Category: Interviews

Meet Natalia Black

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Well, hello there. It’s been a minute since I last posted, but hey, life’s been busy! In fact, we’re heading out tomorrow for a family vacation to attend the wedding of our oldest granddaughter. Time flies!

Before I leave, though, I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce you to my friend, author Natalia Black. Nat has a hot new series, Lawman in Charge, and book one recently released, Raven’s Reckoning. Soon to follow will be Raven’s Redemption, Raven’s Revenge and Raven’s Rival. Let’s find out a little about this talented and interesting lady!

Anna: Good morning, Nat. How are you?

Nat: Hello! I’m doing well, Anna. How exciting that you are going to a wedding. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to do an interview with me. It always helps to get the word out, as you well know.

Anna: That’s true, and I’m all about helping my author friends do that. First, why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Nat: Well, I grew up in the Midwest. My husband, two children and I moved to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, where we acquired three pet pygmy goats. I like to hike since moving here too.

Anna: Now, that’s an interesting fact, goats.

Nat: Yes, it’s challenging some days, but mostly a lot of fun.

Anna: I’ll bet. What are their names?

Nat: Cocoa, Mocha and Latte.

Anna: Oh, how cute. I take it you love cocoa and lattes.

Nat: You guessed it!

Anna: I’m a latte drinker myself. Let’s switch gears now and talk about your writing, since that’s what the readers are waiting to hear about. What kind of stories do you write?

Nat: I write about strong, independent women and the men who love them. I try to include some humor in my stories, along with romance and heat. I like quirky characters, and my goats, believe it or not, provide me with some inspiration.

Anna: Great combination! Humor and quirky characters appeal to me. Let’s look at the blurb for Raven’s Reckoning, shall we?

Raven’s Reckoning

When US Marshal Clint Garmen is asked to work with the daughter of a Texas senator, Elizabeth Morgan, to catch a killer, he is less than happy about the circumstances. But Elizabeth proves herself capable of the task, and Clint finds himself softening toward the little minx. It’s a shame they can never be together, or can they?

Publisher’s Note: This steamy western romance is book one in the Lawman in Charge series and contains elements of power exchange.

Anna: Wow! I’ve read the book and I loved it!

Here’s an excerpt:

“Last time, you didn’t really do anything to deserve a good, hard spanking, but this time, you did.”

Elizabeth tried to stop short when she heard that, but they were too close to the bed for her try to make any difference. Clint sat down and pulled her across his lap, and all her struggling did nothing to stop him from pulling her pants down to her knees.

“You were about to ride away, out of my life, without once stopping to find out for sure if I really loved you,” he said, his anger clear for her to hear. “You almost ruined both our lives by telling yourself you knew what the truth was, and that, you will pay for. When the truth is important to you, you don’t just assume you know what it is. You make an effort to find out, otherwise, you pay a hard price for not making the effort.”

“Okay, you’re right,” the girl said quickly as Clint raised his hand above that soft, round bottom that was already squirming just a little. “I was a fool and I do deserve to be punished for it, but please don’t give me all the punishment now. I need to be made love to very badly, and if you punish me hard, I won’t be able to enjoy the time afterward. Will you break up the punishment into smaller sections that won’t interfere with our… afterward?”

“Sure,” Clint agreed, getting the feeling that the girl was up to something, and he was not about to let her get away with it. “If I don’t give you the whole spanking now, the rest will come to you every day for the next week. How does that sound?”

“The next week?” she echoed, her tone saying she felt appalled, but then she swallowed and nodded. “I-I don’t have m-much choice, do I?”

“No, you don’t,” Clint agreed, and then he brought his hand down hard on that sweet, round backside. “And now that the deal is made, don’t expect to be able to back out of it again. You’ll get every bit of what’s coming to you and then some, which just might teach you not to do the same fool thing ever again.”

“Ow, no, I won’t try to… ow… back out,” she answered, squirming with every stroke of his hand to her bottom. “I’ll be good. Ow! I really will! Ouch.”

Small sounds kept coming out of her every time Clint’s hand brought another smack to her seat, and he carefully gave her fifteen slow, hard smacks. Her reddened bottom was squirming hard by the time he was through, but when he put her on the bed and pulled off her boots and pants, she made no effort to escape. She lay propped up on her feet while Clint got rid of his own boots and pants, and then he was on the bed with her, touching and kissing. He began with her forehead and moved down, planting soft, butterfly kisses on her face, her neck and then her shoulders, all while caressing her breasts with his hands.

Anna: Hot! Hot! Hot! And I love the cover, just how I would imagine Clint! Here is the link to buy this great book! Readers, check this out and watch for book two, Raven’s Redemption!

Interview with Author Jenny Plumb

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Today, I am talking with Author Jenny Plumb! I’m so excited for her to tell you about her new series.

Anna: Hello Jenny. Tell the readers a little about yourself. Where you are from, hobbies etc.

Jenny: I was born and raised in Oregon and haven’t done much traveling outside of the United States. I’m married and have two mostly grown children. Writing has been my hobby for most of my adult life, because I also have a regular Monday through Friday job, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for other hobbies. Although my friends would probably say my other ‘hobby’ is watching / obsessing over certain television shows. Since my books are grounded in reality, it might surprise my readers to know that almost everything I watch has some kind of supernatural element to it.  If it’s got a vampire, a werewolf, a ghost, a witch, a zombie, or some other creature in it, I’ve most likely watched it. 

Anna: What genre do you write?

Jenny: Everything I write has spanking in it. A story without spanking is as dull to me as eating cake without frosting. Everything I write is also ‘sweet’. There will never be a dark romance from me – I can’t even read them. I need my heroes to have a measure of kindness, even when they’re teaching the heroine a lesson. So far I’ve written in the following sub-genres for Erotic Romances: mystery, suspense, ménage, age play, BDSM, and domestic discipline. At some point in the future I’m sure I’ll write something that has supernatural elements in it.

Anna: Tell us about your latest release.

Jenny: My newest release is titled, May Flowers Campus Life book 5. It’s about a woman named Mia who has escaped an abusive dominant and is afraid to start another BDSM relationship with anyone. But when her friend Aaron rescues her from a robbery in progress and starts showing signs of dominant behavior, she can’t help but wonder if she’d be able to trust again.  When Mia’s ex starts harassing her, Aaron’s protective nature goes into overdrive, and Mia finds it harder and harder to keep her submissive side hidden from him. 

Anna: What can we look for in the future from you?

Jenny: This year is all about my Campus Life series. A new book will be coming out for each of the twelve months. After that, I’m not sure which of my budding ideas will take the spotlight, but I’m certain that I’ll be writing something, because I can’t seem to stop.

Anna: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Contact info? Social media links?

Jenny: You can find me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Plumb.Jenny

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenny-plumb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlumbJenny

Amazon: : https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Plumb/e/B01CAU5H3C/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Well, readers, there you have it. Let me add that I’ve read all of the Campus Life series so far, and they are great! Join me again soon for another exciting post.

Interview with Author, Bethany Bliss

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Today, I’m talking to Bethany Bliss. She’s going to tell us a little about herself and her newest book.

Anna: Welcome, Bethany. I’m so glad to have you here today. Tell the readers a little about yourself, where you are from, hobbies, etcetera.

Bethany: I struggle during interviews and can’t tell you how long I sat staring at this question before I could formulate an answer. 

I’m quite a boring person who has done some interesting things. Flew to Reno and Utila Honduras to visit friends and learn to scuba dive. Traveled from east coast to west in a car, just me and the dog hiking through grand canyons and driving up pikes peak. I have a kink for learning and love immersing myself in diverse cultures. 

I was born and bred in Maryland, but I migrated down to Virginia after our home burned down. In the mountains of Shenandoah Valley, I discovered a passion for natural healing and, of course, writing. 

My first attempts at fifteen were pathetic, fifty or so pages of nonsense, completely illegible, though after eight attempts, I managed a draft a publisher wanted. Blushing Books gave me the chance I needed and published two of my manuscripts right off, and I’ve finished two more with a goal of eight submissions to them this year. I’m still surprised when people like them. Last I checked, I hadn’t gotten a review below four stars, yet I’ll always think of my books as I had those first drafts: plenty of improvement to be made. 

