Please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Christine: Thanks for having me here today! I’m excited to share with your readers the completion of my Charmed Trilogy with the third and final installment in the series, The Charmed Fates. Everything that has been building for two books comes to a head in this final showdown. I hope readers truly enjoy seeing how it all ends and get caught up in the love Olivia and Caleb have for one another.
When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

The moment I pictured the final scene for The Charmed. It sort of came out of nowhere, but once I had a clear image of it there was no turning back. I went out and bought a writing laptop the next day and haven’t stopped since.
Every writer dreams of getting “the call”. What were you doing when yours came? Who got to hear the good news first?

Christine: Mine came in the form of getting the call from an editor who believed in my work. It was a small step, but such an important one. It made me believe again after hitting my head against the proverbial wall for so long.

I celebrated by immediately getting together with a group of five women who have been my sounding board since the first book. They have supported me at every step so they deserved to be the first to hear the good news.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Christine: Author Robin Ryan. We were having dinner with a mutual friend and I asked her to validate if my concept for the first book was good. She answered (and I’m paraphrasing a bit because it was a while ago), “It doesn’t matter what I think. I shouldn’t have to tell you that your idea is good. You should know it’s good. If you don’t believe in your own work, how do you expect anyone else to?”

She’s so right! The biggest fan of your work has to be youself, because there are too many other things along the way that can derail you.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

Christine: I’m rather fond of Caleb. You can tell right away that he is intelligent. You can see he is handsome and physically strong, but it’s the dark side of himself that he battles with everyday just to be good and worthy of our heroine that makes him the perfect romance hero. That displays an inner strength. And that is sexy!

For me personally, though, I’d lean towards Kane who you meet in The Charmed Souls. Kane is a flawed and very naughty shape-shifter, which to some may start him at a disadvantage. But he has two things going for him that are irresistible to just about any woman: confidence and a wicked sense of humor. Humor is one of the most important things for me because there is too much unfunny stuff in life. You need something to balance it with.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

Christine: Outdoor stuff like camping and Fantasy Football. I am very proud of the fact that I won our Fantasy league two years in a row, and I make sure all of the guys know it. Humble I am not.
What has been your biggest adventure to date?

Probably skydiving with my brother-in-law and his friends. What a rush!

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Christine: I’m pretty simple on this kind of stuff. I’d just want to be whisked away to my favorite spot on the Oregon coast so I could write. The smell of the ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing, the warmth of sand on your feet—it’s all a great escape to let your mind come up with something new.

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

Christine: I’m not adventurous in that I try to eat healthy, whole foods and keep things simple. But I absolutely love sushi, Thai and Indian foods every once in a while, as well as a great steak.

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

Christine: Of course I love summer but winter is probably my favorite. I know it rains a lot but I love the holiday season in Seattle; the sounds, the fresh smells, the good cheer, and mostly the holiday lights that reflect on the water from all the boats.

 What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

Christine: Simple, my phone. It’s not even that I’m a big talker or texter, more like I constantly don’t know what day of the week it is, I get lost driving places, and I have to have a constant connection to the cloud.

What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”?

Christine:For me it’s not really an activity or specific setting, it’s just about the connection, the time you share with that person in a moment that just feels right. It can happen with a cold beer and a hotdog at a baseball ballgame just as easily as champagne and strawberries at a five star hotel.

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

Christine: I can be very spontaneous and last minute about things, but also, for the most part, responsible. I’m a terrible speller (thank god for spell-check and Editors). I love shopping, a glass of red wine or champagne, and a good pedicure almost as much as a good romance novel.

My family and friends would probably say I’m creative . . . and a bad speller.

 And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Christine: My very favorite is Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. But it’s so much of a favorite that I try to keep it to one hand how many times I have it a year.

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Christine is giving away a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of The Charmed to one lucky winner that follows the tour.

THREE (3) runners-up will receive an eBook of THE CHARMED.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SERIES SPOTLIGHT INFO:

THE CHARMED

The Charmed Trilogy, Book 1

 “This has to be a dream.  This has to be a dream.  This has to be a dream.”

Olivia Ann Greyson sees only one future for herself – to compose and perform the music she has loved since she was a child.  But that future changes in an instant when a commuter train taking her to the city crashes and is attacked by, unbelievably, a coven of vampires!  As the rabid creatures feed their thirst on the surviving passengers, Olivia is spared from an unthinkable fate because of the intervention of another vampire – Caleb Wolfe, a figure from her past who, for reasons he doesn’t understand himself, would do anything to protect her.

After one familiar touch, Olivia recognizes the man behind the vampire.  Soon love and a powerful supernatural connection begins to grow between them.  But with that connection Olivia starts to notice startling changes happening within herself, and violent events make it clear that the vampire coven which wanted her the night of the train crash won’t stop until they have her.

Time is running out for Olivia and Caleb to discover why all this is happening.  And the answers they find may painfully tear their new found love apart.

THE CHARMED will be on sale for ONLY $0.99 from May 13 – 27 on:

Amazon, Smashwords, BN.com and The iBookstore.

THE CHARMED SOULS

The Charmed Trilogy, Book 2

“It was the blood!  The blood was somehow doing this to me!”

Olivia Ann Greyson is a Charmer, a Dhampir with the power to lure the supernatural world’s most dangerous of creatures – and she’s in an impossible situation. She must leave behind Caleb Wolfe, the strong, protective vampire she has fallen madly in love with, in order to learn how to protect herself from the vampires, shifters and demons that will be drawn to her for the rest of her life.

Human Guardian, Alec Lambert, has been assigned to see to Olivia’s training by the organization he belongs to, which is known simply as The Brethren. He takes Olivia to the group’s stronghold in the mountainous regions of Alberta, Canada, where she discovers the answers to her family’s painful past and the extent to which those hunting her will go to capture her. But she also uncovers many secrets and even more questions about this mysterious group she has trusted to protect her – secrets that will have her fighting to get back to the man she left behind.

. . . but will it be too late?

Available now on Amazon, Smashwords, BN.com and The iBookstore.

THE CHARMED FATES

The Charmed Trilogy, Book 3

“You think you know him better than I do?  Interesting . . . and so boringly human.”

