Showing posts with label romantic suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romantic suspense. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Stealing Christmas Release Day

Well here we are again, Release Day madness and a Christmas story to make you sigh and gasp. :-)
Stealing Christmas, a romantic suspense from Wild Rose Press.



Secrets abound in Benson's Bakery. A crazed Santa wants something valuable hidden inside the building, and only two things stand in his way...Jake and Sara.

When Sara Henderson receives threatening letters just days before Christmas, she asks sexy bread baker Jake Benson for help. Jake is more than happy to provide the muscle to keep the beautiful cake decorator from harm, but he has an ulterior motive--to steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Sara wants that kiss as much as he does, but first they have a mystery to solve.

Will they find out who is stalking Sara, or will Santa succeed in stealing Christmas?

Excerpt:
Sara loved the ease of being with Jake. She held his arm, strolling down the snow-covered sidewalks after dinner. A few flakes fluttered to the ground and the crisp wind danced them across the slippery maroon bricks in the street. Dense green garlands wound around black wrought iron lamp posts. Bright emerald wreaths with big red velvet bows hung on buildings or in windows. Blinking multi-colored lights vied with streetlights and traffic. The city was dressed for Christmas.
When Sara sighed, Jake glanced at her. “You okay?”
“When is the last time you walked downtown Flint without being afraid?”
“Good question. Downtown Development Authority has increased its patrols.”
“They have. Downtown is probably the only place in the city that’s safe.”
He chuckled. “Right, right.”
Sara stumbled, instinctively reaching for Jake. He caught her arm and dragged her against his strong lean frame. She peered into his eyes, their faces inches apart. Her heart hammered at his nearness. “You have this incredible knack for coming to my rescue.”
“I never could resist a damsel in distress.”
“My hero.”
“You can’t look at me that way when you say things like that.”
She moved her hands to the front of his coat. “Why not?”
He brought his lips to hers, giving her the only answer she needed.

Available from Wild Rose Press

Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Bad Boy Blake


Blake Bennett is the town bad boy turned Sheriff, elected to keep the peace. When Blake first meets Gina, she's butting heads with the Mayor…over the type of dancing she teaches—pole dancing.

Gina West is a professional dancer, who retired from the stage, and moves to Westonville, NB, to start her own dance studio. But Gina is not who she claims to be, and when strange things start happening…vengeful threats and vandalism…Blake begins digging for the truth. In his role as protector, he begins to fall for Gina, but will her lies and subterfuge destroy any chance for them to be together?

She stood to follow him to the door, but found herself hauled up against his muscular chest as he treated her to another scorching kiss. 
“Woman, you’re driving me crazy.”
Pushing away from him she asked, “Me? What did I do?”
“Now that I know what’s hidden under that robe, my hands are itching to peel it off you again.”
“What’s stopping you?” she said as she swiftly untied the sash, shrugged the robe off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.
Just as fast was his reaction as he picked her straight up in the air and set her down on the counter. He chuckled in response to her shriek as the smooth, icy marble met her bare backside and she arched backward, supporting her weight on her hands. Quick to take advantage, he swooped in to devour her breasts with his hands and mouth. 
Her legs wrapped around him of their own volition, urging him closer, closer…and then his cell phone rang.
He ceased ministering to her body and allowed his head to rest in the valley of her newly sensitized orbs. She ran her fingers through his hair, a touch on the long side for a man in his profession, her actions serving to hold him against her. 
“I have to go,” he mumbled against her skin.
“I know.”
“We’ll finish this later,” he said, promise inherent in his words. 
“Okay.”
He lifted his head and covered her mouth with his, their tongues mating, creating their own magic as they thrust and parried, suckled and withdrew. His hands cupped her buttocks as he lifted her and set her on her feet.
“This is the first time in my years as Sheriff that I allowed anything or anybody to come between me and my job. What kind of spell have you cast over me?” he teased.
“Not a strong enough one, apparently.” Then seeing his confusion, she added, “You’re only human, Blake. The job isn’t the sum total of who you are as a man.”
“Maybe not, but I’ve measured myself by it for a long time.”
“Then maybe you were due for a change.” She smoothed his hair back into place with her hands.
“You could be right. We’ll discuss this later. Right now, I have to see how Rob is and if forensics found anything downstairs, then I’ll have them come up here.” His eyes traveled the length of her body as he spoke. “Better get some clothes on or I won’t be the only one who knows your secret.”
“What secret?”
“That you are indeed a true redhead.”