Anna: What genre do you write?

Bethany: I favor romance. Fantasy or contemporary are my favorite sub-genres to write. I just never tire of constructing stories with danger, suspense, sexy heroes and kick-ass heroines, all submerged in their own little world of my imagining. 

Anna: Tell us about your latest release.

Bethany: The Bladed Tiger’s Empress was released April 15th and is the start of a Fantasy romance series called “Claiming Her Empire”. Book one follows Princess Marilla as she is exiled from her castle, becomes a fugitive in her empire, learns to defend and protect herself, then reclaims her crown as Empress all with her most loyal general by her side. The fiercest, strongest, and sexiest warrior, who earned the warrior name Bladed Tiger for his formidable duel blade fighting style. 

Anna: What can we look for in the future from you?

Bethany: Another release is anticipated the last week of May as a start of another trilogy. I hope to complete the eight books I have been working on for Blushing Books within the year, releasing two trilogies and two standalone romance novels. That is my ambition. I have already completed four!

Anna: That’s great! Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Contact info? Social media links?

Bethany: Stalk me for fun times, book reviews, and chances to win giveaways of author swag and free books!

Thank you so much for joining me today, Bethany, and good luck with your writing.

Readers, join us again soon, for another author interview.

An Author’s Busy Weekend

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

I’m back after a fun weekend at Book Obsessed Babes Author Signing Event in historical St. Augustine. The Mardi Gras themed event was coordinated by Taira Wilds and her fantastic group of volunteers. This was my first time to attend this signing, and it certainly won’t be my last. The fun started on Friday night with a meet and greet party for the authors in the Colonial Quarter area in the historical district. We enjoyed a Cajun buffet, a DJ, and lots of mingling and picture taking.

On Saturday, we gathered in the morning to set up, take group and individual photos, and then we had lunch. After that, the VIP ticket holders came in and the general public joined us a little later. Until 4:30, we laughed, talked books with readers and had all kinds of fun. There were also interviews with the Hangin With Web Show. And even though I’m suffering with knee issues and had to wear a brace,  which, unfortunately, you’ll see in the photo, I enjoyed the entire event!

Some friends of ours even stopped by to see me and to have a book signed!

 

***But that’s not all that happened over the weekend. On Friday, March 8, Book Two in my Dominant Men series, Her Convenient Dom by USA Today Bestselling Author, Isabella Kole, was released by Blushing Books! It’s done very well so far and I’d like to share some comments from reviewers with you and tell you a little about the book. And even though it’s book two, it can be read as a standalone!

“This is a wonderful story about two people, Harper – a young nurse’s assistant, and Parker, a well-to-do older widower with two young children.” 5 stars*****

“The side plot of the unwanted hostile takeover attempts present a few problems for them, and that plot has a couple of unforeseen twists including some violence, but there is a very HEA ending that will warm your heart. The spankings are more sensual than harsh, and the sex is very vanilla. How vanilla you ask, well there is even a vanilla-scented bubble bath scene. If you are looking for a feel good story with a little kink and sensual sex without graphic excess, this one is for you.” 4 Stars****

“I really enjoyed this book by Isabella Kole.  I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars!”*****

“This is a nice long read.” 5 stars*****

“From the beginning to the end, Ms. Isabella Kole knocked this one out of the park. OMG, between the amazing characters, their interaction, the people around them, to the mystery suspense, this was a page-turning tale. 5 stars*****

“A good old fashioned romance. Evans meets Harper after his son had an accident at the Dr. She instantly likes him and before you know things turns interesting. A lovely read.” 5 stars*****

Now, here’s the blurb for Her Convenient Dom:

Parker Bentley, widower and owner of a popular restaurant chain, has just asked his nanny to marry him. And he’s made it very clear that even though it is a marriage of convenience to save his company from a takeover, it will be a real marriage. There will be no divorce, ever. He will be the head of the household, and she will have rules to follow. She will want for nothing, with a beautiful home in Chicago, a beach house in South Carolina, and money to buy whatever she wants. In return, she will help him run his business and his household, and raise his two small children. She will be his wife, in every sense of the word. His convenient wife.

Harper Easton can’t believe her luck. The handsome, sweet man she works for has just asked her to marry him. However, there are strings attached. He expects her loyalty, her obedience, and her trust. Someone is trying to steal his affections and his company, and he is not having any of it. Harper is the key to preventing that from happening. She knows he doesn’t love her, even though she is beginning to have feelings for him. Can she go through with it? How hard can it be? After all, he is a wonderful father, a fair employer, and fun to be around. Surely, she could be his wife, his lover, his partner and mother to his children without love getting in the way. And as far as his domineering ways are concerned, she finds those very sexy indeed…

And here are the buy links:Amazon US: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon AU:www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07PK8VQTZ

***Check back soon for  info for Book Five of our RomCom series, Heart & Soul, Catching Chase by Anne Welch. Six authors; six happily ever afters.

 

Isabella Teams Up With Coleen Singer

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

 

submitting-to-her-professor-200x300-2Hello again! My spicier side, Isabella Kole, has teamed up with the awesome Coleen Singer for a sweet little romance. Let me fill you in.

 

BLURB:

Annie has a hard time saying no. She is a worrier and always tries her best to please everyone. When she allows a smarmy, big guy on campus to talk her into letting him into the research lab she works in, knowing it is against the rules, it really lands her in big trouble.

Mortified after her employer, young, sexy professor, Jackson Davis, catches her in what appears to be an incriminating position, Annie fears losing her job, and maybe even expulsion and an arrest. When Dr. Davis proposes an alternate solution to her, how can she refuse? After all, hasn’t it always been a secret desire of hers to experience discipline at the hands of a handsome man?

Only problem is, the more time she spends with the hot professor, the more she finds herself falling for him – and that’s just asking for heartbreak, isn’t it?

Publisher’s Note: Sweet romance with a mild sexual scene and domestic discipline. If this offends you, please refrain from buying this book.

EXCERPT:

The hurt in his voice made Annie feel even worse. When he had been scolding her, she could at least try to defend herself. But when he reproached her quietly, she knew she had no good excuse for her behavior. She couldn’t believe she had done such a thing – she knew it was wrong, and she had allowed Paulie to talk her into it. She felt so guilty that she was afraid her knees would buckle, and her stomach was in knots.

“Why did you do it?” Jack repeated sternly.

Annie wished the floor would open and she would fall right through. She had never been so ashamed in her life. She knew she had to answer his question, even though she had no excuse for her miserable behavior. He would just keep repeating it until she answered. “I…h-he came and sat with me at dinner. He seemed so nice.” It was all she was able to choke out.

“So you invited him to my lab to have sex?” Jack asked incredulously.

“No, no!” Annie responded desperately. “I…he wanted to go some place where we could be warm. H-he…kissed me. And he wanted to come here so we’d be out of the cold.”

“So you said sure and brought him here.”

Annie was flustered again, and the shame burned through her whole body. She couldn’t seem to explain herself, probably because there really was no excuse for what she had done. “No, I told him we couldn’t come here. I explained about the laws and the rules and…well…”

“Well, what? How did you end up here, then?”

“I don’t know!” Annie almost wailed. “I tried and tried to tell him no, but he just kept begging me and demanding, and somehow, I gave in and we came here.”

“So all you had to do was tell him no. It’s not like he grabbed the key card from you and broke in or anything like that. He just asked enough times until you said yes? Annie, that doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know,” Annie whispered.

“Why didn’t you just keep saying no? Is that so hard?” Jack demanded.

“I don’t know. I mean, yes. I mean, I don’t know why I gave in. It is hard to say no.”

* * *

Jack was starting to get himself under control now, but he knew he still had every right to feel very angry with Annie. He grabbed a chair from the desk, turned it around to face her, and sat in it. He took Annie by the arms and stood her directly in front of him. With him sitting, they were on the same level and he could look directly into her eyes.

“Annie, what you have done tonight is very serious. There are strict laws protecting lab animals, and you broke those laws by bringing food and drink into the lab, not to mention the alcohol and illegal drugs.”

“But I…” Annie interrupted.

