's analytical mind goes into overdrive.

            Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?

Here is a taste of the first chapter:

Chapter 1
The thundering in Melanie Cross’s ears increased as her breath became shallow. Palms sweaty, she bit her lip and nervously tapped her foot, as she took in her surroundings. The lobby looked like a palace. Tall, cream colored pillars and chocolate molding surrounded the opulent sitting area. Gorgeous light fixtures with tear drop crystals hung from the walls and the ceiling, giving the room a soft glow. Warm and inviting. But she didn’t want to feel invited. She wanted to leave. Run away and never look back.
What was she thinking? Melanie was a smart, hardworking person. A freshly printed PhD in Nuclear Chemistry and a painstakingly long, nine hundred page, leather bound thesis sat on her desk, proved it. She could accomplish things on her own. Her ideas were acclaimed, and her work referenced numerous times. Any job her heart desired, now hers for the asking. Because of this she was about to bypass the normal post-doc route of working underneath yet another professor. Now she would be an Associate Professor with her own research group at an Ivy League University.
She gained a few close friends over the years, and even though she didn’t have an overly active social life – okay she didn’t have one to speak of – she thought her life was just peachy.
Yet her friends thought with all of the accomplishments in her educational career she was still uptight. Some even said she was missing her ideal husband. But her closest friend Larissa decided she just needed to get laid.
Mel thought back to when her best friend first told her this crazy idea.
“Really Melanie, when was the last time you got laid? First year? Even earlier? It’s ridiculous! You are practically a born-again virgin.” Larissa laughed at her own joke and then slid a business card across her newly cleared off lab bench.
What’s this?” A name printed on the card, Jamenson Services, stared back at her. “You’re sending me to a gigolo?” She gasped and tried to throw the card away before Larissa quickly swiped it from her hands.
“No. The Jamensons are contractors. The man who owns it is an acquaintance of mine. He built the new green house at my parents. Come on, you need a date and so does he. It is only for one evening, and sex isn’t required. But honestly, the way those Jamenson boys are built, you’ll be dropping your panties at his command,” Larissa lifted one eyebrow and laughed again.
“Oh I don’t think so. I’m not that desperate. It’s just that I’ve have been so focused on my work that I haven’t had time to date a man, let alone look for one.” Melanie knew she could have just looked across the lab bench for the last five years to find a date. But really Timmy wasn’t at all that worth to look.
“Honey, you are too rigid. You need one night off before you skip ahead to the next part of your life. Call the number on the card and talk to Jasper. He’s the brother of the guy I think would be perfect for you. Do it and get laid.” She laughed, pushing the card in Melanie’s hand.
Somewhere deep down Melanie knew Larissa was right. Melanie didn’t throw the card away. She couldn’t. Now six weeks later, she found herself sitting in the Hilton Resort in Seattle, about to vomit on the new black Fuck-Me pumps Larissa forced her to wear.
“Miss? Are you okay?”
At the sound of a deep voice, her head shot up to look at a very handsome man. Dark skinned, with piercing eyes, he surveyed her. Oh my, is this her date?
“Oh I’m fine. Just getting the nerve to walk into the bar, to get even more nerve to wait for my date.” She winced at how fast and squeaky she spoke but really – why was she even here?
“I’m the manager, Lance Morse, let me walk you to the bar, and get you a shot of that nerve.” He winked and she smiled him.
Melanie took a deep breath. “Okay.” Wow. Surely, anyone could tell she was Dr. Melanie Cross, rather than the dumb blonde she seemed to be portraying. Or not.
He took her arm and guided her away from where she sat for twenty minutes regretting her decisions. Lance walked her toward the bar, while talking about the various hotel and resort amenities and events. She nodded while he spoke, as she felt the bar beckon her.
“Here we are. Thank you again for coming. If you need anything, feel no hesitation in asking one of my employees to assist you or ask for me by name. Enjoy your evening, Melanie Cross.”
She smiled then stopped breathing for a moment. “How…”
“Your friend, Larissa, texted me earlier to be on the lookout for a small, shy blonde by the name of Melanie Cross and you seemed to fit the description. I took a gamble.” He smiled.
Before she could respond, he winked again and walked out of the bar leaving her alone.
As she sat down, a Bay Breeze magically appeared in front of her and the bartender winked at her as he walked away. Did all men at this hotel wink? Her phone buzzed as she was just about to get freaked out.
Melanie babe, please relax. Your date should be there soon. Take a nice drink of that concoction and enjoy your evening. Oh and get laid.
Melanie laughed. Larissa possessed a one-track mind. She took a drink when her phone buzzed again.
Just remember to keep an open mind. He really is quite sweet and won’t bite. Well, only occasionally. And only if you want him to.
What the hell?
 ****
Kade Jamenson stepped into the lobby and was immediately assaulted by the delicate honey vanilla scent wafting throughout the room. His muscles clenched and he balled his fists, gaining control.
Mate?
He tried to tone down his edginess, but it felt as though his wolf was trying to claw his way out from the inside.
He spoke to the wolf inside his head, “It surely smells like a possibility. But we are here for a date with a human. I am not so callous as to stand up a perfectly reasonable date just so I can follow a scent that could lead to disaster. Let me figure out this date first and then I will follow the scent if we have to. We already made the mistake of the wrong mate once; I don’t want to do it again.”
Mate!
His wolf was right. He knew the woman who could be his mate wasn’t even in the room, yet her scent and the urge to join with another was stronger by far than with Tracy. Kade took a deep breath of the honey vanilla scent and his balls tightened.
Damn. This woman was potentially his mate. How could this happen the night he finally took up his brother’s, Jasper, offer of a blind date?
He quickly texted Jasper to let him know that he needed to break his date or do some major rescheduling and thinking. He couldn’t be respectful to this human woman if he was aroused by another scent. It wasn’t fair to any party.
His phone buzzed not one minute later with a response.
Kade, don’t be an ass. Just go meet Melanie and I am sure you will have your answers.
After that cryptic comment, Kade didn’t know what to think. He knew from what Jasper told him, Melanie was a 5’2” petite blonde who should fit against his 6’2” frame nicely. He also knew the liquid brown eyes that gazed up at him from her photograph, made him want to know what was behind them. That was a first for him. He might have been slightly nervous about the date but he was oh so willing and eager to meet with her. Just remembering her photo made him smile and want to see her in person. He was an Alpha male with no small amount of pride. Hell, he was the Heir to the Redwood Pack, first in line to the throne. Kade took one last deep breath of that honey vanilla scent and squared his shoulders.
He had a date with a pretty blonde.
 That's it for now!! Very nice Tease...
Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first book in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan
Thank you so much for dropping by today, Carrie Ann! Can't wait for December 5th so I can snag a copy!
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Kathleen





Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Interview with Kinnik Watkins...By Chicki Brown





HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME by Chicki Brown


On Kindle and Nook: http://amzn.to/dWZSxA    http://bit.ly/k4Z172

Seven very different singles – four women and three men – rent a New Jersey beach house for the summer: author Shontae Nichols, self-employed accountant and realtor, Linda Harris, Linda’s sister, hip-hop video dancer Kinnik Watkins, cosmetologist, Jovita Blassingame, Calculus professor Curtis “Doc” Whetstone, actor and drama instructor, Kip Lee, and new housemate, up and coming film actor, Devon Burke.

During their two month stay, romances bloom, friendships are tested and when a tragedy strikes one of the housemates, they all learn the answer to the age-old question: Can men and women ever be just friends?

Interview with Kinnik Watkins, the female antagonist in HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

I have been invited to Beach Haven, New Jersey to the house where Kinnik Watkins and her friends are spending the summer. To give us some privacy, we cross the beach and sit in the gazebo about 100 feet from the house. All the tall, voluptuous bronze goddess is wearing is a microscopic bikini and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Me: (I stand and introduce myself.) Before we get started, can you tell me the correct way to pronounce your name?

Kinnik: (with a coquettish smile I find a bit strange.) It’s Kinnik. It rhymes with unique.

Me: You’re my second interview. As I explained to Shontae, I write for a magazine that wants to do a story about real singles living at the Jersey shore, considering how the TV show has become such a big hit.

Kinnik: (She slides her shades to the end of her nose and glances at me with soft, light brown eyes.) Something’s always on and popping on that show. I love it.

