Meet Marlene Sanchez

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I was born in New York, raised in Miami, and am now living in Alabama. I am a mother of four (two sons and two step-daughters), and love every minute of it. I even have a full time job I really like, but my true passion has always been writing. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 15 and am still shocked I’m actually doing it.

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?

Honestly, I should read a lot more than I do. I have been making an effort to do so, especially so I can see what’s out there in my genre. I have; however, audio read the Harry Potter books so book 5 so far. I do enjoy reading Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. Of course, I am only up to book 10 or 11 and she has more than 15 now. Right now I am reading “Private” by James Patterson and have “Tough Customer” by Sandra Brown to read next.

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

It’s not always easy to stay motivated, especially when the real world gets in the way and kicks you in the face. What I usually do is go back and read through and edit what I’ve written That helps give my muse the motivation he needs to get back in gear.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

I would go to Venice, Italy and take a long, quiet gondola ride through the streets, sipping wine as we floated by.

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

The hardest thing for me to write are my “sprinkles of romance” because I’m never sure where too draw the line, if you catch my drift.

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I would be Martina Rosequete from Accidents Happen and the developing Martina Rosequete Investigations series. She is a strong, independent Cuban-American woman that doesn’t take any bull from anyone. She loves her family and friends, and knows how to enjoy life to the fullest. She is also quite smart and damn good at her job.

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge? 

Don’t have the time or energy to indulge these days LOL. If could, I would soak in a hot bubble bath with a good book and a smooth glass of red wine.

The Pascual crime family is getting bigger and stronger and taking over more and more of Miami every day. The FBI has been trying to take them down for years, but they can’t seem to make anything stick. Enter former Marine sniper, Agent Michael Walker. 

Until age 17 Michael was best friends with Manny Pascual, the heir and current head of the Pascual family. Now the FBI wants him to infiltrate the family he was once a part of in order to collect enough evidence to bring them down for good.

Although it has been more than ten years since Michael has been back to Miami, Manny is more than happy to have his best friend back where he belongs. Not everyone is as happy to see Michael, but one person is secretly thrilled to see him. Bianca Martinez, the family lawyer, can’t keep him out of her head

The FBI is closing in, but Michael is becoming more conflicted between his job, his friendship with Manny and the life he missed in Miami. The hot relationship sparking with Bianca complicates things further when he learns Manny wants to claim her as his own.

Will the years of friendship between these three endure as they find themselves between the tightening vice of rivaling families and the hard fist of the law? Or will they all drown in their Waves of Deceit?

Born in Manhattan, Raised in Miami, Living in Alabama.

Marlene Sanchez is a Daughter, a Sister, a Niece, a Cousin, a Friend, a Wife, a Mother, a Step-Mother, and an Aunt… She thrives off her Family and Friends, and tries to live her life to the fullest… Her children are her life, but her passion is writing.

Her novels reflect her Hometown of Miami, her Cuban upbringing and her love for gangster movies (legal and police dramas too).

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Publisher

Meet Gem Sivad

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

First things first, Lynn—thanks so much for inviting me here today. 

Hmmm. You want to know me? Sheesh, that’s one of the hardest things for me to do in an interview. Okay, here goes.  I have hermit tendencies and live in a country setting populated by wild turkeys, deer, hawks and a bear or two. I love it. 

For fun, I grab a book (or wip) and dive into an adventure, visiting wild and rugged places. If you’ve seen me on twitter, Face Book or a romance loop, it was probably a quick glimpse only. I lurk, say “hello” to the few peeps I know, read the daily updates from others, enjoy from a distance, and remain silent for the most part. 

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? 

Yes, I’m a book addict. I don’t know many authors who aren’t voracious readers—none in fact. I’m the same. When I fall in love with an author’s voice I read every title they publish. Sarah McCarty, Linda Howard, Maya Banks, Beth Williamson, Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs are favorites of mine right now. 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative? 

I always have several wips going in different stages. If I get stalled in one wip, I let the issue percolate in my brain while I edit or tweak another project.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Anywhere with my husband on a beach. 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

I have a terrible time writing anything shorter than 40k words. I like to detail my characters and plot to such an extent, I tend to write looooong. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be? 