Jack shook his head. “No, Annie, it doesn’t matter whether you knew what your little friend was bringing in or not. You unlocked the door and let him in, and that makes you legally responsible.”

Annie hung her head again. Jack continued, “Not only did you break federal animal protection laws, you broke very strict university rules, allowing no unauthorized persons to enter animal labs. The university could lose its standing with granting agencies if your behavior were to be known and go unpunished. So, in addition to being arrested for violating federal laws, you could be expelled from the university for your behavior.”

* * *

Annie stood in front of Jack, feeling as if she wanted to die. She was absolutely horrified by what she had done. She couldn’t believe she had allowed some stupid frat boy to cause all of her dreams to go up in smoke. She was the first one in her family to go to college; she had been valedictorian of her high school; she was the one all her family had pinned their hopes on. Now, she had ruined everything – all for some stupid boy and his kisses. She had gotten a full scholarship to a prestigious Ivy League university and had a chance to make something of herself, and she had blown it. Not just blown it but really exploded it. Now, she was not only going to be kicked out of school, she was going to jail! Jail! She had never felt worse in her life.

“Not only can you be arrested and expelled, but, Annie, I placed my trust in you. You knew the rules, and you knew how important my lab is to me. I could lose my research grant because of what you’ve done! I have to have these studies published to get tenure, and you risked all that, just to let that scumbag in here tonight because you liked the way he kissed you? I placed my trust in you, and this is how you repay me? What do you have to say for yourself?”

If Annie thought she had felt bad after he told her about being arrested and kicked out of school, it was nothing to what she felt now. How could she have done that to him? She didn’t know it was possible to feel so bad. She wished she had never been born. She wished she could just die right now, so she wouldn’t have to see Professor Davis looking at her like that. She willed her heart to stop so she could end her pain. She also realized that she didn’t deserve the easy way out. She deserved to suffer. She deserved to be thrown out of school, publicly shamed, and sent to jail.

“Annie, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Jack repeated.

“No, sir.” Annie tried to stifle her sob.

There was a pause while Jack just looked at her. “Well, Annie, what are we going to do with you, hmm?” Jack asked rhetorically.

He was surprised when Annie answered.

“Call the police and have me expelled and sent to jail.” Annie sobbed quietly, with her head hanging as low as it could go.

* * *

Her utter dejection and obvious remorse almost made Jack smile, despite his anger. Almost. He was still annoyed with her, and if he could have, he would still have liked to spank her for her behavior, but he really had no intention of reporting her and having her either expelled or arrested. And even if she had been arrested, she wouldn’t have ended up jailed for a charge like this; she would have ended up with a fine. She must have jumped to conclusions when he had told her that she could be arrested. This kind of thing did happen all the time, and although he wanted to put enough fear into her so she never did it again, she had not actually had the food or drink in the room with the rats, only in the outer office, which was not nearly as bad. Besides, it was a paperwork nightmare for him to report her. He took a deep breath and used his sternest tone.

“Annie, I am furious with you. What you did was inexcusable! I should spank you until you can’t sit down for a week.”

Uh oh! How did that slip out? Jack couldn’t believe he had said that out loud! He tried to think of something to say immediately and hoped she wouldn’t notice, but she looked up quickly at him with wide, shocked eyes. “I don’t want you to be expelled or arrested either, Annie, but your behavior cannot be tolerated,” Jack said the first thing he could think of to try to distract her.

* * *

Annie couldn’t believe her ears. Did he just say that he should spank her? Was he really going to spank her before sending her to jail? She certainly deserved it, she thought, and she had plenty of fantasies about being spanked by a handsome man for her misdeeds. But reality seemed quite different from her fantasies. In her fantasies, it was always a boyfriend or husband who spanked her, and it was always because he loved her and wanted her to become a better person. And even in her fantasies, a spanking had never been as justified as it was now, in reality. She couldn’t believe she had done something so awful. She was lost in her reflections when she suddenly realized he had asked her another question.

“I’m sorry, sir, what did you say?” Annie whispered tentatively.

“For Christ’s sake, Annie, aren’t you even listening to me?” Annie flinched at the expletive and Jack realized that she probably wasn’t listening because she was processing his threat to spank her. Shit, she was probably planning to sue him for harassment. After what she had done to him, now she was going to come out looking like the victim! Damn! How could he have let that slip? He had just been so mad! And she did deserve it!

On top of everything else, he was going to have to fire her, and that pissed him off as well. Damn it, she had been a great research assistant, but he couldn’t just keep her after a stunt like this. She had to be punished, and although he wasn’t going to have her expelled or charged, he couldn’t just keep her on as if nothing had happened. It was too bad he couldn’t spank her. That could have solved everything. He could punish her to make sure she never did anything like that again, but he wouldn’t have to lose his best research assistant. Ah well, no use hoping for the impossible. Even just having brought it up might cost him his job, if she reported him for it. Damn, damn, damn! He was so mad at her for everything.

“I’m really sorry. I know what I did was wrong. I don’t know how I could have done it. I don’t want to go to jail! I am so, sorry.” Annie was sobbing so hard that her legs gave out and she fell to her knees. Jack sighed and reached over and pulled her back to a standing position, so that she was positioned directly in front of him again.

“Annie.” Jack sighed again. “You are not going to go to jail. I am not going to report you. However, your behavior…” Jack started to explain that he would have to fire her, but Annie interrupted him by falling to her knees again and grabbing both of his shins in an awkward hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, for not sending me to jail. How can I ever thank you? I’m so scared to go to jail! Thank you, thank you for just expelling me. Thank you so much, sir.” It was not easy for Jack to understand her through her sobs. He took her arm and pulled her back to her feet again. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration, then took another deep breath.

“Annie, you’re not going to be expelled, either. I’m not going to report you. But this kind of behavior cannot go unpunished. Annie, do you understand me?” Jack wasn’t sure that Annie could even hear him through her sobs.

Annie couldn’t believe it! Did he just say that he was not going to have her expelled or arrested? She knew she deserved both and worse, but was he really going to let her go without the public shame of arrest and expulsion?

“Annie, I said this behavior cannot go unpunished. I am going to have to fire you.” Jack took Annie by the shoulders to try to get her to look at him, so he could see if she had heard him over her sobs. He made his voice stern again. “Annie, stop that crying this instant! Do you hear what I’m saying?”

To Jack’s surprise, Annie managed to choke back her sobs immediately and turned her face up to look at him. “Yes, sir,” she choked softly. “I have to be punished so you’re going to fire me.” After a pause, she added, “Is that all you’re going to do to me?”

“Why, isn’t that enough?” Jack said wryly, hoping she wasn’t going to start accusing him of harassment now.

“Well, what about that other thing you said?” Annie asked, her face starting to flush.

“What other thing?” Jack pretended not to know what she was talking about.

Annie’s face went even redder. “The spanking,” she said softly.

Jack didn’t know what to say and wanted desperately not to incriminate himself. “Why, do you want a spanking?” he asked brusquely.

“No, but I don’t want to be fired, either.”

Jack’s whole body tingled suddenly. Was she asking him for a spanking? “Then, what are you saying? That you want to trade being fired for a spanking?” Jack couldn’t believe they were even having this conversation.

Annie took a moment to answer. “W-well, i-if you’ll let me, I guess. I thought you were going to do both to me. I feel so bad about what I did. I deserve to be kicked out of school and sent to jail, I know, and to be spanked and fired. And I’m so grateful to you for letting me stay in school me and not sending me to jail…” Her sobs started again softly.

Jack broke in, “Annie, I’m not your father. I can’t just spank you…” His voice trailed off. What the hell was he saying? He wanted to spank her so badly! Why was he saying this! On the other hand, it wasn’t worth his job, if she reported him. Annie still just stood in front of him with her head down. “Even if you deserve it,” he finished.

“There has to be something I can do. I want to make it up to you, somehow.” Annie still looked at the ground as she spoke quietly. “Maybe I can just work for you for free, and you don’t have to pay me. I can get another work study job, and I can try to repay you by working for free.” She paused. “Oh, you probably don’t even want me around now that you can’t trust me anymore.” She paused again and a few tears trickled down her cheek. “But I just feel so bad. I feel so bad! I am so, sorry and there is nothing I can do.” She put her hands up and covered her face.

