Daring to Love

Tell the readers a little about yourself.

My name is Karina Buchanan and I'm a romance writer. That sounds like I'm in some sort of group therapy meeting doesn't it? Lol I live a relatively quiet life in Northern Ireland and I'm a bit of a newbie to the writing world. I've had a few short stories and articles published over the years but my very first full length novel, Daring to Love, is out on 6^th January with Breathless Press. It's a contemporary romance set in Belfast and I still can't believe I'm finally going to see it in print!

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?

My husband used to say I ate books, I consumed them so fast but I probably haven't read as many as usual this year due to edits and WIPs. Primarily, I read modern romances because I love a happy ending but I also like a bit of humour in my reading material. At the minute, M&B author Maisey Yates is ticking all my boxes for a fab read. I'm also a big Jackie Collins fan but I enjoy the gentle romance in Irish author Maeve Binchy's work. I'm easy to please really! I suppose the stories I'm mostly reading at the minute are those of my crit group. The UCW ladies cover everything from paranormal to sizzling erotica, so I'm never stuck for reading material. 

How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I am the worst person in the world to get motivated but that's where amazing critique partners prove invaluable. We have constant posts of erm, 'motivational' pictures and brain storming sessions on our internet group page when we are at a loss. And when I do make the mistake of saying I can't be bothered, there's always someone there to crack the whip!

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

Both my husband and I have always talked about going to Italy one day on our own. Being able to enjoy the scenery and admire the architecture without kids whining that they're bored sounds like bliss. And then of course there's the food and wine…

What is the hardest thing for you to write?

Anything that requires a lot of research as I tend to get bogged down in the detail, and my usual response is to set it aside until a deadline looms. Case in point would be the new medical I started months ago…

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

One of my first heroines lived in an old wild west town and ran her own craft shop. It might sound boring to some but I really liked the idea of that kind of isolation – peace and quiet to just paint and make a living from a hobby. Of course, despite my hermit tendencies I would welcome the handsome stranger who rode in to save her, with open arms 

What do you like to write about the most? The least?

I prefer to write stories set in my homeland, it seems more 'real' to me. And my favourite part of a story is the flirty banter between the hero/heroine at the start. I love a bit of teasing to build up the sexual tension and I enjoy letting the dialogue flow in those scenes.

I don't enjoy those dark moments, where all hope is lost. I just want them to get together and live happily ever after!

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

I'm all about my home comforts. There's nothing I like better than to curl up with my other half and watch a DVD with the rain pouring down outside. And there may be chocolate involved too.

So without further ado, here's my very first novel.

Daring to Love

Andrea Macleave is determined to lose her 'Miss Stuffy Knickers' nickname with a rappel down Ireland's famous Europa Hotel, for the hospital where she works. Risk taking goes against everything she believes in and it takes a kiss from her hunky instructor to send her on her way. With her wild side let loose, a one night stand with the action man seems the perfect antidote to her staid life.

Excerpt

"I should have known you couldn't handle your drink." With the devil in him, Matt pushed the buttons guaranteed to re-activate his Andie.

A frown, a purse of full pink lips and she took the bait. "I'll have a whiskey if you're buying." The determination to prove him wrong blinded her to the goggled looks she garnered and the sudden quiet at the table.

He couldn't help his smile getting wider, the more irritated she became. "One whiskey, coming up. Jimmy give me a hand getting these in, will you?"

"I've a good mind to get you fired!" Matt hadn't noticed Andrea following him over to the bar. At the sound of her sexy, pissed-off voice, he slowly turned his head.

She stood, ram-rod straight, giving him clear appreciation of long, lean legs. They seemed to go on forever in those spiky black heels she had swapped for her trainers, even if she still had to look up at his six foot four frame. The figure-hugging jeans would bring a grown man to his knees but he would prefer to see her in something to better show off those pins.

The rose tint in her cheeks gave away her embarrassment at being so openly admired and coming across as a letch was not how he wished to be perceived. Nevertheless, he did enjoy throwing her off guard.

"You should be thanking me really." He wound her up and let her go.

"Thanking you?" She crossed her arms across her chest, drawing the V of her top down to give a tantalizing peek at her cleavage. "I should have you arrested for the way you behaved, never mind getting you fired."

"It got you over the edge, didn't it? You were so caught up, being ticked off at me that you didn't have time to think about what you were doing."

"In that case, turn around."

"Why?"

"So I can slap the gold star on your backside for a job well done! Do you seriously think that's a good enough reason for your behavior? Is that the way you carry on with all your clients?"

