Guest Author and Giveaway with Lori Foster!!!

Today I Welcome Guest Author Lori Foster!!!! I am so excited about this new series from Lori called Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor! The first release from Harlequin was April 26th with

 WHEN YOU DARE.  You can read all about it in my review HERE! So please give Lori a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!

If someone were writing a story about Lori Foster, what would your blurb say?
Wow. It’s always difficult to know how others view you.
I guess it could be said that I’m happily married with 3 sons and an adorable grandson; big into family, loves animals and kids, is pretty low-key and (I hope!) easy to talk to; opinionated and chatty – but hopefully fair. She adores her readers, and a lot of other authors. 

Can you tell us a little about your newest release WHEN YOU DARE that isn't in the blurb?
My good friend, Shana Schwer, has two labs who are featured as Dare’s pets in the book. She gave me all the details I needed about the dogs’ personalities, and a few years back I met them while visiting her in California. I’ve never had labs, but thanks to Shana, I feel like I have. LOL

What was your inspiration behind the creation of Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series?
I got the idea while seeing the movie, “Taken.” In that movie, Liam Neeson is on a quest to rescue his daughter from human traffickers. By necessity, he has to walk past a lot of young ladies who aren’t his daughter to keep from tipping off the bad guys. That broke my heart! I wanted a hero who would somehow manage to rescue everyone – thus an idea was born.

What was your favorite scene to write in WHEN YOU DARE?
The love scene on the dock. ;-) I’m not a good judge of what I write. Readers and I seldom agree on the scenes that are funny or sexy or intense. But for me as the author, that scene was all those things.

Do you usually cast your characters (a mental picture) before or after you have started writing? Does it help inspire you and take the story in a different direction?
I always have a visual first. I see a scene, and build from there. It’s a process for me, discovering who the characters are in the scene, why they’re there, the conflicts, and how they’ll resolve them. I’m a very visual person. I sort of see my stories the way many would watch a movie.

If you could be any one of YOUR heroines, who would you be and why?
Well, I don’t see me as any of them! I see myself as a mom, a wife, a sister... not really a feature in a romance adventure. So I guess I’d have to veer away from romances and say Gaby in my L. L. Foster urban fantasy series. She’s a butt-kicker – and since I’m already so happily married, kicking butt against evil sounds exciting!

What is the hardest part for you in maintaining a series?
I bore easily. 3 books in, I start tiring of all the characters. 4 books in, and I’m pretty much done. I’m amazed at authors who can maintain a 10 or 12 (or more!) book series. Their talent and dedication leave me in awe.
I tend to forget a book once it’s done, so when the stories are related, I need scads of notes piled everywhere to help me keep my facts straight so I don’t confuse eye colors, cars they drive, who lives where, etc...
The only reason there are 5 books in the fighter series (Causing Havoc, Simon Says, Hard to Handle, My Man Michael, and Back in Black) is because I switched publishers.

Initially, “When You Dare” was meant to be for the current publisher. I owed one more book on my contract, and assumed we’d sign for a new contract there to finish the other books.

I was halfway through Dare’s story when I ended up switching publishers. But I still owed the original publisher that last book and it didn’t seem to make sense to start a new series there, only to move. So I put aside Dare’s story and went back and wrote Drew’s story in Back in Black. Confused? Yeah, me too. LOL

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Actually, I’m so blasted happy right where I’m at, that I can’t even imagine trading with anyone, for any reason. Life is good. Really good. I’ll stay put. ;-)

What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I love a Scottish accent when I’m reading historical romance. But in reality, I’m lousy at comprehending ANY accents. It’s embarrassing. I’m forever saying, “Excuse me?” In books, it’s written out, so I always know what is being said!

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I’ve done a ton of research for the human-trafficking element in my current “Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor” series. I knew it existed, and I knew it was a big problem. I had NO idea it was so wide-spread and overwhelming. I read many reports that listed Ohio as a “hot bed” for human traffickers. I read about children being sold, and I want to go on a rampage against the evil in the world. (See again my answer to question #6) There is so much abuse, so much tragedy in our world.

I’m glad that romances highlight the good.

Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Hmmm. I’m such an open book on all my social networking sites, I doubt there’s much that interested readers don’t know. I love scary movies, then action flicks. I’m not a fan of chick flicks or dramas. I love MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and I’ve met quite a few fighters. (Did the fan-girl thing and got my picture taken with each one!) I am amazingly terrified of bugs. :::Shudder:::: Love being near water, but not so much in it. Love scented candles and burn a bunch whenever I’m writing. Love Kid Rock! I have a fabulous playlist I listen to while writing. Love to be out and about in the RV, love to be in nature, not a fan of expensive restaurants or clothes, or really anything/place fancy. I live in my blue jeans, prefer to be barefoot but will tolerate high heeled sandals or boots when pressed. Detest pantyhose; they were created by the devil. ;-) Love animals and anyone else who loves them, and I have no tolerance for anyone who hurts children or pets, or really, for cruelty of any kind.

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
My website – which I keep updated: http://www.lorifoster.com/
Newsletter: http://www.lorifoster.com/newsletter/index.php (I do a lot of contests thru this!)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Foster/233405457965
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lorifoster
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17597.Lori_Foster

***GIVEAWAY**

1 Copy of When You Dare!

Just Answer this question: Out of all of Lori's books, what 1 character would you love to be?

