Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Fathoms of Forgiveness by Nadia Scrieva

Today we're welcoming author Nadia Scrieva to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her paranormal romance, Fathoms of Forgiveness.

Nadia is giving away the bracelet Visola wears in "Fathoms of Forgiveness" to one randomly drawn commenter on the tour as well as bookmarks to randomly drawn commenters at every stop. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a lovely piece of jewelry!

There is no divorce in the undersea kingdom of Adlivun. Marriage is a bond that lasts until death—even if death comes in several centuries, and in that time your spouse happens to become your sworn enemy. This is the conflict that General Visola Ramaris faces when she learns that the mighty Vachlan is behind the attacks on her kingdom. She has sworn to protect Adlivun with her life, but long ago, she also swore to love and honor her husband...

Visola must choose whether she will destroy Vachlan once and for all, or attempt the hardest thing conceivable: communication. After two hundred years of desertion, she has no faith in their feeble bond and knows she can never forgive him. When he threatens the person dearest to her, she must take action. Confronting Vachlan on enemy territory would be nothing short of suicide. She knows that if she falls into his custody, the deranged man would relish breaking her down and making her lose her sanity.

Princess Aazuria forbids Visola from taking matters into her own hands; she will do anything it takes to protect her friend from the man who wants to crush her. Alas, Visola is a crazy, uncontrollable warrior woman with the blood of Vikings in her veins. Why would she ever consider doing the safe and predictable thing?

Meeting the scrutiny of his steel-grey eyes made her feel sweltering hot and bitterly cold at the same time. It was a thousandfold more difficult to tolerate the intensity of his gaze when it was penetrating her skull from the front instead of the rear. She felt like her eyes did not offer as much protection as the dense bones of her skull had. He was already piercing beyond her eyeballs to knead her memories with his knuckles, and to dissect her thoughts with his fingernails. She tried to get past the pain in her skull to objectively observe her enemy. His jet-black hair was pulled back into its classic ponytail at the nape of his neck. Had he not changed his hairstyle in all this time? Had he not grown hideous with all the horrible deeds he had done?

It did not seem possible, but he looked exactly the same. Except for his eyes; those vicious grey-blue eyes would have terrified any lesser woman to tears. Visola could not help seeing the blatant resemblance to her daughter in his face. Although Alcyone’s coloring was closer to Visola’s own, there was still so much of Vachlan in her. Seeing this; seeing the glimpses of Alcyone in this man who was little more than a stranger, drew her spirit to him involuntarily. Visola realized that she had to face the terrible truth.

She was not strong enough to face the father of her child.

Nadia Scrieva was born in 1988 in Toronto, Canada. She studied English and Anthropology, graduating with an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto in 2011. She likes knives. Writing has been the most meaningful part of her life since she was a child. Nadia loves receiving feedback from readers, so do not hesitate to contact her with any of your comments, questions, ideas, or just to say hello.

Website: www.NadiaScrieva.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NadiaFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NadiaScrieva
Blog: http://nadiascrieva.blogspot.ca/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: The King Must Die by N. Gemini Sasson

Today we're welcoming author N. Gemini Sasson to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her historical fiction novel, The King Must Die. Like Braveheart and its time period? Then you MUST pick up the author's books, Isabeau and The King Must Die. I have them on my Nook and can't wait to finish reading them!

The author will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

She was gracious enough to let me grill her about writing (and a few other things). Take it away...

What attracts you to this genre?

I can only say that I have this inexplicable attraction to castles. I’m sure it’s a genetic thing. Other than that, travelling to a different time provides an escape from this crazy modern life full of technical gadgets and a sometimes frenzied pace. Times back then were simpler in many ways, more rigid in terms of expectations and choices, but also incredibly tough.

What kind of research have you done to make sure you get the little things right? What do you use to help you?

Since I’ve been writing in the same time period for several books, the research is cumulative. I have a couple dozen biographies of historical figures from the era, and also books on everything from churches and abbeys, to clothing, armor and weapons, castles, daily life, food . . . If I’m not careful, I can fitter away hours looking things up. Whenever I can find authentic details, like what Edward III wore on his coronation day, I incorporate those into a scene. The history books and biographies give me the bones for the story; the other books help flesh out the details, so that the reader has no doubt they’re in the Middle Ages.

Do you have any odd writing habits or superstitions? If so, what?

I can’t write if someone is staring over my shoulder (I was the same way taking tests in school), but I write with a CD of Florence and the Machine playing in a continuous loop, a TV on my desk, a view to my garden, two or more dogs underfoot and a fish tank gurgling behind me.

I can only imagine the copious amounts of notes you must have for this book (and the others in the series). I normally ask "plotter or pantser", but I can't believe you'd be able to "pants" your way through a book like this. Can you? Tell us a bit about how this book went from idea to print.

Ah, but there are parts where I just wing it! History may provide a framework of events, but as a novelist I have to bridge the gaps in between and get inside the characters’ heads. So some days I just sit down and ask myself, “How am I going to get them from here to there?” Those scenes where the character undergoes an internal transformation are only loosely planned. My chapter outlines are sometimes no more than two sentences each. The really detailed ones might be a whole two paragraphs. That way I can allow the characters the freedom to take the story where they will. I’m just the chimpanzee at the keyboard, recording their thoughts for them.

The King Must Die started out as a spin-off of The Bruce Trilogy, in a way. I kept coming across Isabella’s name as I was researching her husband, Edward II, and since her life was so intriguing, I started collecting research material. So while my agent was peddling my other books, I kept working on her story. Over time it grew into two books: Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer (the prequel), and The King Must Die. It took years to complete them both, because in between I kept taking time out to rewrite other books.

