Meet the Author Mahalia Levey

Growing up-

Favorite games 
I loved to play life and clue growing up. For many years I was an only child so I put together  a ton of puzzles and played a lot of solitaire.

Red Rover Red Rover
Simon Says
Red Light Green Light


Family pets
Terri- my miniature poodle growing up. She died when I was six.
Freckles- mom’s dog
Boots- my first gift from a boyfriend. I was 13 she passed away when I was in my late twenties.
Abby- our Cockatoo- she could sing the star spangled banner, and curse and mimic almost anything


Favorite holiday memory
I can’t remember one single holiday as a child. I loved Christmas and Thanksgiving because it was the only time I got to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. My cousins were about ten years or more older than me.

When you grew up, you wanted to be a singer. Why?
I loved singing and being on stage.

Favorite music group while a teenager
New Kids on The Block




Now-

I would do anything for...
caffeine. I have a heart arrhythmia. Stimulants have been cruelly taken from me. It takes me forever to wake up and get moving!

Candy bar that best describes me. Why? 

Nutrageous… Because I’m Outrageous and a bit of a Nut :P
Your idea of romance

Laying on the couch watching a chic flick with my man scratching my scalp in a soothing manner. It is comfort at its best while having a nice night in.

I’m not much into big gifts or gifts in general. I had a boyfriend in my early twenties who kept receipts for everything he ever bought me. When we broke up he brought the cops to my house and I had to hand everything over. Since then I’ve had a hard time accepting gifts from anyone. I love to give them out though :P  I did however accept the Kindle Fire for Valentines last year :P DH and I are working on my phobia of accepting gifts from people.

An embarrassing moment that happened to you written in a newspaper headline.
When I was 15 I let my girlfriend drive my car. I was in the back seat and she ran the car into someone’s living room. She looked down to change the radio station and the street ended but had houses running perpendicular. That was on hell of a headline L

If I wasn't an author,
I would be an respiratory therapist. I have been many things before my journey as an author. Who knows what else I can accomplish!


Links
http://www.mahalialevey.com/
http://www.mahalia2010.wordpress.com/
www.twitter.com/hales3000
www.goodreads.com/mahalialevey

Introducing upcoming SCP author Flossie Benton Rogers

Favorite Things
It is a dream come true. Secret Cravings Publishing accepted my paranormal romance novel Wytchfaefor publication, and scheduled it to debut in October. Everyone I have met at SCP has been wonderful. After many years of being public library director, partnering people with books, I could not be more thrilled to have a book of my own, the first in a series. The heroine is a witch with a drop of faery blood who falls in love with a sexy Viking ghost. Please paint the town with me when release day comes.

After reading the previous paragraph, you already know some of my favorite things: paranormal romance, Viking heroes, Secret Cravings, writing, and, of course, getting published.

By way of introduction and getting to know each other, I thought I would share a few more items from my list of life’s joys.

Reading is certainly a passion of mine. I think it is with most writers. I have been an enthusiastic reader all my life. In elementary school at the beginning of each semester, I always devoured our freshly issued reading book the first night. I had to find out what happened to those people next. I enjoy various genres, including historical romance, mystery, dystopian, and urban fantasy. Romance appeals because of the main characters’ developing relationship and the positive outcome at the end. I just love it when those two finally get together!

October is a glorious time. Seriously, it’s not just because the book is coming out then. As the first full month of autumn, October brings zingy air that makes me feel renewed and raring to go. To find red, yellow, and orange leaves in Florida, you must trek to the edge of a swamp, but it’s so worth it. Also, Halloween is a fun holiday.

I can’t talk about October without mentioning la luna. I’m drawn to the full moon, dark of the moon, and all in between. Whenever the goddess Selene beams down, I’m there.

Incense is a daily staple at our house. The exotic ones from the East are incomparable, but I also enjoy wisteria, jasmine, and lily of the valley. When your nose is happy, the writing revs up a notch.

Coffee. That one word is all that’s needed. Dare I say butterscotch toffee coffee?

I adore nutmeg, its aroma and taste. The flavor enhances almost any food, even savory dishes. Nutmeg’s appearance is endearing too, all round and beautiful in a homely way, something like my basset hound Daisy Josette.

Snickerdoodles are the best. I don’t mean cookies. Rather, I refer to rambunctious boys ages five and three. On an odd day I am feeling blue, the Snickerdoodles come over and bring out the sun. Although Wytchfaedoesn’t have any small children, I have in the works a vintage romance that features little ones.

