Friday Guest: Jennifer Ross

Thanks for joining me today, Jenn! (She's my favorite Canadian--any question I have, she'll answer, which is so cool because I have a lot of them!)

I fully admit to tempting you with this bit of Canadian lore, but what made you decide to write an American Civil War story?

Well the most compelling reason to start was that my beloved ScanVics were doing it (plus this one really persistent ScanVic wouldn't leave me alone :) ) That was what got me looking into the history. After that, the story itself compelled me to tell it, because I found it a fascinating look at my country's birth through the ashes of your country's conflict.

You're so passionate about Canadian history, is this a pasttime? How did this love develop?

This is an incredibly long story, but it involves me going to vote and being told I couldn't due to my religion. Say, what? First of all, nothing makes you appreciate the ability to vote like not being able to vote. I wasn't about to take this! So, I had to research. And in spite of not actually knowing how to research, I believe I found the smoking gun. The one that makes me right and the government wrong. Not being a millionaire, I can't afford the court costs to fight this (plus this was for a school board and my kids are long since out of school so I have no standing). But I thought it was so interesting that nobody else (apparently) has ever discovered this discrepancy, I wondered what else was in our history that people, like me, didn't know.

Tell us a little about the story--rabbits? I love it!

The story involves a St. Albans raider of the Confederacy who escapes being arrested by the 'Canadian' (we weren't a country then) authorities when the raiders travelled into Canada. He meets up with a woman and her son while trying to get back to Montreal to help his comrades escape. Needing a cover to prevent being arrested himself, he joins up with her for the journey. The rabbit just popped out of the hole and into the story all by himself, but I love him for it.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, yes there is. I have complained previously everywhere that rabbits haven't left me alone since the day I submitted the story to our editor Allison. But I haven't told you about Colton. Colton is the name of my hero, and I named him that because I originally was going with "Colton and the Colonial" as the title, and I wanted a 'C' name. I have no idea where it came from other than it is good with Colonial. I have never met a Colton in my life, I don't know of an actor or singer with that name, etc. Except, now I do his payroll in my day job.

Haha, Jenn that's so cool. Isn't it amazing how things like that happen?! Thanks for joining me today.

Thursday Progress

First, just got a review for Kiss of Scandal, my 1855 Russian-set historical. Long & Short Reviews gave it 4 stars:

Fast paced, ‘Kiss of Scandal’ is a combination of romance, history, and political thriller...The life and love of Katia is the heart and soul of the story. She is a young woman determined to get some control of her own fate. We understand her doubts about her current probable fate, yet cannot help but feel that fortune has landed her in a better situation than she realizes...Try something a little different; Kiss of Scandal is well-worth reading. Read the whole review here.

I'm THRILLED with my progress on this novel. Like jumping up and down thrilled. I've revised the chapter breakdown once or twice (eight or nine) times, but with every tweak I know better where I'm going and what I want each scene and chapter to accomplish.

I'm averaging 1500-2000 words a night. Which, after 8 hours of work, is pretty darn impressive. I've divided my chapters into roughly 2000 words apiece, so about 1 chapter a night. So far, since Sunday that means I've done 4 (.5 but I work odd hours on Wednesdays and write only when I can squeeze it in).

Please ignore the dance of joy, it looks silly and is embarassing but forward motion! YIPPEE!

How's it going with your stories? And yes, I consider breaking down a scene to its most intimate parts progress. Any advacement is good advancemet! Even if it's scrapping a scene and plotting another. Cause sometimes no...those words don't make sense.

Wednesday Review: Northern Roses and Southern Belles

I admit to having a small part in the making of this story. A very small part. Jennifer Ross is Canadian and when asked to write a story for the American Civil War scoffed. Until a little research dug up the history on the St. Albans Raid where the Confederates escaped into Canada.


And so this wonderful gem of a story was born. I take no credit for the writing of the story or for the plot, only for proposing the vague concept. The rest is all Jenn's.