Me: (I sit on the chaise next to where she is reclining.) Thanks for agreeing to talk with me.

Kinnik: (flashes a captivating smile and runs her manicured fingers through the long strawberry blonde hair that complements her café au lait complexion) Sure, why not? You’ll probably need me to straighten out whatever Shontae told you anyway.

Me: I’m going to ask everyone the same questions, and I’ll be taping this, if you don’t mind.

Kinnik: (She crosses legs that make me want to hurry and call the nearest plastic surgeon for an emergency liposuction appointment.) No problem. I’m used to being recorded.

Me: I understand this is your third year together, so you must know your housemates pretty well. Can you tell me a little bit about each of them?

Kinnik: I guess this is the best they can do when it comes to vacations, considering none of them are really big money. I’m only here because my sister begged me to come. Personally, I think she has something up her sleeve.

Me: (checking my notes) Linda’s your sister. Is she older or younger?”

Kinnik: (rolls her eyes) Older, and she always has to make it a point to remind me. “She says she wants to talk to me about my career. Since she paid my rent for the summer, I couldn’t very well refuse. Linda doesn’t like me dancing, but I am not a nine-to-five person. She forgets that I make more than she does in a year, and I have two kids to take care of.”

Me and Jo have been friends for years. She’s for real people, the only one in this house that doesn’t judge every more I make. Jo is my makeup artist and hair stylist and she’s got mad skills. She’s just here to chill and see if her old man is going to pop the question.”

Me: Tell me about the men.

Kinnik: (Flips her hair over one shoulder) “Kip is my boy. We spent some time together during our first summer in Beach Haven, but that’s ancient history. Kip’s here to see how much coochie he can conquer in eight weeks. Doc, well there isn’t much I can say about him. When he doesn’t have his nose stuck in a book, he’s sniffing after my sister. Linda is the only reason he’s here, but he’s wasting his time, if you ask me. Kip and Devon provide the testosterone. They’re both so fine; you can hear the panties dropping when they walk into a room.

Me: You forgot Shontae.

Kinnik: (with another eye roll) No, I didn’t. She’s just not worth mentioning.

Me: Why is that?

Kinnik: “Because she’s easily forgettable.”

Me: “That’s funny. Shontae seemed very pleasant.”

Kinnik: (stiffens and haughtily raises her chin) “That’s because you don’t know her. That bitch is boring as hell and thinks she’s better than everybody else. I can’t understand why. All she does is stay closed up in the sunroom banging on her laptop. She lives in her little fantasy world cooking up stories in her head. Shontae wouldn’t know how to deal with a real man if her life depended on it. She thinks she’s better than everyone else. I can’t stand her cheap dressing, snobby ass.

Me: Do you think each of your housemates has a motive for being here this summer?

Kinnik: They sure as hell do. Doc is chasing Linda. Jo says she’s researching her new stylist business, but she’s really waiting for Walter to ask her to marry his dusty old ass. She’s been waiting for five years. Devon is rehearsing for the lead role in the new movie Denzel’s directing, and he needs to study the script.

Me: (smiling at the way she’s avoided telling me about herself.) “So what about you, Kinnik? Why are you here?”

Kinnik: I’m just breezin’ in and out when I’m not in the Hamptons with Q. I’d much rather be there.”

Me: That’s Q.E., Quentin Edwards, the rapper?

Kinnik: (a proud smile lights her beautiful face) That’s right. I’ve been staying with him for the past couple of months, but Linda insisted I spend some time with her.

Me: Isn’t Q.E. the one who was recently assaulted his personal assistant?

Kinnik: (puckers her lips then sucks her teeth) That’s never going to court. The heifer is still working for him, so she can’t be too upset about him clocking her in the head and pushing her into the pool. (Her face spreads into a proud smile.) “Yeah. This place is okay, but his estate is off the chain. It’s all about luxury. The food is better, and I don’t have to do any housework when I’m there. His chef and butler wait on me hand and foot.”

Me: “So are you two a couple.”

Kinnik: (her eyes becoming flat and unreadable as stone before she picks up her sunglasses and puts them back on.) “When we’re together, we’re a couple.”

