Johnson's cover real a dramatic introduction to the eye of the storm in 'Always You'

I stumbled across this author recently and I have to admit, the cover for Always You has me hooked. There's something about this that is really resonating with me. For whatever reason, whether it's the high contrast of open sky with the snowy field, the two characters enjoying a tender moment, the storm that's brewing in the background. This story, if the cover, is doing it any justice, is telling me these two are in for a conflict. Why are they out in the field? In the snow? And that boarding school? Yikes. It's like I'm about to watch Mona Lisa Smile without Adam's Ribs.

I don't usually judge a book by its cover, unless I am familiar with the cover artist's work and there are a few artists who I can spot with my eyes squinted. This cover, yeah . . . interesting. I can already hear the frustration in Wrenn's voice, so hopefully whoever this guy is will be able to help her keep her wits about her in this elitist town.

I suspect, as probably many of you have, he's got baggage too. You can't live in an elitist town without its dogma spreading into every facet of daily life. Elitist? Let me back up a bit. Not elitist. An alpha lab.

I think I've found something to read when this book comes out. I'm not a fan of boarding school stories, because most of them play up abuse or secret societies or self-loathing, but this one has promise. Where, you ask?

Here's what did it for me. On the back cover . . . That second to last paragraph. Yup. That one. Let me lift it out for you:

My name is Wrenn, and I'm only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy … Can you see my problem?

Yup. That's the moment. I am interested.

But this is a cover reveal, so have a look. What do you think? Has Missy Johnson nailed it?

I think she hit one out of the park. What do you think? Leave a comment. And thanks again for stopping by. 


Follow Missy's updates on GR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18403696-always-you

Stop by her Facebook page and leave a message: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missy-Johnson/618217221528253

Wolf's release promises a hot, snowy treat

Cover reveals have so much excitement whirling around them. From all the last minute details with the cover designer—and sometimes cover artist—to the final spell check to make sure all the words are spelled correctly, to the thrill of of seeing all the pieces come together at long last, the cover reveal is like a baby shower. Friends from all over show up to celebrate this momentous occasion and give one final fond wish before the book comes out into the world.

Cover reveals are some of my favorite times. There's no worrying about sales rankings, marketing strategies, blog hops or tours, the cover reveal is a joyous time. It's pure artistry.

Over the last few months I have met some pretty incredible people, authors, readers, and reviewers alike who have become part of my social circles. We sometimes hang out on FB for hours, sometimes it's a quick comment, but we stay connected.

It's always great to hear back from authors and get updates from them on their successes. I had the pleasure of interviewing S.r. Howen and reading her book, The Chief of All Time, a couple months back, and since then she's been working on another title, this one under her pen name, Shaunna Wolf.

I am thrilled to invite you to celebrate with her and the cover reveal of her erotic romance/mystery, Life Flight. She kindly sent a synopsis my way to give everyone a tease of this sexy winter tale. Fair warning, this is a mature novel and is intended for readers 18+ due to sexual content and adult language. Life Flight has a December 2013 release, from Freya's Bower.

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SYNOPSIS

Malachi Blackfeather has spent twenty years in the Army. Two of those years as a Vietnam POW. Now that he's out, all he wants is some peace and quiet to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Between the flashbacks, and an over interest in sex that is now being called sex addiction, finding his path isn't easy.

Kat is trying to escape an abusive marriage. Her soon to be ex is a master at manipulating the system, and her family thinks she should stay with him, "because no other man will want her". She's looking for escape in any form she can get it.

When they meet, sparks fly. Trapped by a blizzard, can two damaged people, who think there is no chance of love in the world for them, find each other, and survive an unforeseen circumstance that puts both of them in danger?

Mystery, romance, and danger, fill this novel, with a story that will draw you in and not let go.

~ ~ ~

Sexy, isn't it? Two people with nowhere else to turn but to each other. Who can't feel the heat rising? So, without further adieu, why don't we have a look at that cover, huh?

So, what do you think? Sexy, huh? Warm colors. A racing helicopter. Stencil font. You get the drift. Will Malachi's Army training be the safety net they need to get through the blizzard or will they share the same snowy fate?

I'm getting the chills just thinking about it.

