Winner, Claimed by a Spymaster by Tara Kingston....

 CYP is the winner of Tara Kingston's Claimed to the Spymaster !!!

HOT ZONE by Catherine Mann

What can I say, I truly love this series, so when I got my hands on HOT ZONE by Catherine Mann. This is actually book 2 , (Book 1: COVER ME released in July 2011), in the Elite Force series.

Action for the first words until the last page you will fall in love with Hugh and Amelia. At times I wanted to hell out loud at Amelia and Hugh, like a scary Sci Fi movie where you the audience can see the bad guy waiting in the shadows while the man characters are clueless to the danger that is only seconds away, I was on the edge of my seat reading as fast as I could just to see what the heck was going to happen. 

Their relationship, or rather lustful attraction will really give you goose bumps because not only is Amelia successful and smart and at the top of her game, but she is a complete sweetheart and a lush when it comes to her new nephew. Trapped under thousands of pounds of rubble from a horrible earthquake, Hugh comes to her rescue just when she is about to give up. She is strong as hell to go through what she went through, buried alive holding onto her little nephew who is still only a little baby, but realizing that Hugh, a man she can't even see but shadows is risking his life to save theirs.

Hugh is wildly sexy and so Alpha it will make you sigh with his tender heart. He is also a hard core or go home sort of guy and when he finally gets Amelia and her nephew out of the rubble he can't help but still think of her. But duty calls him back to the mission, that is until the little boy is kidnapped by some serious human traffickers so won't think twice about taking out Hugh and Amelia in a heartbeat when they spoil their plans.

High adventure, high octane romance that keeps the drama high, the action intense and the romance sexy, make that smokin hot sexy.
Whatever you do, because this book can most definitely be a stand alone, keep your eye out for book three, UNDER FIRE to release in May 2012!!!

For Pararescueman Master Sergeant Hugh Franco, it’s all about saving other people’s lives. Then he moves on. But when he pulls beautiful Amelia Bailey and her adopted nephew from the rubble of a catastrophic earthquake, he finds himself entangled in their lives in ways he could never have imagined…

And desire-filled nights…
Amelia’s trip to the Bahamas to help with an international adoption has been no vacation, but the hardest part is yet to come. As Amelia and Hugh are pulled unawares into a deadly smuggling scheme, simmering beneath their growing need to protect each other is a compelling attraction they’re both determined to deny…

Guest Author and Giveaway with Tara Kingston......

Welcome back to Book Junkie's Book Blog, Tara Kingston! It is great to have you here again as a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your second book in the Claimed series, Claimed by theSpymaster?

Thanks, Brande…it’s great to be back! Claimed by the Spymaster is the story of a Russian actress snared in the web a British spy casts to catch a ruthless traitor. Here’s a little about the plot:

Russian actress Valentina Baranova travels to England to marry, but it’s anything but a love match. Betrothed to a cunning and ruthless English lord, she’s the sweetener in a deal that will put stolen British documents in Russian hands and curry the Czar’s favor for her father. Determined to flee her loathsome intended, she flees him—and promptly falls into the hands of his most bitter enemy.

Spy for the crown Alec Jameson, Lord Carrington, is on a mission: unmask the traitor responsible for his brother’s death before the blackguard can further betray Queen Victoria’s empire. Capturing Valentina to use as bait, he spirits her away from London. Despite his efforts to resist the beauty he’s snatched from his enemy’s grasp, Alec claims Valentina for his own while she lays siege to a long untouched part of Alec’s existence—his heart.

 Why Historical Romance and why Pirates, have you thought about another genre?

I’ve loved historical romance since I discovered the romances of Johanna Lindsey and Teresa Medeiros…hot heroes in settings so different from my everyday life…what could be more delicious? There’s something about being transported to another time and place that makes reading such a pleasure for me. One  of my favorite era is the Colonial period when pirates and privateers commanded sleek vessels on the high seas. The hero of my first story for Ellora’s Cave, Claimed by the Captain, is a man of the sea, a ruthless privateer with a letter of Marque from the American government. Who wouldn’t want to be swept away by a swashbuckling sea captain? I also adore the Victorian Era in England. Claimed by the Spymaster is set during that time of daring spies serving the Crown as Britain extended Victoria’s empire. I love spies—daring, intelligent, sexy men like James Bond and John Steed—the cool, unflappable secret agent whose only weakness is the woman he loves. Totally hot!