The Colonial and the Cottontail

Beside the unusual locale of the story, this was a beautiful story about hope. Becca embraces that hope for the future for she and her young son. Cole, one of the Confederate fugitives, hopes for a Confederate States of America. Until he meets Becca. It's then his lies catch up with him and he realizes what he truly wants.

Personally, I'm hoping Jenn agrees to write a War of 1812 story with me. I think her Canadian perspective will make a wonderful mirror to the Burining of Washington story I want to tell. Alas, she has her own projects she's doing. Maybe one day.

Tuesday Comings & Goings

Victoriana:

Monday: Denise Eagan's weekly Victorian Slang Blog
Tuesday: Cheryl Pierson
Wednesday: I'll be over there talking about sexy Russians and Victorians and giving away a copy of Kiss of Scandal.
Thursday: Emy Naso's works
Friday: Caroline Clemmons
Saturday: Cat Linder
Sunday: Clover Autrey

Dark Desires of the Druids II: Sex and Subterfuge

The second in my Victorian Druids series. Looking back, there are things I'd change and add to the story, but at the time, well, I don't know why I didn't add/change them in the first place. Hindsight and all.


This is a very different story than Raven's story. Morgana is a very different character. Stronger, older, more experienced. And Lucien. I have a special place in my writing-heart for him. He's a man who doesn't take no for an answer and one who knows his worth.

Sex & Subterfuge: Philadelphia, America, 1882 Lucien and Morgana's first meeting:

“My parents were murdered not six weeks ago,” he said flatly. “By a magicker.”

The anger left her, replaced by compassion and understanding. “I’m
sorry,” she whispered, her fingers reaching out to squeeze his hand. The show of sympathy startled him, denting the wall of grief he’d built in the weeks since the murder. Since he’d been forced here when he should’ve seen to his duties – and Isadore, his beloved sister – at home.

“We’ve all experienced tragedy,” James said, not unkindly, but with very little of the understanding his cousin showed. Morgana stepped away from him and it felt as if the world went with her. The hand that momentarily held his lay gently on Blackthorne’s arm.

“We’ve had similar problems,” she said in answer to his earlier question. “Certain volatile ingredients have surfaced. Problems with false elixirs and blatant lies of magickal remedies.”

“Any leads on a collector?”

“No,” she said after a short pause. “None.”

Blackthorne stepped between Lucien and Morgana. Raising an eyebrow at the protective gesture, he wondered from whom Blackthorne protected his cousin.
“We’ll be sure to contact you in a timely manner should we learn anything.”

Lucien acknowledged the insult with another quirk of his eyebrow. Morgana stepped around James with an impatient huff.

“James, please host Lord Granville,” she said, her gaze holding his steadily.

“If you insist,” Blackthorne said curtly.

“Thank you, James,” she replied softly, and Lucien had the feeling there was more to that exchange than simple courtesy.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Helston interrupted. The man had been quiet nearly the entire time. Whatever his position in Morgana’s world, she obviously trusted him enough to hear his reason for being here. “I have an appointment, Morgana.” He kissed his hostess’s hand and nodded to Blackthorne, who seemed to like Helston even less than Lucien. Maybe he wasn’t trusted, then, but tolerated. “Lord Granville, a pleasure.”

Without a word, Blackthorne followed Helston out.

“Lord Granville,” Morgana slipped her hand around his arm. “I’ll have my man, Takoda, show you to James’s house in a bit. I’d like to hear more of London.” She smiled up at him, the look in her eyes anything but businesslike. Her scent, lilacs and woman, surrounded him and he wanted to taste her fragrant skin. Was it as silky as it appeared? He’d have bet his steamship that it was.

4.5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews: The characters are all well defined and multi-faceted. I also appreciated the research that must have gone into this book to make everything so true to the time period.


4 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs: Isabel Roman had done a wonderful job of telling this story about how strong the female line was in the American Blackthorne family. The simple fact that Morgana put everyone else before her...told me she had a great concern for others.

