Just Imagine

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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Monday, May 30, 2011

MONDAY COVERS IT. AJ Nuest's, Jezebel's Wish. Absolutely Stunning. Chance to Win!!!

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks so much for joining me at A Writer’s Mind. Today it’s all about MONDAY COVERS IT. What does that mean? Well, we’re checking out some of the best book covers out there.

Today I’d like to welcome author AJ Nuest. Though I only recently ‘met’ AJ, I can tell already her stories are winners. Pure talent. New York Times Best Selling author someday soon. Mark my words. In fact, she’s already on the roster for my end of the year, “What Every Woman Wants beneath Her Christmas Tree” blog event. But chatting about that is for another day.

AJ would like to host a contest. One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of JEZEBEL’S WISH!

I’m SO loving the cover for Jezebel’s Wish. How beautiful! Okay, I’ve rattled on enough. Time to hand things over to AJ.

From her lips to my blog…

“At this point in my career, I think I’m safe in assuming I have a pretty good handle on visualizing stories and getting them down on paper. So, imagine my surprise when I recently discovered I am NOT good at visualizing covers – a fascinating lesson which became blatantly apparent during the cover design of Jezebel’s Wish. When The Wild Rose Press first asked I share the details of what I envisioned for my cover, I spent several hours filling out the paperwork, describing in detail the exact picture in my head. True to their word, the cover artist took my description and designed a cover based on my specifications. It was…for lack of a better word, ugly. Really ugly. And very boring. But I couldn’t blame the artist. She had done exactly as I instructed. A bit disappointed and shocked by my overall lack of design prowess, I contacted my editor and pleaded, whined and cajoled until she agreed to approach the art department and ask if they would take another stab at it. Thankfully, The Wild Rose Press has an outstanding cover reputation, because once my cover was reviewed by other members of the staff, we all agreed. AJ’s idea wasn’t so hot. Much to my delight a redesign was granted, and brilliantly (on their part) AJ and her ineptitude were left far outside the mix. I wish I could say I envisioned that breathtaking winter sky and the beautiful black stallion running through a bank of fluffy white snow. But alas, I did not. That was all the outstanding artists at The Wild Rose Press. The first time I saw the cover for Jezebel’s Wish I wept buckets. They had somehow reached inside my heart and whisked out The Reverend, bringing him to life for my cover. Now I know. Leave the covers to the design experts. I’m happily content with words.

The cover of Jezebel’s Wish placed as one of the top five finalists in the Dunes and Dreams Picture Perfect Cover Contest, 2011.”

Sky here. Congratulations, AJ! Seriously, this is one stunning cover. Breathtaking! Ooooh, I’d cry too! In fact I did for one of my covers so you’re not alone. Those WRP cover artists are a cut above the rest. If it makes you feel any better, I went through a similar experience many years ago with Fate’s Monolith. I clearly envisioned a four foot tall rock in the forest. Um…huh? Monolith! Thank God, Tamra Westberry got a hold of mine and created a cover that more clearly depicted what I envisioned… whether I knew it or not. Been with her since! She knows my mind. You find a great cover artist that 'gets' you, grab on with both hands and hold tight.

Let’s learn a bit more about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he’s completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.

Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

What they’re saying about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

"Get the Tissue Box out for This Story!

Boy, did I bawl my eyes out on this one! A very heart-wrenching story about a woman who is emotionally recovering from the death of her fiancée. To try and sort out her feelings and give herself some space, Jezebel (or Jezzy) stays with her mother and sister on their ranch in the country - quite a break and change of scenery from her city life in Chicago. Because of the dark secrets she holds about the accident that killed her fiancée, she puts up a wall of negativity and anger. However, the local vet Matthias (or Matty) is used to caring and healing those who hurt but can't talk about their pain. Enlisting the gentle nature of a stallion named The Reverend, Matty helps Jezzy recover from her ordeal and their relationship blossoms.

Matty is a strong and loving hero any woman would dream of having in her life, with a gentle nature who gives as good as he gets and deals with the heroine's caustic nature with good humor...just what she needs to bring those walls down.

Jezzy is a very much like a wounded animal that lashes out at anyone trying to help, but she's doing it to protect those she loves and it's less about protecting herself. The guilt she has weighing her spirit down is understandable and her transition toward healing is a joyful experience."

Highly recommended read!"

Read an Excerpt for Jezebel’s Wish.

Eager to purchase? Buy Jezebel’s Wish through The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

AJ on the Web…

AJ’s Blog ~ Tattered Pages

Join AJ on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter.

Don't forget!  One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of Jezebel’s Wish!

Have a spare sec? Pop over to The Write Life now to meet another author, perhaps win a prize!

~Sky

Saturday, May 28, 2011

BOOK TRAILER BREATHER. Time to kick back! Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY.

We’ve arrived! It’s finally the weekend. A very HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND to all!

Saturdays are lazy, relaxed days at A Writer’s Mind. I hope you’re kickin’ back, slippers on, with a cup of whatever your device firmly tucked in your hand because it’s all about watching a good trailer today. Aye, you’ve arrived at this blog’s BOOK TRAILER BREATHER.

If you’re joining me for the first time, allow me to catch you up on things. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of welcoming over best selling author Alisha Paige this past week. On Monday, she dished out about the ‘story’ behind her cover for CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. Heck, this cover’s worth drooling over. Click HERE to check it out. At the end of the week I welcomed over Zoe O’Brian and Axl Wolfdorn. The fabulous hero and heroine from Circle City. We all enjoyed two days worth of interviews done in The Newlywed Game style. We had SO much fun! Click HERE to check out Axl’s interview. From there you can view Zoe’s. Naturally, there’s a CONTEST running. Read the end of this post to find out the details.

I loved every minute of having Alisha visit. Not only is she a wonderfully talented author but someone I consider a dear friend. One of those people I just know is a ‘keeper.’ You might think to yourself that I rave about Alisha’s work simply because she’s a friend. Nope. She was writing best sellers long before we met! You’ll see. Proof’s in the pudding when it comes to her stories.

Well, I’ve stolen the floor long enough. Sorry, I get chatty over coffee. *Winks* Time to hear from Alisha. Here goes…

“Hey, Sky! Thank you so much for having me all week! I’ve had a blast chatting with you, fellow writers and readers. Well, as I write this it is 3 am. I forgot how much of a pain it is to create a book video but it really can be a lot of fun once you choose all the photos, write your script and choose the music. Book videos really do make your story come to life in a big way. I haven’t made a book video in two years. Luckily the software has improved, making it easier. I had fun choosing the pictures and listening for a couple of hours to different music. I hope you and everyone else will enjoy the book video for Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. Hugs!”

Sky here. Alisha, I so ‘hear’ you. Book trailers are a lot of work. I plan at least four hours when I create one. Tiring but well worth it I think. LOVE the music in your trailer. Kevin McLeod rocks! As does this trailer. Alisha did a fantastic job. Check it out!



Having trouble viewing this video? Click HERE.

Lord of the Wolfen is the first book in the wild, passionate Circle City series about a secret clan of Wolf people living on the edge of the Yukon Flats. Dark, edgy, sexy and adventurous, Lord of the Wolfen is about an underground world where the Wolfen reign in remote Alaska. Their enemies, the Kontar, people of the dog, ignite a war when a Wolfen princess marries a Kontar man and a widow living nearby in the woods is caught up in the middle by saving a baby Wolfen from sure death.