"Only the pretty, obstinate ones. As for having me fired, well," he backed his elbows onto the bar, "I do the charity rappels voluntarily. It's difficult to replace a trained instructor willing to work for free but if I caused you so much offense, do what you must."

Her delicious mouth opened and closed and he was assaulted with memories of tasting her. And how good it would be to do it again.

"Since it's for charity and all, I suppose I'll let the matter drop. Forget it happened." The defensive arms slackened and fell to her sides. With the thaw setting in, Matt impulsively stepped forward, to invade her personal space.

"Are you sure that's what you want, Andie?" If he could forget his rules for one night, she could stop pretending she didn't want him.

Instead of seeing the look of longing staring back at him, her pupils narrowed. "Where do you get off calling me 'Andie', anyway? My name is Andrea." She lifted the tumbler of the finest whiskey from the bar, knocked it back and stalked back to her friends.

Matt King never was one to back away from a challenge.

If you want to find out what happens next, you can buy Daring to Love here 

http://www.breathlesspress.com/daring-love

And you can contact me here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/profile.php?id=100002715462350

http://karina-buchanan.blogspot.com/

http://karinabuchanan.weebly.com/

Hump Day Inspiration

Our first Hump Day of the year. I've been very inspired the last couple of weeks. My muse had a chance to rest and she and her friends are roaring to go!

I found this cutey, Matt Bomer from White Collar.

And what about this hottie Christian Kane from Leverage.

I think David Boreanaz is my favorite Alpha. What do you think? 

I hope you've been inspired. Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic.

Spotlight with Diane Alberts' Reclaimed

My apologies for this going up late, my brain is still in holiday mode. Welcome Diane Alberts and enjoy her new release Reclaimed. Oh I know you're going to what this hot read for your collection and it's at the irresistible price of .99 cents. So read the excerpt and go get your copy today.

After moving to England, Sabrina tumbles into an unknown world when she meets the man of her dreams, literally. As a writer, her overactive imagination makes her believe the impossible, but recovering from shock, she wonders how Isaac could appear in her nightmares—when she’s never met him in real life. Until now. 

The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn. 

While embarking on a dangerous and passionate affair, a bitter enemy appears from Isaac’s past that will stop at nothing to remove Sabrina from his arms. Permanently. In order to establish a foreseeable and solid future, she must first deal with tumultuous occurrences. Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed, Sabrina fights for her newfound love…and her life.

Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, and a bird. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. She has been writing since she was in elementary school, but only recently fulfilled her dreams of being published in 2011. Enjoys dyeing yarn and knitting in her "spare" time.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Excerpt:

A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina’s house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.

Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin.

“Well, I had a lovely evening.” He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or….” She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.

God, she sounded like such an idiot.

Nightcap?

Who the heck said nightcap anymore?

“While I’d love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?”

“No, not too soon at all. I’d love to see you tomorrow.”She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. “You can call me,and we’ll firm up a time. Good night.”

She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch.

“I didn’t think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong.” When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She’d somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

Marissa and Snowy Fate

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

There isn’t a whole lot to tell. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, I now reside about an hour from Washington, D.C.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave me the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read I have always had my nose in a book. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I started writing down the stories I came up with.

I am blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is my other half and allows me to stay home and pursue my writing. My writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

 I am the owner of Sizzling Hot Book’s and Sizzling PR.

 I love to hear from readers, you can email me at marissa@marissadobson.com Or visit me at http://www.marissadobson.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?

Yes I read a lot. I am the owner of Sizzling Hot Book’s and we receive a lot of books for read. I read a little bit of everything but romance is my favorite. Any romance genre except historical romance. I have never been a big fan of those. My favorite authors are all over the place, some of my must buy favorite authors are Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, Christine Feehan, Rebecca Royce, Sandra Sookoo, and so on.

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

I take a break, get some work done and then try again. Sometimes take the dog for a walk. Things seem to fall in place when I had time to think about it. If not I try to push through it, keep writing, even if I have to delete it later because I know I will figure a way out. 

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

Anywhere with the beach. I love the beach. 

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

For me that was my first sex scene (the one in Snowy Fate). Up until now I have always been a very sweet romance author. No sex. But Snowy Fate called for it. Plus it opened the door for my upcoming Live Series, which will be hotter than Snowy Fate. Not too hot, mind you, but it will have more sex in it. 

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

I would have to say it would be Meg from the first book in the Live Series, Learning to Live. She has been sheltered her whole life by her over protecting family but she finds the courage to spread her wings and in the end find true love. She was so much fun to write. 

