Monday, September 30, 2019

#BookSpotlight - "The Gift" by Daryl Devoré


Note from the Author...

The Gift is my latest re-release. It has a new title. It used to be called Red Tulip and it has a new author.
What?
Excuse me?!?
Daryl Devoré writes hot romances, most with steamy sex scenes. Victoria Adams – who wrote Red Tulip – is the tamer side of Daryl Devoré. She writes sweet romances and New Adult romances. But now, I have decided to meld them.
At one point, I had 2 blogs, 2 FB accts, 2 Google + accts, 2 Amazon Author accts etc. It was beyond confusing.
So, Red Tulip by Victoria Adams has been re-released as The Gift by Daryl Devoré.


The Gift is a whimsical episodic novella that was the final result of a flash fiction period I went through. I can be a bit long winded. One of Victoria Adams books – A Guy and A Girl – the first draft came in at 125,000+ words and after editing – it got longer. It was cut back before it was published.
I needed to learn to cut my word count. I joined a group that wrote a weekly story that was based on a limited number of 1,000 words and had to include some of the offered prompts. Some were words – extinct, a piece of paper with a single line on it, or the twelfth of never. Others were pictures – a red tulip, blue DNA or a kiss.
I’m a pantser. I, rarely, know where my story is going from chapter to chapter. Being given my prompts weekly led – even more – to my pantser style of writing.
Then I realized this story was written similarly to stories that were printed weekly in the newspapers of old. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle presented Hounds of the Baskervilles this way – with weekly installments. Brilliant idea. The newspaper sales that would generate as people got into the story. So instead of adjusting to fit the story to more modern thinking, I left it in the episodic form.
There are elements of mystery, playfulness and romance which tie up at the very end. But I did leave a deliberate hole for the readers to fill. If you read the story and wish to discuss with me what you think was on the ground – daryl.devore@yhoo.ca or @daryldevore.


Blurb 

Daryl Devore’s latest is a sweet whimsical romance with a touch of mystery

Darcy O'Calahann, a junior gardener from a small mid-western town, is trying to make her way in the big city. After a stranger asks a mysterious question, Darcy finds a red tulip inside her locked gardening shed.
Shamus McTavis is a wealthy bachelor with a mysterious family past. But more surprising is his resemblance to the stranger who offered her the red tulip.
Are Darcy's eyes playing tricks on her? Is she losing her mind? Or is there really a red tulip trying to link Shamus and her together?

Note - This book was previously published under the author’s pen name – Victoria Adams


Excerpt

Do you believe in magic? I am beginning to think I do. It can be the only possible explanation for my story?
~***~
"When was the last time you were offered the gift of a red tulip?"
I turned to see who spoke while I wondered if he was addressing me. A man sat on a park bench, dressed in a dark suit, with a bowler hat, holding a cane and his head bowed. I shifted to continue along the path,  and when his face lifted I found myself gaping at two glowing green eyes.
"When was the last time you were offered the gift of a red tulip?"
I blinked, trying to look away from those mesmerizing orbs. A mixture of fear and intrigue fluttered in my belly. "Uh, never. I mean, no one has ever offered me a tulip."
"A red tulip."
"Okay, no one has ever offered me a red tulip." Uneasiness slithered through me. "Nice chatting with you."
Smiling, I scurried down the path leading away from the park bench and towards the gardener's shed. With Jacobs being sick today, I had to hurry to get the last of the flower beds cleaned and prepared for spring plantings. The past winter had been bitter. It seemed tree branches and mouse damage wreaked havoc on every one of the one hundred and sixteen different flowerbeds.
I slipped my key into the lock, opened the shed door, stepped inside and shut it behind me. The fragrance of old wood, potting soil and gas fumes brought a tickle to the back of my throat. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself a moment to indulge in the beauty of his eyes. Emerald green. As brilliant as the gems locked among the diamonds at Tiffany's. Not that I shop there. Couldn't possibly afford anything on a junior gardener's salary, but I do fantasize when wandering the aisles.
What would it be like to be with a man like that? For those few moments in his presence, I was unable to think. My breath caught in my lungs. My palms were slick with beads of sweat. I shook my head, opened my eyes, and tugged the ever-present hair tie off my wrist. "Get over yourself, Darcy. A man like that wants a supermodel who can slink around on eight-inch heels. Not someone who digs in the dirt all day."