5 Stars! ~ Reviewed by Evie Seo of Bookish Blog in Vancouver:

"Lord of the Wolfen by Alisha Paige is the first book in the wildly sexy series, Circle City. It's a delightful, spicy and very sensual read, with very likeable and well developed characters. It's a perfect book for chilly spring evenings, it will most definitely keep you warm!…Alisha Paige has written an unbelievably fascinating and captivating paranormal romance. She created an amazing, mesmerizing world, filled with beautiful, sexy creatures, burning desires and steamy fantasies. This book is erotic, fast paced and enthralling. Paige brings the reader into a fantasy world of Wolves and Dogs, a world of passion and eye-popping rituals."

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.





Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Alisha’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

CONTEST! One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Be sure to start your Monday out right here at A Writer's Mind as I welcome author AJ Nuest over to chat about the 'story' behind the cover for Jezebel's Wish. For all of you horse lovers like me, this cover is a 'must see!'

Enjoy your weekend!

~Sky

Friday, May 27, 2011

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Day Two. Hottie, Axl Dishes Out. Chance to win BIG!!!

Welcome back! You’ve arrived just in time. Why you ask? It’s day two of A Writer’s Mind's, End of week CHARACTER BLOWOUT. In case you’re new to this blog, this particular event draws a strong parallel to The Newlywed Game. On Thursdays, I interview the heroine from some of your favorite tales. On Friday, the hero. Before it’s all said and done, we get to see how well these characters really know one another. So far this event has been crazy fun. Well, hang on tight. This interviews about blow your mind!

Because this event is so brand spanking new, I’m adding snippets from the heroine’s interview alongside the hero’s responses today.

This week I’m exceedingly thrilled to have over Zoe O’Brian and Axl Wolfdorn from Alisha Paige’s, CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. I highly recommend that you take a peek at ZOE’S FULL INTERVIEW. Her ‘voice’ really shines through. She’s one heck of a gal! And aren't you curious what she looks like?

Today, it’s all about too-hot-for-words, Axl. Totally lovin’ this interview.

As a reminder, there is a contest running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Before we continue I’d like to give you brief idea of what CIRCLE CITY is all about.

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

Alrighty. Sky rubs hands together in anticipation. Are you ready to talk to Axl? I know I am! Here we go…

SKY: Axl, tell us a little bit about you.

AXL: Hey, ladies. Wow. There’s a lot of girls out there. How ya doing? I’m Axl. Axl Wolfdorn, future Lord of the Wolfen. But hey, keep it on the down low. No one but the Kontar knows we exist. I’m next in line to be king. We live in Circle City, Alaska, aka the boonies. And yeah, it IS cold enough there to freeze the balls off a pool table. Yeah, I know, bad joke but I heard it from a human so blame him. We like it cold. Cold enough that most sane people stay far away. There’s only about a hundred humans living in Circle City. We’re able to hide our underground caverns even from those close by. Well, a few have found out but we can easily erase their memory. We’ve lived in the caverns for 1500 years, surviving by sheer will and determination. The gold rush of the 1800’s provided us with a boatload of cash so we’ve been living high on the hog for a while. Until now. We had to experiment with some new businesses and I think we’ve found our niche. I grew up fast. Literally. Wolfen pups grow to adulthood very quickly. Our schooling is only a few months. As short as my childhood was, it was filled with heartache after the loss of my mother and all my siblings. Life is good now though. Now that I have Zoe.

(Zoe’s response… I’ve had a hard life. I was married to the man of my dreams with a precious two year old son. My life changed one tragic night when our car wrecked, falling off the side of a bridge. I survived but sometimes I wish I was dead too. My husband was found downstream. Dead. I never saw my son again…)

SKY: Great to ‘meet’ you, Axl. Sounds like you’ve had a rough time. I’m so glad you found Zoe. Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on her, what thoughts come to mind?



AXL: The very first time I saw her was when she rescued me. I had fallen into a frozen pond and nearly drowned, running from my crazed mother. Zoe came in after me, pulled me from the water and took me to her cabin. I remember her wrapping me in a quilt and cuddling me beside a warm fire. That is my first memory of her. All love, tenderness and warmth for a total stranger.

Now, the first time I saw her when I was an adult was more exciting than I ever imagined. She was held captive and caged. I had no idea she was being kept in a cage. Don’t get me started. It still angers me to no end! Anyhow, when I found out my grandfather had ordered she be locked in a cage, I went to her. I wanted to save her like she saved me. She was being punished for saving me! That first time I held her, I just wanted to carry her off. Leave all the Wolfen behind and go far, far away from all that mess. But of course I could not. I had my grandfather to contend with and he’s very old fashioned. I figured out a way to save her life AND satisfy the old wolf. Holding her in my arms for that short time reminded me of how kind she was to me. Hey, listen, I fell in love with her as a kid. But as a man, I was smitten. Completely and totally ridiculously in love with her. And to know that I was the cause of her imprisonment just killed me. Seeing her for that first time as a grown man forced me to focus on what I needed to do. That little boy was gone. Seeing the love of your life caged will stir emotions you didn’t know you had.

(Zoe’s response… I thought, oh my goodness, I have to save that sweet baby wolf!...

Oh…you probably want to know what it was like when I first saw him as a man, right? Gotcha. My heart races just thinking about it. I’d been held captive by the Wolfen for so long, I had no idea what day it was. He had no idea I was kept in solitary but the day he found out, he forced a servant to take him to me, rushed inside and held me to him….

…he fell in love with me long ago and seeing him in the flesh…well, let’s just say that if a dead woman could come back to life, that did it. I was alive again, even though I was sentenced to die….)

SKY: Axl, you’re such a romantic alpha male! *Sky swoons* Recipe for perfection. Zoe has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? Hands down, she appreciates one of your traits…what do you think that is?

AXL: Oh. That’s easy. Her forgiving nature and her open mind. I mean, come on, how many women could you imprison and then force to marry you in a ritual that would shock most humans? Wolves live in packs. They also love in packs and there’s a reason for that. She’s my Moonswan, my wife, my soulmate but a wolve’s sex drive is off the charts. There’s a reason the Wolfen have a haremlik. And Zoe has never been bothered by this. She has blended into our world perfectly, a magical world she never knew existed. A world with many, many public rituals that in her world would probably be illegal. Pretty sure they are. She adapted well and she thrived in our world, even surprising herself. Not many humans would understand our world. She always tried to understand me and more than that..she never tried to change me. If anything, she adapted herself to my world, to please me. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is. She’s an amazing woman, my Moonswan.

What trait of mine does she appreciate? She can deny it all she wants and she does to her girlfriends but she loves that I’m the alpha. She likes being told what to do and yeah, hey, don’t get all bent out of shape. I know she’s my equal and deserves all the respect in the world. I guess it’s all about role playing. She likes to be taken care of even though she is really the nurturer. She loves a man in charge. You should ask her what naughty word she likes me to call her sometimes. (Axl chuckles.) Most of you would probably be shocked. (Axl looks at Sky as she stares him down. He clears his throat.) Nevermind. She can tell you if she wants. Put it this way, she likes a man being in charge. She told me so.

(Axl leans over and whispers to Sky. “That wasn’t too arrogant was it?” Sky’s eyes widen as she shakes her head and continues.)

(Zoe’s response… His heart. He’s always worried about me. If I’m comfortable, if I’m happy, if I’m hungry. He’s a sweetheart. He treats me like a princess….)