Miracle Beauregard—my heroine in Trouble in Disguise (2012 Ellora’s Cave release). She’s a take-charge sweetie who hides her feminine attributes in order to make a living as a bounty hunter.  Orphaned and alone since she was ten, Mari’s adept with shotgun, whip and knife and travels with her wolf, Ketchum.  But revealing her secrets to Deacon McCallister is the scariest thing she’s ever attempted in her life.

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge? 

Sit on the deck at night with hubs, cuddle in a chaise lounge and enjoy life. 

Perfect Strangers

ISBN: 9781419935244

Gem Sivad

Blurb:

 Lucy and Ambrose Quince share fiery passion in and out of bed; they love hard but fight often, both having opinions and tempers. But Lucy mysteriously disappears in 1874, leaving the Double-Q ranch and all she loves behind. Three years later, scarred in mind and body, Lucy is drawn back to Eclipse and the life she’s forgotten—including a snarling, lustful husband.

Although she claims she can’t remember him, Ambrose hasn’t forgotten a damned thing. Lucy left him and he owes her nothing. Trouble is—his heart remembers too, and Lucy’s the only woman who’ll ever own it.

Trailer Link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/GemSivad

Available @ Ellora’s Cave: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9692-perfect-strangers.aspx

Visit Gem @ Web / Twitter / FB  / Gem’s Place  / Email

Thanks so much for hosting me.

Gem

Web:  http://www.gemsivad.com/

Gem’s Place:  http://www.gemsivad.com/blog/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/gemsivad

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/GemSivadAuthor

Email:  mailto:gem@gemsivad.com

Name My Chef

It only took months before I found a picture which inspired me. It couldn't be just any old pic either and believe me I looked through hundreds. I can really see this guy whipping up an omelet or my personal fave, waffles.
Maybe it's the eyes or the bit of scruffiness goin' on, either way, this cute commands my cyber kitchen and fills my buffets for all the guests and readers. So give him a name.

Let's see, $5 Amazon GC to the commenter with the best name.

My Chef could be considered a little temperamental, we don't always see eye to eye. He likes to be in control at all time, but he has a soft spot for doggies.
He drives a Mustang 5.0 and has been known to drag race against Tyrell. Why those two feel the need to compete is beyond me.

If you need more deets on my handsome chef let me know. I'm not sure if this hottie should have an accent. What do you think? I'll take suggestions all week, and announce the winner on Sunday.

May the best name win!

Back to Work

The first chance I've had to really blog on my site. lol I love it. Have you been enjoying the guests? I have, my TBR pile has tripled, despite reading 12 books on vacation. Yes I went on vacation. Ahh it was marvelous. Warm sunshine, balmy breezes, sugar white sand, clear blue skies. ahhh it was heavenly.

I couldn't resist snapping this picture while we were in the Theme Park. I love Dr. Suess and Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite story to read.

Let me tell you what's going on this week. I'm blogging at Whipped Cream Reviews on Tuesday, Thursday I'm at Theresa Stillwagon's and Saturday I'm taking over Facebook. What? Romance writers can't have a world domination quest? Okay so it's just Whispers Publishing page. So come out have fun, see what I'm doing and there may be chocolate involved. Yeah, I'm not above bribing to get what I want.
Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic.

The Lonely Dominant-Spotlight

The Lonely Dominant

Ella Jade

Blurb

Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn't consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.

After her grandmother's death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec's home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she's a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart.  

As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn't admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn’t sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love. 

Excerpt

I broke the kiss and gently stroked her hair. "Thank you for letting me be the first to bring you that pleasure. You don't know how it pleases me."

I continued to stare at her for a few moments, occasionally placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"I want to please you," she said. "I can't explain it, but I have these urges to make you happy."

"What do you mean?" I said, figuring we might as well put it all on the table.

"Ever since I met you, there's just been something about you. It's the way you act, and you always seem to have control over everything. It's really sexy."

I smirked, because she got me completely.

