Genre: F/F Erotic Romance Penny can’t believe what happened to her: One day she’s studying sociology and paying her tuition with her job at a local café, the next she wakes up in a luxurious house which is the property of a rich and enigmatic woman. Carter Forbes is ready to lay the world at her feet, but what will she expect in return? As she uncovers Carter’s reasons to create this unusual situation, Penny can’t deny the attraction between them. Can she reconcile her desire with her beliefs about herself, or is this passionate affair doomed from the start? ~About the Author~ Raven J. Spencer, lesbian, married, loves everything sensual and indulgent which led her to write erotic romance and fantasies. When she's not writing, you can often find her on Pinterest in the pursuit of inspiration. And now... here's the cover....amazing right??I love Tina's books. Here's her latest and...be still my heart...it's a cowboy! Check it out....she's even having a giveaway!A Texas rancher, an Atlanta debutante, a will, and a fake marriage. Erotic Contemporary - Romantic Comedy - Let the fun begin! ![]() Damn shame it may be too late with her brother gunning for them both. Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Come-Your-Love-Tina-Donahue-ebook/dp/B010721J2S Excerpt: Cass had expected to be somewhat jittery today, but his anger with Willy was still fresh enough to have calmed his nerves, though not his thoughts. As the Wedding March swept through the gigantic space, Cass wondered if Willy would say or do something to hurt Lissa. I’ll pound you into the ground if you try. It’d be more entertainment for the six hundred or so guests. They oohed, then ahhed at the ringbearer who tripped, the flower girl who wet her panties halfway down the aisle, and a dozen bridesmaids dressed in filmy lavender gowns who grinned as if their lives depended on it. So much for having a small affair. Marvella and the rest of the bridesmaids had walked slowly, each of them taking Cass in as if he were on the auction block. Some of them eyed him so much they made this the longest damn wedding he’d ever suffered through. Patty must have thought the same. She hung on to one of the chairs while her gaze whizzed around the room decorated with more flowers than a Texas politician’s funeral. Cass would have given a few years of his life for some fresh air and a faster pace to these proceedings. After what seemed like hours, it was time for the main event. A hush fell over the guests as Willy stepped into view. Cass glared at the man, warning him to be nice or risk death. Curling his upper lip, Willy held out his arm for Lissa. A moment passed, then another, and still more with her nowhere in sight. She couldn’t have changed her— No, wait. There she was. Cass lost every bit of air in his lungs. Dear Lord, her hair was beyond glorious, curling this way and that, free and loose just as he’d wanted. Thank you, sweetheart. He couldn’t look at her dress enough. White as a cloud, it sparkled each time she breathed, the neck dipping low enough to show the gentle swell of her sweet little breasts. From where Cass stood, it looked as if she hadn’t worn a bra. Good girl. Although Lissa’s veil hung over her face, he could see that her gaze was down as Willy delivered her to his side…for safekeeping and a lifetime of what should have been love. Cass took her hand gently in his, surprised at how icy her fingers were. Lissa lifted her face. At that moment, Cass knew he wanted her completely, mindlessly, passionately; hell, he might even be falling in love. This was a woman he ached to share time with—all the good, even the bad—didn’t matter. Her expression softened; it yearned as much as his. Cass smiled. Uncertainty, then something he couldn’t read passed over her face. She turned away. His stomach fell. He wanted to ask what had just happened, what the problem might be, besides this nutty wedding. He needed to know if she’d ever want him as her real husband or even for a couple dates, but couldn’t get into that now. The minister had already started. His words sounded cold, no different from the contract Cass and Lissa had signed. How careful they’d been, spelling everything out, except what they should do about a wayward heart. Cass’ beat out of control, yet he said his vows in a surprisingly strong voice and then eased his mother’s ring onto Lissa’s finger, warming her hand with his own. When it was her turn, she claimed that she’d love him for all time, then slipped a gold band onto his finger. A warning to the world that he belonged to her now. As crazy as it was, Cass suddenly wanted that. The ceremony continued, for days it seemed. He felt as if he’d been doing this all of his life. Finally though, the minister shut up for a few seconds, broke into a broad smile, and said, “You may now kiss your bride.” What remarkable words those were, filled with such beauty and promise. With great care, as if he was exposing Lissa’s soul, Cass eased the veil from her face. He saw her flash of desire, followed by more uncertainty, maybe fear. Why? He’d never hurt her. Cass cupped her beautiful face in his hands. His work-roughened thumbs stroked her velvety cheeks as he lowered his mouth to hers. This time, he kissed Lissa with tenderness, respect, and patience.She was his wife and deserved the best. *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT *** About Tina: I’m an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Kensington, Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, Booktrope, Luminosity, and indie. Yay! Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised my work, and trust me, I’m forever grateful for that. I’ve had my books reach finals in the EPIC competition, one title was named Book of the Year at a review site, and others have won awards in RWA-sponsored contests. I’m actually featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Talk about feeling like a freaking star. Before my writing career, I was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. Outside of being an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, I’ve flown a single-engine plane (scary stuff), rewired an old house using an electricity for dummies book, and have been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally whenever I’m eating anything Mexican or Italian. Yeah, I like to eat (burp). You can check me out here – yes, I am everywhere! FB Fanpage: http://on.fb.me/1ChWdD7 Email: [email protected] Website: http://bit.ly/15Xy6LI Blog: http://bit.ly/1yRB9k9 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1wFmIu6 Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ziy4IU Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1Dl8DHy Triberr: http://bit.ly/1CE2ec7 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1yFLeMx Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/1ChWFkO My page at TRR: http://bit.ly/1vb7eEc EC Author Page: http://bit.ly/1Dh9wor Samhain Author Page: http://bit.ly/1Bvw6mL Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3KRomance Books 4 US: http://bit.ly/1JPtfeS Genre: Paranormal Logan McCall had always wanted to be a family man—in spite of—his playboy reputation. Find his mate, have a few pups and settle down into a long, loving relationship sounded good, real good to him. During a storm that rocked Chicago for three days, Logan found fate had a wicked sense of humor when it sent nurse Katie Wilson tumbling into his life. She was here for a weekend of loving with a man alright, just not with Logan. How can he convince a woman that his reputation as Chicago’s hottest bachelor is all smoke and mirrors and that what he truly longs for is a mate and a family he can love and cherish. Driving along a snow covered highway in the middle of a blizzard, Katie swore off men. It was a man who had put her in this dangerous situation. Well, a man and her stubborn pride. She’d been unwilling to waste the romantic getaway that had already been paid for at a secluded mountain cabin just outside the city. So she decided to enjoy the weekend all by herself—if you didn’t count the adult toys she had packed in her suitcase and the multiple pints of ice cream she planned to buy on her way out of the city. The last thing she’d been expecting on her binge-eating, binge-crying weekend was being Saved by the Wolf. ~Excerpt~ For an instant, her hands fluttered helplessly as she tried to figure out where to touch him. Then she remembered. She could touch him anywhere. He was hard as a rock—all over. She’d felt the proof of that not moments before. Katie’s hands explored his body, the corded muscles of his shoulders, the light mat of curling hair on his chest and the taut planes of his abdomen. He truly had a spectacular physique. Powerful arms roped with muscles, layers of strength making his chest and shoulders wider than any other man she’d ever been around. He was strong and powerful. And hers? Somehow it just felt right to think that. Like the growl of a wolf she’d heard in her head last night, the image of one flashed through mind and she had no doubt she was seeing Logan in his animal form. Buy Link: Amazon ~About the Author~ Marie Mason has always known, somewhere deep in her soul, that being a writer was what she was born to be. Thanks to the new and exciting world of self-publishing, Marie was finally able to make her dream come true. Part two of the dream is to be a full-time writer, spending the wee hours of the morning creating new and exciting characters for her readers. That part might take a little longer. If you’d like to contact her with a comment or suggestion, her email is [email protected] or you can find her on Facebook. Author Links: Facebook Facebook Page Twitter Goodreads Okay, I admit to being hung up on this series. Twin sexy guys who are shifters and a girl who falls for them... Ms. Centeno's Secrets of the Moon series has a new cover (and new story coming too!)