Win A Nook - There's Still Time

Have you heard?  The Long and the Short of It is celebrating its third anniversary!  And, oh baby, do you want to participate in this contest!  What are they giving away?  THREE Nook eBook Readers that come with $50 BN.com gift certificates AND are already pre-loaded with dozens of romance and juvenile fiction eBooks.

Yup, you read that correctly, THREE Nooks are being given away.

It's not too late to enter! The LASR scavenger hunt ends August 29.  So get out there and get entered!

This week there will be a two day chat on LASR Yahoo groups. The winners will be announced during this chat.

Entering to win is easy and you don't even have to participate in the scavenger hunt, if you don't want to.
For full details go HERE




I've donated a copy of Not Without Risk to be loaded onto one of the Nooks.

Long and Short of It reviewed Not Without Risk and awarded it a  BEST BOOK designation.  Here's what they said:

"Get ready for the ride of your life as Sarah Grimm takes you on an adventure...If you, like me, enjoy fast paced, nail biting, page turning, edge of your seat suspense, then by all means get on board and try Not Without Risk."

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Spotlight On... JM Stewart

Please help me welcome author JM Stewart to the keyboard today. Welcome, JM, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi Sarah! Thanks for having me. About me… I live in the rainy Great Northwest, where it rains over 300 days a year. The rain doesn’t bother me so much, but I miss the sun. sigh. Been married to my hubby for fourteen years this year, and we have two boys, the oldest of which made me old this year by learning how to drive. I’m a stay-at-home mom, which means that during the day in between household chores I have lots of time to devote to my writing.

Your debut novel, STAKING HIS CLAIM, just released. Tell us about it and where we can find it.

STAKING HIS CLAIM is a best friends story. What happens when two people who have known each other all their lives realize their feelings for each other have changed.

Here’s the blurb:

Kyle Morgan’s in love with his best friend. Unfortunately, he’s honor bound to keep a secret from her that not only prevents him from confessing his feelings, but also has the power to destroy their relationship.


Cecelia Anton has only ever wanted one thing—to find the answers to her mysterious past. But the search leads her into the arms of her best friend. While the attraction frightens her, she can’t deny the way he makes her feel.


The deep connection they share as friends only heightens the passion, forcing them to reevaluate their relationship. Are they willing to risk their lifelong friendship for the promise of love?

You can find it at the Wild Rose Press  
A kindle version is also available at Amazon
Read an Excerpt


How did you start writing?

I’ve always written short stories for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved reading and writing. But I started writing seriously about ten years ago. I had a dream, one that demanded to be written down, and as I wrote, this story began to reveal itself. That slowly became my first novel, which oddly enough, was a young adult story. But I’ve been hooked ever since.


Describe your writing in three words.

Sweet. Spicy. Emotional.


What are you passionate about?

My writing. I love creating the stories, diving into each new set of characters, in hopes of sharing their stories with the world.

But, since I’ve already let the proverbial cat out of the bag on my blog, I’m also passionate about angels. I believe in them. Have had many experiences and I just adore them.


How do you approach your writing, are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a bit of both. I have to know a teensy bit about where I’m going before I can start. I usually have to know who my characters are, what the basic premise of the story is, the beginning and the ending. And then I just jump in and go from there, panster style.


Who are your favorite authors? What are you reading now?

I’m in between books right now, so I’m not reading anything. Am still trying to decide which book to dive into next.

My favorite author of all time is Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series completely hooked me. I’m hooked on the characters. But I also love reading category romance. Karen Templeton and Bronwyn Jameson are a couple of favorites also. I also love Avon Historicals, though I don’t have a favorite author.


What is next for you?

Right now I’ve got two books out with editors, waiting for a yay or nay, and I’ve just finished writing the sequel to one of those books. I’d love to finish the sequel to Staking His Claim, Kyle’s sister Becca’s story, but the story needs a complete overhaul, and I haven’t decided if I’m ready to dive into that yet. So I’m kind of in the middle of projects at the moment, trying to decide where to go next. I have a few ideas brewing though, and am sort of just letting it all stew, until something grabs me.


Where can we find you on the web?

Here’s my website:   http://jmstewart.webs.com/

And my blog:   http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com/


Is there anything you would like to ask our readers?

I’d love to hear from them, honestly. You can find my email address on my website. I’d honestly love to know how they’re reacting to the book.