Sparkles make the world go ‘round. Glitter, shimmer, bling—I have them on my sandals, clothes, phone, in my bedroom, and of course jewelry. I love cheap baubles and semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli and jade. I love crystals but not so much diamonds. Creativity demands sparkles. The heroine in Wytchfaewears a special necklace.

My grandmother read fairy tales to me very early, and I have always been drawn to them. In the old tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, the heroine goes on a long journey and overcomes dangerous challenges to be with her beloved. Enamored of a ghost, the Wytchfae meets challenges of her own. It is incredibly satisfying to be able to write about faeries and other mythical beings. Some are good hearted, some pretty dark.

Writers are my rock stars. Fellow writers command my respect and admiration, from the ones in my writing groups to those in Secret Cravings Publishing and elsewhere. Each day I continue to learn so much. Talented authors live at Secret Cravings Publishing. To be part of SCP is one of my mostfavorite things. Thank you, SCP readers, for making it possible!

http://flossiebentonrogers.wordpress.com
http://facebook.com/FlossieBentonRogers
http://twitter.com/FrostFyre
http://pinterest.com/Wytchfae

SCP guest author Davee Jones

When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?
-I began creatively writing in college; however, I quickly discovered I could not pay the bills by my writing alone. I began work for the feds. However, maybe it was a mid-life crisis or my divorce that seriously spurned my writing again. It took me well over two years to write my first novel, simply because I really had no idea “how to” actually pen a book.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")
 – It’s a tossup between the ability to fly and mind reading.

Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?
-Wonder Woman, I loved that show as a kid. I also loved the Bionic Woman-I even had a Jaime Sommers Barbie.

Where do you get your inspiration for writing?
-Initially, my inspiration came from personal experiences. However, I also now use anecdotal family stories, current events, and sometimes even a simple sentence is the beginning of a new book.

What motivates you?
-My desire to create a world I can control the outcome. Also, writing is a stress relief activity for me.

Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?
- I take notes constantly. I have a simple idea in my head and then I build on it. I have a long commute for my day job, and my mind churns constantly. As I think of something, I write it down and see how I can fit it into a WIP. However, sometimes when I’m writing, the flow just takes off and it feels great when that happens. I also have very vivid dreams and write them down as soon as I awaken to use them for a story.

Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?
-Because I hold a FT job outside of writing, sometimes, I must keep a storyline until I get a break or go home for the day. It’s very difficult, but, I will jot my quick notes down so I keep that scene or idea fresh.

Do you have a favorite genre to write in?
- I like to write in different genres, according to my mood. My first three published books are romance, I would like to finish my suspense/thriller and see how it is received.

To read?
-I like to read adventure stories or biographies, such as Aron Ralston’s story (Between a Rock and a Hard Place). I also read many books in the inspirational/Christian genre, thriller/suspense genre, and some romance as well.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?
-Creating a world and positive endings that maybe did not occur in reality, similar to re-writing an actual event to how I wanted it to be.

Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?
-The arthritis in my hands acts up and I can’t always write/type for as long as I want.

Can you tell me something odd about yourself?
-Engaging in repetitive motion makes me nauseous. Keystrokes are sometimes a killer. lol

Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?
-I have about seven in the works right now.

In an evil plot to take over the world, what one animal type do you advise to use and why?
- A honey badger, nothing can kill that thing.

Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?
-Unfortunately, e-books will continue to dominate the market. Paper books will slowly continuing phasing out. However, I still love holding a bona fide book in my hand.

What are your current projects?
- A few YA books- one with a bullying plotline, one with a paranormal theme and one with a fall romance. I have a serial killer/demon suspense in progress. I also have a few romance books in the works.

Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?
- Edit until you can’t stand it anymore.
Learn everything you can about marketing and selling. I sent out over 250 review queries, requests for publicity, etc. I received less than ten replies back.  Yes, I said less than ten. I sent a letter to each and every newspaper in Oklahoma (my home state in the USA) and got ONE solitary reply back. I personalized every submission query, DO NOT Bcc these things to a mass audience. You will not receive a reply. You must demonstrate you researched who you sent the query to, let them know you took the time. Yes, it will take you hours upon hours, but, the few replies you receive back will be worth it.

Lustful Cravings SCP Guest Post

AUTHOR THOUGHTS

Am I seriously going to talk about religion while I’m promoting my erotic paranormal romance? Yes I am. Stay with me though. It’ll get interesting, I promise.