....Don't you love the cover... here's the blurb.... During her darkest hour, will she find the courage to seek the light? Marjorie has eluded both capture and death yet again, but her days are numbered. The old threat has resurfaced to endanger everyone she cares for and only a forged alliance with a member of royal blood will guarantee their safety and hers. However, in the midst of accepting who she is, Marjorie has to come to terms with the fact that those she considered friends may be anything but, and the mother she thought dead may have been missing against her will. A relationship in turmoil, a storm brewing in the distance, a shattered tranquility...will she find the courage to save her loved ones even if that means losing her humanity? Coming September 1st.... I bet you can't wait! I know I can't!!![]() Crash and Burn is my novella in the book bundle Crashing Into Love with six other amazing authors. Be sure to check out the rest of the Weekend Warriors at: www.wewriwa.com. In this scene, my heroine, Keira Matthews decides to go searching for water on the island with her dog. She reached out with her cupped hand to scoop out liquid but paused at Gris’s deep-throated growl. His hair stood on end as he bared his teeth at the small pool. “Baby, what’s the matter? What do you see? Is it a snake?” She whipped her head around, searching for the danger or animal. Yet, she couldn’t see anything other than the water. Licking her lips, she reached out once again. Well you know...that's not going to end well! You can purchase my book on Amazon for only 99 pennies or free with Kindle Unlimited. Don't forget to check out the other Warriors at: www.wewriwa.com. Crash and Burn by Melissa Keir
Can Rob and Keira's second honeymoon lead to romance, or will it crash and burn? On the verge of a divorce, Rob and Keira Matthews book a second honeymoon at the urging of their counselor. Unable to conceive, they've pushed each other away in an effort to protect their hearts. Will a romantic holiday be the ticket to love or a plane crash in disaster? BUY LINKS: Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Crashing-into-Love-Daryl-Devore-ebook/dp/B00ZSXMZ02/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434581355&sr=1-2&keywords=crashing+into+Love+Keir Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZSXMZ02?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/5561133 I'm excited to share a cover reveal for a new YA paranormal romance from Inkspell Publishing.Welcome to Westera, here you’ll find the most amazing views. This is the mountains, of course. If you look to your left you’ll find a nice couple cuddling on the park bench. It is chilly today, oh, wait…why is there blood coming from her neck? Yes, here in Westera you do get those interesting views of the beautiful landscape. The waterfalls, the nice people. It’s a wonderful place to reside. What most people don’t know is…that it’s also where the freaks reside. Hello all, my name is Nessa and I’m a witch. My friends are vampires. We’re not evil, at least I’m pretty sure we’re not. And I do like people…for the most part. About the Author: Ashley's favorite thing to write about is basically anything to do with myths, supernatural, paranormal...but upon occasions she'll write about normal teenage life. It comes somewhat naturally to her considering she's nineteen herself. If the vampires or other supernatural beings still haven't claimed her, you'll most likely find her with her computer, working on whatever story plots invaded her mind at that time. Like most teenagers, she's still unsure of what all she wants to do with her life. Become a marine biologist, graphic designer, editor, fashion designer? Or maybe just to writing, we might find out one day. She hopes to one day travel the world, take her mom to swim with dolphins, and let her sister finally visit Graceland. She currently lives in North Carolina with her mom, sister, and three crazy dogs who think they're human. You can find her on her website, or on pretty much any other social media site. You can find the links to those on her website. http://purpleunicorns174.wix.com/talknerdytome Doesn't it sound amazing? It's due to be released on July 2 in ebook at all retailers.Seven planes lift off…seven planes crash…seven stories of struggle, passion and love in the barren Canadian Wilderness, the coast of England, or the steamy heat of a tropical island. Romance hangs in the balance between survival and death. Brace for Impact by Daryl Devoré. What could be simpler than a routine plane trip from Toronto, Canada to Caracas, Venezuela for rookie flight attendant, Lori, and sexy R.C.M.P. officer, Guy Lapierre? But Fate had other intentions. Crashing into You by Lisa Kumar When Ashlee Trent meets handsome businessman Kaiden West on a plane to Australia, he eases her fears even as he sets her heart ablaze. But after their plane crashes into the ocean and they wash ashore, will the secrets surrounding him send their budding relationship into a nosedive? Crash and Burn by Melissa Keir Can Rob and Keira's second honeymoon lead to romance, or will it crash and burn? On the verge of a divorce, Rob and Keira Matthews book a second honeymoon at the urging of their counselor. Unable to conceive, they've pushed each other away in an effort to protect their hearts. Will a romantic holiday be the ticket to love or a plane crash in disaster?? Crashing Through Time by Jenna Jaxon The most dangerous thing about time travel is knowledge of the past: does she save him and change history, or let the tragic events play out and lose the love of her life? More than hearts can be broken when you crash through time. Love Comes Crashing In by Brenda Dyer Best friends find love in each other's arms, but can that love survive reality? Falling Hard by D'Ann Lindun He craves solitude to forget what a woman did to him. She needs one last chance before her career ends. Can a plane crash in the Canadian Rockies show them what really matters? A Splash of Romance by Deb Julienne Who knew a plane crash would lead to romance? Hannah Parks is a trauma nurse on her way to a symposium at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She just started her bucket list and a plane crash definitely isn't on it. Oliver Lawson's divorce is final and he's looking to start over. A tropical island, a gorgeous woman. Romance is one thing, getting there as a result of a crash landing...who knew? What do you think? Are you ready to shop?? Here's more images!!