4 Stars from Manic Readers: The second installment of the Druids series is just as interesting a read as the first. There is danger, treachery, romance and passion aplenty.


3.5 Tombstones from Bitten By Books: Overall, though, this isn’t a bad continuation of the series. I will definitely continue reading...

Friday Guest: Jeanmarie Hamilton

Welcome Jeanmarie! Another fellow author from Northern Roses and Southern Belles, she's got a lot of wonderful family history, and it's been a treat to learn about this country through her stories about themHer story, Are you Going to the Dance?, is the third in the anthology.

What draws you to the Civil War/post-Civil War era?
Although I've read Civil War romance, I haven't attempted to write one. I'm drawn more to writing about life before and well after the Civil War. I wrote Are You Going to the Dance? because it portrays people in a small Texas community of Alsatian farmers who didn't want to see the country they came to, in order to have a better life, torn apart by war. So they were allowed to form local militia units to protect their town instead of sending men to fight in the war.
What else are you working on?
Right now I'm finishing a contemporary werewolf story that I started writing and put aside while I wrote some novellas. This story, previously titled Moonlight Guardian, takes place in a remote part of the desert, on the border of Mexico near my hometown. It has placed in the finals of contests, and it's dear to my heart because it deals with the preservation of historic land.

What’s your dream story? The one that becomes a New York Times runaway bestseller, the one you hope to one day write?
I don't know what will be the most important story to me after the one I'm writing now. I've written synopses for a regency and a fantasy, and have a contemporary and a couple of western historicals I'm working on. As far as having a dream story, every story I write is important to me, and I hope my readers will enjoy each story and lose themselves in it.

Anything else you’d like to share?


Jeanmarie

Thursday Progress

I'm having a great week. Writing wise at least. Won't talk any other-wise, it's not worth the headache.

It's been hugely busy, sleep has been of the past, but I'm so pleased with what I've accomplished I don't care. I'll crash this weekend, and believe me it'll be a crash.

Editing, writing, rewriting, when it works, it works. I wrote 15,000 words between last week and this week. All words I intend to keep, that work with the story, movie scenes along, and are so very lovely to look at.

I also rearranged my office area after convincing a screenplay writer friend that she needed an office space to focus on the writing at hand. I was so passionate about that, then looked around mine and realized I needed to clutter. ahh, breathing room.

Now if only I could move the wood stove from the living room to the office, I might actually use it in winter!

Wednesday Review: Northern Roses and Southern Belles

OK, I admit it! Sheesh, quit with the arm twisting! I'm posting reviews of this anthoogy one at a time because no matter how I say I'm going to read more, things crop up and I'm busier than I expected. So while yes, it may take me a while to do these reviews, at least I'm reviewing stuff I've read! That's gotta count for something. :)

This week is Are You Going to the Dance by Jeanmarie Hamilton.

I really enjoyed this, not only for the history aspect, which I consider the hallmark of a great historical--when I learn something new about an era I thought I knew all about. I mean BS in American History! This story had that in spades and more. But history aside, the plot was great.

Clay is great, very sexy in addition to being slightly conflicted. It's a hard job he has. Lexi, well Lexi Im not so sure about. I liked her, I didn't skip over or skim her scenes or anything, but I thought there was something off about her. Could be me, could be the mood I was in, I've been so busy lately and despite my enjoyment of this anthology my eyes just couldn't stay open. Could have taken away from my enjooyment.

All in all, Jeanmarie's story is sexy, fun, and very enjoyable. Having read her Seduction (which I'll review later) I know I'll enjoy all her future stories.

This week...

Wednesday I'll be over at Slip into Something Victorian giving away a copy of Kiss of Scandal and talking about historical romantic suspense.

Thursday at Slip into Something Victorian, we're having Diane Wylie--check out her site and blog here.

Friday Deborah Schneider will be there with her new release, Promise Me.