Open to all!!

Winner Chosen May 8th

WHEN YOU DARE by Lori Foster

WHEN YOU DARE is Book One in the series Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor from author Lori Foster which is set to release from Harelquin April 26, 2011. 

At first I wasn't sure what to make of it or where the story was going. I mean, yes I knew the plot, but I have to say that the love connection took quite a long time. The books itself is approx 448 pages and with that being said there is a lot of drama going on. So I read it again. I felt I missed something and I was really uncomfortable with how I felt, I knew I just wasn't getting it. Feeling a little torn as to what to write I admit the second time I fell in love. The slow rise into love and trust for Dare and Molly was actually necessary, more so than I realized at first. It was as though I was watching two dear friends fall in love each day a little more intense.

The mystery of who exactly was responsible for taking Molly, or rather having her kidnapped and tortured surprised me at first, but made perfect sense and I was mad at myself for not figuring it out. Slowly and surely they discover who and why, but the journey to get there was fun, sensual and simply entertaining. With Molly's strength, she really does shine through as a strong woman. But realizing that she doesn't have to so strong and tough all the time, she can lean on Dare and accept his love as honest and true. That was her biggest challenge I think, not just finding who was out to harm her, but the fear of finally opening up her heart and letting Dare in.

The tougher they are, the harder they fall…

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…

Harlequin Single Title
ISBN-10: 0373775717
ISBN-13: 978-0373775712

Winner: HUNTING HUMAN by Amanda Alverez

Estella Congrats!!! You are the winner of HUNTING HUMAN by Amanda Alverez !!!!

Winners: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Congrats to my 3 winners of Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Tynga

Jess

winnie

emails sent, please respond byMay 02

Winners: NEVER A GENTLEMAN by Eileen Dreyer

Congrats to my 3 winners of NEVER A GENTLEMAN by Eileen Dreyer !!!

LilMissMolly

Robin K

Karen

e-mail's sent, please respond before May 01

Winners: SEDUCED BY DESTINY by Kira Morgan AND HIGHLAND MASTER by Amanda Scott

 

A Huge Congrats to my 3 winners ....

Stephanie , rbooth43 & Johanna R Jochum .....

you all won both

SEDUCED BY DESTINY by Kira Morgan AND HIGHLAND MASTER by Amanda Scott !!!

emails have been sent out, please respond by May 01

Winner complete signed series LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD from Gena Showalter

Winner is ..........Jenn3128 .

And what did Jenn win.. a complete signed series LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD from Gena Showalter....please contact me @ bookjunkie@ymail.com before May 01!!!!

HUNTING HUMAN by Amanda Alverez

HUNTING HUMAN by Amanda Alverez is simply mesmerizing and without a doubt addictive with it's complex and alarming real characters who are strong and charming each with their own shinning light. Out of an excruciatingly frightening hunt for their lives, Elizabeth and her best friend's lives change forever in the most horrible way. Scared and determined to go on every day and live her life, not in fear b but just day by day in walks in sexy Braden. A wolf shifter, Braden knows that there is something special about Beth and his attraction is red hot and he begins to romance her. Sweet is their romance and Braden senses that Beth has a past that has made her timid, but also he can't let her go, each day with her is huge, a leap in the right direction in their relationship.
But their budding romance is interrupted by a common enemy unbeknownst to either of them what this new terror means to the other. Braden is convinced that Beth has tricked him, and at one point completely turns on her in his own self preservation and the preservation of his family.
Tremulous times are ahead for both of them, and Braden has some serious making up to do. In the meantime Beth isn't quite so sure that she will ever be able to trust him the way she believed she once had. She has fallen in love, but with a mad-man shifter after her head she must choose to go on the run again or stay and fight. Unfortunately it just might not be enough with Braden by her side, his family and her new found inner strength.

Ms Alverez delivers everything readers are looking for, sexy and terrifying shifters, a suspenseful and richly character driving romance that is without a doubt spellbinding, complicated and wonderfully sensual. Not to mention a fascinating and suspenseful plot with so many twist and turns and a few unsuspecting hero's who really leave you gasping for air as you are on the edge of your seat wondering just what the heck is going to happen next! This my friends is a can't miss!

For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past, and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present.

But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries—and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on.

With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within—and love a man who embodies everything she fears?

GIVEAWAY

Head over to my Interview with Amanda or leave a comment here to win a Copy of HUNTING HUMAN. If you have already commented on the Interview, leave a comment here too and get 2 extra points! 

Guest Author and Giveaway with Stefanie Sloane

Today I would like to welcome to Book Junkie author of a sexy and sensual new Regency Romance series, Stefanie Sloane. Book one in the Regency Rogues series from Ballantine Books is DEVIL IN DISGUISE which will be released May 24!!!
Enjoy the interview with Stefanie and don't forget to enter the contest!!!



If someone were writing a story about Stefanie Sloane, what would your blurb say?

She’s funny, kind of shy, but always entertaining. Follow the adventures of author Stefanie Sloane as she stumbles her way through writing, reading, living, and loving!

What was your inspiration in creating the Regency Rogues series and why historical romance?