Author Bios:

COLEEN SINGER

Coleen Singer loves snowstorms, fresh hot coffee and her cat, Stud Muffin. She loves to write romantic stories with good, old-fashioned men. She also loves to hear from her fans. You can write her at: coleensingerauthor@gmail.com. 

If you want to get all her latest releases the minute they go live, please join Blushing Books’ Newsletter. http://goo.gl/sR1NKn

ISABELLA KOLE

USA Today and International bestselling author, Isabella Kole, lives in southern Indiana, where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Always an avid romance reader, she began writing several years ago, and although she has had several sweet romances published under a different pen name, Accepting His Terms is the first erotic romance in her collection.

You can find Isabella on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella-Kole-Author/580591041984962?ref=hl and on Twitter as @blushingizzy

BUY LINK: 

 

 

Bethany Leigh…Brand Spanking New Author to Watch Out For

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Bethany Leigh has just released her first two works with Blushing Books! Betrothed, a novella prequel and the follow-up, Freedom. I’m going to tell you a little about both of these  today. Great stories, both set in a compelling alternate Edwardian universe. You’ll giggle, gasp and smile as you read them, just like I did!

Betrothed

 

 Betrothed

Lady Cassandra has been warned that ‘the betrothal is the hardest thing a woman goes through’ – but it’s not until she’s caught attending a forbidden rally that she discovers the painful truth behind those words.

Blurb:

Lady Cassandra is betrothed to the man she loves – but she doesn’t think it right that he will inherit her family’s estate one day. So, with two friends, she attends a Freedom for Women League rally. Lady Margia and the Freedom for Women League are fighting for the right of women to vote, own property, and not be subject to the discipline of their menfolk.

The campaign could change Lady Cassandra’s future – but when she gets caught attending the rally, it makes her present life a lot less comfortable…

Set in the same alternate Edwardian universe as Freedom.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Betrothed-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018Z0TRYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447017&sr=8-1&keywords=bethany+leigh

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Betrothed-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018Z0TRYQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447119&sr=8-2&keywords=bethany+leigh

Excerpt:

Now that we were betrothed, Edmund too had the right to punish me physically; though he still needed to obtain permission from Father, who would punish me, too. That was why Mama had warned me about the betrothal. “Even though once you’re married, your husband can bare your bottom to spank you, at least you’ll know while he’s disciplining you that there isn’t a second punishment to come,” she’d told me. “Instead, what usually comes after a marital spanking is infinitely more delicious. As you’ll find out at the Bedding Ceremony.”

I’d had a horror of the Bedding Ceremony since I was a child and attended a wedding on the other side of town. After the Wedding Ceremony, everyone had gathered at the married couple’s new home for the Wedding Feast. Before the feast was served, the groom had carried the bride over the threshold and up to their bed chamber. There had been silence in the great hall while everyone listened to the thwacks and squeals coming from upstairs. Presently, the groom had appeared on the gallery, brandishing the paddle he’d been given by the bride’s father in one hand, and a blood-stained sheet in the other. All the adults had clapped and cheered and stomped. Horrified, I’d asked Mama if the bride had been spanked until she bled; Mama had laughed, hushed me and whispered no, of course not; a good, loving husband would spank his wife hard if she displeased him, but he would never really hurt her. Later, in my bed chamber, she explained about the blood.

It still mystified me how Mama could say a husband would “never really hurt” his wife. The spankings and canings I received from Father always hurt, and they were over skirts – and I’d often heard Mama yelling and crying when Father paddled her. Yet, at every Bedding Ceremony I’d attended, the bride always looked radiant when she came down to the Feast, even if she did have to sit on a cushion.

Freedom

Freedom

 

Politics and passion collide in Edwardian England when women’s rights activist Lady Margia encounters the handsome and traditional Sir Cormac Adair.

Blurb:

Lady Margia and her Freedom for Women League are scandalising the country – demanding the right to vote, own property, and not to be spanked by their menfolk. Lady Margia is determined that her campaign will succeed – whatever the cost. But how can she reconcile her beliefs with the attraction she feels towards the traditional Sir Cormac Adair?

Meanwhile, Lady Isobelle sees Lady Margia’s campaign as her chance to inherit her family estate, and, along with her maid Edie, breaks household rules and attends a local rally.

Join Lady Margia, Lady Isobelle and Edie in an alternate Edwardian universe as they hit the campaign trail, encountering intrigue, romance, spankings and surprises along the way.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018ZGS250/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447017&sr=8-4&keywords=bethany+leigh

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018ZGS250/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447119&sr=8-4&keywords=bethany+leigh

Excerpt:

He joined them by the fire when Lady Drusilla had poured tea. “I understand your rally was broken up, Lady Margia,” he said.

Lady Margia nodded. “Yes, but I’d almost finished my speech, so it didn’t matter. As long as the message went out.”

Sir Cormac reached for a scone. “That’s all right for you to say, surely?”

Lady Margia sighed. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re one of the few women at that rally who’ll be sitting comfortably right now. I find your campaign very irresponsible, Lady Margia. You spare no thought for those women currently regretting their defiance, or for the men who really have better things to do than have to constantly police their womenfolk’s behaviour and administer punishment.”

“Then they should stick to those better things to do,” said Lady Margia, “and let women make their own decisions about their own lives.”

About the Author:

Bethany Leigh is a newbie erotic romance writer published by Blushing Books. Her first novella, Freedom, is set in a kinky alternate Edwardian era, and her second, At Dead at Night, is a murder mystery set in present-day England. Her short story anthology, A Cure for All Ills and Other Stories, will also be published by Blushing Books, and includes contemporary, historical and time-travel stories set in Australia, England and the Czech Republic.

She enjoys writing (and reading!) about strong-willed heroines crossing swords with alpha heroes.

Author links:

http://bethanyleighromance.blogspot.com.au/

Twitter: @writerbethany1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bethany-Leigh-108399886191157/

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Leigh/e/B018Z9NLSK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1449447482&sr=8-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES…Help us help others.

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

CM web size

TITLE : Christmas Miracles

GENRE : Contemporary Romance : Anthology

AVAILABLE : November 27, 2015

Celebrate this holiday season with 11 of your favorite romance authors. Meet all new characters and catch up with some of your favorite and most beloved characters in all new stories. All proceeds of this year’s anthology will be donated to a Nationally Recognized Children’s Research Hospital.

Will be available for pre – order at the sale price of $0.99. Sale price will last until Tuesday December 1, then will be full priced at $2.99.

AMAZON | B&N | iTUNES | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
AMAZON INTERNATIONAL

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Help us celebrate and raise funds! Join our launch party on November 29, 2015 on Facebook :

https://www.facebook.com/events/185187491820380/

MEET THE AUTHORS

Alisa Mullen – A Chosen Christmas

Aoife Flanagan turns to Lizzie O’Malley for the perfect Christmas gift for Seany Boy Ford. This story accompanies Unmarked: Sean’s Story.

A. Mullen

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |AMAZON | GOODREADS

INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | TSU

Amanda Lanclos – Unexpected (A Wounded Souls Novella)

Declan and Heather Jackson have had their share of bad luck in life, but going through it together was the best part of it all. But, their lives are about to to be forever changed when some unexpected news is delivered on Christmas Eve.

A. Lanclos

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | eMAIL

Anna Kristell – Wendy’s Wish

Wendy has one Christmas wish, to reunite with her true love. Brennan is the hottest thing in country music today. When they meet again, will he remember a promise he made?

A. Kristell

Anna Kristell is a small-town gal from southern Indiana with a passion for romance. She has lived in Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas, but returned to Indiana in 2005. An avid romance reader since her teen years, it has always been her dream to create love stories of her own.

Anna is the author of the Fab Five series, a continuing dramatic romance series depicting the lives of five women and their families and friends.

She is also the author of several other romances, including The Promises Trilogy, Abraham’s Soul and a short ghost story from Mystic Books, The Legend Of Blackhawk Manor. Anna’s spicier side writes as Isabella Kole.

