Wolf Fever is up for Best Read based on the Long and Short Review, so if you have a moment and don't mind voting, here's the link! Thanks!!
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm
This is my FIRST review for Wolf Fever and I'm ecstatic!!
Wolf Fever by Terry Spear
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (399 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/wolf-fever-by-terry-spear.html
Wolf Fever is another winner of a story that kept me on the edge with its unique master storytelling and plot. There are villains of different flavors and degrees that prevented me from guessing which way Ms. Spear was going to go. I enjoyed the brisk dialogue and the insights it gave me as I read. I liked Carol and Ryan as a couple and Ryan’s sister is a hot ticket. The quality of writing is as strong as ever and a must read for paranormal wolf fans who enjoy a romance laced with humor along with great suspense. It sure made it a hard to put down book. For me, I didn’t want to stop reading, even when it was time to go to bed. Who wants sleep when they’re in the middle of reading a story by Ms. Spear? Her writing is pure entertainment.
************
Thanks to Xeranthemum for making my week! And considering how I've been feeling after the TOOTH implant, I needed something to make me smile...even if it hurts to do so.
You know how nurses will ask what level of pain you're dealing with from 1 to 10? Mine was way off the scale, batting more of a thousand. ALL my teeth were hurting on the right side of my head, even my ear was aching I was in so much pain. And the bleeding wouldn't stop. I was in tears yesterday, not sure if it was due to some of the medicine or strictly the pain, but I was totally miserable. I had to even drive back into town to see if the bleeding was all right, and get a stronger pain medicine. I'm the type that rarely takes anything more than an over-the-counter pill, even if I have a splitting sinus headache, I often don't bother taking anything--just because I can't bother to stop what I'm doing to take something for it. But this time, I couldn't ignore the pain. *sigh*
So much for this being less traumatic than having the cracked molar pulled.
Yesterday it was ice packs, today heating pads. Instead of a pointy chin, I have a square jaw--on one side. I look like I'm sucking on a watermelon. Hmmm....how can I fit this experience into a story???
Unfortunately, the pain is kicking in again, and though I was hoping I could sleep later this morning, I was up at 4:30 AM again. Taking the pain pills makes me nauseous so I ate half a bagel to try and coat my stomach a bit yesterday morning and lost it by early afternoon. The good part is that I really can't go to work again today as badly as I feel. And that means that I can work on some of the interviews I need to do for the blog tour. The bad part is what if they don't make any sense? LOL :)
Off to take an antibiotic and pain pill and write another interview. Have a super Saturday. And hopefully over the weekend I'll have enough of a break that by the time Monday rolls around, I'll be feeling more or less normal. Hmm, less normal...is that like...paranormal?
But the way I feel right now...fat chance. *sigh*
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm
This is my FIRST review for Wolf Fever and I'm ecstatic!!
Wolf Fever by Terry Spear
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (399 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/wolf-fever-by-terry-spear.html
Wolf Fever is another winner of a story that kept me on the edge with its unique master storytelling and plot. There are villains of different flavors and degrees that prevented me from guessing which way Ms. Spear was going to go. I enjoyed the brisk dialogue and the insights it gave me as I read. I liked Carol and Ryan as a couple and Ryan’s sister is a hot ticket. The quality of writing is as strong as ever and a must read for paranormal wolf fans who enjoy a romance laced with humor along with great suspense. It sure made it a hard to put down book. For me, I didn’t want to stop reading, even when it was time to go to bed. Who wants sleep when they’re in the middle of reading a story by Ms. Spear? Her writing is pure entertainment.
************
Thanks to Xeranthemum for making my week! And considering how I've been feeling after the TOOTH implant, I needed something to make me smile...even if it hurts to do so.
You know how nurses will ask what level of pain you're dealing with from 1 to 10? Mine was way off the scale, batting more of a thousand. ALL my teeth were hurting on the right side of my head, even my ear was aching I was in so much pain. And the bleeding wouldn't stop. I was in tears yesterday, not sure if it was due to some of the medicine or strictly the pain, but I was totally miserable. I had to even drive back into town to see if the bleeding was all right, and get a stronger pain medicine. I'm the type that rarely takes anything more than an over-the-counter pill, even if I have a splitting sinus headache, I often don't bother taking anything--just because I can't bother to stop what I'm doing to take something for it. But this time, I couldn't ignore the pain. *sigh*
So much for this being less traumatic than having the cracked molar pulled.
Yesterday it was ice packs, today heating pads. Instead of a pointy chin, I have a square jaw--on one side. I look like I'm sucking on a watermelon. Hmmm....how can I fit this experience into a story???
Unfortunately, the pain is kicking in again, and though I was hoping I could sleep later this morning, I was up at 4:30 AM again. Taking the pain pills makes me nauseous so I ate half a bagel to try and coat my stomach a bit yesterday morning and lost it by early afternoon. The good part is that I really can't go to work again today as badly as I feel. And that means that I can work on some of the interviews I need to do for the blog tour. The bad part is what if they don't make any sense? LOL :)
Off to take an antibiotic and pain pill and write another interview. Have a super Saturday. And hopefully over the weekend I'll have enough of a break that by the time Monday rolls around, I'll be feeling more or less normal. Hmm, less normal...is that like...paranormal?