Thank you for having me, Sarah.

Thanks for visiting with us today, JM.

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Staking His Claim by JM Stewart

Kyle Morgan’s in love with his best friend. Unfortunately, he’s honor bound to keep a secret from her that not only prevents him from confessing his feelings, but also has the power to destroy their relationship.




Cecelia Anton has only ever wanted one thing—to find the answers to her mysterious past. But the search leads her into the arms of her best friend. While the attraction frightens her, she can’t deny the way he makes her feel.


The deep connection they share as friends only heightens the passion, forcing them to reevaluate their relationship. Are they willing to risk their lifelong friendship for the promise of love?

 
EXCERPT:
 
Frustration sang through her. The only way to get rid of these unwanted feelings was to put them out there. Right? Though a small part of her hoped he’d deny it all, that he’d tell her they had been caught in some Twilight Zone moment.


The question was how to convince a stubborn man.

Like a flash of lightning, the answer presented itself. She bit her lip. God, could she do that?

She stiffened her spine. She had to, or she’d never get the answers she needed.

Before she lost the nerve, she closed the distance between them and pressed along his length. Every inch of her trembled, from nerves this time, and warning bells rang in her head, telling her she played in dangerous territory.

His body stiffened with his surprise. “Ceci, what—”

In one swift move, she snaked her hand around the back of his neck, lifted onto her toes, and seized his mouth, effectively silencing him. She kissed him hard, determined to get her answer.

A quiet, almost reluctant groan erupted from deep within his chest, and his large hands seized her shoulders. He wrenched his mouth from hers and set her away from him, holding her at arm’s length. His chest rose and fell at a rapid pace, matching the fierce pounding of her heart.

“Why did you do that?” he asked.

She shook her head, willed him to understand. “I had to know…”

He remained frozen in front of her, the muscle in his jaw beginning to tic. A fraction of a second later, his hands dropped from her shoulders and seized her waist, tugging her flush against him again. The same eyes that had searched hers in confusion only moments before took on a heated, wild look.

Every ounce of breath left her lungs.

“You want the truth, Ceci?” he asked, his frustrated tone mocking her. “You really want to know how I feel about you, what you do to me?”

He slid his hands down her back, slowly, then cupped her bottom and ground his hips against hers. The hard length of his arousal pressed into her belly, showing her exactly how she affected him.

A soft gasp escaped her as intense, undeniable desire snaked through her.

“I don’t know how to be any more honest than this.” He dipped his head and brushed his lips over hers, whispering against her mouth. “You drive me crazy, Ceci. Every time you look at me, touch me. Do you have any idea how hard it was to lie in bed with you the other night? To hold you so close I could feel your heartbeat but not be able to touch you like this?”


Make sure to visit JM's website for more information on her books.

You can purchase your very own copy of Staking His Claim HERE.

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New Cover Art

Hi everyone.  I'm excited to show off my gorgeous new cover for AFTER MIDNIGHT, my contemporary romance, coming soon from The Wild Rose Press.  This book isn't a romantic suspense, in fact, it has only a minor element of suspense in it.  What it does have is a tortured heroine who must overcome the tragedies of her past in order to move forward.

I loved writing this book, as my heroine, Isabeau, has been 'with' me for years, patiently waiting for her happily-ever-after.  And let me tell you, with her past, she deserves her very own HEA.

I have been lucky enough to have Eye on Romance review this book.  Here's what the reviewer had to say:

"A haunting, evocative love story; a story of finding love and redemption when you least expect it. Noah and Isabeau will reach out and grab hold of your heartstrings."

I don't have a release date yet, but will be sure to post it once I do.
 
BLURB:
 
How long could you live a lie?

Thirteen years—that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After the automobile accident took her mother’s life and left her scarred and incomplete, she hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. She is happy in her carefully constructed life. Until Noah Clark walks through her door...


Isabeau fights a need to create music that is nearly as terrifying as her desire for Noah. She knows that to ensure the past remains in its place, she must keep the gorgeous singer at a distance. But with his magnetic green eyes and leanly muscled body, he isn’t easily ignored.


Drawn together by combustible passion, they must face a new threat to Isabeau’s well-being and the lie she’s kept too long. There’s a risk in the truth, but it’s one she must take.