Available at Evernight PublishingAll Romance eBooksBookstrand Amazon, and wherever ebooks are sold.
To celebrate my first year in publication, I’ll be giving away 3 ebook copies of Bad Boy Blake. Just leave a comment to get your name in the draw. I’d be interested to know which, if any, of my books you’ve read and what your thoughts are on them. If I’m a new to you author, let me know that as well. 9 stops, 9 chances to win! Winners will be announced November 10th.
Blog Tour Schedule for Bad Boy Blake:

DateHost/HostessBlog url
30Lorraine Nelson http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
31Lia Davishttp://booksamour.blogspot.com/
1Cr Mosshttp://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/
2Tara Chevrestt http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.ca/
3Kacey Hammellhttp://kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com/
4W Lynn Chantalehttp://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.ca/
5Leslie Stocktonhttp://workout2day4evr.wordpress.com/
6London Saint James  http://londonsj.blogspot.com/
7Doris O'Connor http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/?zx=764a701e81ce6f81



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorraine Nelson is a multi-published author who lives in rural New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. Always a bookworm, she’s read many novels of romance and mystery over the years, finally deciding to put her pen to work at writing one. 

“To write romance and romantic suspense is my dream come true, although my mom says I was born with an avid imagination and pencil in hand, crafting stories from an early age. Now my children have grown and have lives of their own, I have time to indulge my passion for writing.”

Lorraine lives alone with an independent yet affectionate tomcat, enjoys spending time with her three sons and five grandchildren, with a sixth due in December. When not at the computer, you can find her spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.

She loves to hear from readers. You can keep up with Lorraine’s releases by visiting her Website - http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com

Or email your comments to: lorrainenelson_author@hotmail.com

Lorraine’s books are listed on her website. You’ll find blurbs, excerpts, reviews, and purchase links there. http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com
Or, if you’re a kindle owner, you can check out her author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
What do you like about bad boys? One lucky commenter will receive a free download of Bad Boy Blake. Winner to be drawn November 15th.



Sunday, September 16, 2012

Street Safe was a Bestseller

That was the coolest, neatest thing I've ever seen. You know I had to take screen shots of this event. When I first learned about making the list, my publisher tagged me on FB.  By then I think I was at #79 on the Multicultural list. And this was on release day.
I had no idea something like that could happen…at least on release day. :-)
So thank you so much to everyone who has bought a book, shared the posts, links, retweeted on Twitter. You guys rock and are totally amazing.

I will confess there is a part of me that wants to see how far Street Safe can go and for how long. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a blurb and a snippet of my newest release.

Blurb:

Street Callan wants only one thing from the sultry voluptuous woman in red heels, a night of steamy, unadulterated sex.
Na’arah Simmons has no problem submitting to Street’s seductive allure, since she shares in the attraction.
When their one night stand leaves her with an unplanned souvenir, his less than desired response will force her to move on.
However, when she’s the only witness to a brutal murder, Na’arah has only Street to turn to if she wants to save herself and her unborn child.

Excerpt:
Street rounded the corner and paused. His heart pounded a little harder and the hard-on he’d sported most of the night came roaring to life. Oh yeah, tonight must be his night if Na’arah was standing next to his office alone.
He limped closer, the sweet, intoxicating scent of her perfume beckoning as easily as her sultry pose.
She probably had no idea of the alluring picture she presented. Eyes closed, full lips parted as if waiting for a lover’s kiss and one shapely leg bent so her heel rested on the wall behind her. That position also allowed the skirt of her dress to rise a little higher on her thighs. Tonight was definitely his night.
 He stopped in front of her and still she hadn’t moved. This close, and the heat of her body wrapped around his. Resisting the urge to mold his body into the temptation of her soft front he leaned closer, resting a hand near her head and dragging her scent deep into his lungs.
“Not liking the party?” he murmured.
She snapped open her eyes, a small gasp accompanied the quick rise and fall of her lovely breasts. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips and he stifled a groan. What he wouldn’t give to feel her mouth on his, or anywhere else on his body, for that matter.
“Not particularly, but they’re not my friends,” she answered. She straightened, her breasts brushing his chest, but he didn’t move.
She merely arched a brow and he smiled. So she didn’t seem to mind that he was invading her space. How far could he test her limits?
“So why are you the designated driver?” He leaned closer... His thighs brushed hers and sent a jolt of longing through his system.
“My sister.” Na’arah lifted an arm and rested her hand on his chest. “I owed her a favor.”
He savored the warmth of her palm. He could imagine the way her hands would feel sliding over his skin, trailing down his stomach and closing around his erection. “I’m glad you did.” He swept a lock of her hair from her shoulder, pleased at the silkiness of the strands.
Desire flared in her irises. Maybe she wasn’t as unaffected as he thought.
“So what would your girlfriend say if she saw us right now?
“Nothing. I don’t have one.”
Her shoulders sagged.
So she’d been worried about his relationship status. Interesting. “Should I be worried about some pesky boyfriend?”
She shook her head and looked away.
He tucked a curl behind her ear, before trailing a finger along her jaw until it rested beneath her chin. Slowly, he tilted her head until she once more met his gaze.
“You still have the most amazing eyes. I always remembered that about you.”
“I can’t believe you noticed my eyes.”
“That’s not the only thing I noticed.” He shifted until his knee slid between her thighs. He longed to explore her heat.  Closer still and he had her effectively trapped between his body and the wall.
Not a bad place to be at the moment, but he could think of one better.
“And you forgot my name.”
Chagrin coursed through him.
“Why did you stop coming?” A hint of hurt clung to her voice. “Did I do something you didn’t like?
Damn, she didn’t waste words and strangely, he found her candor arousing. He could do no else than be truthful. “Because I’m attracted to you.”
Her gaze flew to his then dropped away. A smirk twitched the corners of his mouth. He’d surprised her with his admission.
“Nothing to say?”
“Prove it.”