As a reader, I want the heroine in books I read to be strong and to have a story of their own to tell beyond being mated to the alpha hero. If given the chance, the heroine should be able defend themselves. If not with physical strength, at least she needs to be capable of using her intelligence, wit and female moxie.

The idea behind the women in the Seven Sin Sisters series came to me while sitting in church one Sunday. I’ve always felt Mary Magdalene was much like an overlooked bff to Mary the Mother of Jesus who received the glory. What fanfare does Mary Magdalena get? Not much. But she’s one of my favorite people in the bible and she was actually one of Jesus' most committed disciples and absolutely was the most important female disciple of Jesus. Yet on those important days of the church’s celebration, she’s just among those secondary characters we hear about in the background. Most people don’t realize she actually became Jesus' close friend –not just his Mother Mary’s friend- and she was with Jesus during his last days. She was at the cross well after all his male disciples (except John) left and she was at his burial. Most profound is that she was actually the first person to see Jesus after his Resurrection. A woman was chosen to be the first person to see Him – I love this. So given all this information, when I think about the type of person Mary Magdalene was, I imagine she would’ve been a kick-ass heroine. And the idea of her being the Goddess they worship seemed a perfect fit. After all, she is considered a saint by the Catholic Church (and her feast day is my sister’s birthday, July 22). It was a sign. 

But what about those demons the sisters possess? Well, the Bible tells us that Jesus cleansed Mary Magdalene of her seven demons. So here’s where the idea for their seven sins –demons living within them for a sacrifice they make- was born. And of course, the name -Circle of Magdalena- just fit. The heroines of the Seven Sin Sisters series have the strength of the original Mary Magdalene. They possess her perseverance, her tenacity and her leadership in a cause greater than themselves. One of the sisters takes a big interest in the history of Mary Magdalene so readers will hear about her more in a later book.

LUSTFUL CRAVINGS

Series: Seven Sin Sisters Series, Book One

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Elements: Adult language/ Ménage

Author: Paloma Beck

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-61885-352-3

Page Count: 96

BLURB

Seven sisters are entwined in a legacy bigger than anyone ever expected. One by one, they will find their mates from the immortal Valendite breeds and secure their place in history. Each sister embodies one of the seven deadly sins only to be cast aside once claimed. But claiming comes at the price of separation, causing a weakening of their combined powers, which none want to happen... until Layla, holding the sin of lust within her body, locks eyes with Madden.

Madden is one of the strongest of the Valendite Breed, a group of near-immortal men originating from the Italian Wars in the 1500s. Today, the Valendite Breed serve as the Terrorist Elimination Unit (TEU), an invisible arm of the CIA. Their only weakness is their need for a mate to carry on the Breed. So now that Madden has found Layla, he will never let her go.

With forces mounting up against the Breed, Madden and Layla will need to rely on all of their powers combined to get them to their Pronouncement.

BUY LINKS

Secret Cravings Publishing

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=383

All Romance

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lustfulcravings-910661-140.html

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Lustful-Cravings-Seven-Sisters-ebook/dp/B008XB10AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344973534&sr=8-2&keywords=lustful+cravings

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lustful-cravings-paloma-beck/1112483848?ean=2940014873369

PG13 EXCERPT

Madden pulled away from her, just slightly, and she whimpered in protest. He chuckled and kissed her nose when he saw her wrinkle it. Struck by the flush of her cheeks, Madden noted the same flush running down her throat and to the very top of her breasts. As she took deep breaths to calm herself, he placed his forehead against hers. But Madden only paused for a moment because he had no intention of letting the emotions he was pulling from Layla subside. He would not let her gain the control she was wrestling for. A woman off-balance was what he needed her to be.

As part of the Valendite Breed, Madden had been raised to know the prophecy, to appreciate the significance of finding your mate and claiming her. He planned to worship Layla until the day they died. The sharing of blood so sacred, nothing could tear them from one another. Not only would their blood bond them together but it would also sustain Madden and prolong Layla’s life so she lived as long as he did.

Madden moved his hands to frame her face and drew her head up to meet her eyes. He brushed a soft kiss against her full lips before speaking, his voice husky with desire. “Take your tongue, Layla love, and touch it to my sharpest teeth. The blood exchange will bind us and I can take you then. Ho bisogno di te. Please don’t make me wait.”