But the way I feel right now...fat chance. *sigh*
Terry"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
Do you believe in Magick?
Witch meant “wise woman” to our Pagan ancestors, as it does to me. I cannot think of any more appropriate term. Laurie Cabot (the official witch of Salem, MA) warned, “Do not teach this craft to fools.” I don’t think I hear that quite enough. There is great power, thus great responsibility, at our wand-tips. Those who are governed by knee-jerk reactions or vindictiveness have no business wielding magic as a weapon. For those who fear modern day Wicca, know that the number one fundamental lesson we are taught is “Harm none.”
A craft is something creative. It’s also something we practice. Authors create and practice their craft each time they write a story—Wiccans may draw a magic circle and put an intention out to the universe as part of practicing their craft. Because I wish to be a wise-woman, I never told a certain ex-friend that I was involved with the craft. She had a hair trigger temper and revenge was something she thought was good to get. Right after Hollywood released, “The Craft” she asked me if I knew where she could learn witchcraft. I told her she should probably realize that Hollywood wasn’t real. I went on to mention that Witches today were more like a bunch of earthy, peace-loving hippies. She quickly lost interest.
In my recent release Strange Neighbors, not only do I have a ghost haunting the apartment building, but an array of paranormal characters who live there. Among them are shapeshifters of various types, a vampire, and two witches who are roommates. The elder is teaching her sometimes foolish younger cousin the craft with an emphasis on responsibility. I had great fun with these characters. So much fun in fact that although they show up in each book, the third and final book in the series features the witches prominently.
Having just finished writing that manuscript, I had to say a bittersweet goodbye to these characters. Meanwhile, I’m delighted to share the fruits of my labors with the world. Book 1 Strange Neighbors is available now; Book 2 The Werewolf Upstairs is coming Feb 2011. And I hope to be talking up book 3 The Vampire Next Door at about this time next year. I’m delighted with my adorable book covers, and hope you like them too.
I’ll be signing Strange Neighbors at the New Jersey Romance Writers conference 10/23—just in time for Halloween. If you can’t make it to that but would like a signed bookplate (or 3) just let me know. I’ll be happy to mail them to you, your book club or bookstore customers. You can contact me via my website.
http://www.ashlynchase.com TITLE: Strange Neighbors
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks
RELEASE DATE: 6/1/10
URL: http://www.sourcebooks.com/products/romance/9781402236617-strange-neighbors.html
ISBN# 9781402236617
GENRE: Light Paranormal Romance
LENGTH: Novel
When all-star pitcher and shapeshifter Jason Falco buys a small apartment building, he sees it not only as an investment but as a place to escape the demands of Major league baseball.
That is, until he meets his tenants—a sarcastic unemployed vigilante vampire; a wereraven with a morbid sense of humor; a super friendly salesman werewolf; and two witches with an owl familiar who work as phone sex actresses. Not to mention a ghost haunting the place and an all too human nurse he’d like to get to know better. But with all the hooting, howling and hollering going on, how’s an all American shapeshifter supposed to sweep a girl off her feet?
Ashlyn Chase describes herself as an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to give her readers a scrumptious, satisfying, reading experience.
She holds a degree in behavioral sciences, worked as a psychiatric RN for several years and spent a few more years working for the American Red Cross where she still volunteers as an instructor. She credits her sense of humor to her former careers since comedy helped preserve whatever was left of her sanity. She is a multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic romances.
Represented by the Nancy Yost agency in New York, NY, she lives in beautiful New Hampshire with her true-life hero husband and a spoiled brat cat.
Where there’s fire, there’s Ash
www.ashlynchase.com
Check out my news, contest, videos and reviews.
http://www.myspace.com/ashlynchase Find me on MySpace and be my friend.
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Yes, I’m on facebook and I tweet as GoddessAsh.
In keeping with the spirit of Halloween, no pun intended, I thought I'd offer a small treat...the lost chapter of Seducing Gracie, my latest novella from Changeling Press. I guess that isn't exactly the best way to describe it--more like "cut during the revision process"--but "lost" sounds so much more mysterious and alluring than "cut." lolThe lost (lol) portion was originally Chapter 1; however, it reads more like erotic horror than pure erotica, so after much deliberation, the publisher and I decided to cut it. What follows is a tidbit and a link to my blog to finish it if you like. I'd post more of it here, but it gets a bit sexy in the middle and a little gory--perfect for the upcoming holiday.
Also, on October 31st, I'll be posting a free short story on my blog for erotic horror buffs to enjoy. Until then, here's a bit of Seducing Gracie to satisfy your not-so-sweet tooth. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
He watched her breasts rise and fall, pressing against the clingy peach cloth of her filthy tank top, their motion smooth even though her breathing increased to steady, shallow gasps as he approached. She pressed her face between her white-knuckled grip on the iron bars and peered into the hallway, squinting. The woman sensed him, felt his presence. Too bad for her.
His imagination revved up when he caught her scent. Fresh and human, laced with a hint of fear or excitement. Maybe a blend of both. Her kind thrived on either. He pictured torturing her nipples with his sharp teeth until she moaned, and nipping his way up the tan skin of her calves to her soft thighs and further on.
Read more at Cameo Brown's Erotica.