Me: (the thread of warning in her voice lets me know it’s time to end the interview.) “Kinnik, it’s been a pleasure. As I mentioned to Shontae, maybe I’ll be back at the end of August to hear what actually happened during your vacation.”

Kinnik: (rising to her impressive full height. Adjusts her bikini to make sure it’s covering everything important.) Yeah, check in and see who’s left standing.



You can follow Chicki Brown at:

Website: http://www.chicki663.webs.com Personal Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown

This sounds wonderful!  I can't wait to check it out, Chicki!  Thank you so much!


Enjoy your Tuesday, Everybody!!  Don't forget to stop by Tuesday Tales for some free reads from some great authors! The link is http://www.tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/

And the next stop in my Virtual Blog Tour for Dating 911 is posted over at http://tstillwagon.wordpress.com/  stop by and leave a comment for a chance for a free book!

Kathleen

Monday, November 28, 2011

INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE BY JENNIFER T. ALLI!! #FREE #GIVEAWAY!!





It is my pleasure to introduce to you the next character interview...Presenting Jennifer T. Alli and her latest release Seared By Desire, Elemental Passions!  Take it away, Jen J...

Interview with a Vampire.


I suppose I should tell you a little about me. My name’s Jennifer T. Alli, feel free to call me Jen J. I write paranormal romance novels and am getting quite prolific. Not anywhere near as many as Kresley Cole or Gena Showalter who I adore, but still…I have 5 books under my belt and a sixth on the way. I realised the other day that I’ve written over half a million words and I think anyone would agree that’s a lot. I’ve been writing for quite some time, initially I kept my writing private but then I discovered the internet and made everything public. The internet is awesome and I met some lovely people by posting my work online but after 3 separate cases of plagiarism I decided to start self publishing and so here I am.
I think that’s probably quite enough from me we’re here to have an interview with a vampire not listen to my ramblings. If you’ve not read anything in my Elemental Passions series then I suppose I should introduce you to Lucian. I still don’t know whether I’d be intimidated or enticed if I met him in a dark alley late at night. Dark hair, even darker eyes, tall and wide with a no nonsense mouth that only a certain someone has ever managed to make smile. If I’m honest he has a bit of an attitude problem so bear with us I’ve had to coerce him into this interview but here goes.



JTA: “Evening Lucian, how are you tonight?”

Lucian: “Busy. Just ask your questions so I can be on my way.”

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “Rude much?”

Lucian: “I’m a vampire, I can hear you.”

JTA: “Fine, tell us a little about yourself.”

Lucian: “Are you serious? If that’s the sort of question you’re going to ask then I’m leaving.”

Sara: “Lucian, you agreed to do this remember? If you don’t want me to wear my sword crafting clothes you’re going to do this. Ask your questions Jen.”

JTA: “Okay, so we’ll try that again. Tell us a little about yourself.”

Lucian: “If you haven’t already guessed I’m a busy man. Wars don’t win themselves.

JTA: “War? Do tell.”

Lucian: *Sighs* “I’m not going to be able to get out of doing this am I?”

Sara and JTA: “No.”

Lucian: “Fine. I’ll tell you about myself. I’m a vampire. The oldest of my kind and I’ve spent hundreds of years at war.”

JTA: “Why?”

Lucian: “Because I got sick of people trying to take my head when I was asleep. My people needed a leader otherwise we were going to get ourselves all killed by silly humans like you. For the sake of pride if nothing else. We don’t need to kill as we feed. William didn’t quite understand that but don’t worry, I fixed that problem easily enough.”

JTA: “You’ve made me want to know more. Spill it! Tell us what happens to you in your story.”

Lucian: *groans* “This is going to take much longer than I was told it would…If you must know I was trying to win a war when this woman shows up and ruins everything…Well at the time I thought she was going to ruin everything. I know better now. But it still stands that she was a distraction. One that literally came into my life and turned everything upside down. I wanted to bite her so badly…She was a walking, talking temptation especially in those ridiculous clothes she uses to craft her swords.

JTA: “You’re a vampire, you’re meant to bite people and you said it yourself you don’t need to kill as you feed. I’m not seeing the problem. If you wanted to bite her you should have just done it.”

Lucian: “You sound just like Sara. It was complicated.”

JTA: “Complicated? That means interesting. Spill the beans.”

