Contest Winner & Another Giveaway!!!

Wow, what an incredible launch to my Sizzlin’ Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales summer blog event. But then again, who can deny an author as talented as Skhye Moncrief and a cover as steamin’ hot as Swordsong’s?

Won’t keep you waiting any longer. The winner of this week’s contest is…..Armenia. Congratulations! Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

Have a super weekend everyone!

Cheers
~Sky

It's UK heroes time. Skhye Moncrief chats about Swordsong. Comment to win big!!!

Welcome! This week kicks off my Sizzlin’ Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales summer blog event. It’s my pleasure to welcome back Skhye Moncrief who will be dishing out about her latest release, Swordsong. I have to tell you…I’m already droolin’ over the book cover! Naturally, there’s a contest involved. For a chance to win an Ecopy of Swordsong and a $6 gift certificate to the main store Wild Rose Press, be sure to leave a comment.

SWORDSONG

He's arrived to help her create the perfect bride.

He’s stuck in present-day Scotland with a bent time-travel key only she can repair. Duty requires he return to his time. His ticket home relies on a lonely woman haunted by more than apparitions. Her track record with men keeps her at a distance. And ghostly events keep pushing them closer together. Earning her trust will require the kind of patience only a valiant time guardian learns during his twenty years of apprenticeship. If time-travel duty, romance, and a bit of magic don’t help them realize their destiny resonates in mysterious fairy

SWORDSONG, all known history could change.

SKY: Welcome, thanks for joining me this week!

SKHYE: You’re very welcome!

SKY: Tell me, what inspired you to create your hero’s character? Did he simply form as you wrote or had he been in your mind for some time?

SKHYE: Oh, Murdo McEwen is just chivalry at its best. My Time Guardians were valiant (and all that noble stuff) long before I started inducting ex-special services guys from the present into The Cause. I decided to play on chivalry with Murdo to show how the Brothers study literature as much as the Sisters. And since my heroine Katie is a literature major in the present, the duo work well together as a couple. All Murdo’s recitations of Scottish love poetry win her over. ;) So, he’s all roses and whispers. That’s until shit hits the fan because Brothers are bodyguards for their soul mates. And Katie is about to learn how she is a member of the Time Guardian Orders by default! Anyway, he grew out of what she needed and what a Brother was rather quickly.

SKY: Sounds great! Give me a little insight into your hero’s personality. Is he cunning, aggressive, arrogant, kind, humorous─share all!

SKHYE: Uh, Brothers are all that in various situations. It depends on what the situation calls for. They must be able to acclimate in any time along the timeline. They are survivors. And then, they tend to pick up the humorous label after being exposed to the Scottish ambiance in the future during apprenticeship. Humor reflects intelligence. As for Murdo specifically, he is not arrogant but can be aggressive when he instigates paradox or someone goes after his maiden. Yep, he thinks of her as his maiden because Time Guardians are chivalric and medieval in the future.

A taste…

Wide Druid-blue eyes gazed up at Murdo. He lost his breath, then, found the unruly molecules. Fluctuating temperatures indicated shifts in electromagnetic radiation. Fairy movement. Most likely fey working with Seers. And the blonde rubbed her arms. Obviously chilled. Something was wrong.

“’Tis freezing where you stand.” He studied the doorway. “Don’t go out there alone.” His words sounded foolish.

Twentieth-century humans simply didn’t understand the powers of Seers.

She rubbed her arms frantically. “Aren’t you cold, Murdo?” Her sweet maiden lips trembled beside his chest where she frowned.

She spun to the door, arms whipping out, hands poised ready to react, legs firmly planted beneath her. “What do you want?”

Elemental or Seer. Naught was there but the post and lintel, stone masonry and a dark void. The spirit had come for Katie.

“What’s the matter, Katie?” Pam barked from behind him.

“No,” Katie yelled, springing into motion, lunging for the doorway.

Shit. The lass pushed something over her head.

Something invisible.

She flew back toward him and fell at his boots, arms scrabbling behind her for a handhold like a crab.

Guinevere pealed like a banshee.

He grabbed beneath Katie’s arms and hoisted her upward as the blaring female cacophony ricocheted off the stone walls. “What is it?” He searched Katie’s disturbed gaze.

She stared at the door, regaining her footing. “Stop laughing, you bastard.”

There had to be an intruder. Or spirit. But he only saw an empty doorway.

A quiet moment passed.

“No,” Katie screamed, reached out, seemingly blocking a blow with her forearm.

What did she see?

“What is it, Katie?” Pam shouted.

Katie had to stop reacting and fool the Seer. If she didn’t look, she wouldn’t react to the spirit. He grabbed the blonde maiden, crushing her gaze into his chest. “There’s naught there, Lass.”

Katie squirmed, fighting his grip. “He’s got a knife.”

He scanned the doorway for a person. Why would he expect to see the apparition? The Seer had only come for Katie.

She stilled in his arms.

Yet, her thundering heart hammered.

She wasn’t ready to believe his Post-Modern alchemical notions. Not with Truth hounding her in an astral projection.

The air warmed about them.

Probably more the heat from the fear in the chamber than an actual rise in temperature, but a rise in temperature would note the visitation had ended.

“Is he gone?” Murdo studied the doorway.

“I can’t see,” she droned.

Of course she couldn’t. He loosened his hold enough to permit her to look over her shoulder. Better to hang onto her with a spirit afoot.

Katie scanned the whole room. “He’s gone.”

The other females descended upon him. The three crowns bobbed beneath his chin as the other maidens’ arms grabbed Katie.

“What was it?” Guinevere simpered.

“Yes, tell us what you saw,” Pam commanded.

Out of the three, Murdo liked the masculine maiden most. She was all business. Very much a Brother in behavior.

“A large man in big black boots,” Katie gasped. “He laughed at us, shaking a knife over his shoulder. He was going to kill us.”

“I didn’t see him,” Guinevere managed to speak plainly.

“None of us did.” Murdo kept his hold on the maiden.

Katie shot him a bitter scowl.

Her pinched glare of betrayal wasn’t what the prize he wanted. “I’m not saying you didn’t, Lass.”

SKY: Great excerpt! Turning up the temperature─Why are readers going to fall in love with your hero-lust for him?

SKHYE: The cover makes most people I’ve spoken to lust. LOL Oh, seriously, choices, choices…

“I feel silly,” she admitted, gazing at the pinkening horizon. Here he was, Mr. Sentimental, watching the sunrise. And she’d screamed loud enough to wake the dead from Fort William to Inverness. Didn’t sentimentality rank up there with poetry recitations?

“No, Katie.” He wrapped a consolatory arm around her shoulders. “Watch him rise for duty.”

Lord. How could she watch the sun when he held her so intimately? How could she have behaved so stupidly?

The arm tightened around her.

Forget work. She could sit here all day.

His arm pulled her deeper into his drumming chest. “Before you bolted into the yard, I was recalling a poem.”

No way. “Oh?” She wasn’t about to admit her perfect knight in colorful tartan would recite Burns while veering her into the sunset. Sunrise would do just as nicely.

“I hadn’t finished.”

“Don’t let me interrupt.”

“I’ll tend thy chamber door all night-”

Poetry? She’d melt.