When she is not writing, Anna can be found at her day job in the billing department of a local community mental health center, reading, traveling, or spending time with family and friends.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |AMAZON | GOODREADS

TSU | WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | AUTHORSdb

ISABELLA KOLE

Anne Welch – Carolina Hope

Erin is running from a lost love, Ben. When she comes face to face with him, can they pick up where they left off or will a secret tear them apart again?

A. Welch

Anne grew up in a very small town in South Carolina, where as a kid, she always loved to read books, make people laugh and write songs. After having success in her home state she decided to pursue dreams of becoming a writer and moved to Nashville, TN. When she’s not writing you can find her reading or searching for a husband. She loves spending time with her friends, nieces, nephews and her two fur babies. She enjoys making people laugh so if you would like please feel free to follow her on Twitter @merri_aw or on Facebook.com/itsanannething. Or visit my website at www.annewelchwrites.com. She loves hearing from her readers.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Arden Aoide – A Tale of Josephine Hildegard

Josephine Hildegard has secrets. She can’t remember them. Dr. Tesla Sorelle is a brilliant cutting edge researcher comfortable in his world of medical science. Until Josephine illuminates everything. Literally.

A. Aoide

Obstinate Insomniac, Introverted Anarchist, Juvenile Humorist, Anglophile, Red Lipstick Fetishist, Hedonist, Cat Herder, Lazy Housekeeper, Foodie, Philosopher, Mother, Lover, Compiler of Lists…

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |AMAZON | GOODREADS

PINTEREST | WEBSITE | MAILING LIST

Brenda Kennedy – A Country Christmas (A preview to Forever Country)

Professional boxer Abel Kennedy returns to his country roots for the holidays. His plan is to leave right after Christmas —until he meets the unforgettable Savannah Mae. Does he return to his luxurious life in New York, or does he stay and help the poverty-stricken town where he was born and raised?

Brenda Kennedy

First and foremost I am a wife, mother and grandmother.

I am also a nurse and a new author.

I moved to sunny Florida in 2006 and never looked back.

I love fresh squeezed lemonade, crushed ice, teacups, wineglasses, non-franchise restaurants, ice cream cones, boating, picnics, cookouts, throwing parties, lace, white wine, mojitos, strawberry margaritas, white linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and Pinterest. I also love to read and write and to spend time with my family. My books thus far, have been inspired by the things I love and the people who influence me, every single day to be a better person.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TSU | AMAZON | GOODREADS

JOIN BRENDA’S STREET TEAM : BRENDA’S STREET TALKERS

DB Jones – Struggling to Hold On (A preview to Holding Onto Us)

Tommy was the only man that Devyn had ever loved. But according to her parents, Tommy was from the wrong side of the tracks and not good enough for their daughter. Even when Devyn became pregnant, her mother and father struggled to come between them until one fateful night that changed everything.

DB Jones

DB Jones is the author of the popular Seasons of Passion Mystery Series. She also writes Young Adult Fantasy, which includes The Willow of Endless Waters Trilogy, a vivid fantasy of a young woman’s challenges between two worlds.

Before writing she and her husband composed and recorded melodic flute music for over 30 years until he passed away in 2002.

DB’s love of the creative side of life led her into music, painting and then writing.

She only anticipated writing the one story that had lain in the back of her mind since childhood, but once she started hammering away at the keyboard, many other characters screamed to have their spot-light on the page.

Her first novel was the beginning of a Fantasy trilogy, Willow of Endless Waters, but it did…moreDB Jones lives in the hills of Virginia and sits at her desk overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains where she loves writing. Her series are packed with mystery, intrigue, passion, suspense, and murder. She also writes for the young adult and young at heart through her vivid fantasy worlds. She says the diversity of genres challenges her imagination.

Before writing she and her husband composed and recorded melodic flute music for over 30 years until he passed away in 2002.

DB’s love of the creative side of life led her to music, painting and then writing. She only anticipated writing the one story that had lain in the back of her mind since childhood. But once she started hammering away at the keyboard, she discovered there were many other characters screaming to have their spotlight on the page.

Her first novel was the beginning of a Fantasy Trilogy, Willow of Endless Waters, but it didn’t take long after that until she burst onto the pages of Mystery and Crime Fiction.

DB loves sitting on her patio sipping wine with friends and family and watching her Koi rambling in and out of the many caves and grasses that fill her pond.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |AMAZON | GOODREADS

PINTEREST | WEBSITE | eMAIL

JOIN DB JONE’S STREET TEAM : DIANE’S DEVIOUS DIVAS

Kimberly Kennedy – A Holiday – holic and the Humbug

Nesha Brown, a true Christmas cermudgeon, is having a terrible day, highlighted by a dive into a snowbank with her car. Can her mother, a true holiday-a-holic and a sexy small town man with a heart of gold teach her there’s magic to be found around Christmas time?

K. Kennedy

Kimberly Kennedy has always been a creative soul, bouncing back and forth between various crafts and arts. The only one she kept bouncing back to was writing. Being an only child meant creating her own worlds, full of characters that were a combination of people she knew and quirky qualities she thought more people should have. She now lives in Denver, a real life romantic heroine, still trying to find love, one written word at a time. While she waits on prince charming, kissing a few frogs along the way, she’s having a blast vacationing, writing, trying out the amazing culinary and beer centered landscape that is Colorado, loving the mountains, and motoring around in her little grey Barbie car convertible.

Kimberly Kennedy, a real life romantic heroine,

Finding Romance, One written word at a time.

FACEBOOK | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Lacey Black – Trust Us : A Christmas Novella

Maddox and Avery Jackson escape the snow and cold of Rivers Edge and head for a mini-Christmas getaway of warm sun and sand. But what happens when things don’t go as planned, and some quiet time alone is anything but?

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Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages.

Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

Lacey’s debut novel, Trust Me, was released in August 2014. It spent six weeks in the top 100 in contemporary romance on Amazon’s Top 100 Best Sellers for e-books, and reached #42 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list for Free e-books as well as #1 for Contemporary Romance. Fight Me, Expect Me, Promise Me: A Novella, and Protect Me were each Amazon Best Sellers in both contemporary romance and romance categories.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TSU | PINTEREST | WEBSITE | eMAIL

Randi Alexander – Christmas Surprise on MacLean Mountain

Booker MacLean is shocked when his estranged wife calls and asks to talk in person. Is she back to ask for a divorce? Three days before Christmas? Sybil has a secret, but won’t share it with Booker unless he forgives her and takes her back. Will his fierce pride keep her from spending Christmas with the man she loves?

R. Alexander

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander spends her days deep in cowboy country, writing irresistibly seductive and emotional love stories that sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with passion. Her smokin’ hot romances bring you heroes who’ll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

Vicki Green – Hoped (Sequel novella to Trusted)

A sequel novella to Trusted (Touched #3), Harley faces the death of his beloved wife two years later. Believing she was his one and only, can miracles happen more than once in a lifetime?

V. Green

Vicki Green grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and currently resides in Olathe, Kansas. Along with her husband and two teenage boys, they share their home with their fur babies. She enjoys spending time with her family.

Vicki enjoys reading Romance books which is what inspired her to begin writing. As a reader, she loves being taken away, to some other place and time, falling in love with the characters. She has always admired Author’s dedication and hard work. She had a dream that played out for over a year, came home one day after work and decided to put it on a word document to see how it read and that became ‘My Savior Forever’, the beginning of her Forever Series, her first book, and that’s where it all began.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |AMAZON | GOODREADS

GOOGLE+ | WEBSITE | LINKEDIN

Jackson Young, Multi-Talented Artist

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Today I’m going to introduce you to a young man from my hometown. His name is Jackson Young and he is a rising country music star, a cover model, writer, actor, you name it, he does it. Many of you are familiar with him, as you’ve met him in my street team. He was in San Antonio over the weekend with author, Randi Alexander, at the Wild and Wicked Weekend Author Event and some of you met him there. Here’s a little about this talented young man. His newest CD is out and here’s the video for his hit “Drunken Angel.”

Professional Overview

Jackson first imageRecording Artist/ Songwriter   

Jackson Young is a singer/songwriter in a professional career spanning fifteen years. Jackson has formerly held two independent records deals (Platinum Planet, TMG), a publishing deal, and is currently calling Nashville, TN, home.  “I’m blessed,” Jackson remarks.