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The Wild Rose Press and the movie RED

What do The Wild Rose Press and the new movie, RED, have in common?  I'm glad you asked.

It seems that a few months ago Hollywood approached The Wild Rose Press looking for romantic suspense books for a movie set.  Shooting was set to begin on a new movie titled RED, starring Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich, to name a few.  Mary-Louise Parker's character is addicted to reading romance novels especially romantic suspense. Bruce is trying to “woo” her by reading what she likes to read so they can discuss the books. The movie set needed books to fill Mary-Louise's apartment and some to put in Bruce’s apartment as well. So, The Wild Rose Press sent them 150 books from their Crimson Rose line for the set.

No one knows for certain how the books will be featured, but I find this very exciting.  How cool will it be if there's a scene in the movie that clearly shows books from The Wild Rose Press?  I, for one, will be in the seats on opening night hoping for a glimpse of our books. 

Until then, check out the movie trailer.  It looks like a funny movie.

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Win a Nook

Have you heard?  The Long and the Short of It is celebrating its third anniversary!  And, oh bay, do you want to participate in this contest!  What are they giving away?  THREE Nook eBook Readers that come with $50 BN.com gift certificates AND are already pre-loaded with dozens of romance and juvenile fiction eBooks.

Yup, you read that correctly, THREE Nooks are being given away.

The LASR scavenger hunt begins today (August 2) and runs through August 29.  The final weekend will host a two day chat on LASR Yahoo groups, during which they will announce the winners of the Nooks.

Entering to win is easy and you don't even have to participate in the scavenger hunt, if you don't want to.
For full details go HERE




I've donated a copy of Not Without Risk to be loaded onto one of the Nooks.

Long and Short of It reviewed Not Without Risk and awarded it a  BEST BOOK designation.  Here's what they said:

"Get ready for the ride of your life as Sarah Grimm takes you on an adventure...If you, like me, enjoy fast paced, nail biting, page turning, edge of your seat suspense, then by all means get on board and try Not Without Risk."

Read More

How Do You Buy?

How do you choose the books you buy?  Sure, everyone has their favorite authors, those whose books are 'auto-buys', but what about a new or fairly new to you author?  Is it the cover that draws you in?  Do you need to see a great review before you'll pick up a book?  Read an excerpt?

For me, a great cover will be the first thing that catches my eye.  This will get me to pick the book up and read the back cover blurb. (or if I'm on the internet, follow the links to the back cover blurb)  Guess what, I'm still interested...then I open the book to a random page.

Interestingly enough, there are people out there who don't do 'random', but instead chose whether or not to buy a book by looking at page 99.  I'd never heard of this before, but once I was told about it, I decided to give it a try with a few books on my TBR pile.  Then, I decided to try it with my romantic suspense, NOT WITHOUT RISK.

Here's what I found on page 99:

As her legs suddenly went weak, Paige forced away the thought.  She couldn't get involved with him.  Couldn't let herself care.


She dragged in a shaky breath.  "I'm sorry I've wasted your time."


Justin set his jaw.  His hand curled against his thigh.  "I never said you were wasting my time."


She'd been so afraid, coming out of a nightmare then hearing someone move around downstairs.  So sure of what she'd heard, certain someone was in her studio.  Now...


Maybe it had been a dream, or the panicked imaginings of an exhausted mind.  Paige didn't think so, but couldn't be certain.  "I must be overreacting."


"It would be understandable."


She closed her eyes against the kindness she heard in his voice.  They snapped open at the feel of his finger beneath her chin.  He tipped her face to his.  "Then there's the broken bottle in the darkroom.  Imagination doesn't explain that."


Relief filled her, driving away some of her tension.  Maybe she wasn't losing her mind, after all.  "Thank you."


"For what, doing my job?"


"For answering my call, even though you were probably busy with something else.  For believing in me.  Again."


"We aren't going to start this again, are we?  I wasn't busy," Justin explained as he lifted his hand and traced his fingertip along her jaw.  "I had dinner with my mother earlier.  On the way home, I stopped off for a drink.  That's where I was when you called."


Paige took a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart.  The caress of his fingers across her skin made her pulse trip.  "I'm glad."


Give it a try, it's fun.  Those books on your TBR pile, would you still be interested if it was only page 99 you'd read before buying?  What about your own books?  I'd love to 'see' what's on page 99 of your books.

