CHARACTER BLOWOUT- HIS TURN! Elizabeth Mean's, Dangerous Charade.

Welcome to the second day of A Writer’s Mind’s, END OF WEEK CHARACTER INTERVIEW. Executed much like The Newlywed Game done blog style, this event tests how well the characters from some of your favorite romance novels really know one another!

Yesterday, I interviewed Gabrielle Broussard from Elizabeth Mean’s, DANGEROUS CHARADE. Today, it’s my pleasure to interview the hero in this story, Lord Julien Blackwell. For your convenience, I’ve added snippets from Gabrielle’s answers and put them alongside Julien’s. I highly recommend that you check out Gabrielle’s Interview to read her full responses. She has a great ‘voice.’

Let’s have some fun! Interview time…

SKY: Tell us a little bit about you.

JULIEN: Right now I’m a favorite subject of the gossips in the ton due to the circumstances surrounding my late wife’s death over four months ago. Our marriage was not a good one and apparently some believe I may have had a hand in it. The notion is bloody ridiculous, of course.

(Gabrielle’s response… I’m currently working undercover as a governess at Westford Castle to investigate the suspicious death of the Countess of Westford…)

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

JULIEN: Ah, Gabrielle, I’m afraid she’ll hold that day against me forever. I thought her the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. You’d agree if you met her. The thoughts that came to my mind that afternoon aren’t fit to print. Let’s just say I wanted to see more of her than her prim dress would allow and leave it at that.

(Gabrielle’s response… The odious man! Considering he man-handled me in a most inappropriate fashion my thoughts from that fateful afternoon are not fit for print…)

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?

JULIEN: Gabrielle speaks her mind. I love that about her, even when the things she says make me want to strangle her. Not that I ever would! For the record, I would never murder an innocent woman. But you understand what I mean.

I think she likes that I’m direct, too. I don’t mince words, I don’t play games. I am who I am. I believe she trusts me because of that.

(Gabrielle’s response… His voice. When he says my name in that seductive drawl of his I almost melt. I fear he’s figured it out, too…)

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?

JULIEN: She’s moodier than a cat. I can’t figure her out half the time. On the one hand I believe she’s probably the most genuine woman I’ve ever met. But on the other, I’m starting to get the feeling there’s something she’s keeping from me. Something important. And I don’t like it.

What would she change about me? I shudder to think. Many things probably – don’t ask her!

(Gabrielle’s response… Well, first and foremost I’d change the fact that he is my number suspect in the death of the Countess of Westford. Or I’d change the fact that I’m undeniably attracted to him. The situation is becoming exceedingly complicated! What would he change about me? That’s hard to say…you’ll have to ask him. I’d love to hear his answer!)

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

JULIEN: I bought more than thirty bouquets of peach roses (her favorite) and arranged them in the dining room where I had a special candle-lit dinner for two planned. Unfortunately, the dinner did not go quite as I’d hoped it would. I should’ve known something would go awry as nothing is simple with Gabrielle.

(Gabrielle’s response… He took me on a romantic ride and picnic where he really opened up and I learned some very intriguing things about him I did not know.)

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.

JULIEN: Her hair. I can’t get enough of it. She insists on wearing it bound up most of the time and it drives me insane to see it all twisted up like that. It should be worn free and long, that way I can run my fingers through it and all the way down to the small of her back…when she’ll let me.

When Gabrielle looks at me I get the feeling she’s staring mostly at my mouth. I can only assume that is because she’s wildly attracted to me and wants me to kiss her. So I try to, often.

(Gabrielle’s response… His eyes. They’re the rarest shade of green and I never tire of looking into them. I know he loves my hair, he’s constantly staring at it and takes every opportunity to free if from whatever style I have it in. He loves to run his hands through it and all the way down my back.)

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

JULIEN: Kiss. Although I suppose she wouldn’t actually say that since it’s un-ladylike to kiss and tell. She’ll probably give you some silly answer like “talk.” But what she really means is kiss.