"When I hear you on the phone for work, you just say what needs to be done. You never ask, and you always get results. There are times when I think I want you to talk to me that way. Is there something wrong with me? I can't even believe I'm telling you this."

I laughed, because if there was something wrong with her, then I was certainly a head case.

"Clara," I picked up her shirt from the floor and handed it to her, "there's nothing wrong with you. I think there's a very specific reason we're drawn to one another."

"Why?"

"Do you know what a Dominant is?" Why waste time?

I was never the type to beat around the bush. When I wanted something, I put it out there. This was no different. She may not have realized it, but she was attracted to me because she was submissive. Exactly how submissive? I wasn't sure, but I hoped to find out.

She quickly put her blouse back on and buttoned it up. We'd have to work on her modesty, too. I planned to have her naked quite a bit.

"I think so," she said. "It's when a person takes on the dominant role in a sexual relationship."

I smiled. "Yes, that's part of it, but it's also the Dom's responsibility to teach and help his submissive reach pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It's a mutually beneficial relationship between two consenting adults."

"Alec, are you dominant?"

"In almost every aspect of my life, especially in the bedroom."

"Oh," she said, as she adjusted her skirt.

"Does that bother you?" I'd give her the opportunity to run screaming from the house. 

"Actually," she said, and the blush took over her face again. "It kind of intrigues me."

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Do you know anything about that type of relationship?" I pulled her closer to me. She was so soft and warm, and I couldn't keep my hands off her. I'd touch her all day if I could.

"Not firsthand, obviously." She traced my lips with her fingertip. I liked when she touched me unprovoked. "I had a human sexuality course last semester and we discussed dominant and submissive behaviors, and I realized I could be a submissive. Not extremely submissive. I mean, I don't think I could be someone's slave, or do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but I found it a turn-on."

Is this really happening?

"The more I learned about the subject, the more I realized I wanted to be dominated," she said. "But, it wasn't something I thought I could explore. I wouldn't even know how to go about it."

Surreal was the only way to describe what was happening here. Anytime I'd engaged in this behavior, I'd had to seek out my subs as discreetly as possible. I would go through friends I knew in the community to find a woman who was into the same things I was. I'd always had difficulty finding someone who was only interested in light play. Most subs were looking for long-term, hard play, and as secure as I was, I just wasn't into beating or humiliating anyone. I also liked having the power of being able to play when I wanted to.

"I'm not a hard-core Dom. I've dabbled, but I've never collared a sub, and I've never been in a relationship with one before. I enjoy the lifestyle, but I did it only with a willing partner, and only for brief periods of time. We both took what we needed from the experience, and then we mutually parted ways."

She looked disappointed by my response. Maybe she thought I was more involved in the lifestyle?

"It's a very satisfying experience when both participants are open and honest about their wants and desires. The pleasures I've gained through my past experiences were like none I'd ever experienced before."

"I'd like to try it," she said. "I want to submit to you."

"You're so young." Her age didn't bother me. Rather, I knew she was so inexperienced when it came to sex and relationships. I wasn't certain she could make this kind of decision. "I'd need you to be absolutely sure."

"You said it was consensual. I wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to, and if I remember correctly, there are safe words we could use."

"I think you know more than you're letting on." I arched a brow at her, but I was impressed by her openness. I was surprised she had the courage to press the matter.

"I may have researched the subject a couple of times."

"You're right about safe words. They are set up to protect not only your physical boundaries, but your emotional limits as well. I would push your limits, but only to show you how much pleasure you could gain. I couldn't do this 24/7 either. We'd have to come up with some sort of agreement, since we live under the same roof." Are we really entertaining this?

"Weekends?" She shrugged. "Maybe we could try it out?"

I smiled and gently kissed her lips. "Yes, I think weekends would work perfectly."

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, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope's you'll get lost in her words.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

A Marshal of Her Own-Dessa Wade

Dessa Wade, is an investigative reporter living in San Antonio, TX.

What’s your favorite color? My favorite color is bright yellow.

What type of vehicle do you drive? Anything that will get me where I need to go. Things aren’t important to me. My money is spent on traveling to where stories take place.