Lucian: “I’m not telling you anything. Why would I want to publicise my one and only weakness?”

JTA: “Good point, good point…But we do find out what it is if we read the book right?”

Lucian: “Sadly I can’t kill everyone who knows the secret all I can do is keep it contained.”

JTA: “Fine, next question. Tell us about your relationship with Sara.”

Lucian: *A small smile touches his lips.*

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “A smile like that should be illegal, it’s a lethal weapon. Yup, I’ve decided if I met him in a dark alley I’d definitely be enticed…”

Lucian: “My relationship with Sara is complicated. The relationship between a vampire and his bride always is.”

JTA: “Details!”

Lucian: “I didn’t want her. The first time I saw her, smelt her blood I knew she was the one but I left her…unconscious on the street.”

JTA: “You did what? You really left her passed out alone on a street? Anything could of happened to her!”

Lucian: “But it didn’t. I assigned someone to watch her but I knew without even speaking to her that she was going to be trouble. She was on fire and calling out for help. What normal person does that?”

Sara: “I was cursed at the time.”

Lucian: “You’re not really saying anything that contradicts my point. In fact, that’s another point. I was trying to win a war and this woman, who I didn’t even want anywhere near me forces her way into my life and says that I’m the cure to her curse. If that isn’t a distraction then you tell me what is.”

JTA: “So you don’t want her then?”

Lucian: “………If you ever make such a suggestion again I’ll cut your tongue out so that you can’t ever ask such a ridiculous question again. She’s mine.”

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “Changed my mind, I’d be terrified if I met you in a dark alley. I don’t think I’m ever leaving my house at night again.”

JTA: “Fine, so you want her. That’s fine, keep her. If you had to describe Sara in one word then what would it be?”

Lucian: “I’ll describe her in three.”

JTA: “But I said one…” *Remembers the flash of red in his eyes* “Fine, have three.”

Lucian: “In a nutshell Sara is brave, fierce and a menace to my sanity.”

JTA: “That was more than three…but moving on. Sara, I know we’re technically not interviewing you but could you describe Lucian in a word?”

Sara: “Determined.”

JTA: “Well I was going to go for rude but to each her own…”

Lucian: “Are we done yet? Some of us have better things to do.”

JTA: “Fine, you can go I just have one last question for Sara.”

Lucian: “I told you she was a menace to my sanity. I can’t leave her anywhere by herself. She’s a magnet for trouble. Just ask your question and we’ll both leave.”

JTA: “Fine. Sara, can you tell us a little about the Elemental Passions series as a whole?”

Sara: “Well the Elemental Passions series is about four people who have each been cursed. Each curse is different and we’ve got to try and figure out a way to break it. Lucian was the cure for my curse but I needed the one to cool my flame and who better than a vampire? If he’s not touching me he can be freezing at times. Is that everything?”

JTA: “Just one last thing I promise. What was your curse?”

Sara: *Smiles as she gets to her feet* “If I hadn’t met Lucian I would have died. If you want to find out more about my curse and my three siblings of the soul then the information is out there somewhere right?”


JTA: “Yeah, it’s on my blog.”


Sara: “Perfect.”


Lucian: “Can we go now?”


JTA: “Yes, go.” *Waits until they’re both gone* “I think I’d rather be dead than tied to that man for all eternity…to each her own I suppose.

Jen J. has graciously offered  one copy of Seared by Desire

to one lucky commenter!  So, please leave a comment and tell her what you think!

Happy Monday,
Kathleen

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A CHARACTER INTERVIEW FROM THOSE IN "NOW AND FOREVER, A LOVE STORY"


I'd love to welcome Jean Joachim's characters to my blog today! Here is the wonderful interview! Enjoy....



Another revealing character interview with Adora.

This week Adora interviews, Mac Caldwell, hero of Now and Forever 1, a Love Story:


Adora: So, Mac, hunky guy, how are you today?

Mac: A little annoyed, Adora. Danny Maine said he got his name in the title of his book by sleeping with Jean. Well I've been sleeping with Jean for a much longer time and I don't have my name on a book though she said she would!

Adora: Really, Mac. Grow up. Jean is telling you what you want to hear, just to get at your hot body. And it is hot, I'll admit that!

