Monday 31 October 2011

Book review - Kill me tomorrow - Diane Alberts


Kill Me TomorrowJasmine Baruch is a jinn—a supernatural being who fights demons with fire. While that’s difficult enough, she’s got bigger problems. She’s a virgin, and in the jinn culture, that is sheer blasphemy. Jinn are supposed to be passionate, promiscuous creatures—everything she isn’t. Due to marry the next day, she takes matters into her own hands by using 1Night Stand. But, like the rest of her life, nothing is easy. The man chosen for her, though incredibly gorgeous, is a demi-sanguine; a half-human, half-demon–her enemy.

Gavin Werbato is looking for an easy night of sex. Nothing more, nothing less. Instead, he gets a gorgeous jinn convinced it is her duty to kill him. He can certainly think of better things to do with her soft hands than murder. He need only convince her of that…

Can the fire sparked when these beings collide be controlled, or will it consume their world as they know it?









From the minute I read the blurb,I knew I had to read this book!


And I'm so glad I did. I read this in one sitting and could not put it down. I found myself rooting for Jasmine from the first page. You really feel for her. Being labelled the Ice Jinn, she has never experienced sexual desire and is desperate to lose her virginity, so as not to disgrace her family. It is her duty to marry on her birthday and to procreate immediately, as the Jinn race is in desperate need of male off spring.


So her plan is to have a one night stand, just to lose her virginity, because being a virgin on her wedding night would be the ultimate disgrace.


I love the line in the book where she thinks it would really suck to feel desire for someone, she would have to kill. Of course this is exactly what happens to her when she walks into Gavin.


Sent by the agency she used to set up this one night stand, Gavin has his hands full trying to stop Jasmine from killing him on the spot. The inconvenient thing being that he finds her completely irresistible and can't just walk away.


Jasmine feels sexual desire for the first time and she agrees to postpone killing Gavin till the morning and just enjoy what's on offer - one night of sex with no strings attached. Or so they both think.


Unaware of the other's customs Jasmine's virginity causes an interesting  and unexpected twist. I shan't tell you what is, because it would be too much of a spoiler :-)


This is a short, extremely sexy and humorous read and it left me wanting to read more. I will look out for this author in future.


Diane will be on my blog on 9th November, so do pop in and meet her.


In the meantime you can read an excerpt from the book here

Friday 28 October 2011

Weekend Dirty Dozen




Welcome to this week's dirty dozen which are taken from my Paranormal Romance Lure of the Blood - scheduled release December - through Evernight Publishing

Heroine Marnie is walking home late at night, a decision which throws her right into her own Twilight Zone...



The whoosh of air and the low male growl were the only warning–– before she even managed to draw much needed air into her lungs, her attacker went flying through the air. Another blur of air and the sickening sounds of tearing flesh, crunching bones and the fluid-filled gurgle of her attacker filled the alley. When she finally managed to get her breathing under control, the stillness was deafening and the cool hand under her chin made her gasp.
Moss green eyes in a face as pale as the moon were boring into her, the dark brows a stark contrast to the luminous skin under the slightly too long unruly mob of jet black hair. The man towered over her and she swallowed nervously, taking in the width of those enormous shoulders and the ribbed muscles she could feel pressing against her bare skin, where his body was holding her up against the wall.
Her skin warmed where his eyes roamed briefly over her exposed torso, before he stepped back and pulled her coat firmly around her.
“Steady, chere. I’ve got you. He’s not going to bother you again. Can you walk?”
The deep, slightly accented voice sent all her nerve endings a-tingle and awareness slammed into her with the full force of a sledgehammer.
“Wh…who are you?”




Things are not what they seem, I can tell you that much  ;-)

You can find other participating Authors here, so do go and check out their twelve and like the Facebook page, if you're on there.

Till next weekend, folks.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Wannabe a Writer?

If so, read on...


I am hosting Jane Wenham-Jones on my blog today, with her new book Wannabe a Writer?






Jane Wenham-Jones is a novelist, journalist and presenter and the author of the Wannabe Books - two how-to manuals on getting published and becoming well-known.