Buy Links






Amazon – Australia – Paperback – later date



Saturday, September 28, 2019

#BookSpotlight - "The Sweetest Magic of All" by Alice Renaud


The Sweetest Magic of All
A story in the Mystic Desire Anthology by BVS
Paranormal Romance

Blurb

Mystic Desire is a collection of brand new supernatural romance stories by award-winning BVS authors! 

The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice Renaud: When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It's May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don't apply...

An Awareness of Evil – Dee S. Knight 
Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.

Bewitching the Wolf – Zia Westfield 
The Witch, Alice Humphreys, has poured her heart and soul into creating a magical B&B where guests experience the fantasy vacation of their dreams! Brodie MacEwan has been sent to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle. He never expected to discover his soul mate in his dreams. But is the illusion real? Alice knows that there is something all too predatory about the Scotsman and he makes her body tingle in places it shouldn’t!

Calling All Angels – Lora Logan 
Elijah Baker, an immortal tasked with fighting against demons that exist on earth, finds peace when he meets his new neighbor, Celeste. But when he realizes that their love comes with a cost, he is faced with choosing between his calling and a chance at true love.

Dream Catcher – Callie Carmen 
Long ago, a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage. It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?

Life Saving – Anne Krist 
Saving lives isn't just for adults. Sometimes the innocent magic of a child can do the job better.

Love from the Mist – Patricia Elliott
When Jace Warden learns that his brother plans to announce his engagement at a family get together, he flees to the other side of the world to escape the joyous celebration.
Or at least attempts to… His plane never makes it, and he winds up trapped on an island. Little does he realize, he’s not alone; there’s a mischievous little entity milling about, and she wants to play.

Love Knows No Apocalypse – Patricia Elliott 
Getting stranded in the middle of a storm was not Samantha Wheeler’s idea of an ideal situation, especially in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. But fighting zombies was the easy part; her heart, though, was a whole other matter. Thanks to a man named Steve Jones.
When they find themselves in danger, she has to decide what’s more important - dying for someone she loves or surviving.

Love that Binds – Carol Schoenig
On the outskirts of a small town where nothing grows, a young girl, Ianthee, is being bullied and accused of being a witch. Young Caleb, inexplicably drawn to Ianthee, comes to her rescue. Before they can explore their feelings, Caleb and his family disappear. What happened to him, and what part does a long-ago legend play in their lives?

Love’s Ghost – R.M. Olivia 
“Sorry, babe. I know it hurts to hear.” John frowned. “I’ll make this brief. I spoke to the man in charge and he is giving me one last chance.”
“Come again?”
“I’m allowed to make love to my wife one last time before I have to cross over. So, are you ready for your husband? Are you ready for me, Ingrid?” He lifted my chin up and ran his thumb along my lips. I felt a chill go down my spine. How could this be real? How could this be happening?

The Anniversary – Richard Savage 
A cruel twist of fate wrenched Evelyn and Peter apart on their wedding anniversary. Evelyn’s life descends into darkness. James enters her life giving her a chance of happiness. Evelyn discovers a piece of jewelry, that has the power to grant her time with Peter on their anniversary. She adores James, but needs Peter. Can she ever really let Peter go, while there’s still a chance they can be together?

The Mortal Vampire – Suzanne Smith
Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them door nail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.

Through the Veil – Jan Selbourne 
A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.

Unconditional Lust – Breanna Hayes
The massive, hideous merrow leader, Muruch, craves the taste of human flesh. Confined to the ocean, he feeds his horde with sailors from ships pulled into the maw of the Bermuda Triangle. When US Army Captain, Nurys Shaye, puts her life on the line to save him after being captured, his hunger for human flesh is shadowed by the desire for her body and her love. Will she be able to see past his appearance and trust him to break down her walls and teach her to feel?