Actually, there’s a funny story behind this. Though I’ve always read historical romances, I’d never really thought about writing one. I was kicking around story ideas with a number of close friends and all of them suggested that my voice might be perfectly suited for a Regency. That got me thinking and before I knew it, Will and Lucinda popped into my head. I volunteered at the time with a nonprofit horse rescue organization and have always felt very strongly about animal rights, so I really wanted to include the equine aspect. Then it all began to come together and I decided to take a chance. Thankfully, it paid off!

Can you tell us a little about book one, The Devil in Disguise in your new historical regency trilogy, the Regency Rogues that isn't on the blurb?

My hope for the Regency Rogues series was to revisit all that classic historical romance has to offer: the emotional and moving story, vibrant characters, and breathtaking adventure while including a modern sensibility and sophistication. I think that I succeeded. Fingers crossed that readers agree!

When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?

Great question! I’m normally a person who is curious about the meaning of names, but for some reason, my character names have very little to do with meaning and much more to do with sound. The name needs to match the character’s personality traits. Then there physical traits. And finally, if the hero and heroine’s names don’t go well together, you can forget it.

What is the most challenging things for you as an author in creating and continuing on with a series?
Honestly? Keeping track of all the details. I know it sounds like a little thing, but there are a lot of details concerning not only the Young Corinthians, but the settings, continuing mystery, recurring characters, and a number of other issues that must be correct throughout. Otherwise, I’m not doing my job. And I take my job seriously!

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to?

Definitely! The hard part is picking just one character to trade places with, but I think it would be a hoot to be Elizabeth Bradshaw, the Marchioness of Mowbray—othewise known as Bessie, Lady Lucinda’s aunt and one of the infamous Furies. That woman knows how to live! But I think I could only trade for a day—she has way more energy than me!

What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?
It was a Sweet Valley High book. I don’t remember which one, but it totally rocked my world. So much drama! And intrigue! And sexual tension! I know, you’re thinking, “really?” But I was, I don’t know, maybe twelve or so, and for a twelve-year-old, that’s a whole lot of reading goodness. It was entertaining, hooked my interest, and I probably learned a thing or two along the way—all of which showed me that a book could do a lot of good in a couple of hundred pages.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
Back in 2003 I completed a chick lit novel that I really loved. I signed with a agent and it went out on submission. Unfortunately, it didn’t sell, which was incredibly disappointing. Turns out, it was the best thing that could have happened. After all, if it had sold, I wouldn’t be writing Regency with my current amazing editor, Junessa Viloria.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
I so wish that I could say I’ve travelled the world in the name of research, but I haven’t—yet. Probably the most interesting thing I’ve done is eat. Then eat some more. And drink. Eat a bit more. Drink another round. I’m a bit of a foodie, so when the opportunity to experiment with historically accurate foods and beverages presents itself, I take it! Favorite so far? Scones with clotted cream. And Jam. Lots and lots of homemade jam.

What accent is sure to get you to do naughty things?
Oh, that’s easy: Scottish. And if it’s coming out of Gerard Butler’s mouth? All bets are off!

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
You know, I don’t think that I would ask a question. Rather, I’d simply say thank you for being so supportive and amazing. Romance readers really are the best readers in the world.

How can the readers find out about you on-line?
I welcome readers to join me at the following locations:

Website: http://www.stefaniesloane.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stefanie-Sloane-Historical-Romance-Author/191673530858361
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/stefaniesloane



Regency Rogues, Book 2, The Angel in My Arms  coming June 28, 2011

 


Regency Rogues, Book 3, The Sinner Who Seduced Me  coming  July 26, 2011





**GIVEAWAY***

TWO signed ARC's of The Devil in Disguise

MUST be a follower

MUST leave e-mail

MUST answer Stefanie’s question above

*extra points, My review will be posted 4/27, so come back and leave a comment on my review for 2 extra points towards this contest!*

Winner Chosen 4/30

Interview and Giveaway with author Amanda Alvarez

Today I would like to welcome to Book Junkie author of HUNTING HUMAN, Amanda Alvarez! A new release from Carina Press this last March, which is a super sexy and thrilling paranormal romance chalk filled with those delectable shifters that we just can't get enough of. So please sit back and enjoy the interview with Amanda and don't forget to enter the contest!

If someone were writing a story about Amanda Alvarez what would your blurb say?
Pass this book up. It’s terribly boring.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release HUNTING HUMAN that isn't in the blurb?
One thing that the blurb doesn’t necessarily make clear is that HUNTING HUMAN is a book about family and the importance it plays in the lives and happiness of the characters. As much as I wanted to tell a story about werewolves, I also really wanted to tell a story about family.

What was your inspiration behind the creation of HUNTING HUMAN?
HUNTING HUMAN was born from an idle thought I had years and years ago while trapped in a classroom. But in the end, I really wanted to tell the story of what would happen to a perfectly ordinary girl who was introduced to the paranormal world. It seemed (at the time) that so many urban fantasy and paranormal romances dealt with characters firmly established in the paranormal world already. I really wanted to toss a character into the deep end, experience the shock and uncertainty through a character that you or I would feel. I did that with Beth.

What was your favorite scene to write in HUNTING HUMAN?
I always loved writing the relationships between the Edwards siblings, particularly Lucy and Chase. But, toward the beginning of the book there is a scene between Braden and Chase that always stands out. It’s a fairly charged scene, Braden is angry and Chase is defensive, but they still manage to joke around and act like brothers. It was the first time I really felt comfortable in the story and relationship between the brothers. The pothole scene, as I’ve come to call it, will always be a favorite.