I also enjoy contemporary romance. I’m working on a contemporary inspired by Pride and Prejudice and I’ve completed a short contemporary about a breast cancer survivor rekindling a steamy relationship with a man she thought was long gone from her life.

How did you come up with the plot for Claimed by the Spymaster?

The plot for Claimed by the Spymaster was inspired by the old British series, the Avengers, and the movie that followed. Ralph Fiennes was utterly hot as John Steed in the movie. Pairing the cool British agent Alec Jameson with a fiery Russian heroine created sparks and conflict, and ultimately, passion.

Was it easy to decide what challenges to throw at Alec and Valentina?

The challenges facing Alec and Valentina flowed naturally from their conflicts. Valentina’s father, a spy for the Russian Czar, capitalizes on Valentina’s success as an actress as a cover for his travels through Europe buying secrets on behalf of his government. When his latest deal with the devil tangles them with a high-ranking English traitor, Valentina becomes a pawn between a man motivated by greed and the British agent out to unmask the traitor at any cost. Torn between her feelings for Alec and her loyalty to her father, Valentina must follow her heart while surviving the traitor’s wrath. I have to admit I loved writing this story!

What else is in store for the Claimed series?

I’m working on a novella set in the American west, Claimed by the Gunslinger, and I’m brainstorming a Steampunk setting with a skypirate. I’d love to know what readers might be interested in seeing.

I’m also thrilled that Claimed by the Captain is now available in a wonderful anthology of pirate-themed stories by Scarlett Scott and Eliza Knight. The anthology’s called Pirate’s Past and it’s now available as part of the Ahoy! series from Ellora’s Cave. Three steamy pirate stories in one volume…how awesome is that!

If the series was going to be made into a TV series or film, who would you like to see playing Valentina and Alec?

Ooh, love this question! For Alec, I’d have to cast Ryan Gosling. He’s so sexy and intelligent and athletic, while for Valentina, I’d think Rachel McAdams would be a fantastic choice.

Do you have any other projects you are working on?

I’m working on an erotic novella inspired by Jane Eyre…Michael Fassbender’s brooding performance in the latest incarnation of Jane Eyre has inspired this retelling.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job? How do you divide your time?

I divide my time between my writing, my day job as a librarian, and spending time with my wonderful hubby. We have a blast when we’re together, so it’s a great balance.

If you could live during any period in time, what would that be and who would you be?
The Victorian Era would be my first choice…such an exciting time for women! I’d love to spend time in the shoes of a brilliant and adventurous journalist like Nellie Bly.

Do you have any questions you would like to ask the readers?

Absolutely. First, what’s your favorite era…which time period draws you to a book? What draws you to a book? What do you prefer - ebooks or print?

I love to hear from readers. Contact me at tarakingstonromance@gmail.com, or better yet, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***

Tara would like to give a copy of Claimed to the Spymaster to one commenter who answers this question: What historical era is your favorite setting for romance?

Winner Chosen Jan 19th

Please leave your e-mail so we can contact you if you win!

And the winner is .............

And the winner of TAKING SHOT by Toni Aleo is............

Tamsyn

Guest Author and Contest with author Toni Aleo.............

Today I would like to welcome author Toni Aleo, she just released her first ever book this fall, a super sexy and absolutely fantastic sports themed romance called TAKING SHOTS, this one you just have to check out!!     I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review her book, which you can read all about HERE. I hope you enjoy this interview and the review,  but I have decided since I love this book so much I just want everyone to read it, so tomorrow I am picking a winner for one copy via Amazon! So leave a message for Toni and I will pick a winner from those who comment.                               