![]() I just had to share this latest release. I'm in love with this town. Hot hunky cops and fabulous doctors....Grab a piece of pie and drop in.... Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her. Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer. Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist. BUY LINKS: Amazon: B&N: Kobo: All Romance Ebooks: “You’re not always going to be there, Jack.” “I’m right here.” “Sure, today. What about tomorrow or next week or next month? How long am I supposed to live like this?” He knew that look in her eyes. Fear. She’d never been afraid of anything in her life, and she didn’t want to be now. But her words had cut him deeply. She didn’t trust him to keep her safe. “I’ll find him.” To his own ears, his voice sounded harsh. “You can count on it.” Maggie reached out and put her hand on his arm, the look in her eyes softening. Her temper faded as quickly as it had been set off. “I know you will.” Jack couldn’t have been more surprised when she moved in that final step. His arms opened to her automatically and slid around her body. She laid her head on his chest. He held her close, as if they’d held each other many times before. He wanted to memorize every detail of the way she felt against him. He moved his hands up and down her back gently, causing her body to mold against his even more. Jack’s good sense quickly left him. Taking a deep breath he resigned himself to let her go when she looked up at him with those eyes. Their light-brown color reminded him of good whiskey in a cut-glass tumbler. And she was staring at his mouth. When she wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, he was lost. Grasping her hip, he slowly dragged her up his body until those wet lips were inches away from his own. Desperate to kiss her, he continued to watch her until she finally lifted her gaze to his. He hoped to see interest or even curiosity shining there, but her undisguised need sent him over the edge. Jack brushed his lips over hers giving her every opportunity to change her mind. She tightened her grip on his upper arms, holding him to her. Lowering his mouth again, he finally tasted the lips that had haunted him for months. Full, soft, and warm, they parted beneath his and he dipped his tongue between them. ![]() Heather M. Gardner's love of books began on the hand-woven rugs of her small town library. There she had a never-ending supply of stories to read at her fingertips. As a teen, she would curl up with her favorite genres, romance and mysteries. When she started to create her own stories, they were the perfect fit. Heather resides in New York with her best friend who is also her husband, plus her talented and handsome son. She is currently owned by four stray cats. Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time from home, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, cat addict, book hoarder and fluent in sarcasm. Blog: The Waiting is the Hardest Part - http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @hmgardner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWritesRomance Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HMGardner Genre: Paranormal Romance Riley and her best friend Bea are starting their freshman year of college. Away from home and on their own the two witches are still learning what capabilities they have. Nathan is the most powerful witch, known as the wizard. Over the centuries he's managed to keep a low profile. That is, until Riley walks into his class. While trying to manage her magic, Riley's attraction to Nathan intensifies. Riley also befriends Ace, a frat boy Bear shape shifter that feels protective over her for a number of reasons. Not everything is as it seems. But the one thing that remains is her fate, as it hangs in the balance. Does Riley's fate lie with Nathan or Ace? ~About the Author~ Renea has always had her nose inside of a book ever since she could remember. She has wrote ever since she was young enough to write, never showing anyone what she was writing. Initially she started writing Coming Back to You without intending to publish, but her hubby of 15 years encouraged her to publish it. And she did. She couldn't imagine never writing. Its in her blood. Her mind is always wondering, plotting and full of ideas. Even her hubs questions her sanity sometimes, because she well her characters are real. They feel real. Author Links: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Here's the cover you've been waiting for.....Today I'm welcoming a well-versed writer who has a great non-fiction book out! Hello Veronica Frances and thank you for visiting today. Tell us a little about yourself. I am the author of the gutsy, no-holds-barred novel, Tickling Daphne H. My new non-fiction book