Excerpt from “The Sweetest Magic of All”

Sapphire was in a kitchen, which looked exactly like the one that Aaron had described. The golden glow of late afternoon streamed through the open windows. A strong, sweet scent hovered in the air, coming from the white blooms above the fireplace. “Hawthorn!” She ran up to the mantelpiece, and here, just as Aaron had promised, was the amulet, next to the blue vase filled with flowers. She grabbed the iron charm and held it against her heart. A wave of joy rolled through her and lifted her up, until she felt like bursting into song. With the joy came a powerful gratitude for the man who had accomplished this miracle. “Aaron, I don’t know how to thank you.”

He didn’t answer straight away. She wheeled round, and the words died on her lips when she saw the hunger in his eyes. No man had ever looked at her like that.

He wanted her. The realization hit her like a hurricane, drying her mouth and weakening her knees.

“I can think of a few things you could do to thank me,” he said, his voice husky.

Motes of light danced between them. The scent of hawthorn grew stronger. Aaron took one step towards her. “Tonight is May Eve. The most magical night in the year. In the seventeenth century, the most magical time this land has ever seen. That’s why your ancestor isn’t here. She’s out in the woods, dancing.”

He flashed her a wolfish grin. “Dancing, naked, with a dozen men and women. Before the sun sets, she will choose one man to be her lover. Together, they will perform the oldest rite of all, to welcome the summer.”

Every word was an ember, sinking into her belly to glow and smoulder. With a jolt, Saffy understood that his magic hadn’t left her after all. That powerful beat was still in her heart, and in her blood. The hot pulse between her legs was growing stronger by the second, tugging her towards him. “Have you put a spell on me?” she wondered, aloud.

If he had, she wanted more of that magic. A lot more.
Buy Links


Don’t miss our great Halloween Mystic Desire book party on 31 October! There will be games, a chance to chat with the BVS authors who contributed to the anthology Mystic Desire, and many great prizes to be won! https://www.facebook.com/events/363136690941011/

Bio

Alice lives in London, UK, with her husband and son. By day she's a compliance manager for a pharmaceutical company. By night she writes fantasy romance about shape shifting mermen, water monsters and time-travelling witches. Her first book, “A Merman’s Choice,” was published in January 2019 by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second book, “Music for a Merman,” is on pre order now. Alice has also written a short story, “The Sweetest Magic of All,” included in the BVS “Mystic Desire” anthology, on pre order now.

Alice loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliceRenaudAuthorRomance/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alicerauthor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-renaud-author-4219b6166/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicerenaudauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18670218.Alice_Renaud
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alice-renaud
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Renaud/e/B07L52P17B





Wednesday, September 25, 2019

#SeriesSpotlight - "Brothers in Law" by Lyndell Williams


The Brothers in Law series features six brothers, each with their own novel that follows him and his quest for love. They met in law school and became lifetime friends.

The men compliment each other and can rely on one another when life throws some pretty serious stuff at them. Simon Young is the first brother featured. In book one, My Way to You, he falls for his best friend, Marcus’s sister, which is not good considering his reputation as a playa.

Marcus’s book, Sweet Love-Bitter Fruit, is next. He and his wife, Toni have a rock-solid marriage, which is tested by infertility.

Simon Young (Korean American) – Simon is the one to calm everybody down when things get tense. He is smooth with women and knows how to make them feel special—all of them. He is not the monogamous kind and damn sure no woman will pin him down.

Marcus Kent (African American) – Marcus is the leader of the group—the alpha, alpha. All of the brothers respect and look to him for guidance. He is committed to serving the community, making his wife Toni happy and protecting the women his life.

Adam Kane (Irish American) –Adam Kane (book 3) is a European American Muslim convert. He rides a Harley and does not apologize for living his life, worshipping his Creator and loving his woman. When things go down, Adam is the first to roll up his sleeves and ready to fight.

Faisal Khan – Pakistani American – Faisal Khan is a South Asian American Muslim. He’s Pashtun with brown skin and East Asian features that make the women around him just swoon. He keeps a lot of his life compartmentalized, making sure everything and everyone stays in their places.

Brandon Hulse (African American) – Brandon was born and raised Muslim. He is committed to his faith and seeking justice for the downtrodden. He spent his youth in community service and social justice, leaving no time for love. He has a brilliant legal mind that everyone relies upon.