Over a year has passed since Olivia Ann Greyson discovered that she is a Charmer, a Dhampir fated to be part of the violent supernatural world that surrounds our human one. In that time, she has strengthened herself physically, learned of her family’s secret past, and found a deep and abiding love with the strongest man she has ever met, Daywalker Caleb Wolfe. But Olivia’s biggest challenge still lies ahead of her . . .

Dark vampire lord Luther Davin has been obsessed with capturing Olivia so he can use her special gifts for his own reasons. As Caleb and Olivia try to make a new life together with their coven, the Nightwalker’s attempts to capture her only intensify and inadvertently bring an unwelcome visitor from Caleb’s past barging back into his life.

She is Caelestis—Celeste to the modern world—and she claims to be Caleb’s first and rightful mate. Although Olivia has grown confident and secure in her relationship with Caleb, she soon realizes that Celeste sees herself as no less than a goddess among mere mortals and will stop at nothing to get Caleb back—which means Olivia herself must die!

When these two threats collide and fate steps in to pull Olivia away from her new family, will she be ready for her darkest hour and her greatest battle?

Available now on Amazon, Smashwords

About the Author:

Christine is a graduate of Washington State University where she received a BA in Interior Design. And true to form of using mostly her ‘right brain’, she splits her time between her commercial design career and her imaginary world of writing. She lives in the scenic Pacific Northwest where she enjoys hiking, camping and photographing many of the wonderful places that served as inspiration for her Charmed Trilogy. Her biggest reward in life is any given day when one of her books connects with a reader because she herself is such a lover of reading. Some of her favorite authors include Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Kimberly Derting.

To keep up on all the latest information about Christine and her books, visit her website or you can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Christine Wenrick’s The Charmed Trilogy Tour Schedule

May 13 – 27

5/13- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/13- My Reading Obsession (guest post & review)

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/

5/14- Ramblings From This Chick  (guest post)

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

5/14- HEA Romances With A Little Kick (series spotlight & reviews)

http://hearomanceswithalittlekick.wordpress.com/

5/15- Red Hot Books (interview and reviews)

http://www.redhotbooks.com/

5/16- Book Lovin’ Mamas  (interview, series spotlight and reviews)

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

5/17- Romance Junkies (interviews)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

5/17- Froggarita’s Book Case ( series spotlight, excerpt & reviews)

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

5/18- Mad Hatter Reads  (guest post)

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

5/18- Reading Between the Wines  (guest post)

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

5/19- Toot’s Books Reviews (series spotlight & reviews)

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

5/20- Cocktails and Books (interview & reviews)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

5/20- Salacious Reads (Series Spotlight)

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/21- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 1)

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/21- Buffy’s Ramblings  (guest post)

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

5/21- GraveTells  (guest post)

http://gravetells.com/

5/22- Paranormal Book Club (series spotlight)

http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

5/22- Reader Girls (guest post & reviews)

http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

5/22- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 2)

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/23- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My!  (guest post)

http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

5/23- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 1)

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/24- Riverina Romantics  (guest post)

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

5/25- The Reading Cafe  (guest post & reviews)

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/26- The Jeep Diva  (interview & reviews)

http://thejeepdiva.com/

5/27- Books-n-Kisses (series spotlight)

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

5/27- Bookin’ It Reviews (series spotlight)

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

 

Tonya has been writing all of her life. At the age of 13, on Christmas break she snuck one of her mom’s romances from a box brought over by her grandma. The novel she read was ‘Montana Sky’ by Nora Roberts. Once she finished reading that book she knew someday she would to be a published romance author. She has been writing every since.

Now a single mom she balances her time between her 10 month old son, Mason, writing, work, and the Internet!

Tonya loves to help support some of her favorite authors and is very involved in several street teams and posts book reviews over at her blog!

Her first novel was published in January 2010, Night Promises, the first book in her Night Pleasures series! After a long wait her second book from MuseItUp Publishing, Claimed will be coming out Spring 2013! With hopefully, more releases this year as well.

 

 

 

My Links:

Author FB:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Author-Tonya-Callihan/155567004477447

 

Website:

http://www.tonyacallihan.weebly.com/

 

Blog

http://www.tonyasramblings.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/tonyacallihan

 

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11898212-tonya

 

 

Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/masonsmomma12/

 

Google+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/104988658514193732252#104988658514193732252/posts

 

 

Book Reviews:

http://www.tonyasbookreviews.blogspot.com

 

 

 

When I was 13 I snuck my first romance novel from my mom’s secret stash of books and hid it in my backpack. I would stay up late at night reading it, while everyone in the house was sleeping. I read ‘Montana Sky’ by Nora Roberts. It took me a total of three days to finish that novel. Would have been sooner if I didn’t have to hide it.

As soon as I finished that book I remember a sense of joy and relief washing over me. I was a writer…I was going to be a romance writer. I knew from that day what I wanted to be. I just wasn’t sure how to make it happen.

I read more books and I wrote down several ideas. At 16 I penned my first novel and soon typed it on my computer. I was so proud of myself. Now I look back at that novel and shake my head. What in the world was I thinking? The story doesn’t make sense, the characters are realistic or memorable and the plot has so many holes in it it’s ridiculous.

My point is I wrote and I didn’t stop. No matter how horrible the story was I continued to write more and more stories. Nora Roberts says it best. “I can’t fix a blank page.”

I also read. I had a new love of reading, it was a great escape as a teenager and now as an adult from the real world. Reading helped improve my writing skills. I honestly believe that. I learned more about making characters realistic and planning a story from beginning to end.

I have to have a solid plan in front of me before I start a story. I’m not a punster. I’ve tried to be a punster, but half way in I realize so many mistakes and plot holes, I have to re-write the entire story. It’s a waste of my time. So I sit down and plan.

My mom knew I wrote, but she was unaware of what I wrote until I was in my twenties. Then she was somewhat surprised by my choice. I will never forget out conversation that day. She told me if I wanted to be a writer then I should be a writer. She also told me I had to think about finances and if writing would pay the bills. My mom is smart and very realistic. So, yes, I do have a day job to pay my bills and support my family. I still find time to write and interact with readers and the rest of the writing world.

In fact, I’m addicted to social media sites, below are my links be sure to connect with me because right now I am running a couple of contests!

Contest 1: When I reach 500 likes on my Facebook Page I will be giving away a gift basket which includes: 3 books, lip gloss, nail polish, makeup bag, and fun author swag from several authors.