“And squire thee all the day.
If sweetest sounds can win thy ear,
these sounds I’ll strive to catch;
thy voice I’ll steal to woo thyself,
that voice that none can match.
But if fond love thy heart can gain,
I never broke a vow;
no maiden lays her skaith to me,
I never loved but you.
For you alone I ride the ring,
For you I wear the blue.” He stopped.

Applaud? Only a stupid girl would clap and disrupt the magic bubble around them.

“Katie?”

What now? Slowly, she peered up at his glinting eyes.

His gaze was so intent he couldn’t want words. “I’m going to kiss you.”
Why the wait? “Hurry.”

SKY: Another fantastic excerpt. Very romantic. And definitely, as I said earlier, that cover makes ya lust! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

SKHYE: No, thank you for having me here! Your time is so valuable. I truly appreciate the opportunity to talk about SWORDSONG.

What they're saying...

"Ms. Moncrief's SWORDSONG will have you hooked from the beginning until the "happily ever after." My biggest concern coming into this book was that it was the third one in a series. After a few pages, I was able to get a pretty good idea of what was going on. Some of the terminology was a bit confusing, but there was a glossary at the front of the book to assist with that. The author made it easy to pick up book three without reading the others...an entertaining read."

~Happily Ever After Reviews

Skhye's Time-Guardian series:

"Arthur is a masterpiece..." HE OF THE FIERY SWORD's King Arthur ~Diane Mason; The Romance Studio

"FORBIDDEN ETERNITY... spine-tingling suspense. The story is dynamite; it explodes off the page and leaves you breathless for more." ~Tulip, LASR

“THE SPELL OF THE KILLING MOON offers the best of spine-tingling suspense. The setting is perfect... Moncrief’s ability to wield magic and emotion are without compare. Her words twist together emotions and visuals until you experience this tale as if the trap were set for you. Some lines blend a kind of poetic magic: “Moonlight wove a special kind of magic, a spell so vacillating that a person never knew if reality were anything other than a dream.” Darkness and premonitions and deadly intent fill these pages... a unique blend of mystic Medieval Gothic and romance…and a true blood-curdling thriller." ~Snapdragon, LASR

"Intense, original, suspenseful, and dramatic... an unpredictable topsy-turvy romance... the suspense builds with every page in SACRIFICIAL HEARTS. In a world where symbols mean everything, magic is the way..." ~Snapdragon; LASR

Purchase Time Guardian books in print at Amazon.

Find Time Guardian books on Kindle.

Time Guardian books (most 64% off) on Nook.

Time Guardian books in e-format at The Wild Rose Press.

Visit Skhye and learn more about her stories at http://www.timeguardians.com/ or
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/

Skhye hosts contests and gives away monthly her Time-Guardian fan kit at her newsletter group where she posts 3-5 times a month.

Thanks again for joining us this week. Don't forget to leave a comment by Friday, July 9th 12 PM EST for a chance to win an Ecopy of Swordsong and $6 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press.

~Sky

Sizzlin' Hot UK Heroes Summer Blog Event Coming Soon!

Welcome! Make sure you mark your calendars. This Monday kicks off my Sizzlin’ Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales summer blog event. This time around it’s ALL about the men. What better way to heat up this summer than to crawl inside the pages of some fabulous stories and meet their dashing and oh-so-sexy UK heroes? As always, there will be contests. Each week now through September, leave a comment for a chance to win a free Ecopy of whatever novel is being discussed as well as a $6 gift certificate to the main store Wild Rose Press!

Interested in checking out which authors will be participating?

Click here to view the itinerary

Wishing everyone a super Fourth of July weekend!

Best Regards,
~Sky

Designs by Dawn Marie. We have our winners!!!

What an absolutely fabulous week! I’d like to once more thank Dawn Marie of Design by Dawn Marie for taking the time to visit my blog and offer such super giveaways. Is her jewelry unbelievable or what? It’s finally time to announce two contest winners. Drum roll please…

Congratulations, Crystal P. you won the The Teal Anklet!

Congratulations, Katsrus, you won the Heart Necklace!

Winners please contact Dawn Marie at designsbydawnmd@gmail.com with your name and address.

Don't forget, now through July 5th you can still enter the coupon code SKYSPROMO at checkout to get %10 off all jewelry at Designs by Dawn Marie!

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your comments were wonderful!

~Sky

FREE hand-crafted jewelry for TWO lucky winners!

Have I got a treat for you! I’ve a small window of ‘free’ time between my last blog event and my sizzlin’ heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales Blog Event. Guess what’s up for grabs right now? Jewelry! Yep, you heard me correctly. I’d like to say I thought long and hard, “what would my readers and followers enjoy in the intermission?” but it wasn’t hard at all. Why? I happen to have a good friend who designs and sells jewelry that makes all women look beyond beautiful!

Without further adieu I’d like to introduce the CEO of Designs by Dawn Marie….none other than Dawn Marie herself.

From her lips to my blog…

“I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin. Grew up surrounded by a big family. Everything I create comes from my heart. I love LOVE. Family is still the most important thing to me today. My favorite color is purple. I have a MONSTER sweet tooth. I create very different styles of jewelry - beaded like the necklaces you can purchase, wire wrapped, and wire crocheted. I've been making jewelry for almost 2 years and was actually inspired by my mother-in-law (to be)... she insisted I had talent when I had no idea what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life. I am engaged to a wonderful man and we have two furry kids. (Two beautiful dogs!) I also love to golf, garden and spend as much time as possible with family.”

Doesn’t Dawn Marie sound fabulous? She LOVES love! Tell me you don’t feel the same? Her jewelry is super. I bought a piece a while back and well…loved it so much I just knew I had to share her with you!

If you’re anything like me, you like to attract the man in your life─or just men in general! Well, the necklace I bought from Dawn did that. Made my husband’s head turn twice! I’m such a fan of her work I’d like to offer a giveaway. Now this is for the gal like me who skipped on the belly ring, the back tattoo, and is more comfy in conservative clothing…but SO not afraid to think sexy and show a little ankle or more *winks*……

I’m ready to give away Dawn Marie’s Teal Blue Anklet Ankle bracelet. Wait a second! Just got the latest from Dawn, she wants to add to the pot. A dichroic heart necklace has been added to the mix! How fantastic is that?

So now I sit here, a teal blue anklet in one hand, a heart necklace in the other. What is a girl to do? I say….I want two winners!

Is there a catch? Of course. Wait…stop! Heard from Dawn again. No matter if you win or lose this give-away she'd like to offer my followers and readers one more thing. (I’m humbled by this, she’s too cool) if you order something from her before July 5th enter the coupon code SKYSPROMO and get %10 off all of her jewelry! I know Dawn puts her heart and soul into everything she makes and will hand craft whatever you like so I’m flattered she’s willing to do this for my crowd and any of her followers as well.

Okay, back to business. Normally I’m fine with a random comment because I support all funds. In this case I’m supporting only half. And though Dawn is fine with whatever I do I want you to answer one thing in a comment for a chance to win. Visit Dawn’s website, click on testimonials (can’t miss it-at top) and list any one of the raved about pieces of jewelry in a comment! Pretty easy, eh?

Thanks so much for swinging in. Both Dawn and I appreciate it. I’ll give Dawn the floor for the week for comments but I’m bound to stick my head in here and there! Remember, all comments are moderated so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see yours right away. Contest ends Friday, July 2nd 12 PM EST.