In honor of Halloween, I'm offering a free read. I hope you enjoy it!
Demon and the Angel
The demon stepped into the dimly lit neonatal intensive care unit. “Good evening, Angel,” he said softly.
The angel looked up from where she was bent over a stainless steel barred crib. “What brings you here, Demon? This is no place for one of your kind.”
“I saw you fly in, Angel. My…appetite was whetted.”
“Take yourself and your appetites elsewhere. I’m busy.”
“The place is deserted.” He glanced around. Emptiness pooled in the corners of the room, reaching its sly fingers towards the one occupied crib. Soft lights haloed the angel and a very still, tightly swaddled baby. The blue and white cap on the baby’s head advertised his sex. The snaking tubes and softly beeping machines signaled his trouble.
“The obstetrical unit of this hospital is closing due to high malpractice rates.” The angel turned back to her task, leaning over the crib again. “This is the last baby born here.”
Demon almost missed her words, focused as he was on her shapely ass outlined by the pale gray uniform that blended so well with the gray hospital walls. Real nurses never wore dresses any more, but her glamour provided both an effective disguise, and an irresistible lure. This angel knew exactly what she was doing.
“That nurse glamour is oddly sexy, dear Angel.”
“Yes,” she snapped, turning back to glare at him. “We angels know how you demons like to get your purity fix every so often.”
He laughed. “Too true, sweetheart. It does cleanse the palate, so to speak.” He let his gaze wander over her, knowing his bold perusal would start a fire simmering within her. “And we demons,” he drawled, “know you angels need some lovin’ from a bad guy every so often to light you up.”
He checked out her shiny brown hair, her wide-spaced gray eyes, her smallish, but determined nose, and her generous mouth. Cute. Adorably cute. He had to have her.
“Hush, Demon.” She turned away from him. “Your voice is too deep. It disturbs the baby.”
He moved to the other side of the crib so he could face her. Now he could savor the sight of her pert breasts, her narrow waist and gently flaring hips. Utterly delectable. His cock ached.
He nodded at the crib. “How much longer ‘til you’re done with the baby?”
“Must you sound so uncaring?”
“I’m a demon, darling. It’s not my job to care.” He grinned at her anger. It would only stoke her appetite.
“I’m not interested in whatever you might be offering tonight.” Her gray eyes snapped at him, told him to go, but her pointy nipples signaled him as effectively as the beeping machines.
“I think you lie, Angel.” Finish the story here.
Demon and the Angel
The demon stepped into the dimly lit neonatal intensive care unit. “Good evening, Angel,” he said softly.
The angel looked up from where she was bent over a stainless steel barred crib. “What brings you here, Demon? This is no place for one of your kind.”
“I saw you fly in, Angel. My…appetite was whetted.”
“Take yourself and your appetites elsewhere. I’m busy.”
“The place is deserted.” He glanced around. Emptiness pooled in the corners of the room, reaching its sly fingers towards the one occupied crib. Soft lights haloed the angel and a very still, tightly swaddled baby. The blue and white cap on the baby’s head advertised his sex. The snaking tubes and softly beeping machines signaled his trouble.
“The obstetrical unit of this hospital is closing due to high malpractice rates.” The angel turned back to her task, leaning over the crib again. “This is the last baby born here.”
Demon almost missed her words, focused as he was on her shapely ass outlined by the pale gray uniform that blended so well with the gray hospital walls. Real nurses never wore dresses any more, but her glamour provided both an effective disguise, and an irresistible lure. This angel knew exactly what she was doing.
“That nurse glamour is oddly sexy, dear Angel.”
“Yes,” she snapped, turning back to glare at him. “We angels know how you demons like to get your purity fix every so often.”
He laughed. “Too true, sweetheart. It does cleanse the palate, so to speak.” He let his gaze wander over her, knowing his bold perusal would start a fire simmering within her. “And we demons,” he drawled, “know you angels need some lovin’ from a bad guy every so often to light you up.”
He checked out her shiny brown hair, her wide-spaced gray eyes, her smallish, but determined nose, and her generous mouth. Cute. Adorably cute. He had to have her.
“Hush, Demon.” She turned away from him. “Your voice is too deep. It disturbs the baby.”
He moved to the other side of the crib so he could face her. Now he could savor the sight of her pert breasts, her narrow waist and gently flaring hips. Utterly delectable. His cock ached.
He nodded at the crib. “How much longer ‘til you’re done with the baby?”
“Must you sound so uncaring?”
“I’m a demon, darling. It’s not my job to care.” He grinned at her anger. It would only stoke her appetite.
“I’m not interested in whatever you might be offering tonight.” Her gray eyes snapped at him, told him to go, but her pointy nipples signaled him as effectively as the beeping machines.
“I think you lie, Angel.” Finish the story here.
Fairy Glen on Isle of Skye (above) was even more beautiful and magical than I expected.All of my published novellas so far have included magic in some form--either a witch wielding dark magic and turning men into shapeshifters, or a magical amulet which brings lovers together. In addition, my latest sale, a novella to Harlequin's Carina Press, is a paranormal historical fairy tale.