Practical, personal and honest advice on how to get published with contributions from over a hundred authors, agents, publishers and journalists. Hear from the professionals on how to sell your articles, write a synopsis, find an agent, get your novel accepted and much, much more. With insights, anecdotes and hot tips from Frederick Forsyth, Jilly Cooper, Ian Rankin, Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell, Adele Parks, Lesley Pearse, Michael Buerk, Carole Matthews, Erica James, Mil Millington, Miles Kington, Michael Bywater, Rosie Millard, Robert Crampton, Richard Morrison, Simon Trewin, Jonathan Lloyd, Teresa Chris and Jane Judd as well as publishers Harper Collins, Hodder Headline, Transworld, Orion and Simon & Schuster. A must-have handbook for anyone who's ever wanted to write or just wants to hear how others to do it... Where do you start? How do you finish? And will anyone ever publish it when you have? Drawing on her own experiences as a novelist and journalist, Writing Magazine's agony aunt Jane Wenham-Jones takes you through the minefield of the writing process, giving advice on everything from how to avoid Writers' Bottom to what to wear to your launch party. Wannabe a Writer? tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the book world - and a few things you didn't...


 Below is an extract from Wannabe a Writer?, available on Amazon or through all good bookshops. For more on Jane see http://www.janewenham-jones.com.


So you think you’ve got a book in you?
Everyone has a book in them. This is a myth put about by taxi drivers who invariably think their own life story would make the greatest best-seller of them all. It wouldn’t. And even if one does have the sort of exciting and chequered past that would make a hair-raising piece of fiction, one is not necessarily equipped with the talent to write it.
 It is a strange thing that few people assume, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, that they can paint pictures worthy of the Royal Academy, sing like Pavarotti  or play the guitar like Segovia.
Yet all sorts of otherwise sensible beings imagine that if they only had the time they could knock out 90,000 words that would get snapped up by the publishing world and then fallen upon by a grateful public.
Writing a decent short story is hard enough. Writing a book can be excruciating. There are those who are fond of making comparisons between writing a book and giving birth. The analogy is supposed to centre around the nine months and the pushing and the wonder of creation at the end of it.
For me, it is the fact that you forget the sheer agony and the fact that you longed to castrate your husband with the forceps, and actually start to believe it didn't hurt that much and it would be a jolly idea to do it again.
And when you do, second time around is even worse. It never gets any easier. It is a terrible, all-consuming, neurosis-inducing way to earn a living.
On the other hands it has its advantages. You can turn up to collect your child from school still wearing your pyjamas and slippers and other parents  will only whisper “she’s a writer, you know” instead of thinking you’re being taken care of in the community.
You can ask all sorts of personal questions and friends will be flattered to think you are using them for research instead of getting all pissed off at how nosey you are.
And you can stare out of the window for hours on end with a strange expression on your face and a glass in your hand and pretend you’re working.
Earning money, after all, isn’t everything (if you think any differently, don’t try and be a writer).  But before you start, are you the right personality-type to attempt to write a book? Try this quiz and see:

Quiz: Have you got what it takes to write it?
1. Overall, how would you describe yourself?
 A) You are a healthy outdoorsy type who believes in fresh air, plenty of exercise, eight hours sleep and three square meals a day  -    (0 points)
B) You love Eastenders and The X-Factor, animals and small children. You are interested in others and think the secret of a happy life is a matter of give and take  - (5 points)
C) You are quite capable of spending sixteen hours slumped in the same position at your desk while chain-smoking. (15 points)

2. On your desk is:
A)    A notepad, a pen, a ruler, a bottle of mineral water and a small potted cactus  -  (0 points)
B)     All the above plus some unpaid bills, a pile of letters you really must answer soon and several post-it notes with telephone numbers on them from people you’re going to call back  -  (5 points)
C)     Books, more books, an overflowing ashtray, an empty wine bottle, a packet of nurofen, five highlighter pens, several lists, a telephone directory, last night’s pizza crust and an article you cut out of Sunday’s paper about venereal disease. Cat hairs, lipstick, batteries, dictaphone, camera, four notebooks, tippex, condoms and a two foot pile of paper that you haven’t got to the bottom of since 1986  -   (20 points) 
    
3. You are in the High Street when an old lady is knocked over by a bicycle
Do you
A)     Call 999 from your mobile, cover her with your jacket and begin mouth to mouth resuscitation  -  (0 points)
B)     Scream loudly, wave your arms to attract attention and carry out a citizen’s arrest on the cyclist until the police arrive - (1 point)
C)    Borrow an onlooker’s camera phone to photograph the scene, make a quick diagram of the blood stains on the back of a fag packet and start interviewing the bike rider : this could be very good background info for chapter twenty-seven… (25 points) 

