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Mainstream: Celtic Destinies @kissastarling #RLFblog
Clarissa: Celtic Destinies Kissa Starling, welcome
to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Clarissa: Book One in the
Celtic Destinies Series.Genre: MainstreamPublisher: Red Rose
PublishingCover artist: Shirley
BurnettLength: 31,676Heat rating: SensualTagline: Reuniting ghost
lovers proves to be the easy task. How will she ever find her own true destiny?Blurb:Clarissa has traveled
halfway around the world to Scotland
hoping to escape her sordid past and begin anew. What she finds is two unruly children,
a single father who travels, a elderly cook and a couple of ghosts who demand to
be reunited. It’s hard to figure out who plans to give her the most trouble- the
children or the ghost of a kind long since passed. Will it all be worth it in the
end and what must Clarissa do to obtain her own happiness?Buy links:Red Rose Publishing
http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=1239What are your main characters’ names, ages, and
occupations?Clarissa Randolph is
an ex-stripper turned nanny. She is in her late twenties.William Kirkland is
in his late thirties. He is a business man and lord of his castle. He has recently
become Clarissa’s boss since she is nanny to his two children, Gregory and Sally.Interview
Tell us about your story’s
world. What is it like in this period or place?Scotland
is the setting and one I love oh so much. I am really into genealogy and a few years
ago I went all the way back to the 1600’s for both my family and my husband’s. His
family is from Scotland and part
of mine from Ireland.
We both love anything medieval. I can only imagine going there one day and seeing
the castles, moors and hills where our ancestors loved, laughed and played.Which character in your
current book do you think readers will like the most? Why?I believe it may be Daisy. She is the master’s cook/housekeeper.
She isn’t a main character in this book, but she will appear in all of the series
books. She’s eccentric and different and she may possibly have a story of her own
one day!Why do you write?It’s the only way I’ve found to effectively get the voices out
of my head. Ha, ha. I am partially kidding. The characters do talk to me once I
begin their stories. I had one character invade my dreams for several nights until
I understood she didn’t want her sexual business out there for the whole world to
see. She wasn’t that type of girl! I rewrote a few scenes and the result worked
perfectly. Now I’m more apt to listen when they talk.When you’re not writing,
what would we find you doing?I love to be outdoors. My dog loves it too so we do a lot of
walking. Usually we let my husband come along too. I go to the movies a lot, drive-ins
are my favorite. There’s nothing like tailgating and then watching them slip the
film onto those huge reels. (They let me come in and watch.) I love driving down
roads when I don’t know where they go. I find the best shortcuts that way. If my
day includes reading, writing, spending time with the hubby and cuddling with my
cat it’s a good day.What other jobs have you
held besides writing?I have to laugh at this question because answering what jobs
I haven’t held would be easier. Let’s see how many I can remember- cashier at a
children’s clothing store, cashier at the mall, waitress, hostess, cook, dishwasher,
worked at a truck stop, cashier at a convenient store, gas attendant, babysitter,
telemarketer for carpet, magazines and donations, housekeeper at a motel, custodian,
cafeteria worker, substitute teacher, afterschool teacher, tutor, maid, I pressed
shirts and sewed on buttons at a drycleaner, I put together plastic car parts by
the garbage bag full, assistant teacher, counselor, survey taker, house sitter,
I transported people to doctor’s appointments, I sold Mary Kay for a few years,
and I remember several lemonade stands along the way!What are you currently
reading for fun? Anything for research?I love research! Love it, love it. I often find myself researching
above and beyond my topic when I should have already started writing. When I wrote
PS – I Love You, I spent hours watching videos of Woodstock. Oh, the music back then…. Right now
I am into zombies and I’m reading a lot of zombie books. I collect cookbooks and
always have one on the bedside table to be read. My research library is what some
might say is extensive.What’s the best gift you
ever received?This one is easy, a screen for my bedroom window. I enjoy leaving
the windows open and sleeping with fresh air coming in, even in the winter. Alas
my house has no screens on the windows. My husband went to Home Depot to buy me
one and they told him they don’t make them in that size. One day I came home from
work to find one screen on my bedroom windows and a smiling husband with many cuts
on his hands. He spent the entire day making me a custom screen to fit. It melted
my heart.If you could time travel
what era would be your first stop?I would go into the future to 3000. I know a lot about my ancestors
and things they did in the past and while I’d love to meet them in person I’d like
to meet some of my descendants even more. What happens to my great, great grand-daughter?