(Gabrielle’s response… Spar. With words, not weapons. We are constantly battling wits and I’m not sure who is ahead we’ve had so many matches. Sometimes it’s the only way to relieve the tension between us. The only appropriate way.)

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

JULIEN: Her safety. It’s becoming more and more clear there is a killer in our midst and I’m doing my best to protect her but she keeps pulling away. Like she doesn’t trust me. I’m positive there’s something she’s not telling me, and I intend to get to the bottom of it.

(Gabrielle’s response… He wants to keep tabs on my every move lately and I refuse to allow it. I have a job to do, which he doesn’t truly understand, and he’s making it difficult. He claims he’s protecting me from danger.)

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

JULIEN: She dared to accuse me of being a “no-good, outlaw, poaching ruffian” – while I was standing on my own land! The truth is Gabrielle crashed into my life in a most surprising manner, my world has not been the same since. And I couldn’t be any bloody happier about it.

(Gabrielle’s response… He told me that I was an excellent actress – not knowing the real truth of his statement. It caused me to panic momentarily as I feared he’d figured out who I was and why I was really at Westford Castle. Fortunately, it was only a false alarm.)

Sky here. Another great interview. Sounds like Julien and Gabrielle make quite the pair! I, for one, can’t wait to read this book.

Can’t wait to read this story? Purchase Dangerous Charade through The Wild Rose Press.

Learn more about author Elizabeth Mean at her Website.

~Sky

CHARACTER BLOWOUT- Elizabeth Mean's, Dangerous Charade.

Welcome! You’ve arrived just in time to enjoy A Writer’s Mind’s END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT. This event is sort of like The Newlywed Game done blog style. On Thursday, I interview the heroine from some of your favorite romance novels. On Friday, the hero. It’s always a blast to see how well they really know one another!

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Gabrielle from Elizabeth Means', DANGEROUS CHARADE. Before I start the interview let’s learn a bit more about this book…

To escape an arranged marriage Gabrielle Broussard flees her home to become an undercover investigator with an elite, all-female investigative agency. Her first assignment, as governess at Westford castle to investigate the suspicious death of the Countess of Westford, quickly becomes complicated when she finds herself attracted to her number one suspect.

Lord Julien Blackwell is a survivor. After his father’s bankruptcy, he becomes a self-made man in Victorian England’s booming industrial era. Trapped into a loveless marriage, he has survived the shock of his wife’s sudden death. But now he must survive rumors and outright accusations. Hiring a private agency to investigate and prove his innocence seems like a good idea…until desire threatens to compromise both the case and the life of the investigator.

The Interview…

SKY: Tell us a little bit about you.

GABRIELLE: Well, unfortunately there’s not much I can say…that would be the truth. You see I’m currently working undercover as a governess at Westford Castle to investigate the suspicious death of the Countess of Westford. My last name is not even really Smithton. I took this position to support myself until I’m old enough to collect my inheritance. I had no other choice in the matter. I had to come up with some way to survive after my uncle tried to force me to marry a repugnant man so they could both split my inheritance money when I come of age. I ran away to escape them both. If my uncle should read this and discern who I really am, he would track me down and try to force me into the marriage.

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

GABRIELLE: The odious man! Considering he man-handled me in a most inappropriate fashion my thoughts from that fateful afternoon are not fit for print. Let’s just say we got off on the wrong foot and leave it at that.

SKY: 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.

GABRIELLE: His voice. When he says my name in that seductive drawl of his I almost melt. I fear he’s figured it out, too. Unfortunately, at the moment he adores the fact that I’m “genuine” and “honest”…all the things I have not truly been to him. We’ll have to see what the future holds. After I allow him to get to know the real me then we’ll see what traits he adores. Assuming the facts in this murder investigation convince me he’s not a cold-blooded killer, of course.

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!