Mac: *blushes* Thanks, Adora. She has actually said I'm her favorite hero. Oh, don't tell Callie about Jean and me. I haven't slept with Jean since I started sleeping with Callie. Don't want to get them confused, Jean might write Callie out of the next book and I'd be a horny and frustrated guy. Not to say I don't love Callie...

Adora: Yeah, yeah Mac. We get it. You love Callie's body, be honest here.

Mac: Callie is more than a body to me, Adora, you know that. Why are you trying to cause trouble between us?

Adora: Okay, okay, Mac. No harm meant *Adora holds up her hands*. Geez. Sensitive aren't we? So tell me, what is your favorite position with Callie?

Mac: Any position. I love making love to her anyway I can. And you can print that...wait...is Jean going to read this? *Mac starts to sweat.*

Adora: She better read this or I'm quitting!

Mac: Then maybe you should take back what I just said.

Adora: *wearing an evil grin*, Too late, Mac. It's already in print.

Mac: Oh, crap!

Adora: So how many times a week do you and Callie make love *Adora picks up pen, poised over paper*

Mac: What? I'm not going to answer that. Jean said you'd try something like this. She said to stick to the plot of the book. Ask me about the drug gang...or how I felt about Callie doing things without telling me...

Adora: Doing what things? Is Callie sleeping with someone else?

Mac: She is? Where is he? No, no, that's ridiculous. Callie would never...

Adora: Is she sleeping with Danny, the hero of Now and Forever 2?

Mac: She'd never do that! Eliza would kill her. I would kill her, then we'd both kill Danny. *Mac comes halfway out of his chair*

Adora: Had you going there, didn't I?

Mac: Danny said you were a real ball buster and I didn't believe him. Maybe I should ask you who you’re sleeping with…there’s a rumor you made a play for Danny but he turned you down.

Adora: *blushes* That's all we have time for today *gestures neck cutting with her hand to cameraman.*

Mac: You don't get off that easy. I want to talk about the book.

Adora: Come back again soon, Mac. For “Love Talk”, this is Adora Smutz, signing off!

 Check out the book on my www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Kathleen

Friday, November 25, 2011

I'VE BEEN INTERVIEWED! #FREE #GIVEAWAY!!



Morning!!  Come visit me on my latest stop!!  I've been interviewed here: http://bookbagsandcatnaps.com/2011/11/author-interview-kathleen-grieve/


And I'm also over at The Phantam Paragrapher discussing a bit about my tortured hero and why REAL MEN CRY here:

Comment for your chance to win a free digital copy of my latest release, Dating 911!

Happy Friday!
Kathleen

Thursday, November 24, 2011

LONG & SHORT ROMANCE REVIEWS GIVES DATING 911 4 BOOKS! WHOOP!



Morning and a very Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and yours!  Hope you all have a safe and lovely holiday with your friends and family.

I just found this in my email and it came up on my "google alerts"! Such a pleasant surprise to receive 4 BOOKS from LASR!!  There are spoilers...Here is the link: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/dating-911-by-kathleen-grieve.html

Thank you so much LASR!  I'm still learning and growing as a writer. "Bittersweet" who reviewed my book had some insightful comments and I'm so glad she enjoyed my book.

Happy Turkey Day!
Kathleen

Monday, November 21, 2011

MY VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR FOR DATING 911 KICKS OFF TODAY!!



Lots of really great happenings this week so keep checking back for your chance to win prizes and free books!

Today, my Virtual Blog Tour for my latest release, Dating 911 kicks off today over at A PAGE IN THE LIFE at this link:
http://leeannsontheimermurphywriterauthor.blogspot.com/2011/11/dating-911-kathleen-grieves-hot-new.html?zx=263616f845020bff

Also, clues are posted on my website this week for The Romance Reviews End of The Year Splash Party!  Happy hunting!!
The link is: http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php



Have a great Monday!
Kathleen

Thursday, November 10, 2011

WEEKEND DIRTY DOZEN~3


Welcome to the next installment of The Weekend Dirty Dozen! Today's 12 comes from my latest release, Dating 911.  We get a little glimpse into how Firefighter Jett Avery decides to mess with Roxanne's speed dating plans...