4. When you were at school were you:
A) The class bookworm, editor of the school magazine and winner of the English prize three years running?   (10 points)
B)  Often in trouble for talking in class, caught smoking behind the bike sheds and eventually expelled for having a torrid affair with the French teacher? (15 points)  
C) You didn’t go to school much. You lived in crushing poverty with ten siblings and only attended lessons every second Thursday when it was your turn to wear the only pair of shoes. (30 points)

5. What is your favourite daydream?
A) You win the lottery, give up work and while away your days sipping champagne on the white sands of the Bahamas  (0 points)
B) You lose three stone, have a face-lift and get swept off your feet by (women) a gorgeous romantic, muscle-bound hunk or (men) a huge-breasted blonde of twenty-one who wants you to be her sex slave. (5 points)
C) You are sitting on the sofa with Richard and Judy after making  your acceptance speech for the Booker prize. (20 points)
     
6. What is your general philosophy on Diet?
      A) Even if it is just you, you eat at set times and  cook a proper meal with fresh vegetables. (2 points)
     B)  You try to eat well but if you’re really busy you’ll have a quick sandwich at your desk. Cooking is so time-consuming. (10 points)
     C) If you realise you’ve had nothing but chocolate, crisps and cans of cider for more than a week, you take a vitamin pill. (20 points)

7. How much exercise do you do?
A) A healthy body makes for a healthy mind. You go to the gym three times a week, play tennis, jog and wear a pedometer so you can check you’ve done  your 10,000 steps a day. (3 points)
B) You walk the dog most mornings and do a bit of yoga when you remember.  (10 points)
C) You are occasionally forced to sprint to the postbox on the corner at five-thirty so you can catch the last post. (You then have a lie-down) (15 points)

8. How clean is your house?
A) Very clean. All it takes to keep on top of it, is  a quick run-round with the hoover and a damp duster before work each morning and a proper going-over at the weekends. (0 points)
B) You do the important bits  -  e.g. kitchens and bathrooms for hygiene reasons - but really can’t be worrying about the rest of it until the dust begins to show. Life’s short. You’d much rather read a book or write a letter. (5 points)
C) Nobody’s died yet. (15 points)

9. You have an important report to write for work that your boss needs a week on Friday. Do you?
A) Sit straight down and do it all. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. (0 points)
B)  Work an hour on it each day until it’s finished. Build in a day for checking it over and making any minor alterations before giving it in. (15 points)
C) Think about it all the time, but leave any actual writing until Thursday at 9pm. Sit up all night to finish it, drinking double espresso and slapping yourself round the face to stay awake. (25 points)      

10. What is your partner most likely to shout at you in a row?
 A) You never listen! (5 points)
 B) You never talk to me! (5 points)
 C) We never go anywhere! (5 points)
 Or
 D) All of these, plus reminders you that you are selfish, egocentric, bad-tempered, self-obsessed, given to scribbling notes at inopportune moments and making strange muttering noises, that you miss mealtimes, forget appointments, shout at the children when they want to use your computer and you haven’t had a proper holiday for ten years. (40 points)   

Now add up your score. Add 120 bonus points if you can say yes to any of the statements below:

- I am a famous celebrity
- I am a famous footballer
- I am a famous footballer’s wife who weighs six stone
- I have won Big Brother
- I have not won Big Brother but I have been on the programme showing my  enhanced breasts/sex-change scars/predilection for vibrating toys or displaying  some sort of dysfunctional behaviour and then shagging the person who did win   it, live on camera.
- I am an MP who’s been in prison.         

Conclusions
0  -  30 points  I would never be discouraging enough to say you cannot be a writer because it takes all sorts, but this choice of career may come as a bit of a shock. Have you thought about taking up embroidery, golf or train-spotting?

31- 60 points  While you’re still displaying worrying signs of normality, there are some flashes of potential here. At least you have a bit of life experience to write about.

61  -  200  You show definite promise and could develop well as a writer given the right circumstances and encouragement. 

Over 200 points  -  you’re probably a writer already. If not  -  get typing  now!

Over 300  -  you are probably in prison.




Wannabe a Writer website



Buy links:

Amazon UK (Paperback)

Amazon UK (Kindle)

Amazon US (Paperback)

Amazon US (Kindle)

The Book Depository



Thanks for stopping by Jane. I'm sure many aspiring Authors will find this book helpful.


Incidentally folks, my score on that quiz fell into the 'you show definite promise' category, lol. 

Friday 21 October 2011

Weekend Dirty Dozen

Welcome to my Weekend Dirty Dozen...