 

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Author-Tonya-Callihan/155567004477447

 

Contest 2: I am honored to have my blog featured during Lisa Renee Jones’ blog feature month, all of May. My feature was May 6. If you go to her blog and comment you can win a $10 Bath and Body gift card and Team Chris/Team Mark Bracelets inspired by her Inside Out Series. If you go to my blog and comment on my post about my blog feature you can win a download of any of Lisa’s books, up to $10.

Lisa’s Blog Post: http://www.lisareneejones.com/blogger-appreciation-month-day-4-tonyas-sensual-romances-w-prizes/

 

My blog post: http://tonyasramblings.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-feature.html

Contest 3: When I reach 1,000 followers on Twitter I will be giving away another gift basket which includes: Bath and Body Works lotion and body spray, nail polish, books and author swag.

 

Twitter @tonyacallihan

 

Thanks so much for allowing me to be a guest today! I hope all of the mother’s have a Happy Mother’s Day!!

 

Please enjoy an excerpt from my book Night Promises available now

Buy Night Promises

Secret Cravings PUblishing

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=21&products_id=2&zenid=ac9d9b16effcb31fa9370fb8e2b157da

 

 

Amazon

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=21&products_id=2&zenid=ac9d9b16effcb31fa9370fb8e2b157da

 

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/night-promises-tonya-renee-callihan/1029632181?ean=9781936653010

 

 

Tonya

 

 

 

Excerpt    NIGHT PROMISES

“Our new girl is looking good out there.” Mac handed Kelly a bottle of water from the small fridge in the corner of their office.

“That’s good. I wasn’t sure about hiring a human. The last one quit within the first hour, but she’s made it through two nights.”

“Our last one was more concerned with whether vampires really existed or not. With Cammie, I believe she’s got a real interest with vamps and respects us.”

“How did your date go last night?”

“There won’t be a second one. For a three-hundred year old vamp, he has no charm and absolutely nothing but blood and the sport of finding the next meal to talk about.”

“I think Micah is interested in you.”

“What makes you say that?” “When I arrived at Connor’s, Micah asked me how you were. I told him you were on a date, and he looked upset and got short with me.”

“Well, I’m not interested in him.”

“Is there such a thing as life mates?”

“Did he say we were life mates? I tell you what; he didn’t get the hint seventy years ago, but he’s going to get it now.” She tossed her water bottle in the trash.

“I’ll take that as a yes and a no. He didn’t mention you two were life mates.”

She stood in front of Kelly’s desk. “There are rumors that life mates really exist. But I’ve never felt that pull, I guess you could call it.”

“Can humans feel it with vampires?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve never heard of it. As much as I hate to admit this, Micah would be the man you need to talk to about this type of stuff. He’s been around longer than I have, and he knows how it works.”

“Do you not want to know?” “I’m not interested in settling down. Honestly, I don’t believe vamps are capable of settling down.”

“Why not?”

“Because we are creatures of habit. Sex and blood. We need both and very often. We can’t stay with the same human for a long period of time, or we will kill them or be forced to turn them against their will. Vamps can feed from one another during sex, but the vamp will still have a strong hunger for human blood.”

“That answers my questions then.”

“Do you think you and Connor are life mates?”

“No, I don’t. I’ve never felt a pull, as you said. I was more curious about a lasting relationship between a human and vampire.”

“I hate to let you down but it’s almost impossible. If you and Connor are life mates, you would have to let him turn you.”

“But as you said, we would still need human blood.”

 

::We have two copies to giveaway of MIDNIGHT TEMPTATIONS WITH A FORBIDDEN LORD by Tiffany Clare. How do you enter to win? Just join in and add a comment. Don’t forget to include your email addy or check back to see if you won later this month::::

MIDNIGHT TEMPTATIONS WITH A FORBIDDEN LORD

Dangerous Rogues (Volume 2)                

Tiffany Clare

St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Blurb: Tristan Bradley, the notorious Marquess of Castleigh, is a danger to any woman’s reputation. Devastatingly handsome and devilishly seductive, he delights in the challenge of a lovely new conquest—especially when she’s engaged to a man he despises. But when this particular young lady asks him to dance, Tristan realizes he may not be the only one playing a game. Don’t miss this seductive historical romance, MIDNIGHT TEMPTATIONS WITH A FORBIDDEN LORD, the second book in Tiffany Clare’s Dangerous Rogues Series.

Buy Link: http://us.macmillan.com/midnighttemptationswithaforbiddenlord/TiffanyClare#buy-the-book

Interview:

Please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Thank you so much for the invite.

I’m working away on the next book in the Dangerous Rogues series. I’m currently writing Hayden’s book (the Duke of Alsborough). He’s a lot of fun so swoon-worthy. I hope readers love him just as much as I do when they get to read his book in early 2014.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

I always wanted to be a writer when I was young, and had planned to be just that till I hit high school—when life intervened. I am so glad I rediscovered my love for writing years later. I remember just needing to write a book and I did, over and over again till I had story writing down, knew how to draw out the characters, and finally wrote that first book that made it to publication (The Surrender of a Lady).

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

A very good friend of mine, Alex, once told me that writing was about rewriting. This was back when I was still learning the craft and how to tell a story in novel form. His advice always reminds me that nothing is perfect at the first go around and you can always rewrite what you have to make it better.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

Actually, not that I’m picking a favorite of my characters or anything, but Tristan in my newest book Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord is pretty darn close to the perfect hero. He’s loving, sarcastic, fun, smart, easy going to a point, adores his children above everything, stops at nothing to win his heroine, the best big brother you could ever imagine, he’ll do anything for his family, and even faints at the sight of blood J. Yeah he’s pretty close to what I envision to be the perfect man.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

It’s hard to have a lot of pastimes when I work a day job and write full time for my contracted books. That doesn’t mean I don’t have some fun J I am a cycling enthusiast. I started riding my bike to the day job last year (15.5 miles round trip a day) when I hadn’t been on a bike for more than 15 years. The joke we have in Toronto is that we have two seasons: Winter Season & Construction Season. It’s so hard to get around and takes forever in Construction Season that I decided I should bike around instead (traffic is notoriously bad here, so biking is the fastest way to commute). I had so much fun cycling to work that the hubby and I extended the bike rides to the weekends to include the kids. There are a lot of beautiful bike trails in Toronto, and some places you can only see/get to on a bike. 