Tell us one strange or funny thing about you that we may not believe and wouldn't ever guess.

Hmm, funny or strange, no. Peculiar, maybe. I have recently become a hoarder of tropical fish. I started off by asking on Facebook if anyone had a spare tank they were willing to part with. A friend gave me two and now I have four and it’s only been six months. Every week, I spend hours staring at my fish, taking care of them and reading about fish on the internet. It’s very therapeutic. I got my daughter hooked, too, so now I’m not the only fish-aholic in the family.

What's coming up next for you?

I’m finally leaping ahead to the early 15th century. My next novel will be about the last Welsh prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr. While there are many similarities between his life and that of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (who features in my Bruce Trilogy books), Glyndwr was initially very reluctant to take the lead in his country’s quest for freedom. I don’t have a title for it yet, but that should be my next book out – that is if I don’t get distracted by a recent morsel I dug up in my family tree: that one of my Scottish ancestors died at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

Do you have any questions for our readers?

Yes, what novel left the deepest, most lasting impression on you and why? (Please keep your essays to less than 500 words. You have fifty minutes, starting … now.)

What is done cannot be undone.

England, 1326. Edward II has been dethroned. Queen Isabella and her lover, Sir Roger Mortimer, are at the pinnacle of their power.

Fated to rule, Isabella’s son becomes King Edward III at the callow age of fourteen. Young Edward, however, must bide his time as the loyal son until he can break the shackles of his minority and dissolve the regency council which dictates his every action.

When the former king is found mysteriously dead in his cell, the truth becomes obscured and Isabella can no longer trust her own memory . . . or confide in those closest to her. Meanwhile, she struggles to keep her beloved Mortimer at her side and gain yet another crown—France’s—for the son who no longer trusts her.

Amidst a maelstrom of shifting loyalties, accusations of murder propel England to the brink of civil war.

In the sequel to Isabeau, secrecy and treason, conspiracy and revenge once again overtake England. The future rests in the hands of a mother and son whose bonds have reached a breaking point.

N. Gemini Sasson is also the author of The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II), The Honor Due a King (The Bruce Trilogy: Book III) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer (2011 IPPY Silver Medalist for Historical Fiction). She holds a M.S. in Biology from Wright State University where she ran cross country on athletic scholarship. She has worked as an aquatic toxicologist, an environmental engineer, a teacher and a track and cross country coach. A longtime breeder and judge of Australian Shepherds, her articles on bobtail genetics have been translated into seven languages.

Links:
Web site: http://www.ngeminisasson.com
Blog: http://ngeminisasson.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NGeminiSasson
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NGeminiSasson

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Backlash by Karyn Good

Today we're welcoming author Karyn Good to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her romantic suspense novel, Backlash.

Karyn will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

I asked Karyn to share five things about herself that we might not guess -- I love getting to know something a little different than the norm about authors we feature! Take it away, Karyn...

Thanks so much for hosting me here at It’s Raining Books. I’m having a lot of fun touring around and introducing my debut romantic suspense, Backlash.

Five Things About Me That Might Surprise You

1.  Probably the most surprising is the fact that I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was in my thirties. I was not one of those teenagers avidly waiting for their sixteenth birthday so they could take their driver’s test. Driving is not my favorite thing. But I conquered my fear of crashing 4,000 pounds of metal and now I’m able to go anywhere I want. If only gas prices would go down.

2.  I’m terrified of grasshoppers. They may be small but they’re unpredictable and you never know where they’re going to land. When they do land on you they kind of stick. {{Shudder}} I grew up on a farm and you’d think I would have gotten used to them. I never did. They seemed to thrive out in the middle of nowhere where it’s hot and dry. They were everywhere, hundreds of the disgusting little…creatures.

3.  I would love to do some kind of volunteer work in a prison. Something along literacy lines. This one’s for the future when I have time to investigate the possibilities.

4.  One of my children has special needs and is non-verbal. Communication has always been a challenge. She uses an iPad (given to her by our school board). On it is a voice output app called Proloquo2Go. And because you never know who might be in need of this information I’ll include a blurb from the company, “The application bring naturally-sounding text-to-speech voices, close to 8000 up-to-date symbols, powerful automatic conjugations, a large default vocabulary, full expandability and extreme ease of use.” In my words – It rocks. With the help of her speech therapist, it’s really made a difference in her ability to communicate.

5.  I have never drunk more than a half-a-cup of coffee in my life. While I love the smell of the stuff I can’t stand the taste, no matter how much milk and sugar I dump in the cup. All those lovely lattes and iced coffee commercials make me wish I loved coffee as much as most people seem to. But it seems I’ll have to stick to my drinks of choice: tea or Diet Pepsi.

There you have it. Some interesting (or not so interesting) facts about myself. Join in and share a surprising fact about yourself!

What he’s sworn to protect, she’s willing to sacrifice to save those she loves...

When dedicated teacher Lily Wheeler interrupts a vicious gang attack on one of her students, she vows it won’t happen again. But her rash interference puts her in the path of a cold-blooded killer and the constable tracking him—a man she has little reason to trust, but can never forget.

Constable Chase Porter returned to Aspen Lake to see justice done, not renew old acquaintances. But when he rescues the woman he once loved from a volatile situation, he realizes his feelings for Lily haven’t lessened over the years.