Have a second? Join Dawn and learn more at her ~Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~Myspace

Best Always,
~Sky

Added bonus: A quick taste of the talent you can expect...

Research a lil' and comment to win!

One day left to win a PRINT copy of my book!!!

ONE DAY LEFT to win a PRINT copy of Sylvan Mist!!!

Yes, I'm afraid my Spring has Sprung Blog Event has come to an end...almost. You still have an opportunity to win this week. Though I'm not giving away a prize at this blog I'll send you to a place you can win.

MONDAY through FRIDAY I'll be in the SPOTLIGHT at the Write Life-Chicks of Charazterization blogspot. Pop over anytime through the week and leave a comment for a chance to win a PRINT copy of Sylvan Mist, book III in my Highlander Trilogy!

Hope to see a few of you there! Below I've listed the blurb and an excerpt for Sylvan Mist. Enjoy!

Coira O'Donnell refuses to acknowledge the Scotsman haunting her. Why should she? She carries no magic and she's newly engaged. Well aware of the mysterious tie between the medieval Mac'Lomains and her mother's clan, the Brouns, Coira will have no part of it. She much prefers a proper English gentleman to a barbarian living six hundred years in the past. However, as one whirlwind day will prove, she has little choice in the matter.

Chieftain William Mac'Lomain did not call her back, yet she arrives. Coira is not the woman meant for him. Or is she? Her arrival marks the start of a highland war unlike any Scotland has witnessed before, one born of magic. Soon, he finds himself in a tangled web of duty, loyalty and unexpected love. A love so unattainable and powerful it may cost him the war; and his heart.

A little sample...

The fast-fading moonlight poured over her small form. Coira dropped the fur cloak to her feet, leaving only the pale gray of her wool gown and plaid wrap. She removed the wrap. It fell, a dull shadow against the pool of fur at her ankles.

He spoke within her mind. “Coira, what are you doing?”

Coira didn’t respond but turned to face him, the fabric shuffling and twisting in the snow. She stood a distance away, but he could see the steel and determination in her gaze. He could also see the flagon of whisky clutched loosely in her hand.

He went to step forward but she shook her head. “I needed time alone. Is that too much to ask?”

William watched her newfound magic ignite, glow around her─a silver haze the color of mist and moonlight. He didn’t move but waited. “’Tis not so much to ask for, if we were not at war.”

“We are not at war, William! Are we?” Her gaze shifted, covered the sky, the land, and his face in one sweep.

Damn Ferchar for giving her that whisky. What had he hoped to accomplish? William held his ground. His words were as wrought with double meaning as hers. “We are not at war, lass. Not quite yet.”

She sipped again from the whisky. “Go to hell. Leave me be.”

But she didn’t turn away.

William decided upon logic. “You’re nearly bluttered, Coira.”

“And what of it?” She took another sip and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, making a wide swipe with her arm. “Do I not deserve to be after all of this? After you!”

He moved with a lightning speed born of magic until he stood in front her. “You deserve a hundred flagons of whisky, if ’tis your desire after all of this, but not now.”

Head tilted back, she narrowed her eyes at him. “But now is now, is it not, William? Now is a mere day before we might die. Before war. Why do you push me away? No. Don’t answer that; you’ve your reasons, I’m sure. Perhaps you don’t want to become more attached to me before I die. Or you die!”

No more. William stopped the endless stream of words with his mouth. He pushed hard against her lips, hoping she would fight him so that he could let her know she had no choice. That he had no choice. But she didn’t. Her hands came up, encased his face, and sweetly deepened the exchange.

He’d been strong until this point. Well in control of his emotions. The urgency of her soft lips snapped his determination in half, made a mockery of his good intentions. He’d endured the horrible need and want night after night as she had, but knew Adlin was right. His final decision─if it came to it─must be for his clan, not her.

Her small hands found their way beneath his cloak, up under his tunic and stroked each muscle. She whispered, urged, pleaded. Her body quivered against his. Sharply reminded him of how she shook upon release, completion. What if she died? What if he did? William needed to feel her sleek heat once more. Groaning, he pulled Coira closer, lifted her, and walked forward until her back pressed against the flat surface of the boulder.

*Be sure to pop in often as I have a few treats up my sleeve between now and the start of my Sizzlin' Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales blog event starting July 5th!*

P.L. Parker's Songbird. We have a winner!

Another fantastic week! Doesn’t P.L. Parker’s free read, Songbird sound great? Haven’t had a chance to read it yet? Click here for the free download. Okay, won’t keep you waiting another minute. This week’s winner of a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press is Margaret Tanner. Congratulations! Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

Enjoy your Father's Day weekend!

~Sky

P.L. Parker's FREE READ with a prize to boot!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung blog event. This week I’m thrilled to have talented romance author, P.L. Parker join me. Things are a little different this time around. Not only are you entered to win a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press if you comment but you can download this story today. Why? It’s a FREE READ!

Songbird

She'd run, fleeing from a past too painful to bear, in search of a new beginning. What he offered wasn't what she wanted – or was it?

SKY: Welcome, thanks for joining me this week!

P.L. PARKER: Most welcome. Looked forward to it and visiting with your group.

SKY: Too curious...what inspired this story?

P.L. PARKER: The Free Reads Program is generated to bring readers to the publisher’s site (in this case The Wild Rose Press) and since I have a book out recently in the Cactus Rose line, Aimee’s Locket, I wanted to do something to draw attention to that book as well. The idea of a runaway bride has always appealed to me. Women have been running for thousands of years for one reason or another. Times I feel like running myself. LOL. Since this story needed to be about the Old West to concide with my Cactus Rose novel, I just had to pick the setting and a saloon seemed a colorful and interesting choice – so many delicious characters to choose from. I sometimes get lost in my side-characters and lose sight of my main figure, but Delilah, the heroine, kept my attention very well.

SKY: You're right, women have been running for thousands of years, one way or another. Sounds fantastic! But let's crawl inside...what makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is.

P.L. PARKER: She’s a nice girl who wants more out of life than her mother had, but becoming a saloon songbird isn’t exactly what she had in mind. She remembers before, but wishes it were different.

Scandalous by any standard, the white expanse of her breasts threatened to spill from the purple silk dress. She grimaced. Mama’d roll over in her grave if she could see me now!

SKY: What makes your hero worth knowing─lusting over?

P.L. PARKER: Oh, Brett is every woman’s dream. A man who can be scorned and still come back for more. Handsome, strong and understanding. I want one! Hee hee, I have one I love dearly, but we can dream – we have to – we’re romance writers.

He was handsome this cowboy, the kind of handsome that caused good women to swoon. She felt like swooning herself. But even the masculine beauty of his face couldn’t disguise the underlying fury.

A low rumble echoed from his chest as he spied her cowering figure. Sparks flew from his narrowed blue eyes. Her heart thudded with wild abandon, her knees grew weak. She swayed, clutching the bar to steady her trembling.

SKY: Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

P.L. PARKER: Thank you Sky for inviting me – and thanks to everyone who stops by.

What people are saying about Songbird already…

“Brett is every woman's dream man, tall, dark, handsome, sensitive, take-charge but gentle. As he pronounced his love for Miss Delilah, I found myself silently urging her on to fall into his arms and take him back as her husband. Once again, P. L. Parker did not disappoint me! She definitely knows what romance is or should be and her stories curl my toes. Her talents are truly amazing and I hope to read much much more of her stories and books!”