Jackson has been blessed to collaborate and create with industry greats such as; Chester Thompson (Inductee in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Chris Leuzinger (accredited for playing electric guitar on every Garth Brooks record), Michael Rhodes (accredited A session player in Nashville), Mark Capps (Grammy Award winning engineer), Jeff “Stick” Davis (Grammy Award Winner), Tommy “Papa” Stillwell (Award Winning Blues Guitarist), and Tim Gonzalez. Currently collaborating with Jon Conley (Kenny Chesney Second Guitar), and Johnny Neel (Lifetime Achievement Allman Brothers Band, Grammy Award Winner). “The people make the difference,” Jackson says.

Jackson showcases nationally in venues and festivals which have included B.B. King’s, he gets featured on T.V. and radio, places and wins national contests with past exposure to 6.9 million people. Headlines/features for philanthropy for great organizations like; Gilda’s Club, St. Jude’s, Asphalt Templers, and more. College performances have earned current endorsement by Sigma Pi Fraternity International, reaching 100,000 alumni and 5,000 undergraduates nationwide. “Reward is giving,” Jackson believes.

Jackson has also been honored to share the stage with national recording artists such as; Shooter Jennings, Katie Armiger, The Beat Daddy’s, Bryan White, and the one and only Johnny Neel from the Allman Brothers Band.

Actor

As a professional actor, Jackson has been featured as an extra, principal, and music video choreographer. He has experience in major motion picture, commercials, independent film, and television – some of which have been CMT and 20th Century Fox distribution, among others. In commercial, video, and currently independent film, he has been responsible for co-writing, casting, co-editing, producing, and executive production.

Additionally, Jackson has been a talent scout director for a national talent agency, co-directed and worked with some of the best and most innovative actors and directors in the industry today such as; Armie Hammer, Kristoffer Polaha, Brooks & Dunn, Ruben Studdard, Brad Hodge, Aaron David Thomas, and many more.

Dancer

Fortunate to have studied under a three-time world champion, Jackson has professionally trained in the style of Ballroom, Latin, and Swing, and has performed privately for groups numbering more than 100 people. Owning a private dance company, Jackson taught group and private lessons and choreography.   While a professional instructor, his students won placement in Pro-Am dance competitions. Jackson has also been a featured principal dancer and choreographer for a national cruise line video.

In traveling the United States, Jackson represented and sold premier couture costumes for the company accredited for designing and dressing the first season of ABC Television’s “Dancing With the Stars,” giving him the opportunity to work with the world’s best.

Jackson model imageModel

Jackson was the face and spokesperson for “Rooter Man A Corp” for four years during which time he co-designed the current costume. His image was on trucks, the internet, the company’s website, and a toy that was made in his likeness, which he also co-designed. While the face of the company, Jackson traveled the country performing for promotional and grand opening events.

Jackson has also modeled and walked the runway for “Manny Ready to Wear,” a premier couture designed by Manny.  Manny is the son of the famous clothing designer “Manuel” who is accredited for the “Nudie Suit” worn by various icons such as; Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and many others. Jackson has also been the cover model for each one of his albums; First Sessions, Let It Ride (National Distribution), and currently Once You Go Jack. Most recently he is currently the cover model for a three book series, Diaries of a Casanova; Legend Awakening, Twisted Angel, and Rising Redemption which are co-written by US Today Bestselling Author, Randi Alexander.

 Accolades

Some of Jackson’s accolades include; Pacemaker Paddle Award Vincennes University for Academic Excellence and Superb Community Service, Honorable Discharge United States Army Infantry 101st Airborne Air Assault, Smokingjacket.com Viral Video Contest winner sponsored by Playboy Magazine, gaining him exposure to 6.9 million people, Proclamation of “Country Day” in Martin County, Indiana in honor of his debut release “Let it Ride Album,” featuring the song “Country, Martin County,” and National Endorsement by Sigma Pi Fraternity International with 100,000 alumni and over 5,000 undergraduates, along with several other recognitions and awards.

Jackson says, “Wear lots of shoes you will never regret where they take you.”

Reach us at getrowdy@jacksonyoungcountry.com , Facebook.com/jacksonyoungcountry, and business manager, Jess Jenkins (615) 881-6668.

An Interview With Christopher Craven

Published on by Anna Kristell RomanceLeave a comment

Christopher CravenHi! Welcome back to Anna’s World. I haven’t done an interview in a while and today I’m going to remedy that. I have the fabulous Christopher Craven with me and he’s going to tell us about his work. Let’s get started!

1. What inspired you to choose your genre (genres)?

Well to start off, I myself am gay and I was introduced to the genre after a relative recommended a T.A. Chase book and from that point I was hooked. With thoughts in my own head, I finally became determined to write my own. Thus, Miles Turner and Landon Black were born!

2. We all have issues with balancing our time between writing, editing, promoting, along with other obligations and personal time. What works best for you?

To start Anna, I honestly don’t know what personal time is. As a career man working a busy 9 to 5 Pharmacy job, it’s really hard to grasp hold to the concept of ‘free time’ since when I’m not at work—I’m still at work. (Sounds like an oxymoron, but this is truth for me.) However, I juggle that time away from the pharmacy very carefully. I enjoy television way too much and I have a list of things I like to do besides writing. When I’m not at work, like most other gay men, I love to shop. This makes it harder for me to stay home all the time because I am always out shopping somewhere. No matter where it is, be it clothing, groceries or as of late—appliances and interior decorating!

 

3. Shopping…wow…I can definitely relate! So tell us about your characters now. What type of hero do you normally choose? What type of heroine?

Miles Turner and Landon Black will ALWAYS be my babies. They’re the originals and I loved writing them so much that I wrote ‘Accord’ (their sequel) and a prequel novelette titled ‘Tryst’.  My hero characters (being solely M/M Romance) usually have a couple flaws. I’m not a picture perfect type of person and I don’t reckon many people in the real world really are. And even the most affluent of people oftentimes have bigger issues than the rest. With the story of Miles Turner and Landon Black, they have such a close relationship. From the outside looking in, they appear to have perfect lives. However this couldn’t be any less true! For those that have read October Sun (Now re-published as Plight) know that Miles and Landon have their own plethora of problems. To everyone else who haven’t the pleasure of reading them, it only takes a couple of chapters to become fully engrossed in each man’s set of diverse problems.

 

4. Who are some of your favorite authors? Did they inspire you to write?

I grew up reading Dean Koontz and Stephen King since the sixth grade. “Goosebumps” and “Nancy Drew” just didn’t interest me anymore and it was time for me to evolve my literature experience into adult related material like murder mysteries and bone chilling thrillers like “Intensity” by Dean Koontz or his most famous, “Mr. Murder”. After reading them, I’d developed an entire plot chart for a book I was determined to write but never had success. It was going to be a sci-fi space murder mystery. HA! I still laugh upon thinking about that crazy idea. Then a handful of years ago, I’d been introduced to the world of Gay Romance. There, I first read T.A. Chase books. Then I found my first A.J. Llewellyn title and fell in love with those characters. Josh Lanyon and Andrew Gray taught me the possibilities of linking gay romance with a twisting/suspenseful storyline. Hank Edwards then emerged from the abyss of Facebook literary contacts that I regularly talked to. But it wasn’t until months into our online friendship that I read one of his titles. There have been several others along the way.

5. What has been the most difficult aspect of your writing career?

Negative customer reviews! As the author, our stories and our characters are just like children. We think we’ve taught them all there is to know about life. Hell, we make them do what we want them to do after it’s all said and done. So while we like each of our titles (for the most part), it is hard for many of us in the industry to accept the fact that some people didn’t or will not appreciate the same aspects of our “babies” that we do. Of course as authors—we give ourselves entirely too much credit and sometimes it goes to our head.

6. We can all relate to the negative reviews, believe me! Give us a little dirt about yourself. What’s your favorite guilty indulgence?