Is she the first female president? What is she driving? Eating? Doing for fun? Does
she wonder about me? And most importantly, does she need my help? I love being there
for family.I am continually working on learning to play the guitar. I have
short arms so I use a child’s size guitar to learn on. My father can play anything
with strings and I am so jealous because I love music. He is teaching me. We’ve
started over several times. I tend to quit when my fingers get sore. I’ll get there.
Banjos are so cool.Experience the many sides of Kissa Starling Please complete the sentence
I love pizza with everything except anchovies
(which I’ve never attempted to eat!) Onions and sausage are my favorite.I’m always ready for a road trip.When I’m alone, I wonder where everyone is.You’d never be able to tell, but I was born
up north. My deep southern accent masks it.If I had a halo it
would be sparkly with ribbons hanging down.If I could speak Spanish fluently I’d
go live in South America for a while.I can never stop buying books because
well, I’d die!Previous Books
The Lifestyle Series:Robert’s StoryChalan’s StoryRick’s StoryCarl’s StoryAidan’s StorySwing PointeGoldiAll I Ever WantedToy BoxThe Untrained HousewifeAngel’s WishCandy KissesSweet Kisses & Lesbian WishesProfilingCracker CowgirlI have several short stories in print anthologies
as well.I also have a few books out by my alter ego K.
Starling who only writes sweet romance.KismetThe Last WaltzI Should Have Kissed YouSweet Tea MaggieBooks Coming Soon
I have a short story, Pinky, coming in the Serving
Him anthology from Cleis Press in March. http://amzn.com/1573449253/Luciano’s Story, book 6 in the Lifestyle Series,
will be released this year at Red Rose Publishing- http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1296Classical Rules has been contracted by Sapphire
Publishing and is set to be released in the Uniforms Optional anthology sometime
this spring. I don’t have a link for that one yet.I plan on submitting several more short stories
this year and I’m working on a full length novel as well. (my first!!!)ContestI’d love to give away a pdf copy of Clarissa
to one lucky reader.Find Me HereWebsite: http://kissastarling.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/kissastarlingFacebook: http://facebook.com/kissastarlingPinterest: http://pinterest.com/kissastarlingGoodreads: http://goodreads.com/kissastarling -
Fitness Model: John Quinlan @JohnJQuinlan #RLFblog
John Quinlan, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited
to have you here today. Thank you for taking time to talk to us. Let’s jump right
in with questions.Please give us your professional bio.I have been involved in athletics, professional wrestling, fitness
and modeling over the years since the age of 19. I have been an image model for
dozens of apparel brands over the years along with appearing in television documentaries,
commercials, art gallery print work and having my likeness used on children’s literature
book covers. I have been a spokesmodel for apparel brands as far away as Japan and Asia just
to name a few. I am also a Physique model competitor and a current Romance Novel
Cover model as well. I have been a supplement company image model who is currently
signed as a sponsored athlete with Athletic Xtreme Supplement Co.Now, tell us about you as a person.To be honest I am happy-go lucky type guy that is ego and attitude
free. Once you are my friend I will always do my best to be one of the good guys.