1. If someone were writing a story about Toni Aleo what would your blurb say? Toni Aleo is a twenty eight year old mother of two, married to her high school sweetheart. From a military family, Toni was born in Germany and was raised in Clarksville, TN, where she still lives today. She is a hopeless romantic, she loves love stories and being able to write them fills her with all the happiness in the world. She loves music, reading, photography, and being a mother. She is country to the core, she says ain’t, and drinks sweet tea. She is an intense Predators hockey fan and will tell anyone that Shea Weber is probably the best hockey player known to man. She tends to talk a lot and ramble about things she is passionate about.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release TAKING SHOTS that isn't in the blurb? Taking Shots is my baby. It took me seven months to write it and I just love Elli and Shea. It is about a woman that had been through so much heartache and the heartache doesn’t seem to end until she meets that one person, that takes her breath away. Shea is the perfect man with all kinds of imperfections. He complements Elli; he makes her a better person as she does for him. They are better together and when they are apart you feel the pain as if you were going through it with them. You beg for Elli to stop being so insecure and stupid. To just love Shea, not to listen to her family, but to just love.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of TAKING SHOTS?
Hehe, well…I have admitted to being a BIG hockey fan. I basically went to EVERY playoff game last year and watching a certain hockey player inspired me to developed Shea Adler. I wrote regular boy meets girl kind of books before but I had never ventured into sports because I didn’t think I could do it justice. When I started Taking Shots, I actually quit because it wasn’t flowing, but then I met my favorite hockey player. I came home, opened the outline for Taking Shots and things just came out in the masses. It was nuts, and I kid you not that I would write hours at a time and I wouldn’t stop. If you were to pick out a major event in the book, I could tell you what that came from. A lot of the book is inspired by everyday things that happen to me, or how me and my husband are, or how my friends and I act. A lot of my book is personal stuff, and I love that people are connecting with it.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in TAKING SHOTS?
The ending. When Shea breaks that glass and tells Elli he loves her, my heart melts and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Then she sings for him and he gives her the ring, OH! My heart! It was the best!

 5. Was there any one scene you were forced to leave out or regret not putting in?
No, not really. This book is long, and I love it that way because its everything I want in a book. Most romance novels are short and sweet, throw some sex in there and they are done. I wanted to give everyone the whole relationship, so they could love Elli and Shea as much as I do.

6. What can readers expect from book two, TRYING TO SCORE? Oh, you can expect some drama. Fallon and Lucas are awesome. The gist is that they dated when she was in college and broke up because Lucas cheated. Well he comes to the Assassins in Nashville, and meets up with Fallon because her wine company is the sponsor for the Assassins. Sparks fly when the two see each other for the first time again, and off starts Lucas trying to get her back because he still loves her. Fallon is so confused that sometimes she comes off as bi polar. Poor Lucas is trying so hard to convince her he is a changed man that he basically does everything to get her back, but then Lucas learns of the secret Fallon has been keeping and all hell breaks loose.
Just like with Taking Shots, you will follow the chase, their ups and downs, and will basically fall in love with these two. I’m really excited about the release of this book because my little group of readers says it’s better than Taking Shots. I hope everyone else thinks so, too.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon? Oh goodness me, give me a Boston, Irish, or Canadian man and I am swooning something serious. WOOWEE!

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone? For the third book in the series, I had to look up things that could go wrong in an abortion and seeing those images and things like that really messed with me. I am totally pro life but my character was forced to get one and I needed to know what could go wrong when she had the procedure done.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you. I have an intense hockey temper. I have been kicked out of my husband’s hockey game countless time. It’s very intense and people don’t like to go to games with me because of it. I’m pretty sure it embarrasses my husband, but thankfully, he still loves me!

10. What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series? Keeping it good, and not repetitive. I hate books in a series that are basically the same thing just different names. I want each book in the Assassins series to be new and awesome. I want people to feel the love in each and every book. I don’t want people to say that it is all the same.