Describe yourself to me. I like adventure and am always after the next story. My appearance isn’t important. (Runs fingers through her hair.) I keep my hair cut short and spiky so it’s easy to fix, wear little makeup, and my clothes are basic without froufrou. Some folks say I’m pretty, but I don’t see it. My brown eyes match my plain brown hair.

How would your mate describe you? If I had one, he’d say I was stubborn, but caring. Cole thinks I’m pretty, said the yellow flecks in my eyes “reminded him of gold dust in a miner’s pan.” 

What really moves you, or touches you to the soul? 

Innocent babies and mother love.

Describe your ideal mate. He’d be smart, honest, caring, defender of home and hearth, and loyal and committed to family—just like Marshal Cole Jeffers. But I’m not sure I can stay in the past and the irritating man hasn’t said he loves me.

.

What are you most afraid of? Being bored.

What's the most important thing in your life? My career.

What do you consider your special talent? The ability to gather facts, draw conclusions, and tell a good story.

How did you meet the hero/heroine? The oaf arrested me, accused me of being part of a group of bank robbers.

Was it love at first sight or did it develop slowly? Instant attraction but love quickly developed. Well, my kidnapping pushed things along. Nothing like distance to make the heart grow fonder.

What did you like/dislike about him/her when you first met? He’s a bossy man. Expects everyone to obey his commands. I tried to tell him I was a time traveler, but he wouldn’t believe me.

If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for? Right now…back here in 1890…a truck load of toilet paper, a dozen sets of modern underwear, and a case of ballpoint pens, 

A Marshal of Her Own – Blurb and Excerpt

Blurb:

Despite rumors of “strange doings” at a cabin in Fredericksburg, investigative reporter Dessa Wade books the cottage from which lawyer, Charity Dawson, disappeared in 2008. Dessa is intent on solving the mystery. Instead, she is caught in the mystery that surrounds the cabin and finds herself in 1890 in a shootout between the Faraday Gang and a US Marshal. 

Marshal Cole Jeffers doesn’t believe Miss Wade is a time traveler. He admits she’s innocent of being an outlaw, but thinks she knows more about the gang than she’s telling. When she’s kidnapped by Zeke Faraday, Cole is determined to rescue her. He’s longed for a woman of his own, and Dessa Wade just might be the one—if she’ll commit to the past.

Excerpt:

Dessa stood still and watched as they conversed. Something stank to high heaven about this entire situation. Why were the cops chasing robbers on horseback? It’s not like Fredericksburg was that isolated. She glanced at the captured men. The boy moaned, and she made a step to go over and help him. The Marshal spun, and the expression in his eye froze her in place.

 “He needs first aid.”

 “He’s fine. The Doc will tend to him when we get to the jail.”

  “You could at least call 911 and let them patch him up for you.” She nodded to the man lying so still with his eyes closed. “Your other prisoner doesn’t look so good. He’s going to die on you if you don’t start CPR or get him some help.”

 “Lady, no one is going to hear a yell from out here. Never heard of any 911 or CPR.” He propped the hand not holding the shotgun on his hip and threw her a disgusted look. “Are you blind? That man is dead, shot through the heart.”

Her head swam for a moment, and she struggled not to give in to the sensation and faint. She drew in deep gulps of air. “Well...well..., what about the coroner and the meat wagon, not to mention the CSI folks? If you don’t get them to record the scene, how are you going to cover your butt? The authorities might say you shot him in cold blood.”

He looked at her like she’d sprouted an extra head. “I don’t know what the hell you are talking about woman. No one will question my authority. I’m the law in this county. Now, be quiet, or I’m going to gag you.”

A Marshal of Her Own will be available on November 23, 2011 at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and other online book stores. It is the sequel to A Law of Her Own available at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.com and other online book stores. I’m awaiting a release date for A Love of His Own, the third story in the Prairie, Texas series.

My release contest for A Marshal of Her Own begins November 9th. I’ll be giving away this vintage rhinestone typewriter pin. To enter the drawing, go to my webiste or blog and sign up for my newsletter. If you already receive it, email me at linda@lindalaroque.com with A Marshal of Her Own contest in the subject line. Contest ends December 15, 2011.