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Paris, because it’s the city of love. The history is rich, the sites beautiful, the food delicious—what more could you ask for?

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

I try almost anything just once, and we brought up our kids to be the same way (they are nine and almost 12). We eat a wide variety of foods in our house, a lot of spicy foods, pastas (I’m Italian), Mexican (because it’s my hubby’s favorite). It’s fun to try knew things. And I think some of the household favorites are Moroccan and Japanese dishes.  

What is your favorite comfort food?

Baked goods. If you put a whole apple pie in front of me, I won’t stop eating till the pie plate is licked clean J I love pastries so much.

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

I love the heat of the summer, the sun on my skin keeping me warm when I’m on my bike. I’m not a fan of the cold or winters, or snow and slush. It’s all grey and dreary. If I could hibernate and not come out of the house during the winter, I totally would. LOL. I’m all about the warmer weather for me.

Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?

Readers can always find me on my website, I love hearing from readers: www.tiffanyclare.com or on twitter www.twitter.com/tiffany_clare my favorite social media place to hang out.

Thank you so much for having me here today. Happy reading everyone!

Check out her website – http://www.tiffanyclare.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiffany-Clare/102596663174362 / Follower her on Twitter – https://twitter.com/tiffany_clare

OURS TO LOVE  by Shayla Black

Wicked Lovers, Book 7

(Berkley Trade Paperback; May 2013; 9780425253397; $15.00)!

4 1/2 Stars!!  “A sizzling menage…” – RT Book Reviews

Pre-Order you copy today!

Read an Excerpt

 Between two brothers…
Xander Santiago spent years living it up as a billionaire playboy. Never given a chance to lead his family business in the boardroom, he became a Master in the bedroom instead. His older brother inherited the company and worked tirelessly to make it an empire. But while cutthroat corporate espionage took its toll on Javier, nothing was as devastating as the seemingly senseless murder of his wife. It propelled him into a year of punishing rage and guilt…until Xander came to his rescue.

Comes an irresistible woman…
Eager to rejuvenate Javier’s life, Xander shanghais him to Louisiana where they meet beautiful London McLane. After a decade of tragedy and struggle, London is determined to make a fresh start—and these sexy billionaire brothers are more than willing to help. In every way. And London is stunned to find herself open to every heated suggestion.

And inescapable danger.
But a killer is watching, on a single-minded mission to destroy everything the Santiago brothers hold dear, especially London. And as fear and desire collide, every passionate beat of her heart could be her last.

Author Bio:

Shayla Black is an award-winning erotic romance author who lives in the South with her family. Visit her website at www.shaylablack.com

Follow her on twitter – https://twitter.com/Shayla_Black

Check out her FAQ page – http://shaylablack.com/faq/

Check out more of her books – http://shaylablack.com/books/

Contact with Shayla on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ShaylaBlackAuthor

Please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Roxie: Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to be here! My Her Russian Protector series features big, sexy tattooed Russians and the women they vow to protect.
Accountant Erin, bakery owner Benny, PR girl Lena and aspiring artist/waitress Vivian are close friends who love and support one another through some real ups and downs. Erin’s sister is a drug addict mixed up with the Albanian mob. Benny’s teenaged brother plays wannabe gangster with the Hermanos crew. Lena clawed her way out of Houston’s worst neighborhood but her ne’er-do-well cousin and ex-con father might drag her back. And then there’s Vivian whose tragic past ties her to Nikolai forever…

Mixed-martial arts trainer Ivan, security firm owner Dimitri, billionaire oligarch Yuri and mob boss Nikolai grew up together in a Russian orphanage and consider themselves brothers. Their bond is deep and there are some dark secrets they’ve buried and left behind in Russia—secrets that may follow them all the way to Houston.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

Roxie: Gosh, I’m not sure. It was probably in high school—but I convinced myself that going after a creative writing degree was the surest way to a wasted degree so I enrolled in one of the top biochemistry and genetics programs instead. I woke up one day in my junior year of college and had this moment of clarity. What the heck are you doing? So I started writing again, sold my first novella to Ellora’s Cave the next year and never looked back!

Every writer dreams of getting “the call”. What were you doing when yours came? Who got to hear the good news first?

Roxie: My first “call” was an email from Ellora’s Cave in early 2007. It was an acceptance on a sexy paranormal novella I’d submitted on a whim. My then-boyfriend, now husband heard the good news first because he was in the other room and came running when my excited squeeing started.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Roxie:Write the stories you want to read. For a long time, I fumbled around trying to write the stories I thought would sell or that the market wanted. When I let thoughts of selling, finding another agent and all that stressful stuff go, I rediscovered my love of writing—and my love of ridiculously sexy alpha males!

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

Roxie:The perfect hero is strong, protective, tender and open to compromise. It’s no coincidence my “perfect” romance novel hero has the same traits as my real-life hero!

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

Roxie: I love to garden. We’re lucky to have a long growing season in Texas so I do a spring, summer and fall/winter garden. We get probably 70% of our fresh produce from our backyard (hopefully more as our fruit trees mature!) so I spend a lot of time canning and freezing all the yummy goodness we harvest.
Oh and I collect old books, especially first editions. It’s a hobby I inherited from my grandparents and share with my bibliophile husband.

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

Roxie:Hands-down, it’s been motherhood. No 24-year-old newlywed ever expects to hear that she’s infertile (say what?!) so that was an obstacle-filled adventure—and then kiddo was born with multiple severe heart defects. We spent most of her first year at Texas Children’s Hospital and what an adventure that was! But our little family came out of that happier, healthier and stronger than ever. It was an experience that changed me for the better and made me realize there is nothing I can’t overcome.

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Roxie:I’ve always wanted to visit the Lake District and see the places Jane Austen wrote about so vividly.

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?
Roxie: I’m a tried-and-true gal but my husband is very adventurous. When it’s his night to cook, I’m always secretly wondering where the heck the antacids are…

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

Roxie: I really love spring in Texas. The bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in full bloom. It’s warm but not oppressively hot yet. The days are longer so there’s plenty of time to relax on the patio in the evenings and the mornings are cool enough to leave the windows open.

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

Roxie: The internet! I can’t imagine not having answers to every question at my fingertips or the ability to communicate with friends and family flung far and wide.

What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”?