11. How can the readers stay in touch with you online? I am a social networking freak! I have a blog, Facebook page, twitter, Goodreads, and an Amazon author page. I love hearing from my readers! Here are the links:
Blog: tonialeo.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/tonialeo1
Twitter: tonilovesweber6

12. Favorites List… fill in the blank a. Favorite City

 New Orleans, I went there this past Thanksgiving and I will never forget it. I had such a blast!

 b. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again) Oh goodness, this is a hard one because if I went classic, it would be Pride and Prejudice, but if I keep it modern it would be either Kristin Higgins: Just one of the Guys, or Julie James: Practice makes Perfect.

 c. Favorite type of hero: I love me a sexy cowboy, but my heart belongs to Hockey players. There is just something about a man skating around and knocking into other men, that just does it for me!

 d. Favorite Quote: All you need is love, love is all you need. – The Beatles.

13. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be? What made you want to read my book?

SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE by Tawny Weber

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When they say that opposites attract, boy they weren't kidding. Especially when you pair Caleb and Pandora set their eyes on each other. Through humor, a bit of mystery and suspense and let's not forget a sexy romance, author Tawny Weber spins a beautifully sensual love story into a complicated web of Family drama in book one in the Undercover Operatives series, starting with book one SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.

Both Caleb and Pandora have their own fair amount of issues, but family is at the core of this trilogy and in that you find the strength of their love story. Fast paced and heated dialog (and I mean the sexy, burn your sheets kind of heated), really light the way in book one. Pandora has a love hate with her family and she struggles with her own imperfections and insecurities that simply make her afraid to let go, to let love into her heart. Dysfunctional, yet loving and supportive in their own special way family is a powerful influence. But in the end Pandora and Caleb will have to find their own way. It honestly shapes who they are as people, but with it counts Pandora really needs to learn to let loose and open herself to Caleb.

He is a smart, sexy agent who has to come to terms with busting his own dad. That is a load on his shoulders that he isn't quite ready to bear. In comes Pandora into his life like a slap to the face he is taken by her. Not that he acts on it. These do go through a tormented mating dance that will make you laugh until the finally, when they finally do get together. That part will make you giggle with happiness for them and you may even have to fan yourself a time or two. These two are so hot together, explosive that the buildup fanfare is all worth it in the end. 

Delightful, witty, lighthearted and simply fun this is just the beginning of one hot series by author Tawny Weber!

What to look forward to .... SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT & SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES !!!

Undercover DEA agent Caleb Black is home for the holidays—possibly to bust his own father. But maybe Caleb's con-man dad isn't the one running drugs through the small town of Black Oak. Maybe it's the green-eyed goddess who runs the New Age shop and has Caleb under her sultry spell.

Pandora Easton saved the family store with two words: sex sells. And her delectable aphrodisiacs really work, as she's proven with notorious bad boy Caleb again and again and again.

Little does she guess that, in the end, her most potent potion will be the truth….

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

I just finished reading this fantastic Sports Themed (Hockey), Romance called TAKING SHOTS by Toni Aleo. In reading the author's notes after finishing this amazing book, she stated that reviewers have said that when reading Taking Shots they felt as though they were a part of the story. Apart of Shea and Elli's life, as though you were living every moment with them. That couldn't be more accurate. I do believe that is a great testament of the caliber of writing. Especially by a first time published writer, and what a first book! Toni really started out of the gates with a bang!
From the beginning of the first chapter I was honestly ensnared into the world of Shea and Elli, I thought that they were so real, everyday people. Baggage and all, ugly scars, both emotional and physical, you can't help but feel as though you are apart of the story. I almost felt as though I was a voyeur, eavesdropping in on them, with my nose pressed against the window that was their life. But found I was too engrossed to remove myself and too emotionally invested to back away. I couldn't read fast enough.

Elli's historic love life or lack their off and the relationship she has with her family is out of control insane. Besides her father and her uncle, she has no familial support and what her mother, sister and brother's would claim is support for Elli, is simply a cruel joke. Thank goodness for her friends. Especially her best friend Harper. Who BTW is one hell of a dynamic character! Harper's relationship with Jakob is hilarious, they both add such strength and depth to whole story. Elli is terribly insecure and through love and encouragement she sees the light at the end of the tunnel, or so she thinks.