~Lani Locuson

Incredibly curious? Thought so! Click here to download this FREE READ now.

Considering purchasing more by P.L. Parker? Check out the reviews for AIMEE'S LOCKET.

CK2’s Kwips and Kritiques

"AIMEE’S LOCKET is an enjoyable adventure back in time. P.L. Parker doesn’t minimize the harshness of the 1800s nor does she inflate the role of women. Instead, she depicts what happens when a thoroughly modern day woman encounters the past- and learns to love it. Easily recommended!" Read full review.

Got Erotic Romance Reviews- 4 Diamonds

“With equal amounts of adventure and romance this book keeps you entertained from start to finish." Read full review.

Long and Short Reviews- 4.5 Books

“P. L. Parker’s characters sizzle with life.” Read full review.

Interested in learning more about P.L. Parker? Click here.

Enjoy blogging? Visit P.L. Parker’s Blog.

Visit P.L. Parker’s publisher, The Wild Rose Press.

Thanks again for popping in. Don’t forget, for a chance to win a gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, be sure to leave a comment by Friday, June 18th, 12 PM EST!

~Sky

Caleb has Epilepsy. Please consider helping my friend.

“He is our hero.”

This weekend I’d like to share a story of great importance with you. My friend and former editor, Ami needs your help. Why? Her son, Caleb, has epilepsy. The picture above was taken six weeks after his first surgery.

The Facts...

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. As a consequence of brain surgery epileptic seizures may occur in recovering patients. Epilepsy should not be understood as a single disorder, but rather as syndromic with vastly divergent symptoms but all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Only 1% of children develop epilepsy.

From Ami’s lips to my blog. Caleb’s Story…

“Caleb has epilepsy. His seizures began when he was nearly two years old. Last summer, he underwent brain surgery in an attempt to attain seizure freedom. That failed him and left him with some deficiency in the motor function of his right hand. His doctors would like to try one more medication before performing a second surgery which would likely cause him to lose function in his right arm and leg. Caleb is involved in Church, and Homeschool activities and is a Boy Scout in troop 111. He enjoys playing with his brothers, friends and dog, Kota. He is an awesome 11 year old boy who likes to laugh and has a great love for God, his family and his country. Caleb has always shown courage in everything he’s gone through in dealing with epilepsy. He is our hero.”

Sky here…

As a mom talking to other moms, fathers, uncles, aunts, grandparents…I want you to imagine what it would be like if your child or a child close to your heart had a seizure. Can you even imagine? I tear up thinking about it. Now imagine it’s not just one seizure but many seizures related to a disorder such as Epilepsy.

The Facts…

What happens inside your child's brain during a seizure? Here is a simplified explanation: Your brain is made up of millions of nerve cells called neurons, and these cells communicate with one another through tiny electrical impulses. A seizure occurs when a large number of the cells send out an electrical charge at the same time. This abnormal and intense wave of electricity overwhelms the brain and results in a seizure, which can cause muscle spasms, a loss of consciousness, strange behavior, or other symptoms.

Isn't he beautiful? The world should be his oyster. Please consider helping out a mom and her son with a tax-deductible donation. You can make a difference!

If you’d like to make a donation send it to:

Caleb Warren Benefit Donation Fund
Wells Fargo Bank
4101 13th Ave. SW
Fargo, ND 58103

Online donations may be made to:

www.dakmed.org/lendahand click on Learn More/Make a Donation, Individual/Family Funds, and select Caleb Warren Benefit Fund. *DMF Lend A Hand in partnership with Cullen Children’s Foundation is providing up to $5,000 of matching funds.

I donated via internet. It was fast and easy!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

~Sky

Mariposa Cruz's, Howl. We have a winner!!!

Spectacular week! I'd like to once more thank Mariposa Cruz for joining me. Howl sounds fabulous. Seems you all think so too! I'm not going to keep you waiting. This week's winner is.....Beverly. Congratulations! Please contact me at skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

There's a lot going on here over the next few days. Later today I'll be talking about a subject close to my heart.

On Monday, I'll be welcoming author P.L. Parker to my Spring has Sprung blog event. Another author you won't want to miss. Free stuff up for grabs!

Have a super weekend all!

~Sky

Mariposa Cruz chats about Howl. Comment to win!!!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung blog event. We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty, only a few weeks left. This week it’s my pleasure to introduce romance author, Mariposa Cruz. She’ll be dishing out about her latest release, Howl. For a chance to win a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press and a free Ecopy of Howl be sure to leave a comment!

Howl

As if Kate Owens doesn't have enough problems as a struggling single mom and paralegal, a brutal animal attack outside her office plunges her into turmoil. At work, she is attracted to her rescuer, Jack Walker, an attorney wary of commitment. Every morning after the attack she awakes drenched in blood beside the body of a mangled stray. Kate's days become a battle to maintain control while her nights are a disturbing blur of dreams. Will Kate's nightly madness harm her young daughter? Lone wolf attorney, Jack Walker understands the reason for his paralegal's exhaustion and haunted demeanor. Jack has pursued the beast since law school graduation and he knows the creature's relentless thirst for revenge. Can Jack save Kate from her attacker and her own savage nature?

SKY: Welcome Mariposa, thanks for joining me this week!

MARIPOSA: Thanks for inviting me. I’m thrilled to be here!

SKY: Tell me, what inspired this story?

MARIPOSA: As a kid, I loved monster movies on Saturday afternoons and I wanted to tell those stories from a woman’s point of view. I stared writing Howl shortly after I moved to Reno from Northern California. While the people here are friendly, I missed my California pack of family and friends and that sense of longing is reflected in both my heroine and hero.

SKY: What makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is!

MARIPOSA: Kate is a statuesque blonde with wide-set blue eyes who has developed a sudden appetite for stay cats. As if she didn’t have enough problems balancing work and the needs of her daughter as a single parent, each morning she awakes naked beside the body of a mangled stray and fears she’s losing her mind. Once Kate learns to let her inner alpha take over, she solves both her work problems and her hunger issues.

SKY: What makes your hero worth knowing─lusting over?

MARIPOSA: With his collar-length brown hair, broad shoulders and blunt hands, Jack Walker seems more at home with the outdoors than in a corporate legal department. Though Kate has a professional working relationship with Jack, she senses there is something untamed under his crisp, button-down shirts.

SKY: Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

MARIPOSA: Sky, it’s been a pleasure.

Enjoy blogging? Join Mariposa Cruz at her blogspot.

Purchase Howl Now! Click here.

Don’t forget, for a chance to win a gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press and a free Ecopy of Howl, be sure to leave a comment by Friday June 11th, 12 PM EST!

~Sky

Rebecca Grace's, Deadly Messages. We have a winner!

I'd like to once more thank Rebecca Grace for visiting. Deadly Messages sounds like a super read! It's time to announce a contest winner...congratulations, s7Anna, you won! Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

Be sure to pop in next Monday as I welcome romance author, Mariposa Cruz to my Spring has Sprung blog event.

Have a super weekend!