Stop by the novel's Goodreads page and stay connected with Life Flight, and other titles from S.r. Howen and Shaunna Wolf.

And, of course, thank you once again for taking the time out of your busy day for stopping by. It's people like you who help authors like Shaunna meet new and wonderful people to share her smexy stories with . . . hot and snowing.

Breeze's latest cover reveal a smoky tease

Hey all you sexy peeps out there . . .

The Breeze House must be beaming with anticipation and excitement knowing that today is Cover Reveal, the day Chasity Breeze's latest Firehouse Diaries book, Blinding Obsession, peeks out from behind her desk and gives everyone a wink while the rest of her is getting dressed and put together for her official walk out onto the Red Carpet of Self-publishers.

I haven't read the book yet, but if it's as hot as the last one, well, you know, I may have to leap into the nearest pile of snow just to cool off.

Chasity, as many of you know, is a great friend to new authors. She's helped so many of us navigate our way through the e-pub world, giving us a little protection along the way with her insight and helpful, courteous advice. But she hasn't done this alone.

I'm a married man. I have a beautiful wife. I know the signs when I see them. Chasity has her man, right along side her. His name is Brock, and if you know the two love birds, you know that their love is real. Never met the guy, but a good indication that he's doing right is in the attitude of his woman. You can feel Chasity's zest for life, because she's sharing it with the man who loves her the most.

And now that love seems to have found its way one more time into the latest cover of the Firehouse Diaries. Brock is her resident graphic artist. He designs her covers and an assortment of other marketing goodies we'll be seeing for Blinding Obsession.

So, without further adieu, let's have a look at the cover for the latest installment of Chasity Breeze's Firehouse Diaries, Blinding Obsession:

What do you think? Leave her a comment. Send her some cheer. Send Brock a high-five. That tag team is on fire! And, of course, thank you very much for taking the time out of your day for stopping by. It's people like you who help authors like Chasity meet new and wonderful people to share her smexy stories with . . . Firehouse included.

If you get a chance, stop by her Facebook page.

Parks plucks touching, lovely melody with 'Strangers'

It's a delight to read a story with haunting agony that yearns for release with just the right blend of love, humor, and second chances. Park's release, Strangers, hits the notes in all the right places. A little bit of sorrow. A little bit of hope. And a lot of human connection to round out this contemporary story. Life will never be the same for Abby. After suffering heartbreak (and in her wedding dress!) she can't pick her self up to move on, until the day she meets the stranger. He's all that she's been looking for since that fateful day, but can she allow herself to finally have these new yet familiar feelings of love and bury the man her soul wanted to marry? Strangers is a beautiful tale about learning to love again, a journey of the heart bruised by agony and troubled by longing. It's a tearjerker, just so you know, but worth the moments you find yourself nudging Abby on and into the arms of a perfect stranger. 

1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.

I am starting on my second career. I started out writing, graduated with an English degree, then decided on law school. The writing bug snuck up after many years sometime last year, and I have been unable to do anything but write. So, I am letting the law books gather dust, and writing about these amazing characters that keep popping into my psyche.

I live with my husband, kids, and spoiled dog outside of Washington DC; but I have lived all over the U.S., most recently in San Diego. I am very lucky to have an understanding and supportive husband that not only doesn’t gripe at me when I sit in front of a computer typing away about fictional characters and their lives all day long, but he also reads all my stuff and gives great feedback in a genre that he would not read if I didn’t write it. Lucky girl, right here!

2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?

I don’t understand the question. There are other things to do outside of writing?

Kidding…

Well, like all writers, I spend a good deal of time reading. Since it is football season, I am either attending college football games, or watching them on TV. We do not have family close by, but we have great friends that we go out with, have bbq’s…the usual. We live on a wooded lot, so we have lots of nature trails that we walk on with the dog. Play soccer with my daughter…outdoorsy stuff.

3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?

COFFEE!!  I have a coffee bar that consists of a regular coffee maker, coffee maker with built in grinder, and a Keurig. I am lobbying for a Keurig in my office, and the bedroom…it is pathetic.

I love Mexican food, seafood; pretty sure I could live on guacamole and chips. I am also patiently waiting for it to get cold enough to justify making a huge pot of chili.

Oh, and wine…for there must be wine.

4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?