People tell me I have a unique look that sets me apart from other models in the
business. I love being unique and different as many have often told me, “hey, I
remember you….you’re the model guy with the tattoos.” I have been referred to as
the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world by people in passing which
I think is very cool and I am truly humbled by all the kindness I have received
from all the amazing people like you Kayelle.You have many tattoos. Which one is the most significant to
you and why?Yeah, I have a bunch which includes 2 half sleeves, both wrists,
stomach, back and fingers etc. I am told I wear them well so it’s all good as I
try to keep myself in good physical condition so my ink compliments my body. The
most significant is a tough one to answer as they all have deep meaning but one
I will mention is on my left wrist which is the oriental Kanji “Family” symbol inside
my left wrist that represents my children.What part did your upbringing have in who you are today?I was brought up to treat people the way they want to be treated
and I think if you ask anybody that really knows me they would say I am the poster
boy for this.What do you wish was different about your past and why?I believe everything happens for a reason. All the events that
have taken place in my past have brought me to this point I am at right now so really
wouldn’t change much. If I had to be honest the only topic I would like to see removed
from my past would have to be all injuries I sustained throughout my years in the
fitness world. There are too many to name but they were always preventing me from
being 100%.As a child, who was your best friend? Tell us about him/her.My best friend was my dog London. He was a Golden Retriever and he lived
to be 16 years old because he was loved so much. I had lots of great friends that
I went to school with as a child but this dog was the best man! Still miss him as
he represents my childhood.Who is your childhood hero?As a boy I was a huge baseball fan and being from Boston growing up in the 80’s
Wade Boggs was my childhood hero. I remember the very first time I saw him at Fenway Park
and he was God like. I collected all of his cards so when I saw him in person it
was very memorable.What’s your favorite movie of all time?Great question Kayelle, I would have to say ‘Wedding Crashers’
as it is one of those movies I can watch over and over again and it is still funny
everytime.Imagine you could spend as much money on your hobby as you
liked and not worry about the cost or place to keep things. Describe your hobby
and what the area would be like where you indulge in it.I would collect everything from classic cars, trucks and motorcycles
with a mega storage place to show them off where I and all my friends could enjoy
them. Guys with tattoos are supposed to like this stuff! Ha ha ha!Describe a place of perfect refuge.Have you ever seen the Corona
beer commercial of the guy sitting there in the chair and you see him from the back?
He reaches over and takes a sip from the Corona
bottle and skips a stone in the beautiful green/blue water while he just sits in
the warm sun on the beach without a care in the world. That is my perfect refuge.If you could time travel, what era would be your first stop?The 1950’s! I loved all the old school sports from that time
and I was also a big fan of the movie, ‘Back to The Future’ as a kid. It was a simple
time and I would love to see just how sweet it was.Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t
done yet?Jump out of a plane would be really something. Hopefully the
parachute would be nice to me and open up on time and not get jammed up!Are you a cat person or a dog person?Dog baby! I have nothing against cats or people who have them
as I am a true animal lover. Love em’ all BUT I did grow up with many canines in
my house so I am a bit biased here.Do you prefer light or dark chocolate or no chocolate at all?Everybody has to love chocolate as I can eat pounds of the stuff
in one sitting! I love all chocolate as I don’t discriminate but if I was to be
picky and choose I would have to say light or milk as the dark taste is a bit stronger.
But really just give me a wheelbarrow of it all mixed up and I will enjoy shoveling
it down no problem!What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask and answer it
now.I often get asked this question as a model, “Will you ever go
all the way?” I am surprised you didn’t ask this but my answer to this is if the
money is right and all the “stars in the sky align perfectly” baring all is never
out of the question.Fun Questions — Fill in the Blanks
I love pizza with extra cheese.I’m always ready for a challenge.When I’m alone, I wish I wasn’t alone.You’d never be able to tell, but I have scars.If I had a halo it would be because I was good to others and
earned it.If I could live everyday like it’s my last I’d die
a happy man with no regrets.I can never have an attitude towards great people in the Romance
Model world like Kayelle Allen because it’s the people like her that make
models like me, without people like her guys like me are nothing.Upcoming Appearances
I have a few but the only one I can confirm right now is the
2013 RT Booklovers Convention in Kansas
City. I will be there all day Saturday May 4th.Find Me Here
Website: http://johnjosephquinlan.com/Web Gallery and Updates by Patric: http://johnquinlan.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnJQuinlanFacebook: http://facebook.com/therealjohnquinlanFacebook Fan Page: http://facebook.com/pages/John-Quinlan/109918015779005Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/trocolmia12/Model Mayhem: http://modelmayhem.com/1627814 -
Contemporary: Real Men Don’t… @ColeenKwan #rlfblog
Coleen Kwan, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Real Men Don’t Break Hearts.
Genre: Contemporary RomancePublisher: Entangled PublishingCover artist: Jessica CantorLength: 277 pagesHeat rating: sweetTagline: Enemy. Playboy. Landlord. The perfect fling?Blurb:Ally Griffin is horrified to learn her new landlord is none other
than the infuriating playboy Nate Hardy–the man she blames for getting her jilted
at the altar six years ago. Plus, now her ex-fiancé is back in their hometown of
Burronga, Australia, to marry his beautiful new bride…for real this time. Everybody’s
treating Ally with kid gloves, as though she’s still heartbroken, but she’s just
fine, thank you very much.Nate Hardy is tired of his high-flying city career and bachelor
lifestyle and is looking for something more real. The last thing he needs is to
find himself undeniably attracted to Ally, the woman with whom he never saw eye-to-eye.