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Spotlight On...Sloane Taylor

Today I have a very special guest, erotic romance author Sloane Taylor.  Sloane is a fabulous woman, who I'm very excited to have visiting the keyboard today.  Please help me welcome her!

Welcome, Sloane, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, Sarah, thank you for having me out today. My trusty pearls are slung around my neck, so I’m ready to chat. :)

I’m a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives which carry over into my books.

My stories are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. As a true romantic, my women bring more than lust to their men’s lives.

I was born and raised in Chicago. Studly, my non-husband and mate for life, and I split our time between a home in Illinois and a weekend cottage on the back roads of Indiana…or you can catch up with me as I travel though Europe, researching new material.

Tell us about SULTRY IN SWEDEN and where it’s available.  

Sultry In Sweden is my latest release from Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat.

This is the blurb:

Battered hockey player Colt Coltrane arrives in Sweden with one thing on his mind—victory. A bad spill later, however, and he's at the tender mercies of the sexiest masseuse he's ever seen. From that point, all his good intentions go straight to hell when he strips for the Swedish iceberg.

Disa Ellstrom has had it with sports figures who always expect more from her than a massage. She can't believe her friend Carl sent the American goalie to her. Unable to ignore the man's pain, however, Disa takes on Colt and soon finds her heart melting faster than a spring thaw.

Combine a hot-blooded American and a Swedish spitfire and they're sure to set Stockholm ablaze...

Read an excerpt HERE

Describe your writing in three words.

I’m a writer, Sarah, three words aren’t enough. LOL How about we go with hot, hotter and hottest!


How did you start writing?

It was the strangest thing. These black and white pictures kept charging through my mind like an old-time silent movie. I had to jot them down just to clear my poor brain. When I started to do that, the images changed to colors. I honestly thought I was losing my mind. It got better, easier, with each book, but it’s still weird. :)


Why did you choose your genre?

I didn’t. It chose me. On the advice of a friend, I took an erotica writing class with the Queen of Hot, Jan Springer. When the session was over, Jan advised me to quit my day job and write fulltime. It was a tough decision, but Studs encouraged me and here I am, six years and thirteen books later still unable to believe my good fortune.


What writers have influenced you the most?

Tough question and one I can’t honestly answer. I read all genres and have learned techniques from each.

How many books have you published? In what order should we read your books?

There are eleven out now. Eight are with Aspen Mountain Press and the other three with Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat. Before the year is out, three more will release.

The only series that really has an order is the Magnificent Men of Munich. It would be best to read them: Teddi Turns On, Lonnie Heats Up, Francine On Fire and Isabella Ignites. The other series aren’t as tied in to one another, so they can be read however a person likes.


How do you think being a published author has changed you?

Unfortunately, I’ve become more reclusive. I enjoy being alone and always had, but now it’s even more so. Instead of going out three nights a week, it’s only one with friends. We do accept invitations, but I find myself being quiet and withdrawn, especially in a new group. This is so unlike the old Sloane who socialized all the time. Now, I prefer to have company and hold dinner parties as often as possible rather than go out.

On the writing side, it’s hard to read a book and not edit it. LOL. I’m not being a snob. It’s just that you notice so much after you’ve had several excellent editors.


What are you passionate about?

Besides Studs and writing? LOL. Cooking. I absolutely LOVE to create new dishes. My site has a dedicated section, “What’s Cooking”, with easy recipes from myself and many talented friends and authors who also love to cook. I’m always looking for new recipes. Hint hint. :)


Where can we find you on the web?

My site is:  http://www.sloanetaylor.com/.
The blog is:  http://www.sloanetaylor.com/blog.
Of course, there’s Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=617411675&ref=ts
and Myspace:   http://www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor


Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?

Yes, Sarah, and thanks for the opportunity. I’m most interested in which media people favor between e-books and print and how readers feel about books written in first person. If anyone is willing to offer an opinion, you’re welcome to email me at sloanetaylor@comcast.net.

This has been great, Sarah. Thank you for opportunity to meet your readers and gab. :)

Thank you, Sloane, for visiting with us. 

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Sultry in Sweden by Sloane Taylor

Battered hockey player Colt Coltrane arrives in Sweden with one thing on his mind—victory. A bad spill later, however, and he's at the tender mercies of the sexiest masseuse he's ever seen. From that point, all his good intentions go straight to hell when he strips for the Swedish iceberg.