Leave me a comment or ask a question today and you’ll be entered into a drawing for an ecopy of A Law of Her Own.

Also, today’s blog post is part of 2 blog tours—this one for A Marshal of Her Own and starting December 4^th, one for Born in Ice. Follow along each day and leave a comment to be entered into the grand prize drawing and learn about my Born in Ice contest. 

The Blog Tour schedule will be posted on my blog and website. It will last 25 days and the Grand Prize is a Kindle. Leave a comment each day and your name will be entered 25 times. Pretty good odds, huh?

Tomorrow I’ll be at Sandra K. Marshall’s blog at http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda LaRoque

Writing Romance With a Twist in Time

www.lindalaroque.com

http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tinyman#!/linda.laroque

http://twitter.com/#!/LindaLaRoque

Linda LaRoque is a Texas girl, but the first time she got on a horse, it tossed her in the road dislocating her right shoulder. Forty years passed before she got on another, but it was older, slower, and she was wiser. Plus, her students looked on and it was important to save face. 

A retired teacher who loves West Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people, Linda’s stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the raw landscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas and the Midwest. She is a member of RWA, her local chapter of HOTRWA, NTRWA and Texas Mountain Trail Writers. 

Black Friday-Blog til You Drop

Oh yeah. There are no lines. No camping out all night in the cold. No crowds. Yes, it's Black Friday and we're celebrating with a Blog Hop Giveaway. Since I'm on the road, speeding back to cold dreary Michigan. I so hate to leave the sunshine. Man, even the orange juice tastes better down here.

So check this out, me and about ten other Marketing for Romance Writers Authors have got together and we're giving away some fab gifts.

Me. I've got a $15 GC with a lucky commenters name on it. Oh yeah. That's $15 to a retailer of your choice. Amazon, All Romance eBooks or ITunes. Heck if you want the card to Wal-Mart or Target, Best Buy or Victoria's Secret I'll make that happen too. Just let me know.

What do you have to do? Leave a comment or rather answer this question. What's your biggest pet peeve about shopping on Black Friday? and for those that don't brave the lines or the crowds. Do you Internet shop on Black Friday, why or why not?

Good Luck!
Make sure to visit the rest on the hop for more fab prizes!
That's right Merry Christmas to me. :-D
Chris Redding 
W. Lynn Chantale-You're already here!
Chelle Cordello
Christine Ashworth-Next in line
Tammy Dennings
Shelly Munro
Debra Holland
Jane Wakely
Smoky Zeidel
Ann Siracusa

Blackbird and Samhain

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I’m an Irish Reconstructionist pagan on the Warrior and Druid path and that is a major focus of my mainly non-fiction work. I have been pagan for over a decade now though it is the birth of my son that has really gotten me focused on the Warrior side of things. Looking into his eyes and knowing that I am his first teacher in this life and especially in such a minority religious tradition, it got me extremely motivated. 

I also have a Bachelors of Arts in Technical Theatre and Design as well as a minor in Philosophy/Religious Studies. I worked as a professional stage manager and theatre tech for years which is still a love of mine. Working in theatre is my Bardic arts contribution to the world. My current full time occupation helps me focus a bit more on the Warrior path and also allows me time to write for various blogs and to work on my hopes of publishing a full book sooner rather than later.  I have been lucky enough to have a prose piece published in the Samhain Anthology with Pagan Writers Press and while I have a few blogs I contribute to my main personal blog is My Mommy The Pagan Warrior (mymommythepaganwarrior.blogspot.com).

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?

I do read a lot of mainly non-fiction. I prefer books about Celtic history and have been focusing more recently on Irish legend, specifically the Mythological and Ulster Cycles. In regards to both of those topics, I would have to say Miranda Green is one of my favorite authors on the subject of Celtic history and the lore doesn’t really have any attributed authors for them, mainly just translators. 

In the fiction world, I’ll admit it, I’m a Twilight fan having read all four books numerous times and I also love crime mysteries. I’ve been reading Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta series, recently.

