Ten things you didn’t know about Isabeau Montgomery.
Can music heal the fractured soul? Or will it tear them apart forever? Thirteen years — that's how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother's life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar... Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal — one that doesn't include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won't be easy, but he can't get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head. Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness? 2012 Romance Through the Ages Award Winner ~ 1st Place Contemporary
2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist 2012 Readers Favorite Award Finalist 2011 Book of the Year Finalist ~ Long and Short Reviews
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FOUR WILDE BROTHERS...ONE WILDE COUNTRY BAND WILDE RIDERS is the first novel in a spicy new contemporary romance series about four sexy brothers, their small-town bar and their local country band. WILDE RIDERS can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as part of the SERIES. Cooper Wilde spent his entire adolescence counting the days until he could escape rural northwest New Jersey. Now at 26, he can't believe he's coming back. But his late father's bar, Haymakers, is in financial trouble and his older brother, Jake, has asked for Cooper's help. Riley Smith, 25, is fresh out of her Ivy League MBA program and wants to make an impression on her employer, H & C Bank. Her first solo assignment is a fraud investigation on a business loan they made to Haymakers. Even though Old Town is less than 90 minutes from New York City, Riley feels like she's stepped into another world in this remote, one-bar town. Riley can't wait to do her business and get back to the city as quickly as her sports car will take her...until she meets Cooper Wilde. He's not like the other guys in this rural town and Riley feels inexplicably attracted to him. If you like your trucks loud, your beer cold and your men hot...you'll love WILDE RIDERS. Excerpt: The drive into New Jersey is exhausting. My only saving grace is that most of the traffic is going into the city instead of out of the city like I am. You’ve got to love those bridge and tunnel guys. I wouldn’t date one but I have a little bit of respect for them. The commute into Manhattan turns a nine hour work day into an eleven hour one, if you’re lucky. I can feel my stomach start to knot as I get further away from the city and further away from civilization. Pretty soon I’ll be in the sticks surrounded by woods and farmland. I can almost smell the manure that will no doubt take days to completely rid from my nasal passages. I pray that I don’t run into any animals, especially cows, which are huge, smelly and completely freak me out. The only live animals I ever care to see have to fit comfortably in a handbag, like a Chihuahua or Teacup Poodle, for example. I have an appointment with a man named Jake Wilde. He asked me to come early, before the place opened at noon, so he could give me his full attention. I try to imagine what someone named Jake Wilde would look like and all I can come up with is an old gunslinger like Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven. As I pull into Old Town the place looks exactly like I thought it would. The buildings in the town square are old and I image the place hasn’t changed much in the last hundred years or so. Haymakers is just past the town square, down the hill from the deli, next to the gas station. Those were the exact directions I was given, in those words. I take that to mean the town only has one gas station and one deli. When I pull into the parking lot, there’s only one other vehicle sitting there. It’s an old beat-up Dodge Ram. Nothing like fitting the country bumpkin stereotype like a glove. Then I have a brief moment of panic and wonder if it’s safe to park my BMW in the dirt lot. Then I remind myself where I am. Who is going to mess with it in the middle of the day? A stray deer from the woods out back? The only thing I probably have to worry about is it getting dusty. I take in a deep breath. I have to be thankful there’s no manure smell yet. The quicker you do this, I remind myself, the quicker you can get back to the lovely asphalt jungle you call home. I’m hit with a gust of wind as soon as I get out of my car. How is it possible that Old Town is even windier than lower Manhattan? I didn’t think I’d ever find a place windier than Wall Street. Even the Windy City didn’t seem this windy when I had business in Chicago. When I enter the bar, I try to smooth down my thick hair, which I know is probably a complete mess from the gust. I’m surprised by the homey feel of the place. How could someone like me possibly feel at