I have been so lucky to have travelled and lived in so many parts of the U.S. and abroad. Those experiences have been a wonderful resource in my writing. Just about every place I write about, I have been.

I also have a family rich in dysfunction. And I draw on the experiences and emotions in my writing. I have yet to use any specific instances in my writing, though. Some things are just too real to write about yet.

5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?

I am writing a legal suspense trilogy, and am just about ready to send out queries. It is a huge MS, and I have spent the better part of the last year writing it. I know those characters better than I know some members of my family. It has been amazing learning how to let them take hold of their story, and feed it to me. I just love the characters, and their story.

That said, my debut, Strangers, is very near and dear to my heart because it is my first published novel. 

6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?

I typically have one per day! I think I am old enough now that I can just let them go a little easier. I guess the time I had too much to drink at a party, in my younger less inhibited days (no not last week!), and I dirty danced very badly…it was awful…with a guy that I did not remember the next day. Unfortunately, he did remember and felt our dancing escapades had deep meaning.

He was not my type, at all…but it did not stop my friends from harassing me about it for, well, forever. It starts off with, “Remember that guy you danced with…”

Still haunts me…

7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?

I write mostly contemporary romance or romantic suspense. I am trying straight suspense with some romantic elements, also.

8. What advice would you give new authors?

Write, write, write…then write some more. When you are not writing – read! Do not let yourself get bogged down in the business of publishing as much, especially early. If you cannot produce something worthy of publishing, that people want to read, then no amount of understanding the publishing side of the business is going to matter. Put the majority of time and effort into your craft. And never stop learning and improving.

9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now? 

Strangers. I am so excited about where this book ended up taking me. It is so different from where it began. It started as a prompt in a challenge. It was 300 words; then a 3,000 word short story. I decided to make it into a full-length novel, and it grew to 50,000 words, before adding about 28,000 words prior to publishing it.

It is a romance through and through. It is available through Amazon on Kindle, or paperback. I also have signed paperbacks that can be purchased by emailing me (almparks2012@gmail.com).

________________________

BLURB

From Strangers:

Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.

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EXCERPT

From Strangers:

The city streets were bustling and alive with people moving quickly, gliding around each other with ease and grace, as if in an orchestrated ballet. The soft, swaying tones of Adele crooning about a love lost seemed at odds with the fast-paced dance that was occurring outside the window of the small café where Abby sat drinking her cappuccino, in no hurry to go anywhere or do anything. It was Valentine's Day, but the day meant nothing to her. Well, that was not altogether true – it meant nothing good to her. It meant reliving the worst day of her life.

It should have been a day overflowing with reminders of vows, pledges of love, and exchanges of rings. Instead, it was a jumbled mass of incoherent visions of wreckage, and blood, and goodbyes that came too soon. She recalled standing with her father in the Bride's room, knowing the church was filled with friends and family. She was ready to go, the time had come, but the wedding planner had not opened the door to usher them out. So she stood, holding her father's hand, trying to envision Trevor standing at the altar waiting for her.

The door creaked open slowly. The wedding planner poked her head around, and motioned towards her. Abby let out her breath and started to leave the room. Her father was asked to come out into the hall for a moment, leaving Abby standing alone, in her white dress, with her bouquet of white roses, and her red satin garter discreetly hidden away.

Her father returned; a grim look on his face. Even now, Abby struggled to recall exactly the words he spoke to her; only able to remember the rush of emotions they evoked that propelled her out the door, down the steps of the church to the white Rolls Royce limousine that made its way hastily to the emergency room. She went to him, over the vehement objections of the doctors and nurses. She grasped his hand covered in his blood, looked into his beautiful blue eyes, and demanded that he keep his promise to love her forever, to marry her and spend their lives together. Trevor returned her gaze, looked past her eyes, deep into her heart and settled into her soul. His hand grazed her cheek, a sweet simple smile on his face. He told her she would be okay. He whispered that he loved her. And then closed his eyes forever.

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Find STRANGERS on Amazon

Keep up with A.L. Parks on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ALParksAuthor

And on Twitter:

Twitter: @almparks2012

Read what others have to say about her stories on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18335489-strangers

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Her next novel, THE RETURN, has an anticipated release, December 6.