Now, the dangerous killer Chase has sworn to capture has Lily in his sights. Can Chase and Lilly learn to trust each other again before it’s too late—or will old insecurities jeopardize their future?

I grew up on a farm in the middle of Canada's breadbasket. Under the canopy of crisp blue prairie skies I read books. Lots and lots of books. Occasionally, I picked up a pen and paper or tapped out a few meagre pages of a story on a keyboard and dreamed of becoming a writer when I grew up. One day the inevitable happened and I knew without question the time was right. What to write was never the issue - romance and the gut wrenching journey towards forever.

Website and Blog: http://www.karyngood.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karyn-Good/168409826555843
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/karyngood

Interview and Giveaway with Charlene A. Wilson

Today I'm excited to welcome paranormal romance author Charlene A. Wilson to the blog. Her books sound fascinating, and I'm desperately trying to find time to read them! Even better, she's offering a lucky commenter a PDF of either Cornerstone Deep or Cornerstone Deep Echoes (winner's choice) and high resolution printable bookmarks of both books! Contest is open until Sunday, June 17th. So Comment!

Charlene was kind enough to answer all my prying questions. Thanks, Charlene!

Thank you so much for having me here today.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write Paranormal Romance. I think what draws me in is that anything can happen. You have as far as your imagination can reach to create worlds and what happens in them. I love the thought of magic and have given my hero, Cole Shilo, a nature that allows him to move things with a wave of his hand, disperse into a dark mist and fly, and read emotions. His brothers, James and Vincent, also have these abilities, though Vincent seems to excel in producing bolts of energy that charge from his fists…which blow things up when he’s angry. Thank goodness for James’s skill with multitasking in fine detail. He usually cleans up after his outbursts. Lol.

With the freedom to imagine that Paranormal Romance gives me, I can make it possible for the Shilo brothers to find their soul mates again when they lose them to death. They live such long lives—much longer than the Terrans they serve among—so they’ve experienced their share of loss. But, once reborn, a soul’s call is recognized by a soul mate. At an appropriate age, they can reunite. Cole has waited four hundred years to find his again, bless him.

What research or world-building is required for paranormal writing?

There was quite a bit of world-building involved with setting up the Chronicles of Shilo Manor. Though, I didn’t go too far out of the box with the plane they’re in right now, Cornerstone Deep. It’s a dimension similar to ours. In fact, it mirrors us in progression and aggression. They do have their own hierarchy and laws, and of course, their own set of gods and beliefs.

But, there are five dimensions in the spectrum, each holding a position in the arch. The Shilos come from Meridian, the original plane and most ancient. The inhabitants have progressed to the point of manipulating the elements and conversing with the Gods, or Creators. There are also the Midway realms. They’re the youngest and home to souls with innocent, humble natures. Then, as I mentioned, there are the Cornerstone realms. The mirror dimensions, Midway and Cornerstone (of which there are two, of course), are differentiated by which side of the arch they are on; the right being called Summit, the left, Deep. We get to visit each as the series progresses.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

What a great question. I think it would be that our progression is only limited in our own minds. With every circumstance, we learn, grow, and that’s one more step closer to who we are to become.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits, or superstitions?

I always wish I had a fun answer for this type of question when it comes up. Maybe I should take one up, just to have something fun to share when it does. Lol. But, I generally grab a slushy ice water, open my WordWeb, and try to clear my mind to let inspiration flow.

Plotter or pantser?

I’ve found as I work deeper into the series, that plotting has taken on a bigger role. That said, I can’t just write an outline and fill in the words the way I have it sketched out all the time. I tend to get attached to the characters and they tend to get demanding. If I don’t write their story the way they think it should go, I don’t get sleep that night. I’ve re-written scenes due to that. Conversations, reactions, outcomes… Sometimes they won’t shut up until I change it all. So, I’m still pretty much a panster.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Hahaha. Exactly to my right, is a slightly humored figment of my imagination who is telling me that this is what I get for putting him through so much #@!& in the Cornerstone Deep books.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Book three of the Chronicles, Cornerstone Deep Destiny, is underway. But, I’m also working on revising my Aumelan series. Three books are written of the planned four. Chad is my hero in book one, Aumelan, and he’s anxious to get it out for everyone to enjoy. He goes through a lot as he crosses the boarders from his home in the World Beneath the Rock to the World of the Sun to find answers to his people’s limitation. He hates that he must take energy from another to survive, and he hates that that other is his server Dee. She’s the only one who has ever felt like home to his heart, and he dreams of the day he can stand before her with no placement, no laws, no limitation separating them—only the air between them. Would she stay? Would she accept him? Love him, too?

I’m hoping to have Aumelan ready for submission by the end of the year.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What is your favorite magical ability? If you could have one, what would it be?

Charlene is an author of paranormal suspenseful tales that sweep you away to other dimensions. She weaves magic, lasting love, and intrigue into multi-layered story lines to immerse you into the lives of her characters.

She began writing in her early teens when her vivid dreams stayed with her long after she had them. The characters and worlds were so amazing, she brought them to life through her books. You can meet them now in her series The Chronicles of Shilo Manor and soon in her series Aumelan.

She resides in a small community in Arkansas, USA, with her two beautiful daughters, a gray cat, Chester, and a fluffy black dog, KooJo.