Why Paranormal Romance? Are there any other genres you want to tackle? What do you have in the works?
I think it has something to do with the thought of magic or special abilities. I’ve always loved to daydream about having an ability or superpower. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve also found myself wondering about the pitfalls and consequences. So paranormal felt like a natural fit for me. Right now, I can’t imagine writing outside of the paranormal genre, though I’d love to explore YA and have a couple of ideas for that. Right now I’m working on a romantic suspense project that has strong paranormal elements.

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
I don’t think I’d want to trade places with any of them! Certainly not Beth, as she has such a difficult time of it throughout the book. I think it’s best to just keep living vicariously through the characters. 

What accent is sure to make you swoon?
British. Hands down.

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I regret that I haven’t done anything super cool in the name of research yet. But in my defense it’s rather difficult to take a hands on approach to research for a werewolf novel. I did briefly consider asking a friend of mine to lock me in the trunk of her car – but YouTube saved the day and I did my research online.

Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Eeeek. I am so bad at this question because I don’t feel particularly interesting or different. I will say that the urge to write a novel came on later in life. I always feel like most of the writers I know have always wanted to write. That just wasn’t the case for me. I was curious about it and I wanted to see if I could do it. But I didn’t grow up with the urge to write.

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
You can find me n the Web, on Twitter, or on Facebook

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What do you love best about paranormal stories?

***GIVEAWAY***

1 commenter will win a ebook of HUNTING HUMAN, I loved this book and I know you will too!!!

Open to all

To Enter:

Must be a follower

Must leave e-mail address

Must Answer Amanda's question above.

*If you leave a comment on my review you will get 2 extra points!*
Winner Chosen April 27th!!!!!!

Will & Kate: A Love Story: First Children’s Storybook Celebrating Royal Wedding

You need to check out Will & Kate: A Love Story by InkRobin, it is  Ok, I admit it. I will be recording April 29th the Royal Wedding between Will and Kate. I can't help myself I am terrible addicted. So when I was approached to read a children's book based on their love story and wedding I had to read it, and share with my son. At 3 he is all about the Prince and the Princess and Fairy Tales and the fun illustrations really caught his eye. The last four nights it has been our nite nite story and without fail he points out something new in the story and asks mommy questions. The fun part is looking at it through his eyes! A true can't miss for any little one, a funny and sweet love story to read with your kids.

As the royal wedding approaches, little princesses everywhere can enjoy the magic of the big day with the beautifully illustrated and highly interactive story book, Will and Kate: A Love Story, designed for the iPad and available on iTunes.

Fun for all ages, this timeless story is packed with charming illustrations by Adam Larkum featuring his quirky, humorous style. Every page is full of interactive elements and sound effects triggered by a simple tap or swipe of your finger. Take a trip across the African plains in a hot air balloon, set off a sky full of fireworks, enjoy a chorus of sheep in the countryside and most importantly help Kate select her wedding dress for the big day by picking your favourite and dressing her in it.

The book also features a "read it to me option" with full narration and simple navigation features, allowing younger readers to enjoy the book alone or with the help of a parent. Whether it's the royal ballroom dancers or the moment Will and Kate actually say "I do," you'll find yourself returning to your favourite pages again and again as you discover the hidden surprises throughout.


***GIVEAWAY***
With many thanks to Lisa and Victoria I have two copies of Will & Kate: A Love Story: First Children’s Storybook Celebrating Royal Wedding to offer two readers. Either PDF's or iPOD app!
Anyone who leaves a comment is eligable
Winner chosen 4/29 (day of the Royal Wedding!!)
Open to all

 

Giveaway and Guest Author Eileen Dreyer

A Funny thing Happened on the way to being a published author

I discovered the world. It began when I was six and was handed my very first library card. It was at the Brentwood Library, a wonderful old brick building built in the 1920s with green carpeted floors, dark wood paneling and the hush of a cathedral. I can still remember Mrs. Madras standing at the front desk(I think I still owe her money) as she pointed toward the room where I would find my first books. In that library I discovered horses and fairies, mountains and oceans and space.

Now you have to understand. I was born with the wonderlust. The story still goes around my old neighborhood about how when I was a toddler I would regularly escape from my playpen and wander the neighborhood. I remember following a storm drain once, sure I would discover new places and amazing things. The fact that the drain only went as far as my cousin's back yard was almost as traumatic as my mother's punishment when she found me.

The problem with having wanderlust, was that I grew up in a two-bedroom house with ten people. My dad paid for parochial education, which meant that we couldn't afford to travel. We went floating on the Current River, and we drove twelve hours to my uncle's cabin in Michigan. That was it. So when I opened my first books and realized I could go anywhere and do anything, I was in love.

Mary Stewart taught me that girls had adventures in England and Malta and Cyprus. Helen McInnes sent me even farther afield, and when I discovered M.M. Kaye, I realized that the world was an intricate tapestry of time and color and sound and scent.

Long before I ever set foot on Indian soil, I had been there in the pages of a book. And by the time I finally reached Ireland, I already knew it. I've now been to Italy, England, the Andes and the Alps, and across the US. And the best part of it is that now is that I get to share it all with people who read my books. I get to give to some other girl the wings that can take her somewhere she never expected to see. That's not a bad job to have, is it?