After spending years in an arranged marriage as the repressed wife of an older man, Amanda Wainwright has learned the hard way that money can’t buy happiness. She arrives in Willow Creek determined to keep a deathbed promise to her husband and do something to help other people. When Amanda meets a handsome, mysterious stranger who tempts her with sweet promises and long nights of passion, she discovers a fiery, passionate nature that could lead her to disaster.

For Samuel Calhoun, falling in love wouldn't just be foolish, it could be deadly. He’s in Willow Creek, Montana as an undercover agent for the Secret Service. In order to maintain his secret identity, he accepts an offer from a consortium of mine owners to seduce, humiliate, and ruin the Widow Wainwright. Before long, Sam knows he’s met the woman who can banish the aching emptiness in his soul, and he’s willing to risk everything – even his life – to be with her.

Saturday Victorian Gray will be by talking about her soon to be released Destiny:

Emma Davenport was going to be a bride, and no one was going to stop her, not even an outlaw. Bound for a forbidden marriage to her father’s sworn enemy, Emma’s scheme shatters when she is abducted and spirited away to a remote hideout. Any proper young woman would be frightened out of her wits, but she challenges her daring, seductive captor at every turn.

Major Jack Travis was used to the battlefield, not stealing spoiled, sheltered women from trains, but the by-the-book officer never doubted his ability to carry out orders until he laid eyes on Emma. His captive is intelligent, headstrong, beautiful – and forbidden. He risks his neck to protect her. But how can he protect her from himself?

Was it a twist of fate that brought them together? Or was it destiny?

Won't you stop by? Learn a bit about Victoriana, meet new authors, and maybe win a free book!

Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder & Magick

The first in my Druids series. I began this series oh, 2 years ago or so. Its first incarnation is vastly different from the published version, but I'm much happier with this. And I absolutely adore the cover!
Murder & Magick: Bramhope, England, 1882

From The Tryst, an excerpt from Raven & Malcolm's first meeting:

Laughing, Mac shook his head. He looked down into her bright blue eyes. “Pirate is a bit of an exaggeration. I captained nothing more than a merchant ship. Boring stuff, spices and cloth.”

Raven stopped and turned to look at him. For a moment, she watched him as if she could see all his secrets. “Boring, indeed. Something tells me there’s more to it than that.” She flashed him a smile. “But I won’t pry.”

She turned back to the stream and watched the water rush by. “I must admit I’m quite envious,
Lord Preston. I’ve often longed to go beyond the shores of Britain to see for myself a greater part
of this world.”

“I won’t lie to you,” Mac said and stepped closer. “There are many adventures, many
wondrous sights to see.” He took her arm and turned her to face him. “In the end, there’s nothing as
beautiful as England. This is home.”

“Yes, home” she agreed. Raven’s gaze drifted back to the stream. “If only…”

Mac tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “If only what?”

Offering a small smile, she said, “If only there weren’t so many constraints.”

Surprising him with her boldness, she leaned up to kiss him. Reacting immediately, Mac pulled
her closer and deepened the kiss. Raven slipped a hand around his neck. He felt the other slide
between the buttons of his shirt. Letting his fingers drift along her shoulder, he traced her breasts
along the neckline of her dress.

As abruptly as she leaned into him, Raven pulled away. Breathing heavy, Mac watched her
compose herself.

Reviews:
4.5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews: But there are two terrific twists thrown at you, the reader, that make this a much more compelling story than just a good murder story with sex and magick thrown in.

4.5 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs: What she does is far more than what you expect, and the outcome is not exactly what you would normally read.

4.5 Tombstones from Bitten by Books: Love and responsibility battle in this beautiful, historical tale of suspense.

4 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance: The characters are vividly drawn. and the plot is very well crafted. I loved her twist on Victorian England.

Friday Guest: Mary Ann Webber

Welcome Mary Ann! Another fellow author from Northern Roses and Southern Belles, she's a great person and an author who's come a long way with her writing. I'm glad to have been there for this trip! Her story, No Decorum, is the second in the anthology.

This is your first published story, what gave you the idea for it?