GABRIELLE: Well, first and foremost I’d change the fact that he is my number suspect in the death of the Countess of Westford. Or I’d change the fact that I’m undeniably attracted to him. The situation is becoming exceedingly complicated! What would he change about me? That’s hard to say…you’ll have to ask him. I’d love to hear his answer!

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

GABRIELLE: He took me on a romantic ride and picnic where he really opened up and I learned some very intriguing things about him I did not know. Things that seemingly point to his innocence in my case. But I’m not so naïve to think murderers don’t lie.

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!

GABRIELLE: His eyes. They’re the rarest shade of green and I never tire of looking into them.

I know he loves my hair, he’s constantly staring at it and takes every opportunity to free if from whatever style I have it in. He loves to run his hands through it and all the way down my back. Even though it takes me a long time to make it presentable again I don’t really mind…

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

GABRIELLE: Spar. With words, not weapons. We are constantly battling wits and I’m not sure who is ahead we’ve had so many matches. Sometimes it’s the only way to relieve the tension between us. The only appropriate way.

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

GABRIELLE: He wants to keep tabs on my every move lately and I refuse to allow it. I have a job to do, which he doesn’t truly understand, and he’s making it difficult. He claims he’s protecting me from danger.

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

GABRIELLE: He told me that I was an excellent actress – not knowing the real truth of his statement. It caused me to panic momentarily as I feared he’d figured out who I was and why I was really at Westford Castle. Fortunately, it was only a false alarm.

Super interview, Gabrielle! It'll be interesting to see how Julien answers these questions. *Grins*

Be sure to pop back in tomorrow to enjoy Lord Julien Blackwell’s interview!

Best Regards,

~Sky

MIDWEEK MEET & GREET. Rolynn Anderson Interviewed!

Welcome! A Writer’s Mind is back in action and I’m thrilled to have over romance writer, Rolynn Anderson to join in my Midweek Meet & Greet. I loved something she wrote on her website so I had to share. “Though my heroes and heroines have flaws, just like we all do, they learn how to use them or overcome them. My characters are a resilient bunch, struggling on their own until they learn the benefits of working with others. In all my novels, I celebrate the power of a community to pull us through our worst times.”

I say we get to know this fascinating woman better. On to the interview…

SKY: Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Did you always want to be an author? When did you first start writing? What have you published?

ROLYNN: Thanks for the warm welcome, Sky. I taught English to high schoolers before I became a high school principal. After years of responding to student papers (mostly expository), writing lesson plans and composing newsletter articles and teacher reviews, I yearned to write fiction. I started my serious writing career in 2001, crafting suspense novels, spiked with romance. I’ve written twelve novels…the eighth one sold late in 2010 and was released on June 10 this year. Yahoo! LAST RESORT is the title of the book.

SKY: Congratulations on such a successful writing career! Now, I like to write at night. Inspires me. Where and when do you like to write? Why?

ROLYNN: I write from 6:00-10:00 a.m. My brain works best in those hours and it’s pretty quiet in the house. I get my very best ideas when I blow-dry my hair. (I guess I should let my hair grow)

SKY: Blow-drying your hair? Love it! *Grins* Back to business, you know you’ll always pen a particular genre. What genre and why? You might also dabble in other genres. Care to share what those are and why?

ROLYNN: I enjoy writing suspense spiked with a romantic relationship. Two reasons: 1) It’s one of the genre’s I love to read and 2) I don’t think I could fill a book solely focused on a relationship (so I add action). LAST RESORT, the novel that sold, is the first thriller I’d ever written. I’ve just finished a light paranormal suspense/romance called FEAR ITSELF. Now I’m working on a double murder mystery. So I do lots of dabbling. Soon, I’d like to try writing women’s fiction.

SKY: We writers are often urged to write what we know. Have you? Perhaps implemented a scene from your life or somewhere you’ve traveled. Tell, tell!