~Sky

Rebecca Grace Dishes out about Deadly Messages. Comment to win big!!!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung blog event. This week it’s my pleasure to introduce romance author, Rebecca Grace. She’ll be chatting about her latest release, Deadly Messages. For a chance to win a free Ecopy of Deadly Messages and a $4.50 to The Wild Rose Press main store, be sure to leave a comment!

Deadly Messages

TV Investigative Producer Connie Romero is a woman on a mission. She’s gone undercover to hunt for her sister’s killer, but could he be turning the tables on her? Canadian Inspector Mitch Weldon is also on a hunting expedition. He needs to find a serial killer who is dumping bodies in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Can he stop the madman before he takes another victim?

SKY: Welcome, thanks for joining me this week!

REBECCA: Thank you for having me. I always enjoy communicating with readers and other writers. The world of writing can be so solitary sometimes. It’s always fun to hear what others have to say and to talk about what I’m doing.

SKY: Tell me, what inspired this story?

REBECCA: So often I am inspired by events or people around me for my story ideas. My friends and family all know by now that if they do something that intrigues me and my imagination, look out!

This idea came to me while I was walking around downtown Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park with my sister. She’s in much better physical shape than I am and she went on ahead while I took a shortcut across the park—just like the opening scene in my book. Well, as I was sitting on a bench waiting for her to come around the bend, it suddenly hit me, what if she never showed up? Why could that happen? I started thinking about it more and more. That led to thoughts of what if there was a secret part of her life I didn’t know about. We lived in different cities and didn’t see each other all that often. And just from those crazy thoughts, DEADLY MESSAGES was born.

SKY: Nice! What makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is.

REBECCA: Connie’s an independent woman who is used to doing things on her own and getting the results she wants. She’s used to digging for information but this time around she finds more than she bargained for in her sister’s closet. She’s also not used to letting a man stay in her life for long, but she finds herself drawn to Inspector Mitch Weldon in a way she never believed could happen. She’s a single woman who has always been content on her own, but when she realizes she wants Inspector Mitch Weldon around, suddenly her carefully structured life is thrown into turmoil. And she finds she’s not quite as invulnerable as she’s always believed. She starts questioning what she really wants and who she is and by the end she makes some interesting discoveries that helps her grow into a new life.

A slight smile slashed across his angular face. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“You think I talk too much?” Connie asked, her voice light and flirtatious. “No, I’m simply curious. It’s what makes me good at my job. As soon as someone tells me one thing, I want to know the next step or why stuff happens.”

His smile widened, and her stomach jumped. Damn, she had not realized how handsome he could be. The two of them had never spent much time together. Their talks were usually confined to the phone where he gave her lots of “perpetrator” and “victim” talk.

“You talk about my language usage, and you say ‘stuff?’ Is that supposed to convey some actual meaning?” he asked with a laugh.

Connie slapped her knee as she joined in the laughter. “Sorry, Inspector. And you know something else? I’ve never heard you laugh either, until now.”

He chuckled again, but this time, she heard an edge. “I live in a world where there isn’t much to laugh about.”

A shiver raced down her spine, despite the warm air which fanned her face. She was getting a lesson in his world–a world of violence and a search for murderers. Perpetrators.

“I can’t imagine doing that all the time, trying to find killers.” She studied the angular lines of his face which had hardened into a chiseled mask. Just what kind of a man was Weldon when he was away from his job? What really existed behind the crisp, pressed suit and shirt and cool demeanor? Was there an inch of softness in there somewhere? Maybe she should try to find out. He had not answered her comment, as though it was simply a statement of fact.

“My world can be hard-edged,” she added. “In the news business you hear about gruesome things, you report on them, but then the next day you’re doing a dancing dog story.”

“I thought you were an investigative producer.” His face softened slightly as he cast her a quick glance.

The look was long and sent a quick surge of excitement through her. She fidgeted with her coat buttons. His long fingers turned the heater dials, taking the heat a little lower, but she doubted it would lessen the spurt of internal heat that was beginning to rush through her body like a deadly virus.

“Well, yes,” she said, fighting to calm her accelerating pulse, “but I really want a job with one of the big networks. I’d love to produce for a news magazine where you get to travel on their dime. This gig at Puget Sound Cable is just another step in that direction. I’m going to spend my life traveling, having fun.”

“You’re a woman who knows what she wants,” he said. “Does that life include a man?”

SKY: Great excerpt! So what makes your hero worth knowing─lusting over?

REBECCA: Mitch Weldon is the sort of man who has always put duty and service to others above himself. At first he’s intrigued by Connie, but he’s also concerned that she’s getting in over her head with her investigation. He knows how dangerous investigative work can be and she’s a novice. Part of him wants to protect her, but he’s always been the type of man who looks at cases impartially. It’s how he does his work and how he succeeds. He can’t afford to get sidetracked, but beneath his dedication to duty he’s also flesh and blood and he can’t shake his attraction to her. He’s the sort of spit and polish guy we’d like to see with his neat hair a little mussed and a couple of buttons of that pressed shirt undone….

She gave him a wink, a dark lash sweeping across her cheek. Was it really as soft as it looked? He had never been so tempted to check. What the hell was he thinking? Certainly he had become more and more aware of her since that day she stepped under the police crime tape in the park and got into his car, but today everything had seemed to explode as he watched the tears roll down her cheeks as she viewed those terrible photos. He wasn’t certain what was going to happen next or if he should prolong this contact with her. They would probably both be better off if he just sent her home. Instead he fussed with his napkin, pulling it across his lap.

“You have some very nice things,” she said, sitting across from him, hazel eyes shimmering in the candlelight. He’d never really noticed the light flecks in her eyes before. In fact he’d always considered them on the dark side. Or maybe that was usually her mood when she was dealing with him. A strand of black hair teased the front of her shoulder.

“My mother left them to me when she died,” he admitted. “My brothers and sister were all married, and I was in the process of getting a divorce...” he stopped. “You don’t want to hear all my personal problems.”

Her quick laugh made his stomach jump. This was getting crazy. One thing was for certain—he’d never consider her only an intriguing annoyance again. She was getting under his skin…

SKY: Another wonderful excerpt! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing.

REBECCA: Thank you for giving me a chance to talk about DEADLY MESSAGES. By the way, I am working on a sequel to it, which I am calling DEADLY INTENTIONS. It involves Connie’s sister, Lisa, and that mysterious Professor, Will Lonetree, who really got under my skin while I was writing this book.

4 ½ stars – Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews

Suspense, betrayal and murder are all in this thrilling book along with a very sexy inspector. Rebecca Grace did a great job in bringing all these elements together to make a highly recommended suspense. I loved that Connie was not your usual damsel in distress and fought all the way until the end. Mitch is definitely an alpha male wanting to protect his woman and I loved that Connie wouldn’t sit still. This is definitely one of those books that will grip your attention and once the killer is found it will shock you. Rebecca has a way of pulling your attention to one thing and then putting in an obstacle that blows your mind. I loved it.

Interested in learning more? Visit Rebecca’s Website.

Purchase Deadly Messages now! Click here.

Thanks so much for popping in. Don’t forget, for a chance to win a free Ecopy of Deadly Messages and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, be sure to leave a comment by Friday, June 4th, 12 PM EST.

~Sky

Help Fight Childhood Cancer- Donate an Autographed Book!!!

