What do you think? Would you like to get to know him better?
He might be a wolf....or not. Never know!
You see, I know some wolves...Heart of the Highland Hero
And this just up to finish off the old year!!!
Thanks to Mason, I'm up here!
Thoughts in Progress Interview! With a free giveaway!
And this delightful review of:
DREAMING OF THE WOLF
Terry Spear
ISBN: 9781402245558
December 2011
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Paranormal Romance/Shapeshifter
Mass Market paperback
In this delightful novel we have Alicia Greiston as the heroine. After her mother was killed by two mob guys, she becomes a bounty hunter who promises to track her mother’s killers down and put them in jail where they belong. Jake Silver is one of three triplet male werewolves born in the pack Alpha. His brother is the Alpha, which is fine with Jake who spends his time as a talented photographer. He only intends to be in town long enough to deliver his latest shipment of photos to the local art gallery when he spies a suspicious, and very lovely woman taking photos of a license plate.
This book is full of action, crime mobsters, surprising twists and very hot sex between our two main characters. I loved the balance of Jake’s personality; he was both an alpha male while not needing to be the Alpha of his pack. He could be strong, but he had much more to his personality than just macho posturing.
Dreaming of the Wolf is Spear’s 8th book in the Heart of the Wolf series, however, new readers can easily follow all the action, romance and lore without having read previous books in the series. That being said, I challenge any of you to read one Terry Spear book and not RUN to your nearest bookstore to order the rest. ~~~ Crystal CK2 Kwips and Kritiques /
Thanks so much to Crystal, who made my day this last day of the year!!!
Okay, I'm off to work--the last day of the year, wishing everyone a wonderful New Year's Eve!!! I have to go in an hour early to leave an hour early, so I've really got to watch my time!
Happy New Year's Eve!!!
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality."
www.terryspear.com
I could write today about New Year's resolutions, but since I don't believe in making them, I decided against it. I feel like there's no time like the present if I need to make a positive change in my life, so if I do decide to set a goal for the new year and it happens to be January 1st, it's a coincidence. Besides, Esme's post about songs that irritate kind of inspired me. I went back through all my pictures, trying to find art that irritated me to stay with the same theme. However, I found more pictures that made me smile than those that didn't, so for my last post of 2011, I'd like to share some pictures that lighten my day.The first picture is the book cover to the side here. I posted it because it's one of my favorite covers and one of my favorite books to write. A Stranger's Desire is a twist--no pun intended--on the standard BDSM story, light-hearted on the surface but with undercurrents of grief and the desire to be loved. Yes, it contains extremely graphic content, but at its heart it's about a woman healing from loss and learning to live and love again. Lilly and Beau are two of my favorite characters to work with, and I hope readers enjoy hanging out with them as much as I did.
This next image is on the list because it's quirky and fun. I use it on my blog in my logo.
These sexy lips made an appearance in a post about kissing. Ooooolala!
This pic you've seen a couple of times before because I love the sexy lace and what's hiding behind it. Makes me wanna play hide and seek. lol
No explanation needed for this one, is there? 
I love pictures depicting happy, loving couples, and this fits that description to a T. Also, on a serious note, it always reminds me of breast health: self- or partner- breast exams and mammograms. Yet another good friend of mine has discovered she'll be fighting breast cancer in 2012, so I'm using this picture to promote the cause. I've scheduled my mammo for next year. Have you?
This is one of the first images I used in my book trailer for my Dragon Song series. I love my dragons!
This snake made his appearance in the book trailer for Second Nature. I selected him because he gives off a vibe of wisdom. Don't you agree? It's almost like he can read your mind (and knows what you're thinking about that guy behind the lace. lol)
I can't remember why I originally downloaded this, but every time I see it, I think, "Dude, you're in the desert. Why are you in swim briefs?"
This cat picture always catches me off guard because I can't figure out what it's doing with its mouth right away. It's probably just yawning, but he looks maniacal. I imagine the Santa hat has something to do with its attitude. lol
This hunk made an appearance in one of my posts about the military. Hooorah!
I love the indifference the subject shows in this Portrait of a Lemur. I downloaded it because I have a running joke in a couple of my books about shape-shifters, one a lemur and the other a domestic cat. Does anyone remember which books?
Every time I see this, I think how lucky some people are to be able to rock the color lavender. Man, does this guy make purple look good!