Weekend Dirty Dozen is a blog fest for romance and erotic writers to share 12 sentences every weekend for promotional purposes on their websites and blogs of their new releases and WIPs

You will find a full list of all the Authors participating here.

My contribution to the Weekend Dirty Dozen is taken from my upcoming Erotic Novella Awakening.



Rashid towered over her, his hand burning through the sheer material at her back as he ushered her inside the tent and its lavish interior.  She curled her toes into the thick, lush pile of the oriental carpet, and the scattered lanterns brought out the incredible array of colors. The low seating covered in silk scarves and the air thick with incense and sensual promise had her draw a shuddering breath into her lungs, as Rashid’s arms went round her waist, drawing her into his hard frame, until her back rested against his chest
“You have been a very naughty girl, my pretty.” His harsh voice skimmed along the sensitive skin of her neck, and her heart slammed into her chest bone, arousal warring with unease at his next whispered words. “Did I give you permission to come without me?”
“Wha - What?” Oh. My. God. Had he heard about her baths adventures? Or worse, had he watched her? At the thought, her heart missed a beat as his large hands dug into her hips and she gasped at the rock hard erection pressing into her buttocks, moist heat pooling between her thighs.
“Naughty girls need to be punished.”







Awakening will be released through Breathless Press on 30th December.

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Heroes

I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today. Baby Markus is full of a snuffly cold and whilst his sneezing and little coughs are very cute on one hand, it's not nice to see him so full of it. To top it all I have a blocked duct, so the two of us are holed up cuddling and nursing. At least every feed makes both of us feel a bit better.

So, in effort to cheer myself up I thought I'd revisit my heroes.


I do love that song and come to think of it, he's inspiration material too ;-)

So, meet Sven from Scandinavian Scandal

(Picture of Alexander Skarsgard) Click here to see it


Rashid from Awakening

(sorry, picture removed due to copyright issues)


Fom Lure of the Blood

Ion

(Picture of Jason Statham) Click here to see it.

and Lucas

(Picture of Ian Somerhalder) Click here  to see it.


Mr. Somerhalder is also the inspiration for Henri in our UCW anthology piece.

Well, he does the sexy vampire so well...

This young man was the inspiration for not one, but three heroes. Alex, Marco and Giorgio, my sexy Giovanni cousins, who are patiently waiting to have their stories told. I am overhauling the manuscripts, so time will tell...


That body is too amazing to stay clothed ;-)

(Pictures of Joe Manganiello) Click here to see it.

And from my current wip, meet James

(Picture of Hugh Jackman)  Click here to see it. 

and Steve

(Picture of Daniel Craig) click here  to see it.

Hmm, where was I?

You can see why I love my job, right.

*grin*

And last but by no means least, here is my very own real life hero, my lovely hubbie of the last twenty two years...


doing what he does best, being an amazing daddy


(Please note this post was edited by me due to the recent Copyright issues)

Friday 14 October 2011

Blinking in the sunlight

So, there is a world other than my word doc out there.

I have been stuck in my editing cave, working on our UCW project, as we were suddenly presented with a deadline of today.

*gulp*

Still, I believe we have made it and it has been great fun, if exhausting. Time will tell whether our group effort will be published. But either way I love our story and seeing it all come together has been amazing. Be afraid, be very afraid, when we get together you never know what may happen... ;-)

I feel a little lost now, that it's done, though I'm sure it's the calm before the storm. I am still eagerly awaiting edits for Scandinavian Scandal and getting a tad anxious, as it's just over a month till release date. My editor assures me there is plenty of time - hmmm.

*bites nails*

So, I have a choice, do I go back to the old manuscript I am revamping or do I kick off my shoes and read the latest Shayla Black? Answers on a post card please, lol.

In other news I was incredibly excited this morning to see Lure of the Blood  on the coming soon Section of my publisher's website here. In fact I was so excited that my usual morning grumpyness didn't happen. Hubbie has the day off today and he wondered whether I was okay, as I hadn't bitten his head off first thing, as I usually do. Am so not a morning person!

in fact this is me to a T



I need at least two coffees and some peace before I stop snarling at people. Something the kids know well, bless them. Yet this morning I was chattering away with the larks. Nothing short of miraculous, especially as I am missing out on the LLL conference happening right now, due to an under the weather four year old. He's right as rain one minute and the next he flops, bless him.

Anyways, will stop rambling and leave you with a little excerpt from Saving Hope, my story in our group effort.