“If I recall,” she said coolly, “you blackmailed me into a date

when I’d already had plans for the evening. The only way to earn my release was to invite you along. So, if you want your ‘date’, I’d get over and draw a number before they’re all gone.”

“Is there a problem, Miss?” the emcee for the evening asked.

She smiled and Jett straightened. “No, not at all. I was just telling this gentleman how the process works. He’s a virgin speed-dater.” She gave Jett what she hoped came across as a coy look.

His jaw tightened. A thunderstorm flashed in the depths of his eyes. Then with a blink, the tempest disappeared. His lips curved into a slow, sexy smile.


That's all for now! If you'd like to find out what Jett is up to, you will need to buy the book.  It is available at Evernight Publishing at http://www.evernightpublishing.com/dating-911-by-kathleen-grieve/

Don't forget to give a shout out to all my other WD12 peeps who are sharing great snippets of their latest and greatest releases and works in progress at this link: http://weekenddirtydozen.blogspot.com/

Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Kathleen


STOP BY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...



Morning!  I'm over at Lindsay Down's Blog today! Stop by and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of my latest release, Dating 911!  Here is the link:
http://murdersandmysteries.wordpress.com/

Happy Thursday!
Kathleen

Friday, November 4, 2011

#AMWRITING #NANOWRIMO #NURSE....OH! AND EYE CANDY!

Morning!  I have goals to meet and a ton of regular life stressors pulling at me in all directions right now.  No Weekend Dirty Dozen post and no Tuesday Tales coming up next week.  If you would like to see what the other authors are up to this week for The Weekend Dirty Dozen, go here: http://weekenddirtydozen.blogspot.com/

For Tuesday Tales, go here: http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/

Besides NanoWriMo, I have a virtual blog tour to finish setting up. The dates for that are Nov. 21st ~ Dec. 18th. This will feature my current release, Dating 911. 

In the meantime, there is a website hop going on right now through The Romance Reviews End of The Year Splash Party!
                                                              
There are lots of gift cards, ebooks, print books, and lots more to be given away by participating authors~including yours truly. 
The link is: http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

I'm also going to be a part of a weekend Christmas Blog Hop, more details to follow...Now for the good stuff!  Here's your eye candy for today!  TTYL8R!  Kathleen

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

TUESDAY TALES~7 ~ PROMPT~PLEASURE




Welcome back to another edition of Tuesday Tales where a group of authors get together to write to the same "prompt".  This week's prompt is~ Pleasure!  I have loved these prompts because they fit right in with my current wip, From Lust To Ashes.  I'd love your feedback as this is a paranormal romance and is something completely new and exciting to write!  This actually turned out much different than I'd envisioned when I started writing it yesterday. ;) 

Unedited Excerpt: Rated R for explicit language and Sex.

CHAPTER TWO



Sam stared at the beautiful creature before him; anger and lust a heady combination. He struggled to keep balance. No way in hell did he need this…this whatever the fuck she was to remind him of the events that had led him to his ostracism from society. The details of which were none of her fucking business. The accusations of the U.S. government that had ended in a court marshal and dishonorable discharge from the Navy he’d given his entire life to had crushed him. His classified lab research had been stolen, used to murder thousands of innocent people in the South Pacific. The only thing that had saved him from being thrown in the brink was the lack of concrete evidence.


She rubbed her wrists, confusion in her eyes. Eyes the color of a polished Tiger’s Eye—alternating bands of rich yellow and golden brown. Ghastly purplish marks marred her creamy skin from where he’d grabbed her. Guilt tore through his gut along with an undercurrent of surprise. He hadn’t expected this creature to be vulnerable.


“I’m sorry.” He scraped a hand through his damp hair. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His voice sounded rusty from disuse, even to his own ears. “Agent…whatever your name is. Your Council’s problems aren’t my concern. So leave,” he ground out. “Now.”


“Tatum,” she said and smiled. “Agent Tatum Wilder, Captain.”


A simple curve of her lips and Sam’s knees nearly buckled. A warmth and sunny brilliance shone through. Never in his life had he witnessed anything so beautiful. He stiffened his spine and held his footing. She reached out and caressed his bearded cheek with tentative fingers.