Laird of Darkness: In hushed whispers, they call him the Laird of Darkness. Duncan MacDougall is a tormented half-Fae Highland chief with amazing abilities. Because Otherworld demons torture him in his sleep, he would do anything to acquire the magical Dealanach bow, the solution to his problem, even if it means taking his enemy’s future bride hostage.
Magical healer Lady Alana Forbes has never met her betrothed, but when his enemy half-brother kidnaps her and spirits her away to his castle’s tower bedchamber, she isn’t sure she wants to meet any other man. Though Duncan’s actions proclaim him an outlaw, she sees beneath his troubled surface. When he tries to allay her fears in the darkness, comfort turns to erotic seduction.
Has Duncan destroyed his chance at acquiring the bow? Does he still want the bow, or would he rather keep Alana? Will he end up with neither after his enemy attacks?
Laird of Darkness is scheduled to be released in March.
Even though this story isn't set in Fairy Glen or on Isle of Skye, I was keen to explore the amazing and beautiful site. And I was thrilled the weather was nice so we could do a bit of hiking.
Fairy Glen is said to be Scotland in miniature. There's a wee loch, wee conical shaped fairy hills, and a small cliff that looks like a castle ruin at the top. It is truly a charming place with a happy feeling. 
We walked up a hill which gave us a lovely view of a waterfall in the opposite direction. Then we hiked up toward the small cliff which gave us wonderful views down toward the loch. Now I find this place is haunting me and I must go back!
We walked up a hill which gave us a lovely view of a waterfall in the opposite direction. Then we hiked up toward the small cliff which gave us wonderful views down toward the loch. Now I find this place is haunting me and I must go back!
Did you ever visit a place that evoked a magical feeling or simply a feeling of great happiness?
Thanks for stopping by!
Nicole
http://www.nicolenorth.com/
This is Halloween Week. A spooky week of ghosts and witches and goblins. Costumes and trick or treating and haunted houses. I thought I'd take a peek at my backlist and feature a couple stories that fit right in with this week's theme.
Ghosts - Quinn's Curse from eRed Sage:
Cursed to wander Logan Point, lusty pirate Nathaniel Quinn must resist the call of the sea. But nobody said anything about resisting a beautiful woman like Miranda Kent, the newest owner of the lighthouse. So what if their love is doomed? Doom is familiar territory for a ghost like Nathaniel....
Where do bad boys go when they die? If the bad boy is a pirate captain, he goes to shore.
Cursed to haunt dry land for three hundred years, forbidden to touch the ocean he loves, Nathaniel Quinn’s spirit lingers near the Logan Point Lighthouse until his sentence is served. All he wants is an end to the three hundred year curse so he can haunt the seas instead of the shores.
That’s all he wants, that is, until the day Miranda Kent buys the lighthouse with the intent to turn it into a bed and breakfast. She hopes the presence of a ghost will bring in the tourists, but Quinn has finally found a benefit to his time on land.
She can hear him. See him. Touch him. He may only have a short time remaining at the lighthouse, but at least now he can enjoy it like a sailor on shore leave.
But pleasure turns to impending pain as these doomed lovers discover they’re touching more than each other’s bodies. They’re touching each other’s hearts. The long-awaited end of Quinn’s shore curse might just mean a different kind of curse…
Because an eternity sailing the seas might also be an eternity separated from the woman he loves.
Haunted House - Nothing to Fear from Ellora's Cave
Mason's dark good looks and domineering personality give Kelly all sorts of forbidden fantasies that frighten her. When she agrees to help out at the community Halloween haunted house, she never expects to be tied to a bed, playing damsel in distress to Mason's masked, whip-wielding villain.
Kelly can't run away from Mason this time. He knows she's fighting her sexual needs and he hopes that a few hours of playing out her fantasies with him will prove to her that bondage — and Mason — are nothing to fear.
If you're in the mood for a little Halloween romance, both Quinn's Curse and Nothing to Fear are still available for download.
So do you have any other recommendations for Halloween related romance?
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
Ghosts - Quinn's Curse from eRed Sage:
Cursed to wander Logan Point, lusty pirate Nathaniel Quinn must resist the call of the sea. But nobody said anything about resisting a beautiful woman like Miranda Kent, the newest owner of the lighthouse. So what if their love is doomed? Doom is familiar territory for a ghost like Nathaniel....
Where do bad boys go when they die? If the bad boy is a pirate captain, he goes to shore.
Cursed to haunt dry land for three hundred years, forbidden to touch the ocean he loves, Nathaniel Quinn’s spirit lingers near the Logan Point Lighthouse until his sentence is served. All he wants is an end to the three hundred year curse so he can haunt the seas instead of the shores.
That’s all he wants, that is, until the day Miranda Kent buys the lighthouse with the intent to turn it into a bed and breakfast. She hopes the presence of a ghost will bring in the tourists, but Quinn has finally found a benefit to his time on land.
She can hear him. See him. Touch him. He may only have a short time remaining at the lighthouse, but at least now he can enjoy it like a sailor on shore leave.
But pleasure turns to impending pain as these doomed lovers discover they’re touching more than each other’s bodies. They’re touching each other’s hearts. The long-awaited end of Quinn’s shore curse might just mean a different kind of curse…
Because an eternity sailing the seas might also be an eternity separated from the woman he loves.