home in a country bar? Even if I was wearing jeans and cowboy boots, if I even owned jeans and cowboy boots, I wouldn’t fit in at a place like this. I hear someone clear his throat and I turn to see a guy about my age, mid-twenties, standing next to me. I can’t help my surprise when I see he’s wearing khakis and a polo shirt, like he just stepped off a golf course. He looks as out of place in this country bar as I feel. “Are you Jake Wilde?” I ask. The guy gives me the faintest hint of a smile but it’s almost as if it pains him to give that much. His deep brown eyes look even more distressed and I can’t help but wonder what’s behind those sad eyes. He rakes his fingers through his thick dark hair. “A little windy out, isn’t it?” My hand automatically goes to my hair and I try to casually flatten it down again. I imagine I must look like I just stepped out of a wind tunnel. “Your hair looks fine,” the guy tries to assure me. But he’s got that hint of a smile on his face again and it makes me wonder if he’s lying just to make me feel better. “I’m Cooper Wilde,” the guy says as he offers a hand. I don’t know why I suddenly feel nervous about shaking it. It’s a business meeting. That’s what people do. But the way this guy is looking at me gives me the feeling that he might be interested in more than just business. But I’m not, I remind myself. Not only because I’ve all but sworn off men, I’m here to do a job. I’ve been working for H & C Bank for two years and this is my first solo assignment as a lead investigator. If I continue to do well, I’ll be well on my way to becoming a Vice President before I turn thirty. I don’t need a man to throw me off my career trajectory. And definitely not some guy in a country bar in rural New Jersey. WILDE RIDERS - Available now at AMAZON FOUR WILDE BROTHERS...ONE WILDE COUNTRY BAND Tucker Wilde joined the United States Army right out of high school and was injured in Iraq. But more than just his leg was shattered in the Middle East. The war also crushed his spirit and damaged his soul. When a strange couple arrives at his family’s bar, Haymakers, Tucker can see signs of mental and emotional abuse and is immediately drawn to the lovely but fragile girl seated at his bar. Gracie Parker has been a victim of abuse her entire life. When her boyfriend, Dex, beats her in the parking lot of Haymakers and abandons her, it’s almost too much for the nineteen-year-old to bear. That is until Tucker appears like a warrior knight from the darkness to save her. Tucker and Gracie are two broken people who are immediately drawn together. But their relationship and even their very lives are threatened by Dex who will stop at nothing to get Gracie back. If you like your trucks loud, your beer cold and your men hot...you'll love THE WILDE ONE. One Tucker “You look different,” Savage says, then downs the last of his pint of ale. “Different how?” I prod even though I have an idea what he’s going to say. I look more normal. Like I fit into society rather than looking like an outcast. Savage shrugs. He’s never been a person of many words. We’re like two peas in a pod that way. Even though he rarely says very much, with just one sideways glance Savage can have the biggest and meanest guys on the planet shaking in their cowboy boots. People say that about me too. “Do you want another?” I ask, even though I can guess his response. Savage always orders two pints and drinks them at the far corner of the bar. There are worse ways of coping with the past than drinking a few beers every night before he goes home to an empty apartment. I should know. I’m a master of poor coping skills. “Hit me,” Savage says. I pour him another pint and take away the empty. “You look good.” I’m surprised by the compliment. I’d never use the word good to describe anything about me. But I do look better than I have since I got back from Iraq. “Drink your beer,” I tell him because I’m not in the mood to explain what’s been going on in my life. Savage was in Iraq about the same time I was and he’s the closest thing I’ve got to a friend. I’m not one for relationships. Life is too short and relationships are too painful. When you get close to someone, you usually just end up getting hurt. But like me, Savage isn’t the type of guy who gets too close to people. The most obvious reason is the way he looks: he’s big and scary. Also just like me. Savage and I lift weights together, and in a fight it would be a close match. Not that either of us would ever start a fight but we would definitely end one if we had to. It’s a weeknight and the bar is almost deserted except for a few of the regulars. That’s why I’m surprised when I see a couple I don’t recognize walk in and look around. The guy’s wearing all leather and carrying two helmets, so he’s obviously a biker. He