Madden’s words were barely finished when he took her mouth again. Gently his tongue drew hers out, slowing to let her catch up to his need. When he felt the puncture wounds and tasted the first drop of her blood, he moaned low inside himself. He felt Layla tense at first and then soften her body as it settled into his own. Her moans began to mirror his. He could feel her desire as if it was his own, and it multiplied the urge to claim her and demand she submit to him as his mate.

Madden held back with every piece of control he had been trained to possess. This moment required him to remain in control, to ease her in the mating. He felt her pull away. Her body shuttered and a small whimper bubbled up from her throat. He was suddenly struck by her vulnerability.

“What’s happened, Madden? Why do I feel this way?” His Layla was frightened and he wanted nothing more than to comfort her. Her feisty golden eyes now appeared panicked. Madden couldn’t bear it.

“Layla love, we’re bonded now. You will forever feel what I feel just as I will feel the emotions inside of you. It is a powerful thing for mates. It will make the next act we perform even richer than any romance book you’ve ever read.” He rose then from the floor between her legs and pulled her to him, carrying her out of the room.

“Which way to your bedroom, Layla?”

AUTHOR BIO & LINKS

Paloma Beck is an erotic romance writer in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms. Happily married and living a life of total contradiction, Paloma runs carpool service for her three sons, volunteers in PTA and teaches religious education.

Then in the moments when her characters talk to her, she journals their stories - and they are anything but PG. As a natural introvert, quiet time with her characters is necessary to keep sane while writing is the perfect outlet for her creativity.

Paloma believes a daily dose of coffee and a good book make any day better.

BLOG: http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/PalomaBeckAuthor

FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/SevenSinSistersSeries

GOODREADS: http://goodreads.com/PalomaBeck

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/PalomaBeck

Introducing upcoming SCP author Ava Riley

I AM
By Ava Riley

To begin with, I would like to say a huge “Thank You” to Secret Cravings Publishing for honoring me with accepting my first Paranormal Romance novella for publication.  Leesea’s Books and Babbles is scheduled for an October 2012 release.  Also, thank you for allowing me to be here today to share with SCP’s readers.

Normally when I do a post, I like to give a snippet of the book that will be released but with it being so far off before the publication date, I decided that with this post I would give you all a little insight into who Ava Riley (that’s me) is.

I am a wife, mother, author, & student.  I am a woman who wears many hats.  I am in the process of earning a double major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and History at the University of New Mexico.  I have 3 semesters left before I complete my degree.  When I started school in 2009, my goal was to finish college then get “a” book published.  I have been blessed, in that my goal to be a published author has already been achieved…now to complete my degree.  It is important for me that my children see that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to and I hope that they carry that with them throughout their lifetime.  Life is certainly good!

I am a writer who loves to read.  I believe that in order to be a good writer, I must be a good reader.  It’s good to see what is out there and what works.  In my workshop classes at the University we did A LOT of reading in the first half of the semester.  Initially, I didn’t enjoy it because I just wanted to write.  However, looking back I understand what the professors were doing when they assigned an enormous amount of reading.  As writers, it’s good to look at other writings to see what works and what doesn’t.  It’s not only about sentence structure and grammar, but it’s also about being able to “show” instead of just “telling,” and so much more.  In addition to that, I just really, really love to sit down and read a great book.  My favorite genre is paranormal and I have most recently been introduced to historical romance, which I am finding that I really enjoy reading.  If I’m not busy with the family, writing, or doing school work, you can most assuredly find me with my nose buried in my Kindle.

I am a huge Football and Soccer Fan.  Yes, it’s true that I love both forms of “football.”  I think one thing that I love most about both sports, is that in our home it is a family affair.  On game days, you can find my husband, our children, and me sitting and cheering on either the Pittsburgh Steelers or FCB (Barcelona).  Not to mention, my son plays competitive soccer so we are very involved in that way as well.

I am a romantic.  I am always cheering on the heroine/hero.  I love a great love story that can make me laugh in one moment and cry in the next.  I am like most when it comes to romance.  I ALWAYS want there to be a happy ending….ALWAYS.  I want the heroine to be a woman that is strong and confident and is willing to take a chance.  And I want the hero to be a man who is the take charge kind of man, but who will also been smitten by the powerful woman in his life.   I just really enjoy a great love story.