Buy Links


Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic.


Friday, July 27, 2012

Lust and Bound is HERE!!!

So I've had a bit of sleep and am now making the rounds. I thought I had this post scheduled, but it's all good. It's release day! Lust and Bound can be purchased, here.


Chef has rolled out all my favorites on the buffet table. Crab cakes, mmmm. And Tyrell has mixed up a special drink just for the occasion.  The next 30 promises to be pretty exciting I will be giving away different prizes during my tour. If you have a chance stop in and leave a comment.

Join me Saturday and Sunday at

Kassanna
Kacey's Kreations
Book Babe
69 Shades of Smut
Liv Rancourt
Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Her Unlikely Bodyguard


A stalker who wants revenge…a past flame rekindled…Jemma Leigh's summer just got interesting.
***
Jemma Leigh Harding has drawn the attention of an unknown stalker and returns to her hometown of Somerville, a safe haven—or so she thinks—on the east coast of Canada.
Theodore Garrity is the last person she expects to see, considering how easily he walked away from her after graduation to join the army.
Their past history involves secrets Jemma Leigh is hesitant to share. When it becomes clear the stalker has followed her home, Teddy becomes her unlikely bodyguard. Will the terror and past hurts separate them forever? Or will love blaze a fresh path for their future?

Jemma Leigh returned to her research and left the men in the kitchen. A short while later, she heard careful footfalls as Ted made his way up the stairs to join her. "You finished with guard duty for now?"
"Could be that I came up here to do some hands-on bodyguard work."
"Oooh, I'm liking the sound of that, Teddy Bear." She loved it when they bantered back and forth like this, sexual innuendos abounding.
"And I'm becoming addicted to your charms, Jemma Love."
"Addicted speaks of something you crave over and over again. I'm loving the sound of that. Well, let's see about putting a little of my charm to work, shall we?" she suggested as she rose and went to meet him where he stood just inside the door.
"This is madness," he said between hot, smothering, impassioned kisses. "We should have our ever-lovin' heads examined."
"Later. We have more pressing issues right now," she declared as she pressed herself against him, the ridge of his erection pushing into the soft, tender skin of her belly. Standing back out of the way, she could see his shaft straining the seams of his jeans as it grew hard and ready for her.
"Too many clothes," he announced as he danced her inside then closed and locked the door.
As the lock snicked into place, Jemma Leigh started to undo her blouse, but his hands stilled hers as he requested, "Let me."
Every button released meant the slightest touch of his fingers as they brushed against her skin. Oh, sweet torment! His hands glided sensuously over her upper body as he guided the blouse over her shoulders and down her arms, letting it tangle at the cuffs, effectively trapping her hands behind her as his gaze continued a slow, carnal investigation of its own. Bypassing her bra, he swept his hands over her curves to rest at the juncture of her thighs. He grabbed her mound through her jeans and rubbed, gently at first, then harder, and harder still, until she was twisting and moaning, grinding her pelvis against the pressure of his hand, seeking some relief from the erotic torture he'd created.
Suddenly, he withdrew his hand, causing her to whimper in protest at being denied such pleasant sensations. Then she felt his hands at her waist, undoing the fastenings of her jeans, sliding inside to caress her hips as he worked the fabric down over her curves, baring all except the brief patch of curls hiding her pussy from view.
Running a finger along the inside edge of her thong while the other hand teased the valley between her butt cheeks, he had her body humming at a fevered pitch. Then her eyes shot open as he left her standing there, semi-nude and bereft of his touch, but he'd only put enough space between them to rid himself of his clothes, watching her all the while with an intensity that caused his eyes to resemble rich, malted chocolate.
He stood proud and erect in all his manly glory, and she couldn't take her eyes off him as he strode to the bed, pulling back the covers before returning for her. He swept away the rest of her clothing as he kissed her senseless. Then he picked her up and cradled her in his arms to carry her across the room, laying her down gently before lowering his body to rest beside her.
"You know, this is only the second time we've made love in a bed," he stated as he lay on his side facing her, his head propped on one hand while the other rested leisurely at her waist.
"Yes, I'm well aware of that, so let's get on with it," she teased. Taking his hand and moving it to her breast, she thrilled to his touch as he rubbed and massaged first one, then the other. She delighted in his sudden gasp as she took him firmly in hand to stroke the solid length of him.