Author site: http://charleneawilson.com/
Blog: http://charleneawilsonblog.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlene-A-Wilson-Romance-Author/162568770441255
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuthorCAWilson
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4550595.Charlene_A_Wilson%20

Cornerstone Deep blurb

It's their nature - long lives and rebirth. They're from another dimension, one gifted with advance abilities, but they serve in Cornerstone Deep. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

They outlive the mortals of this realm by thousands of years, and when it comes to love the cruel fact is reinforced. Reincarnation doesn't exist on this plane. They lose their wives to death with no hope of reuniting. Yet they continue to accept others for whatever time they have together. Save for Cole. His love for his last wife still burns in his soul four centuries after her death.

When the service they render to the noblemen of Cornerstone Deep brings him face to face with Anna, something unexpected happens. In a realm of silent souls, hers calls to him. He responds with a kiss—one that joined with the spell of servitude she inhaled, binds her soul.

Breaking ancient covenants, angering the lords, and bringing the gods' wrath upon him, Cole tries desperately to undo his wrong and free his love—despite the determination of the nobleman to keep her.

~ * ~

“My life is a mirage of endless time. But you in this moment engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.” 

Cornerstone Deep Buy links

Class Act Books: http://bit.ly/CDpbCAB 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/CDAmazon

Cornerstone Deep Echoes blurb

Mianna’s return heals Cole’s soul and he promises to follow her for the rest of his existence. But the past isn’t what he believes. The fight for her has only begun.

Lord Dressen’s obsession grows as unexpected knowledge is revealed. His search for Mianna has spanned six life times and he won’t give up now. The courts stand behind him. Power pulses through his veins. Determination peaks and not even Cole Shilo can stop him. He will win his prize.

Struggling to stay ahead, Cole’s anger explodes. Nothing is sacred when it comes to keeping his love—not even covenants made with gods. But, through all his efforts, lofty or damned, the truth remains. Will echoes of another life cause him to fail?

~ * ~

“Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”

Cornerstone Deep Echoes Buy links

Class Act Books: http://bit.ly/CDEpbCAB
Amazon: http://amzn.to/CDEchoesk 

Virtual Book Review Tour and Giveaway: Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

(Full length, contemporary women's fiction with romantic elements, self-published)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Lauren will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter on the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!


Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?


Frequently funny, occasionally touching but always entertaining, Dancing Naked in Dixie is a keeper for your bookshelf. 

Julia is a writer for a national travel magazine, and her life is a complete disaster.  Her last review from her trip to Italy was a washout. Her new boss, who just happens to be her father, gives Julia an ultimatum. Go to Eufaula, a town in Alabama, do a write up on this town, or you no longer have a job.

Julia is totally disorganized and has no way or desire to change. However, she has to do this job, if she wants to keep working at the magazine. She doesn’t really have a life, and doesn’t know what she would do if one was offered to her.

Then she arrives in Eufaula, and the people that she meets are so totally different than the New Yorkers that she is accustomed to that at first she is totally unable to function.

I found myself grinning at first, and then I started giggling as she tried her hardest to pretend that she was enjoying herself in this Southern town. She was so straitlaced, I found myself laughing again. I loved this book. It is so accurately southern and the people were incredibily open and friendly that gradually she began to look around her and liked what she saw.

I enjoyed reading her thoughts, and it seemed as though I could actually see the town and the people through her eyes. This was fascinating to me, and very funny. At first I thought there were too many descriptive sentences, but as I read, I realized that these were necessary and deepened my enjoyment of the story.

The book became more involved as time passed and there were unexpected twists and turns, but the ending is more than satisfactory. Julia discovers her true self, and also her fathers.  She also finds a bit of romance with Shug, which made my heart happy (and made me hope for a sequel so I could find out where their relationship leads).

I really enjoyed reading this story and was delighted with the ending.

4.5 / 5 Flowers

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/ http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280308.Lauren_Clark
https://twitter.com/LaurenClark_Bks
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Clark/235315706518284

Interview with Michele Drier

Today we're welcoming author Michele Drier to the blog to talk about her writing and her lastest release, the second book of the SNAP Kandesky vampire series, SNAP: New Talent.  Michele was kind enough to answer all my prying questions!

What draws you to the paranormal romance genre?

I write in two genres, traditional mysteries and paranormal romance. I always wanted to write mysteries, it’s the genre I read most. I read Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers and I’m still crazy about Elizabeth George, Louise Penny, Kate Atkinson.

But after my daughter married her husband, I’ve been drawn to the paranormal. He’s a big vampire fan and introduced me to Jim Butcher , Kelley Armstrong and Charlaine Harris. I started reading these and was intrigued with the genre, particularly how the authors intertwined vampires and the paranormal with regular people—I call them regulars. This world lets me be absolutely creative with my plots and characters and there’s the romance angle. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with a more-than-four-hundred-year old man who’s beautiful, worldly, sexy and uber-rich? It’s great fun to write about this world!

What research is required for your books?

The basic research was (and still is) to read books, lots of books, in this genre. I also spend time on line looking for things like “vampire food” and “vampire history”. And because much of my books take place in Europe, I research cities like Kiev and Krakow. I’ve been to Europe several times, so places I’ve seen get worked as well. I have a friend who goes trout fishing in Slovenia (!) every year. He’s the only person I’ve ever met who’s spent time in Slovenia and the Carpathians , so I’ve mined him for his pictures, travel tales and experiences.

What's one thing you've learned from your heroine?

Wow, just one?

I think the most important one is to have your heart and your head in balance.

Maxie Gwenoch, the protagonist in the Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, is a hard-driving media executive who’s spent years working her way up the career ladder. When she meets one of her co-workers, who’s not only a vampire, but second-in-command of the vampire “family” who employs her, she’s forced to examine her career in light of what her heart tells her. It’s the eternal question women face, balancing her needs with the needs of those she loves. Will she have to give up one to get the other?