I know we’re all gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend but someone emailed me asking for help and I simply couldn’t refuse her. As you all know, I’m a huge supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness. Well, there’s something even more important than that. Supporting a cure for childhood cancer. I can’t imagine what it’s like for a child and their parents to go through such a thing. As a mom to a four year old, I choke up even thinking about it. What about you? Are you a mom? An aunt? A friend to someone with a child? Can you even imagine?

This post isn’t a spam. It comes from a very reputable source. Click here to visit St. Baldrick's Foundation. Read on to hear what Renee is doing to try to help.

From her lips to my blog…

“I am a nineteen year old female college student. This summer I am shaving my head for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise childhood cancer research funds and I’m asking for your help. Childhood cancer is seriously under-funded and it is our job to raise awareness for the children who can’t fight this war on their own.”

“Maybe you might put an add in your newsletter or donate an autographed book. Of course, donating money for our cause would always be welcome and gives the most direct support. Awareness is a key factor as well, tell your friends, your family anyone you can about our cause. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and your support may be tax deductible. If you would like to donate directly on my site please click here."

“As a part of a group called Mommas Shave For The Brave, I and the others will have our heads shaved on national TV on September 13, 2010 in an effort to raise childhood cancer awareness. I need your help with our fundraising in any way you can help. You can find our main website at http://www.46mommas.com/. In case your are wondering why we call ourselves the 46 mommas the answer is simple, there are 46 children diagnosed with cancer every weekday.”

“If you would like to send an autographed book please mail it to the following address: Renee Combs 105 Tahoma Rd Lexington KY, 40503.”

“Thank you for your time and any help you can provide in fighting childhood cancer. If you would like to ask any questions please feel free to email me at rcombs0061@yahoo.com.”

Sincerely,
Renee Combs

Sky here again. I’ve emailed back and forth with Renee a few times. Her cause is just…and incredible. So please─calling all authors─donate an autographed book! Calling everyone else, consider making a small monetary donation. I can think of no better way to top off and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than helping children with cancer.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend.

Best Regards,
Sky

Brenda Whiteside's, Sleeping with the Lights On. We have a winner!!!

Another super week! I'd like to once more thank Brenda Whiteside for visiting. Sleeping with the Lights On sounds spectacular! It's that time again. The winner of this week's contest is...Midwestern Gone Idahoan. Congratulations! Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your price.

Be sure to swing back in Monday morning as I welcome author Rebecca Grace to my Spring has Sprung blog event.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Cheers
~Sky

Brenda Whiteside dishes out about Sleeping with the Lights On. Comment to win huge!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung blog event. Wow, I’ve already had some super authors visit and have many more on the agenda! This week it’s my pleasure to introduce romance author, Brenda Whiteside. She’ll be dishing out about her latest release, Sleeping with the Lights On. What can you do for a chance to win a free Ecopy of Sleeping with the Lights On and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press main store? Simple. Leave a comment!

Sleeping with the Lights On

After two failed marriages and countless relationships, Sandra Holiday thinks she’s met the man to end her years of less than perfect choices; choices that not only derailed her travel-related career plans but also left her single and broke.

Carson Holiday, a Las Vegas country crooner with swoon-inducing good looks, spent his adult life pursuing a recording contract and love, never holding on to either. After eighteen years, he drops back into Sandra’s life, reigniting an attraction he can’t deny.

When Carson reappears, Sandra must choose again. Only this time, nothing’s as it seems. A secret admirer, a redheaded stalker, and an eccentric millionaire throw her on a dangerous path, with Carson her only truth.

As life confronts her with yet another turning point, will her decisions find her eternally sleeping with the lights on – or will she finally discover a way to turn them off?

SKY: Welcome Brenda, thanks for joining me this week!

BRENDA: Thank you for having me, Sky. I admire what you do with your blog and appreciate the opportunity to spend some virtual time with you and your followers.

SKY: Thanks, Brenda! So tell me, what inspired this story?

BRENDA: In the beginning – my sister. She was single and at a turning point in her life. And she approached her situation with a good dose of humor, like Sandra. In Sleeping, Sandra is single, her career is stalled, and she is still searching for her niche even after years of experience and two marriages. Women like Sandra are inspiring. We’ve all known people who have gotten to a certain point in their lives and realized they aren’t really where they want to be, whether in love or career or experience. This is my favorite kind of discovery story. Sandra figures it out.

SKY: I can certainly relate! I think you’re right. A lot of us come to a point in our life where we ‘check’ ourselves and ask, “Is this really where I want to be right now?” So share with us, what makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is.

BRENDA: Sandra isn’t the typical romance heroine. She’s fifty, twice divorced, but still looking for Mr. Right. And a career. She sees humor in most situations, even when being stalked by a tall, vamp-like redhead. Talk about an optimist!

People often say, if I only knew then what I know now. I say, if I’d known as much then, I would’ve avoided way too much and wouldn’t know now what I know. Nor would I have been where I found myself that morning—the object of affection by a man I’d yet to fully discover on a lazy spring morning. I had to believe my future held some good possibilities.

SKY: Brenda sounds like a woman worth knowing! But what of her hero, what makes makes him worth knowing─lusting over?

BRENDA: Ha! Who wouldn’t lust over a Las Vegas country crooner with swoon-inducing good looks? Add a Texas drawl and…let’s say he knows how to fill out his jeans! And he knows how to sweet-talk a lady, even one like Sandra who was once married to him.

When he lowered his voice, I lost my peripheral vision to the point that we were the only two people in the restaurant. “Sandra, when a gal’s figure fills in the spaces to make it a woman’s body, a man can lose all common sense just lookin’.”

Carson knows how to give a woman his full attention with a warm touch and a gentle come hither glance.

I should have pulled away and asked what the hell are you doing Carson? What are your intentions, mister? But my brain, deprived of blood flow when his fingertips directed the flow to my legs, went on stand-by mode. The mere touch from him was so lethal he may as well have been walking his fingertips up my legs and under my skirt, dancing across my panties, causing me to squeeze my thighs together in defense, or arousal, or both.

SKY: Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

BRENDA: It’s been fun, Sky! Thank you for the opportunity to visit. If anyone has any questions or stories to share about journeys of self-discovery, I’d love to hear them.

Interested in learning more? Visit Brenda at her website.

Sleeping with the Lights On can be purchased at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon as well as other on-line sources in both e-book and print versions

REVIEWS

3 Stars HOT Cheers to Whiteside for writing a heroine who exists outside the conventional romance novel in terms of age and marital status, a woman who knows what she wants out of life and men, but is still vulnerable enough to try to force relationships that aren’t there.
…the whole of the novel is written with a pleasantly light sense of humor…

RT Book Reviews June 2010

Brenda Whiteside has crafted a page-turner I could not (did not) put down until I’d read the very last word. Her characters come instantly alive, and their lives intertwine seamlessly in this fast-paced romance, that does not have a happy ending – until the very satisfying end.

Ana Morgan, MFW Muse June 2010

Well, I must say, Sleeping With the Lights On sounds like a spectacular read! Don’t forget, for a chance to win a free Ecopy of this fabulous story and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, be sure to leave a comment by Friday, May 28th, 12 PM EST.

Thanks for popping in!

~Sky

Caroline Clemmons' Out of the Blue. We have a winner!