Disa Ellstrom has had it with sports figures who always expect more from her than a massage. She can't believe her friend Carl sent the American goalie to her. Unable to ignore the man's pain, however, Disa takes on Colt and soon finds her heart melting faster than a spring thaw.

Combine a hot-blooded American and a Swedish spitfire and they're sure to set Stockholm ablaze...

Warning:
The excerpt that you are about to view is Hot, Hot, HOT! 
It definately contains content only suitable for adults.

There, now that the necessary stuff is out of the way, onto the fun stuff... 

EXCERPT:


Disa ran her fingers along Colt’s deltoids, watching the strong muscles flex under her touch. His shyness had been endearing along with confusing. She wondered if his physical problem went further than the normal aches and pains of a professional athlete. If so, she intended to help him overcome the situation. If not, then he was in for a satisfying surprise. She hoped.

A quick scramble across the sheet gave him more room, then she tugged on his shoulders so he would lay back against the pillow. He winced, but continued to draw his legs up onto the bed.

She combed her fingers through the crisp auburn hairs sprinkled across his broad chest, descending to his beautiful hard dick nestled in a curly reddish tuft. She swallowed hard, fighting her desire to suck him until he came.

“You are a fine-looking man, Colt.” She rose onto her knees, then traced a fingernail around his tight balls, her inner muscles clenching with desire.

He laid a hand on her calf and slowly eased it up toward her thigh, caressing her. His fingers climbed higher. A shudder ran through her from his gentle massage over her rear-end up to the small of her back, then down, slipping a finger between her cheeks. Pressure built when he circled her sphincter, dipping his fingertip into the tight circle, out again, then back in.

She nipped at his balls, laving the tight sacs, savoring their salty taste. Her hand pumped his cock, starting slow and increasing the speed. His hips jerked, rocking with her rhythm, thrust along her palm.

Deftly, Colt maneuvered out from under Disa, scooped her up and kissed her with a passion she had never known. She clung to him, loving his strength, savoring his taste. He pulled away, the skin pulled taut over his cheek bones.

“It’s time to make you happy, baby. How about rolling over?” He tugged on her hip until she faced the brass headboard. “A little more to the center, so we can watch in the dresser mirror.”

She scooted across the rumpled linen and glanced into the antique glass. Their eyes met in the reflection and breathe caught in her throat.

"Spread your legs, Disa.” He gently nudged her shoulders to the mattress. “I promise to go easy.”

Kisses rained down her back as he mounted her. His thick cock played against her wet labia, the swollen head teasing into her. After a smooth thrust, he was inside, filling her. One firm palm kneaded her lower abdomen while his long fingers curled through her pubic hair, covering her mons. He stretched a finger further along her nether lips, separating the folds and massaged her fiery clit.

Tingles shot through her, watching their wavy images across the room. His arm muscles bulged as he moved his hands to her hips, gripping them tight, guiding her to him.

He rocked into her, the strokes faster and faster, his balls slapping against her thigh. He clutched her hips, slamming into her, riding her hard. She reared back, keeping pace, clenching her muscles to hold him tight, straining to swallow him in deeper. She gritted her teeth, biting back the scream that tore through her. Her body pulsed with his touch, screaming for release from the magnificent torture that only he could provide. She clutched the sheets, wadding the warm material in her fists, and burrowed into them, inhaling his musky scent.

“Come for me, baby. God, I need you.” His voice rasped…


Whew!  Anyone else need a cold shower?  LOL

Make sure to visit Sloane's website for more information on her books.

You can buy SULTRY IN SWEDEN here.


BUY LINK http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/SultrySweden.html

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Cover Contest

Just wanted to invite you all to jump on over to Classic Romance Revival and check out the wonderful covers in the July contest.  My cover for Not Without Risk, designed by the very talented Nicola Martinez is there.  I'd love your vote!

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It's official...I think

I signed my contract for AFTER MIDNIGHT today and dropped it in the mail to my publisher. What a fantastic feeling!!! I think I'm more excited about this contract than I was when I signed my very first contract. There's just something about this book that has always made it special to me.

No, not the six weeks of hell I went through while trying to get the words from my head to the page, or the endless amounts of fast food my family had to endure during said weeks. It's just a story that has been in my heart for a long time, and after a few 'tweaks' this past year, I think I finally got it right.