HE HIDES HIS TRUE COLORS . . .

Miss Grace Fairchild is under no illusions about her charms. Painfully plain, she is a soldier's daughter who has spent her life being useful, not learning the treacherous ways of the ton. She may have been caught in a scandal with society's favorite rogue, but how can she marry him when it means losing herself?

WHILE SHE HIDES HER TRUE SELF . . .

Diccan Hilliard doesn't know which of his enemies drugged him and dumped him in Grace's bed, but he does know the outcome. He and Grace must marry. To his surprise, a wild, heady passion flares between them. Yet Diccan is trapped in a deadly game of intrigue Grace knows nothing about. Will his lies destroy Grace just as he realizes how desperately he needs her? And how can he hope for a future with her, when an old enemy has set his murderous sights on them both?

 

Never a Gentleman

By Eileen Dreyer
ISBN: 0446542067
Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE
Published on: 4/01/2011

Eileen's Sites: Author Website  ... Facebook .... http://twitter.com/eileendreyer...Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

With many thanks to Brianne @ Hachette I have 3 copies to giveway of NEVER A GENTLEMAN by Eileen Dreyer.

Must be a follower or become one

Must leave e-mail addy

Contest Ends 04/26

us and canada only, sorry publisher rules

*books come direct from publisher

Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride by Sarah McNeal

Good Afternoon Everyone and Happy Saturday! I have fantastic author here today on Book Junkie who is celebrating her latest release from Western Trail Blazer, author Sarah McNeal. She has just released her wickedly cool and sexy new Time Travel Western, Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride! So please give her a warm welcome and enjoy the interview.
 

If someone were writing a story about Sarah McNeal what would your blurb say?
How does one sum up their life in twenty-five words or less? It’s like writing your own epitaph but I’ll give it a try.
She is a person who puts love first, is willing to take an adventure in spite of fear and enjoys each moment as it comes.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride that isn't in the blurb?
Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride is a time travel romance. Joe lives out in Wyoming in 1910. He tries to ease his conscience with liquor, gambling and solitude but can’t find a cure in any of those things. Lola is a modern day woman with a full plate of sorrow but determination to turn her life into something better than it has been so far. Neither one of them seems headed in the right direction until Lola falls into an old trunk and back into Joe’s time just as the preacher pronounces them man and wife. Then the fur flies.

What was your inspiration behind the creation of Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride?
Well, it’s really kind funny I guess. I was sitting around one day goofing off playing my harmonica with my feet propped up on my Grandfather McNeal’s old trunk with all the pieces of family history in it. I just thought about how wonderful it would be if I could go back in time when the things in the trunk were new. Next thing you know, I had the title.

What was your favorite scene to write in Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride?
Some scenes made me laugh while I was writing them and some were kind of tender but my favorite scene, besides the one at the end that I don’t want to tell you, was when the kid, Banjo, tries to save Lola’s life from the villain, Weston.

Do you usually cast your characters (a mental picture) before or after you have started writing? Does it help inspire you and take the story in a different direction?
Now you’re going to think I’m kind of dull but I am a plotter and a planner. I write down character sketches before I begin the story and I write the blurb then the synopsis first. I use the blurb to keep my theme in tact and the synopsis as my outline. Sometimes I get an epiphany and do a tweak here and there on the synopsis. I also use a story board—pictures cut from magazines with story elements and characters that I put on a bulletin board above my desk. It’s kind of fun to make it and gets me in the mood to start writing the story.

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Well now, who wouldn’t want to be Lola and have some handsome, intelligent man love you? I wouldn’t mind taking Lola’s place one bit.

What accent is sure to make you swoon?
Depends on who’s speaking with the accent. I might like a French accent but not spoken by a serial killer.

Wow, Time Travel Western …… what was your main inspiration to write in this genre?
I don’t know about other authors of time travel but I like the contrast of a time in history colliding with a modern character. It’s fun to see what a modern character would do when confronted with something like an outhouse.

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I am afraid of flying. If I could get somewhere without ever having to fly, that’s what I would do. Spiraling down to Earth in a piece of metal is not my idea of fun.
I had a scene to write in my second novel that required some knowledge of flying in a small plane. I kept bugging one of the doctors I know who flies a small plane to tell me the details of a spin-out and how to get out of it. He told me I needed to experience it for myself and asked me to go flying with him. Before I could shut my mouth I said, “Yes.” It was the most exhilarating experience of my life but I never want to do it again.

Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
There was a time when I thought I wanted to play my violin professionally. I inherited my Uncle John McNeal’s violin. He drown while fly fishing with his friends when he was twenty-one. He used to play with a traveling opera show out of New York. I still play the violin but I don’t practice enough to maintain a decent sound. I also play the bagpipes.

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I am the co-owner of a wonderful author/reader group Sweet N Sexy Divas (sweetnsexydivas@yahoogroups.com). I’m there with my partner in crime, a talented author, Tina Donahue. I’m there most every day. I also have a website at http://www.sarahmcneal.com/ and, like everybody else, I’m on Facebook and Twitter—whether I know how to use them or not.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What elements make a story a memorable one for you?

Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride:

A haunted house, a trunk and a date with destiny.