Also:
Purchase Links:
 
 
 
 
love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:
http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com
http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author
http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson
http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


Thank you for having me here today, Lynn. It’s been fun.

One lucky commenter will receive a free download of Her Unlikely Bodyguard at the end of the blog tour. Winner to be announced on June 30th. So leave your comments and/or questions and I’ll do my best to answer. :)

Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Taste of Lust & Bound

I'm trying something new. One the advice of another author I'm hoping to create a little more buzz and interest in my upcoming release Lust & Bound.

You've seen the cover and if you haven't...


I had a few posters made and can't wait to get them framed, well at least one of them. Sorry got sidetracked. And if you follow me on Twitter you may have seen a few snippets here and there. Well I'm going to tease you with a scene or two today. Zach has arrived at Trisha's salon for his weekly appointment, but there's a little more going on than just getting his hair did.


Zach sat in his car, staring at the shop. He shoved a handful of hair from his face as he studied the woman moving inside. Her movements were jerky, restless, not as graceful or sure as she paced the shop. Every now and then she paused to look at her watch and comb her fingers through her long tousle of curls. A perplexed expression adorned her pretty face when she glanced at the door.
A slight smile tipped his lips. She was waiting for him. A quick glance at the dashboard clock confirmed he was late. No wonder she was concerned. 
Still, there were other issues he needed to consider. He dropped his gaze to the paper on the passenger seat. The scratched out face and dark slashing amrks left him cold and angry.
I’m watching her, echoed through his brain and apprehension slid down his spine. Someone sat in this very spot and took this picture—today. Zach crumpled the grainy photo in his fist, wishing he could erase the threat just as easily.
He exited the car and cast a wary eye around the parking lot. Nothing seemed out of place, but he still needed to be careful. The locks clicked and horn chirped to indicate he’d locked the doors. Once more he peered through the salon window. “Shear Fabulous” was emblazoned on the glass in vibrant blue letters. He paused when she bent to retrieve a pen from the floor. The short black skirt stretched across the curve of her voluptuous ass. Stifling a groan he shifted his now throbbing erection. She straightened, smoothed down her skirt and adjusted the lavender scooped neck tank. Just one night to taste all that butterscotch skin, that’s all he wanted.
He straightened as an idea occurred. Maybe there was a way to keep her safe and indulge his fantasies.
She turned, tossing her near waist length hair from her face, and locked eyes with him. A sultry smile curved her luscious lips and he yearned to sample the sweetness of her mouth. His cock twitched. Or better yet feel the heat of her mouth wrapped around the rigid length of him. He stared at her, images of her head in his lap while his hand fisted in the silky length of her hair teased him.
 ****
Trisha sighed in relief. Finally. She hurried to open the door and twisted the lock.
“I was getting worried.” She leaned against the glass, holding it open.
  Zach stood in front of her, the crisp white dress shirt slightly wrinkled stretched across his well-muscled chest. He lifted a hand and dragged a gentle finger against her skin just above the scooped neckline of her lavender top. A shiver raced through her body at the provocative caress. 
“Were you?” His velvety voice was pure seduction. Just two little words and she was ready to melt into a pool at his feet.
She nodded as she stared up at him. “Late client?”
“Paperwork. My office manager gets a little testy when I don’t do my mileage logs.” He moved past her and into the shop.
She locked the door behind him. When she turned he was already loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. The sight of his back with its taut muscles rippling beneath the cotton left her breathless. Removing his shirt shouldn’t have surprised her, as he’d done it every time before, but this time the urge to run her fingers over the sinewy chocolate-hued flesh was overwhelming. Damn Shauna and her handcuff comment.
“Are you ready for me?” Zach stood framed in the doorway removing his cufflinks.