Noelle shook her head and immediately wished she hadn’t, as the vague ache turned into a full brass band in her head. Her temples throbbed, her stomach churned and the cold air whispering up her skirt did little to cool down her heated core.  She seemed surrounded by coldness, hard bricks dug into her back, the fine spray of rain carried on the breeze making her shiver. Great rain, now this dump has sprung a leak in the roof.  Strong arms pulled her tighter into a hard, male frame, and her body responded instantly with a surge of liquid heat between her thighs. The only just dampened down arousal flared anew at the growled words in her ear.
“Easy Belle, I’ve got you.”
The deep, accented voice shot straight to her pussy and she bit her lip to stop herself from moaning out loud. Jeez, what was in that drink? She wriggled closer to the wall of muscle, holding her up against the wall, her hips seemingly having a mind of their own, as her body scrambled to finish what it started. God, she was so close, if only…
“Snap out of it, baby. As much as I would love to oblige, I want you in my bed when you come apart.” The whispered words skittered across the sensitive skin of her neck and she moaned her frustration into the broad shoulder of the man holding her up.  Damn him, why couldn’t he just… The insistent vibrating hum of her phone in the pocket of her denim skirt finally got through the fog in her brain. Still nestled against the man’s shoulder, she blindly tried to grope for it, but he had her pinned so effectively that she couldn’t move.
His chest shook in silent laughter at her exasperated groan.
“What’s so damn funny about this? If you’re not going to help me to…to,” she stopped herself just in time. Good God, had it been that long, that she would all but beg a perfect stranger to get her off in public, no less. Her cheeks flamed in mortal embarrassment. He must think her a right floozy and what the hell was she doing out here with him anyway?
“Noelle, I’m more than willing…” she finally looked up at the use of her name. How the hell did he know?  Oh Good God, could this day get any worse? She hadn’t imagined him earlier then and her body still reacted to him on the most primal level. She was so fucked and not in a good way.
“Let me go, you, you, what the hell are you anyway? I should have known something would happen with you around. What did you do to me this time?”
The smile he gave in response didn’t reach his eyes and Noelle cursed her run away mouth. He didn’t look amused anymore. He looked positively dangerous and why that should turn her on even more was really beyond her. Clearly she had no common sense where this man was concerned. And that voice…
Belle, had it been me, you would be screaming my name right now.” The heated look he gave her made her toes curl under, even as he shook his head and pulled away slightly, giving her much needed breathing space. Damn her treacherous hormones to hell and back, but he looked good enough to eat. The breeze ruffled his hair so that it fell over one eye and her fingers itched to brush it back to better see the expression in his eyes. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on that muscled torso and the arms surrounding her seemed made of steel. The flickering street lights danced across the perfect angles of his face and drew her attention to the sensuous mouth. He noticed, and the ghost of real smile flickered across his face, before his brows drew together in concentration and his whole body tensed. He cocked his head, as though to listen to someone and the earlier sense of foreboding once again wrapped itself around Noelle’s spine, obliterating the last of her arousal.  The grip on her arms grew strong enough to hurt until he noticed her sharp intake of breath and released her with a vicious curse.
“Forgive me mon cour. I didn’t mean to, merde.” The soft click made Noelle blink and Henri whipped his head round so fast, she felt dizzy all over again.
“Having a slight problem here, my friend?”



COPYRIGHT  Doris O'Connor 2011

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Guest interview and contest for Nopeming Shores

I am delighted to welcome Margie Church and Andrew Lockhart with their sensual romance, Nopeming Shores, to my blog today.






Great to have you here and I must say I love that cover.



So, tell me, what made you write ‘this’ story?

Margie:

Nopeming Shores is the story of Gabe and Lily and the struggles they endure after Gabe is killed in Afghanistan by an IED. Part of the inspiration was based on current events – the seemingly endless conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan that has taken so many soldiers away from their families and cost too many lives. My father's suicide brought a lot of the anger, grief, shock, and confusion that Lily and Gabe experienced.

Andrew Lockhart's near-death experiences, after an extremely serious stroke, helped us develop Gabe very clearly and Lily's reactions to his death.

Heavy stuff, Margie. I am so sorry for your loss.

Does your cover reflect the book?

Margie: 

Absolutely. The lake is an actual Minnesota lake (Lake Nopeming is fictitious); Lily in the foreground seems a bit lost. Gabe, in his military fatigues, is never alive in this book so his more transparent appearance indicates his ghost state.