Haunted House - Nothing to Fear from Ellora's Cave
Mason's dark good looks and domineering personality give Kelly all sorts of forbidden fantasies that frighten her. When she agrees to help out at the community Halloween haunted house, she never expects to be tied to a bed, playing damsel in distress to Mason's masked, whip-wielding villain.
Kelly can't run away from Mason this time. He knows she's fighting her sexual needs and he hopes that a few hours of playing out her fantasies with him will prove to her that bondage — and Mason — are nothing to fear.
If you're in the mood for a little Halloween romance, both Quinn's Curse and Nothing to Fear are still available for download.
So do you have any other recommendations for Halloween related romance?
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
So I’m really excited to announce that I’ve sold my first full length novel to Carina Press. It will come out sometime in the summer of 2011. With this story, I will have a new pen name of Abby Niles. I love having a new pen name to attach to a new genre that I will be published in.
Defying Convention is a contemporary romance full of humor. I loved writing this story, because of the setting.
Why you ask?
Because it is held at a Sci-fi/Fantasty convention.
You just can’t beat being able to play around with a setting like that.
Here is the UNOFFICIAL blurb to Defying Convention:
With a livid boss determined to humiliate her before firing her, reporter Emma Portland goes undercover at the 31st Annual GalaxyCon determined to unearth a news-worthy story and save her career. But what kind of scoop can she possibly find among geeks and freaks? Then she meets Luke Blaster, author of the bestselling Sci-fi series “Farmen” who is besieged by an angry mob of revenge-seeking fans. With each wacky LARP (Live Action Role Playing) she’s forced to participate in, she becomes certain that Luke’s easy smile and twinkling eyes hide a secret that could win back her job. But Luke’s unwillingness to talk about his past isn’t Emma’s only obstacle. The more time she spends with him, the more her feelings for him grow, and she becomes torn between falling in love and saving her career.
Luke Evens, a.k.a Luke Blaster, has more problems than unruly fans attacking him with foam swords and locking him in supply closets—even if he does get locked in with the delectable Emma. If anyone ever his discovered his secret, his life would be ruined. But meeting Emma brings hope for a future he didn’t believe possible. To make her his, Luke must relive a past so horrible even he doesn’t want to face it. Will telling her the truth finally set him free or will his heartfelt revelation pave the way to a betrayal he never saw coming?
Defying Convention is a contemporary romance full of humor. I loved writing this story, because of the setting.
Why you ask?
Because it is held at a Sci-fi/Fantasty convention.
You just can’t beat being able to play around with a setting like that.
Here is the UNOFFICIAL blurb to Defying Convention:
With a livid boss determined to humiliate her before firing her, reporter Emma Portland goes undercover at the 31st Annual GalaxyCon determined to unearth a news-worthy story and save her career. But what kind of scoop can she possibly find among geeks and freaks? Then she meets Luke Blaster, author of the bestselling Sci-fi series “Farmen” who is besieged by an angry mob of revenge-seeking fans. With each wacky LARP (Live Action Role Playing) she’s forced to participate in, she becomes certain that Luke’s easy smile and twinkling eyes hide a secret that could win back her job. But Luke’s unwillingness to talk about his past isn’t Emma’s only obstacle. The more time she spends with him, the more her feelings for him grow, and she becomes torn between falling in love and saving her career.
Luke Evens, a.k.a Luke Blaster, has more problems than unruly fans attacking him with foam swords and locking him in supply closets—even if he does get locked in with the delectable Emma. If anyone ever his discovered his secret, his life would be ruined. But meeting Emma brings hope for a future he didn’t believe possible. To make her his, Luke must relive a past so horrible even he doesn’t want to face it. Will telling her the truth finally set him free or will his heartfelt revelation pave the way to a betrayal he never saw coming?
i
Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Scotland off the east coast of Scotland was the first day of our trip. As you can see, I was bundled up that first day. It was windy, cold and situated high above the North Sea. It was the only day I wore a hat and gloves, although I believe I pulled up my hood on other occasions.
The oddest part was that it was warmer on the castle grounds even though many of the areas were very much open to the sea winds, but closer to where we parked the car, which was farther from the sea, the colder it got!
Everything was covered in moss and I wondered if it would have been as mossy earlier in the history of the castle. :)
Note the interior walls weren't as thick as outer walls, and see how green everything is even in October. Also, I didn't have to bend down to enter the buildings, although that's probably because I'm not that tall. But here, it's probably about 6 foot tall at the opening where I was standing. Hmm, as I write this, I looked back up at the picture above, and it appears this is one of the openings that even I would have to have bent down to enter.
One of the defense measures used in castles was to make entryways lower so that the enemy would have to crouch upon entering, giving them a decided disadvantage. I wouldn't have had that disadvantage as I didn't have to bend over hardly ever. But many of the entryway heights were only an inch or so above my own height. I always think of people of earlier times being shorter than the men of our day, but this wasn't always true. Which means they were about 5'5".
I commented once to my Playfair Scots descendants that my grandfather was so short, and it must have been that side of the family. He was Welsh, but his grandparents were Playfair and a German Cramer. But I was told that they were all tall. So it must have been his Irish Welsh/Kelly family that were smaller. Not sure. I haven't been in touch with any of the family on that side, couldn't find them, so they may say Nay! to that too. :)
My computer is still not working, but when it is, I wanted to show pictures of the day we returned to Edinburgh. On the drive back, we were surrounded by pea soup. I hope the pictures turned out well. It was perfect for the way I had written the opening pages of Heart of the Highland Wolf. Which the marketing staff is now working on, so hopefully it will be up for preorders soon.