Quinn Ang (???) – No one knows much about Quinn except that he makes sure people are kept out of his business and will do whatever it takes to make sure the people he loves are safe.


There will be love, drama, and of course – steam!

Check out the Brothers in Law short story to learn how the men met and became friends. Now, onto the latest book... 

Sweet Love, Bitter Fruit
(Release Day - October 1, 2019)

Blurb 

Harlem lawyer Marcus Kent fights for justice while preserving a stable, passionate marriage with wife, Toni. Smart and confident, he has it all together—that is until his world turns upside down.

Not only is someone stalking his sister, but an intern at work is also getting too close for comfort.

On top of all of that, Toni’s renewed infertility obsession causes them to continually argue, adding more strain and cooling off their steamy union.

Struggling with insecurities and yearning to have a child, successful psychologist Toni Kent looks to her husband for support. Unfortunately, relentless distraction and stubbornness prevent Marcus from being there when she needs him the most and jeopardizes their happy home.

After multiple failed in vitro attempts, Toni is ready to try again, but Marcus is done. He doesn’t want another headache or more heartache.

Will a baby-making impasse tear this dream couple apart?

From the author of My Way to You, a new novel about keeping the flames of love and passion burning in a world determined to snuff them out.


Excerpt

“Toni.” Catching his breath, Marcus inhaled the delicious smells from the kitchen and started pulling off his hoodie. “Your man is home.” He scraped his wet sneakers on the entryway rug and scanned the apartment. The morning jog helped clear his head and renewed some of the confidence he was used to having in his chest.

Toni emerged from behind the refrigerator. “Hey, Babe. Hungry?” She held up a water bottle. “I rescheduled my morning appointments, so I don’t have to leave until later.”

He stood behind and pressed his body against hers, sliding his cold hands up and down her warm, soft arms.

She giggled and squirmed. “Stop, Marc. You’re freezing.”

“Warm me up?” he asked, kissing her neck.

“Yes, with a nice breakfast. Now, let me do this.”




Want more? Order a copy of Sweet Love–Bitter Fruit (Brothers in Law, Book Two) today!

Catch up with the series by adding My Way to You (Brothers in Law, Book One) and meet all the brothers in the Brothers in Law short story. 

Author Bio

Lyndell Williams is an award-winning writer as well as a multifaceted editor, romance scholar and author. She is a managing editor and columnist for various media platforms and serves as a content editor for a select group of clients. She’s had numerous short stories published in collections and enjoys a growing list of subscribers to her Layla Writes Love online short story series.

Lyndell is an adjunct instructor as well as an anti-racism and gender equity advocate. She is committed to the traditional use of literature as social commentary to affect positive social change.

Social Media Links

Monday, September 23, 2019

#GuestPost - "Michaelmas and Fall Harvest Celebrations" by Barbara Bettis

Michaelmas and Fall Harvest Celebrations


It’s late September, and we’re all still warm from our scorching summer—and still feeling some of it! So we may not be ready to admit that—it’s autumn now. With the end of summer, we’ll be seeing those wonderful Fall Festivals, Harvest Days, and other great traditions we’ve grown up with.

Similar tradition flourished in earlier periods as well. The Middle Ages, for instance.

The end of the growing season and harvest was celebrated around the autumnal equinox. It was celebrated in a Christian tradition, Michaelmas, one of four ‘quarter days’ in Medieval England. At that time, debts were due, land purchased, servants hired—a settling up day.

It also marked the beginning of Michaelmas Term at Oxford and Cambridge. The Courts had a Michaelmas term, as well.

The medieval autumn celebrations combined many pre-Christian traditions marking the end of growing season and the preparation for the lean and often treacherous days of winter. It was a long time before the next crops would be mature enough to eat, and people didn’t have the luxury of canning their surplus. So whatever could not be cured or dried or kept deep in the cool ground couldn’t be retained for use over the next five months.

Even many domesticated animals would be headed for slaughter later in the season for the simple fact that there would be nothing for them to eat. Only a handful of necessary animals were kept as a beginning herd for next year.

This seasonal celebrations of plenty saw community gatherings with food, drink, bonfires, and other various interesting activities of the season. (Scotland saw horseraces.)