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

For me, I indulge in a good book, even when I should be doing other things. 

Fate always knows when you're ready for love.

The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man. 

Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life then what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, I now reside about an hour from Washington, D.C. I am a lady who likes to keep busy, and am always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, I believe you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave me the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read I have always had my nose in a book. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started writing down the stories I came up with.  

I am blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is my other half and allows me to stay home and pursue my writing. My writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways. 

Website / Facebook / Twitter 

Ruby Lioness Press / Kindle / Smashwords / Nook / 1 Place for Romance

Excerpt:

She picked up the fire poker as she looked at the naked man before her. “Who are you?” Even though she was startled by the man who stood before her, she had a feeling that he meant her no harm. A man that sexy couldn’t harm anyone; except to break a girl’s heart. He looked as though he should be posing for Playgirl instead of standing in the cozy living room. 

“The better question is who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked as he shook the wet snow off his body. He stood there, not the least bit concerned that he was naked, nor that he was wet from head to toe. Her heart was fluttering, and desire was heating her cheeks. She wanted to explore his toned body with her hands, and her tongue. His dark hair was wind blown into disarray; that served to make him look dangerous, and that much sexier. 

“The name’s Aspyn. Now who are you?”

“You’re his daughter,” he said more out of shock, then in question. “I’m Damon Andrews. John, your dad’s lawyer, didn’t think you would be coming to the house, or I would have left.”

Once she heard this man was a friend of her father’s, she quickly squashed the attraction that was building inside her. There was no way she could pursue someone who knew her father. She didn’t want to know any more than she already did about the man who ran out on her and her mother. 

“It wasn’t the plan. I agreed to sell the place and his things. I planned to head straight home, but the storm rolled in, leaving me no time to get out of town. I didn’t have anywhere else to go and I didn’t think anyone was living here. The lawyer mentioned the key under the rug if I wanted to stop.” She lowered the weapon as she spoke. 

He nodded in understanding. “If there is anything of his you want, please feel free to take it. There are lots of pictures of you.”

“He never gave me anything while he was alive and I don’t want anything now.” The first tear was threatening to fall. 

“Hey there, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry,” he said, crossing the room in two strides. 

“It’s not you. It’s just being here, around all this. It’s more than I can handle now. I’m not a woman who cries at the drop of the hat, I don’t know what is wrong with me. All the years he missed, and now it’s too late. This is like crying over spilled milk.”

He gently laid a hand on her shoulder.  “He wouldn’t want you to be upset. He did what he thought was right when you were a child. It might not have been the best decision, but he felt it was the only way. It was the only way to give you a semi-normal childhood, and he regretted that decision every day.”

She looked him in the eye and with fire in her eyes, she lashed back. “I know this is going to sound childish and ungrateful, but then he should have come back for us.” She shook off his hand. “But none of that matters now, it’s too late. What are you doing here? Better yet, why are you naked?”

Taking a step back, he nodded to the cot made in the corner. “I’ve been staying with your father. I’m building a house on the other side of the lake and was living at the hotel. On your dad’s better days, he would come over and helped with the construction. The heat and plumbing aren’t finished yet because of the freezing weather. Your dad invited me to stay until it was finished. When he passed and I found out you didn’t want the house, I put the offer in to buy it. I couldn’t see it sold off to someone who wouldn’t appreciate the beauty of the area. As for my lack of clothing, well that is a long story. Why don’t I make us something to eat? I’m sure you’re starving.”

“That would be great.”

“On one condition … you must read your father’s journal. You need to understand why. It will affect you more than I can explain.” Before she could object he added, “Please. There is stuff in there that you really need to know. I told him time and time again that he needed to find you before it was too late and tell you. But he didn’t listen. The first page is all I am asking. After that, if you don’t want to read any more, I won’t pester you anymore today.”

Happy New Year!

Streamers. Confetti. Noisemakers and all that jazz! Happy New Year everybody. Already we're kicking 2012 off with a bang! I'm over at The Romance Studios giving away a gift certificate. I may even throw some chocolate in as well. All I know is I've been slacking over the holidays and it feels pretty darn good. The muse and her friends had a nice vacay. No, I don't know where they went, but she's been inspired and I've got some new things to write about.

Marissa Dobson will be here a little later and will share her novel Snowy Fate. The cover is so delish, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I'm going to try a few new things for this year and I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime hug someone and as always Indulge Your Inner Romantic.