SKY: Arrogant? *Snickers* Add that to the recipe for perfection. To a degree of course. But it sounds like Zoe’s got you all figured out, Axl. Dear Lord, I want to know what the naughty word she calls you is!!! You SO left us hanging! *Shakes head* Really need to read CIRCLE CITY! Now, Zoe has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? You figure there’s probably a trait she might want to change about you… care to share?

AXL: That’s a tough one. There’s isn’t much I’d change about Zoe. I lied. There isn’t a thing I’d change about her. She’s almost too perfect. Just a very easy going, loving, free spirit. I love that about her. All calm and serenity. She’s my peaceful place. If I had to try to nitpick, I’d guess I’d say that she could have been a tiny bit jealous of the haremlik. Now I’m sure if she was super jealous, that would have gotten old real fast. Insecurity sucks, especially when you’re in love like we are but yeah, she could have whined a little more and begged me to bed her instead but seriously….(Axl coughs, looks down, runs a hand through his hair)…the poor woman was just too exhausted to protest. Like I said, THERE IS A REASON FOR THE HAREMLIK and it has nothing to do with my love for another woman or my desire for anyone but her. She is my elixir.

What would she change about me? (Axl rubs his chin, squints his eyes.) Maybe I’m over confident. That happens with alphas. So I hear. Hell, I know I can be a bastard. I almost lost her. I can be a stupid jerk. She’s very forgiving. I try not to take her for granted now. I really do.

(Zoe’s response… he tends to be a tad stubborn. When the man’s mind is made up, there’s really no talking to him…)

SKY: I agree insecurity in a partner sucks. Then again, the wrong man can all but breed it in a woman. I’m thinking you’re the RIGHT sort of man, Axl. Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you’ve done for her?

AXL: Forcing her into marriage in order to save her life. She tells me it was beyond sexy, even though she was in total shock. I had to choose a Moonswan at my Unleashing. Everyone thought I’d choose Dori. Dori had been groomed for royalty but I was never in love with her. Arranged marriages usually never work out. We were more like best school friends. We grew up together. Zoe had saved my life. I fell in love with her that very day. Even as a kid, I knew I’d always love her even if I never saw her again. When the idea came to me, a huge weight was lifted. It was as if the Creator instructed me on how to save her life and it was the perfect decision for everyone. There was no way in hell I would consider killing this woman to avenge my mother’s death. I would have rescued her and taken her away if I had to. By forcing her into marriage, my grandfather’s death warrant was cancelled. Hey, listen, I can choose whoever I want to marry. Most Wolfen don’t choose their Moonswan at the Unleashing but I did. And for good reason. I know I sound like a caveman, forcing her into marriage but that really was the only way. I wasn’t sure she felt the same way about me as I did about her. I’d have helped her escape after the wedding if that was what she wanted but this incredible woman loves me too. I had no idea. I just knew she’d hate all the Wolfen after being thrown in prison for saving a wolf. Who wouldn’t, right? It had to have been a Halloween nightmare come to life for her. People who live underground and shift into wolves? (Axl laughs.) Maybe she was just in total shock. Who knows? I know I’m just lucky as hell that I forced her to marry me. And even luckier that she stayed and loved me back.

(Zoe’s response… Well…that’s a bittersweet memory. He wanted to surprise me by taking me back to my old cabin, surrounding me with all my old stuff for a romantic evening. I was so touched. We would have had a great time but someone crashed our party….)

SKY: Oh, you really are utterly romantic, Axl. I think any woman reading your responses would completely agree. And oh yeah, I’ll bet we’d all be just fine being forced to marry you! *Winks* Zoe has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? She can’t stare at you enough… but where is she staring? Now’s the time to gloat about your thick head of hair. *Sky sniggers* Truth! Do you think it’s your eyes? Chest? Etc.

AXL: Her best feature? God! Her lips!! She has the most incredible lips. I get shivers just thinking about her kisses. She has the face of an angel and the lips of a godess. (Axl closes his eyes and smiles.)

What does she stare at? Well..uh…I think I know the REAL answer but I’ll keep this G rated or PG at least. I know she loves my eyes. I was born with one brown eye and one blue eye. She says they’re hypnotic. (Axl glares at Sky.) What do you think? (He tosses his hair over his shoulder.) Good thing I looked her in the eye when I told her she’d have to do as I told if she wanted to keep living. Still can’t believe I practically guaranteed her death if she didn’t obey me and she thought it was hot. (Axl shrugs.) Women are goofy like that.

(Zoe’s response… I really love the entire package! But if I had to pick one feature, it would be those big guns of his…sigh…nothing like being wrapped up in his rock solid arms. And his eyes…wow…he has one blue eye and one brown eye. I get lost….

… Where do his eyes roam? To my lips. Always. He says they taste like candy. The man will suck on them…okay, this might be TMI but we’re all girls here, right? ***giggle*** He sucks on my lower lip and oh my…..(deep sigh)…he’ll linger there forever, just nibbling, licking…)

SKY: You can get Rated R with us all you like, Axl. Totally allowed! (Sky looks around. Yep, Zoe’s standing just off stage shaking her head) Heavy swallow. Good that you kept it PG, Axl! Back to the interview. How do you think Zoe would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?


AXL: Easiest answer in the world. Our favorite thing to do is shut out the entire world, wait until the kids are asleep, open the roof during a full moon and chase each other into the woods. Nothing like a good Chase. The real prize is when I catch her. And no, she never chases me. I ALWAYS chase her. I like it that way and so does she. (Axl folds his arms over his massive chest and grins.)

(Zoe’s response… (Clears throat and tosses hair over her shoulder) I’m pretty sure I’ll get this right. If he were to answer this question he’d say our favorite thing to do together is to relive the Chase…

…For those of you who don’t know, the Chase follows the Unleashing of male Wolfen and ends in the Feral Consummation. Let me put it in lay terms for you. He chases me into the woods until he catches me and once he does, he…uh…well, I’ll let you take a guess…)

SKY: Don’t you love how they both toss their hair over their shoulder? *Wide smile* You and Zoe don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

AXL: Political junk. She’s one of those bleeding heart whatever you call them in the human world. If someone or something crosses into our territory, I don’t like it. Not one bit. We don’t have illegal aliens in our neck of the woods. Well, I guess that’s wrong..there a few Kontar who live in Circle City but they’re all female dogs who came seeking refuge from that bastard Scar, king of the dogs. And there are a few Kontar who married Wolfen, pretty much for the same reason, to escape Scar, searching for a better way of life.

(Zoe’s response… On war. I’m all peace and love…)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

AXL: I love you, my Moonswore. There was a point in our marriage when I thought I’d lost her completely. And I sure as hell deserved it. When I heard those words, I thought I’d died and gone to the Woodlands.

(Zoe’s response… He called me his Moonswan. That is the most lovely word in the world. Becoming his wife was a dream come true and to hear that word leave his lips and use it to refer to me was one of the happiest moments of my life.)

SKY: Axl, it was FANTASTIC having you visit. There is no doubt in my mind that you’ve found the love of your life. Wishing you many, many chases together throughout the years!

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Reviewers rave endlessly about Alisha Paige's work. Click HERE to read the latest!





Alisha’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Contact Alisha at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com

You aren’t leaving without commenting are you? There’s a contest running! One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Too curious about the 'story' behind CIRCLE CITY's cover? Click HERE to read what Alisha had to say.

The weekend's nearly here. Whoo Hooo! Be sure to swing in tomorrow as Alisha debuts the trailer for CIRCLE CITY in A Writer's Mind BOOK TRAILER BREATHER feature. I've already watched it. Simply outstanding!