looks about my height, six feet two inches and he’s big. The girl looks tiny standing next to him. She’s the definition of the word waif. She looks like a strong wind could pick her up and blow her away. Not a good thing in Old Town where it’s windy most of the time. The most interesting thing about her, though, is her coloring. I’ve never seen someone so fair in my life. I’m the only blond in my family but I’m not even close to this girl. Her long hair is so light it’s practically white. And her skin is the color of milk. She looks like a princess who just stepped out of a fairytale, as corny as that sounds. I can’t help but notice that she doesn’t look like she wants to be here. Or maybe she doesn’t want to be with the guy. It’s hard to tell. But she doesn’t look happy. If anything, she looks scared. As the couple steps closer to the bar, I can see the girl is shaking. I’m not sure whether she’s shaking because she’s scared, or because it’s January and it’s freezing outside and she’s wearing a tiny spring jacket that barely fits. It almost looks like a jacket for a kid it’s so small on her. Not that she’s much bigger than a kid herself. What kind of a jerk wears a thick leather jacket while he lets his girl freeze? I’m really not liking this guy at all. And when I see him grab her by the elbow, so roughly she almost comes off the floor, I can feel every hair on my body stand at attention. Is it possible to hate a guy I don’t even know? THE WILDE ONE - Available now at AMAZON Romance novelist Savannah Young grew up in rural northwest New Jersey in a place very similar to the fictional Old Town, which is featured in her books. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories, Savannah is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Blog: http://oldtowncountryromance.tumblr.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SavannahYoungAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenmbryson Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7814077.Savannah_Young My Five Favorite Things about Templeton Cove Templeton Cove is the fictional UK seaside town I created for my series with Harlequin Superromance – of course, when I started writing book one I didn’t dream that Harlequin would end up contracting five books in total…so far! The first two books (Finding Justice and A Man Like Him) are romantic suspense, the next two (What Belongs To Her and my Christmas 2014 release) are more mainstream romance but do have a little menace in them…I find it very hard to resist a villain ;) This town has become a very real and tangible place to me – it’s somewhere I would love to live and my reader feedback has been fabulous. Everyone loves Templeton and its residents – especially the matriarch, Marian Cohen. So, my five favorite things about this wonderful town on the south west coast of England are:
Fingers crossed, when I hand in the proposal for book 5 my editor will contract more books…watch this space! I hope you’ll try one (if not all!) of my Templeton Cove books and fall in love with the setting, people and what they get up to as much as me. :) Rachel’s latest Harlequin Superromance release is book three in the Templeton Cove series – What Belongs To Her is available to buy in paperback and ebook. Here’s the blurb and buy links: She's ready to take back what's hers Since the moment a local crime boss claimed ownership of her family's fairground, Sasha Todd has dreamed of righting the wrong. Now it's time to act, and backing down from the man's estranged son is definitely not an option. After all, giving up her legacy to hot-blooded John Jordon means losing the chance to finally heal the wounds in her past. Stopping John in his tracks—and resisting the sizzle between them—is Sasha's best defense. But there's more to him than she thought, which changes everything. With what matters most at stake, she'll have to risk a brand-new future with John, or walk away from the man whose heart belongs to her. Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for three more. Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you! Links: Website Blog As a child, there was always music playing in out house. From Evita to Cats, The Sound of Music to Fiddler on the Roof, Anne Murray to Styx, we listened to it. To this day I can sing along with the soundtrack to any of the musicals mentioned. Not very well, mind you, but I know the words. My parents love music, and as a result, so do all four of their children. Growing up all of us played at least one musical instrument. Mine? The bass - both upright and electric. Music has always been an important part of my life. Even when I don't read for a while I always listen to music. I have an MP3 player in my car that plays whatever I tell it to. Literally. Every CD I own is