With the coming of Christianity, this autumnal equinox observation was tied to a Christian Feast Day—that of St. Michael. Thus Michaelmas (the Mass of St. Michael), celebrated on Sept. 29.

St. Michael, of course, is the primary warrior angel who is said to have driven Satan from heaven. He protects against the dark. And since autumn ushers in the season of shorter, colder days and longer, darker nights leading to winter, such an association is understandable. Bad things are more likely to happen in the dark, so people needed a strong defender against that darkness and evil.

Unfortunately, myths say, when Satan fell from heaven, he landed in a bramble or blackberry bush. He cursed it, spit on it, stomped on it, and…um…did something else to it that would make the berries inedible. So blackberries are not to be picked after Michaelmas Day.

In some traditions, a goose was eaten on that feast day (if one were wealthy enough to have geese—otherwise, chicken would serve.) In places, the day is known as Goose Day. Nottingham, England, celebrated a goose fair early October. It still does.

In fact, the Nottingham Goose Fair is going on right now. It’s set for Oct. 5 this year. According to the Visit Nottinghamshire website, the “Goose Fair is one of Europe's largest travelling fairs with a history that dates back more than 700 years.”

These days, Michaelmas is celebrated on Sept. 29. But before the change in calendars from Julian to Gregorian in the late 1500s, it was held around Oct. 10 or 11.

So even if you can’t make it to Nottingham, perhaps you can grab some fried chicken in celebration of Michaelmas and the fall Harvest Festivals.

Just make sure you get those blackberries early!


Barbara Bettis’s latest medieval is set near Nottingham the year King Richard the Lionheart was released from captivity following the Third Crusade. Here’s a little about it.


Blurb - For This Knight Only

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him. If only either had a choice. It’s a marriage only love can save.

Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin. 

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Buy Links 


Excerpt

The kiss had been a damned mistake. Roark had meant it as a statement of possession. But her softness hit him like a mace. When he inhaled the rich fragrance of spice and roses and woman, his intent changed. He hauled her closer, slanted his mouth, stroked his tongue along the seam of her lips. At her whimper, a flicker of guilt undercut Roark’s stirring of desire. He ought not do this to the lady. He ought to gather his belongings and be on his way.

But the memory of the recent messenger lingered. That one portended nothing good. If Roark gave in to his inconveniently awakening conscience, by tomorrow night Chauvere, its people, and its lady would be the property of the neighboring lord. Of that, Roark was certain.

So the way he saw it, either Lady Alyss married him or she’d be forced to accept someone else.

And if Windom’s representative was any indication of his master, she’d not like that alternative.

What would it take to persuade her? A sudden pain burst between his legs, and he gasped, eyes blurry. The little hell-cat kneed him. Even though chain mail deflected some of the impact, he used every bit of his willpower to remain standing.

Apparently persuasion took more than a kiss. 

Bio

Award-winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math. Through careers as a newspaper reporter and editor, then a college journalism and English professor, she’s retained her fascination with history. Give her a research book and a pot of tea, and she’s happy for hours. But what really makes her smile is working on a new story. Now retired, she lives in Missouri where she spins tales of heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.

Find Barb Here

Thursday, September 19, 2019

#ReleaseDayBlast - "The Last Amanuensis" by Lisabet Sarai


Speculative erotic fiction (2 flames)
Approximately 6,000 words
ISBN (Smashwords): 9780463788899

Hashtags

#poetry #tattoos #dystopia #erotica #authoritarian #militarism 

Tag Line

Poetry is like blood – you can’t hold it back. 

Blurb

The Emperor has decreed that Reason will rule in his lands. Art and literature are banned in favor of military technology. The fearsome Preceptors prowl the capitol, arresting anyone who dares, even secretly, to engage in forbidden activities.

A former teacher and frustrated writer, Adele is grateful for her job as secretary to the enigmatic Professor. During the day, she transcribes his learned treatises on a vast range of topics. Then he calls her to his room one night, to give her a more difficult and intimate assignment, one that risks both their lives.