~Sky

Thursday, May 26, 2011

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Heroine's Interview. Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY. Win, win, win!!!

It’s that super fun time of the week again! A Writer’s Mind's, End of the Week CHARACTER BLOWOUT. For those of you joining me for the first time, this event is all about the heroines and heroes from some of your favorite stories. Thursday, I interview the heroine. Friday, the hero. Ever heard of The Newlywed Game? Well, this event is kind of like that. We get to see how well the characters really know one another. It's a total blast!

This week I’m beyond thrilled to welcome over Zoe O’Brian and Axl Wolfdorn from Alisha Paige’s, CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I.  Alisha and I were part of the fabulous team of authors in The Song of the Muses Anthology years ago and I can assure you, she’s one extremely talented writer. Just wait and see how dynamic her characters are! While she's visiting I'd like to give Alisha a HUGE round of applause and congrat's for becoming a BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Doesn't surprise me in the least. You go girl!

Before we continue I’d like to remind everyone that a contest is running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format.

A bit about CIRCLE CITY…

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

Okay, who’s ready to have some fun??? Time to interview Zoe!

SKY: Zoe, tell us a little bit about you.

ZOE: I’ve had a hard life. I was married to the man of my dreams with a precious two year old son. My life changed one tragic night when our car wrecked, falling off the side of a bridge. I survived but sometimes I wish I was dead too. My husband was found down stream. Dead. I never saw my son again. Grief is so hard to live with. It nags at me night and day. I became a hermit, rarely leaving my rustic cabin in the woods. Well..until one day…and then my life changed again….

SKY: So sorry to hear about your son. I can’t even imagine. *Sighs* But I see you're a survivor and I know Axl coming into your life helped a lot. Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on him, what thoughts come to mind?

ZOE: **giggle** Okay, this isn’t going to be your normal response but here goes. I thought, oh my goodness, I have to save that sweet baby wolf! He was so furry, so tiny, so cute. He was the first thing I cared about since losing my family. He gave me hope. A reason to live.

Oh…you probably want to know what it was like when I first saw him as a man, right? Gotcha. My heart races just thinking about it. I’d been held captive by the Wolfen for so long, I had no idea what day it was. He had no idea I was kept in solitary but the day he found out, he forced a servant to take him to me, rushed inside and held me to him. It wasn’t really his fault. He had no idea I’d start a friggin war. And I had no idea he was part human. I mean, seriously…okay, I know the Wolfen don’t call themselves werewolves but people who can shift into wolves at will…that’s a freakin werewolf! I hadn’t been touched by another human in God knows when and all of a sudden, this very tall, very muscular man with all this fragrant blond hair is breathing me in. Uh..yeah…he was breathing me in, telling me he was sorry, comforting me. (The Wolfen are big on sniffing their females.) Not only was it the first time I’d seen him as a man but the first time I’d touched him as a man. We were both stuck in a situation we didn’t know how to get out of. I had saved his life from sure death but I’d killed his crazy mother in the process. Can you spell R-A-B-I-D? Yeah..it was bad. So I shot her to save him from the same fate his brothers and sisters had suffered. Now I was in Wolfen prison and his grandfather ordered it “his duty” to kill me to avenge his mother’s death. Problem was, he fell in love with me long ago and seeing him in the flesh…well, let’s just say that if a dead woman could come back to life, that did it. I was alive again, even though I was sentenced to die.

SKY: Wow! Intense! Axl has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? You know without doubt he appreciates one of your traits. Share what you think that is.

ZOE: His heart. He’s always worried about me. If I’m comfortable, if I’m happy, if I’m hungry. He’s a sweetheart. He treats me like a princess. Oh yeah, now I am one..**snicker**. Catherine isn’t the only commoner to become a royal. So hard to believe this wonderful man loves me so much. I’m a lucky girl.

SKY: Sounds it! WTG Axl! He has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? Oh yeah, there’s a trait you know he’d change about you…fess up!

ZOE: Hmmm…..well, he tends to be a tad stubborn. When the man’s mind is made up, there’s really no talking to him. I really wish he’d be less of an alpha when it comes to opening up his mind to other thoughts and ideas unlike his own. That’s really his biggest flaw. He closes his mind sometimes and it really gets under my skin. I DO know how to punish him when he does that though.

SKY: Would love to know how you punish him. *Wink and a chuckle* Guess I'll find out in CIRCLE CITY. Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he’s done for you?

ZOE: Well…that’s a bittersweet memory. He wanted to surprise me by taking me back to my old cabin, surrounding me with all my old stuff for a romantic evening. I was so touched. We would have had a great time but someone crashed our party. We’ll have to go back soon for a redo.

SKY: He has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? His eye constantly roams to a particular part of your person. Tell, tell!

ZOE: That’s a hard one! I really love the entire package! But if I had to pick one feature, it would be those big guns of his…sigh…nothing like being wrapped up in his rock solid arms. And his eyes…wow…he has one blue eye and one brown eye. I get lost. I really do. Okay, that was two things. Well, I did narrow it down.

Where do his eyes roam? To my lips. Always. He says they taste like candy. The man will suck on them…okay, this might be TMI but we’re all girls here, right? ***giggle*** He sucks on my lower lip and oh my…..(deep sigh)…he’ll linger there forever, just nibbling, licking and the sexy sounds he makes..okay, next question…I’m getting all fidgety just thinking about his warm, sweet kisses…mmmm! (Zoe’s eyes snap open.) Okay, I’m good. Refocusing. Hit me, Sky!

SKY: *Thwack!* Hope that didn’t hurt. Damn, woman, you’re getting us all hot and bothered. We’ll never survive the interview with Axl tomorrow if you keep this up! Alright, back to business. How do you think Axl would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?


ZOE: (Clears throat and tosses hair over her shoulder) I’m pretty sure I’ll get this right. If he were to answer this question he’d say our favorite thing to do together is to relive the Chase. For those of you who don’t know, the Chase follows the Unleashing of male Wolfen and ends in the Feral Consummation. Let me put it in lay terms for you. He chases me into the woods until he catches me and once he does, he…uh…well, I’ll let you take a guess. Nothing will get me running faster into the woods than those multi-colored eyes staring me down. He’s all business when he orders me to run. Oh yeah, I have to say, The Chase is probably his favorite thing in the world when it comes to sharing time with me. And if the Aurora Borealis are glowing, even better! It only adds to the romance.

SKY: Woot! Not sure I’d run all that fast. This chase sounds like my cuppa tea. Holy steamy! You and Axl just don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

ZOE: On war. I’m all peace and love. Work it out with your enemies. Don’t hold grudges. But not Axl. He’s ultra territorial. Even though there are some Kontar who have meshed well into our society, including his own father, he detests most people of the dog. I think we should all try to get along.

SKY: Yep, he definitely sounds ALL alpha! Axl said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

ZOE: He called me his Moonswan. That is the most lovely word in the world. Becoming his wife was a dream come true and to hear that word leave his lips and use it to refer to me was one of the happiest moments of my life.

SKY: Awe, soooo sweet! Zoe, it was a pleasure having you over. You certainly set the stage for Axl tomorrow. I’d imagine any hot blooded woman reading this interview is counting down the minutes. But no worries… we all know he’s yours! :-)

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Reviewers rave endlessly about Alisha Paige's work. Click HERE to read the latest!





Alisha’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Contact Alisha at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com

Don’t forget there’s a contest running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Be sure to return tomorrow as I welcome so-sexy-it-hurts, Axl Wolfdorn to A Writer’s Mind. Ladies, this is one interview you DON’T want to miss!!!