Here's a synopsis: Eve Carlisle had a singular purpose - sell the rustic house nestled in the Colorado ski resort town. Tortured by her husband’s betrayal, the beautiful divorcee refused to give her heart to another man. But Jake had been a happy surprise, with his mesmerizing blue eyes, warm smile, strong but gentle nature – as well as being incredibly sexy. She had convinced herself the relationship with Jake was nothing more than a fling. After all, she had a life in Newport, with society friends and a lucrative career as a family court judge. Still, Jake had a definitive hold over her, and she was finding it hard to think clearly where he was concerned. The demons of prior failed marriages haunt them both, and threaten to end things just as they are beginning. When Jake tells Eve he is falling in love with her, Eve refuses to believe it can last. Returning to Newport, the hollowness of her existence exposed, she must confront her fears before she loses Jake forever.

Matthews' deliciously crafted bondage story no shady deal

Paige Matthews

Chains, crosses, leather, these tools are not a means to an end, they are the sparks that give that end meaning. A fantasy explored, a safe word to set the limits, and more, await readers in this sexy members' only romp. Matthews' subtle attention to details and emotionally raw characters drive the second installment in her Devoured series. That place, that dungeon, it's more than a program for helping others find release through submission. Should I tell you? If I have to then you don't understand bondage. I'm no regular, but this story got me thinking and tingling in all the right places. If this is your first step into Devoured be fair warned, her turn of phrases leave you craving for more while always giving you a way out. Will you take it though? Consume Me was an electric, satisfying story; and since I like to be taken out of my comfort zones, this did the job.

1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.

I usually hate talking about myself, LOL. I live in Connecticut and currently write during any free time that I may or may not be granted. I am a mother of two very active children (3 and almost 5). I started writing during high school and continued my love of novels and writing through college and eventually my graduate studies.

2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy reading and hanging out with my family. I am an avid hockey fan and love watching games. During the summer I enjoy traveling and visiting new places.

3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?

Favorite food is chips and salsa. Sounds crazy but nothing beats a good spicy salsa and salty tortilla chips. Yummy!

4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?

I think I draw heavily upon experiences of those around me and myself. I take my need for knowledge and turn it into stories. My stories focus on the emotional aspects of relationships as I try and dive into the character’s minds. I want the readers to have a full understanding of the characters' thought process, emotions, fears. Actions might not seem to fit the template of character action, but since when do we methodically plan out every reaction or thing we do in our real lives.

5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?

I think Consume Me is my favorite. I feel more connected to the characters and the plot line. Marcus is divine. J My current WIP is pretty fun as well.

6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?

I almost fell flat on my face in front of a row of Publishers at the Book Expo America in NY. I tripped over a wire carrying an armload of books… I think I ran to the bathroom and hid for a few minutes!

7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?

I primarily write erotic romances themed with BDSM elements. I am currently working on a couple of contemporary romances. I might give paranormal a shot, even though I feel comfortable within the genres that I write.

8. What advice would you give new authors?

You have to read and write. You are not going to grasp the language or how a book flows without devouring numerous amounts of them; both in and out of your genre. Write…you have to write. The only way to be a better writer is to write. You have to take the first step and do it. After that make sure you have an awesome team behind you of cover artists, editors and beta readers.

9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now?

Ahh…Consume Me. It is the second novel in my Devoured Club Series. The series revolves around three male Dominants that own a club together in Boston. Consume Me is Marcus and Emma’s story, told from alternating first person POV, yes I did first person. We see them struggle with their desires and their emotions. When Emma’s past comes to harm her, Marcus must admit his feelings or lose her. We have some killer sex scenes and a wonderful story of desire, need and love.

________________________

BLURB

From Consume Me:

Emma O'Connor's interest in bondage and submission has led her to the training program at Devoured. With past sexual experiences less than par, Emma wants nothing more than to submit to a Master. With her need for pleasure and her desire to please , Emma finds herself exploring the desires that have remained subdued; although unsure if she could make a good submissive.

Marcus, the Dom in charge of the training program at Devoured, is more than interested in the feisty submissive. When Emma walks in for her interview, Marcus knows he's met his match. Consumed by nothing but thoughts of her, Marcus begins to doubt his ability to stay in control and his previous stance on collaring a submissive. Marcus finds himself unsure of his feelings for Emma, and his responsibility to the other trainees.