Joseph Wilding left his prosperous Virginia ranch and his grieving father to live in obscurity and guilt over his brother’s death until he marries Lola instead of Callie McGraw, the woman he abhors but whose life he was attempting to save. Lola discovers a warp in time in an old trunk when she falls into 1910. She finds herself married to Joe, a stranger shadowed by secrets. Mistaken for Callie McGraw, a thief and a woman of ill repute, Lola finds her life is threatened by a scoundrel who believes she stole his money and only Joe stands between her and death. With danger threatening all around and secrets keeping them apart, can Joe and Lola find their destiny together or will time and circumstance forever divide them?

Excerpt:

After another long silence, he pulled the harmonica out of his shirt pocket with his free hand while the other loosely held the reins. He began to play something that almost sounded like a tune while the horses loped along pulling the wagon over every rock in the road. His mood seemed to have darkened.

Lola sensed there was a mystery to Joe Wilding, something he was not willing to share with anyone, especially someone he barely knew like her. Curiosity crept into her veins and spread like wildfire. Nothing enticed her more than a good mystery.

Studying his stony features for a moment, Lola guessed that something very sad or very bad had happened to Joe, something she determined to find an answer to. But for the sake of peace between them, she would let it rest for now. “What’s that tune you’re playing? Sounds something like that noise you were making last night.”

“It’s the same tune. I only know the one.”

“It sounds like pots clanging together.” There, she got a good lick in for the insult back in the barn. His face was unmoved and somehow she felt just a little guilty for saying the smart remark since he seemed in a pensive mood.

“Maybe so,” Joe acknowledged.

“Why do you carry the harmonica with you all the time if you only know one tune? You don’t even play that one very well.” A little stab of conscience needled at her chest, but Lola ignored it. Why was she being so mean spirited toward this man? He had only hurt her pride some. She shouldn’t make such a big deal out of it.

He wiped the harmonica on his shirt before he put it back in his pocket. With a narrow glance toward Lola, he took a deep breath and answered. “It’s not my harmonica. It belonged to my brother. He died. I killed him. Now will you just let me have some silence for a while?” The words seemed to grind up from the bottom of his throat as if he were choking on a bale of tumbleweed.

Giveaway and Interview with Author Larissa Ione!!

Welcome to Book Junkie author Larissa Ione ! She is here to celebrate her latest release from Grand Central Publishing and Book one in her newest series called  Lords of Deliverance, ETERNAL RIDER!!
So please give her a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!!


What was your favorite scene to write in ETERNAL RIDER? There are two, really...I LOVED writing the scene in Arik's point-of-view when he and Kynan go to Greenland to meet the Horsemen. It was just a fun scene. I also loved writing the "upside-down tree sex" scene. Usually the steamy scenes are hard to write, but that one was unusually easy!


If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Serena, from Passion Unleashed...because she gets to sleep with Wraith! *g*

What accent is sure to make you swoon?
English! Oh, man, I love an English accent. Scottish is nice too. And Irish. Welsh. (Clearly, I have a thing for Great Britain!)

The house is on fire and you only have time to grab one book …… which do you take with you?
My hardcover copy of The Eye of the World, because I used to have a signed one by Robert Jordan, and though I don't have it anymore (Hurricane Katrina casualty,) I just can't part with the replacement book.

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
 I became an EMT, and believe me, this was WAY out of my comfort zone because I have a tendency to pass out at the sight of blood. So learning to treat people who have been in accidents or been victims of violence? Yikes! But I really enjoyed EMT school and working on the ambulances and in emergency rooms. Not only did I learn a lot of medical stuff, but I got over my queasiness!

Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I have a superpower. Okay, it's a lame superpower and it has no purpose. I couldn't even get a job as a sidekick. But here it is...I burn out watch batteries within a matter of days or even hours. Yep, some weird electrical or magnetic force in my body won't let me wear watches. True story.

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
They can visit me at my blog, Facebook page, or on Twitter: www.twitter.com/larissaione; www.facebook.com/officialLarisssaIone; and www.larissaione.com/blog/blog-home

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Excerpt

Ares spun the woman around so her back was to the sea, her bare feet close to the cliff edge. “Who are you?” He gripped her shoulders firmly, his fingers digging into the blue flannel pajama top dotted with penguins. She wore penguin pajamas.

“P-please…” The wind whipped her sandy-blonde hair into her face, and some weird impulse made him want to brush it away.
He resisted. “Who are you?”
“I’mnot…not a demon.” Her breath sawed in and out of her so violently that he half-expected her to pass out.
“What is your name?”
She blinked as if she didn’t understand the question, and when he repeated it, she finally murmured, “Cara. It’s Cara. I’m not a demon. I swear, I’m not a demon.”
“You keep saying that.” He inhaled, once again catching the bitter scent of her terror, but also, the faint, smoky tint of hellhound. She’d been in direct contact with one. “Why were you handling a hellhound? Were you attacked?”
A tiny squeak came from her, as if fear had closed up her throat. Hellhounds could do that to a person. But he didn’t have time to coddle a delicate female through her trauma. He needed intel, and he needed it now.
He snapped his fingers in front of her face, startling her out of her freaked-out trance. “Did The Aegis save you?”
“The men? They…they tried to kill the pup.”
Ares couldn’t decide if she was a little…slow…or just scared out of her gourd. Maybe both. Even so, she should be a little more agitated in his presence, and he wondered what was up with that. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly, even though he didn’t have the time or patience for this shit. “Yes, I’m sure they tried to kill it. It’s their job.”