Have a sec or two? Click HERE to learn the ‘story’ behind the creation of CIRCLE CITY’s cover.

Interested in meeting another talented author? Head over to The Write Life now!

C’ya tomorrow!

~Sky

Monday, May 23, 2011

MONDAY COVER IT. Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY. It's all about the EYE CANDY ladies!

Can you believe it’s already a new week? The weekend flies by way too fast. Not sure about you but I’m all about easing into the work week with a hot cup of java and some start-me-out-right eye candy. That’s precisely what's in store for today’s Monday Covers It feature.

Please make welcome author Alisha Paige as she chats about the ‘story’ behind the cover for her latest release, Circle City (Lord of the Wolfen: Book I).

Ooooh, looks like Alisha would like to host a contest! Here’s what she had to say… "I’d love to give away an ebook of CIRCLE CITY to one lucky commenter, drawn at random by Sky! The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format."

Thanks so much, Alisha!

Alright, time to learn more about this delicious book cover. The floor’s yours, Alisha…

"I was looking for a great photo of a blond haired guy to portray my hero, Axl Wolfdorn, future Lord of the Wolfen. In my mind I knew exactly what he looked like. Tall, muscular, long hair but with a face to die for. My fabulous cover artist, Tamra Westberry, suggested I look through Dreamstime’s photos. I found a black and white one that I loved and was bummed because I really wanted this guy in color! Tamra did some searching herself and found the exact photo in “sexy as all get out” color! I had no idea who the guy was but Tamra found out he’s a bodybuilder in real life and TV’s Gladiator, Atlas!! He’s an Englishman named Sam Bond. And boy is he classy!!! I found his website and emailed him, telling him that I chose him to be the cover of my book. He was very nice and told me he’d feature my book on his website! Talk about thrilled! Here is his website gallery where he included the cover. Notice that a few other romance authors have also picked him as their cover model too. ;)

Visit Sam Bond’s Gallery.

Note the green sky in the cover. That’s the Aurora Borealis, often seen in the Alaskan skies. Circle City is set in the town of the same name. And that idea was totally my cover artist’s idea! Talk about adding great detail to a book cover. I’ve received more feedback from this cover than any other. Sam = Serious Eye Candy!

And there’s one more tiny detail that I love. Axl has one blue eye and one brown eye. Tamra made sure she transferred that to the cover as well.

My cover artist rocks!! Check out her other covers at Tarawest.com!

Thanks for having me, Sky! Hugs!!"

Sky here. Very cool info., Alisha. LOVE this cover. Yep, Sam’s a hottie. Renee Vincent had him over to her Past the Print Blogspot a few months ago. He sounds super nice. Lord, you should've seen some of the pictures. *Sky fans herself* And Tamra… well she’s just beyond fabulous. We all know that! In fact, I featured Tamra Westberry here last month.

Thanks so much for joining me today, Alisha. Looking forward to having CIRCLE CITY's hero and heroine over on Thursday and Friday. Should be a blast!

Let’s learn a bit more about CIRCLE CITY…

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

What they’re saying…

5 Stars! ~ Reviewed by Evie Seo of Bookish Blog in Vancouver:

Lord of the Wolfen by Alisha Paige is the first book in the wildly sexy series, Circle City. It's a delightful, spicy and very sensual read, with very likeable and well developed characters. It's a perfect book for chilly spring evenings, it will most definitely keep you warm!…Alisha Paige has written an unbelievably fascinating and captivating paranormal romance. She created an amazing, mesmerizing world, filled with beautiful, sexy creatures, burning desires and steamy fantasies. This book is erotic, fast paced and enthralling. Paige brings the reader into a fantasy world of Wolves and Dogs, a world of passion and eye-popping rituals.

Read an Excerpt HERE.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Alisha’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Don't forget about the contest! One lucky commenter wins an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. This contest will run through the week and apply not only to this post but Thursday and Friday's as well. Contest ends Saturday, May 28th, 12 AM EST.
 
Be sure to swing back in at the end of the week as I welcome CIRCLE CITY's, Zoe O'Brien and Axl Wolfdorn. I can't wait to interview these two. It's bound to be remarkably sinful!

Have a few minutes to spare? Swing over to The Write Life next to meet another author and perhaps win a prize!
 
Cheers,
~Sky

Saturday, May 21, 2011

It's all about the Bling! Jewelry Designer, Dawn Marie offers 25% off on her new Beaded Dreams Collection!

Welcome! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend so far. As many of you know I feature not only authors but artisans. Today it's all about the jewelry. After all, it's time to update your ‘bling’ for the summer. We ladies will be exposing a lot more skin and wouldn’t it be nice to show off some hand-made jewelry with that new sexy-as-get-out sundress?

I’d like to share with you a very talented friend of mine, Dawn Marie of Designs by Dawn Marie. I ‘met’ Dawn Marie last year when I purchased one of her pieces. I absolutely love it and highly recommend her work! As it turns out, Dawn Marie started a brand new line called Beaded Dreams Collection. To celebrate this new collection, she’s hosting a 25% off sale. All you have to do upon ordering is enter the coupon code THANKS25. Dawn Marie would like to share a little bit about this new collection.


From Dawn Marie’s lips to my blog…

“The Beaded Dreams Collection came to fruition as a result of searching for and finding my passion. I’ve been designing jewelry for years and created various styles. However, when I began using tiny seed beads and creating small works of art, a light inside me began to shine brighter. The more pieces I created, the more I began to realize my dreams. So for me, Beaded Dreams is the shining star on top of a winding road of learning, growing and now creating my destiny.

I hope you enjoy the collection as much as I enjoy creating pieces that belong to it. Each piece represents many hours of hand-stitched beading, using the finest beads, gem stones and pearls. Every design is one of a kind and is a reflection of my spirit and my soul.”

Thank you for letting me share my Beaded Dreams Collection with you! Namaste.”

~Dawn Doucette

Designs By Dawn Marie

Click HERE to view more pieces from the Beaded Dreams Collection.


For those of you who participated in Jennifer Jakes’ End of Week Character Blowout be sure to check back in Monday morn. I'll be announcing the contest winner in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

Don't forget, my Monday Covers It feature is right around the corner. This week I'll be welcoming over author Alisha Paige to chat about her latest book cover.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Cheers
~Sky

Friday, May 20, 2011

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Sexy Rafe McBride Shares All. Jennifer Jakes', RAFE'S REDEMPTION. Chance To Win!!!

Welcome! If you’re swinging in for the first time you’ve arrived just on time. Today is day two of A Writer’s Mind’s END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT. What does that mean? Well, I’ve the pleasure of having the hero and heroine from Jennifer Jakes’, RAFE’S REDEMPTION visiting. Yesterday I interviewed Maggie Monroe. Today, Rafe McBride. But it’s not as simple at that. These interviews are nearly identical and created to see how well the characters really know one another. So sort of like The Dating Game blog style!

As this event is fairly new I’m adding snippets of Maggie’s responses alongside Rafe’s responses so we can get a first-hand glimpse at how each responded. How much fun is this?! *Wide grin*

Before we go any further I’d like to remind everyone that Jennifer Jakes is graciously hosting a contest... "I will give away 1 e-copy (PDF) of RAFE’S REDEMPTION to one lucky reader who leaves a comment about whether they enjoy an Alpha hero or a Beta hero. ((Rafe is definitely an Alpha))"

Here’s a little something about the story, then it’s on to the interview with too-hot-for-words Rafe McBride.