When a threat surfaces against Emma and her past comes back to haunt her, Marcus must admit his feelings for her in order to protect her, or risk losing her forever.

Join Marcus, Emma, and the rest of the Devoured Club Doms and Subs in the second installment of the Devoured Club Series.

Author Stalker Links:

Facebook/Twitter/Website/Blog/Goodreads:

Buy Links:

Kindle US: http://amzn.to/14RkNcB
Kindle UK: http://amzn.to/18wb20Y
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1acCCqS
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/15rs857

Cover Reveal: A Witch's Curse

A Witch's Curse, the next title from M.L. Stephens is due to hit the e-shelves October 13. Right in time for Halloween! Here's something I want to sink my paranormal teeth into. Wait. That might not be such a good thing. Vengeance. Black Magic. Smexy Love. This book promises to have it all.

A Witch's Curse out Oct. 13, 2013

Let's go show this author some love! She has some incredible titles out there in different genres, too, to keep your appetite wet for a few weeks. So, follow the Goodreads link below and browse other titles she's published.

Oh, and don't forget to come back and tell us what you think about A Witch's Curse.

And one more thing, don't drink the cauldron water. I hear it's got a Hekate of a kick.

________________________

SYNOPSIS

From A Witch's Curse:

Hecate didn't dabble in dark magic. Watching her lover die at the end of another man's sword changed that. In a single act of vengeance, she turned her lover's killer into a werewolf and cursed him for eternity. It was A Witch's Curse to rival all others and it was her last act as a goddess.

Drago despised being a werewolf. He spent thousands of years searching for an antidote, only to discover that the witch who cursed him, also had to cure him. Unfortunately, that witch died lifetimes ago. Undeterred, he continued to search. Two years ago he found Hecate's remains lying in a crypt hidden deep within the Louisiana Bayou. Today, he watched a coven of witches bring her back to life.


He killed her lover. She damned him for all time. Can two souls who are destined to be eternal enemies, learn to forgive enough to live again?

Getting to know M. L. Stephens…


I'm always clicking away at the keyboard, but when I'm not, my family, two dogs, and a very peculiar cat keep me on my toes! There's never a boring moment at my desk!

Besides my obvious love for coffee and all things caffeinated, I love to travel. The occasional tourist stop is fun, but I'm a back road kind of gal. Take me off the beaten path. I want to meet the ordinary people behind the culture.

My crazy family includes a husband, four kids, two grandbabies, two dogs, and a cat. That's right! Life is totally insane! Now you understand why I write!

Speaking of writing, I've been spinning stories around the campfire, since I can remember. Poetry was second nature, and as a teen and young adult, short stories were constantly being penned. I'm an avid reader, who loves almost all genres. Let's face it! A good read is a good read, regardless of whether it takes place in the future, the past, or with ghosts.

Stay connected with M.L. Stephens http://www.mlstephenswrites.blogspot.com/

Read what readers have been saying about her other titles on GR http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526584.M_L_Stephens

Mother may lose children if she can't find housing

You may have seen the posts popping up around Facebook.

A mom in need.

In danger of losing her two children if she can't find housing for the three of them.

The husband who is making it impossible for her.

With a court-ordered deadline looming like a guillotine sawing rope, cutting through the days she has left, I can only imagine the fear in that mother's eyes.

When Rachel Olson first PM'd me about this tragic situation, my heart immediately went out to her friend, Amy. Having grown up in a very similar situation in which my own father successfully incinerated the family finances (while insulating himself), preventing my mom from buying a house, forcing her to go back to work—for not one but two jobs—just to keep us kids fed and a roof over our troubled brows. I sympathize with Amy and her situation.

Divorce is ugly. The reasons each of the spouses has is valid. I don't care who did what, I worry about those kids. They are the ones who will be made to suffer, and that's just unconscionable.

Rachel and I went back and forth about her friend in a private chat. I asked her questions. She replied. I asked more. At one point, Rachel said she wanted to keep Amy's identity secret; she was concerned for her safety. I agreed.

If you've ever known someone in an abusive relationship then you understand the constant threat of fear, punishment, the barrage of hurtful words and restrictions, the toxic environment that shuts down good people. The future is bleak, without intervention.