loaded onto the home computer and wired to speakers in every room in my house. Music for me is very important. Nearly as important as books. And why wouldn't it be? I mean, each song is like a mini novel. Some are comedies, some tragedies, some tales of love lost or love found. Think about it. What story is your favorite song telling? I'm diving back into book 2 of my Black Phoenix series, Midnight Heat. Music plays a vital role in this book. So vital that for the first time ever, I have been listening to music while writing. Normally I need silence to write, most likely because I tend to 'hear' my characters conversation in my head and music interferes with this. But I've also found that my mind will begin to follow the story the song is telling, and distract me from what I'm writing. Not so recently. I have two playlists set up: One for book 1 in the series, After Midnight, and another for my WIP, Midnight Heat. Two related yet different stories, two different sets of heroes and two completely different playlists that convey the emotions of each story. As an example I'll introduce you to Dominic Price, bassist of the rock band Black Phoenix, and hero of Midnight Heat. Dominic's is a reunion romance. Two and a half years ago Dom walked away from the only woman ever to 'rock his world'. He'd lik nothing more than her forgiveness, but knows that forgiveness is the one thing he doesn's deserve. So, despite constant urgings of his best friend's wife, he stays away from Rebecca. Until an automobile accident lands him in her ER, forcing him to face the cold reality of just what he'd left behind and why. For each book in this series, there is one song that captures the story, a 'theme song' if you will. After Midnight's theme song is where Noah and Isabeau are at the end of their book. Midnight Heat's theme song exemplifies Dominic's emotional place at the beginning of his story. The first time I heard it...it was uncanny just how closely it speaks of Dominic and Rebecca. Has that ever happened to you? You hear a song on the radio that 'speaks' to you, almost as if the songwriter tapped into your heart and pulled the words out? If You Only Knew
(Songwriters: Dave Bassett, Brent Smith) If you only knew I'm hanging by a thread The web I spin for you If you only knew I'd sacrifice my beating Heart before I'd lose you I still hold onto the letters You returned I swear I've lived and learned [Chorus] It's 4:03 and I can't sleep Without you next to me I Toss and turn like the sea If I drown tonight, bring me Back to life Breathe your breath in me The only thing that I still believe In is you, if you only knew If you only knew How many times I counted All the words that went wrong If you only knew How I refuse to let you go, Even when you're gone I don't regret any days I Spent, nights we shared, Or letters that I sent [Chorus] It's 4:03 and I can't sleep Without you next to me I Toss and turn like the sea If I drown tonight, bring me Back to life Breathe your breath in me The only thing that I still believe In is you, if you only knew If you only knew If you only knew I still hold onto the letters You returned You help me live and learn [Chorus] It's 4:03 and I can't sleep Without you next to me I Toss and turn like the sea If I drown tonight, bring me Back to life Breathe your breath in me The only thing that I still believe In is you, believe in is you I still believe in you Oh, if you only knew Welcome to the Super Book Blast for Good Together by CJ Carmichael, a contemporary romance available now from Tule Publishing. Today we're celebrating the price drop of the eBook to $0.99. The author and publisher will be awarding a print copy of Good Together as well as some great author swag to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US only). So be sure to leave a comment! And remember, the more you comment, the better your chance of winning so check out the other stops on this tour at: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/03/super-book-blast-good-together-by-cj.html Mattie, the eldest of Marietta’s Carrigan girls, married rodeo cowboy, Wes Bishop, right out of high school and raised twin daughters. A happy life, she thought, but now that she’s in her late thirties and their daughters have left for college, her husband has become strangely distant. Then one night Wes comes home late from a rodeo—with a stranger’s key in his pocket. He won’t talk, but she knows something is wrong. When her worst fears are confirmed, the hits keep coming. It seems her husband is determined to destroy everything she loves in this world. Thankfully she still has her sisters, and her home on The Circle C Ranch. But more and more she thinks, not of her roots in Marietta, but of her kind, dependable neighbour, Nat Diamond. Over the years Nat has