Any odd writing habits or quirks?

I don’t know if this is a quirk, but I’m learning to ignore what needs to be done in my house when I’m writing. In the last year, since I’ve had books published, I’ve given myself permission to think of writing as “work”. When I worked full-time outside the house, I couldn’t run home and do the laundry or mop the floors, so when I’m writing, those other chores don’t get done. And the other quirk, like many other writers, is that I can write in my jammies. That makes getting the mail in the afternoon a little iffy!

I always want to know:  Plotter or pantser?

Oh, pantser, definitely. I start with page one and write until the end, wherever that is. The people and places I write about live in my head, and they’re always clamoring to get out. That sounds a little more flip than it really is. I write series and each book has a beginning, middle and end in my head. I know the destination, but the roads I take to it can end up with a lot of detours. When I’m writing a scene, sometimes the characters take over and lead me places I wouldn’t have thought up myself.

Quick ... take a look to your right. What’s there?

Bookshelves stuffed with books. Oh, as well as projects that I’ve never finished. A binder of recipes so I don’t have to dump hundreds of slips of paper out of a manila envelop to find my mother’s Chocolate Pixie recipe. Empty picture frames that need to get matched with the drawer of loose photos from the last 25 years. Writing reference books mixed with old calendars, kept because I liked the images. Oooh, maybe TMI? At least I’m not ready for Hoarders. Yet!

Anything new coming up?

I write in the first person, but I’m finishing up two novellas which are back stories for some of the vampire characters in the Kandesky Chronicles. I’m writing these in third person, an exercise because the point of view is 14th to 18th century males. The first of these, Plague: A Love Story, will be published in June.

Any questions for our readers?

Although my characters do have sex, my books are very tame and don’t have erotic or exotic sex scenes. These are paranormal romances but for my characters, the emotions are more important than the sex.

Does this resonate with readers? It seems there are more a more explicit books being written and sold today. Do readers want more sex? I’m thinking about the current best-seller series, 50 Shades of Gray.

Please email me at mjdrier@gmail.com or visit my website, www.micheledrier.com

In the second book of the SNAP Kandesky vampire series, Maxie Gwenoch, media-savvy editor of the multinational celeb gossip magazine SNAP, is pummeled in Paris and kidnapped in Kiev as the Huszars ramp up the race to oust their centuries-old rivals, the Kandeskys.

SNAP’s owners, the Kandesky family of vampires, built the world’s most popular celeb coverage empire but this isn’t just a business take-over. These powerful vampire families lived with an uneasy peace for four centuries until Maxie came in to boost SNAP’s coverage and started making inroads into the Huszar’s traditional hunting territories.

Although Jean-Louis, Maxie’s lover, vampire and second-in-command of the Kandeskys, tries to keep her safe, Maxie is determined to do things her way, a way that may lose her her job, her love and her life.

Buy SNAP: New Talent at http://amzn.to/IhkJtu

Michele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home. During her career in journalism — as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers – she won awards for producing investigative series.

Her mystery Edited for Death, called “Riveting and much recommended” by the Midwest Book Review and a Memorable Book for 2011 on DorothyL, is available in paperback at Amazon and B&N.

Her paranormal romance series, SNAP: The Kandesky vampire chronicles, is available in ebook at Amazon. The first book, SNAP: The World Unfolds, received a 4-star rating from the Paranormal Romance Guild. The second book, SNAP: New Talent, is now published and also available from Amazon

Visit her website: www.micheledrier.com

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Moon Over Alcatraz by Patricia Yager Delagrange

Today we're welcoming author Patricia Yager Delagrange to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her women's fiction novel, Moon Over Alcatraz.

Patricia will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

I asked Patricia to share five things about herself that we might not guess -- I love getting to know something a little different than the norm about authors we feature!  Take it away, Patricia...

1. I’m a vegetarian. I haven’t eaten meat since 1976. Originally I wanted to lose weight so I read Diet for A Small Planet which is all about what to eat if you don’t want to eat meat or chicken or fish. After many years of combining foods in order to get enough protein, my vegetarianism metamorphosed into where I am today, i.e. I don’t believe we have to eat meat to survive. We’re no longer cave men and women, and we don’t need to hunt in order to live. I think people would be healthier with less heart and weight and other physical problems if they cut meat out of their diet and ate more fruits, vegetables, and grains. Just saying....

2. Learning to ride my horse has been more of a challenge than writing a book. I never thought I’d be able to ride my horse or enjoy him at all because he’s so big. Maximus is a Friesian which means he’s built like a Clydesdale horse (but not quite as big) but isn’t a true draft horse, yet he weighs 1,425 pounds. When I’m on top of him I feel as if the ground is really far away and when he moves, it’s like riding a locomotive. He has a lot of impulsion and strength and I had to learn not only how to manage him but overcome my fear. Overcoming my fear was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done (and am still dealing with) in my life.

3. I love dogs. In fact I love all animals. My Wednesday blog is mostly about endangered animals as well as humans helping out animals and the occasional story about an animal rescue. I’m a member of the Humane Society of the United States and believe that if anyone can be an advocate for animals, it’s that organization. They have the money and the clout to change laws and make the lives of animals better than they are now.

4. I love See’s candy. You’d never know it from looking at me since I’m 5-feet 6-inches tall and weigh 125 pounds. However, when my husband gives me a gift, it’s almost always accompanied by a box of See’s chocolates, preferably Scotch Mallows!