It's nearing the end of September and Amy could use some help. It's been nearly a month since the judge gave Amy her deadline and she's trying like heck to get her kids out of her ex-husband's house and into a peaceful, loving environment with her. You may be asking yourself right about now who am I to judge this guy, and you'd be right, but ask yourself this question: Would you trust your kids with a spouse who is trying to make you homeless?

Since then, Rachel has been trying to help her friend gather enough money to move out. So far it's been a difficult road. It shouldn't be, but it is. It's not easy asking people for money. We don't really know Amy. We're aren't friends. We aren't neighbors. We don't even go to church together.

The T-shirt drive Rachel hosted was a flop. The fundraising drive isn't going very well either. For whatever reason, Amy's situation isn't reaching enough hearts.

I have an idea. It may be a long shot, but I can almost bet that all of us have some gently used clothes, shoes, and toys and nicknacks that could find some new homes. Just like them, help Amy and her two children find a new home.

Have a tag sale. Have a yard sale. And send Amy these little angels to help her on her way.

Here's where to find more details about the fundraiser to help Amy and prevent her from having Christmas without them. God bless. http://www.gofundme.com/443mnk.

High marks for Le Fevre's suspenseful tale

Wade Le Fevre

Right from the get go, Le Fevre draws the reader into a spine-tingling tale, filled with foreboding omens and one-way doors that lead down an ever-dimming spiral, down, down, and down even further, until all light has turned to darkness. I thought I knew how the character was going to come out of this, but, no, I did not. Because as you'll discover, hell has no roadsigns. I found myself reaching for every light switch in the house while reading, to remind myself that I could. Le Fevre's novel, Terrorizing Jude, is an unexpected flashlight with long-lasting batteries. Fair warning. Once you'd downloaded this story to your e-reader you'll never think about dull digital pixels the same way again, without rubbing a field of goosebumps first, and that's only after flipping on every light switch in the house, in the middle of the afternoon.

1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.
Well I am a huge film fan and avid reader. Before deciding to write books I had worked hard to learn to be a screenwriter. I took screenwriting classes at Mount San Antonio College and watched a lot of movies. I’ve always been good at English, even in high school my teachers were always impressed with my creativity.

2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?
There aren’t many, I mostly read and watch movies when I get spare time. If I’m not hanging out with friends I can usually be found at the movies or sitting somewhere with my nose stuck in my kindle.

3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?
If I had to say a favorite food I would probably say something Italian, like lasagna or baked ziti. I am however a huge fan of snacks. When I’m being bad I can plow through a bag of peanut M&M’s like you wouldn’t believe and I have never turned down a brownie.

4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?
Mostly mine. My stories don’t come from too many people I know. I’ve never ever met anyone in my life personally who was physically and psychologically tortured at the hands of a madman. The bulk of my stories I make up the plots and characters, but to flesh out their lives and give them a little more detail and flavor I take a great many things from my own life. Childhood memories, favorite movies, belief systems, things like that. Then I’ll give another character the exact opposite opinions and belief systems and maybe imagine a life of someone I knew in the past.

5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?
I guess of the three I have so far I would have to say Covenant which is the book that I’m releasing next year. Not to depreciate the other two in any way, I love them both, but I feel like with each book I become a better writer. I understand the medium more and I utilize its strengths and as I was writing Covenant everything seemed to fall into place so easily whereas with the previous two I really had to work to make things flow the way they do.

6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?
When I was in the fifth grade I played Prince Charming in the school play. Wore yellow tights and everything. I’m not entirely sure if I want that getting out, but honestly, there are video tapes and pictures out there somewhere so it might one day whether I want it to or not.

7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?
Mostly so far I have written for horror. But part of the plan is that I would like to write on good, solid trilogy of science fiction novels. Not like a series but just three separate science fiction stories, but written from the horror point of view of the situation. I have all three ideas in place, it’s just a matter of getting to them, but switching genres at too early a juncture I feel is a bad idea. Probably won’t write the first one for another two or three years.

8. What advice would you give new authors?
Don’t do too much at one time. If you can help it, find your audience and start marketing before you have a release date in mind. Take your time, it’s not a process you want to rush otherwise you’re going to find yourself doing too much at one time.