ROLYNN: Many of my settings and adventures come from my boating adventures. My husband and I spend four months out of the year cruising the Inside Passage of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Since boating is highly dominated by men, it pleases me to put feisty women at the helm. Petersburg, Alaska is the stage for my next double murder mystery. I golf, so I’ve written a suspense novel centered on golf. I travel a lot, so I spice my books with foreign settings. I live on the sunny Central Coast of California when I’m not bobbing on the ocean, bringing in the romance and adventure of that area, too.

SKY: Let’s get down and dirty. Writers typically love to read. You especially enjoy certain authors for a good reason. Why? Their use of prose, voice, characterization, etc. You’ve got pet peeves as well. What are they?

ROLYNN: I’m an eclectic reader, happy with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, anything by Barbara Kingsolver, lots by Nora Roberts, Linda Howard and Suzanne Brockmann (to name of few. Loved THE HELP, THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, THE LACE READER. There are so many great writers out there who craft memorable characters and plots that keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I like a fairly pleasant ending or resolution to a book and I need characters I can care about.

SKY: You’re writing or have written the book that will always hold a special place in your heart. What is it and why?

ROLYNN: I’m excited about the novel I’m writing right now. I’m Scandinavian…and found a town bursting with Norwegians in Petersburg, Alaska. The place feels like home to me. I’m trying my hand at writing about a 1932 murder and a recent murder at the same time, set in Petersburg. Big challenge and lots of fun so far!

SKY: Nice! I’m part Norwegian and adore the culture and history. Fascinating, isn’t it? Now, though we like variety, we tend to adore a certain type of hero and heroine. What does your perfect hero look like? Tell us about his personality. Same goes for the heroine.

ROLYNN: He’s tall, broad-shouldered and strong. Thick brown hair, blue eyes. Deep voice. Smart, great sense of humor; caring Well-read. She’s got longish brown hair, brown eyes. Slim, erect posture. Happy with her looks. Accessorizes well. Bright and funny; excellent leader.

SKY: Ooooh, I like your perfect hero! What’s next for you? What are you currently writing?

ROLYNN: Partly answered above. I’m calling it BRAINCHILD, a double murder, set in Petersburg, Alaska

SKY: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten?

ROLYNN: In five years I’ll have published three more books. In ten years I’d like to have ten novels published. But more important than how many books I’ll have published is how many readers I can draw in to enjoy my stories!

SKY: Here goes. The grand finale. Share with us one thing you think readers would be surprised to know about you.

ROLYNN: My readers would be surprised to know that I don’t see myself as particularly imaginative. I wish I took in (and remembered more) of what I see and do. I have a brother and a husband who put me to shame in the cool trivia area, stuff I wish I’d kept in my head to use for my novels. Sigh. We work with what we’re given, I guess.

SKY: Great interview, Rolynn. Thanks so much for sharing!

Check out Rolynn's latest release, THE LAST RESORT...

Purchase through The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Rolynn Anderson’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

~Sky

HIGHLANDERS! .99 Cents PER TALE. Have a Kindle? One Short Celtic Lead-In, Three Highlander Novels.

It's finally begun.

What’s that you ask? The re-launch of my MacLomain Series!

I know that I’ve been chatting about it for a bit but it’s finally happening. In honor of my father, I’m releasing the series at .99 CENTS PER TALE at Amazon.

SO, if you have a Kindle and would like to check out my stories, super! The King’s Druidess (The MacLomain Series-Prelude) is a short Celtic story that leads the pack. Fate’s Monolith (The MacLomain Series- Book 1), Destiny’s Denial (Book 2) and Sylvan Mist (Book 3) are all full length novels. If you have a Kindle and would like to download the series, I’ve provided the links. Nook and Smashwords will be available soon.

Purchase THE KING’S DRUIDESS.

Purchase FATE’S MONOLITH.

Purchase DESTINY’S DENIAL.

Purchase SYLVAN MIST.