5. I love novels set in Italy. I stumbled upon an author in a Large Print book that my father-in-law gave me with a story by Peter Pezzelli and I loved his writing. I bought his other two books, but it seems he hasn’t written another since the last one I read. I love the way he describes the culture, the family closeness, the beauty of a country so much older than ours in the U.S. I’d like to find another author who writes books set in Italy.

Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty. But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return..

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I attended St. Mary’s College, studied my junior year at the University of Madrid, received my B.A. in Spanish at UC Santa Barbara then went on to get my Master’s degree in Education at Oregon State University. I live with my husband and two teenage children in Alameda, across the bay from San Francisco, along with our two very large chocolate labs, Annabella and her son Jack.

My horse lives in the Oakland hills in a stall with a million dollar view.

http://www.patriciayagerdelagrange.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Yager-Delagrange/204510679568596
http://twitter.com/#!/PattiYager 

Virtual Book Review Tour and Giveaway: Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva

(Full Length, Contemporary Paranormal romance, Self-Published)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Nadia will be awarding a "Drowning Mermaids" beer mug to one randomly drawn commenter on the tour as well as bookmarks to randomly drawn commenters at every stop, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a cool prize!


Deep under Arctic waters lies an ice kingdom carved into a glacier. Those who dwell within it possess magnificent biological secrets. Due to the dangers of impending war, the Princess of Adlivun is forced to flee her undersea utopia and regroup with her sisters in Alaska.

Captain Trevain Murphy is a successful king crab fisherman who has spent his life building his empire above the sea, and knows nothing of the empire beneath it. When he meets a mysterious dancer whose father has recently died, he extends kindness towards her, unaware of her unique genetics and royal lineage.

Trevain's attraction to the enigmatic Aazuria Vellamo will involve him in dangerous designs that will forever change his life, and his perspective on himself and his world. He embarks on perilous journeys in which he will need to release all of his insecurities and inhibitions in order to survive.


I really looked forward to reading this story because I haven't read any romances about mermaids before. It sounded unique and fascinating. It turned out to be both those things and so much more. The story revolves around a mermaid named Aazuria, as well as her two sisters, and two friends. They are living and working in Alaska trying to obtain enough money to purchase weapons with which to fight their enemies in the waters below.

She meets a fishing boat Captain, who is grieving the mysterious loss of one of his sailors or his last voyage. He is intrigued by her and invites her and the others to stay at his large home. He becomes very fond of her and the others, and wants to help them. He doesn’t realize that Aazuria is a mermaid, but Aazuria doesn’t realize that he has secrets also.

Aazuria is the princess of her icy kingdom and is called back to assist in preparing for war. She returns back to the Captain’s home briefly to warn him not to sail for a while. He disobeys and heads out to sea. Meanwhile the war has escalated and he is drawn into the battle.

I was never certain how this story would end, and it kept me completely interested until the last page. I sat and read this in one sitting -- and it's not a short book! There were many twists and turns to the story, and the characters were so clearly defined that I was totally invested in finding out how they would be affected by the things that were happening. These mermaids were not the kind we normally think of. They did not have tails, for instance, and except for the fact that they lived under the sea, they could have been mistaken for any human.

Nadia Scrieva is very talented and has created an amazing and engaging fantasy world. I enjoyed reading Drowning Mermaids and hated to have it end. I would highly recommend it to paranormal romance lovers.

5/5 Flowers

Nadia Scrieva was born in 1988 in Toronto, Canada. She studied English and Anthropology, graduating with an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto in 2011. She likes knives. Writing has been the most meaningful part of her life since she was a child. Nadia loves receiving feedback from readers, so do not hesitate to contact her with any of your comments, questions, ideas, or just to say hello.

Website: www.NadiaScrieva.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NadiaFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NadiaScrieva
Blog: http://nadiascrieva.blogspot.ca/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Dark Inheritance: Fallen Empire by K. Reed

Today we're welcoming author K. Reed to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her alternate reality regency novel, "Dark Inheritance: Fallen Empire".

The author is giving away nine Post-apocalypse survival baskets (which include tea, a fan, a shawl, a bracelet and more -- Plus ONE Grand Prize basket will include an iPod Touch) to randomly drawn commenters during the tour and one to the host with the most comments (excluding hers and the host's) - US/Canada only. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a a seriously cool prize!

I asked K. to share five things we'd probably not guess about her. Here's what she had to say!  Take it away, K. ...

Five things, eh? Ok, challenge on!

1.  K. is a pseudonym

2.  I’m an NCIS, Buffy: the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, and Stargate fan.

3.  I’m an old movie buff who can spout random quotes from random movies at the drop of a hat.

4.  I own the only known original Star Trek shooting script for City of the Edge of Forever from the original series. It’s signed by all the cast (and guest stars, yes I mean Joan Collins) except DeForest Kelley who had died before I could track him down.

5.  I am owned by a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who thinks 6am on the weekends is a perfectly acceptable time to wake up and go for a walk, and stalking me around the kitchen is the thing to do.

The once glittering ballrooms of Regency England now lay desolate. A plague has ravaged the countryside. The government has fallen. What vestiges of order remained have been consumed by the endless funeral pyres.

Grayson, once the Baron of Harwich, sought only to protect his people. Rescuing a half-dead woman was not among his plans. But something about her pulled at him. Perhaps it was her beauty, still evident beneath the pallor of loss. Perhaps it was the recently fired rifle at her side. Or maybe he was simply tried of death. All he knew was that the plague had taken too much already. He couldn’t let it take her as well.