been a constant in her life, but only as a friend. Is it possible the two of them could become more? But if Nat really does have romantic feelings for her—as she suspects—why does he keep pulling away? Is there something he needs to tell her? Excerpt Three: “Parents have to step back when their kids are grown. That’s just how it is.” He’d never talked like this before. “Our roles change,” she agreed, talking slowly, trying to figure out who this man was. She’d always felt that their parenting styles blended perfectly. But looking back now she could see that Wes had connected better with the girls when they were younger. Their adolescent stage had confused him. And maybe he’d pulled back more than she realized. “But they still need us.” “Portia and Wren haven’t needed me since I taught them to drive.” “Why are you being so literal? You know being part of a family is more than doing jobs for one another. Family provides our emotional bedrock. None of us ever grow out of the need to be loved.” “And I’ll never stop loving them,” Wes said, his voice subdued once more. The implication of his words hit her with another ferocious stab of pain. He’d never stop loving their daughters. But he had stopped loving her. CJ Carmichael has published over 35 novels and has twice been nominated for a RITA award. She likes to write stories about romance, family and intrigue, usually in small town or rural settings. When it’s time to take a break from the computer, she heads to the Rocky Mountains near her home in Calgary where she lives with her partner Michael and their cat, Penny. If you’d like to learn more about her books, check out her website: http://cjcarmichael.com. Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Together-Carrigans-Circle-C-ebook/dp/B00I8A57CA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1393672590&sr=1-1&keywords=good+together+cj+carmichael More and more lately I’ve been seeing blogs posts slamming the alpha male in romance novels. Now I realize that we all have our favorite types of heroes and I will not, let me repeat that, WILL NOT tell anyone the type of hero they should love. No, the problem I have with these posts I’m seeing is the author’s definition of the alpha male. Posts that define him as ‘Domineering, Stalkerish, Jealous and Insulting of his heroine'. WHAT?! Let me first say that I too have seen the books with heroes of this type. This is a whole new breed of…well, I can’t call them heroes, after all I don’t find these traits remotely heroic. And yes, I worry about what we’re teaching our young women when so many writers and Hollywood producers DO call these men heroes. But, that’s an altogether different blog post because alpha heroes, true alpha heroes, do not have these personality traits. Why do these incorrect definitions of alpha heroes upset me so much? Simple, I write alpha heroes. What is an alpha hero, you ask? An alpha hero is strong, tough, protective, stubborn and extremely complicated. He is not abusive – verbally or otherwise – and never purposely humiliates a woman. An alpha hero is either born alpha, or becomes alpha through environment or upbringing. Believe it or not a beta male raised in a get-tough-or-die environment can become alpha. He is going to learn to fight, to hide his feelings, and in extreme situations, learn not to feel. The biggest mistake that people make about alpha males is that they are insensitive, when in fact, usually the opposite is true. He has just learned to bury his weaknesses – yes, to an alpha, sensitivity and feelings are weakness – deep down inside. But here’s what I love most about true alpha heroes…once he gives in to his feelings and accepts that he is in love, he loves completely and without restraint. So please, the next time you read a book, watch a movie or even read a blog post about domineering, stalkerish, verbally abusive men who are being called alpha heroes remember… These men are not alpha heroes, and in my book they aren’t heroic at all. HARD AS YOU CAN is your second book in the “Hard Ink” series (after USA Today bestseller, HARD AS IT GETS). What can readers look forward to? Readers can look forward to tons of sexy alpha male goodness, awesome bromance between the Hard Ink men, more antics from the Hard Ink puppy, and another great love story between Shane and Crystal. But readers should also be ready for a book that is darker, more intense, and more emotional. This book pushed me to emotional places that were tough as a writer, and might be tough for readers, too. But I think that just makes the payoff at the end so much sweeter! Describe Shane and Crystal. What are their best traits? What are their weaknesses? Shane and Crystal are such an amazing couple to me. They’re each exactly what the other needs. Shane’s best traits are his