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Time to get to know Rafe better…

SKY: Tell us a little bit about you.

RAFE: I’m a former Army Captain, now living in Colorado. I came here after the War Between the States and became a trapper. Maggie and I now have a cattle ranch here.

(Maggie’s response… artist from St. Louis. My trip to San Francisco was the opportunity I’d waited a lifetime for – to travel and sketch the West…)

SKY: Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Maggie, what thoughts come to mind?

RAFE: That she was going to be trouble. And she was. But she’s also the best thing in my life.

(Maggie’s response… That he was cleaner than the other men bidding on me. Then I hoped he was reasonable and would grant me my freedom because he looked dangerous in a delicious way…) 

SKY: She has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? Hands down, she appreciates one of your traits…what do you think that is?

RAFE: Her fight, her fire. Through everything that happened to us, she’s always kept her independence. Sometimes to the point of making me crazy. What does she appreciate about me? (grin) I keep her warm at night.

(Maggie’s response… His kindness. He is the most unselfish man I’ve ever known. As for what he appreciates about me . . . I’d say it’s my outspoken nature. Even though he claims it’s my ability to bake…)

SKY: She has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? You figure there’s probably a trait she might want to change about you… care to share?

RAFE: Well, she’s better than she used to be. . .but before she used to take NO caution. Too many times I thought she’d be killed. As for me? She probably wishes I didn’t like cookies so much. She has to bake. A lot.

(Maggie’s response… there are times when I wish Rafe would let me carry some of the load. I’m not going to break just because I’m a woman and I’m very capable of helping him. Me? Oh, I know what he’d say. That I’m stubborn. But I’m no more stubborn than he…)

SKY: Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you’ve done for her?

RAFE: Hmmm. I did teach her to Waltz. . .there might have been nakedness involved.

(Maggie’s response… Given me a long, hot bubble bath including washing my hair)

SKY: *Sly grin* Hmmm, they were waltzing, he washed her hair… I’ll bet there was nakedness involved somewhere there. Sorry, you two got me all distracted. Back to the interview! She has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? She can’t stare at you enough… but where is she staring? Now’s the time to gloat about your thick head of hair. *Sky sniggers* Truth! Do you think it’s your eyes? Chest? Etc.

RAFE: Maggie is the perfect package. Everything about her makes me hard . . .HAPPY! I mean happy. And, I’d say she likes my hair. She runs her fingers through it a lot.

(Maggie’s response… His eyes. They are the most interesting shade of gray. Stormy and cool when he’s angry and liquid steel when he’s . . .aroused. I think he loves my hair. When we’re in bed he has an unconscious habit of wrapping and unwrapping a strand of my hair around his finger…)

SKY: Ha! Rafe, you’re a riot. My kinda guy! How do you think Maggie would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

RAFE: (blushes) Next question, please.

(Maggie’s response… Oh! I can’t say that in front of other people!...)

SKY: You two! So descreet. Waltz + hairwash + hard (I mean HAPPY) equals two very sensual characters! *chuckles* All that lust and romance aside, you and Maggie don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

RAFE: Actually we don’t argue much anymore. But when we first met. . .whew, you don’t have the kind of time it would take to tell you about that stubborn woman.

(Maggie’s response… Well, we mostly agree now. But after I was almost killed, we had a huge fight on whether to stay in Colorado. He felt it was too dangerous for a woman. I did not agree. Do you care to guess where we live? (grin)…)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

RAFE: The first time she told me I was a good man. My past made me think . . . well, no one had ever told me that before.

(Maggie’s response… He told me he was proud of me. That’s something my father never said…)

SKY: Rafe, you are fabulous m’dear. I can’t wait to dive into Rafe’s Redemption to learn more about you and your love. Thank you so much for visiting A Writer’s Mind. You, Maggie and of course, your creater, Jennifer Jakes are welcome back anytime!

Maggie is such a great heroine. One well worth getting to know better. Take a few moments to read her interview HERE. Remember, you can comment after her interview as well to be entered to win an Ecopy of Rafe’s Redemption.

Can't wait to read RAFE'S REDEMPTION? Purchase now!

Jennifer Jakes' ~Website ~ Blog

Join Jennifer at Facebook or follow her on Twitter @erotichistory.

Contact Jennifer at authorjenniferjakes@hotmail.com

Don't forget... 1 e-copy (PDF) of RAFE’S REDEMPTION goes to one lucky reader who comments about whether they enjoy an Alpha hero or a Beta hero.

Contest ends Saturday, May 20th at 12 AM EST.

Have a few minutes to spare? Learn more about the cover for Rafe's Redemption HERE.

~Sky

Thursday, May 19, 2011

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Heroine Interview. Jennifer Jakes', RAFE'S REDEMPTION. Love Historical Westerns? Chance to win big!!!

It’s that time again! A Writer’s Mind END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT continues. For those of you unfamiliar, this particular blog feature is all about interviewing the hero and heroine from some of your favorite tales. Thursday, the heroine. Friday, the hero. But it’s not as simple as that. Nope. These questions are designed to see how well the characters know one another. Grilled with similar questions, The Character Blowout is much like The Dating Game blog style!

So let’s have some fun. This week it’s my pleasure to welcome Maggie Monroe and Rafe McBride from Jennifer Jakes’, award-winning novel, RAFE’S REDEMPTION. Today we’ll be getting to know Maggie a bit better… and how well she really knows her man.

This just in... Jennifer Jakes would like to run a contest! From her lips to my blog... "I will give away 1 e-copy (PDF) of RAFE’S REDEMPTION to one lucky reader who leaves a comment about whether they enjoy an Alpha hero or a Beta hero. ((Rafe is definitely an Alpha))"

For those of you who might be on the fence about the difference between Alphas and Betas, I pulled some 'quick pick' descriptions of each off the net and listed them at the end of this post.

Before we begin, here’s a little bit about RAFE’S REDEMPTION…

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

Alright, time to get to know Maggie better!

SKY: Tell us a little bit about you.

MAGGIE: I’m an artist from St. Louis. My trip to San Francisco was the opportunity I’d waited a lifetime for – to travel and sketch the West. I didn’t even mind the bumpy stagecoach . . . until the wheel cracked and we had to stop in a Colorado outpost.

SKY: Oooh, never a good thing when the wheel cracks. But I’ll bet it was all meant to be. Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Rafe, what thoughts come to mind?

MAGGIE: That he was cleaner than the other men bidding on me. Then I hoped he was reasonable and would grant me my freedom because he looked dangerous in a delicious way – one that could compromise my heart and therefore my independence.

SKY: I like the sound of Rafe already! He has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? You know without doubt he appreciates one of your traits. Share what you think that is.

MAGGIE: His kindness. He is the most unselfish man I’ve ever known. As for what he appreciates about me . .  I’d say it’s my outspoken nature. Even though he claims it’s my ability to bake.

SKY: He has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? Oh yeah, there’s a trait you know he’d change about you…fess up!

MAGGIE: Can something be a blessing and a curse? Because there are times when I wish Rafe would let me carry some of the load. I’m not going to break just because I’m a woman and I’m very capable of helping him. Me? Oh, I know what he’d say. That I’m stubborn. But I’m no more stubborn than he.

SKY: My kind of gal! Nothing wrong with wanting to carry your own weight. Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he’s done for you?

MAGGIE: Given me a long, hot bubble bath including washing my hair. Decadant.