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I am very “Muse” based. If I’m not in that zone I don’t usually write which is why I allot myself enough time to focus on the project as I need to. If I truly hit a wall, I’ll just go back to research and that usually sparks at least a word or sentence in my brain to start again.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

My husband and I’s idea of a “romantic” getaway is a little different than most. Yes, like most people we love the long walks on the beach and the ocean view. I need a Jacuzzi to loosen up and consider that a luxury required on any getaway, but we are also big on amusement parks so any place where we can have all of these things is perfect. 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

The times I am inspired to write fiction I find that the hardest thing to write is detailed descriptions of people and places. I started out writing scripts because of my focus with theatre and so dialogue comes very easy to me. When I began branching out from there, I found that I couldn’t really focus on the person or the setting they were in. This has been something I have been working on more recently by focusing in on a face or a location and just taking that time to see every shadow, blade of grass or wrinkle in my mind in order to describe it for the readers. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I write more non-fiction than fiction, but when I do write fiction I find it easier to write what I know. While I may not “live” the life of my characters, they are definitely living parts of mine so I guess there isn’t one I would choose as they are all a part of me, anyway.

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

When I see the phrase “Indulge Your Inner Romantic,” the first thing to come to mind is chocolate covered strawberries. Enough said. 

Samhain marks the end of summer and the preparation for winter.  To many, Samhain is merely Halloween, but to Pagans, it is a day when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, and we can reconnect with our beloved deceased.  Samhain is a joyful celebration where we invite the spirits of our loved ones into our homes to remember and honor them.

Pagan Writers Presents Samhain is a collection of articles, poetry, and short stories.  Forty Pagan writers have come together to express how we celebrate the holiday, to share their thoughts and feelings, and to entertain with stories that take place on or around the last week of October.

Leave your broom by the door and join us at the hearth as we tell you about the Sabbat known as Samhain.

Pagan Writers Presents Samhain is the first anthology in the Pagan Writers Press Sabbat collection.

All proceeds from the sale of this anthology further the mission of the Pagan Writers Community, an organization that seeks to edu­cate, inspire, and pro­mote artists, authors, blog­gers, musi­cians, poets, and writers who follow alternative-faith spiritual and religious paths.

Genre - Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Wicca & Witchcraft

Blackbird O'Connell is an Irish Reconstructionist (Págánacht) on the pagan path since 1999. She has a Bachelors of Arts in Technical Theatre and Design with a minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies who has dedicated herself to being a mother, a student, and an adviser as inspired by the ancient Druids. She serves the Tuatha Dé Danann by attempting to walk the Warrior path maintaining her life "with truth in her heart, strength in her arms and fulfillment in her tongue." 

My Mommy The Pagan Warrior / Celtic Reconstruction’s Study Program

Spotlight and Giveaway with Eve Langlais

Blurb:

How can she make him stop thinking of her as a freakn’ sister?

Francine’s loved Mitchell, a wolf like herself, since she first set eyes on him back when they were just kids. However,  Mitchell’s never seen her as more than another annoying sister.    Determined to make him realize she’s all grown up, she enlists the aide of Alejandro, a gorgeous cat shifter. She never counted on wanting them both.

    Alejandro knows Francine is special from the first moment he meets the fiery plump wolf, which is why he suggests she use him to make Mitchell jealous. A great plan, especially if it means he gets to kiss those luscious lips. One taste, though, and he’s addicted, but how does he make her see past the man she loves to realize she’s also meant to be his mate?

    For a long time now, Mitchell’s been avoiding Francine, his bratty sister’s friend. However, the little girl he remembers is all grown up, and when he sees her in the arms of another, a need to claim her overrides all his common sense. But, he’s waited too long and fate has decided that he’s going to have to share. Can he bend enough to accept Francine with her other man, or will his freakn’ jealousy send him running?

Warning: Excessive amounts of heat may be generated when reading this story. Do not sit or stand near flammable objects unless they happen to be your partner. Please note, that while the heroes sustained injuries during the course of the story, Francine did eventually kiss them all better, naked of course. This is a ménage romance, with heavy emphasis on the romance. It does contain multi partner, sexual situations that some people may find titillating. Reader        discretion is advised. 