This story began writing itself while I researched the Red River Campaign, an important part of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi, It’s unlike anything I’ve ever put on paper. The heroine is a headstrong, but innocent, teenage girl who seems to call the shots with everyone around her. I recently heard someone say if No Decorum became a movie, the role of Juliet Burnham should be played by Miley Cyrus. That’s not exactly what I had in mind – but I have to admit the choice would be perfect.

What else are you working on?

My next project is DAKOTA WINDOW, a light paranormal romance. It takes place in the famous Manhattan apartment building which some people claim is riddled with ghosts. (I love ghosts because they are tidy and don’t bleed all over things the way vampires and werewolves do!)

What’s your dream story? The one that becomes a New York Times runaway bestseller, the one you hope to one day write?

Actually, I’ve already written it. The title is A MAN AT THE DOOR, and right now it’s a Gilded Age novel in search of a publisher. It’s too long, too complex, and has too many characters – and I’m not ready to kill off any of them. Sigh.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes. I want to express my deep gratitude to the members of Scandalous Victorians. Since February 2006, they’ve kept me grounded and on track. Thank you, Denise Eagan, for making this wonderful group a reality and, most especially, for making me one of the chosen few.

Thursday Progress

I digressed from my paranormal contemporary this weekend. Managed to write 10,347 words on something completely different, but really want to get back to this one. Still, I'm happy with what I've done. REALLY happy, so I didn't stop myself and in the end, only deleted about 200 or so.

Why can't every writing day be this progressive?

Trying to stick with one story and finish it. No more flitting around, working on one chapter here, one breakdown there. One story from beginning to end and one story only!

It's not as fun, but I prefer progress lol. I LIKE seeing pages, scenes, chapters finished. I LIKE knowing I'm making progress toward the end. Makes a girl happy!

Wednesday Review: Northern Roses & Southern Belles

Next in line for this anthology is Mary Ann Webber's No Decorum.

This story made me laugh. I don't usually like heroines who are this immature, but in reading, I found Juliet not immature, but reactionary. She's a young southern woman with Yankees in her midst and an attraction to one that she doesn't understand. Of course she's going to fight back. Not with fists and guns, but with words and feelings. Despite being the daughter of a pastor, I found her to be all to human, just like anyone else. Not prim and proper, though she strived to be, but completely human.

Reverend Ambrose, Juliet's father, and General Steele are endearing characters, who, despite war, are also all too human. They're not stereotypical: no pulling the couple apart, no lectures, nothing of the sort.

And the history is great, very revealing for a campaign i knew nothing about.

Victoriana

Have you checked out Slip into Something Victorian lately? Not only do we have awesome tidbits of Victoriana, but we have wonderful guest bloggers all this month. Today is Jeanmarie Hamilton, tomorrow is Anthea Lawson, Friday is Susan Macatee, and Saturday is Linda Atkinson (who I can't find a website for, sorry!)

Check us out!
http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/

Dark Desires of the Druids

I have a hugely long (now cut) prologue from this that explains the verse, the current happenings, and even alludes to the trilogy arc of books 1-3. I'm glad I cut it. *G*

Still, for any who care, here it is:

Prologue

Magicks were on trial.

The laws of the land changed and with these changes came a new religious and societal landscape. No more did the temples of old remain standing; no more were the icons of another belief or another way of life to be displayed freely without fear of persecution.

For thousands of years magicks coexisted with current thought, adapting to fit each new wave that spread across the lands. The year was 1478. A new order arose, spearheaded by those in power and fearful of magicks. The leaders of this cause chose their primary targets carefully; the Arcane Masters, leaders of the old ways.

Hand in hand with the European Great Inquisition came The Purifications.

Those who practiced Magicks, whose mysticism placed them in a position of authority, were tried, sent to the dungeons of Europe, and eventually to death. It did not take long for the practitioners of the old ways to go into hiding.

Druids - by ancestry, power, and knowledge - were the leaders of all magickal peoples, and quickly became the prioritized target of those who would later display the title Witch Hunter with pride and arrogance. Magickers were hunted with impunity, declared traitors against crown and religion.