So that is just a tidbit about me.  I am looking forward to being able to share more with you all a little later when the release date for Leesea’s Books and Babbles is a little closer, so keep your eyes open for it.
Again, thank you to Secret Cravings Publishing for allowing me to share with their readers.
Ava Riley

Ava Riley Romance 

Twitter

Facebook: Ava Riley Romance Books 

Guest SCP author Jeanine McAdam

Sex Sells:  Now My Family Has to Get With the Program

I’ve been a writer of short, sweet romances for a long time.  I started my career writing for the confessions market and expanded into zombie romance with ‘Inhuman Resources’ appearing in the anthology HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE.  All my stories ended after the first kiss.
So when I submitted my latest bull riding novella ‘Cowboy’s Toughest Ride’ to Secret Cravings Publishing, I carried on the tradition of resolving the conflict before fingers and mouths found intimate places.  The response, Secret Cravings loved the story.  They would buy it, but…if I spiced things up, I’d probably sell more books.
I wanted to sell more books.  Yes, I could spice things up.  I’m a writer, who cares what the content is, as long as I can write romance.  A month later ‘Cowboy’s Toughest Ride’ was published with three flames (out of four) and the label ‘erotic romance’ appearing promptly under the title.

I was proud of myself.  I pushed my limits, created a story outside my comfort zone and received two five star reviews for my effort.  I held my chin high with a smug smile on my face until a few of the people I loved most learned of my work.
My mother (practicing Presbyterian/retired special education teacher) got anxious, but in a WASPie way.  She kept asking me if it was soft porn?  Did I want my name attached to this type of story?  Maybe a non de plume would be better?  All of this happened after reminding me she wouldn’t be telling her friends about the book.  My father would chuckle in a way that pressed all my buttons and ask, ‘How’s that cowboy book thingy doing?’  At his extremely conservative boarding school my fifteen year old son ‘liked’ the cover on Facebook and took a lot of ribbing from the boys on his dorm floor.  They even threatened to read the passages out loud.
As a result of this, I got nervous and worried.  Remember the puritanical blood runs deep in my veins.  On the night ‘Cowboy’s Toughest Ride’ was released I was up until two in the morning.  Yes, I should have been drinking champagne and celebrating instead I was pacing and rereading the book.  Trying to figure out which parts were the most offensive to someone like my mother.
One particular passage stuck in my mind.  “As his finger slipped deeper into her and nerve endings awakened that had been dormant for two years, Katie panted, pawed at his back and knew she wasn’t walking away from this man tonight.”
In the morning I spoke with my husband.  I started with, “I’m worried about your business.  What if your patients find out your wife writes erotic romance?”
His reply, “I don’t care.”  He poured orange juice, scratched himself and made faces at the dog.
“What if the women working for you find out?”
“They don’t care.”
I tried to express my feelings again.  He interrupted, “I don’t give a flying fuck. You’re good, you write a good story, stop navel gazing and focus on the next one.”  A few more curse words were thrown in to get his point across.
This is why I love my husband.  Yes, he can be gruff and he sometimes curses like a sailor but he cut to the heart of the issue.  I’m a good writer and I need to continue writing.
‘Cowboy’ has been out for two months.  My parents are still concerned.  My son hasn’t gotten any less embarrassed.  But, besides those three nothing else has happened except that my friends are super happy for me and I’m back to feeling proud.  And when I get teased, here’s how I explain it.
Writing is a business.  I have a product.  There is a consumer (the reader) interested in buying that product.  In other words, the market is demanding a certain type of story.  I fulfill that market.  My stories aren’t about me or how I kiss my husband, they are about how my character’s feel, react and love.

Like every small business owner I try to create the best product I can.  By the way, ‘Cowboy’s Toughest Ride’ received another five star review.  Yippee!

Jeanine McAdam’s latest story ‘Cowboy’s Toughest Ride’ is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Secret Cravings Publishing.  Besides appearing in HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE, An Anthology of Zombie Romance, Jeanine has published twenty-five short stories with True Romance and True Confessions (True Renditions LLC.).