But is he even capable of what Ally wants and deserves?As Ally tries to pull her life out of the rut it’s fallen in,
she doesn’t count on Nate stirring up her emotions. A short-term fling with the
resident bad boy is practically irresistible, but only if she can guard her heart…Buy links:Amazon http://amzn.to/YPqV3KBarnes and Noble http://bit.ly/SWsoPnKobo http://bit.ly/UmoxJ3iTunes http://bit.ly/Ujr1JEWhat are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Ally Griffin, 25, gift store owner.Nate Hardy, 29, former finance whizz, now landscaper.Interview
What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
as compared to when you first started writing?The most important thing I do is write on a regular basis. When
I first started writing I’d wait for inspiration, and I’d give up as soon as I hit
a rough patch. Now, I know how important it is to stick to my daily word count and
to hang in there on the difficult days when the words won’t come, because persistence
pays off.If you could change something about your first book, what
would it be?Asher’s Dilemma I would make my heroine more proactive. I would also pay much
more attention to editing my work and try to eliminate passive writing and over
description.What do you enjoy most about writing?I love creating my characters and getting lost in their stories.
I like it that my characters can say and do things I wouldn’t be able to!If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it
be?That’s a tough question. I would most likely choose Jessica Page
Morrell. She’s a writing teacher and coach, and I always find her inspiring.If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what
would it be?I would tell myself to make time for writing, even if it’s just
a few hours on the weekend. I would tell myself to finish that book, then write
another and another, and try to improve with each one.How do you cope with stress as an author?I’m a great believer in To Do lists. If I have all my chores
written down, they seem more manageable, and there’s something very satisfying about
ticking each task off as it’s done. I’m also a great believer in chocolate! Whether
it’s a rejection, a looming deadline, or a story that won’t work, chocolate always
eases the stress.Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only
one hour to pack and leave, and it starts as soon as you finish this interview.
What will you take with you and where will you go?I can’t go anywhere without my contact lenses, so that would
be the first thing I pack. I’d take some T-shirts, shorts, and jeans, and I’d go
on a luxury tour around China, taking in the Great Wall, Shangri-La, and Xian. Of
course, I’d have to take my family along, too.Where were you at midnight, on December 31st when the new
century started?I was near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and I watched the
fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour.What do you like to do when you’re bored?I have to confess I watch a lot of TV! I enjoy shows like The
Office, Doctor Who, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds. My teenage daughter has also
put me onto shows like Parks and Recreation, and Community.Please underline which statement is more like you:“I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”“I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because
I do things as fast as possible.”Please complete the sentences
I love pizza with BBQ chicken.I’m always ready for a nap.When I’m alone, I daydream.You’d never be able to tell, but I daydream a lot!If I had a halo it would be so cool.If I could fly I’d trim the annoying climber growing on my house.I can never wear lipstick because it always feels sticky and yucky.Find Me Here
Website: http://coleenkwan.comBlog: http://coleenkwan.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/ColeenKwan -
Character Interview: Meredith @emkayconnor #RLFblog
Willing to Learn EmKay Connor, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re
excited to interview your character, Meredith McKenna from the book, Willing to
Learn.Genre: Contemporary RomancePublisher: Boroughs Publishing GroupCover artist: Kim KillionLength: 50,000+ wordsHeat rating: SpicyTagline: The fiancee of a prince visits the tropic paradise
that is Trésorier du Coeur to learn how to make love, and instead she finds it.Blurb:Meredith McKenna is neither graceful nor a beauty, but
that’s never stood in her way. She knows who she is and, more importantly, what
she deserves. Not one to wish on a star or hang her hopes on a fairy tale like
true love, her practical nature won her the hand of a prince. That’s how she
ended up here: Trésorier du Coeur. An island paradise.But becoming a princess is no simple matter. Regardless of
the mysticisms mouthed by the island’s proprietress, the jungle waterfalls, and
long, pristine beaches, the resort is first and foremost a school for
seduction, an ancient tradition of her fiancé’s family, and she must select a