“To kill dogs?”
“Demon dogs. You know, hellhounds?”
“This isn’t real,” she whispered. “I want to go home…” She shook her head, backpeddling wildly. “No, not home! Those men are there. This isn’t real…”
Shit. He was losing her. Before she could go into a complete meltdown, he gripped her by the shoulders and bent to peer directly into her eyes. Which were the exact color of the sea below when the sun hit it just right. Crystal blue with flecks of green and gold. Stunning.

“Listen to me. I need to know if you saw another man in that room. Long blond hair. Angelic.”

She nodded, her wide-eyed gaze locked onto his as if she were afraid to look away. As if he was a lifeline and if she let go, she’d plunge into an abyss of insanity. “Where is Hal?”
“Hal?”
“The dog.”
She’d named the hellhound? The things were mean as fuck, ravenous, horny…suddenly a sinking suspicion made his gut plummet. Had the hound given her a Hell’s Kiss? Nah. They never, ever did that to humans.
And yet…he leaned in, and as he got closer, the odor of fear and beast gave way to a more feminine scent. She smelled clean, like a spring meadow, with soft floral undertones. His cock jerked, the stupid bastard. The woman was terrified, human, and possibly shackled to one of the most vile creatures to have ever been spawned in Sheoul.
“W-what are you doing?”
He didn’t reply. He touched his lips to hers. A shocked gasp escaped her, and damn, she tasted sweet. There was a faint mint tang of toothpaste on her breath, and as he stroked his tongue across her satin lips, he got the telltale numbing tingle of the hellhound’s kiss. Which explained why she wasn’t combative with him — by bonding with Cara, the hound had brought her over into the supernatural world. She was still human, but with…enhancements.
He should have retreated, right then and there, but her mouth was soft, her body ripe with curves, and he hadn’t kissed a woman — a real human woman — in thousands of years. Head swimming, he tugged her against him. This was unexpected, amazing—
Sudden, stabbing pain lanced his groin. He grunted out a curse, doubled over and clutched his balls, which she’d cracked with her knee.

****GIVEAWAY****

With many thanks to Brianne @ Hachettle Books I have 3 copies to give away of Eternal Rider for 3 lucky commentors.

HOW TO ENTER:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave e-mail

MUST answer question: If you could have a superpower for 1 day, what would it be?

Winner chosen 04/16

US and Canada only, sorry publisher rules, but I have 1 copy for international (it's an ARC) 

Guest Author Xavier Axelson

Welcome to Book Junkie today, author of DUTCH'S BOY, a Feb 24, 2011 Seventh Window Publications Novella, erotic and horror author (and once talent agent for the adult film industry), Xavier Axelson! So enjoy the post and please give him a warm welcome.

You can read all about my DUTCH'S BOY in my review HERE.

My name is Xavier and I have worked in the adult industry for over 15 years. Does this sound like the intro to a recovery group? I’m not surprised. I’ve often compared working in the adult scene to being in the mafia…once you are in, you’re in for life. Even when I wasn’t working in the industry I would come across interviews I had done and would still get emails regarding scenes I had booked for performers months earlier. In fact, I just got an email from someone asking me if one of the girls I booked work for was still interested in doing a blowjob scene. Mind you I haven’t worked as a talent agent since 2007!


I was asked recently how juicy working in porn really was and I’ll respond by saying this, “of course it’s juicy…it’s sex!” and like sex…it isn’t always pretty. In fact, beauty was something I was always trying to infuse into that world. I took a lot of time with the performers I represented. I got amazing makeup artists, photographers, and wardrobe stylists to work with me to create a beautiful image. I felt that although this was porn, there was no reason why the girls had to look like torn up from the ground up. I soon became the agent who was able to turn even the most unattractive girls around and get them booked with some of the top studios around. I was not a miracle worker; I just had vision and could see beauty where other people couldn’t. I believe this ability was cultivated during my time spent as a fashion publicist. You could be given the worst client and if they wanted to be on the cover of Rolling Stone, you had to find the very thing that would make them perfect for that cover…even if they were a dentist in Beverly Hills!

If working in the adult industry has influenced my writing I am unsure…I have always been a sexual person who pushes boundaries when it comes to sex. I was the guy who everyone came to with their sexual questions during High School. I can remember a time when I was discussing the proper way to perform oral sex to a rapt female audience and had no idea the substitute teacher (who was very good looking) overheard the whole thing and was so offended refused to ever teach in the school again…or so the returning teacher told me the next day when I was held after class. This did not stop the teacher from asking what exactly I had said and then laughed about it when I told him.

I have written little bits and pieces about my experiences here and there and will gladly post a silly little journal exercise I wrote in a writer’s group years ago to illustrate my frustrated feelings one night after work:

Dana Saymes (name has been changed) is f** cheap. Most of the “talent” I work with or for are f**  cheap. She cannot get on a plane. She has missed every flight we have booked (and paid for) for her to come to L.A. from whatever hell hole that contains her cheap, lie of a life. She’d made a lot of money a few months ago. A little dog will sometimes run around the office dragging a piece of her fake hair around.