I'm off to another day of work! Have a great Saturday and I should have Killing the Bloodlust up tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. What with being on the trip, I couldn't upload it and working nonstop, no time this week. Work has been absolutely crazy. So tomorrow, I hope to have the story up. :) Thanks to all my fans who have written, hoping I'll send the next installment soon!!!
Terry
"Giving the meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Scotland off the east coast of Scotland was the first day of our trip. As you can see, I was bundled up that first day. It was windy, cold and situated high above the North Sea. It was the only day I wore a hat and gloves, although I believe I pulled up my hood on other occasions.The oddest part was that it was warmer on the castle grounds even though many of the areas were very much open to the sea winds, but closer to where we parked the car, which was farther from the sea, the colder it got!
Everything was covered in moss and I wondered if it would have been as mossy earlier in the history of the castle. :)
Note the interior walls weren't as thick as outer walls, and see how green everything is even in October. Also, I didn't have to bend down to enter the buildings, although that's probably because I'm not that tall. But here, it's probably about 6 foot tall at the opening where I was standing. Hmm, as I write this, I looked back up at the picture above, and it appears this is one of the openings that even I would have to have bent down to enter.
One of the defense measures used in castles was to make entryways lower so that the enemy would have to crouch upon entering, giving them a decided disadvantage. I wouldn't have had that disadvantage as I didn't have to bend over hardly ever. But many of the entryway heights were only an inch or so above my own height. I always think of people of earlier times being shorter than the men of our day, but this wasn't always true. Which means they were about 5'5".
I commented once to my Playfair Scots descendants that my grandfather was so short, and it must have been that side of the family. He was Welsh, but his grandparents were Playfair and a German Cramer. But I was told that they were all tall. So it must have been his Irish Welsh/Kelly family that were smaller. Not sure. I haven't been in touch with any of the family on that side, couldn't find them, so they may say Nay! to that too. :)
My computer is still not working, but when it is, I wanted to show pictures of the day we returned to Edinburgh. On the drive back, we were surrounded by pea soup. I hope the pictures turned out well. It was perfect for the way I had written the opening pages of Heart of the Highland Wolf. Which the marketing staff is now working on, so hopefully it will be up for preorders soon.
I'm off to another day of work! Have a great Saturday and I should have Killing the Bloodlust up tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. What with being on the trip, I couldn't upload it and working nonstop, no time this week. Work has been absolutely crazy. So tomorrow, I hope to have the story up. :) Thanks to all my fans who have written, hoping I'll send the next installment soon!!!
Terry
"Giving the meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
This is a street in the old part of the city of Salzburg. The entire area is a pedestrian zone. The inhabitants of the city walk and ride bicycles a lot. Mozart lived in the yellow house on the left.
In the next picture, you can see the river that runs through Salzburg, and the bridge is only for pedestrians. The hotel on the riverbank is the Sacher Hotel, where we stayed. It's a wonderful hotel and I recommend it if you find yourself in Salzburg.
Finally, I have to show a picture of my favorite spot. The National Library in Vienna. And one of the Austrian Alps.
Call me a romantic, but I’ve always been drawn to history, when men were men and women swooned. Okay, it wasn’t really like that. Throughout history, women had to be strong in order to survive, but there definitely were times when men were stronger. Ancient Rome, for instance. The days of muscled gladiators and fierce Roman centurions. I’m fascinated with ancient Rome, and so it was only natural that I set my latest historical novella in 52 B.C., just as the Roman Empire conquers Gaul (ancient France). And because CONQUEROR VANQUISHED is a romance, of course my hero had to be a powerful, Alpha-male commander of a Roman legion, who meets his match in the newly conquered French healer, Solange!
Here’s the setup:
>>Leonidas Danae Vorenus, commander of Rome’s prestigious Sixth legion, is ordered to establish a strategic outpost in Gaul after its surrender to Julius Caesar. But on the way to his new post, Leonidas is seriously wounded in an ambush. Only one person can save his life, and she’s his sworn enemy.
Solange is a healer. She values every life, even if it belongs to one of the hated Romans who’ve just conquered her land. Bound by her duty and now by her new position as a subject of Rome, she is obliged to tend Leonidas.
But the relationship between conqueror and conquered soon evolves into much more. Their forced intimacy ignites an unexpected attraction, and prompts the two enemies to look beyond the reason for their hatred to explore the powerful emotions simmering just underneath.<<
Here’s the setup:
>>Leonidas Danae Vorenus, commander of Rome’s prestigious Sixth legion, is ordered to establish a strategic outpost in Gaul after its surrender to Julius Caesar. But on the way to his new post, Leonidas is seriously wounded in an ambush. Only one person can save his life, and she’s his sworn enemy.
Solange is a healer. She values every life, even if it belongs to one of the hated Romans who’ve just conquered her land. Bound by her duty and now by her new position as a subject of Rome, she is obliged to tend Leonidas.