9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now?
Well, Terrorizing Jude is out now, but next month I will have Snipe Hunt out, which is a very different vampire story than I think most people will be used to. Very excited for that. Then next year I will be releasing Covenant which is my own variation of the haunted house story and currently I’m working on a first draft of an as yet untitled work about two pre-teens and a werewolf. So I’m keeping busy.

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EXCERPT

From Terrorizing Jude:

The plopping sound of dripping water reverberated through the room, bouncing off the tiled walls. There was a four second delay between drips, as the water slowly collected at the edge of the tap, eventually falling out of the faucet and landing in the water that filled the tub. The momentary collision of the two bodies of water as they became one caused a gentle ripple and a slight echo that would quickly die away.

The woman in the tub paid no mind to any of it. She had long since expired. Had she been at all alive she might have appreciated the peacefulness of her surroundings, maybe even have found solace in the majestic beauty of such a send off. As it was she had instead perished in a fit of explosive violence, the last thought rushing through her head one of horror, the last sound that of her neck snapping.

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BLURB

From Terrorizing Jude: 

“Jude is terrified. She lives in a constant state of fear of being home alone. She is so afraid that it is starting to affect her marriage. To overcome her fear she decides to spend a perilous two days alone in her apartment while her husband is at work. Her mind plays tricks on her from phantom sneezes to the television turning itself on. But is it all her imagination? Or…is there really something to be afraid of? Something as close as her coat closet?

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Find TERRORIZING JUDE on Amazon

Stay connected with Wade Le Fevre on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/wadelefevre

Downing ties sexy spy knot in 'End Games'

"End Games"

Unabashed is the first word that comes to mind after reading Downing's sexy spy thriller, 

End Games. Brazen is another. Sinister, too. Flawed characters are my favorite. Altruistic or greedy, unstable or determined, the list goes on. The deeper I was drawn into the story the more I realized two things: I liked the characters, and I didn't want them to change. I didn't want them to overcome their troubles. I wanted them to remain who they were from page one, and I wanted them to kick the crap out of everything that crossed their paths, even each other, because love born in crisis can be a dangerous game to play. And I enjoyed reading every word of it.

1. Before you tell us about your book, why don’t you share a little bit about yourself.

My name is Mia Downing and I’m a lingerie model. ::snort:: Seriously, I’m the most boring person on the world. I’m married and have stayed at home with part time jobs to raise my kids, so I’m the strawberry blonde in the school drop-off line, cheering at the lacrosse games, hiding from the PTA because I do NOT want to bake for the sale. LOL

However, I love my secret life of being a romance author. No, most people in my real life don’t know, and since I work with kids teaching horseback riding lessons I’m fine with that.

2. Outside of writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?

I’m a horse professional, so I love riding and teaching. I also knit, do decorative painting and read! My favorite thing is hanging with my family. My daughter rides, so we get a lot of quality time together.

3. Do you have a favorite food, snack, and/or beverage?

Coffee and Diet Coke are musts all year around. I drink unsweetened ice tea in the summer that I doctor up with fresh lemon and mint from the garden. Bananas are my go-to snack. I have yet to meet a slice of cheesecake I didn’t fall madly in love with.

4. Authors draw from a wide variety of experiences, from their own lives as well as the lives of others. Which is the richest source for you?

Well, I have yet to burn through the hell called childhood, so that’s a great resource for the angst-ridden characters. I often will use horses or something within the horse community, such as therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. I used that in a recent free m/m for the Goodreads M/M romance group. I recently took a course for my pistol permit to help with the shooting aspects in the Spy Games series. I just finished up a weekend in upstate NY on the Erie Canal. I loved seeing the town’s lift bridge and meeting with the bridge operator. I would love to use it in a story sometime!

5. Of the stories you have written so far, which is your favorite and why?

You never ask a mother who her favorite child is! I love them all, for different reasons. All of my books have some shred of me in them, so if you know me well enough you can see what part of my life an aspect came from.