man to be her “tutor.” Anders Collier is the most insubordinate and infuriating
of the lot. But behind those cool gray eyes lurks a white-hot secret, and
behind closed doors lies everything their hearts and bodies have yet to learn.Buy links: http://www.BoroughsPublishingGroup.comWilling to Learn is being published by Boroughs Publishing
Group in February 2013. Prior to this book, EmKay Connor’s manuscripts finaled
in numerous contests, including Spring Into Romance, The Unpublished Beacon,
and RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart. Her freelance writing has been published in
print and online media, as well as being featured in several issues of the
Romance Writers Report.What are your main characters’ names, ages,
and occupations?Meredith McKenna, 27 years old, holds the
title of Vice President, Foreign Philanthropy in her father’s billion-dollar
corporation, McKenna Enterprises.Anders Collier, 35, is an (ahem) undercover
special agent with the FBI.Interview with Meredith McKenna
Tell us about yourself.I’m not typically one to grant interviews
unless it’s related to the philanthropy work I do for my father’s corporation,
McKenna Enterprises. I prefer to guard my privacy. After all, people tend to
judgmental, especially when it comes to the wealthy or celebrities. Not that I
consider myself a celebrity.But, since you asked, I’ll give you the
condensed version of my bio. I am the only child of a billionaire entrepreneur
and an ambitious gold digger. My mother died when I was very young so
essentially I was raised by my father. Let me correct that: I was raised by
staff members who worked at my father’s Beverly
Hills mansion. Our relationship improved after I
completed my education and took at job in the family business. Now I see him
regularly at our weekly business lunches.My upbringing was typical for anyone born
into money. Lots of lessons–riding, dance, foreign language, private schools,
summer vacations in Europe, shopping sprees,
parties. However, for as long as I can remember, I never fit in with the other
richies. I have little tolerance for the back stabbing and air kisses and game
playing that seem to come with the territory. Most of these socialites have
their heads in the clouds; instead of building a career or doing something
constructive with their lives, they seem content to wait for Prince Charming to
show up.My straight forward, practical attitude
seems to have paid off though. I’m engaged to Darik Bhantarin, Crown Prince of
Tano’air. That’s what brought me to Trésorier du Coeur. Before I can become
Darik’s princess, I have to go through this Princess 101 so-called orientation.
Darik failed to mention the training program includes the “bedroom arts.” Can
you believe that kind of nonsense exists in today’s modern age? I’m expected to
choose a mentor, one of Madame Duval’s gigolos, to instruct me on how to give a
royal blow job.Tell us about Anders Collier.Argh! Just hearing that man’s name is enough
to make me scream. He’s the rudest, most infuriating, disrespectful, boorish,
insensitive, condescending person I’ve ever met. At the opening reception where
I was introduced to the staff–a.k.a. Madame Duval’s lineup of professional
lovers–he actually snubbed me. There were more than a dozen men competing for
my attention. Any one of them would be thrilled to be chosen as my mentor. Not
Anders Collier. As if he can afford to be choosy. Sure, he’s attractive if you
have a thing for the clean-cut type: short blond hair, cool gray eyes, tall and
lean. Other than that, he wasn’t very impressive. I have to say, he was the
only guy at the formal reception who actually appeared comfortable in his tux.
It could have been a pair of jeans and a polo shirt as relaxed as he looked.What do you think is your strongest point?My realistic outlook on life. I don’t delude
myself with fairy tales like riding off into the sunset with a hero or myths
like love at first sight. I don’t believe in playing games or lying or
misrepresenting one’s self when it comes to relationships. That’s why Darik and
I are such a good match. Our mix of qualities and skills is perfect for a
mutually beneficial marriage.What would Anders Collier say is your
strongest point?Gives an unladylike snort.) Anders Collier doesn’t know me well enough
to speak to my personal traits. And even if he was acquainted with me, I doubt
he’d have anything nice to say. He would probably point out the fact that my
breasts are too small and my hips are too wide.What do you wish was different about your
life?I don’t “wish “anything was different
about my life. I don’t believe in wishing for things. You have to face facts
and deal with what’s in front of you. With enough determination and hard work,
you can achieve anything. Wishing for things to happen is nothing more than a
convenient excuse for people too lazy to take accountability for their own
success and happiness.I have everything I want in life. I love my
job and I’m engaged to a prince. Did you happen to notice my engagement ring?