Let’s Talk About Tickling sheds a refreshing new light on the subject. I am known as the TickleWriter in some circles and I also writes under my real name, Stacey Handler. I’m also the author of The Body Burden; Living In The Shadow Of Barbie. My book was featured in Jump Magazine, Australian Women’s Weekly, The National Enquirer, and several other publications, radio shows and cable TV shows. Thanks! It sounds like you have a busy life. Now on to some personal questions. If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself? Even though now is a time of learning, there will be a day when you realize that you have a lot to teach people and it is your creativity that is going to show you the way. For what are you grateful? I am grateful for the support and love of my family and to have grown up with plenty of love in my life. I am also grateful for my creativity. If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable? I would try and listen to my intuition and use the power of positive thinking. I would probably join all the zombies just to see what it is like and hope that I would come out of it one day so I could write about my experiences. What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? Listen to music or watch television. Having my feet tickled is also very relaxing. Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. I published my first book on body image fifteen years ago and have grown very much as a writer since then. I like to dive into a project and see where it takes me. I love being surprised by my own ideas and sudden inspirations. I realized I wanted to write erotic fiction as well as erotic non-fiction. I was always writing poems and erotic stories in high school, but I dreamed of writing a non-fiction erotic book that would help people in some way and I have finally accomplished that with my new book, Let’s Talk About Tickling. Did you always want to be an author? I always loved to write, but I never thought I would actually publish stuff until I was in my early twenties. Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? My wild imagination and non-stop creative mind. I also like it quiet when I write. How did you decide to write a non-fiction book about tickling? Since my last tickling book was a work of fiction, I wanted to write a non-fiction book on the subject. I realized I have so much to say about tickling, so I started putting all my thoughts down on paper and before I knew it, I had a book. What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? That writing the book is actually the easiest part for me. The business and promotion sides of being a writer are much more challenging and often frustrating. Tell us about your latest release: Even though Let’s Talk About Tickling is primarily a book about tickling, you do not need to have a tickling fetish to enjoy and benefit from this book. You may or may not have a tickling fetish, but you may have other fetishes or kinks looming around the garden of your sensuality, as your sensuality is always growing. It’s just a matter of whether you are open to what your own sensuality has to offer you. As for tickling, even though you may or may not have the fetish, you might know someone who does, or may feel interested or intrigued by tickling and what it is about tickling that some people find so arousing. So, this book may very well be something that interests you, whether you have a tickling fetish or just a strong curiosity about fetishes and kinks in general. This book is for anybody who wishes to expand their sensuality and improve their relationships in and out of the bedroom. Whether you are in a relationship or not, you have a very important relationship with yourself and your sensuality is an important part of that relationship. Embracing yourself and your sensuality is an important part of your personal growth. Even if you are not fully in touch with your kinky side, this book will help you find that kinky part of yourself you may have kept hidden or want to explore further. Do you have a favorite chapter? Why? One of my favorite chapters is called Busting The Constant Laughter Myth. This chapter busts the myth that a ticklish person’s default response to tickling is always laughter. While it is true that some people are more ticklish than others, laughter is only one of many responses tickling can cause. How much a person laughs while being tickled is not an accurate measure of how deep their love of tickling runs or how ticklish they are. The tickling fetish is a psychological response to loving tickling. Laughter is a physical response to being tickled. They are not really the same thing. A person can love tickling, but not be a big laugher. A person can laugh uncontrollably while being tickled, but hate tickling with a passion. Tickling is a sensation that causes many responses, some of which are psychological rather than just physical. The physical responses vary, according to many different factors. Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… You can contact me via my website: http://www.ticklewriter.com You can also follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TickleWriter ![]() Title: Let’s Talk About Tickling Author: Veronica Frances Publisher: Blue Note Books Pages: 240 Genre: Non-fiction/Erotic Literature/Self Improvement Format: Kindle Let’s Talk About Tickling is an honest, straightforward discussion about tickling. Discover the many different aspects of tickling—the fantasies, the realities, the many paradoxes of the tickling fetish and how to come to terms with ones own sensuality. A refreshing and very welcome find, Let’s Talk About Tickling is for anyone who wishes to expand their awareness of tickling and other related fetishes. This book will be of great interest to anyone who wants to get in touch with their sensual self, whether they have a tickling fetish or not. Author Veronica Frances offers her readers the chance to improve their relationships in and out of the bedroom by shining a light on the powerful significance of tickling. She reminds us that tickling is not merely the whisper of a feather on the flesh. It is an echo that calls us from deep within, beckoning us to listen and respond. For More Information
Now let’s face it, tickling can be the conduit for many things. It can make us surrender, whether we want to or not. It can be held against us if we are being interrogated by people who choose to use it to get us to talk. It can be used to reprimand us and put us back in line. It can be an unpleasant form of torture, even to the point of bringing us some slight pain. It can make us scream for mercy, buck up and down, laugh until we pee in our pants. It can humiliate us, yet make us continue laughing while in the midst of our own humiliation. It can demoralize us by forcing us to laugh and twitch against our will. It can also make us wet in our most hidden erogenous zones. It can arouse us nearly to death. It can lead to many things and is the gateway to one of the most intimate journeys known to man. Tickling is the magic bridge that hovers above our rivers of sexuality. Tickling is most definitely the gateway to sex. Sometimes you won’t even know that tickling is leading you down its slippery erotic slope until you are in somebody’s arms and feeling that ticklish little poke at your libido. ![]() Veronica Frances is the author of the gutsy, no-holds-barred novel, Tickling Daphne H. Her new non-fiction book Let’s Talk About Tickling sheds a refreshing new light on the subject. She is known as the TickleWriter in some circles. Veronica also writes under her real name, Stacey Handler. Stacey is the author of The Body Burden; Living In The Shadow Of Barbie. Her book was featured in Jump Magazine, Australian Women’s Weekly, The National Enquirer, and several other publications, radio shows and cable TV shows. Stacey excels at public speaking, singing, composing, and writing. She is a singer-songwriter, poet, and has written in many different styles. She has an album and several singles available, including her two popular anthems, Ain’t No Skinny Little Thing and Soap Opera Diva. She lives in New York City, where she continues to write erotica, fiction, poetry and non-fiction. For More Information Today I'm excited to share a new to me author. She let me put her in the hot seat for an interview. Hello Ashlinn and thank you for visiting today. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi Melissa, thanks for hosting me. I’m native Irish, and live in Switzerland with my husband and son. I’ve been writing contemporary romance for six years while also holding down a full time job in software. I’ve four books published by Crimson Romance. I write modern romance tales dealing with the topics that interest me and the readers I’ve gathered along the way: work-life balance, and what it means to have relationships in this technology-saturated world. Thanks! It sounds like you have an interesting life. I have family from Switzerland. Now on to some personal questions. If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself? Brush your teeth, girl. And don’t eat those candies. The dentist is a butcher. For what are you grateful? For living in the “first world.” Any time I think I have problems I just have to read a Médecins Sans Frontières article, or similar, to discover that, in fact, I don’t. If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable? Oh dear. Maybe half a day? I would be far too busy Googling “symptoms of zombie virus” to bother with postponing the inevitable. What television sitcom is most like your family? Why? I don’t watch TV sitcoms so I honestly don’t know. What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? Getting into warm water of some description—a bath, a Jacuzzi, a pool, not fussy. And if good company, good view and a chilled drink are available--even better. Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. Did you always want to be an author? No. I wanted to be a movie director. But then I realized I’d get more satisfaction from being the creator of the underlying story, i.e. screenwriting. So I started a distance novel-writing course with the London School of Journalism and it all followed on from there. What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? In chronological order: Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Douglas Adams, DH Lawrence, Bruce Chatwin, Jane Austen, Alex Garland. There have been tons more of course, but these stick out for me. I loved CS Lewis and Douglas Adams too! Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? Just my laptop, MS Word, and access to a coffee machine and chocolate. How did you decide to write a Young Adult story? Do you feel passionate about that age? I didn’t. My hero and heroine are in their 30’s and there’s a reason for that. I think in your thirties, love is harder to achieve given the hurdles of cynicism and life-responsibilities and yet this is make-or-break time for many people in the same sense that the early 20’s was in Jane Austen’s era. This absolute urgency makes the 30’s the most interesting for me and it’s an age I am passionate about. What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? Writing is not a lonely business at all. Writing is an opportunity to connect with like-minded (i.e. slightly crazy) individuals you’d simply never meet otherwise and to make true friendships that transcend the trials and minutiae of everyday life. Tell us about your latest release: BLURB: Living with her dad and single since the Ice Age, Fiona Halpin’s plan is to get a promotion, a swanky house, and a boyfriend—strictly in that order. So when Dr. Declan MacCarthy and his protest leaflets turn up outside the power plant where she handles public relations, she’s almost too busy doing damage control to notice how gorgeous he is. Almost. Declan has returned from Japan to settle in his Irish hometown and live a meaningful life by treating his cancer patients and joining a campaign against the biggest local employer’s deadly radiation risks. But that means facing off with the fierce Fiona, who’s as protective of her company as a pack of Rottweilers. As Fiona slowly warms to Declan and his passion for his cause, a strong compatibility and common ground develop between them. But can she let down her defenses enough to let him reach her inner core, or is their passion only heading for meltdown? How did you decide on your story plot? One of my favorite screenplays ever is “Edge of Darkness” by TK Martin, adapted for a BBC mini-series in the eighties, about a girl who investigates a nuclear power station in England and gets murdered for her curiosity, leaving behind a distraught father. Nuclear power is an emotional, polarizing topic that’s usually swept under the carpet and I wanted to see how a couple on opposite sides of the debate could fall in love. Then, after writing my first draft, Fukushima happened which further informed the plot and I made Declan into a grieving widower after his wife perished from radiation sickness in Japan after the disaster. How did you choose your characters names and location for your story? They’re all Irish. I just used names that were distinctly Irish but still pronounceable. As for location, I used my home town even though there has never been a nuclear power station anywhere in Ireland. Do you have a favorite scene? Why? Yes, it’s where Fiona discovers who Declan really is. It’s one of those mistaken identity tropes (that I love) but it’s resolved early enough on in the story not to be annoying. Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why? I have a soft spot for Gerald, the hacker who says it like it is and who’s just trying to make the world a better place in his own abrasive way. He says the stuff out loud that I wouldn’t dare to. I’d turn him into a hero for his own book if only I knew how to do a miraculous makeover and make him sexy enough. Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… There are many ways but the absolute best is to sign up for my newsletter at which I send out 4-5 times a year with news, previews and freebies. There’s also Facebook and Twitter of course. Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!! I love connecting with real readers so feel free to friend me on Goodreads or Twitter or Facebook! ![]() Title: Core Attraction Author: Ashlinn Craven Publisher: Crimson Romance Pages: 201 Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Kindle Living with her dad and single since the Ice Age, Fiona Halpin’s plan is to get a promotion, a swanky house, and a boyfriend—strictly in that order. So when Dr. Declan MacCarthy and his protest leaflets turn up outside the power plant where she handles public relations, she’s almost too busy doing damage control to notice how gorgeous he is. Almost. Declan has returned from Japan to settle in his Irish hometown and live a meaningful life by treating his cancer patients and joining a campaign against the biggest local employer’s deadly radiation risks. But that means facing off with the fierce Fiona, who’s as protective of her company as a pack of Rottweilers. As Fiona slowly warms to Declan and his passion for his cause, a strong compatibility and common ground develop between them. But can she let down her defenses enough to let him reach her inner core, or is their passion only heading for meltdown? For More Information