All righty then. I hope you've been sufficiently teased, if not I promise to post more in the coming weeks. Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Crossfire Of Love with Ella Jade


1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Ella Jade and I'm a contemporary romance author. I've been writing for as long as I remember. The stories and plots have always played out in my head but I never knew what to do with them. That all changed when I discovered the eBooks industry. Now I'm penning novels at a rapid pace.
When I'm not writing, I'm busy with my two active boys. I also like to kick box, scrapbook and run around with my kids. I reside in NJ with my family.
2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?
Now that I'm published, I don't get a chance to read as often as I like, but some of my favorites are Nora Roberts and Stephen King. I read everything they write. I'm also thrilled to be finding so many new and exciting eBooks authors.
3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?
I've been pretty fortunate because the Muse has been keeping me really busy. I have a list of stories dying to be told. But, when I feel like the words aren't flowing, I take a break. I throw in a load of laundry or take a hot shower. Once I sit back down, I can usually work it out.
4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?
Every spring, my husband and I spend a weekend alone in NYC. We see a show, have dinner in the city, and reconnect. It’s a nice way to remember why we fell in love in the first place.
5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?
This is going to sound strange coming from an erotic fiction writer, but the steamy scenes are the hardest for me. I don't mind writing them and most times they are a crucial part of the scene, but I like to work out the plot and the dialogue before I go back and insert (no pun intended) the sexy stuff. It seems to work for me, so I go with it.
6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?
Hmm… all my heroines are pretty lucky;) If I had to pick one, I'd go with Gabriella from my newest release Crossfire of Love. She's been taken by Lorenzo for as long as she can remember. When they finally find one another and fall in love, it's almost like a fairytale. 
7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?
I like to indulge in my husband and kids. Life is hectic, so when we get to go to a movie or a vacation, those are some of my best memories. The kids grow up fast, so I try to indulge in the here and now.


Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope's you'll get lost in her words.
Crossfire Of Love
Can an arranged marriage lead to love?
Recent college graduate Gabriella has finally married the man of her dreams, the older, charismatic attorney Lorenzo Martinez. She's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember and always imagined they'd one day find their happily ever after. Unfortunately, they enter into a union arranged by their fathers.
Lorenzo is charming, protective, and loyal to his crime lord father Carlo. When Carlo asks Lorenzo to marry Gabriella he jumps at the opportunity. He's been drawn to her for many years and knows by marrying her he's helping to protect her father.
Gabby is resentful and won't be Lorenzo's charity case. But sparks fly and the couple soon gives into their desire, realizing they were meant to be together.
What happens when Carlo's enemies threaten their future? Will someone get caught in the crossfire?
Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence
Excerpt
Lorenzo walked up the porch steps, turning to stare at her. "Are you coming, Gabriella?" No one but Lorenzo and his father called her by her full name. She liked when Lorenzo said it. He'd always made it sound so formal and sexy.
These were the first words he had spoken to her since they left the courthouse. They were married in the chambers of the prestigious Judge John Cartwright. He'd been a family friend of the Martinezes for many years. He was their go-to man whenever they needed something done fast and legally. Well, legal in her new father-in-law's eyes anyway.
She hurried up the steps and followed Lorenzo inside their new home. It was built within a matter of months after she'd agreed to marry him. Carlo wanted them to have their privacy, but he also wanted to keep them close. He didn't trust she'd hold up her end of the bargain, and keeping her on the property was the best way to ensure she wouldn't run.
It was silly, really. How could she run from a family like this? They had ties all over the world. There wasn't any place she could escape to that they wouldn't know about. She was a woman of her word. She said she would marry Lorenzo and she did. She'd find a way to cope. She always had.
Lorenzo pulled his jacket off, poured himself a scotch, and then loosened his tie. "Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you," she said.
Most brides would be dancing the night away and drinking champagne by this point in their wedding night. She didn't think that was part of Lorenzo's plan.
"I didn't think you'd go through with it." He sipped the amber colored liquid as he looked her over.
"I said I would."
"I know, but when push actually came to shove, I thought you'd run."
"You don't know me that well," she said. "I don't run."
"Good." He smirked as he put the glass to his lips.
Gabby couldn't take her eyes away from those lips. She'd never had the pleasure of having them on her own. Judge Cartwright hadn't asked him to kiss his bride. She hated herself for thinking about him that way.
"You could've stopped this. Why didn't you?" she asked.
As they stood in front of the judge, she kept hoping he'd put an end to the charade and stop the wedding. It didn't make sense to her why he had agreed to marry her. She didn't have a choice. Her father's gambling debts made sure of that. But she didn't understand why he'd allowed things to get as far as they had.
"I was just as trapped as you were." He downed the rest of his scotch.
She didn't believe that. She knew he respected his dad, but she didn't get why he wouldn't have put his foot down and said no to such a life-altering decision.
"You could've told your father no from the beginning. Why would you agree to marry someone if you didn't have to?"
"Look." He shook his head. "It's done now. We're going to have to make the best of it."
"Make the best of it?" She plopped down on the leather sofa. "I'm twenty-two years old. I just graduated from college, and you want me to make the best of it?"
"I know this isn't what you might have wanted, but it is what it is. You agreed, and now it's done. You can't go back on it now. My father won't forgive that."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Outside the Law with Kara Lennox


Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I've been writing stories since I was old enough to hold a pencil. My first few books were written as Karen Leabo for Silhouette Romance, Desire and Intimate Moments, and Bantam Loveswept. As Kara Lennox I moved to Harlequin American and Intrigue, then to Super Romance. Perhaps I have a short attention span? The stories I love most are romantic suspense, and at Super Romance I've finally found an outlet for the longer, more complex and suspenseful stories that are so much fun for me. All of my Supers are in the Project Justice series, which so far has six books (the fourth is out this month, Outside the Law). I grew up in Texas, spent some time in Kansas City, and recently transplanted to Southern California and LOVE IT.
As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?
I definitely take time to read, and my taste varies widely, everything from lush historical romance to tense mainstream thrillers. Right now I'm reading Ben Franklin's autobiography, a book by Robert Crais, a J.D. Robb (all at the same time) and a writing book by Donald Maass. Janet Evanovich is one of my favorite authors, as is T Jefferson Parker, Jasper Fforde, and a bunch of others. Whoever I'm reading at the moment becomes a favorite author, at least temporarily. 'Cause if I don't love a book, I don't finish it. Life is too short.
How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?
My muse is well trained, and when I sit down to write, she's usually there. That said, sometimes I am distracted by other things, especially with all the social networking choices, gardening, crafts and artwork. I have to be very disciplined to turn off all that other stuff and write. It's hard work!
If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?
My favorite getaways are cycling vacations. When you climb a big hill with your sweetie and make it to the top, sweaty and winded and triumphant, it's a bonding thing. Then at the end of the day you can relax with local cuisine and wine. We go to some very interesting places--Serbia, Bulgaria, Victoria Island. This summer we're going to the finger lakes in upstate New York.
What is the hardest thing for you to write?
Love scenes! It's not that I'm shy or embarrassed, but I've written so many, and it's a challenge to come up with some fresh way to describe it. (I've probably written a hundred loves scenes!)
If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?
I wish I could be as efficient and organized as Jillian (not to mention young, beautiful, skinny and stylish). She appears in all of the Project Justice books (I think) first as billionaire Daniel Logan's personal assistant, and later in her own story as an intern trying to prove herself as an investigator. But I wouldn't want to actually be any of my characters, as they have way too much drama in their lives and bad guys try to kill them. They end up in a good place, true, but I wouldn't like all the angst leading up to the happy ending. I'd rather write about it than live it, LOL.
The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?
My inner food critic, I guess. I love going out to eat and for a while I was a restaurant reviewer. My husband laughs at me because I get so much pleasure from food and he really just doesn't care as long as he doesn't go hungry.
What do you like to write about the most? The least?
Cops are my absolute favorite. I am fascinated by murder investigations and serial killers. I love putting characters in danger, getting them shot, having them almost die. What do I least like writing about? Well, once when I was a freelance writer, I had to describe a chicken processing machine. And fork lift parts. After that, anything else is a picnic. 
Thank you so much for having me as your guest!
I will give away one autographed copy of Outside the Law, my March Harlequin Super Romance, by random drawing from among all those who comment on this blog. Here is the link to the book's Amazon page, where you can read an excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Outside-Harlequin-Superromance-Kara-Lennox/dp/0373717679/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329265136&sr=8-1