Through the years Shea has had many women, but who cared. His heart was never involved and he never wasted more than one date with them. Why? He had no intention of giving his heart. That was until he met Elli. She blew him away with her beauty, her humor and her love for all things Assassins. As a franchise player for the Assassins, Shea loved that she wore his # and jersey for so long before they met, let alone as his official girlfriend. But this being new territory for him to even have a girlfriend and Elli's own dramatic insecurities they two run into a lot of problems. Most brought on by her overpowering and evil family.

Though triumph doesn't seem in the books for them, through their impossible journey, you will find yourself crying right alongside both of them.

There are some serious dramatic ups and downs that they both go through. But with every step they make I felt more anxiety and excitement for their final reconciliation. I knew that they both were going to have to make the grand gesture if they wanted to plow through all the BS they struggled through to even get to this point.
 
If you are any kind of romance fan, this is a can’t miss book. You won’t be disappointed, there is drama, oh baby is there ever! There is passion, sexy love scenes that will put a blush to your face and a tried and true beautiful romance between two characters who are destined and deserving of their own happily ever after. So, kudos to author Toni Aleo, one of my new fav’s as I am huge fan now. I am truly bowing down on the floor in awe! Thank you for creating such endearingly powerful characters and a truly dynamic love story!    

You can buy it here in @ Amazon .

 

Elli Fisher has never thought she was good enough, let it be her job, her weight, her love life, nothing. That is until she meets Shea Adler. After doing a promotional shoot for the NHL team, the Assassins, she meets the hunky hockey player who shoots a puck, shattering her world. Shea Adler was tired of the life he was living outside of the rink. The girls, the money blowing, the drinking, everything had to stop and it all did when he met Eleanor Fisher. He had never met anyone like her. She was feisty, witty, shy, and simply gorgeous. When he laid eyes on her, it was as if he was taking the hardest hit of his life into the boards, and he had to have her. Elli is a little skeptical of Shea, but he knows that they were meant to be together, and he needed her in his life. Can Elli throw her insecurities out the window and love Shea with everything inside of her, or will she let a past relationship, and her family ruin any chance of her being happy.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Liz Matis......

In Liz Matis' latest from Little Hondo Press, PLAYING FOR KEEPS you will get a wildly sexy romance with depth and laughs.

The need for change and a breath of fresh air is just what Sam Jameson needs in her life. As a journalist, just coming back from Iraq and a horrible experience she is looking hard for the next story, one that will take her mind of the trauma of what really happened in the middle east. Not to mention her PTSD, which she so happens to not be dealing too well with.

So what to do next. Well writing a few exposé's on a few rough and touch football players seem right up her ally. After all Sam is just one of the guys, and after Iraq she feels this is exactly what she needs.

In comes sexy football player Ryan, who just so happens to have been the star player in Sam's college girl fantasies. It doesn't help that he is now flirting with her and that really makes Sam out of sorts.

A really fun read, the personalities of each of the main characters really shine bright in this romance making you fall in love with them, flaws and all. After all I think that is what makes a story so great, is seeing that your beloved characters seem so real and human as you do.

With a strong supporting cast and a promised sequel this is a warm hearting and sexy romance that will surely heat up your cold winter nights.

Journalist Samantha Jameson always wanted to be one of the boys, but Ryan Terell won't let her join the club. Fresh from the battlegrounds of Iraq, reporting on a bunch of overgrown boys playing pro football is just the change of scenery she needs. If trying to be taken seriously in the world of sports writing wasn't hard enough, Ryan, her college crush, is only making it harder. As a tight-end for the team she's covering, he is strictly off limits. Ryan Terell is a playmaker on and off the field, but when Samantha uncovers his moves, he throws out the playbook. Just as he claims his sweetest victory, Samantha's investigation into a steroid scandal involving his team forces him to call a time-out to their off the record trysts. But then a life threatening injury on the field will force them both to decide just how far they'll go to win the game. Winner of the NERWA First Kiss Contest A Kindle Bestseller.