protectiveness, his fundamental kindness, and his soul-deep loyalty (his southern accent and humor are also right up there!). His biggest weakness for sure is a tragedy from the past for which he blames himself—and it’s something that continues to motivate him in Hard As You Can. Crystal’s best traits are her courage, protectiveness, and selflessness—she’s willing to do anything to keep her younger sister safe. Her biggest weakness is also that selflessness, because the sacrifices she’s required to make are getting bigger and bigger and bigger. If you could describe your book in a 140 character tweet, what would it be? When a woman in trouble assists an ex-soldier's covert mission to regain his team's stolen honor, he finds a new mission to save her, too What are you most excited about with this second book release? I’m really excited to take readers deeper into these awesome characters and into the mystery behind the Hard Ink team’s ambush and discharge! What books are you reading right now? I’m almost done with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (yes, I’m very late to the party but OMG JAMIE FRASER!!!). And I’ve recently devoured and loved Juliana Stone’s Offsides and Shelly Thacker’s time-travel historical romance, Forever His. What can fans of your “Hard Ink” series look forward to next? There will be two more Hard Ink books in 2014! Hard to Hold on To – August 2014 Hard to Come By – November 2014 About HARD AS YOU CAN: Five dishonored soldiers. Former Special Forces. One last mission. These are the men of Hard Ink. Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he's shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister's sake, Crystal can't get too close. Until her job and Shane's mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He's exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can--and never let go. Excerpt: “Don’t look at me like that, Crystal,” Shane said, his voice a raw scrape. It wasn’t a demand or a threat. It was a plea. And the thought that this big, strong, powerful man was begging her for anything was thrilling. “Like what?” she asked, dragging her gaze up to his. In the diffuse light of the streetlamp, she could tell his eyes were absolutely blazing, and it only fueled the arousal rising up inside her. “Like maybe you want me the way I want you.” Tilting his head, he nuzzled his face against hers, the tip of his nose trailing over her cheek, his breath ghosting over her lips. “Like maybe you’d let me kiss you and touch you.” A quick brush of his lips against her temple and ear. “Like maybe you’d let me in.” Crystal could barely breathe for the way her heart was pounding and her pulse was racing. She slid a hand up his chest to his neck, wanting, needing, just absolutely yearning to have this. Just this once. Leaning into him, Crystal held his gaze and adored the way his expression filled with such expectant satisfaction, like she’d surprised him. Pleased him. She pressed her lips to his. The groan he unleashed was needful, almost triumphant. His arms came around her gently and pulled her in. And it wasn’t enough. She needed to be closer. Deeper. She needed more of Shane McCallan. She might never get another chance. A flicker of unbidden panic whipped through her body. Bruno had been her only lover for the past four years, and she’d only been able to take him inside her after months’ buildup of trust and familiarity of touch. That was back before he’d shown his true colors. Or before she’d shed her naïveté. Maybe they were the same thing. Who knew? Stop thinking about Bruno and get out of your head. Just feel. You deserve this. You need this. Besides, cart before horse, much? Shane pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. “I didn’t come here expecting this. Hoped, maybe.” He smiled. “But I really just needed to see you.” Read an Extended Excerpt of Book 1, Hard As It Gets Buy Hard As You Can at Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day. Website | Blog | Facebook | Hard Ink Puppy FB | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp I was tagged by JM Stewart to participate in the Writing Process blog tour. When she asked if I was interested in participating, I thought it sounded like fine. Unfortunately, I haven't found anyone who wanted to join in so I can't pass the torch. :( 1. What am I working on? I'm working on a new series. I've had a story in my head for more than eight years now and finally decided - okay, so when the hero stepped forward and refused to leave me alone until I told his story, I didn't really have a choice - to write it. It's not like anything I've written before and actually began as just one book - a love story that can't be called a romance - and quickly became two, then three. If things go well, there will be seven books total in this series. 