SKY: Nice! He has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? His eye constantly roams to a particular part of your person. Tell, tell!

MAGGIE: His eyes. They are the most interesting shade of gray. Stormy and cool when he’s angry and liquid steel when he’s . . .aroused. I think he loves my hair. When we’re in bed he has an unconscious habit of wrapping and unwrapping a strand of my hair around his finger.

SKY: *Smiles* Rafe sounds incredible. How do you think he would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

MAGGIE: Oh! I can’t say that in front of other people!

SKY: Of course you can! *Grins* But I appreciate your descreetness. Now, you and Rafe just don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

MAGGIE: Well, we mostly agree now. But after I was almost killed, we had a huge fight on whether to stay in Colorado. He felt it was too dangerous for a woman. I did not agree. Do you care to guess where we live? (grin)

SKY: I can only imagine! Rafe said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

MAGGIE: He told me he was proud of me. That’s something my father never said.

SKY: Well, Maggie, sounds like you’ve found yourself a keeper. Rafe sounds amazing. I can’t wait to have him over tomorrow. So curious to see how he answers some of these questions! Fantastic interview. Thanks so much for visiting A Writer's Mind!

What they’re saying about RAFE’S REDEMPTION…

5 Tea Cups!

This is a powerful book from beginning to end, with endless moments of suspense. I found myself with tears in my eyes and my stomach in knots. I just could not put this book down …. I truly enjoyed reading this story and recommend it to anyone that loves to read a good romance story with a little of suspense into it.

Monica – Happily Ever After Reviews

Can't wait to read RAFE'S REDEMPTION? Purchase now!

Jennifer Jakes' ~Website ~ Blog

Join Jennifer at Facebook or follow her on Twitter @erotichistory.

Contact Jennifer at authorjenniferjakes@hotmail.com

Don't forget... 1 e-copy (PDF) of RAFE’S REDEMPTION goes to one lucky reader who comments about whether they enjoy an Alpha hero or a Beta hero.

Contest ends Saturday, May 20th at 12 AM EST.

Be sure to pop back in tomorrow as I welcome hot-as-heck Rafe McBride to A Writer's Mind. You don't want to miss this!

Have a few minutes to spare? Learn more about the cover for Rafe's Redemption HERE.

As promised, quick pick descriptions of Alpha's and Beta's....

The BETA male...

"The beta hero is the best friend and Mr. Nice Guy rolled into one. He doesn’t enjoy confrontation but when the chips are down you can count on him to be there." ~Magna Alexander, Heroes With Hearts   "The kind of men who will change your flat tire, open doors for you, help your kid with his homework, and bring you soup when you are sick." ~All About Romance

The ALPHA male...

“He has to be successful- a man of achievement. Independent. A ruler – a man of power. Strong, handsome, vigorous. A leader. These males are the tough, hard-edged, tormented heroes. Yes an Alpha hero has to be tough, hard-edged and forceful, but underneath it all they have to have a heart of gold and be capable of the deepest all consuming love that their heroines deserve.”    ~We Write Romance

~Sky

Monday, May 16, 2011

MONDAY COVERS IT. Jennifer Jakes', RAFE'S REDEMPTION.

Happy Monday morn! As always, the weekend flew by. I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did mine. What better way to start out your work week than by taking a peek at a fabulous book cover and learning a few details about its creation. Today’s MONDAY COVERS IT feature is the book cover for Jennifer Jakes’, RAFE’S REDEMPTION.

From Jennifer’s lips to my blog…

“I am so happy with the way the cover for RAFE’S REDEMPTION turned out. It blends the cold mountain setting with the heat of Rafe and Maggie’s relationship. I’m a still a fan of faces on the covers -- IF the artist matches the author’s description of the characters. And my artist, Angela Anderson did a wonderful job!

RAFE’S REDEMPTION won Best Book Cover at Happily Ever After Reviews for the month of March.”

RAFE'S REDEMPTION at a glance…

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Read an excerpt HERE.

Sky here. LOVE the cover, Jennifer. Thanks so much for sharing!

What they’re saying about RAFE’S REDEMPTION…

5 Tea Cups!

This is a powerful book from beginning to end, with endless moments of suspense. I found myself with tears in my eyes and my stomach in knots. I just could not put this book down …. I truly enjoyed reading this story and recommend it to anyone that loves to read a good romance story with a little of suspense into it.

Monica – Happily Ever After Reviews

Can't wait to read RAFE'S REDEMPTION? Purchase now!

Jennifer Jakes'  ~Website ~ Blog

Join Jennifer at Facebook or follow her on Twitter @erotichistory.

Be sure to pop back in Thursday and Friday as I welcome RAFE'S REDEMPTION's, Maggie Monroe and Rafe McBride to A Writer's Mind's END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT!

Interested in meeting another great author? Perhaps win a prize? Pop over to The Write Life next!

Best Regards,
~Sky

Saturday, May 14, 2011

TREAT YOURSELF. Book Trailer Breather. Rae Summers', Let's Misbehave.

The weekend's finally here! Today launches my TREAT YOUSELF. BOOK TRAILER BREATHER blog feature. Grab a cup of java and relax. It’s all about kicking back and enjoying a great book trailer.

This week I’ll be featuring the trailer for Rae Summers', LET’S MISBEHAVE.

From Rae's lips to my blog…

This story came to me as I was driving home from work one evening, singing along to the song Let’s Misbehave written by Cole Porter. The song is an integral part of the story, and I’m extremely grateful to Alfred Publishing for giving me permission to use it. When it came to making a book trailer, that song was, of course, my starting point.

Let’s Misbehave is set in London in the 20s, so I knew I wanted to make the trailer look like a silent movie of that period. Finding the footage was the most fun part of the process. I spent hours surfing rare film footage from the 20s, and the documentary entitled ‘Looking for Lulu’ about 20s actress Louise Brookes was a godsend. It’s amazing what you can find on YouTube!

[Disclaimer: using pictures, videos or music you find online may be a breach of copyright. And my apologies if I have inadvertently breached copyright by using any of this footage!]

I’m very lucky in that I work in the film industry, so I know the basics of editing and have access to people with knowledge, but really this trailer was quite simple to make and anyone could do it, given time and patience. I cut it together using nothing more than Windows Movie Maker, which comes standard with many computers, and it was huge fun just playing around and learning as I went along.



Having trouble viewing this video? Click HERE.

Sky here. Rae, thanks so much for sharing. I LOVE this trailer! We’re going to have to chat about how you did that with the videos! Back to business. Here’s a bit about LET’S MISBEHAVE…

Blurb

Gabrielle is the quintessential Flapper, a wild child who turns her back on home and a resentful and unloving mother to become a nightclub singer. She wants nothing more from life than freedom and pleasure.

Sebastian is a dutiful son, following in his father’s footsteps and on the verge of marrying a suitable bride. But as the Twenties roar to their conclusion, he finds himself torn between duty and the urge to indulge his adventurous streak.

From the moment Gabrielle and Sebastian meet, the tension between them simmers. When he rescues her from a boorish suitor, Gabrielle discovers a kindred spirit beneath Sebastian’s serious demeanour, and she sets out to seduce him into one last passionate fling before he settles for a loveless marriage.

But the fire that burns between them threatens to consume her. Will Gabrielle survive falling in love with the one man she cannot have?