It’s a nine-carat, two-million-dollar diamond solitaire. Once Darik slides the
platinum wedding band on my finger, I’ll have not only a man who shares my
honesty and practicality toward marriage but a huge contract for McKenna
Enterprises, as well. My father can’t stop telling me how impressed he is with
his amazing daughter’s business acumen.What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask
and answer it now.Again, I don’t believe in wishing for things
to happen so I’ll tell you the most important question to be asked: What am I
going to do about this ridiculous princess sex-ed training? I have no intention
of sleeping with a stranger, not even to become a princess. The key is to find
a mentor who wants to avoid an entanglement with me as much as I want to avoid
one with him. If I can convince Anders I won’t rat him out and jeopardize his
future as a gigolo, I’m pretty sure I can skate through this royal orientation
without Madame Duval or Darik any the wiser. What do you think? Is there any
possible way I can carry it off?EmKay Connor About the Author
EmKay Connor is a member of Romance Writers
of America and several specialty chapters, including RWA-San Diego, Georgia
Romance Writers, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, Outreach International RWA, and
RWA Kiss of Death. A firm believer in paying it forward (and backward and
sideways), she has served as president, vice president, secretary, newsletter
editor, workshop presenter and committee chair at both the local and national
level. She also contributes her time and experience by volunteering to judge
numerous writing contests each year.Find Me Here
Website: http://sexysassyromance.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/emkayconnorFacebook: http://facebook.com/EmKayConnor -
Urban Fantasy: Natural Born Enemies @GemmaKMurray #RLFblog
Natural Born Enemies Gemma K Murray,
welcome back to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Natural Born Enemies.Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal RomancePublisher: Leap of Faith PublishingCover artist: Regina
PaulLength: 55,679 wordsHeat rating: 4 flamesBlurb:Cedar River,
Michigan is a wonderful place to fall
in love. Some people see change as a good thing, but there are a few others who
can’t let go of the “old ways.” “Breeds should stay within their breeds,” they say.Adam Thomas is the deputy sheriff in Cedar
River. His black puma shifter side got him released from the military
and sent back home. His demons followed, but they are nothing compared to the ones
within his pride.Luna McIntyre is the only daughter and shaman to the McIntyre
pack. She is tired of being smothered and told what to do in regards to her life.
She’s opened a sweet shop and moved forward with her life. However, the love of
her teen years is back in town and her family is trying to rein her in again.Someone in this small town is so set in their beliefs that they
can’t see how love is sometimes simply love. Cats and canines may be natural born
enemies, but love may be enough to get past the differences.Buy links:Leap of Faith Publishing http://leapoffaithpublishing.com/#!/~/product/category=2613677&id=18412886Amazon http://amzn.com/B00ASHH9T0/What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Adam Thomas is in his
late twenties/early thirties. He is one of the deputies to the sheriff, Bowie Golden,
in the Upper Peninsula town of Cedar River.
Adam is a black puma shifter.Luna McIntyre is the
only daughter of the Alpha of the McIntyre pack in Cedar River.
She is also in her late twenties/early thirties and owns Full Moon Sweets, a candy
shop full of tempations.Interview
Tell us about your story’s world. What is it like in this
period or place? Natural Born Enemies
is the second book in the Cedar River Series. Cedar River
is a small town of shifters in every shape and size. From the largest nest of dragons
to phoenix, wolves, pumas, and otters, if you are looking for a shifter, you will
probably be able to find it in this series. The town is set along the shores of
Lake Superior, one of the most beautiful places
on Earth. Cedar trees scent the air along with the crisp smell of the lake. Residents
are of different species, but they manage to pull together and help out as a community
should.What inspired you to write this book?When I finished writing
Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart, I thought I was done. However, Adam stepped
forward and wanted his story told. The more I heard his story (in my mind) the more
I knew I had to tell it. He carries inside of him so much sorrow and pain and because
of that, he is so familiar to me.Why do you write?Honestly, I write because
if I didn’t, I would lose my mind. I have always had voices in my mind and I thought
I was crazy. Then, I began to sort them into groups or couples and I wrote. Once
I began to write, the voices in my head would slow down and my head was able to
clear. If I didn’t write, I don’t know what else I would do.When you write, what things do you want close at hand? (Coffee,
water, chocolate… pictures of gorgeous hunks for inspiration…?)In the morning, I have
French vanilla cappuccino, the afternoon, water. In my house, there is always a
dog or two underfoot. My earbuds are always close by as well. With the view I have
out my front window (where I write), that is all the inspiration I could possibly
need.When you’re not writing, what would we find you doing?At the age of 40, I decided
returning to school seemed like a brilliant idea. Therefore, if I’m not writing,
I’m studying. When I have time, I am a bookaholic. I love to read. I was a reader
long before I was a writer and I can while away an entire day between the pages
of a book.What aspect of your life do you write into your books?My real-life emotions
really come out in my writing. I’ve been married for almost 20 years so love is
a must have in my books. I don’t believe in the fairy tale, happily ever after love.