2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? I'm a rule breaker. A color outside the lines type of writer. I don't like staying within the 'box' that most publishers require romances stay within. I also write deep emotion. I like to push my characters so far out of their comfort zone that at times even I wonder if I'll ever get them to their happily-ever-after. 3. Why do I write what I do? I write romance because I love reading romance. I've been addicted to the genre since I was a pre-teen and picked up my first romance novel. Why? I believe in love. I truly believe someone exists for each of us - our other half - our soul mate. I believe that love heals even the deepest emotional scars. And yes, I believe in love at first sight. Believing all of this, how could I write anything else? 4. How does your writing process work? I'm what they call a pantser, which means I do not plan a thing. I have an idea of how a story begins, and sometimes, but only sometimes, how it ends. Everything else is as much a mystery to me when I sit down to the keyboard as it is to the reader when they pick up my book. This has changed a bit recently as I'm in the middle of two series, which forces me to plan out a bit more. For example, I need to know how much to tell the reader in book one in order to set up what will come in book two. With characters overlapping both series and weaving in and out of each others book, this can get a bit complicated. For the first time in all the years I've been writing, I have a timeline and - this will shock some of you - I even have two future books plotted out. Meeting - conflict - ending. Oy! Just the thought makes this pantser a bit uneasy. The actual writing of the book takes me a while. I'm not a fast writer. I wish I was. Oh, how I wish I was. But I have plans for this year that include completing three full length novels. Did I really just type that? And I thought plotting out novels ahead of time filled me with ill ease. Thanks for dropping in. As I mentioned, I didn't have any takers for next week, but you can check out the writing process of my friend Amie Louellen today! UPDATED (Original posted on my Blogger Blog 1/15/13) Hello friends, I thought I'd update you all on what's going on in my world. Currently, I'm in writing mode, doing everything I can to squeeze in as many words as humanly possible during the short window of time I get to write daily. It’s more difficult this winter than last – maybe because for the first time ever, I have more than one iron in the fire. Yup, there are way too many men in my head, demanding attention. Wow, whoever thought I would say that? Midnight Heat: Black Phoenix 2 Dominic Price Dominic is the loudest voice right now – perhaps because he is the most alpha of all of my alpha heroes. He’s blunt, in-your-face, and curses too much. He’s also flawed, damaged by his childhood, and more sensitive than he would ever let on. I have a real soft spot for Dom, which is only one of the reasons his book is at the top of my MUST FINISH list. She was the only woman ever to rock his world. Black Phoenix bassist Dominic Price made a mistake three years ago when he walked out on Rebecca. A mistake he plans to rectify. But first he has to convince her to open her heart to him again. The unconscious man wheeled into Dr. Rebecca Dahlman’s ER is sexy—devilishly sexy—and injured. This isn’t just any patient in need of medical help. He is the only man she’s ever loved—the one who still haunts her dreams. One touch of his calloused hands reignites their passion. Can they rekindle their trust as easily, or will her fears cause her to lose him again…this time to a man bent on revenge? Chasing Midnight: Black Phoenix 3
Midnight Shadows: Black Phoenix 4
The Key
So that's them, my current works in progress. The stories in my head and the men demanding I write faster. Any tips you can offer for keeping four impatient heroes happy? I'd love to hear your ideas. Ten things you didn’t know about Isabeau Montgomery.
Can music heal a fractured soul? Or will it tear them apart forever? Thirteen years—that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother’s life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar… Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal—one that doesn’t include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won’t be easy, but he can’t get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head. Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness? 2012 Romance Through the Ages Award Winner ~ 1st Place Contemporary 2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist 2012 Readers Favorite Award Finalist 2011 Book of the Year Finalist ~ Long and Short Reviews |
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