Here's the model from a few pictures above, still in swim briefs and still in the desert. However, now he's on the right track--he's trying to climb out and find a pool. Or perhaps he just goes rock-climbing in swim trunks. Doesn't matter to me as he looks awfully fine either way!
So there are a few of my favorite images from the year 2011. I actually found tons more, but I don't think there's enough space for all of them. Be assured, though, that I'll definitely be scoping images for 2012's post. It's gonna be a GREAT year!Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
Labels:
A Stranger's Desire,
Cameo Brown,
Disappear,
Military,
Second Nature,
shape shifter
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I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Mine was full of chaos, but it was worth every minute. On Christmas Eve we have a tradition with my mom and dad where we all pile into the car and see Christmas lights before we do our Christmas Eve dinner. We do this every year, and every year one song comes on the radio that makes me groan and want to jump from the car.
Don’t think badly of me because of the song, I can’t help it and I will explain. I absolutely cannot stand to listen to The Little Drummer Boy. The moment the rapping of the drums start, I want to throw my hands over my ears and repeat la, la, la, la, la. My mom laughs about it every year and then reminds me of how I used to hide the record when I was little.
You see, during Christmas, my mom played that record over and over and over again. Every. Year. FOR eighteen years. When I say over and over again, I’m being literal, not exaggerating. It was like no other Christmas song existed in our household. Apparently, I’ve carried my feelings into adulthood.
I do have another. The Doors Riders on the Storm. I used to wait tables at a pizza joint that had a jukebox. A co-worker of mine used to play that song every night after we closed while we were cleaning up. I grew to detest the song, and I still can’t stand to hear it.
Is there any song from your childhood that immediately makes you cringe when it comes on?
Esme
Let me give you some background. In October, I released Connected (Twists of Fate #1), and here’s a brief description of the story: A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
For a time, I had this for free on Wattpad (where I posted as I wrote it). And several readers asked me how in the world I came up with the concept. The short answer was ‘By taking the longest route possible.’ The more involved answer is this…
It all started with a song—Imagine that, huh?—which began with a synthesized-sounding guitar and a sinful, maniacal laugh that made my gut quiver. (Yes, I do realize this may be an issue I need to fully address later.) It was Disturbed’s “Inside The Fire”. Add a little Framing Hanley (with that oh-so-sexy voice), and Tavion, lead singer of the band Persevere, was born. And what kind of woman would knock a strapping rock star to his knees? Why, a best-selling author, of course.
So here I had two people who worked in the entertainment industry, but were worlds apart. What could possibly bring them together? The answer seemed so simple, really: Fate. Then my next though was “What if Fate was a living, sometimes-breathing, entity? What an interesting point-of-view that would be!” And it spiraled from there. I dug deep into the protag, Devan (the name of the girl in Disturbed’s song), and put pieces of me and my personality into the mix. Naturally, then I had to mock myself and my works along the way. (i.e., Suddenly Impending Reprisals became Devan’s masterpiece, and guess what…it made it all the way to the NYT Bestsellers list! Way to go, Devan!!)
Now, the question was ‘What inspired me to write Connected’, and so far, I’m telling you how I started writing Twisted (Book 2). Yeah, well, I’m getting there. (Remember how I said it was the longest route possible?)
So there I was, writing Twisted and having a hell of a time. And then the unthinkable happened (insert suspenseful music here)…I got writer’s block. I’m talking a stint of writer’s block that could only have originated from the deepest, most vile and sulfuric, bowels of Hell. And, man, was it stubborn! Over a year went by before I picked it up again, and even then it wasn’t because I came up with a grand master plan, or that my head was swimming with ideas. No. It was simply because I missed my characters. So I started to reread/revise/edit the 30K words I had written, hoping it would shake something loose. Enter: two new inspirations.
The first was the Demonica series by Larissa Ione. In the series, paired up mates can sense each other’s emotions and I got to wondering “What would that be like?”
The next piece of inspiration came from Avenged Sevenfold (A7X). I was studying up on rock bands for Twisted (and can A7X ever ROCK!!), and checking out the band members (*drool*) and it inspired a new character—Rhys.
From Ione and A7X blossomed Connected (finally!) where Rhys’ spirit was stuck inside Addison (my protag), and they could sense each other’s emotions.
But I had one problem. I absolutely REFUSED to walk away from Twisted again. Soooo…how could I use this? Well, first of all, Rhys couldn’t be a lead singer since that’s what Tavion is. And secondly, I wanted this to be a fast-hitting novella used to compliment Twisted’s story. What I needed was a supporting member of the band... Hello, Rhys, my luscious rhythm guitarist!