Roxie: Right now, my idea of a romantic evening is some place quiet, private and without interruptions!

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

Roxie: I describe myself as the stereotypical hermit writer. If it wasn’t for kiddo and the husband, I’d never leave the house or my writing cave!

Friends and family would probably describe me as Suzy Homemaker. I garden, can, sew and bake. I’m pretty sure I get labeled as a helicopter parent (okay, okay, I coddle!  ) but I wear that badge of paranoia with honor.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?
Roxie: A Whataburger #5 meal! It’s a sinfully delicious cheeseburger with bacon. Many late-night runs have been made to Whataburger for a #5 to fuel my writing all-nighters!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

 Roxie is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

Grand Prize:  $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Runners-up:  FOUR (4) runners-up will receive BOTH eBooks of IVAN and DIMITRI

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR – SERIES SPOTLIGHT

IVAN

Her Russian Protector, #1

Desperate to find her sister, Erin goes to the only man in Houston who can help her:  Ivan Markovic. The intimidating, tattooed Russian operates one of the most elite mixed-martial arts training centers in the world but it’s his shadowy past and reputed connections with Houston’s underworld that interest her most.

 To find her sister, she’ll need the help of her big, scary Russian protector—but asking for help from a man like Ivan carries a steep price, one that might just include her heart.

 

Available at:

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble |  All Romance Ebooks | Apple | Smashwords |  Kobo

DIMITRI

Her Russian Protector, #2

 Refusing to lose her brother to the violent Hermanos street gang, Benny turns to Dimitri, the dead sexy Russian who lives in the apartment above her family’s bakery. He’s the only man tough enough to get through to Johnny and save him from a life in prison—or worse.There’s nothing Dimitri won’t do for Benny, even if it means dealing with her troublemaking brother. He quickly realizes that it’s not just Johnny and his thug friends that pose a threat to Benny. A shady real estate developer needs to buy her bakery to secure a multi-million dollar deal and he’ll stop at nothing to make her sell.

Threatened from all sides, Benny finds safety in Dimitri’s strong arms — and in his bed. Her big, sexy Russian has no intention of ever letting her go—and he’ll brave the fires of hell before he lets anyone harm her.

 Reader’s Note: Dimitri is an incredibly passionate man with a dominant streak—and Benny is only too happy to indulge his need for a little…restraint.

Available at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Kobo  | Smashwords

ALL ABOUT ROXIE:

When I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.

I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.

Connect with Roxie:  Website | Facebook | Goodreads

HER RUSSIAN PROTECTOR:  IVAN and DIMITRI – Blog Tour Schedule

 4/29 – Nina’s Literary Escape

http://ninasliteraryescape.blogspot.com/

 4/30 – Riverina Romantics

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

 5/01 – Flirting with Romance

http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/

 5/02 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

 5/02 – Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

 5/04 – Froggarita’s Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

 5/05 – Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

 5/06 – United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

 5/08 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com

 5/09 – My Reading Obsession

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com

 5/10 – Books, Books and More Books

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com

 5/11 -  Offbeat Vagabond

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

 5/12 – Romance Junkies

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

 

Please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Susan: Well, I’m just coming off of finished The Cowboy Rode a Harley (writing) and editing a new series, Naughty Nights Book 1, Taken.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

Susan: When every other door in my life closed. I had neurosurgery that went neuro-wrong!!

I’m highly sensitized to most chemicals. Dryer sheets are my kryptonite. Perfumes, thermo paper, printers, cleaners, you name it.  Imagine the bubble boy from Seinfeld. That’s me.
Every writer dreams of getting “the call”. What were you doing when yours came? Who got to hear the good news first? 

Susan: I entered a query contest and had to calls. The one I submitted, Secret Desire was picked.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day? 

Susan: My father and husband gave me the same advice. They said never be afraid to try something new. If I wanted to fear something, it should be fear regret for not having tried.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

Susan: To describe the perfect hero is really a psychological battery test of sorts. Part of us lurks in what we crave and our fantasy or wounded self calls out. With that said, let’s do it. Definitely commanding. Almost stoic at first. Deep. Dark. On a slow ride. Walls—sure they’re up. Doesn’t let everyone in. Physically: more lean muscle over bulk. I imagine someone who is flexible in all the right ways.

Two necessary attributes: Wit and a square jaw. So much is taken on the chin.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections? 

Susan: Something I’ve not ever talked about before is my annual jam making day. I make enough to last until the next year. Last year was peach. It was sooooo good. This year I’m doing a peach-apricot recipe.

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

My daughter’s wedding. Any parent who has been on that journey “feels” me. If you haven’t, and you’ve a child. Wait. It’s an absolute rainbow of emotions. All good.

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Susan: So many…choices!! I keep coming back to India. I know things have changed so much recently but I’d go and spend the month with BKS Iyengar doing yoga.

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

Susan: I eat anything and everything.

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

Susan: I love fall. Internally it brings a joy every year. I don’t know why.

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

Susan: A computer. Absolute necessity. I need to be able to type and then go back and correct/edit. I’d lose too much time and don’t think I’d get much done if I had to write by hand.

What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”?

Susan: No computer. Candles, balmy breeze, sunset barely visible, music, red wine, and of course, my husband.

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you? 

Susan:In the mirror this is what I see: Type-A personality. Others: Who is that nut job?

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Susan:Chai Latte from Starbucks. So good%^)

Romance Junkies this has been a hoot. Thank you so very much!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

 Susan is offering up a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and a SWAG Pack (T-Shirt, Notebooks & Pen) to one lucky winner that follows the tour.

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 TEMPTED BY TROUBLE

Author: Susan Arden

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Release Date: April 1, 2013

 When a woman is the magnet for the wrong man, it takes a bad boy to break old habits.

Carolina Rodriguez is a large animal veterinarian on a mission to escape South Florida and her overprotective family. Willing to do just about anything, she accepts a job in Annona, Texas over the Internet from a family connection.

At her cousin’s wedding, she runs into Matt, a handsome Texan in the church parking lot. Matthew McLemore is more than gorgeous, he’s Carolina’s new boss, and needs her help to determine why his cattle keep dying. Matt’s instantaneous attraction to Carolina sorely tempts him to push the boundaries of their work contract, but a roll in the hay may prove too volatile to handle. Until she arrives on his ranch and is too hot to resist.