Ten meters into her Friday morning jog, Fiona paused at the rusty mailbox on Main Street. She held up the manila envelope and gave it a quick kiss. “For luck,” as Princess Leia would say. She stuffed it into the mailbox. Never mind luck, I bloody deserve this. Just give me the promotion already. Seaweed-scented mist permeated the air, seagulls cawed out their first song, and the upbeat tempo of her music blared from the earbuds dangling from her neck. She stuck them back in, having had enough of Mother Nature for one day. Her jogging route hadn’t changed in the five years she’d worked at DunCore, even if its frequency had whittled down to once a month or less. She’d gotten lazy. But now, at thirty-two, the flab-to-muscle ratio of her thighs veered toward catastrophic. Hence the jogging on a freezing January morning. The last stretch of her route snuck beyond civilization, along a pedestrian path fringed with marsh reeds—a forlorn track the general public had chosen to forget. The twin cooling towers of DunCore loomed ahead, like massive binoculars planted lens down in the earth. Two plumes of steam conjoined and separated in a slow-moving dance. It had a certain beauty if you were open-minded enough about urban landscapes. And nuclear power. Her eyes gravitated toward a dark speck at the top of the path about a kilometer away—unusual here at this hour of the morning. She squinted. The speck moved. Aha, something animate—not an abandoned rubbish bag, but human, a male figure, moving, bending to pick up something that looked like a bike. Didn’t he know the bike shed was at the other entrance? She slowed to an easy jog to avoid panting stupidly when she approached him. Maybe he was a first-day employee who’d forgotten his security badge and had to go all the way back home. Well, tough, mister; you know I can’t just let you in. Mystery man had stopped his activity—untying a cardboard box from his bike’s carrier—and had straightened to full height. Tall, definitely unfamiliar, and far too good-looking to be standing anywhere within a five-mile radius of DunCore. Fiona edged closer, curiosity tripping over itself in her brain. His faded black jeans and unfashionable fleece jacket didn’t detract much from the overall impression that remained, on closer examination, something along the lines of wow. Who hired this guy, and which department did he work for? He wiped a dark curl off his forehead with the bend of his wrist, a useless gesture in the steady breeze. She waited for him to say something, because her first words after jogging were sure to come out croaking. “Hey.” His frown softened to an expression suggestive of a smile he hadn’t quite committed to yet. “Good on you for showing up.” Fiona glanced around. Was he talking to someone else? But who then? Her head darted back to stare at him. His tone casually continued a conversation they’d never started. “Didn’t think anyone’d actually jog it out here though,” he continued. “You know, I’d have given you a lift if you’d pinged me beforehand.” He jerked his head toward his old racer bike lying in the reeds, looking like it had been rotting there for years. The climate tended to have that effect on inanimate objects. She tried to un-widen her eyes and play along with this strange employee’s game. Not the smartest of moves on his behalf, but she’d give him the benefit of the doubt, seeing as he was so good-looking and all. His complexion was local—pale and freckled, no-nonsense blue eyes—but unlike your average Irishman, he looked seriously lean under those winter clothes. He sounded local, too, but the accent waned on some vowels as though he’d been abroad or had endured elocution lessons at school. His arms were smeared in something one hoped was engine grease, but he had manicured nails. His smile seemed kind but sad. All sexy contradictions, this one. He nodded as if she’d said something aloud, which she most certainly hadn’t, and he bent down to attend to the package he’d taken off the carrier, pulling a knot loose and wiping his palms on his jeans. “Are … are you—” She cleared her throat. Bloody hell, some first impression he was getting from Ms. Public Relations Manager Aspiring to Vice President. “Sorry, I’m Declan. Obviously.” He straightened again to full height, and by now there was a definite hint of who is this crazy woman? lurking in his intelligent eyes. He rubbed his hand on his thigh. Then she felt her fingers clasped in a handshake. Warm, blessedly warm. She tried to swallow her alarm. What’s obviously? “Well, it looks like no one comes to this entrance, so we got that one wrong. The rest of the lads are on the vehicle entrance.” He gestured with his mobile phone. “They say there’s a fair bit of traffic over there and they’ve already pissed off a few workers. I better get over there before they manage to do something stupid.” Her gaze shot around, bounced off his bike, his scruffy training shoes, and landed on the bundle of leaflets beside his feet on the grass. They were emblazoned—and she could not believe she’d hadn’t noticed this until now—with the words “SHUT IT DOWN!” in stark lettering along with Communist-era cartoons of people dying horribly. Oh for pity’s sake. An environmentalist! ![]() About the Author Ashlinn Craven writes about people who find love, themselves, and each other, in testing circumstances. When she’s not writing, she’s working her hi-tech job or doing her lo-tech mom routine. Currently living in Switzerland, she delights in hearing from her readers from all around the world. Her latest book is the contemporary romance, Core Attraction (Crimson Romance). For More Information |
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January 2025
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