But then I had another problem. (Because I needed more, right?) I couldn’t picture Rhys in Tavion’s band, Persevere, which is a more mature, established group. No, he belonged with some just-making-it-big band that wasn’t afraid to play with the formula, to take chances, and was just enjoying the ride and what life had to offer. He belonged with the guys of Black Codex.
Then problem #3: How did Black Codex and Persevere tie in to each other? I mean, if Connected leads into Twisted, they have to know each other somehow, right? Well, as luck would have it, they’re all friends. (Who knew?!) Eh, okay, so actually two members from Black Codex are brothers and they grew up with a guy from Persevere, so, by association, they became friends. (It’s all in the details, right?) ;)
All right. Now what? I didn’t want to introduce Fate (my sassy, capricious entity) in Connected even though he’s definitely hard at work behind the scenes. It would’ve been too distracting from the plot, and I had plenty to maneuver already! (Hello…dead rock star stuck in some chicks head!!) So what I did was plot Connected so it all occurs during the same timeframe as the first half of Twisted. Perfect! Then when people read Twisted, they’ll get all the behind-the-scenes-extras that were going on in Connected that either 1) I didn’t have time for, or 2) I couldn’t smoothly transition in.
At the end of my long-ass journey, not only did I have Connected, but I shook myself loose on Twisted…aaand came up with storylines for the other eight band members. (I’ll spare you the details on those. LOL) Thusly, the Twists of Fate series was born.
So, let me ask you again: Did you ever get a song stuck in your head…?
For more information on the Twists of Fate series: http://jolynpalliata.wordpress.com/romance/twists-of-fate-series/
Twists of Fate series Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Twists-of-Fate-Series/190217514383637
For many, today is a time to relax after the craziness of the holiday weekend and enjoy some of those gifts Santa left under the tree. Hubby has already hooked up his new blu-ray player and I'm enjoying a cup of French vanilla coffee brewed in my new Keurig coffee maker. I've actually used my new workout gear too. Yes, I feel good about that.
If any of you got a new e-reader for as your gift, I can heartily recommend all the Fierce Romance authors. Take a look at the covers displayed here. Stop by the author websites, We have a great variety of stories for your enjoyment. I'm honored to be among such an amazing group of authors!
And just this week I was thrilled to read this review for RISK IT, from Fresh Fiction:Amy Carter is at the end of the line. She has the ideal life with 2 kids, a job she loves and a big house provided by a great husband. Everything except sex, that is. It seems everything has fallen by the way side with the machinations of everyday life between Will and her when it has to do with the bedroom. Too tired and too overloaded with the everyday humdrum, it's time to take matters into her own hands.
Amy rents a room at Paolo's Playhouse, a place to perform all your fantasies while watching others through a one way glass. Dressing in her new black lace sexy underwear, Amy loses faith that Will is going to show. Losing herself in her own sexual fantasy as she watches the couple next door, Will shows up. They renew their erotic sexual fantasies to reignite the flame they once shared.
The sexual fantasies described in RISK IT will blow your socks off. It's probably quite a little more than I am use to reading and is more explicit than anything else I have ever read before. If anyone is interested in detailed sexual eroticism, then this is the book for them.
So what did Santa leave under the tree for you?
Natasha
FLAUNT IT
RISK IT
www.natashamoore.com
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us here at Fierce Romance! Thanks so much for visiting and reading our blog. May your grandest wishes come true. Wishing you health, wealth and happiness in the New Year.
I know I'm really late, but here's what happened. My kids and their spouses landed in on me.
You see...first one turned on the heat to the equivalent of baking so at 3 in the morning I woke to turn the heat lower. Then I see ALL the Christmas lights on everywhere, so I turned everything off. Then I noticed someone had turned off my monitor. It's going out on me so once it's off, I have a devil of a time getting it back on. Then a Christmas elf (redheaded type)...kinda like in The Shadow Elf, yeah, that's the one...
took MY towels out of the bathroom I'm using, so she could use them. I already had given her towels for both of them. LOL
And then I went back to bed and couldn't sleep. Realized I didn't have my clock in my guest room as it was still in the master bedroom where my son and daughter-in-law and menagerie of pets--one cat, one dog, two flying squirrels and a partridge in a pear tree are sleeping. Well, maybe not the latter, but close. :)
And still couldn't sleep, fretting about getting out early enough to get to work for 3 hours, and then come home before anyone else woke up.