I want my characters to have “real” love. You know, the love where not everything
is perfect. Their relationships are organic and need to be tended. I love to laugh
so humor is a big part of my writing. My husband says my female characters resemble
me in many ways (stubborn, tough, strong).What other jobs have you held besides writing?I spent many years as
a babysitter/daycare worker. I waited tables, did dishes, and cooked at a truck
stop when I was in high school. I also worked in a vet clinic, which was so much
hard work, yet very much worth it. My favorite job (besides writing) has been being
a stay at home wife/canine mom for the last 20 years.Which of your books was the hardest to write and why?Keeper of the Golden
Dragon’s Heart was the hardest because I didn’t want to be a paranormal author.
There are so many amazing paranormal/urban fantasy authors out there and I never
imagined my imagination could compete with them. Once I shut off my inner critic
and let the story flow, I found myself in awe of what I was writing. My imagination
is really an awesome place to hang out.Personal Info
What’s the best gift you ever received?My first canine kid,
Kodiak. We had just found out we couldn’t have children when my husband brought
her home. She healed two broken hearts.What kind of music do you listen to while driving? Same question
when writing?When I’m driving, I usually
have country music on. I love the harder hitting music like Jason Aldean and Luke
Bryan.When I’m writing, it
depends on the characters. For Natural Born Enemies, I listened to A LOT of Celtic
Thunder. For Book 3 (which I’m working on now), I have a lot of Clapton, Heart,
Bob Seeger, Santana, and Pink on my playlist.What’s your favorite movie?Right now, I can’t get
enough of Catch and Release. It’s such a funny, yet wonderfully romantic movie.Please complete the sentence
I love pizza with pepperoni and green olives.I’m always ready for Duck Dynasty (reality television show).When I’m alone, I take time to
be girly.You’d never be able to tell, but I am a princess at heart.If I had a halo it would be held
up by a couple of horns and it would be more than a bit tarnished.If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d stay here
in the U.P.I can never give up because my dad taught me to fight
for the things that matter.Previous Books
Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart- Cedar River Series: Book
1Contest
Find Me Here
Website: http://gemmakmurray.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/GemmaKMurrayFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/GemmaKMurraySeries Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CedarRiverSeriesPinterest: http://pinterest.com/GemmaKMurray -
Dark Fantasy: City of the Mirage @BookstoGoNow #RLFblog
Jerome Brook, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
about your book, The City of the Mirage.Publisher: Books to Go NowGenre: Dark FantasyThe Divine Astarte is one of the last of her race. Her kind
seeded many worlds with life. One of these realms was the planet of the
Warrior.Astarte is feared, not loved by her people – she is the
Destroyer of Worlds. She is served by a legion of shield maidens. These cruel
warriors inspire terror in all the lands of the empire of Astarte. The people
of her empire are also terrorized by the Beast Men. They are the offspring of
members of an alien race and the daughters of men. Astarte still rules in the
City of the Mirage.Buy links:Amazon http://amzn.com/B008C2MNRG/About the Author
Jerome Brooke lives in the Kingdom of Siam.
He is the consort of Jira, a princess of the lost Kingdom of Nan
and is a retired attorney. He has served as City Attorney for Ellettsville, Indiana.
He has written The City of the Mirage (Books to Go Now) and many other books.Find Me Here
Facebook: jrogersbarrow@yahoo.com