Lady Juliette Adair had been ready to die with her brother. She didn't expect to be shown mercy in a world that had no room for mercy. When Grayson saved her she questioned his motives but soon found herself intrigued by him, drawn to him.

Societal rules were a thing of the past, dead along with the ton. Juliette had no manner by which to measure her growing closeness to Grayson any longer. But when she discovers he may not be the man she thought she knew more is at stake than just her heart. The secrets she carries could make a king or destroy one.

Romance author with an historical twist.

Too many post-apocalyptic stories, movies, and what-ifs crowded her head, and K Reed decided to do something about it. So she plotted one out, decided an historical post-apocalyptic romance was the way to go, and wrote that one instead.

A lover of all things historical, of strong heroes with equally strong heroines, and of sexy pirates, she’s going to explore the post-apocalyptic world of plague-ridden 1804 and the gritty criminal element of Victorian England.

Luckily she has an understanding family, supportive friends, and a day job that offers her the flexibility she needs to plot, plan, and write. Sure, one day she’d like to travel the country in search of fantastic storylines and great locale pictures, but for now she’ll stick to the east coast and the internet.

@kreedauthor
www.kreedauthor.com
kreedauthor@yahoo.com

All Romance: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-darkinheritancefallenempire-784840-160.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Inheritance-Fallen-Empire-ebook/dp/B0081657LM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1336506593&sr=8-12

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-inheritance-k-reed/1110618728?ean=2940014395595

Print: https://www.createspace.com/3867147

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Seaswept Seduction Series by Tracy Sumner

Today we're welcoming author Tracy Sumner to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her Seaswept Seduction Series.

The author is giving away a Kindle to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

She is his greatest temptation.

He is her forbidden desire.

A battle of wills leads to love.

Spirited Savannah Conner is passionately committed to stamping out social injustice. Yet when she arrives in the seaside town of Pilot Isle, North Carolina, ready to take up a new cause, she quickly finds herself on the outs with the town constable. Zachariah Garrett is the most arrogant, infuriating, maddeningly attractive man it’s ever been her misfortune to meet. And suddenly, Savannah is fighting a whole new battle – this one against her own yearning for a man who is impossible to resist.

Ever since his wife’s death two years ago, Zachariah Garrett has dedicated his life to keeping the peace. So when he sees the pretty newcomer atop a wobbly wooden crate stirring up the crowd, he doesn’t hesitate to haul her off to jail. But Savannah Connor isn’t any ordinary law-breaker. She’s a beguiling beauty with the power to awaken emotions he thought he’s never feel again, and the tenderness to help him forget his fears…and risk his heart once more.

He left all he loved behind...

Will he be able to return and win her heart?

A SPURNED WOMAN

Elle Beaumont has learned life's lessons the hard way--by foolishly exposing her youthful heart to love, only to have it broken when her true love fled Pilot Island, North Carolina. Now Noah Garrett is back, rekindling dreams she'd given up for lost, and turning her world upside down. Elle's girlish yearning for him has become something more powerful than she'd ever imagined.

AN HONORABLE MAN

A man dedicated to science and rational judgment, Noah rejects all notions of romance...until the girl who used to cling to him like a shadow begins haunting his every thought. But even as he struggles to resist Elle's sensuous beauty and the wildfire attraction erupting between them, Noah cannot deny that their passion is as irresistible and endless as the tides of love.

Tracy’s story telling career began when she picked up a copy of LaVyrle Spencer’s Vows on a college beach trip. A journalism degree and a thousand romance novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a southern version of the perfect love story. With a great deal of luck and more than a bit of perseverance, she sold her first novel to Kensington Publishing.

When not writing sensual stories featuring complex characters and lush settings, Tracy can be found reading romance, snowboarding, watching college football and figuring out how she can get to 100 countries before she kicks (which is a more difficult endeavor than it used to be with her four-year-old son in tow). After stops in France, Switzerland and Taiwan, she now lives in the south. However, after spending a few years in “the city”, she considers herself a New Yorker at heart.

Tracy has been awarded the National Reader’s Choice, the Write Touch and the Beacon – with finalist nominations in the HOLT Medallion, Heart of Romance, Rising Stars and Reader’s Choice. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. She loves hearing from readers about why she tends to pit her hero and heroine against each other and that great novel she simply must order in five seconds on her Kindle.

Website: www.tracysumner.com
Twitter: @SumnerTracy
http://www.Facebook.com/TracySumnerRomanceAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5259839.Tracy_Sumner

Book Tour Review and Giveaway: Anything You Want by Erin Nicholas

(Contemporary Full length romance published by Samhain Publishing)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Erin is giving away  a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during her tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted…

It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she’s stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.

Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won’t hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.

Marc Sterling’s first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she’s talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.

When he shows up at her hotel room, there’s something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it’s a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.

And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she’ll only say “I do”, Marc realizes he’s just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.

Warning: Contains two people who don’t like each other very much, a Toyota that can’t quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling.


I've never read anything by Erin Nicholas, but this book sounded fun and I just couldn't turn it down.  I'm glad I took the chance.

The author's voice is wonderful... fun, breezy, descriptive.  I love her writing ability. She makes it look easy.  The first few chapters of this book are absolutely fantastic and I have nothing at all negative to say about them.  Sabrina had my sympathy, Marc made me fall in love with him and I could understand why they both felt the way they did about each other. Sabrina did break Luke's heart, and she knew she had, but I got why she did what she did. 