Let's hope.

Which leads me to an interesting side...while filling out the cover art sheets, I had to let the artist know whether the book is part of a series. Good question. You see, I'm currently writing about one of the secondary characters. I knew I wanted to tie the books together somehow, so when I first began writing, I chose to acomplish this by making certain that the second book had 'midnight' in the title. Then I received the art sheets for AFTER MIDNIGHT...

I thought about it, then thought some more, finally chosing to do what I never expected to do, and officially claim the books as a series. Which makes my next release from The Wild Rose Press, AFTER MIDNIGHT: Midnight Series Book 1, and my work-in-progress, MIDNIGHT HEAT: Midnight Series Book 2.

It's going to take some getting used to on my part. Not because I'm not thrilled, I so am, but it's different. What do you guys think?

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New Contract

I'm excited to announce that I've been offered a contract with The Wild Rose Press for AFTER MIDNIGHT, a contemporary romance with elements of suspense that is close to my heart.

BLURB:  Thirteen years—that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After the automobile accident took her mother’s life and left her scarred and incomplete, she hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. She is happy in her carefully constructed life. Until Noah Clark walks through her door...

Isabeau fights a need to create music that is nearly as terrifying as her desire for Noah. She knows that to ensure the past remains in its place, she must keep the gorgeous singer at a distance. But with his magnetic green eyes and leanly muscled body, he isn’t easily ignored.

Drawn together by combustible passion, they must face a new threat to Isabeau’s well-being and the lie she’s kept too long. There’s a risk in the truth, but it’s one she must take.

I don't have a release date yet, but I'll be sure to let you know the minute I learn it.

To read more about this story as well as my other book, please check out my website.

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Spotlight On...Elaine Cantrell

Please help me in welcoming Elaine Cantrell to the keyboard today.  Welcome Elaine, tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Carolina, I hold a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University and am a member of Romance Writers of America, EPIC authors, and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. I’ve been married for thirty five years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons-a physicist and a fraud investigator. They’ve given us three wonderful grandchildren-one girl and two boys. We also have two mean cats and one sweet, brown dog. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, and discovering new restaurants, not to mention playing Spider Man with my grandson.


How did you start writing?

I've been writing since 2001 when my son asked me to proofread a book he'd written. I figured if he could, so could I. My first published novel, A New Leaf, was the winner of the 2003 Timeless Love contest. If I wasn't sold on writing before, that did it. I've been writing ever since and don't have any plans to stop. Frankly, I don't think I could even if I wanted to. Writing is a strange compulsion that drives me to spend long hours in front of a keyboard when I could be doing important things like napping or eating chocolate. My house isn't dusted as often, I rarely cook, and who cares if the laundry got done or not. Yeah, no doubt about it, I'm addicted.


How many books have you published?

I’ve had 6 altogether. They are:

1.A New Leaf-  http://www.oaktreebooks.com/

2.Grandfather’s Legacy: the publisher died so this one is available from me at  elainecsc@aol.com

3.Purple Heart:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

4.The Welcome Inn:  http://www.wings-press.com/

5.The Best Selling Toy Of The Season:  http://www.midnightshowcase.com/

6.Return Engagement: coming in July to  http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/


Where do you get your ideas?

Ideas come from almost anywhere. Sometimes I’ll read a book and wonder what would have happened if one of the characters had made a different choice. Sometimes I’ll hear a song that inspires me. Sometimes even real situations inspire me. I wrote one of my favorite books, the sequel to Return Engagement after I read a book about secret codes. A secret code is the key to that story.


What genre do you read? What are you reading now?

I read all genres, but I guess I read contemporary romance the most. Right now I’m reading Return to Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank.


What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?

The most challenging aspect is letting go of my characters when I finish a book. I usually fall in love with them and don’t want to let them go. The easiest part is the beginning. I get a good idea and I can’t type fast enough to get the words down.

Tell us about your newest release. Where can we find it?

My newest release comes out in July from Whiskey Creek Press. It’s called Return Engagement, and I just love it! As usual I fell in love with my hero who in this case is mouth-watering. He’s passionate, handsome, and just a little dangerous, but he has a romantic side and would die for the woman he loves. Here’s a blurb to tell you about the book.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

You can read an excerpt HERE.


What's next for you?