But the relationship between conqueror and conquered soon evolves into much more. Their forced intimacy ignites an unexpected attraction, and prompts the two enemies to look beyond the reason for their hatred to explore the powerful emotions simmering just underneath.<<
Oooh, don’t you just love those powerful Alpha males who are brought to their knees, er, I mean, brought to their senses, by love? I know I do!
Since any good historical story needs to be grounded in reality, I did a lot of research for this one. Most of the information I found on ancient Rome is common knowledge, but I did uncover some fascinating, little-known facts:
- Roman soldiers baked their own bread to eat while on campaign. Every group of eight soldiers had an iron skillet that folded away in their pack just for that purpose. A soldier's daily grain ration was about 3 ½ pounds, and the army docked their pay for the grain they were given. Imagine if our army leaders charged soldiers for their meals today!
- Roman soldiers were forbidden to marry, but if they were already married when they enlisted, that was okay. You might think this rule would be a problem for a romance between my unmarried Roman commander, Leonidas, and the woman he loves, but you’ll just have to read CONQUEROR VANQUISHED to see how Leo skirts that particular issue!
- Most of our system of measurements came from ancient Rome. A Roman foot was 11.65 modern inches, a Roman mile was 5000 Roman feet (compared to our modern 5280 feet), and a Roman hand (4 inches) is still used today to measure the height of a horse at the shoulders. Fascinating stuff!
- A typical Roman fort was basically a small, self-sustaining, walled city, with a network of roads that connected several buildings including a house for the Commander, several barracks for the soldiers, stables for horses, a granary, kitchens, a smithy, even a hospital (if needed). With its high rampart walls and wide dirt moats, it was an almost-perfect, defensible stronghold.
- Since my story is a romance, I also had to research ancient Roman weddings. I was amazed at how many traditions of our modern weddings can be traced back to Roman times! Take the wedding cake, for example. After an ancient Roman ceremony, an offering was made to their main god, Jupiter, which usually consisted of cake. Once the priest had made the offering, this cake was eaten by the bride and groom, and then shared with wedding guests. Many more of our modern wedding traditions come from ancient Roman times, including carrying a bride over the threshold!
I enjoyed researching the ancient Roman empire almost as much as I enjoyed writing CONQUEROR VANQUISHED, and I’d love to know what you think of it! You can take a peek here: EXCERPT or here: http://www.leighcourt.com/ . This Roman setting is a departure from my previous two Victorian romances, but I’m obviously drawn to the past, when men were noble, and lived for honor.
What about you? Do you prefer modern men or historical men?
One of my favorite pastimes is watching Major League baseball games, especially those played by my favorite team--The Baltimore Orioles. Recently my boyfriend and I attended their last game of the regular season. In addition to meeting and shaking hands with Boog Powell, watching Luke Scott in batting action, and being photographed with a celebrity, the day was filled with many inspirational and happy moments.
One of those blissful moments occurred as I filled my mind's eye with the glorious green of the turf and almost performed a dance of delight right there in the Club Section. Whether or not those avid fans enjoying beverages and ballpark treats would have enjoyed such an impromptu outburst will forever remain a mystery LOL
Usually I carry a steno pad to jot story ideas or character sketches during my travels. That day I used the backs of two promotional pages to record the ideas racing through my head. Baseball figures prominently in this romantic tale which may take more of a women's fiction or literary turn before the first-draft process is complete. This said since a week later we attended a fabulous World War II historical event. After hours of snapping photos and taking notes, I believe I've begun a special writing journey--a journey that may possibly encompass the brainstorming of two companion novels to make a trilogy.
Here's to those magical times when fun and creativity blend in the best way possible and give us authors and readers an ultimate gift.
Blessings and all the season's best,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
One of those blissful moments occurred as I filled my mind's eye with the glorious green of the turf and almost performed a dance of delight right there in the Club Section. Whether or not those avid fans enjoying beverages and ballpark treats would have enjoyed such an impromptu outburst will forever remain a mystery LOL
Usually I carry a steno pad to jot story ideas or character sketches during my travels. That day I used the backs of two promotional pages to record the ideas racing through my head. Baseball figures prominently in this romantic tale which may take more of a women's fiction or literary turn before the first-draft process is complete. This said since a week later we attended a fabulous World War II historical event. After hours of snapping photos and taking notes, I believe I've begun a special writing journey--a journey that may possibly encompass the brainstorming of two companion novels to make a trilogy.
Here's to those magical times when fun and creativity blend in the best way possible and give us authors and readers an ultimate gift.
Blessings and all the season's best,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
One of my favorite days on my recent trip to Scotland was exploring Isle of Skye. It was a bright, sunny day and warm by Scottish standards. 
We passed the Sligachan Bridge and drove to Dunvegan Castle on the northwest side of the isle. 
The MacLeods, lords of the isles, have lived at Dunvegan for over 700 years, longer than any other line of clan chiefs have possessed their lands and castle. Leod was the youngest son of the last Viking king of the Isle of Man and the Hebrides. In the 1200s he possessed a large portion of the Hebrides. In 1340 the third clan chieftain, Malcolm, built the large square tower at Dunvegan. 
The tall Fairy Tower was added in 1500 by Alasdair, the 8th clan chieftain. The current look and design of the castle dates from 1840-50.