6. Embarrassing moment. Do you have one? Or better yet, are you sure you want to put it out there?

When the hubby and I were first dating, I had shoved a condom in my pocket just in case things might get frisky that afternoon. I was talking to his mother, reached into my pocket to give her something and pulled out the condom instead. I am hopeful she thought it was candy. I never asked. LOL

7. What genres do you write for? Are there any that you haven’t that you would like to explore?

I write erotic romance, and I have written m/f, m/m and m/f/m. I do lots of kink bordering on BDSM (but not hardcore) as well as some suspense elements. I write a lot of conflict, so even my short stories are packed with angst. I plan on writing an m/m/f, a m/f story with a bit of a steampunk feel, and a kinky cowboy.

8. What advice would you give new authors?

Write, write, write. The key is to have a backlist to offer a reader when they love your first one! Write different lengths, try different publishers, do a few self-published. Variety will reach more readers. The other piece of advice is to not see every opportunity as a promo op, especially on Facebook or other social media sites. Let people see how awesome you are and they’ll buy the books faster than if you’re promoting every second.

9. Now that we’ve had a chance to get to know you, tell us about the latest story you have out now?

Endgame is the third (and final unless there’s a novella) book in the Spy Games series. If you haven’t read the series, it starts with Trained for Seduction, where we meet Chase Sanders, the boss for his elite group of spies. Jake Anderson is his best friend and stars in the next book, Lethal Limits. Endgame features Jake’s brother, actor Aaron James and spy Charlotte Smith. It’s a fun wrap-up to the series and we see a little of how everyone has progressed. There are secrets, danger, guns, hot sex… Need I say more?

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BLURB

From Spy Games: Endgame: 

Sexy spy Charlotte Smith doesn't go by the code name Dragon Queen because she's sweet and cuddly. She's cold, hard, and mean and has been training for the past five years to take down the men who destroyed her soul and left her burning for revenge. But when she meets her next assignment at a wedding, her body protests there's much more to life than kicking asses and taking names. Actor Aaron James is witty, hot as hell, and he smells divine. But women with suicidal endgames don't indulge in casual sex, and they definitely don't fall in love.

Since meeting Charlotte at his brother's wedding, Aaron's life has been nothing but trouble. He's plagued by memories of the kiss he stole from her, and he senses underneath her aloof nature and frosty glare is a woman with passion and fire. When Charlotte is assigned as his bodyguard after a botched kidnapping attempt, he's psyched. What better way to get in her panties than have her pretend she's his girlfriend? Until Aaron realizes too late he wants more than into her panties...he want's Charlotte's heart.

Contains: Explicit language, really hot sex, anal sex, toys, light bondage, very light BDSM, a really hot actor and his kick-ass spy bodyguard. M/F

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EXCERPT

From Spy Games: Endgame…

“All tied up like a gift, you are. Delightful. I’m going to take the hood off now and have a peek at my present. I love Christmas, but I don’t like to wait.”

“Such a pretty gift, all wrapped up, so close to Christmas,” she breathed, her cheeks denting with a dimple as she smiled at him with mischief. She wrinkled her pert nose. God, could a woman’s skin get any creamier than that? Pale and flawless except for the scar under her left ear he noticed when she turned slightly, cocking her head as if to listen for something.

She did the unthinkable and straddled his lap, her face inches from his, looking into his eyes, the heat from her crotch searing his shaft. He should be afraid. Terrified. But something told him this wouldn’t be like his first time. If she just rode him into oblivion, this time he’d enjoy every moment of it.

“So handsome.” She touched his cheek with a gloved hand, her fingers warm through the leather. Her sleeve rode up and a tattoo around her wrist was exposed, a delicate chain of daisies with a yellow butterfly. He knew that, from somewhere, too, but didn’t remember seeing it on her when they danced. She wiggled on his lap, the ridge of his cock angling against the heat of her crotch through those thin black pants of hers.

He groaned through his gag. If she just rode him, even while he was bound and gagged, he’d be more than grateful for the gift. It was a new experience, to be so damned aroused over a woman, under such extremes. Maybe that’s what the problem was—this was way too extreme. He’d fought feelings like this for years. Now they were punching him in the gut as hard as she ground against his cock. 

“Happy to see me again, are you? These ropes excite me, too. It’d be more exciting if it were the other way around. I love a good bondage session.”

He groaned again. He didn’t like kinky shit, but he did like Charlotte. Way, way too much.

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Find Spy Games: Endgame on Amazon

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