Carolina refuses to admit Matt’s raw sexuality is more than overpowering or that she’s the least bit tempted by this smooth-talking bad boy. But by the time the pathology lab reports comes back, they’ve explored every inch of each other. All of a sudden, this fiery affair is more than just a fling. And when a past flame threatens to overwhelm their new found romance, Matt must find a way to stake his claim to Carolina’s heart before it’s too late.

Warning: Contains a smoking mess of scorching love scenes.

Ice may be needed for blazing imaginations.

Available Now at Amazon

 

TEMPTED BY TROUBLEExcerpt

“Evermore Ranch,” she read aloud.

“I hope this won’t upset your plans?”

“Would it matter? I signed a service contract that included a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I had a problem, I couldn’t tell a soul and I’ve promised you two weeks of my time.”

He chuckled softly. “Yes, two weeks to do my bidding.”

She almost choked at the thought of doing his bidding. “What the heck have I gotten myself into with you, Mr. McLemore? Exactly what type of office do you run?”

His expression changed. Sharpened. “Strictly business. Look, Dr. Rodriguez, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”

“Wrong foot … the whole body is a problem, sir,” she hissed.

He smiled broadly, reassuring her. “Let’s discuss this later. This isn’t the correct time or place. Don’t you have to help the bride or something?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I do. I don’t know what you think you’ve contracted, but I’ll only supply you with vet services. As long as you understand that fact, there’s nothing more to discuss.”

“Well, there is. In the service agreement, there’s a provision that we need to discuss before you’re allowed access to the ranch barn and stable sites. So, either we can do it later or when you arrive in Texas. But until you and I have a little sit-down and get a few things ironed out, there won’t be any work for you to do directly. I’ve got a ranch to run, and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve already spent enough time finding a vet.” His eyes glittered and dropped to her mouth. “If you think I’m about to waste more time because you’ve got second thoughts, Dr. Rodriguez, the next communication you’ll have from Evermore Ranch will be from my attorneys. Had I known who you were before, believe me, I wouldn’t have … I’d never let the situation get away from me.”

Oh, this was rich. “Away from you. I’d say it got out of control. But that’s on your side of the table. Fine. I’ll honor my service contract. You’re right about one thing. The only thing of interest to me is treating your cattle. Once the job is done, I’ll be only too happy to leave you in peace and we can go our separate ways.”

Up close, his eyes shone sherry-colored. A muscle flexed along his jaw. His masculine scent of leather, smoke, and wood filled her head. The hard set of his mouth didn’t resemble the man from before. He’d done just as he’d promised, shutting one door, and leaving in place a man who didn’t look as if he enjoyed playing games. No this version of Matt McLemore had a locking gaze and if looks could kill, she was a goner.

“I’m glad we understand one another then, Dr. Rodriguez. I expect to meet with you tomorrow at your convenience. Our relationship will be strictly business, if that’s what got you in such a dither.”

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan Arden is a third generation Floridian. She left the field of education in 2008 pursing her dream of writing romance fiction. Currently, she writes hot love stories within the romance genres of contemporary erotic, western, and fantasy/paranormal.  Susan also writes under the name of Susan D. Taylor.
Susan currently lives in TN along with husband, two cattle dogs, two crazy cats, a gecko and a corn snake. A mother, RYT200 Yoga Alliance (registered yoga teacher), and avid gardener. You can find her on the mat when she’s not writing her next hot romance novel.

CATCH SUSAN HERE:

Website | Twitter | FB | Playlist | Pinterest |Goodreads

 TEMPTED BY TROUBLE

Blog Tour Schedule

 4/29 – Reading Between The Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

5/01 – Riverina Romantics

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

5/02 – My Reading Obsession

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com

5/04 – Urban Girl Reader

http://www.urbangirlreader.com/

5/05 – The Reading Café

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/06 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/07 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com

5/09 – Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

5/10 – Books-n-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

5/11 – Romance Junkies

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

5/12 – Manga Maniac Café

http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/

5/12 – Romancing The Book

http://romancing-the-book.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

What His Car Says About Him by Elisabeth Barrett

Some people say that a man’s car is a reflection of his true personality.  There may be some truth to this but I think the jury’s still out. After all, it’s impossible to know why a guy might choose a Prius over a gas-guzzler (is he eco-conscious or merely smug?) or why a man might pick a truck over a sedan (is he showing his rugged side or does he simply have a lot of gear to carry?).  Also, many people for financial and other valid reasons wind up settling for a vehicle that might not be their top pick.

This being said, as I wrote my Star Harbor series (about four brothers living and working on Cape Cod), I actually gave a ton of thought to what kinds of cars each hero drove.  I weighed personality traits such as patience, humility, practicality, and attitude in order to choose each brother’s perfect vehicle.

Long Simmering Spring is the third book in the series, and comes out on May 13^th. It features Cole Grayson, who’s recently returned to Star Harbor to become the town sheriff. He and Julie Kensington, the local physician, have known each other since high school, and she’s less-than-impressed with the bad boy he used to be. But after stints in the military and on Boston’s police force, the question isn’t whether Cole has changed, but how much. It isn’t long before Cole realizes that this sweet, sexy doctor will force him to confront his past and help him to face the future.

In honor of both the book release and the kick-off of my blog tour (thanks for having me!), I thought I’d do something fun and break down each brother and his vehicle, so you can judge for yourself if their personalities fit their rides.

Sebastian – Hero of Deep Autumn Heat

 

Occupation: Chef

Personality: Sebastian is a bit smug, and acts entitled.  This fits with his status as the chef/owner of the popular New York City restaurant, Helena. Extremely talented, both in the kitchen and out, Seb goes after what he wants without worrying what anyone else thinks. This attitude has gotten him very far in life.

Ride: Harley Davidson Motorcycle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

Theo – Hero of Blaze of Winter

 

Occupation: Writer

Personality: Intelligent and introspective, Theo is quieter than his twin, Sebastian, and loves the outdoors.  He’s into ice hockey and (like the rest of his brothers) loves fishing off the Star Harbor piers. He dresses for comfort, and after a long day of writing, he can usually be found in the Rusty Nail, a local tavern.