Guest Author and Giveaway Carol Cassada

Today I would like to welcome author Carol Cassada who is celebrating her release

Westmore: The Aftermath. It is the second volume in the series by released by CreateSpace Publishing!

"In the eagerly anticipated sequel, a car accident changes the lives of the families of Westmore. One family comes together as one of their own fights for survival. While another family rallies together to protect a relative from prison.What happens when secrets are revealed? Find out in Westmore: The Aftermath"

Please give Carol a warm welcome today, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!

1.If someone were writing a story about Carol Cassada what would your blurb say?

A young woman from a small town in Virginia sets out on a mission to make her dream of becoming a writer a reality. Follow Carol’s journey as she struggles to overcome her insecurities and become a self-published writer.

2.Can you tell us a little about your newest release WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH that isn't in the blurb?

Westmore: The Aftermath is the second volume in the series. The Westmoreseries is what I like to call a literary soap opera, which follows the lives of various characters as they interact in everyday life. Here’s a little bit of background on the series:

Set in a fictional New England town; follow the lives of three families; The Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds.

The Greens:

* Widowed matriarch Charlotte never thought she could find love again after the death of her husband Michael, until handsome Detective Bryant comes to her rescue.
* Youngest son Peter returns home from college with his new girlfriend, who's ten years older than him, and is a problem for Mama Charlotte.
* Scott and Alicia are singing siblings who are on their way to the top, until tragedy strikes one night.


The Braxtons:

* Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and powerful businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company, with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, he'll do everything in his heart to stop him from leaving.

The Reynolds:

* After the divorce Laura Reynolds and her daughter Megan move back home with her father, where she plans to start life anew, but little does she know that it's not easy to escape your past.

At the end of the first volume something major happens, and the sequel Westmore: The Aftermathis a follow-up to what happens to the characters.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH?

TheWestmore series came from a love of soap operas; I wanted to write a book series where readers follow the lives of three different families and the various characters in the broods. The first volume was more of an introductory, and there was some drama, but not much, most of the characters got along well. In Westmore: The Aftermath, I wanted there to be a tragedy which causes a feud between two of the families and causes relationships to be tested.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH?

I’m trying to pick one that doesn’t reveal too much. I think one of the best scenes is when Peter and his mom Charlotte have a heart-to-heart talk. When Peter learned his mother lied about giving her approval to his girlfriend Zoey, he storms out of the house. Yet the accident brings him back and causes him and his mother to reconcile. In the scene Charlotte admits she feels like she failed as a mother due to the fact she wasn’t there much after his father’s death. Peter tells her she was a good mother and he’s responsible for all the mistakes he’s made in his life. It’s one of those moments that I think every parent and child has, and it was one of the most emotional scenes I’ve ever had to write.

5. What can readers expect with next from book two in the Westmore series?

Tons of drama and fighting between characters, plus lots of romance as relationships are rekindled and new ones form.

6. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

A British or Irish accent will make me weak in the knees.

7. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I can’t think of anything that’s been challenging. I mostly due most of my research online and that can be somewhat of a hassle. In Westmore: The Aftermath, I had to research legal and medical facts, and going from site to site finding the right information can be crazy.

8. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

This may sound crazy, but I have a fear of driving. I’ve always been self-conscious and people made fun of my driving, so I gave it up and had my family drive me around. But now I’m trying to overcome my fear, my brother’s going to take me out driving, and I can’t wait to get on the road.