Excerpt

I saw relatively little of the professor during the week. He spent his days in his basement laboratory, which was strictly forbidden to me, or shut away in his study, presumably filling new notebooks with observations and innovations that I would eventually be required to type. I'd leave my neat stacks of typewritten pages on the table outside his door so as not to disturb him. I worked in the small parlor across the hall and took my meals in the kitchen with the taciturn cook.

On Sundays, however, he and I dined together. After a glass of sherry, his chilly manner thawed a bit. He'd quiz me about the information I'd been transcribing, initially to see if I understood what I'd read, but later to solicit my opinions.

He asked me other questions, too, questions that bordered on improper.

“Who is your favorite novelist, Adele?”

My heart executed a sudden somersault. Was he trying to entrap me? “Ah—I'm not sure, sir. Of course I haven't read any fiction since His Excellency rose to glory and urged us to abandon such frivolous pursuits.” I scanned his face. The deepening creases at the corners of his eyes belied his serious tone.

“But you did read, when you were in your teens, did you not? Before the Ascension? A mind as nimble as yours must have devoured everything you encountered.”

My fear ebbed, though I remained wary. Meanwhile, his compliment kindled a warm glow in the pit of my stomach. “Yes. I did read a lot—before.” His lips twitched and his icy gaze softened, inviting my confidence. I basked in his rare, concerted attention. His interest, the sense that he viewed me as worthy, urged me to recklessness. “I used to write, too. Crazy, fantastic stories about impossible quests and eternal love.”

The smile I'd heard in his voice finally bloomed. “I'm not surprised in the least. Nor am I shocked, Adele. Be reassured of that.” To my astonishment, he covered my hand for a moment with his own. His cool, dry palm whispered over the backs of my fingers before withdrawing. Blood heated my cheeks, as if I were still the young girl we were discussing, and a disturbing heaviness grew between my thighs.

“They—ah—were silly things,” I stammered. “Trash. A waste of mental energy, as the Emperor has said.”

“But you poured yourself into those tales, I'm sure. They were part of you.” Those crystal-blue eyes of his gleamed, luminous behind his glasses.

A new wave of panic swept me. What was going on? I pushed my chair back from the table, eager to excuse myself and end this disturbing conversation. “If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll retire now. I've something of a headache.”

For an instant I thought he'd stop me. Then his smile fled and his body collapsed into itself, his advanced age suddenly obvious. “Very well. I'll see you tomorrow. But tell me—what happened to those fantastic stories of yours?”
My throat constricted around an impending sob. I could scarcely get the words out.

“I destroyed them, of course.”

My employer regarded me gravely. “Right. Of course.”



Buy Links

Kinky Literature
[coming soon]

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Smashwords

B&N

Kobo

GoodReads

About Lisabet

From my elementary school years, when I devoured everything I could find by Asimov, Heinlein and Bradbury, I’ve been drawn to speculative fiction. Now that I’m an author myself, I create my own futurescapes. My visions are sometimes bleak —but always illumined by desire.

Links


Website: http:/www.lisabetsarai.com
Blog: http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LisabetSarai
MeWe: https://mewe.com/profile/5a98233a027c3b6572066abd
Email List: https://btn.ymlp.com/xgjjhmhugmgh
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83387.Lisabet_Sarai
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/lisabetsarai

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

#CharacterInterview - "One Woman Only" by Dee S Knight

Hi, Jonah. Im so happy to chat with you today. Let’s get started... 

What’s your name?
Jonah Goodman

What do you look like?
Kinda tall—about 6’2”—with hazel eyes. I don’t keep my hair trimmed as well as I should, or so my brother Daniel tells me. Sometimes I leave off shaving for a day or two, so I often have a dark scruff. But the ladies on the NASCAR circuit seem to like it, so I’m down with it, too.

What time period does your story take place?
Current day, though the story started at the senior homecoming dance, eighteen years ago.

What’s your goal in this story?
Goal, I have to have a goal? *sigh* Well, okay, I guess it’s to show that I’m not really what everyone always thought I was. And maybe to prove it to myself, too.

What conflicts are you facing?
Pre-conceived notions. I’m thought to be the guy who lets everything roll off his back, always smiling, always happy-go-lucky. No one thinks there’s a deeper man beneath the façade. I’ve forgotten that too, because it’s so easy to keep up the Jonah Goodman everyone thinks they know.