Ride: Jeep Cherokee

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

Cole – Hero of Long Simmering Spring

 

 

 

Occupation: Sheriff of Star Harbor

Personality: Cole is a war veteran and former officer with the Boston PD, and is as rough and tough as they come. Yet this former bad boy has a softer side, which shows itself in the way he helps senior citizens cross the street and in how he organizes safety demonstrations for Star Harbor’s youth. Cole spends most of his free time figuring out how to further help his community and trying to keep his PTSD under control.

Ride: Dodge Charger

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Val –Hero of Slow Summer Burn

 

Occupation: DEA Agent

Personality: The oldest Grayson brother, Val doesn’t pay much attention to appearances. When he’s not in his office, he usually wears jeans and a worn Henley shirt. He owns an apartment in Boston but lives on a houseboat in Star Harbor.  He enjoys working on the boat when he’s not on the job. Val is extremely loyal and typically quiet, but when he’s with his brothers, he can be pretty lively.

Ride: Vintage Ford pickup truck

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So what do you think? Do the brothers’ personalities fit their rides?

 

About Long Simmering Spring:

Spring comes to Star Harbor, bringing unexpected passion for a sexy sheriff, as the next Grayson brother finds love with the town’s beautiful doctor.

Julie Kensington grew up in the same small town as the Grayson brothers and remembers when the boys were nothing but trouble. As teenagers, Cole’s rugged sex appeal set Julie’s heart ablaze, but she did her best to ignore it. Now a grown woman with a medical degree, Julie still can’t resist her searing attraction to the roughest, toughest Grayson. He’s ex-military, tormented, and sexier than ever, but are his wounds too deep to be healed by her loving, gentle touch?

Even back in high school, straight-arrow Julie had a way of making Cole think twice about his bad-boy lifestyle. When Julie decides she’s finally ready to embrace her wild side, Cole knows he is just the man to show her the way, unleashing years of pent-up desire. Neither of them counted on falling in love, but when Cole’s demons threaten to derail their relationship, it’s up to Julie to show him that together, they can overcome the past . . . and build a future.

Pre-order Long Simmering Spring from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Other Places

About the author:

Elisabeth Barrett lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and spends her days teaching, editing, writing sexy contemporary romance, and enjoying time with her sometimes-bearded husband and three spirited children. She is constantly perfecting her home-work-writing juggling act, but in her free time she loves to hike open space preserves, grow orchids, bake sweet things her husband won’t eat, and sing in grand choruses.

Elisabeth’s Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

GIVEAWAY!

One commenter will be randomly selected to win a NetGalley preview of LONG SIMMERING SPRING. Contest ends May 15th at midnight (EDT).You’ll need a NetGalley account, and to answer the question below:

 

Does your ride fit with your personality? Why or why not?

 

 

I’m in the process of writing a scene from which I’ve actually had to take break, so please excuse if this gets rant-y. If you’ve read my first two books, you know I adore writing about dominant alpha males having their way with my heroines. Not to mention a healthy amount of dirty talk  Right now, though? My current heroine is being a pain in the ass. She doesn’t want to be dominated or told where to put her legs, hands, or mouth. She wants to throw down my hero and make him pay for his overblown ego. And I’m kind of in the mood to let her. The problem is, I don’t have a lot of experience writing “women in charge” scenes. I write a sentence, decide she sounds to dominatrix-y (somewhere I don’t quite want to go) and promptly delete the sentence.

I’m going to get this scene right if it kills me. Or the hero, for that matter. Because I know once I get it right, it’s going to be super-hot. The hero and heroine are sworn enemies, further sweetening the pot. Plus, I’m going to take it as a good sign that my heroine is a strong-willed bad ass because I think she’ll connect with readers  Look for this one in October!

Time Changes Everything will be available May 13 through Entranced Publishing.

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn’t want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he’s a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn’t interested in commitment. He’s successful, sexy, and single–and that’s how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he’s ready to give her his heart?

Purchase links: http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/entranced/time-changes-everything/

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzKh1B21Z5w&feature=g-high-f&list=FL5KvXdEur-muCY2C8YBXBYQ

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15990302-time-changes-everything

Author Bio (photo attached)

Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

Website: www.melindadozier.com
Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier

Blog Tour Giveaway
Melinda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate and an ecopy of Time Changes Everything. Winner will be announced on Melinda’s blog May 25. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio

Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

The Boy Next Door, a free novella by Melinda Dozier is available now at Smashwords:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/310848

I  am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. When was the moment that  you knew you had to be a writer? 

Lori: There was no one defining moment. It sort of crept up on me, at first telling me I was a daydreamer, and later telling me I was too introspective, and maybe fanciful. I started by creating stories in my head. Yeah, you can imagine what most thought of that. And then I wrote a few longhand, just for my own entertainment with no real thought of ever trying to sell.

I think it was when I attended a small local writer’s conference. At that time I’d written about 4 books. They were terrible – definitely not something I’d want in print. But without realizing it I was teaching myself to write. Anyway, at this conference I talked to some unpublished writers – several who had been working on a single book for years.  I had that “wow” moment, and thought maybe I had what it took.

 Who  gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Lori: Stella Cameron has been an angel on earth, giving me wonderful advice whenever I needed it. She will always be my hero.

At a local conference, before I’d ever sold, I met Stella. We hit it off and she was so kind that she offered to look at my work. I drove home (squealing all the way) and snatched up a manuscript, then drove back to the conference hotel. Stella sat on the bed in her room and read through several pages with me anxiously watching, my stomach in knots. And she said something life-altering. I don’t remember the exact words, but she told me I would definitely sell, that my voice was special, and that she was impressed.

That was really welcome praise, considering I’d been working on selling a book for 2 years. It had been revised, then revised again… and each time I sent it off I had to wait another 6 to 9 months.
Later that same day she sort of trapped a Harlequin editor in the elevator and asked if she was going to buy my book. (At that point the editor had had the revised manuscript for over 8 months.) When the editor waffled, unsure, Stella said she would just give my manuscript to her own editor with her recommendation – and the Harlequin editor said, “No, I’m buying her.”

I still smile when thinking of that. After waiting all that time, Stella got an editor to commit to me in an elevator at a conference hotel.

How could I not revere that woman?

Oh, and besides all that, Stella is an AMAZING author! I still love her work.

Describe the qualities in your “perfect” hero.

Lori: Well first off, he has to be imperfect. I can’t imagine anything more boring that perfection.