Describe a typical day’s writing for you.

Margie:

I usually sign on at 6:00 a.m. and sign off around 9:00 p.m. During those hours I'm probably writing and/or promoting about 12 hours, 7 days a week. I don't take off many days.

Andrew: 

Most of my writing happens at sunset or night, when my world calms down. I would say that 95 percent of my writing is done outside, regardless of the weather. So much of my poetry is connected to nature.

What inspires you?

Margie:

Usually a photo or something else I see starts the wheels turning. I think about the image and watch it in my mind's eye until it turns into a fantasy. I replay it and expand it until I like what I see. Then I start writing ideas down.

Andrew:

Whatever is on my mind at that moment. And, like I said before, nature is a large part of it.

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

Margie:

Some type of lawyer. I like to argue and I like to be right. I have this tremendous need to see justice done.

Andrew:

I would be doing what I'm doing right now - teaching music to kids. I absolutely love the job and would still do it even if I didn't need the pay.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Margie:

Absolutely. Even though I'm a plotter, I can't predict every nuance of the story. Sometimes the characters have different – and better ideas. In my WIP, Drew has a lot more strength and presence than I envisioned him. I like him a lot. One of my vampires, Ladislav, is much nastier and layered than I planned, too. I think that's one of the cool aspects of this job.

Andrew:

In this book, I was surprised by my own connection to Gabe. I felt his emotion and his thoughts. I never had a problem writing for him.

What could not do without when you’re writing?

Margie:

The Internet. I use it a hundred times a day for research and fact-checking.

What words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring authors out there?

Margie: 

Formulate a plan for your writing career and work the plan. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but give yourself a compass, a roadmap of what things you want to do. Then be patient. Reader awareness of who you are, and success as an author, require diligence and time.

Do you have a favourite quote?

Margie: 

When you get into a tight place and everything seems to go against you, don't give up. For that is precisely the time and the place the tide will turn.

What other books can your readers look forward to?

Margie:

All of my books are on Amazon. Since I'm multi-published, that's the fastest way to buy them. I'm writing a m/m romance right now titled Krewe Daddy and after that, a sequel to The 18th Floor, my erotic BDSM romance. I would expect something new from me in the first quarter of 2012. This is the buy link to my current titles EXCEPT Nopeming Shores:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Margie%20Church The link to Nopeming Shores (the book will be on Amazon in a few weeks.  https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/335/Nopeming-Shores
And this is the link to my website and blog: www.RomanceWithSASS.com

Andrew:

Read some of his newest work and follow his blog: http://jamesalockhart.blogspot.com

And finally can you share an excerpt with us?

We'd be thrilled to! One random commenter will receive an eBook copy of Nopeming Shores!

EXCERPT: Nopeming Shores by Margie Church with J. Andrew Lockhart.