Wow, another fantastic week! I'd like to once more thank Caroline Clemmons for visiting. Out of the Blue sounds like a super read! Okay, time to announce a contest winner. Drum roll please....congratulations, Nel, you won! You've one free Ecopy of Out of the Blue and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press heading your way. Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

Be sure to pop back in Monday morning as I welcome romance author Brenda Whiteside to my Spring has Sprung blog event.

Have a fabulous weekend all!

~Sky

Caroline Clemmons chats about Out of the Blue. Comment Now. Win Huge!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung Blog Event. It’s been such a blast so far and only bound to get better! This week it’s my pleasure to welcome romance author, Caroline Clemmons. She’ll be dishing out about her upcoming June 4th release, Out of the Blue. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press main store and a free Ecopy of Out of the Blue upon release.

OUT OF THE BLUE

Deirdre Dougherty never cursed at anyone, much less put a curse on the potato crop of her remote Irish village. She’d rather take her chances with the Atlantic lapping at the bottom of the cliff than the mob intent on burning her as they have her cottage. Deirdre leaps . . . and plops down over 160 years later in a Texas lake. She doesn’t understand how she’s ended up with the man from her recent visions or why he has the same name as the saint to whom she prayed. She’s in danger of falling for the handsome policeman who rescued her, in spite of the fact that he thinks she’s lying to him. How can she convince him her story is true when she’s finding it difficult to believe the tale herself?

Police Detective Brendan Hunter wants answers. Who shot him and killed his partner? Why? And why does Deirdre know details of the event? Her story has to be a colossal fabrication or else she’s a beautiful psycho. Either way, he wants her gone before he becomes even more fascinated with her. But he can’t let her out of his sight until she confesses to how she learned details no one but he and his late partner knew.

SKY: Welcome Caroline, thanks for joining me this week!

CAROLINE: It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for having me, Sky.

SKY: I’m so curious…what inspired this story?

CAROLINE: A friend, Sandy Crowley, and I were talking about an article I’d seen that a particular editor thought it would be interesting if a historic heroine came forward to present day. I thought that sounded like a lot of fun. Sandy and I talked it over and she helped me plot OUT OF THE BLUE. Writing it was a great experience, one of the most enjoyable writing adventures I’ve had.

SKY: I adore a man from the past visiting the present. Super idea! Tell me, what makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is.

CAROLINE: Deirdre Dougherty a beautiful but unpretentious clairvoyant healer determined to succeed in her new situation. She’s had a hard life, and she doesn’t expect a handout. The fun part at first is her confusion with her new home—imagine a poor Irish girl from 1845 jumping from a cliff into the Atlantic and landing in a present day Texas lake beside a rock formation known as Hell’s Gate. At first she thought she’d died and was in purgatory—literally at Hell’s gates—and believed the police detective who rescued her to be a demon in Angel’s guise, but she quickly mastered her situation—with the help of the hero’s former–flowerchild mom, Blossom.

You get a sense of her confusion in the following exerpt:

Standing at the cliff’s edge, Deirdre trembled and fought the terror washing through her.

Something horrible was wrong. “Everything is different. Are you sure your boat was below here? Mayhap it was another cliff.”

His hands firm and insistent, Brendan pointed. “See those kids playing across there, near that dock? That’s the Boy Scout camp at Johnson Bend. Look to your right on this side of the shore, there’s Mom’s house at that point of land. Do you recognize it and my boat tied up at the dock?”

She took a deep breath and tried to speak. Her heart pounded in her ears. How could everything have changed?

Her words, when she found her voice, rasped out in a hoarse whisper “Yes, I . . . I see

. . . the house.”

Merciful heaven, what had happened? Her legs threatened to give way again and she gripped Blossom’s arm for support. “Is the land we’re standing on Hell’s Gate?”

Behind them, Jim answered, “Been called that for over a-hundred-and-fifty years, ever since Comanche Indians caught those two trappers here.”

Talk of Indians and trappers made her head whirl more. She needed to sit down but she turned slowly again and searched for anything familiar. “D-Do you know which way Ballymish is from here?”

The sheriff’s man frowned. “Never heard of it.”

SKY: Superb excerpt! Now don't keep us waiting. Fess' up. What makes your hero worth knowing─lusting over?

CAROLINE: Brendan Hunter is tall, handsome as sin, and a man of action—who could resist? He’s the son of former hippies turned communal farmers who was raised by his rigid and domineering paternal grandparents after his dad’s death. Brendan is an alpha male who is good to his mom, and he’s guilt-ridden over the death of his dad when he was ten. He’s brave and not afraid of danger, but he’s also compassionate and loyal. Here’s an excerpt that involves him and Deirdre back at home after two men tried to kidnap her:

She pulled his shirt loose from his slacks. “I know you’re an honorable man who doesn’t dally with women like me, but I must insist on this.”

“There are no other women like you.” He took a step back. “Deirdre, stop and think what you’re asking. It’s not a small thing.”

She took his hand and pulled him toward his room. “I’ve thought of nothing else since you saved me.” She offered him a slow smile, throwing her untried powers of seduction into it, feeble as her wiles might be. “In fact, I’ve thought of it since the day I came here.” They were in his room and she locked the door behind them.

He chuckled. “You mean after you learned I’m not really a demon?”

She stopped when they reached his bed. “Mmm, I’m not so sure you aren’t. You must be a wizard at least, else how did you enchant me with your spell?” She unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands against his skin.

He caught her wrists. “Deirdre, you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no going back from this once we’ve been together. Some things can’t be undone.”

“I may not know exactly how this works, but sure and I’m a quick learner. Everyone says so.” She shoved him hard and he fell backward on the bed. While surprise was still on her side, she pounced beside him. “Is this the way?” She leaned down and kissed him.

His lips were sweet as honey cakes. His arms slid around her and he returned her kiss. When she parted her mouth for him, he rolled so he was over her, never taking his lips from hers

She realized he knew a lot about lovemaking. At first it annoyed her to think of him like this with other women. But she decided it best that one of them knew how to proceed. Understanding how coupling worked was not the same as experience.

His hands caressed her and before she knew it, she was out of her blouse and the confining bra.

He kissed along her jaw, then to her neck and then—Blessed Saints!—he kissed her breast. She moaned with pleasure as he pulled the peak into his mouth and suckled. Heat built in her private place and she felt moisture gather there.

Heaven could be no more glorious than this moment. Or so she thought. Then he slid his hand between her legs and slowly up to where her thighs met. When his finger dipped inside her, she gasped.

His finger moved in and out with the same timing as his tongue against her peaked nipple. Heat inside her flamed hotter and hotter until she feared she’d melt. As if by their own free will, her hips moved to meet his delving finger. Great power gathered in her, threatening to burst free.

She feared she might expire from the passion. Instead, the ecstasy inside her exploded and showered her with a million stars.

She cried, “Sweet mercy, Brendan, I never knew.” Then she melted against the pillow and sheets.

He raised his head to meet her gaze. His eyes were dark with passion, his face flushed with desire. “Are you ready for more?”

“More. Yes, more.” Deirdre said.

Brendan gathered his willpower and made one more try. “Honey, we haven’t...gone too far to stop now. Any more and I won’t be able to—“

She placed her fingers on his mouth. “Please, Brendan. Even if you don’t care for me as a lover and never want me again, let me have this now.”

How could he resist that plea? Especially when she asked what he desperately needed. “You know I care for you.” He tugged his belt loose and kicked off his jeans and shoes. His cock was rock hard and tented his briefs.