What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it? 
I’m a mechanic, often for the best NASCAR teams, but most often with my Uncle Zeb in his Darlington, SC garage. Am I good at it? Does a bear sh--, uh, defecate in the woods? Hell yeah. It’s what I was born to do.

What skill do you have that you’re proud of? Why?
I can make anything run. Engines? Not one can resist me. Just like women…

What did you think the first time you saw Kelly Shepherd?
We were in high school and back then I thought she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. (That hasn’t changed, by the way.) Then I found out she was smart, funny, kind—the whole package. And, her daddy ran the biggest company in town as well as being a board member at the bank and one who voted not to allow my daddy a job when he got out of prison. I knew Kelly was would of my league, but I loved her anyway. And was shocked as hell when she seemed to love me back.

What is your family like?
I have the best family in the world! Granted, mama was a stripper (but she was a world class stripper!), and daddy did go to prison for a few years after he was caught stealing from the bank where he worked (but his sentence was short because the bank folks loved him so much), but never did my brothers and I ever doubt we were loved as much or more than any kids in our hometown of Lucky Strike, NC. Oh yeah. My brothers. I’m one of a set of triplets. My brother Daniel has a PhD and taught in a snooty school in New Hampshire until recently. My other brother, Mark, has PHD, too. He’s a bona fide genius but needs someone to tell him when his sweater is buttoned wrong. I have a GED, make the most money and have the most notoriety. So why do I sometimes feel the black sheep?

What's the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
I mean, I lost my grandparents—daddy’s parents—when I was a teenager. But the biggest personally was losing Kelly when I was an idiotic eighteen-year-old.

What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
I was always interested in cars, and I was always good with them. But even I never thought I’d get to work with some of the greatest race car drivers of our time. How was it not what I expected? When you’re a kid you think something great would never get old. But eventually even the greatest job becomes just a job, and I guess that’s what surprised me the most about reaching the pinnacle of what I wanted when I was so young. Now here I am in my mid-thirties and wondering, “What’s there to do next?”

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Do the best you can. Don’t worry about money or fame because if you do your best, they will follow.

What is people’s first impression of you?
That I’m easy going.

Do you see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of gray?
I’m willing to listen to reasoning, and there are a lot of shades of gray. But when it comes down to it, things are right or they’re wrong.

What’s your quirkiest habit? 
Crossword puzzles. I love ‘em! SO much so that I now set them for NACAR programs and a couple of local papers. Shh! No one would understand. That doesn’t fit in with the Jonah they know.

If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your life?
I would not try to make love to Kelly in the back of my car the night of our senior prom. A virgin should not try to have sex with a virgin in the cramped quarter of the backseat when she is wearing a killer dress that cost more than your dad’s annual salary. So much changed that night!

Why do you think your author chose to write about you?
Well, the woman did not choose to write about me first. Funny that, because I’m usually so much more persuasive with the ladies than Daniel is. But I think it’s because I’m fun and charming, and second chance love is so much more appealing than the old guy-meets-girl-guy screws-up-and-loses-girl stuff. And Mark—while I love him—is pretty darn boring.

What do you wish your author had not told others about you?
Some of my deepest thoughts. A guy like me isn’t supposed to have deep thoughts. If it gets out, my reputation will go straight to hell.

What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
Boring or not, here he comes! My brother Mark is next in line. He’s a really good guy, and if he ever meets a girl who captures his interest—if he notices, that is—she’ll be in for a ride. I hope that happens for him!



One Woman Only

Release date, October 2019

Blurb:

As one of a set of triplets, Jonah always felt the need to make his individuality known. So where his brother Daniel was serious and completely focused, Jonah shunned commitment. Where his genius brother Mark was hailed in the scientific world, Jonah hid beneath a car tinkering. Thing is, being different wasn't all it was cracked up to be. It took a woman to make him see that focused and recognized in his field could turn a "good man" into a better man.

Excerpt:

"May I have this dance?"

Kelly turned at the sound of Jonah's voice behind her. Dinner had ended. All three of the boys had given best man speeches and Eve had even given a very creditable matron of honor speech, considering she had only known Marilyn and Caleb a short time. Lots of toasts had been raised and finally the live band had struck up the music. Caleb led his bride onto the floor for a foxtrot—a dance more than half of the guests had no idea how to do, including her.