Two fantastic authors are schedule to appear at A Writer’s Mind this week. One Meets & Greets. The other offers up a fantastic End of Week Character Blowout. Be sure to pop back in soon to learn more!

Best Always,

Sky

A little Erotica with your coffee? Rynne Raines.

It's release time!!!

Have you heard? Rynne Raines' latest, Legally Bound is now available for download. Love erotica? Then Rynne's your girl. Here's a bit more about this tale...

Evelyn Morgan has a secret. Donavan Carver wants to expose it. Bondage, debauchery, and a weekend at Eden lands one of them on their knees.

For years, Eve has craved sexual domination, but a kinky romp in the hay isn't worth destroying her prestigious legal reputation over. Even if that romp’s with her handsome rival and legendary Dominant, Donavan Carver. Desperate to protect her secret and keep the notorious playboy at bay, Eve clings to the lie she’s told for two years—she’s a Domme. Donavan doesn’t buy it. Given an opportunity to put Donavan’s doubts to rest, Eve lures him into a bet he can’t win--one that will tether him to her leash. So what if she cheats to win? He’ll never find out. Or will he?

Excerpt:

At the challenge, Eve lifted her chin a measure while the wheels in her head nearly flew off their tracks. This could be her chance to finally put Donavan’s doubts about her being a Mistress to rest. “Care to make a friendly wager, then?”

Donavan studied her thoughtfully. “I’ve been known to make a bet or two. What did you have in mind?”

As if deep in thought, Eve tapped one freshly manicured fingernail against her lips. She wasn’t however. She knew exactly what she wanted.

“All right, if I win this case, we will attend the masquerade together—ah,” Eve wagged her finger when he tried to interrupt. “But you will be my slave. You’ll peel me grapes, rub my feet, and if you’re lucky I might just let you fan me with one of those giant feathers.”

For the first time in ages, Eve saw Donavan hesitate. It was only for a split second but it was there. Perhaps the stakes were just a bit too high for him.

“And if you lose?” he asked, intrigue evident in his tone.

There was no chance in hell of her losing now that she had the tape. Although it was underhanded to make a bet with an ace in the hole, he would never find out. No harm. No foul.

“If I lose, I’ll willingly submit to you for the entire weekend.”

His eyes narrowed and Eve’s pulse skipped a beat. Could he smell the bet was fixed? Did she look too eager? Too confident? Were her lips twitching and giving her lucky ace away?

Her throat dried further as Marcy proudly clutched the tape to her chest and marched toward them. If Donavan spotted that cassette, he wouldn’t enter into a wager that could land him on his knees without seeing what was on the tape first. She needed his answer. Now.

“What do you say, Carver?”

With his scorching gaze hot enough to melt the buttons clean off her ivory blouse, Donavan scanned her from head to toe. He brought his eyes back to hers. “You got yourself a bet, counselor.”

Pick up your copy now. Click HERE.

Visit Rynne Raines' Website.

~Sky

Tight & Fresh. Time to Re-launch. My latest Book Trailers. The King's Druidess and Fate's Monolith.

Welcome! Very soon, in honor of my Dad, I'll be re-launching my MacLomain series. These four tales are very close to my heart. After all, my husband derives from the MacLomain clan and I'm of the Broun clan. The revised versions pack some punch and are definitely meant for a mature audience.

I've finished the first two new book trailers for the re-intro of these tales. Hope you like them! (No worries, I'll let you know when they're available for download)

Speakers up, lassies.

The King's Druidess: The MacLomain Series- Prelude

Fate's Monolith: The MacLomain Series- Book 1

Best Always,

Sky

Vote for a good book!

Have a sec? I know of a fantastic Native American historical romance that could use your support. Great story! Swing over to IBookBuzz and cast your vote for Beth Trissel’s, RED BIRD’S SONG. Click the link provided. Thanks all!

http://www.ibookbuzz.com/Vote-for-Next-Book.html