SOAP OPERAS! I have to watch DAYS OF OUR LIVES every single day. Only until recently did I just have a general appreciation for soaps. But after I became friends with a former soap star and her mom (an iconic soap opera lead writer) did my appreciation grow into a full-on respect for the whole cast and crew of soap operas.

6. OMG! I was heartbroken when Soapnet went off the air! You’ll have to catch me up! But first tell us about your newest book.

Well, I will share the series that follows the most recently republished ‘Plight’ as the never before released sequel and prequel (story) are releasing soon. Below are the covers/synopsis’s for how they release this summer.

 

PlightbyChrisCraven

(already released)  amazon link:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCPHPLK

 As a defense attorney, Miles Turner believes everything in his life is supreme. At the peak of his career, he takes on a high profile case that if he plays his cards right, would sufficiently line his wallet. The task is to defend a famed heir notorious for his constant troubling attention in the limelight. Miles finds resolve to all of his issues through his partner, but the recent decline in his everyday wellbeing compromises this trust.

After stumbling upon Miles in a bookstore, former underwear model Landon Black is finally settling down in life. To occupy his time, he takes classes to earn a degree as an accounting major. But studying late at night comes difficult with the extra-curricular activities deep within their Los Angeles abode. Landon has finally discovered the simple joys—love, learning and life.

With an impromptu family reunion back home in Colorado, Landon cannot fathom which of those simplicities could break when they spend a weekend around his prejudiced father. But as members of the “Black Pack” come together in the snow capped mountains of Colorado at Lake Alexander, no-one can see what’s looming ahead– an event with consequences so severe it stands to alter all of their lives forever. Prepared with nothing but his integrity and a heart full of hope, Miles is praying for a miracle while Landon, forced to play a high stakes game of life-or-death, is asking himself if the love he has is enough to offer.

 

TrystbyChrisCraven

**Prequel Novelette to Plight**

(Coming June 25th, 2014) to Amazon Kindle (first)

So many things can occur within just a short span of time. It’s just the concept that Miles Turner has been grappling upon while stepping into the realm of criminal law. After passing the California Bar Exam, he’s been offered a prime spot within a firm that can set his future success as a defense attorney. But the one concept of life that constantly seems to be missing is what he needs the most—love. The hectic workload piling up on Miles’ plate just doesn’t allow enough of his valued time to mingle. After a chance encounter at a downtown Los Angeles bookstore, the meticulous lawyer soon understands that he’s the only one who can author his life.

Landon Black, a Colorado native turned California underwear model, is at his wits end with men. After his painful breakup with Johnny Steele back home in Western Colorado, Landon believed that he must focus all his time on such a star studded career in order to go further in the industry. His lacking trust for others compounded with a general discontent for life quickly shifts upon bumping into Miles Turner during a sweltering summer afternoon. The two men finally fill empty voids within themselves as they embark on an immense journey of juggling two separate worlds into one unified love.

 

 

AccordbyChrisCraven  **Sequel book to Plight**

(Coming August 13th, 2014) to Amazon Kindle first

 

Just weeks after the murder of his close friend, Kevin Donahue sets out on a personal vendetta to track down the killer responsible. He stops at nowhere to ensure the madman pays for the evil acts haunting his circle of friends. During the lengthy investigation, he’s arrived close to solving the mystery. But all his extended hours must come at the cost of spending less time with his soul mate. Kevin realizes he must delegate and prioritize his duties as a Lieutenant in order to manage an unrehearsed wedding to his lover. However to his surprise, there’s more beneath the surface of Miles’ death and Kevin must remain dutiful in his ranks without solely taking matters into his own hands.

 

Deciding to place his education on pause, Shane Caruthers consoles Landon and helps his friend come to terms with Miles Turner’s gruesome death. While on the academic sabbatical, Shane comes to the revelation that life is too short and he wants to marry Kevin with a less elaborate ceremony than they originally intended—and much sooner also. After Shane convinces Kevin of all the benefits to eloping, the lovers invite Landon Black to join alongside them on their hasty marriage celebration. Upon departing Los Angeles for a weekend, the trio are shocked to find Miles’ killer still up to their same antics. Kevin must placate Shane and Landon all the while risking his life to apprehend a cold-blooded criminal.

Want to know more about Christopher’s work and keep up on the latest? Go to his brand new website at http://www.christophercraven.com

You can also find him on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/authorchriscraven

Thanks so much for being with us today and telling us a little about your books! Best of luck to you.

Thanks everyone else for joining us. Have a great week!

Love,

Anna

 

 

 

 

 

A Chat With Author Lyn Croft

Published on by Anna Kristell Romance6 Comments

Lyn's cover.jpegI have Lyn Croft with me today! She’s answered the famous “Anna” questions and is going to tell us about her new book too. Pull up a chair, get comfy, and read on as we see what Lyn has to say.

 

What inspired you to choose your genre (genres)?

I’ve always been in love with the sci-fi world. The creativity has no limits, yet you still have to find a way to bring a reality of it all to an audience. That has always intrigued me. But I have to say it is the ability to create new worlds and characters, as well as making your own rules.

I can understand that. I don’t write in that genre but enjoy reading it. Now, we all have issues with balancing our time between writing, editing, promoting, along with other obligations and personal time. Tell me, what works best for you?

I would love to say I stick to a schedule, but I do have a busy life. I try to make sure I set time aside so that I can have time for my writing. My muse gets cranky, and so do I if I can’t get the characters to come alive on paper.

I can totally relate to that. Tell us about your characters. What type of hero do you normally choose? What type of heroine?

I have a few different types of heroes. The Nephilim/Halflings from my book are heroes that were born into being warriors, and then I have the Cara and Kelsey, the ones who grow into the role over time. They start off weak – or believing they are – and find the strength inside them when faced with challenges. I love watching characters grow and overcome. When they do realize their potential, and how they’ve made it through their trials and see their true strength, that makes them a true hero in my eyes.

Good point! Who are some of your favorite authors? Did they inspire you to write?

I know people are tired of hearing this, but Stephen King is the King. I love his style, his imagination, and the way he shares his experiences and processes so that other authors can grow their talent. He’s my mentor and inspires me with how far he has come in the writing word.  He’s mastered so many genres, and to me that’s a rare talent. I have others as well; Gena Showalter is another of my favorites as well as Dean Koontz.

Some impressive names there! What would you say has been the most difficult aspect of your writing career?

My schedule. I work full time, and am a single mother. I would love to have more time to write than I’m currently able to.  I watch other writers churn out book after book, and then have fans ask me when my next one will be ready. I feel bad that I’m not producing faster, but I also like to take my time with my stories to make sure I get them right. So that combined with my current obligations gets as little frustrating at times.

Oh, girl, I’m right there with you. I work full time and even though my kids are grown, it’s still hard to fit everything in. The fun part now, give us a little dirt about yourself. What’s your favorite guilty indulgence?

Oh, goodness. I’m a video game nut. I’ve had to discipline myself to set goals for writing before I’m allowed to play on the Xbox. Or else, I’ll be online constantly playing Call of Duty or Gears of War, and not producing stories for the public. Sometimes I think I’m a teenager stuck in a grownups body.

You’d get along great with my little grandson. He is a video game junkie already! Okay now for the good part. We’ve all been waiting for this.  Tell us about your newest book.

I’d love to!

Once cast from Heaven, Zillah has vowed to destroy God and overtake his kingdom. But a key is needed to open the gates between the two realms.

 

The Key to the gate walks the earth in the form of a woman…young, innocent and completely unaware of her importance in the battle between good and evil. Once her blood is shed, Zillah can open the portal to release her father…Lucifer himself.

 

Cara, a college sophomore, is quickly thrown into a world of supernatural, as well as learning of her true ancestry. Vampires, werewolves and the Nephilim are now a part of her real world. As the beings struggle to protect her, she fights to keep her sanity as her mortal realm is crushed.

 

Secrets are revealed that could shatter Cara’s new found love, as well as lead to her ultimate death. A family is torn apart as the battle to save the key leads them down a road of betrayal and heartache. Loved ones are lost, lines are crossed, and nothing is as it seems. Lies and truths twist and turn, leaving us with only one question…

 

Could you sacrifice the one you love to save the world?