Purchase links for LET'S MISBEHAVE can be found at Wordpress. What they’re saying about LET’S MISBEHAVE…

From The Romance Reviews: 4 Stars

“LET’S MISBEHAVE displays the excellence every novella should aspire to. The writing is clear, sharp, and precise with wonderful description.“

“The story may be short, but it’s sexy, fun and entertaining. If you are looking for a quick read that will sweep you away into a dramatic yet amazingly sweet love story, LET’S MISBEHAVE is the story you need to read. The jazzy world Rae Summers creates will please you immensely and it is hard not to love this story about two complete opposites finding love.”

You can read more reviews HERE.

Read some excerpts… Opening…. Further along….

Enjoy a wonderful weekend everyone!

~Sky

Friday, May 13, 2011

CHARACTER BLOWOUT- HIS TURN! Skhye Moncrief's, FERAL FLAW. X-Rated Fun! Chance to Win!

Welcome back! It’s day two of A Writer’s Mind’s END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT! For those of you popping in for the first time, let me fill you in on the latest. Every Thursday and Friday, an author−better yet the characters from their latest story−will be visiting this blog to be interviewed. Thursday, we’ll grill the heroine. Friday, the hero. But it’s not as hum-drum as that…

These interviews are designed to see how well the hero and heroine really know one another. Sort of like The Dating Game blog style!

This week I’m stoked to welcome Darla (AKA-crazy Darla) and Commander Goro. These delicious character’s are straight out of Skhye Moncrief’s latest sci-fi erotica, FERAL FLAW. Yesterday I interviewed Darla. Today its Goro. If you have a minute or so to spare after reading this post, I highly recommend that you take a peek at Darla's Interview. Because this event is new and blogger was down for a day, I’ve also added snippets of Darla’s responses from yesterday after each of Goro’s responses.

Before we begin, Skhye would like you to know that she’s hosting a contest. One lucky commenter chosen from yesterday’s and today’s post will be entered to win an Ecopy of the first tale in Moncrief’s FERAL SERIES titled, FERAL FASCINATIONS. Contest ends Saturday, 12 PM EST.

Ready to kick back and enjoy a little T.G.I.F. time? Okay then! Let’s begin by learning a little bit about FERAL FLAW…

Sexual espionage never got any deadlier!

As the Blood Wars between psychic werewolves and vampires continue, Commander Goro's deepest desire, his love, his promised mate, is taken from him in the worst possible manner. He learns she's given birth to his arch enemy's child, a deadly rumor for both his honor and her life. If he discovers she's a sex spy, he'll have to kill her. Now they must mate to disprove the rumor of sexual espionage. Although he'd postponed that moment of divine completion bonding their bodies through mystic sex and blood exchange to safeguard her from the treacherous game of manipulation—a game he and his intended play with everyone aboard his starship, he has no choice but to mate. Just one problem stands in his way…

Psychokinetic earthling Crazy Darla, manipulator extraordinaire unequaled by none other than Goro, realizes the only way to survive the rumored lie is to run for her life. But there was always something more in her motives than fantasies of delicious sex with the man she's craved for years. Even though those motives felt carnal. Something else, pure and, perhaps, metaphysical haunted her. Perhaps in his goddess, Destiny? She had to believe in those feelings of love. But to trust is to show weakness in handing over one's fate to another who just might ritually disembowel you.

Who is playing whom in the battle of masterminds? Sexual espionage never got any deadlier. With the secret baby, bounty hunters, an entrancing crystal, and a space opera between werewolves and vampires forcing Goro and Darla into dark secluded corners, pushing them into carnal sexual interludes and dangerous blood exchanges fueled by the frenzied blood lust of were-mates, the future holds both promises and lies in the psychic war. And one wrong move means you've succumbed to the deadliest thing in the universe, your FERAL FLAW.

Read Chapter One at New Concepts Publishing.

SKY: Tell us a little bit about you.

GORO: I lead a were-assassin movement against the psychic emperor’s reign through mind control. We fight for freedom of thought for all sentient beings in the universe, including those already zombified by the emperor.

(Darla’s response… grew up the tortured child of a preacher. I never really fit in anywhere because I had this damned psychokinetic power my parents denied.)

SKY: Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Darla what thoughts come to mind?

GORO: She was so fascinating in how she had the capacity to love a mate—so different from those of us who’ve lost everything in the Blood Wars and had no reason left to love.

(Darla’s response… Who is that muscle-bound hunk and sexy black leather?)

SKY: She has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? Hands down, she appreciates one of your traits…what do you think that is?

GORO: Her intelligence. She would have to be smart enough to dance with me in this epic war of good verses evil. And she’s beautiful.

(Darla’s response… He was so damned calm. So deep and philosophical. But I can’t discount his muscles)

SKY: She has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? You figure there’s probably a trait she might want to change about you… care to share?

GORO: She needs to learn a little more self-control.

(Darla’s response… he’s so damned hard to read. Of course, I’m equally manipulative, and we work as a team.)

SKY: Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you’ve done for her?

GORO: There isn’t much a warrior can do on a warship stocked with nothing more than rebels, living on half-rats. But I managed to buy her that pale blue dress on the Jennian priest’s moon! The way it looked against her pale skin and brown hair…

(Darla’s response… He just keeps saving my life from zombification. If that ain’t romantic, nothing is.)

SKY: She has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? She can’t stare at you enough… but where is she staring? Now’s the time to gloat about your thick head of hair. *Sky sniggers* Truth! Do you think it’s your eyes? Chest? Etc.

GORO: Holiest Devros! Who can hold a steady gaze when the woman never stops trying? Touching? Plotting our carnal consummation! If only she’d try to ease off, I could stop and ponder soft curves… Ah! Breasts. The holiest of wells. I will say breasts. To tap the pleasure. The love. The life. To live again beyond fighting the war.

(Darla’s response… Okay, I had this horrible addiction to porn flicks during my teen years. You can only imagine where my eye roams!)

SKY: How do you think Darla would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

GORO: Our secret rendezvouses usually end in her displeasure at not having sexually bound our souls together. *clears throat* I wouldn’t want her to know how those moments of touching, tasting, and breathing keep me focused. Surely she knows that already. Darla is no fool.

(Darla’s response… Foreplay!!! Okay, that’s me and my wishful thinking because he’s always insisting we slow down to prevent creating our psychic were-mate bond through blood exchange—inevitable with SEX.)

SKY: You and Darla don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

GORO: Finalizing the blood bond. Becoming were-mates. It’s too risky. If she’s captured by the emperor, she will shapeshift when the forty-eight hours have passed since we last exchanged blood. And the emperor will know she is not my captive. Rather, my willing mate. I dare not live one moment imperiling my promised mate’s life.

(Darla’s response… When to have sex and create the blood bond of were-mates.)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

GORO: Truly, it’s because of her intelligence. When she came up with the term “blood fucker” for earthlings who choose to willingly create were-mate bonds with psychics, I knew she was the only woman who could dance with me in this dangerous game of sexual espionage I needed to play in the Blood Wars.

(Darla’s response… “No.” Or was it “Stop!” He doesn’t really favor either word. He just blurts one or the other. Grrrr.)

SKY: Seems like you and Darla are a match made in… (Sky clears throat) Sounds like y’all are gonna make it the long run! Thanks for joining us today, Commander Goro. Having you over was a real pleasure!

Fall in love beyond this reality...

Skhye's Website ~ Facebook ~ BlogNewsletter Group

Don’t forget! One lucky commenter chosen from yesterday’s and today’s post will be entered to win an Ecopy of the first tale in Moncrief’s FERAL SERIES titled, FERAL FASCINATIONS. Contest ends Saturday, 12 PM EST.

~Sky