Buy Link

SCP guest author Kathleen Ball

Hurting My Hip All in the Name of Research


I write Contemporary Western Romance. There is something about a cowboy that I just can’t get enough of. Of course, all my cowboys are hunky and buff, that part of writing is easy for me. Trying to write about horses was more of a challenge. I’d never ridden one. Yes, it’s true.
About a year ago, my daughter in law Brittany purchased a rescue horse named Dash. He used to be a racehorse but his knees weren’t strong enough. His owners made sure he had knee surgery. Brittany fell in love and bought him. I was thrilled to go to the stables with her and learn all about horses, the different breeds and how not to stand behind them and get hurt.
Dash is boarded with some interesting characters besides the horses there are two goats, a mule and a cow. The owner of the stables www.agavehurricanetrailcompany.com Christina offers all kinds of trail rides and excursions here in Keller Texas. I decided to ride a horse.
My horse’s name was Pina Colada and she was a pretty, short, white horse. Getting on the horse was so easy, they have steps, and you just hop on. You’re supposed to kick their sides to make them go. I tried. I guess I’m just too gentle. They kept yelling harder. I kicked harder and we were on our way. You’re supposed to hold on to the reins not the pummel- the horn shaped thing in the front of the saddle. Heck no I wasn’t letting go of that. I managed to hold the reins and the horn at the same time.
I learned soon enough that when a horse goes up hill you shift forward and the opposite when going back down the hill. It was a lovely ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In all the romance novels, I have read there is always a brawny cowboy to help the female down off the horse. Sadly, that was not the case. Brittany took the reins and said get down. Was she kidding? Well somehow, I didn’t follow the instructions correctly and I still had my foot in the stirrup as I tried to swing down. Thank God for Brittany or I would have been on the ground. But this author definitely suffered for her craft. My hip was out for over a week.
Would I go again? Hell yea as soon as it’s not 100+ degrees here in Texas. And I can always hope for that hunky cowboy to be there to help me down next time.

Blurb-
Advertising for a wife seems like the answer to all of Burke Dawson's
problems. He wants a wife and kids without emotional attachments, but he has no idea how much havoc one woman can cause.
Annie Douglas has her heart set on her hunky cowboy's love and she isn't about to stop until she gets it.

Excerpt-
They sat on the swing in complete silence. The sky was beginning to darken. Burke put his arm around her, pulling her close. He could feel her tremble at his touch and it humbled him. He couldn’t remember a time when a woman had such a reaction to him. The urge to pick her up in his arms and carry her to his bed was strong but he didn’t dare. He didn’t think she was the type for a one-night stand and that was all he was willing to offer.
Although he found her damn attractive, she was off limits. All he needed equated to an unpaid housekeeper not a woman that probably had no practical skills, even so, she was very tempting. There seemed something so vulnerable about her that it made him long to protect her.
He made the mistake of looking down at her upturned face. Her luminous green eyes trapped him. Unable to resist the pull of her he carefully leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. He only intended for the kiss to be brief, but she tasted like honey and he had to have more.
Annie moaned as Burke kissed her again. He swiped his tongue along the seam of her lips, coaxing her mouth open and deepening the kiss. His arms tightened around her, pulling her close to him. She smelled of sunshine, sweet and warm. Reluctantly he let her go. Annie smiled back at him anyway, and it pleased him. She looked lovely in her yellow sundress with her curly auburn hair falling down her back, and he couldn’t help but admire her cute figure.
 Gently, he removed her arms from around his neck and looked down at her with hooded eyes. Highly aroused by her, it was by sheer willpower that he stopped his advances. Her bruised lips looked inviting to him and her eyes shone with pleasure. God he wanted her. Burke smiled at her enthusiasm. The last woman in his house had overtly insulted every inch of it. He could hardly believe her reaction. She seemed genuine in her pleasure over everything. But, he reminded himself that it didn’t really matter. Burke grinned as he watched her scoop up the cat and whisper in its ear, her happiness so apparent. For a second he was glad that he adopted that ornery cat.
Regretfully, he stood up and moved away from her. “It’s been fun.”
“Yes it has,” Annie stood. She wobbled a bit and made her way to the porch stairs. She looked at Burke with her heart shining in her eyes. “Maybe you could consider me as a candidate for a wife?” she asked quietly.
He hesitated, not knowing what to say.
“Never mind.” She hurriedly rushed down the stairs to her car.
Maybe in another life, it would have worked, but he knew what the ending to their story would be.

Buy link

SCP author Marie DuFour talks about Aliens, Cowboys, and Irishmen

Aliens, Cowboys, and Irishmen, Oh My!