Remember the other day's post about the best laid plans? Yep...same today.
Woke up at 8:00!!!!! EIGHT O'CLOCK!!! Yeegads, then since I couldn't get on the monitor because I couldn't get anything but a blank screen, I couldn't write a blog.
I get home from work and everyone's leaving!!! Son and DIL are off to Walmart. Daughter and SIL are off to see his sister. And I'm....
HOME ALONE. Well, sort of. With the cat, the dog, two flying squirrels and the partridge in the pear tree. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. Oh, and you remember I fretted about cleaning the place up. That went by the wayside as soon as the son and DIL, cat, dog, two flying squirrels, you know the rest, came in yesterday afternoon. :)
Which means now is the absolutely perfect time to catch up emails and write my blogs before everyone comes home again....
So what all important thing came in the emails on Christmas Eve?
DREAMING OF THE WOLF has been nominated for the CAPA Awards...woohoo!!!
Okay, Cupid knew what he was doing!
Off to get into more trouble before everyone arrives home again, jiggety jog.
It's pouring out, supposed to be a high of 29, but it made it to 40, otherwise we would have had the white stuff. We actually truly did have it last Christmas!
Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I'm off to move my clock into the guest bedroom so I don't miss out on Christmas!
Love to all,
Terry and her hunky wolves and Highlanders!
You see...first one turned on the heat to the equivalent of baking so at 3 in the morning I woke to turn the heat lower. Then I see ALL the Christmas lights on everywhere, so I turned everything off. Then I noticed someone had turned off my monitor. It's going out on me so once it's off, I have a devil of a time getting it back on. Then a Christmas elf (redheaded type)...kinda like in The Shadow Elf, yeah, that's the one...
And then I went back to bed and couldn't sleep. Realized I didn't have my clock in my guest room as it was still in the master bedroom where my son and daughter-in-law and menagerie of pets--one cat, one dog, two flying squirrels and a partridge in a pear tree are sleeping. Well, maybe not the latter, but close. :)
And still couldn't sleep, fretting about getting out early enough to get to work for 3 hours, and then come home before anyone else woke up.
Remember the other day's post about the best laid plans? Yep...same today.
Woke up at 8:00!!!!! EIGHT O'CLOCK!!! Yeegads, then since I couldn't get on the monitor because I couldn't get anything but a blank screen, I couldn't write a blog.
I get home from work and everyone's leaving!!! Son and DIL are off to Walmart. Daughter and SIL are off to see his sister. And I'm....
HOME ALONE. Well, sort of. With the cat, the dog, two flying squirrels and the partridge in the pear tree. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. Oh, and you remember I fretted about cleaning the place up. That went by the wayside as soon as the son and DIL, cat, dog, two flying squirrels, you know the rest, came in yesterday afternoon. :)
Which means now is the absolutely perfect time to catch up emails and write my blogs before everyone comes home again....
So what all important thing came in the emails on Christmas Eve?
DREAMING OF THE WOLF has been nominated for the CAPA Awards...woohoo!!!
Okay, Cupid knew what he was doing!
Off to get into more trouble before everyone arrives home again, jiggety jog.
It's pouring out, supposed to be a high of 29, but it made it to 40, otherwise we would have had the white stuff. We actually truly did have it last Christmas!
Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I'm off to move my clock into the guest bedroom so I don't miss out on Christmas!
Love to all,
Terry and her hunky wolves and Highlanders!
Um. No. It's not. And I have to say that I'm a little bummed about that.
I'm a Chicagoan. Granted, I'm a transplanted one, but I'm a still Chicagoan nonetheless. All of us who live here may not like every aspect of our glorious winters, but at the same time we trudge through (sometimes literally) and deal with them. And there are certain things we expect. Snow, especially around Christmastime, is one of those things.
Earlier this fall, there were all sorts of reports saying how "This will be the snowiest Chicago winter evahhhh..." (Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little on those headlines :)). My point is this: It's now December 23rd and what do I see when I look out the window? Grass. Green grass, to be precise.
Not a hint of the white stuff anywhere.
I've woken up twice in the past month to a dusting of snow on the ground. That's it. Oh, and it all melted right away, too. I've yet to actually SEE it snow.