Then I hit a bit of a stumbling block.  You see, I loved the scenes with Sabrina and Marc.  They melded perfectly, their chemistry was amazing, their dialogue sparkled.  I couldn't get enough of them.  They were fun, hot, interesting... but as soon as they added others to the mix, I struggled a bit. I didn't like Sabrina very much once she started trying to implement her plan of getting Luke to marry her so she'd have security for herself and her baby.  Luke is a great guy, and he didn't deserve to be treated the way he was, so it made it hard for me to like the heroine of the story, which in turn made the story tough to read.

But I continued because by that time I was so completely invested in the characters (and madly in love with Marc) that I had to know what happened.  It certainly helped that the author has mad talent -- she has me so won over by it that I have every intention of going back and grabbing copies of her backlist to read (it's pretty extensive) and ready to pounce on the next book in this series as well (because, didn't I mention Luke was a great guy?).

The author doesn't let anyone off easy in this book and kept the tension high right up to the end, a satisfying ending with serious cuteness that I grinned like crazy.

I know I had some issues with the book... it wasn't perfect. But it was really, really good.  And every time I wanted to smack the heroine upside the head, something happened to make me smile again.  Keeping things that emotionally charged, making me care as much as I did -- that matters.

Anything You Want is a book I can happily recommend, especially if you love fun, super sexy novels with seriously hot heroes and negligent (but creative) use of apple pie filling.

Rated:  4/5 Flowers

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters. She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios.

You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com , www.ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com, on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ErinNicholas) and even on Facebook (when necessary).

Virtual Book Tour Review and Giveaway: Golden Chariot by Chris Karlsen

(A contemporary romantic suspense novel, self-published )

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Chris is giving away  a $75 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during her tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.

Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.

The mere mention of the Trojan War intrigued me.  I knew I needed to read this book with such a unique premise and I'm glad I did.  The plot was solid, the suspense good, the ending satisfying. 

Charlotte is a strong woman ... occasionally stronger than I would have expected, but her steel spine gets her through some difficult times.  Admittedly, it gets her in trouble a bit too.  And, while I knew Atakan was our hero, it took a while for both Charlotte and I to warm up to him--but he turns out to be quite the hero!

The story begins quickly, with a shipwreck and mayhem.  I felt a bit lost at first, with characters being thrown at me from every direction... it was difficult to know who was who, and which persons were friends with whom.  Still, it definitely hooked me, and made me want to continue reading.  This is very much a plot-driven story, with details galore.  The characters may not have been as easy to get to know as I would have liked, at least not at the beginning.  The story was the focus, and the characters necessary to move the plot forward, but they weren't fully fleshed out right off.

Over time, however, they shared their secrets with me, and I came to care about them, enough that I worried terribly for Charlotte several times, especially at the very exciting ending!  I've not turned pages that quickly in a long time.  I had to know if she'd be okay...

If you like a solid action/suspense story with romantic elements and a solid plot, with heart-pounding excitement and question after question posed (and eventually answered) with an ending that will make your heart sigh, then this is the book for you. 

3.5/5 Flowers

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.

http://www.chriskarlsen.com/index.html
 http://www.facebook.com/#!/chriskarlsenwriter

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Anything You Want by Erin Nicholas

Today we're welcoming author Erin Nicholas to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her sexy contemporary romance (I get to post a review next week -- *squee*), "Anything You Want" available now from Samhain Publishing.

Erin has a seriously cool prize:  she is awarding an Anything You Want Apple Pie Pack—red and white tote filled with red pot holders, a red & white apple apron and towel set, apple pie cookbook, gourmet apple pie filling and an apple pie scented candle to one randomly drawn commenter (US/Canada only please) AND choice of an eBook from her backlist to one commenter at every stop. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a really cool basket of goodies or a book from Erin's backlist (if her other books are as fun as this one was, you'll LOVE it -- so COMMENT)!

Erin shared five things we'd probably never guess about her -- read and enjoy!  The virtual floor is yours, Erin ... take it away!

This was hard as I’m pretty much an open book. Honestly, I’m too lazy to put on a façade and keep it up! *G* But here are five things you might not know about me:

1. I’m a night-owl. I LOVE to stay up until the wee hours of the morning and would do so routinely if my children and “day job” didn’t require me to be up at 6 a.m. I’m most productive in my writing after nine p.m. 2. I’m a chocoholic for sure. Eat some every day. But if presented with a chocolate dessert or something lemon-y, I’d pick the lemon. Weird, right?

3. I’m not a beer drinker or much of a wine drinker (it has to be white and sweet or no thank you) but I love liquor *G* Rum, tequila, Kahlua (my favorite), schnapps, vodka—I like it all! (but don’t worry, I don’t drink it daily or anything. Usually.)

4. I love men in uniform. All of them. Firefighters for sure! But I’ve recently realized that if I had to pick, I’d choose men in military uniforms over the rest. Something about the guns maybe? *G*

5. I’d rather do revisions than write a first draft. I’m a great revisionist. I don’t mind going back in and changing things up. It’s way easier for me to do something with words than it is to do something with a blank page.

Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted…

It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she’s stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.

Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won’t hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.

Marc Sterling’s first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she’s talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.

When he shows up at her hotel room, there’s something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it’s a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.

And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she’ll only say “I do”, Marc realizes he’s just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.

Warning: Contains two people who don’t like each other very much, a Toyota that can’t quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling.

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters. She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios. You can find Erin on the web at http://www.erinnicholas.com/ , http://www.ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com/ , on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ErinNicholas ) and even on Facebook (when necessary).