Blood & Lilies Excerpt

The evening sky pulsed, hues of deep purples and blacks engraving blurry lines above the earth.  The night echoed its cries, carried by angry breezes through the hills of the land.  The cemetery, cascaded in carved tombstones that sprouted from the ground, laid empty and dormant, except for the busy, yet silent whispers of the dead.

The ground, wet and damp, gave way beneath Cara’s bare feet as she trudged through the mud pushing between her toes.  Her eyes traveled towards the ground to study her soiled feet, finding her body was draped in a simple, yet elegant white dress which graced her pale legs just below her knees.  The plunging neckline stopped just beneath the cleft of her breast as the thin silk straps hugged the tops of her shoulders, exposing her bare delicate skin. 

She scanned around her, alone and frightened, like a young child strayed from its mother.  It was so dark, and the crested moon, swarmed by rolling darkened clouds, offered no safe haven of light to guide her way.  Slow and unsure, she stepped cautiously, waiting blindly for an edge that would send her spiraling down into a never-ending abyss, swallowing her whole.  The shadows danced in front of her, playing tricks on her unfocused eyes as her feet took her step by step.

Where was she?  How did she get here?  She could hear faint whispers of the dead crying out to her from the spirit world.  Their words made no sense as they all jumbled together like a soft but unmelodic hum in the air.  Her ears strained to make out parts of the words, hoping to piece together some language so she could better understand why they’d brought her here.

 Realization struck.  The voices had guided her here.  She turned around to where the whispers grew, louder and more needful.  She followed them as they increased, vibrating through her head as if they were coming from inside her brain, instead of churning in the air around her.  The darkness frightened her, yet she still continued, following the only guidance she had.
            Cara.

She could hear it now.  Through the vast echo of the whispers, she could make out her name.  They called to her, begged her to come near.  She obeyed. 

Something hard struck her toes, shooting instant pain up through her legs, like lightning igniting through her to her very core.  Her body flew forward as she reached out to stop her fall.  She expected a large stone to split her head.  Or perhaps the tip of a metal cross would impale her through her chest and end it all, without her knowing or seeing it in the darkness before her.  But there was nothing as her body hit the soft ground beneath her. 

Grass laced itself through her fingers as she looked up to the gravestone in front of her.  The clouds that had hugged the moon so well broke, lighting the etched carvings before her so she could see.  What she read on the engraving shook her to the core.  Her eyes couldn’t process, couldn’t comprehend what she was seeing.

Cara L. Chadwick
Beloved Friend and Student
We will miss you always
Oct. 18, 1992 to Dec. 21, 2012

A cry escaped her lips as Cara pushed herself up from the ground as fast as she could, stumbling backwards.  She wanted to turn away, run and never look back.  There was no way in hell she was going to stay here to hang out with her own tomb.  And the date…it was this Friday’s date…or had it already arrived and was now in the past?  Cara realized she had no idea of what time it was, or the day, but she needed to escape and get out of this place as fast as her bare feet could carry her.

Laughter filled the air around her, swirling and vibrating through her head as Cara searched to find where it came from.  She knew the sound all too well, deeply etched in her head from the nights before.  From her past experiences with the twins, she knew running would get her nowhere.  She was a lost cause already from the moment she had stepped foot in this graveyard; the moment she saw her own grave laid out before her. They would win.

She lifted her eyes, outlining their shadows in the darkness before her as they stepped closer.  Three slim figures moved towards her, gliding as if they walked on air.  Two of them were the twins, but the third was new.  One she had never seen. 

Moonlight shone down upon them but seemed to focus upon the one in the middle, like a spotlight specially designed just for her.  It graced her with such an illuminating light, as if the lunar orb had no other job in the world but to light a path for this godly being.  Cara finally made out the woman’s face.  She was absolutely beautiful.  Breathtaking features sat on a perfect feminine frame.  Her hair was jet black, wrapping like silk around her shoulders, flowing effortlessly past her thin waist.  Natural waves cascaded through her locks as it glimmered off the light, highlighting scarlet tones that glistened through her hair.  Her eyes sparkled, shining like ebony pearls, even though they held no light themselves.  An endless black abyss filled them, contrasting against her smooth ivory skin.  The twins flanked her sides like bodyguards, each paling in comparison to her existence.  Dark eyes stared at Cara, taking her in as full ruby pouted lips carved up against sharp pallid teeth, exposing a ravenous smile that threatened to consume all in her path.

Fear filled Cara’s blood as she stood before them; she marveled and was terrified all at the same time.  Her feet were helplessly stuck to the ground as if the mud beneath her toes had turned into glue, holding her prisoner in front of her grave.  The air in her lungs grew rapid and short as the panic raking though her veins clenched at her chest.  She grew dizzy from the hyperventilation thinking about the date on her gravesite.  It must be today, right now, December 21, the day Cara would leave this earth for good.

They wouldn’t have to carry her far to bury her either.  No, they could just have their meal and toss her away like a rotting apple.  Her limp body would lie lifeless till passersby found her decaying corpse and tried to contemplate the irony of a deceased body being outside of its grave.  Her eyes shifted back and forth between the three goddesses before her as they approached, coming closer. 

The one in the middle spoke, “Ah, Cara, my child.  Do not be frightened of me.”  The woman’s voice was soft and sweet, almost alluring as she gazed upon her with treacherous eyes. 

Cara didn’t move.  She just stared in awe and fear.  Something inside her stirred as if the voice was all too familiar.  Her terror began to subside, though she knew she had to fight against this.  Let the fear feed her, this witch before her could be casting a spell for all she knew. 

“Sweet Cara.  I have waited for you for so long and now that you are here…oh child.  Come to me.”  She motioned with her hands for Cara to approach her. 

Though every cell of Cara’s being told her to turn away and run, her body did not obey.  Instead, it followed the orders of the hypnotizing goddess in front of her.  Her feet, mechanical, moved towards the predators in front of her, and there was nothing Cara could do to stop it.  Control had abandoned her.  It didn’t belong to her anymore.

The woman’s slender hand caressed Cara’s cheek, her face motherly as she stroked the child, “Oh Cara, dear.  Do you know how special you are?  How special you are to me?”

“No,” Cara answered, feeling spellbound by the soft hum of the woman’s voice.  Her body was frigid from the touch of the woman’s hand.  Though captivated, something screamed deep down inside her to wake up from this bad dream.  She shouldn’t be here right now.

“You will find out soon enough, my dear.  Soon enough.  I will see you soon.”  She turned her gaze to the twins, giving them a slight nod before turning her focus back to Cara.  Her eyes were now glazed over to the blackest of black, swimming with a hunger, an evil that threatened to swallow everything around it.  “Run!” the woman yelled, as the twin’s stance became predatory.

Cara jerked back as the woman screamed.  Her voice was so sweet and melodic one moment and was now a raging demon thirsty for blood the next, awakening her from her dreamlike state.  The twins snarled at her response, moving forward to pounce on their kill. 

She didn’t think, she just reacted as she turned from the three monsters and ran.  Her heart pounded frantically, feeling like it would burst out of her chest any moment.  Her feet, bare and mud-sodden, tore through the ground as she darted away as fast as they would carry her. 

The clouds hugged the moon again, cradling it so the little light it shed began to vanish.  Darkness clung around Cara like a blanket, but she didn’t let it stop her.  She ran, faster and deeper into the cemetery, not caring where her direction took her.  Only that it took her away from them. 

 Lyn’s Bio:

Lyn Croft is a sci-fi fantasy writer born and raised in sunny Southern California. There, she raises her daughter, works full time, writes novels, and plays video games in her spare time.

Her new book, “Blood & Lilies ~ Bloodlines” is her debut novel, and the first in a series of epic tales for the battle between good and evil.

Where you can find Lyn:

http://lyncroft.beaucoupllc.com/  (under construction, but should be up in the next few days)

https://www.facebook.com/lyn.croft.3

https://twitter.com/LynCroft27

http://mortal-angel.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for visiting Anna’s World today, Lyn. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and come back anytime. Best of luck to you with this book and all your future works!

And for you readers out there, I’ve just been told by Lyn’s publisher that two lucky commenters will be awarded an ebook copy of Blood and Lilies so be sure and leave a comment!!!