Hi all! My name is Marie Rose Dufour and I’m a writer with Secret Cravings Publishing. I have three novellas published and am feverishly working on a paranormal trilogy which keeps growing and growing by the day. Please leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of any of my books and a $10 Gift Card to Amazon, in case you want to buy the other two books. (wink, wink)

My question to you today is, if you found an author that you really liked, would you be upset if they wrote in all different genres? Sometimes I feel like I’m a writer who has ADHD. None of my books are written in the same genre, although they all are erotic romance. My first book, Fated Mates, is sci-fi. My second, Irish Rising, is a straight up contemporary romance. The third book, Saddle Up, is a cowboy/cougar romance. At the moment, I’m working on a paranormal story. So you can see, I’m all over the place.

Right now, I don’t have a signature genre. You could call me a “dabble writer” at the moment. Is this hurting me as an author with readers? If I want a hot cowboy story, the name Sandy Sullivan immediately comes to mind. I know if I’m in the mood for some hot male/male action, Shannon West will not disappoint. So to ask again, by writing in all different genres am I alienating certain readers. Do the sci-fi readers not want to read contemporary? Would the cowboy/cougar readers rather be tied up, dipped in honey, and placed on an anthill than read a sci-fi romance? Remove the anthill and that would be an awesome scene for another cowboy story. LOL!

To borrow a line from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “I’m like cookie dough.” As a writer, I’m trying on different genres to see what type will fit or what “cookie” seems right when I’m done. Honestly, I’m having such a good time writing that I don’t know if I’ll ever pick just one particular genre to write in. I’ve only been published for less than a year now. So for the moment, I’ll remain “cookie dough” and see where the baking, or should I say the writing will take me.

I love hearing from readers, so here are some places you can find me.

Marierosedufour@gmail.com

https://twitter.com/marie_r_dufour

http://www.facebook.com/marierosedufour

Meet the Author AJ Best

Growing up-

Favorite games - I loved to play freeze tag in the alley with my friends. They were, like I am, I little odd.

Family pets - We had several, but the one that hits home most is my Cocker Spaniel Lucy. She started getting old and peeing on the floor. My father wasn't going to have any more of that so he gave her to this couple in town. I sat on the stairs and pet her til the pulled her away. They promised me that they would bring her back to see me sometime. It never happened though. And then, damn Kenny Rogers all to hell, the song You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille came out and I was done for. I can't stand that song to this day!

Favorite holiday memory - Wow, this is sad, I can't think of one favorite holiday memory! <le sigh>

When you grew up, you wanted to be ___________. Why? I wanted to be a teacher. I looked up to them so much growing up, and saw what they did for me. I was an extreme over achiever when I was a kid and they had me tutoring in elementary school. I also tutored for the Accounting Department at the Community College I went to in North Carolina.

Favorite music group while a teenager - Favorite music group then, now, forever - EAGLES!



Now-

I would do anything for/to ____________. Touch Michael Jordan's bald sweaty head after a game of basketball. (Ooops, have I said too much?)

Candy bar that best describes me. Why? I would be the Almond Joy/Mounds candy bars. "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't!)

Your idea of romance (ex. an event, a moment, a gift) - Romance is the little unexpected things that happen in life. Like you go upstairs for a nap and your favorite pillow has your honey's cologne on it.

An embarrassing moment that happened to you written in a newspaper headline. BLOGGER CITED FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE IN REVIEW VIDEO.

If I wasn't an author, I would be a/an____________. - EVERYTHING! I have a love to learn, and I like to do everything. I oil paint, crochet, knit, sew, paint (houses), change door knobs, change window screen. I want to be able to do anything that I want. Doesn't mean that I will actually do it on a regular basis though. The only problem with that, I find I have 'things to do ADD'.

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ADORA SMUTZ ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Adora Smutz, here. We have a roundtable discussion today. I have four heroes of Jean’s books with me today. Please welcome, Tunney Nichols and Jim Caterson from “The Renovated Heart” and Mac Caldwell and Danny Maine from Now and Forever 2 and Now and Forever 3.

Leave a comment and be eligible to win a copy of The Renovated Heart!