CONTEST ALERT******GiVEAWAY*******

Leave a comment along with your email address and I'll pick the winner on Saturday. Good luck!

A Moment with Clarissa Yip

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

Hmm…That’s a hard question. No, really it is. I’m an author, a student, a scrapbooker, a video gamer, and…what were we talking about? Lol. Sorry. I grew up in New York, have been traveling across the states the past few years. I’ve stayed in Hawaii for about two and a half years. Sometimes I’ll be in California, New York, possibly Texas (only if I want to put up with family), but right now I live in Maryland…until the travel bug bites me again. I write contemporary romance, I’m a big Castle fan, and I love LOVE to eat! I will drive to wherever there is good food. (Well, also because no one wants me in the kitchen. My own cooking scares me.) I love languages. I speak Chinese at home but I’ve studied Korean and Mandarin for years. Currently, I’m working on my Masters in International Business Marketing Management. My dream? Is to share my stories with the whole word. Preferably one day in different languages. 

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?

I love to read! Who doesn’t? lol. I’m constantly adding to my TBR pile. (That thing is monstrous.) Some of my fave authors include JR. Ward, Harlequin authors Lynn Raye Harris, Olivia Gates, and also many old time authors like Judith McNaught, Linda Howard, Sandra Brown, Jude Devereaux… My list could go on forever! I still love to dig up the older books and read them over and over again. There’s just some sort of comfort in reading stories you grew up with. 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

My muse? She’s mean! It depends on where I am, I think. Usually when I’m in Hawaii, she’s more cooperative or she’ll just run off to the beach without me. If I’m in California, she’s too busy shopping and trying to fill up on Mexican food. In New York, she’s hides because she hates the demands brought on by family. She doesn’t have much thinking space there (Okay, my parents drive her nuts. The truth.) Now in Maryland? She’s just chillin’. Sometimes she’ll come out and be ferocious and force me to write continuously, other times she’s feeling sun deprived so I have to bribe her with food. *whispers* Is it weird that she comes out more vivid when I’m showering? Seems I’ve been doing my plotting more in the shower than anywhere else…

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Wow! Don’t think I’ve ever been asked this one before. Romantic getaway? I would say anywhere in Europe or somewhere warm. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and visit the vineyards and meet some hot Italian guy that would seduce me with their accent. Or they could just bring me to Hong Kong and buy me street food. It’s good! I swear. I see it in movies all the time. Ever watch Anthony Bourdain? Dangerous man. I wish I had his job at times… I think anywhere is romantic as long as you’re with the one you love and you’re having a good time making memories.  

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

Writing is easy! (that’s such a lie.) I think I struggle most with just getting the ideas on paper and just starting to write. I could have really good days and know what I want, but then some days… I do all this plotting and outlining and character mapping, and then when I actually sit down and write, my characters decide that they don’t want to do that. They’ll just do the opposite of what I want to occur. (Mean muse, again.) I write mainly contemporary romance, but I love reading paranormals. If you told me to write a paranormal…that story might take years to get done. My brain just doesn’t function that way. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Hmmm…I would have to say Jenna from One Chance. She’s spunky, shy, but seen as one of the guys. I wish I was physically shaped like her. (She’s a gym teacher. I’m not coordinated at all. I could easily trip over my own feet. Yup, clutzy.) Jenna’s courage and determination in getting what she wants draws me to her. And what does she want? To save her best friend, Cade who is marrying the wrong woman. They’re best friends and I’ve always dreamed of falling for my best friend. The friendship/love dynamics just intrigue me. One Chance is a short story, but the way their relationship grows just tugs at my heart. I’m cheering for Jenna the whole time and hoping Cade isn’t an idiot. * fingers crossed * Of course you know, they work things out. 

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

Well, besides that tag line being dangerous? My inner romantic would be indulging in my TBR pile, flying all over the country for awesome food, and always seeking the next best idea for writing the best story. 

Releasing November 18th

Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?

Releasing: November 28th

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance? 

Releasing December 23rd

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess. 

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

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