The MacLeods, lords of the isles, have lived at Dunvegan for over 700 years, longer than any other line of clan chiefs have possessed their lands and castle. Leod was the youngest son of the last Viking king of the Isle of Man and the Hebrides. In the 1200s he possessed a large portion of the Hebrides. In 1340 the third clan chieftain, Malcolm, built the large square tower at Dunvegan. The tall Fairy Tower was added in 1500 by Alasdair, the 8th clan chieftain. The current look and design of the castle dates from 1840-50. Upon arriving we found the landscape and gardens beautiful, lush and colorful. Thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, less hardy plants can grow here. Below is a photo of heather.
The castle was being repaired which didn’t bother me. I’m glad to see important historic buildings being taken care of. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside but I enjoyed the many paintings, old weapons, furniture and the historical atmosphere of the rooms. I was glad to see the Fairy Flag on display.
The Fairy Flag (below) is a tattered and worn banner of silk from the Middle East or Far East. It is said to have mysterious, magical powers to protect the clan during times of war or danger. Legend says the flag was presented to one of the MacLeods by a fairy. One source says it dates from the 4th – 7th centuries. Another says it is at least a thousand years old. (The photo below was taken in the 1920s.)
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Another important relic at the castle is Sir Rory Mor’s horn, a drinking horn (above). Legend says before a chieftain can be instated and to prove his manhood, he must drink a horn full of wine without stopping and without falling down.
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Outside in the back were beautiful views over Loch Dunvegan and steps that led down to the sea gate (above). We also observed MacLeod’s Tables, beautiful flat topped mountains, (below) along the way.
Nicole
Before I mention the first castle, I wanted to say that I almost didn't make it to Scotland, and was totally unprepared with what to do...what a near disaster!
This was the first castle we visited and it was very cold here! I loved this castle--only one room that was finished off and decorated, otherwise it was in ruins and trying to envision what it looked like when people lived here was more fun.
It was high above cliffs, surrounded by water on 3 sides and had a long way down stairs, then a long path up again until you came to the one entrance, easy to see anyone approaching by land or by sea.
We were very fortunate that the place was virtually empty and so were able to get a lot of pictures without having a ton of people in them. :)
After we saw this castle, I felt the trip was worth all the while.
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
This was the first castle we visited and it was very cold here! I loved this castle--only one room that was finished off and decorated, otherwise it was in ruins and trying to envision what it looked like when people lived here was more fun.
It was high above cliffs, surrounded by water on 3 sides and had a long way down stairs, then a long path up again until you came to the one entrance, easy to see anyone approaching by land or by sea.
Here was one of the rooms that would have been occupied by someone of status.
This shows some of the walls and one of the more finished buildings.
I love the water, and loved seeing the waves crashing on the rocks below the castle's cliffs. It's a long way down!
Here is one of the storage rooms. Note all the rocks were covered in green moss. It was cold and misty, cloud-covered, a cold breeze while we were here.
Note the thickness of the walls. Long drop off here to the rocks below!
This was the well where they would get their water. I was having fun getting a reflection of the castle in the water. I imagined a medieval people gathering to get water at the well for meals.
Note the thickness of the walls. Long drop off here to the rocks below!
This was the well where they would get their water. I was having fun getting a reflection of the castle in the water. I imagined a medieval people gathering to get water at the well for meals.
In the earlier days, arrow slits were part of the defense system. Later, they created round holes for guns.
Again, rocky, watery grave if prisoners tried to escape, and very difficult to access from down below. The castles were built with primarily defense in mind.
This was the chapel.
This was the chapel.
We were very fortunate that the place was virtually empty and so were able to get a lot of pictures without having a ton of people in them. :)
After we saw this castle, I felt the trip was worth all the while.
Every vacation should have a disaster or two to make them really memorable, right? Of course! So I made my flight just fine to Houston, to Newark, was getting ready to board for Edinbourgh, and my passport had expired the month before.
I have to say that the folks at Continental Airlines were wonderful. They helped me to get to Philadelphia on Amtrak the next morning and the security at the Customs House were wonderful, and the clerks there too, to ensure that I could get on my way. It was a sweat job getting a train, a taxi, a photo from Kinkos over half a mile from the Custom House, and all the while I'm lugging a bag (the other went to Edinburgh and was happily waiting for me there), very briefly noting historical monuments and buildings along the way in my frantic rush, a very thorough screening, and then hours later with new passport in hand, a rushed taxi ride back, which was the scariest part as the meter went out on the driver's taxi and he kept trying to get his phone that had fallen on the floor while slamming on his brakes when someone stopped in front of him in the traffic filled streets. Then the train ride back to Newark, back through security and on the plane that I should have taken the night before.
Which meant that I didn't have a night to sleep. As soon as I arrived in Edinburgh, I met my friends and we were on our way across Scotland!
The way I look at it was that I had never been on a train, never to Philadelphia, and so it was a unique experience. And it showed that an impossible situation was made possible. I will also say that I'm not the only one who has faced this crisis!!!Although I wished I had seen that my passport was nearly expired. But I've only used it once in 10 years, so I never even thought about that aspect!!!
Maybe it'll go in a book someday!!!
Maybe it'll go in a book someday!!!
Have any wild adventures in traveling?
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