“This isn’t exactly how this was supposed to play out. I had envisioned a night of hot, steamy sex, wrought with nothing but pleasure.” she said. Regret colored her words. “But since my powers of seduction aren’t working on you,” she dropped her hand and mumbled something under her breath that sounded like “damn atchoo” as she turned and planted herself on his couch and flipped her long fiery hair over her shoulder. “Will you at least listen carefully to what I have to say?”


She’d lost him at hot, steamy sex. Mental pictures planted themselves into his brain. Tatum with those long, lithe legs wrapped around his waist as he drove his cock into her wet, slick heat. Those strangely alluring eyes dilated with desire. The silken strands of her auburn hair enter woven with the spun gold strands splayed across his bed. He could almost hear her soft whimpers of pleasure and taste the honeyed juice between her thighs.


Blood rushed to his groin and his cock stood at attention, begging him to tear off his jeans and start what she’d suggested. He’d lived up in these deserted mountains of Alaska for far too long without any pussy. Sam shook his head to clear it. Maybe she lied about her powers not working? Because something affected him like nothing he’d ever experienced.


“You have ten minutes.” Careful to keep his distance from this alluring woman…creature he corrected, he walked over and sat on the edge of the coffee table.


“Pity,” she said. “Everything you just envisioned would have been more than satisfying…for both of us.”


He gasped. “How did—-”


“Oh, come now Sam,” she tsked. “The real question is how I could not? Your lust for me radiated off in high frequency, my friend.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “My time is ticking… in more ways than you can imagine and since you don’t want to play…” a small pout puckered her full, red lips.


“I’m not going to color the facts. You seem pretty well versed in the supernatural. What you may not know is that everything has an order. Peace and balance is kept by The Sun Council and has been since the beginning of time. Each being is represented on the council by one of its own, but ultimately, all decisions are made by Rà, God of the Sun. The Phoenix are Rà’s enforcers if you will.”


Sam sat still, trying to absorb what Tatum had said. An internal battled waged as he struggled to tamp down his physical desire for her. “Rà? As in Rà from Egyptian religion?”


“One and the same,” she said.


“I don’t understand,” Sam said, scratching his bearded chin. “What does your Rà want with me? Can’t he just snap his fingers and make everything all right?”


Tatum’s soft laughter glided across his skin, like a silken caress. He shivered, despite the heat from the hearth.


“Silly, human,” she admonished. “Rà is a she. And, no, things may work like that in your movies and books, but not in real life. There are limitations to power, even for a supreme being.” She cocked her head to the side and appeared to be listening intently to something.


“What is it?” he asked, tensing his shoulders.


Tatum shook her head, auburn tresses shimmering. “I…I’m not sure. I thought I heard…” She closed her eyes and massaged her temples with her fingers. “I’m sorry, Sam. I may have failed you and the Council…”


All of a sudden Tatum’s eyes snapped open and she dropped her hands. “Oh, sweet Goddess, no!”


An explosion imploded the front door just as Tatum’s arms enveloped him in a lightening quick embrace. Her supernatural speed a blur as she knocked him from harm’s way. The world stretched into a black void, sizzling with an undercurrent of crackling energy and heat. Together, they landed with a thud in the middle of a king sized bed. The springs of the mattress heaved with the force of their arrival.


He rolled off the bed and sprung to his feet, ready to ward off any further attack. Sunlight streamed through the window. He glanced around in confusion, noting the neat, generic furnishings of a simple hotel room. “What the fuck was that?” he asked, turning back to the bed.


Tatum lay sprawled where they’d landed. Her breathing labored and skin reddened and slick with sweat. Concern enveloped and squeezed his heart. Something was wrong with her. He knew it. He knew it like he knew the earth spun on its axis.


“Tatum?” he spoke her name as he reached her side, placing the back of his hand on her forehead. “Christ! You’re burning up.”


She gave him a wobbly smile. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”


“What?” he asked.


“Never mind,” she whispered. “Inside joke.”

That's it for today...stay tuned for the adventures of my Wild Phoenix and Captain Rockstar Murphy!  They are in for a rough ride!  Don't forget to stop by the Tuesday Tales Blog at:
http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/ for some more free reads today!

Happy Writing!
Kathleen