"You want to give your two weeks' notice today?"
She brushed away the last stray tear and sniffled. For the first time since she'd gotten the devastating news of Gabe's death, she breathed normally. "I'm giving my two minutes' notice. I'm sorry if it puts you in a bind, but I have to do this for myself."
She stuck out her hand. "Thanks for everything, Arthur. I've enjoyed working with you."
"Sleep on it. If you change your mind, call me. This conversation never happened."
The tenderness in his eyes touched her, but this was goodbye. To ease his concern, she pasted on a warm smile. "Sure, thank you."
Her lunch bag crackled as she fiddled with the paper sack. "Guess you'll have to find somebody else to pick on about eating these."
Arthur smiled. "Yeah, you're one of a kind, Lily. Good luck. Whatever you do. And come back and visit sometime, when you're feeling up to it. We'd love to see you anytime."
She nodded, and walked out of the room.
Jana stood near the shelves of breakfast items, her gaze fixed on Lily.
"I'm sorry I lost my temper in the parking lot, Jana. It's been a rough few months."
Jana nodded. "It's okay. I wish I could do something to help, but I always keep steppin' in it."
She pointed to Lily's lunch bag. "Want to eat together today?"
"I'm leaving."
"Okay, well, we can do it tomorrow."
Nervous anxiety made Lily's mouth dry as a wool sock. "I'm not just leaving for the day. I quit. Right now. I'm leaving for good."
Jana's eyes widened. "Really?"
Lily felt her shoulders slump in resigned defeat. She nodded.
A quivering frown tugged on the corners of Jana's lips. "I hope this is a good change for you, Lily. And I hope we'll still be friends. I didn't mean to interfere or hurt your feelings."
Emotion clogged Lily's throat. "I know you meant well. I have to work through this myself. Somehow, I have to accept . . . what happened. My life is different. Give me a few days, and I'll call you. I promise."
Jana hugged her and then patted her on the back.
"You take care now." Sadness cloaked her voice. "I'm here if you need me. Don't forget that."
"Thanks."
* * * * *
In his spirit state, Gabe heard and watched the entire scene between his wife and Jana. He stood behind Lily while she said goodbye to Jana. He walked out of the building with Lily to the car. The wind caught a wisp of her hair, and he wished he could tuck it behind her ear. He used to love stroking Lily's soft, wavy tresses.
Not yet. She wasn't ready to know he was close by, trying to help her cope. Hell, he was trying to cope, too. God had given Gabe a chance to help Lily, and himself, but it was all in the timing. Gabe wouldn't get long. The Shepherd of Souls had been very clear about that.
Lily drove out of the parking lot, but instead of taking her usual direct route to the base exits, she drove through the grounds.
In his spirit form, Gabe followed her.
She slowed down near one of the park benches.
We met there. Gabe recalled seeing Lily with her brown-bag lunch when he'd gone jogging on the historic base. She'd caught his eye immediately. Her long, graceful limbs and full lips captivated him. When she smiled, the sun seemed to dim. Her charming demeanor wiped out all his defenses.
She'd shaded her eyes to speak to him. "I've never seen you before."
"I was in Seattle for some training, but I'm stationed here. Are you visiting your husband?"
She'd giggled this wonderful, heart-warming sound, and her face turned the loveliest shade of pink. Gabe knew in that moment, he was pretty much a goner.
"No, I'm not married. I started working at the commissary last week."
"Well, if you have lunch in the park, I'll be seeing you. I jog through here almost every day."
Gabe didn't usually take that route, but he was darn glad he had that day, and every day after. Lily had waited for him, sometimes bringing along an extra bottle of water or a piece of fruit for him. They'd talk for a little while, then he'd finish his run, although his mind was never on physical fitness after he saw Lilianna Carston.
Now Gabe sat on that same bench, remembering the delight in her eyes when he'd asked her to dinner the first time. They'd been almost inseparable after that date. They thought they'd have a lifetime together.
He turned toward her car and saw the strain on her face.
He watched her shoulders rise and fall in a deep sigh before she drove away from the curb.
Gabe didn't get off the bench and follow her. Being dead wasn't exactly halos and fluffy clouds for him.

Thank you so much for stopping by Margie and Andrew. The book sounds fantastic and I will have to add it to my TBR pile:-)

Do be sure to leave a comment, peeps, to be in for a chance to win a copy of Nopeming Shores.

Friday 7 October 2011

Guest interview - Lorraine Nelson

I am delighted to welcome Lorraine Nelson to my mad house today with her debut novel Zakia and the Cowboy. Must say I am loving that title!




With a stalker following her every move, Zakia has no choice but to flee the city. Her options limited, she runs to the only place she's ever felt safe...the Thunder Creek Ranch and her ex-husband, Lucas.

Will he protect Zakia from the stalker? And if he does will either of them be able to ignore the feelings that have simmered for so long, ready to explode... before danger either draws them together or pulls them apart. 

Hmmm sounds fab, Lorraine!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a mother of 3 boys, all grown, and have 5 grandchildren with another due in December. All boys except for the youngest, my little princess, Alexis. I live with an independent yet affectionate tomcat on the outskirts of the small town I grew up in.

What made you write ‘this’ story?

A woman named Zakia called in to the call center where I work. It was such an unusual name that I instantly pictured her in my mind and knew she’d feature in a story. After mulling over ideas for a few days, I jotted down some notes and began writing.

Describe a typical day’s writing for you

A typical day? Mornings see me taking my tea to my desk and checking emails, Facebook and the like. I hate interruptions when I’m writing and have been known to lock the door and turn off the phones. When I’m ready, I read over the last couple pages I’d written the day before and start writing, usually still in my pajamas. J I love peace and quiet when I’m writing to allow the muse full reign. LOL 

Oh I love peace and quiet too, one day for me, one day...

What inspires you?

Life in general. An exotic name, an interesting travel brochure or commercial, memories. Ideas come from anywhere and everywhere.