Facing Jonah she sighed inwardly at how scrumptious he looked. Sure, his face was pretty much displayed on his brothers' heads, too, but there was something different about Jonah. His nose was just a little crooked from when Bobby Hendricks had broken it in ninth grade and his eyes held an especially bright sparkle in his eyes when he smiled. Maybe… Well, she didn't know what caused the difference between Jonah and his brothers. Whatever it was, she had never been fooled by the so-called identical nature of the identical triplets. She'd wanted to be his girl since elementary school. Thought she would be in high school. And then forced every last thought of him from her mind from senior year on.

Until now.

"I don't know how to foxtrot."

He shrugged. "Who does except those over fifty?" He glanced at his folks, still alone on the dancefloor, although a few couples were wandering out to join them now. "We can pretend."

She mentally compared standing on the sidelines alone now that Mama Rio left the party, or being held in Jonah's arms. Smiling, Kelly held out her hands. "Just don't step on my toes, Jonah Goodman, or there'll be hell to pay."

"Yes, ma'am." Together they walked onto the dancefloor. He took her right hand in his left and placed his right hand on her waist. Fortunately for them, the music changed to a slow tempo. Kelly laid her head on Jonah's shoulder, and he tugged her closer as they swayed to the music.

"This is nice," he murmured.

"Yes it is," she replied. So very nice. He smelled good. Beneath the light citrus fragrance of his aftershave was a slight whiff of pure man with maybe a twinge of motor oil or something so Jonah it brought tears to her eyes.

He rubbed a path up to her shoulder blades and gave a squeeze. "You fit me perfectly, Kelly."

"I do?"

"You sure do. I think our hearts can feel each other beat."

Kelly chuckled. "Smooth talker. Face to face like this our hearts are on opposite sides."

"Hey! I'm trying to be romantic here."

She sighed. "Keep on. It's appreciated."

"You smell…good."

She felt his smile. Raising her head she gave him a mock glare. "Watch it with those pregnant pauses, buster."

He used his hand to press her head back to his shoulder. "You do smell good, though. This isn't the same perfume you wore in high school. That was—"

"Lilac," they said at the same time. Once more she raised her head to look at him. "How did you remember that?"

"I remember much more than you might think." He turned her and moved her closer to the door onto the patio. "Each spring when lilacs are in bloom memories come flooding back. Does that surprise you?"

"More like shocks me," she said, grinning. And then she laid her head on his shoulder once more, finding she liked it more and more there in his arms. She stepped slightly closer and his arm tightened about her.

"Well, after a while I thought lilac seemed too girlish. I like the vintage scents, so in college I wore Wind Song. Then Shalimar was the scent Brad liked me to wear." She felt Jonah stiffen when she mentioned her ex, and really she didn't blame him. "But when I grew up enough finally to take charge of my own life, I started wearing Chanel No 5. A complex fragrance for what I hope is a complex woman."

"It suits you. Complex and beautiful." He kissed her temple. "Want to step outside for a minute?"

"Sure. It is a little warm in here."

On the patio, they could hear the sounds of the people from the television networks packing up equipment, chatting and laughing. Stars shone brightly in the clear night sky. Wood smoke from someone's fireplace wafted through the air and static electricity fairly crackled in the crispness of the autumn air.

"This is my favorite time of year," Kelly said. "The heat of summer is gone and winter nights curled up with a hot drink and blazing fire are ahead."

"Not me. I'm a summer boy all the way."

"A hothead you mean?" she teased.

"Oh, I'm hot all right." He waggled his brows at her. Kelly laughed.

"I do seem to remember that about you."

"You used to be pretty hot yourself. Still are." He leaned in. His eyes flicked down to her lips. Kelly sucked in a breath. She should stop him, she really should.


Buy Links:

One Woman Only will be out in October 2019. Please watch my website, https://nomadauthors.com, my Facebook and Twitter pages (see links below) for news of its release.

Bio:

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That's how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she's lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more join Dee on Nomad Authors. Contact Dee at dsknight@deesknight.com.

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