Their dead bodies were prominently displayed for the masses to revile.

Seeing both their cultural and magickal centers destroyed, their people hunted no matter age or ability, the weak of their kind turned against them for monetary gain. The gypsies, who had broken away from Druidic temples centuries ago in a vain attempt to harness the inherent magickal power of the earth themselves, were among the first collaborators.

Their underdeveloped magickal abilities gave them enough insight as Trackers, and their hatred of those who wielded more than they, gave them enough need for vengeance for the Hunters to use. Their job was to seek and identify those with greater Magicks than their bands, to find the Masters.

But the betrayers were eventually betrayed.

The large gypsy clans that once roamed the Earth culled to a mere handful, just enough to give the Hunters their pawns should the need for further Purifications arise.

The Arcane Masters were few in number; at most, at any given time, there were possibly two hundred the world over. Within the first year of the Purification, fifty-nine were found, murdered, and displayed.

Some managed to evade their attackers, among them were leaders of the Druidic Council. A small group of the most powerful families who tend to their place in society, who keep their still fractured people secret from the world, and who teach the ways of their ancestors. They are the descendants of the Arcane Masters and Masters themselves, with them survives the last remnants of true magicks and the last hope of unlocking what was once lost.

Their current goal is to heal the rift that grew wider with each passing year between pure Druids and their gypsy brethren. And to keep well below the sight of the new Witch Hunters.

Friday Guests: Susan Macatee

Since I just reviewed her story, Angel of my Dreams, in the anthology Northern Roses & Southern Belles, I thought I'd interview Susan see what she's been up to recently.

Civil War seems to be your niche, and you’re a reenactor, any more plans to revisit this exciting era?

I don’t have any Civil War stories in the works right now, but because of the great reviews for my Civil War time travel, Erin’s Rebel, I’m considering doing another time travel featuring Civil War reenactors.

Tell me about your Christmas Civil War story.

The Christmas Ball is the story of a woman soldier, disguised as a man, since women weren’t allowed to serve in the military in that time period. She falls in love with the camp surgeon, but can’t reveal she’s a woman. He discovers her secret when she’s wounded and he examines her.

Knowing she’s a young woman, instead of the youth he’d thought her to be, changes his feelings for her. He’s attracted to her quiet strength and the beauty he’d overlooked when he knew her as a boy. When he’s transferred to Washington, he secures a transfer for her and takes her to his sister’s home where she’s taken under the woman’s wing and transformed into a ballroom beauty on Christmas Eve.


What else are you working on?

I’m working on a post Civil War romance. This is a reunion story, as the hero and heroine had spilt up just after the Civil War ended. Five years later, they’re brought back together by the death of the hero’s father. He returns to town to see to his father’s burial arrangements. The heroine was a nurse during the war and now wants to go to medical school in her quest to be a physician. The hero was a soldier during the war and was held the last months in a Confederate prison camp. So, though it’s a post Civil War story, the characters have all been affected by the war.

What’s your dream story? The one that becomes a New York Times runaway bestseller, the one you hope to one day write?

That’s a tough one, because right now, my interests are jumping all over the place. Besides historical and paranormal romance, I’ve developed an appetite for science fiction romance. As a result, I really don’t know what type of book would be my dream book, or even where my interests will take me. It depends, partly, on how my current releases do and also, if my new genre interest develops into a marketable manuscript.

Right now, I’m just enjoying the freedom to write stories that interest me.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just for readers to visit my website: http://www.susanmacatee.com/ to read excerpts and chapters, as well as find the links to reviews for all my current releases. They can also take a peek at the stories I have in the works.

Thanks so much for having me, Isabel!

Progress

Still working on my contemporary paranormal trilogy. I think it would have gone better if I could've concentrated during the last 7 weeks, but alas, I blame the holidays. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

In the midst of plotting out Book 2, I keep skipping to Book 3. I had the same problem with my Druids series, but I'm determined NOT to make the same mistakes. Everything has to flow from 1-3, and even though one and three are the most connected plot wise, I can't skimp on two.