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

Either dead or bored stiff! I’ve always loved books. As a teenager, that’s what I spent all my babysitting money on. I always seemed to have a pencil in hand to jot down stories or poems that floated around in my head. Funny enough though, I never kept a diary or journal of any kind. Wish I had!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

All the time! I’m a pantser all the way and the characters take the story where they want it to go. I start with a general idea, but they take over.

What could you not do without when you’re writing?

The ever present cup of tea. 

What words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring authors out there?

Keep writing, learning, improving your craft. Submit, submit, submit. Be patient, persistent and persevere. You’ll get there.

Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?

Retired and still writing. I love seeing a story evolve from virtually nothing more than an idea. Even if I never sold a book, I’d keep writing. It’s part of who I am.

Do you have a favourite quote?

Scarlett’s “Tomorrow, I’ll think about it tomorrow.” Applies well to the household chores when I’m writing.

Oh I adore Gone with the wind, Scarlett is such a great heroine!

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Not really. When I sit down to write, I write. Sometimes there more to edit than others, but I always manage to get the words down. I suffer more from being the family chauffeur. Cuts into my writing time. 

What other books can your readers look forward to?

Two of the sequels to Zakia and the Cowboy are in the works. Covert Mission: Sudden Love and Trouble at Thunder Creek. I’m also self-publishing a Christmas novella (sweet romance) on Amazon entitled His Christmas Wish.

And finally can you share an excerpt with us?

   “Sorry, Darlin’. Always a cowboy,” he apologized.
   He sat on the edge of the bed and struggled to remove his cowboy boots, then disposed of pants, briefs and socks. When he looked up and saw the still smooth, silky skin of her upper torso and full breasts partially covered by her beautiful, long, blonde hair, he had to ask himself how he got to be so lucky. Déjà vu was very much in existence as he admired the woman standing before him. Zakia was still every bit the exquisite, sexy woman she’d been on their wedding night, only now she was trying hard not to giggle.
   “What’s so funny,” he asked with a grin as he reached for her.
   “Just a little touch of déjà vu going on.”
   “I was thinking the same thing. You’re just as beautiful now as you were on our wedding night,” he stated as he pulled her back into his arms.
   “Well, I was thinking it funny that you said those exact same words on our wedding night.”
   “What words?” he asked, curious and trying to think.
   “Sorry, Darlin’. Always a cowboy.”
   “Ooohh, those words. It’s true. A cowboy doesn’t go too far without his boots.”
   “Did you mean it, Luke?”
   “Mean what?”
   “That you still think I’m beautiful.”
   “Do I need to install mirrors on every wall in the house?” he teased. “Yes, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and sexily built. Now, shut up and kiss me.”
  “Oh, I so like a man who knows what he wants,” she cooed.
   When she reached for him, pulling him down for a kiss filled with all the passion he remembered, his heart soared. Gone was the polite restraint they’d held to since her arrival. He kissed her back, longing for more, aching for the promise her lips delivered.
   His hands moved to her breasts, rubbing and tweaking the nipples to turgid peaks, then massaging the silken softness until she moaned against his mouth in pleasure. Breaking the kiss, he took one rosy nipple into his mouth, sucking and nipping lightly before transferring his attention to the other one.
   He worked his way down her body, one kiss at a time, having to keep a tight rein on his control as she breathed his name over and over again. Her body writhed beneath him as he reached her sopping pussy, her unique scent driving him wild as always. He parted her lips and kissed her, rubbing tiny circles on her clit with his thumb. His other hand reached beneath her to fondle her ass as he began sucking her, his tongue laving and prodding her wetness until he could take no more. Rising up, he coaxed her legs apart with his knees and positioned himself. As he looked into her desire-glazed eyes, he moved, pushing into her with one hard thrust.
   Then he stilled. It had been as tight as their first time. “Did I hurt you?”
   “Uh, uh.” She shook her head as her body began to move, encouraging him to pull out and push into her warmth again.
   She grabbed his hips, pulling him closer, deeper, and they fell into a rhythm that told of their familiarity with each other. It was as if he’d gone back in time, back to the days of love and laughter, caring and sharing their lives, completing each other. He thrust in and out, faster, harder, seeking the rapture he’d only found with the woman lying beneath him.
   Thought took a long, slow ride after that as they concentrated on catching up on years of lost loving, and he was pleased to note, she still had that deep, husky, pleading note in her voice when she screamed his name.


Great excerpt, Lorraine :-)

Find Lorraine here


Zakia and the Cowboy now available at:   

Doris, thank you for having me here today to help spread the word about my debut novel.

It was a pleasure.