Mac: Hey, guys, I thought this was a bowling alley.
Danny: Adora Smutz! What are you doing here?
Adora: Hi, guys. *grins* Fooled you, didn’t I? That free bowling coupon works every time.
Tunney: Who is this babe?
Adora: Ahhh, he called me a babe! Tunney, you’re such a sexy guy.
Tunney: *backs away*, hey, hey. Down, girl. Kit would never approve of this.
Adora: Who’s Kit? What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right? *bats her eyelashes*.
Jim: How do we get out of here?
Adora: The doors are locked gents. So sit down. You’re my captives for a while. This is a round table discussion. Here *passes out beer*, might make you more comfortable. *sound of beer bottle tops popping*.
Mac: What do you want, Adora?
Adora: Just want to ask you all a few questions. Let’s see…hmm, which do you prefer, blonde, brunette or redhead? Mac, you’re the oldest, you start.
Mac: Thanks a lot for the age crack. Let me think, slam dunk, I prefer chestnut hair and blue eyes on a woman. Danny?
Danny: Blonde and green eyed. Jim?
Jim: Big blue eyed brunettes do it for me. Tunney?
Tunney: blonde and blue-eyed.
Adora: What a bunch of creeps! Those are the descriptions of your girlfriends and wives. Brother, how unoriginal. Okay…*tosses out index cards*…so much for Jean’s questions. Now you’re gonna get my questions! *the men shift in their seats* What’s your favorite position for sex? Danny, let’s start with you.
Danny: Whoa, Adora! Not answering that one. *raises his hand*.
Adora: Coward! Mac…how many times a week do you have sex?
Mac: *blushes*…uh…I don’t remember.
Adora: A likely story! Tunney…ever do anything kinky in the bedroom?
Tunney: Uh…hmm…define ‘kinky’ Adora.
Adora: You know what I mean! You faker! Jim, your turn…How many times in one day do you have sex with Sarah?

Jim: *blushes deep red* uh…don’t think I’ve ever kept track, Adora.
Adora: You are all a bunch of phonies, killjoys! *stomps her foot*.
Danny: *gets up close to Adora. Puts his arm around her* But maybe we can set some new records with you, Adora…
Adora: Oh? Really? Raises her eyebrows.
Danny: Sure…*slips door open, signals to Mac to leave*…yup. How many times a week do you want to have sex?
Adora: *gets shy* well, gee…I haven’t thought about it…
Danny: *shoos Jim out the door* Think about it. There are four of us and one of you…
Adora: I love those odds…uh, ratio?
Danny: *motions for Tunney to leave* Do you have the stamina to take us all on? Close your eyes and pucker up, baby.
Adora: *closes eyes* Ooohhh, this is so exciting. Who’s going to be first? *Danny slips out the door, closing it quietly*. Come on, guys, don’t be shy. I don’t bite. Bet I can take you all on, one at a time that is. Hmm, come on, Adora’s waiting. *taps foot*…Mac? Jim?...Tunney?...Danny? *opens her eyes to see an empty room*. DAMN! Danny Maine, I’ll get you for this *shakes her fist*. Jean! Jean! Where the hell are you? I have some ideas who you should kill off in your next book. Jean! Get down here! This was your stupid idea. Jean!!!!

If you’re interested in Jean’s books, check out her website. I told her how to do it.
http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

Don’t forget to leave your email address to be entered into the giveaway of “The Renovated Heart”.

Check out my other books here

SCP author and guest blogger Jillian Chantal

I'm Jillian Chantal and I'm blogging today about my recent release called The Season of the Witch. This story fermented in my brain for a couple of years before I actually got more than the first few sentences in my head so I could write it. I'm very much a non-plotter when I begin writing and I usually start and the story flows from the first few words.

That didn't happen with this story. I love music and this story was initially inspired by the song Devil Woman. I got a vision of a crystal ball on a table with a cat peering into it and then the cat leapt off the table and shifted into a woman. I even had her name, Gato, which is Spanish for cat and I also had the hero's name.

I made a few notes about the hero and heroine and then nothing. Zero, zip, nada. I was stuck with about nine lines and two people who were shifters. Since the story was going nowhere fast, I set it aside. I'd peek at that beginning of a scene every once in a while until about two years went by.

Then, one morning, out of the blue came the next part and I wrote furiously for a few days and had a complete story. It took me a while, but I think it's a cute little read and I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I hope the readers feel the same way.

Gato is a seer but her crystal ball is on the fritz. It's too cloudy for her to see anything clearly. She teams up with Cord to solve the mystery of who's killing cat shifters. It's a fast-paced, quick read.

Here's a link to the trailer

Buy link

I love to talk to readers so feel free to email me at Jillianchantal@gmail.com or visit me on my website http://www.Jillianchantal.com

https://twitter.com/JillianChantal

http://www.facebook.com/#!/jillian.chantal