Struggling with finding the right balance between romance and telling a heart-wrenching story. It's not as easy as it sounds when you say, oh, I think I'll add in a wrench or four in the middle book, make it exciting. Right.

The mystery/thriller plot is fine, or at least finer than say the romantic arc. It's rather typical, but I think the romantic arc will make it all the more exciting.

Wednesday Review: Northern Roses & Southern Belles

I decided to post reviews on Wednesdays. I read a lot, OK not as much as I used to--it's hard to read while writing, plus I'm paranoid about plagiarizing something accidentally. But I still read a lot of my fellow authors.


I'm starting with Northern Roses & Southern Belles, since there are a lot of great authors in this anthology...I won't, however, review my own book. :) I'll go in order, starting with Susan Macatee's Angel of My Dreams.


Holes in time, I love it! I love the mystical aspects of this, crossing paths with someone in time. I'd love to read more about this, not necessarily the hows and whys and wherefores, but if there are more couples out there who meet like this. Somewhere in Time or even the not very good but semi-amusing Biggles Adventures in Time. (Well I enjoyed it!) It's the science fiction geek in me.


But the romance, very bittersweet. I'd love to know more about Angela and how that progresses. And what happens to Josie? Don't leave me hanging! OK, I admit to admiring the way the story ended, good job, Susan, but how about a little something more? *G*

Overall, I enjoyed the story, the romance between times, and Kyle's mind boggle-ness over the whole thing. Frankly, this could have been a little longer, but given the constraints of the word limit, I understand why it wasn't.

Wicked Seductions: Starlet (free download!)

There are 3 published books in the Wicked Seduction Series with Ravenous: Complicated Courtship, Wanton Woman, and Starlet. What's the Wicked Seduction Series? Strong women who get what-rather who-they want no matter the costs.

They aren't necessarily outgoing women with no shame, but they are women who are confident enough in themselves to go through this, either for love or for gratification, but who stick with it for the long term.

Starlet: Hollywood, 1934
(Now the free short story from Ravenous Romance!)


Grant Hayden can have any dame he damn well desires. The instant Collette Morel, the newest starlet at Warrick Studios, appears in his speakeasy, he's captivated. When she approaches him, it isn't long before they make tracks for a more private venue. The sex is hot, intoxicating, made all the better by the instant heat between them.

Tired of the same-old, same-old on the Hollywood lots, Collette Morel hit the speakeasy in search of someone new. Someone who could make her blood hot. She found Grant and wanted to know what it would be like to be the gangster's moll for just one night.

But one night isn't enough for Collette - or her new lover...

Victorian Week!

Over at Slip Into Something Victorian, we're taking the month of January and celebrating all things Victorian. Stop by, read about our era, meet guest bloggers, enjoy the cookies and coco, and leave a comment for prizes!

What do WE consider the Victorian Era? ANYTHING that happened during the period Queen Victorian reigned: 1837-1901. Pretty broad, eh? But why constrain yourself?

Civil War? Check
Westerns? Check
Gilded Age? Check
Russia? Check
Canada? Check

So stop on by, join the party! And maybe learn a bit about the vast expanse that is commonly called The Victorian Era.

2010 goals

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New year, new goals...actually the same goals, just with different stories:

• Finish my contemporary paranormal trilogy.


• Finish a series of 4 or 5 for the Vintage Rose line of The Wild Rose Press.


• Read more! I miss it, and it's hard to read as much as I used to between writing, work, family, life, etc.


• Keep in touch with friends--and actually see them this year!


• Work on my synopsis writing, it's a serious problem (frankly I suck at them!)


• Flip a coin and see if I want to start my Portugal/Peninsular War series or another contemporary thriller.


• Or possibly both.

12 months ahead of me? Long time to get stuff done, wouldn't you agree? On the very first day of the year? Yeah, looks great, eh? We'll see how far I get come December 31!