She gasped. “Oh, my.”

He figured she’d be scared off and braced himself for her change of mind. Lord, he didn’t think he could bear it if she halted their lovemaking.

SKY: Whoa! Fanning myself. Heck of an excerpt, Caroline. Your writing is breathtaking and flawless. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

CAROLINE: The interview has been my pleasure, Sky.

About LONG WAY HOME from the anthology, NORTHERN ROSES AND SOUTHERN BELLES . . .

***Top Ten Finisher-Preditors and Editors Readers Poll-2009***

Ms Clemmons has written a story I could really sink my teeth into. With a fearless heroine and a determined hero, LONG WAY HOME drew me into its heart from the first sentence. Ms. Clemmons won my regard with her endearing southern-fried drawl mellowing out every page of this exciting and witty tale. It’s a marvelous story sure to delight any reader.

4 ½ Kisses from Sal at Two Lips Reviews.com

About THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND . . .

Clemmons is an exceptional storyteller who creates wonderful character arcs for both Nate and Sarah. Sarah is transformed from a mouse to a lioness, while Nate starts off as a con man and ends up a respectable businessman who saved the day. 　Together they become better people, facing challenges that force them to question their actions and past decisions. Put this on your must read list!

TOP PICK 4 1/2 Stars

Romantic Times

. . . Kudos . . . to author Caroline Clemmons for one of the most entertaining books this reviewer has ever read . . . absolutely outstanding job with strong, distinctive characters, impressive imagery and syntax. 　The story line is intelligent, sensuous and full of humor and emotion. I highly recommend THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE . . .

ReaderToReader.com

A highly suitable romance! Highly recommended .

Cindy Penn, Senior Editor, Wordweaving.com

... engaging story of a newly formed family ... The story entertains ...

Romantic Times

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is a delightful tale of a woman's courage. . . peopled with lively characters and lots of plot twists and turns . . . not to be missed.

Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today

Filled with lively characters and interesting plot twists, THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is a delightful tale of one woman's courage in the Old West. Drake will keep you laughing. He expects a normal marriage, with the subservient little wife. He doesn't bargain on Pearl! Pearl is one independent, bossy little lady who does not let a husband stand in her way.

Judith Rippelmeyer, The Word On Romance

Check out Caroline Clemmon's website for author information, reviews, recipes, and more. NOTE: Sky here. I browsed through Caroline's site. It's super. I highly suggest that any writer swinging through click here to check out her writing tips. They're top notch!

To purchase Caroline Clemmon's books visit The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Doesn’t Out of the Blue sound fantastic? Don’t forget, for a chance to win a free Ecopy of Out of the Blue upon release and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, be sure to leave a comment by Friday, May 21 12 PM EST.

Thanks for visiting!

~Sky

Alison Chamber's, The Secret Sentinel. We have a winner!

I’d like to once more thank Alison Chambers for visiting this past week. Doesn’t The Secret Sentinel sound super? It’s time to pick a contest winner. Congratulations, Mary Ricksen , you have one free Ecopy of The Secret Sentinel and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press main store heading your way! Please contact me at skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

Be sure to pop back in on Monday as I welcome romance author Caroline Clemmons to my Spring has Sprung Blog Event.

Have a super weekend!

~Sky

Alison Chambers dishes out about The Secret Sentinel. Comment for a chance to win!!!

Welcome to my Spring has Sprung Blog Event. This week it’s my pleasure to introduce author, Alison Chambers. She’ll be dishing out about her upcoming May 7th release, The Secret Sentinel. Interested in a chance to win a free Ecopy of The Secret Sentinel and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press main store? Then be sure to leave a comment!

The Secret Sentinel

Three lost keys to untold riches. Three cryptic rhymes. A secret society's deadly plot.When museum curator Savannah Rutledge steals her father's treasure map to impress her boss, Winston Gale, and his handsome son Eric, she unleashes a Pandora's box of horror. Her father is killed and she is framed for murder. To atone for her father's death, she sets off on a cross-country chase for the treasure that ends with a dangerous showdown in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix. To get there she and a sexy stranger, Antonio Desada, follow a perplexing trail of clues that lead them to the keys that will unlock the mystery. Constantly moving, they must elude the police and the vicious Gales, hot on their trail once they realize they're missing a critical part of the map. Seductive and mysterious, Desada also provides the keys to a treasure of another kind. Will Savannah find the treasure—and love--before it's too late?

SKY: Welcome, thanks for joining me this week!

ALISON: Thanks for having me, Sky. I’m happy to be here to talk about my new release The Secret Sentinel available from the Wild Rose Press.

SKY: Tell me, what inspired this story?

ALISON: A love of crossword puzzles, rhymes, an addiction to stories about lost treasure and unsolved mysteries. The Secret Sentinel is an exciting story about a museum curator, Savannah Rutledge, who gets into a lot of trouble stealing a treasure map to lost Confederate gold. She meets a handsome stranger, Antonio Desada, who wants the gold too, but she doesn’t trust him. Will they ever find the treasure and love?

SKY: Oooh, love a good mystery! What makes your heroine fly off the pages? I’d love a glimpse of who she is.

ALISON: In the beginning of the story, Savannah Rutledge is frightened and shy, but as the book progresses, she must learn to overcome her fears and become brave and feisty in her battle with the mysterious stranger to find the gold, escape the police and perhaps find herself and love in the process.

“Savannah Rutledge.” The bullhorns squawked again. “You’re under arrest for the murders of Barbara Stoddard and Jess Bradshaw. Come out with your hands up. If you surrender peacefully, things will go easier for you.”

Savannah focused on the rippling black water lapping peacefully against the boat beneath her, then back over her shoulder at the flashing red lights bouncing off the dark thicket of trees below. “They didn’t mention my father. Don’t they know?”

“Make up your mind, Savannah.”

“I didn’t kill anyone.”

“I know that. Just jump.”

She looked down at the water again. It’s not deep enough. It can’t be.”

“I know this part of the river. Trust me.”

Trust him? Was he kidding? He was the last person she trusted right now.

The wind picked up and out here, the air smelled of rotting moss and dead fish and the water smelled brackish. Strength drained from her body and she felt faint. Before she could protest, Desada hoisted her onto the railing and threw her over the side.

SKY: Great excerpt! What makes your hero worth knowing─lusting over?

ALISON: I’ve always been crazy about the masked character Zorro—hunky and mysterious—one of my first crushes as a kid, so Antonio Desada, the hero in the Secret Sentinel is all that and more.

Savannah gave a terrified squeal as Desada jumped down and pulled her into his arms. She collapsed against him in relief and felt her heart thudding against his chest. His grip tightened and locked around her waist so she was unable to move. When she looked into his dark eyes, she saw a fiery glow she hadn’t noticed before, a strange mix of confusion and desire, as though he didn't quite understand it himself. The intensity between them rose and a surge of heat rushed through her body, warming her from head to toe.

SKY: Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

ALISON: Thanks for the opportunity!

Learn more about Alison and her stories. Visit her website.

Can't wait? Want to purchase The Secret Sentinel now? Click here.

Don’t forget, for a chance to win a free Ecopy of The Secret Sentinel upon release and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press main store, be sure to leave a comment!

~Sky