He has to be a man. A man’s man. I’m totally not into the metrosexual guy. If he paints his toenails… yeah, he won’t be in my book. Oh, and if he waxes his chest? Bleh. My guys are too busy kicking butt and saving mankind to groom their chests.

He has to be strong – physically strong is nice, but more important than that is mental and emotional strength. If he’s going to cry, it better be for a really good reason. Not because he lost a sporting event or watched a sad movie.

He has to be respectful to everyone who deserves it – which means unless someone has given him real reason to be disrespectful, he’ll be polite.

He has to be capable. It drives me INSANE when someone writes a hero who can’t change a diaper. I mean, that’s pretty basic. If you can’t do that, how can you possibly master anything complicated like driving a car or shaving?

He should be kind, with a sense of humor.

And he absolutely MUST love animals and feel protective toward children.

Being a stallion in bed doesn’t hurt either.

What  are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or  collections?

I don’t actually collect anything, but I love anything with birds or windchimes. My kids have gotten me adorable little bird statues that are so cute for decorating. And windchimes… I love hearing them. The more the merrier.

My favorite pastime is anything with family. We have big family parties at my house. I look for reasons to invite all 60+ people over.
I also love, love, love going to movies. Horror and action are my favorite movie genres, but I can comedy and romance in a pinch. Drama… almost never. Who needs more drama? How is that entertainment?

Also really love the outdoors for relaxing. Hubby and I love to go to Hocking Hills (Fantastic place! Look it up!) or Cumberland Falls or The Natural Bridge. We have a small lake house and I spend much of the summer there. Boating, swimming, skiing… just being outside and seeing the birds and fish and hearing the breeze in the trees and feeling the sun on my skin… Love it.

What  has been your biggest adventure to date?

In writing? Or in life? If you mean in writing, then that would definitely be I wrote Joe Winston (Say No to Joe?) and both Kensington and Berkley wanted the book. To call it an adventure would be an understatement. I doubt anything writing-wise can ever equal the excitement of being wanted by two publishers who kept upping the ante. Fun, fun, fun!

In life, well you know, having kids are adventures that never ends. Lol.

We love the outdoors so we’ve visited lots of local caves and rock bridges, etc… But topping it all was the underground river during a lot of rain. The river was high enough that we had to duck our heads in places to fit through the caves. And it was so dark! Not for claustrophobic people, that’s for sure. For anyone who’s a real adrenaline junkie, though, I’m sure it would seem pretty tame.

 If  your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location      of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Lori: I’m going to be so lousy at this question because honestly, I’m so disgustingly happy right where I’m at! I love my home and I love my lake house. Between the two of those places, I can always be where I want. But if we’re talking about just for a visit… I love the beach. (Don’t want to swim in that “big water” but I love walking along the shore. I’ve never been to Hawaii so I’d love to visit there someday. I can’t go now because my little dog doesn’t travel well and I wouldn’t even think of leaving her behind.

 When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once,      or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

Lori: Tried and true! Nothing with eyeballs.  Nothing that looks like a bug. (shrimp = grub worms. Lobsters = insects. Whole fish that are looking at me… shudders.) I love roast and mashed potatoes, stuffed pork chops, beef stew and bean soup and sauerkraut with ribs… I’m a country girl.

And I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like!

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

Lori: How modern are we talking? I mean, indoor plumbing is waaaaay up on the list, but it’s been around a while. If we’re talking recent modern convenience, I’m pretty addicted to my internet. My friends are on Facebook! We have coffee together every morning. J I always prefer to connect via email than to be stuck on the phone. And all my photos are stored in cyber space.

 As a romance writer, what is your idea of  the “ideal romantic evening”?

Lori: My husband and I are not, and never have been, party people – unless it’s an afternoon family party. When we go to the movies, it’s usually a matinee. So with that in mind, I like easy, slow evenings where he cooks me something delicious for dinner (he’s turned into an amazing cook!) and then either the theater (not too late) or a good movie on the television, dressed in our comfortable clothes. J  Just us, quiet time, being together.

How would your family and friends describe you?

Lori: Hmmm… I actually just asked them, and here’s what they said:

Compassionate, considerate, kind, animal lover, grounded and organized, and from one of my sons: Small and Feisty, but also faithful and considerate.

Awww… I have such wonderful family and friends!

What is your favorite comfort food?

Lori: I have many comfort foods, but my favorite is probably stuffed pork chops. It’s a special meal, super fattening I’m sure, but oh-so-delicious! Mashed potatoes and gravy with that please.

What  is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

Lori: I kind of like all the seasons for different reasons – I like summer longer than the others. I mean, I love winter because it brings Christmas. But once the holidays are over, I want winter to go away. I love spring after the cold weather, but I get tired of the rain. Fall is nice, but it means the end of summer,  so… summer is my favorite! I love being outdoors, hiking, boating, skiing and swimming. Living in shorts and going barefoot. I love watching the birds and the squirrels and seeing fish jump in the lake. And as anyone who follows me on Facebook knows, I love the big bright sunrises and sunsets!

What project are you working on next?

Lori: That depends on how long it takes me to finish my current manuscript – which will be book 4 in the “Love Undercover” series. If I finish it early enough, I’ll start a new L. L. book, meaning more urban fantasy and more graphic gore. If it takes longer to finish, then I’ll jump into the next romance single title.

Any  place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?

Lori:I have an event schedule to make it easier for readers to locate me! http://lorifoster.com/bio/loris-events/

I’m all over the net, too. Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, PushPage, and I have a really useful once-a-month newsletter that keeps readers caught up on all the happenings. J

June of every year I organize the “Reader & Author Get Together” with my good friend Duffy Brown. 500 romance readers, authors, editors, and editors getting together for fun, food, games, raffles and book signings. We’ve sold out already, but the booksignings are open to the public! Check out the deets on that here: http://lorifoster.com/connect-with-lori-online/readerauthor-get-together/

4 Ribbons from Romance Junkies “BARE IT ALL is an exciting, high octane, roller coaster ride.  It is full of all kinds of lusty interaction between the two main protagonists. The subplot nicely sets up the next book in the series, and gives readers a chance to get to know the secondary characters really well.  Lori Foster delivers a high wattage tale that you will not want to miss!”–Chris Mead, Romance Junkies – click here to read the rest of the review.

About the book: A cop’s craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal in the steamy new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire….

Click here to read an excerpt / Click here to buy your copy today!