9. What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series?

With this series I had all the volumes planned out in advance, yet as I began writing I found myself making changes to the plot which not only affects the current volume but the future ones as well. Another thing that’s challenging is with this series I have multiple characters, so coming up with individual storylines for them is tough.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

I’m on every social media site available, readers can reach me through:

www.carolcassada.net

http://twitter.com/#!/dramacjc

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carol-Cassada/233360543344573

11. Favorites List…fill in the blank

1. Favorite City: Emerald Isle, NC, it’s a favorite vacation spot of mine. I have fond memories of spending my teen years there, and it’s a place I’d eventually love to visit again.
2. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again): One of the first ones I ever read was Keeping Faith by Janice Macdonald, it’s still one of my favorites, one I could read over and over again.
3. Favorite type of hero: I like the sensitive guy whose friends with the heroine, yet he’s afraid to tell her how he feels, and when it looks like he’ll never get the girl, in the end they get together.
4. Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

12. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

There’s so many things I’d like to ask readers, but the main question would be: “What draws you to a book?”

***GIVEAWAY***

Carol has offered for one lucky commentor to win a copy of WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH !

To Enter:

Must be a follower or become one

Must answer Carol's note above

Contest ends 12/12

Guest Author Sandra Clarke .........

Today I  would like to give author of MINDOVER MATTER, Sandra Clarke. She has just released her new Paranormal Romantic Suspense and is here to talk all about it! Please give her a warm welcome and enjoy the interview. Don't forget to enter the contest!!

1.      If someone were writing a story about Sandra Clarke what would your blurb say?

Oh my, you start off with the tough questions! The author bio is difficult for most writers and here you go putting a spin on it. LOL If I were writing a memoir maybe I could attempt it, but there's nothing story-worthy about me or my life. I'm a wife, mother, sister, daughter, caregiver, friend, confidante, writer and occasional dog trainer. The order depends on the day. I became a reader many years ago to escape the tedium of being eighth-born in a family of nine. And a writer for the same reason, with a bit more control. I've tasted tremendous happiness and suffered devastating tragedy. The end result is a compilation born of my experiences lived out over time. Please tell me it gets easier from here!

2.      Can you tell us a little about your newest release MIND OVER MATTER that isn't in the blurb?

Oh, you're a sneaky one, slipping past the mundane, looking for intrigue. Mind Over Matter is about loss. The story begins with a woman who lost her identity when she lost her only child. Her visions, the one gift she counted on to help Rebecca find her daughter, abandoned her. Her husband left her with a chorus of blame. She withdrew from society and buried herself in work. When she needed comfort, she took it from all the wrong places. Hope found her huddled amid  slivers of shattered dreams. Rebecca's story shows how she gathered the strength to sift through dust for pieces worth saving in her search to discover a new way to make the pieces fit once more.

3.      What was your inspiration behind the creation of MIND OVER MATTER?

This story came to me as part of a course I was taking at the time. The teacher asked us to each come up with a single sentence containing a protagonist, an antagonist, a need for each, an interesting setting, a conflict, and a twist – oh and it had to be thirty words or less. The result is the sentence that became the original tag line for the book.

 Mind Over Matter is set in a fictional town at the base of a fictional mountain in Arizona. But both were inspired by local folklore, specifically tales surrounding the Superstition Mountains. The Superstitions have a deep history, most of it violent. Rumours of hauntings and lingering spirits who protect the peak abound. Visitors with paranormal abilities claim their gifts are enhanced during their time on the mountain. I added many of those characteristics to my fictional mountain range, which plays a big part in the story.

In the end, the inspiration came from the sentence, and I let the setting fill in the atmosphere and conflict.

4.   What was your favorite scene to write in MIND OVER MATTER?

Hmmm. Good question. I enjoyed writing Rebecca's breakdown. Emotional scenes take a lot out of me as a writer. I suppose a natural response is to feel good about coming out the other side, intact, and maybe a little surprised too. You can't help but learn something new about your characters when you put them through the ringer. It's the kind of moment where characters experience a significant change, an important aspect of any story a writer strives for.

5.   What can readers expect with next from book two in the Anderson Security series?

Forecasting Raine revolves around ASI team member Nick Jamieson. Nick's long buried psychic abilities resurface, along with his guilt, when a sniper's bullet reveals a threat to take down ASI as well as a past lover with every reason to want Nick dead. I've also just completed a stand-alone book, The Missing Time, where Reporter, Jordan Munro, targets a traumatized teen boy after details of his abduction reveal eerie circumstances similar to her own mysterious kidnapping thirteen year ago. It's anyone's guess at this point which book readers will see first.

6. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

Australian, all the way. LOL. I can't say why, for sure. It just does it for me. An Ausie accent comes across more as fun than it does exotic, I think, which probably reveals more about me than anything.

7.   What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I'd have to say trusting in my research on the setting challenged me the most. I've never been to Arizona, or to any desert environment for that matter. I had to rely on solid research to get the details right. I poured over the Internet and through books noting down the big things. Then I reached out to people I know and to online communities I'm active in, asking for tidbits about the area. Smells, textures, local slang, names of specific flowers that only bloom under moonlight – things someone whose lived there would know. Writers are a knowledgeable and generous group of people. Never hesitate to reach out to other writers for help. For the paranormal angle I relied on knowledge gained from reading hundreds of books in the genre, and I connected with a couple of writer friends who have experience with the phenomena.

8.   Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

I'm a little bit OCD and ADD, leftovers from a childhood encounter with Tourette's.

9.  What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series?

Organizing a series takes work. As a guide I used How To Write a Series, yet another course offered by my unofficial mentor, Holly Lisle. I'm a big believer in making my life easier by learning from someone who's been there and done it well. This course helped me execute a plan to track information throughout the series in one easy-to-access resource. I'm still working my way through the course in each spare minute as I go. So far it's been a big time-saver.

10.  How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

Check out my new website at: http://sjclarke.com
Friend me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/jzcSq4
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrajc
Join me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top
Mind Over Matter Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MindOverMatterbySJClarke

11. Favorites List… fill in the blank ..................

Favorite City:

I have many favorite large and exotic cities I love to read about, but I wouldn't necessarily want to visit them. I like the familiar. I'm a homebody at heart. I hope that doesn't translate to boring! I'm not a traveller, nor do I particularly aspire to become one. As an avid reader, I visit new places each time I open a book. And I never have to deal with missed flights or lost luggage, just the occasional lost book mark. There's so much I'd rather do with my time and money right here at home. It would take a lot to get me to travel on any sort of regular basis. Any travelling I do is with my kids, where I look forward to experiencing the world through their eyes.

 Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again)

Ah, I always dread this question. I feel like I'm letting writers and readers down when I admit I'm really not big re-reader of books. I read a lot of mystery/suspense, so I guess it may have something to do with the fact that knowing who-done-it spoils the re-read for me. I re-read specific scenes any number of times though, from a variety of books, usually as a form of research. I remember scenes that gave me goosebumps, or raised my ire, or forced from me a strong reaction of any kind. I'm often too lost in the story at the time to learn from the craftsmanship. The next time I'm trying to generate a similar response from my readers, I'll refer back to those scenes and examine what the author did to achieve that response. In my opinion, very few things in writing happen by accident.

Favorite type of hero

I love an Alpha hero, but not exclusively. If the story is well written, I can love almost any hero. But he has to have flaws, and he has to work hard to convince me to get past them.

Favorite Quote

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa

12.  If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Wow, another zinger. I might ask readers to continue reading and pass their favorite books on for someone else to discover. Or maybe I'd ask them to find a way to stay in touch with the writers. Social media enables readers to interact with writers on a whole new level. It takes little effort by either party and it's so easy! Let writers know what you love, what you want to see more of, or less of, what you thought was going to happen and how you felt about how the story unfolded. Or perhaps I'd ask them to start a conversation about books, be it with writers or other readers. Join a book club. Keep the passion for reading alive. Okay, I know that was more than one. What can I say? I'm a writer.

***GIVEAWAY***

Sandra is offering to give one lucky commenter a chance to win a eBook (epub, pdf or prc) of MIND OVER MATTER.  

To Enter:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST answer Sandra’s question above

MUST leave e-mail (will need a way to contact the winner)

Contest ends Dec 6th