One of my favorite things to do when it's snowing is to light a fire in the fireplace, sit on my couch in front of the window with my laptop in my lap, and write my little heart out. I've lit the fires. I've sat on my couch with my laptop. But without the snow falling, it's just not the same.
Now, don't get me wrong -- I'm not a fan of the aftereffects of getting hit with 2 feet of snow all at once (although being snowbound isn't always so horrible :)), and I may be in the minority when it comes to actually wanting snow. But, come on. It's Christmastime. Isn't snow at Christmas a must?
Darn. This year, I suppose not.
Sigh. Oh, well. I'll get over it :)
I wish everyone a Happy Holiday season -- with or without the snow!!
Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels
I'm a Chicagoan. Granted, I'm a transplanted one, but I'm a still Chicagoan nonetheless. All of us who live here may not like every aspect of our glorious winters, but at the same time we trudge through (sometimes literally) and deal with them. And there are certain things we expect. Snow, especially around Christmastime, is one of those things.
Earlier this fall, there were all sorts of reports saying how "This will be the snowiest Chicago winter evahhhh..." (Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little on those headlines :)). My point is this: It's now December 23rd and what do I see when I look out the window? Grass. Green grass, to be precise.
Not a hint of the white stuff anywhere.
I've woken up twice in the past month to a dusting of snow on the ground. That's it. Oh, and it all melted right away, too. I've yet to actually SEE it snow.
One of my favorite things to do when it's snowing is to light a fire in the fireplace, sit on my couch in front of the window with my laptop in my lap, and write my little heart out. I've lit the fires. I've sat on my couch with my laptop. But without the snow falling, it's just not the same.
Now, don't get me wrong -- I'm not a fan of the aftereffects of getting hit with 2 feet of snow all at once (although being snowbound isn't always so horrible :)), and I may be in the minority when it comes to actually wanting snow. But, come on. It's Christmastime. Isn't snow at Christmas a must?Darn. This year, I suppose not.
Sigh. Oh, well. I'll get over it :)
I wish everyone a Happy Holiday season -- with or without the snow!!
Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels
Hi, everyone, I had an awesome review from Nocturne Romance Reads that I wanted to share with you.
Blade of the Wolf – Nicole North
Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal
5 Hoots
Review: Blade of the Wolf is a sizzling adventure and sated even my infinite fantasy for hot Scottish werewolves. This is not your run of the mill romantic urban fantasy, which I greatly appreciated. I was mesmerized by this refreshingly new perspective on the normally redundant paranormal romance/shapeshifter genre.
The development of all the character’s individually, as well as, cumulatively is exquisitely in-depth. Who could resist the yummy immortal Scottish Sgian Dubh Guardian, Ronan Graeme. He is the bad boy with the heart of gold. Syrena Ellis, a voluptuous psychic, is the forbidden fruit Ronan never knew he craved. She is the perfect counterpart to his serious nature. The sexual tension and erotic fantasies is orgasmic. The ardent attraction between Ronan and Syrena is instantaneous. What made it believable is the gradual building of the bond, despite their burning desires and intense emotions. This made the erotic scenes that much hotter. As I progressed through the book, I could feel my temperature rising to match Syrena and Ronan’s blazing passion.
Even with a heat index of scorching hot; the story wasn’t just about the carnal delights. I was surprised it had such a multifaceted, suspenseful plot. The villain is the most intriguing character. This is my first encounter with a hybrid vampire incubus. At least for me; this is uncharted or rarely explored territory. It definitely gave Blade of the Wolf a unique and exciting twist. All and all; this is a positively arousing and climactic story that I will read again.
Hats off to Nicole North for a superb job creating an edgy and erotic paranormal romance!
Reviewed by Kyami
Thanks so much, Kyami!!!
Summary: Blade of the Wolf
Ronan, immortal werewolf and Scottish Sgian Dubh Guardian, faces his most challenging, yet enticing, mission in centuries. He must protect sexy clairvoyant medium Syrena Ellis from an evil incubus intent on stealing her powerful life force. She awakens a raging arousal in Ronan, but if he gives in to temptation, he will be punished. Dark and edgy, Ronan captivates Syrena. He is hot, hard and in control, yet his scorching glances and sinful kisses tell her he yearns for her. Even though she’s only a job, she finds a way past his iron-willed resistance. She’s determined to explore the depths of erotic passion with him. They’re unaware that their explosive sexual encounters are providing the enemy incubus with heightened energy, making him almost impossible to defeat. Syrena’s forbidden desire and scorching lust for Ronan could destroy them both.