The above was taken from a journal I kept while working as an agent and believe me this was the tamer thing I could find to dictate. When the whole experience was over and at the time, I had thought, it was my final swan song in the adult world (yeah right) I told my mother about some of the things that happened and when I was through she said, “I just don’t believe you…are you living out The Young and the Restless or what?”

“Or what,” was my humble reply. It was always high drama, high egos and high clients. As it turns out leaving porn was not my swan song but only a reprieve as I find myself once again back in the industry but in a different capacity. Now I see people being led around on collars, acting out elaborate fetish and bondage scenarios and old men who are most likely grandfathers buying floggers that could pull the skin off a buffalo. It’s amazing that after all the years in the business I am still able to be fascinated by people and their sexual kinks.

I write erotica that some people hate and others love, there is no middle ground for me and there never has been so why would my writing not reflect that? Am I inspired by what I do for work? Possibly. I don’t mince words that’s for sure, how can you after you’ve watched a performer get double penetrated while another is eating guacamole off a table not even two feet away?

DUTCH'S BOY by Xavier Axelson

In author Xavier Axelson's Fen 2011 release from Seventh Window Publications, DUTCH'S BOY young Harry is desperate to step out on his own. He is no longer a kid and wants to live his life for him and do what makes him happy. And what makes him happy is leaving her family's ranch, his mom and sister and joining the rodeo! His dad Dutch is a legend and a hard man if there ever was won, only wanting to keep his son at the ranch to do what he himself should have been doing all these years. Taking care of his family.

There is more to Harry's need to just run out and join the rodeo, he needs to prove to his father and more than that to himself that he is one damn good cowboy and make a name for himself and stop being Dutch's boy. Through his adventure and first sexual encounter with a stranger on a train to his meeting up with Reb, his crush he thought he left behind you can't help but be captivated in his desire and vulnerability.

Reb's sudden appearance is a breath of fresh air. He is trash if you believe Dutch, but he loves Harry and standing by his side giving him the moral support he so desperately needs. He is scared to death and when he comes face to face with his father Reb is who is there by his side. Their connection is strong, it is sensual, it is sexy as hell and their sex scenes are some of the most erotically charged I have read in some time. Devastatingly erotic. 

Sensationally naughty Harry and Reb simply in love. An emotion you feel with every word, I couldn't put this book down until I had finished every last word. Harry's journey to being his own man is jointly anchored in erotic bliss and memorable characters in this naughty novella! 

Fulfilling your dream isn’t easy, especially if you’re the son of well-known rodeo rider Dutch Reynolds. Dutch doesn’t want to see his son Harry leave the family ranch until he feels Harry is ready. But for Harry, his dream of riding broncos at the rodeo seems to be passing him by. With the moral support of his best friend Reb, Harry takes his life in his own hands and leaves the ranch before Dutch can stop him. Chance encounters, sex and love soon teach the young cowboy life lessons that he will not forget.

You can read more from at Author Xavier Axelson website  . This book is available from Seventh Window Publications . You can buy it here in Kindle (.mobi), Microsoft Reader (.lit), Mobipocket (.prc), Nook/Sony Reader (.epub), PDF (.pdf)

Winner: eChook Goodie Bag!

Danielle Gorman congrats!!! Winner of the eChook Gift Bag contest!

e-mail has been sent. Please respond in 72 hours.

Giveaway and Review: THE DARKEST SECRET by Gena Showalter

I am so excited about the latest release from author Gena Showalter in her Lords of the Underworld series, THE DARKEST SECRET! A thief of memories and thoughts, a man with the demon of secrets inside him

Haidee is a hunter and has been captured by another Lord so falling in love isn't on the agenda, escaping is. Either that or kill the Lords, that is Haidee's mission after all. He has a bone to pick with the Lords and a dark history of hate and vengeance. I true character you will love to hate throughout the series, but it is Haidee's turn to shine, and boy she doesn't disappoint.

Lord of Secrets, Amun has a pretty difficult existence, more so than any of the other Lords so partnering him with Haidee wasn't really on my list of choices for him. I couldn't have been more wrong. Rich in emotion Haidee really begins to come to life for me, the reader finally gets to know Haidee and her history, what makes her tick. She is simply delightful, strong and fights for her love, her and Amun's.

Gena Showalter really delivers on an unspoken promise to give the unlovable love, to create a much hated warrior so rich in character that you can't help but cheer for her.Haidee is the only being that keep Amun's demons at bay, which captured my heart and strongly reminded me of the first Lords book, the story of Ashlyn and Maddox. Suspenseful and heartbreaking at times I found Haidee and Amun's love story smart and haunting and will simply keep you guessing until the end. If you have an addictive fascination with the LOTW series then this is a can't miss all the way. Creating an unforgiving a series filled with rich and unforgettable characters, their story will be unlike any other story you have every read.

In this sexy new installment of New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, the haunted Amun meets a woman who tempts him like no other.

Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty.

Haidee is a demon-assassin, raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul…and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.

***GIVEAWAY***

With many thanks to Harlequin and Chelsy at Big Moncho Media I have a wonderful giveaway

One (1) winner from your site receives: A Complete signed series of all Lords of the Underworld books to date!

*open to addresses in the U.S. and Canada *

Winner Chosen 04/08