I’ve started work on a fantasy novel. It’s loads of fun to write whatever you can imagine unhindered by reality.


Where can we find you on the web?

My web site is  http://www.elainecantrell.com/

My blog is  http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/

My My Space page is at  http://www.myspace.com/elainecantrell

My Facebook page is  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000153041486

I’d love to be friends on My Space or Facebook or both.

Do you have anything you'd like to ask our readers?


I’d like to ask them to let me know how they liked Return Engagement. Also, if they’ll email or mail me a receipt I’ll send them a PDF copy of Grandfather’s Legacy. This is good for the first 50 readers or 48 hours whichever comes first

Thanks for visiting with me today, Elaine.

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Return Engagement by Elaine Cantrell

NOTE:  Due to computer failure, Elaine's interview, set to post today, is unavailable.  I have my tech guy working on the problem with my laptop.  Until then, I invite you to check out Elaine's new release, RETURN ENGAGEMENT, coming in July from Whiskey Creek Press.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.


Excerpt:


In this excerpt Richard and Elizabeth have reunited on the beach and spent the evening together after a ten year separation.



They rode the Ferris wheel and the tilt-a-whirl two times each. Then they went through the haunted mansion which gave Elizabeth a great chance to scream and cling to his side. She hid her face against his shoulder, savoring the male scent of him. When they left the haunted mansion, they found a place that sold cotton candy and funnel cakes. They bought a huge amount of both and devoured the sugary treats as if they’d never had anything so tasty. I shouldn’t flirt so brazenly with him, Elizabeth thought but who cares? Her obvious joy caused some bystanders to smile as they remembered their own courtships.

She paused when they passed a shooting arcade. “Richard, you’re FBI, so I guess you’re supposed to be a good shot. Win me a stuffed animal.”

Richard groaned. “Those guns are probably all sighted wrong so you can’t win. Couldn’t I just buy you one instead?”

“No, that won’t do at all. Never mind. It’s okay if you don’t think you can do it,” she replied with no hint of a smile whatsoever. Would he try to win a prize for her or not?

Richard stepped up to the counter and inspected the row of guns provided by the arcade. “Okay, I know a challenge when I hear it. I’ll win you an animal if I have to stay here all night.”

The attendant, a wizened gnome of a man with a sour expression on his face, wandered over to them. “Win a prize for the lady, mister? Dollar a shot.”

“Yeah, I’ll give it a try.”

He selected the gun he wanted and shot, but he missed. “Just as I expected, the sights are off, and it pulls to the left.” He adjusted for the bad sights, aimed, and squeezed the trigger. This time he hit the target dead center.

“Hooray,” cheered Elizabeth. “I want that big white cat over there. How many does he have to hit to get it?”

“Ten in a row,” the man sourly replied.

A few minutes later Richard and Elizabeth walked away carrying the big cat with them.

Elizabeth tucked her arm through his. “This is so exciting! Nobody ever won anything for me before. You are such a good shot. I bet you’re one of the FBI’s best marksmen.” Is he blushing? thought Elizabeth. I bet it’s been a long time since a woman made him blush.

She couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. She came to a halt and looked intently into his face. “Why, Richard, are you blushing?”

The color in Richard’s face deepened. “I don’t think so. It’s just the lights.”

“Oh, yes you are! You always used to blush when I teased you. Did I embarrass you?”

Richard ducked his head, a little gesture that probably sent her blood pressure sky high. “All right, my face does feel a little warm” he admitted, “but no, you didn’t embarrass me. It’s… well it’s kind of nice to have you flirt with me and brag on me. I’m surprised how bad I wanted to show off and win that damn cat for you.”

“You are so sweet,” she declared, giving him a warm smile.

“I don’t believe it! Is that what I get for winning the cat? Sweet? I don’t want to be sweet.” Ignoring the crowds of people all around them, he jerked her close which made her breath leave her in a little woof. “I want to be your lover. I want you to say I’m sexy and that you want me. I can’t believe you think I’m sweet.”

Elizabeth willingly threw both discretion and Alex to the wind. What did discretion or Alex matter at a time like this? “Oh, that’s what you want, is it? I’m glad you made your intentions clear, Mr. Lovinggood.” She took a small step toward him and obligingly tilted her face upward.



Make sure to visit Elaine's website for more information on her books:

http://www.elainecantrell.com/

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