Blade of the Wolf is available at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, B&N and other online booksellers.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Nicole
www.nicolenorth.com
Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal
5 Hoots
Review: Blade of the Wolf is a sizzling adventure and sated even my infinite fantasy for hot Scottish werewolves. This is not your run of the mill romantic urban fantasy, which I greatly appreciated. I was mesmerized by this refreshingly new perspective on the normally redundant paranormal romance/shapeshifter genre.
The development of all the character’s individually, as well as, cumulatively is exquisitely in-depth. Who could resist the yummy immortal Scottish Sgian Dubh Guardian, Ronan Graeme. He is the bad boy with the heart of gold. Syrena Ellis, a voluptuous psychic, is the forbidden fruit Ronan never knew he craved. She is the perfect counterpart to his serious nature. The sexual tension and erotic fantasies is orgasmic. The ardent attraction between Ronan and Syrena is instantaneous. What made it believable is the gradual building of the bond, despite their burning desires and intense emotions. This made the erotic scenes that much hotter. As I progressed through the book, I could feel my temperature rising to match Syrena and Ronan’s blazing passion.
Even with a heat index of scorching hot; the story wasn’t just about the carnal delights. I was surprised it had such a multifaceted, suspenseful plot. The villain is the most intriguing character. This is my first encounter with a hybrid vampire incubus. At least for me; this is uncharted or rarely explored territory. It definitely gave Blade of the Wolf a unique and exciting twist. All and all; this is a positively arousing and climactic story that I will read again.
Hats off to Nicole North for a superb job creating an edgy and erotic paranormal romance!
Reviewed by Kyami
Thanks so much, Kyami!!!
Summary: Blade of the Wolf
Ronan, immortal werewolf and Scottish Sgian Dubh Guardian, faces his most challenging, yet enticing, mission in centuries. He must protect sexy clairvoyant medium Syrena Ellis from an evil incubus intent on stealing her powerful life force. She awakens a raging arousal in Ronan, but if he gives in to temptation, he will be punished. Dark and edgy, Ronan captivates Syrena. He is hot, hard and in control, yet his scorching glances and sinful kisses tell her he yearns for her. Even though she’s only a job, she finds a way past his iron-willed resistance. She’s determined to explore the depths of erotic passion with him. They’re unaware that their explosive sexual encounters are providing the enemy incubus with heightened energy, making him almost impossible to defeat. Syrena’s forbidden desire and scorching lust for Ronan could destroy them both.
Blade of the Wolf is available at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, B&N and other online booksellers.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Nicole
www.nicolenorth.com
I am an author with a passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. I live in the rolling hills of Kentucky with my husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.
When I am not writing, I love to spend my time on the back of a horse, whether with my family or with my friends. There is nothing like feeling the sunlight on your face, the wind in your hair, and the power of the animal beneath you as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Seeing the world from a saddle is, by far, the best view and the best therapy for a heavy heart or a troubled mind. My therapist's name, or my horse's, rather, is "Statues Suddenly Lucky", a full-blooded Tennessee Walker, and of course, he goes by the name of Lucky for short.
I am a sucker for a good cup of coffee (lots of cream and sugar...and whipped cream if I can get my hands on it), great conversation, and a lilting Irish accent. I love to read and I can't resist watching great epic historical movies.
Q: Your cover is beautiful! Please tell us about The Fall of Rain. Do you have a review you could share with us?
A: Here’s the blurb for The Fall of Rain:
Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.
For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.
Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.
Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?
For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.
Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.
Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?
Reviews:
"I know for myself I enjoyed the first two books very much. So much so, that I was excited for the third book to come out. Little did I know what book three really had in store for me. OMG doesn’t even cover it. This is my absolute most favorite book of this series. Where the first two take place deep in the past, book three finds us in the present time. How does that work, you may be asking . . . well, I would have never thought it possible until I read it for myself. Taking present time activities and adding in flashbacks from centuries past, this book offers the reader everything; drama, romance, comedy and even mystery. People and things aren’t always what they seem. In fact, you may walk away from this book never looking at that moment of déjà vu the same again. Maybe, just maybe when something feels right . . .we should remember, just who are we to question it? If you enjoy historical romances and love a story with men you would love to sink your teeth into, this is your series to get lost in. Not an ounce of disappointment to found in the pages of these books."
~ Rose That Rules All - MAGNIFICENT! ~ Romancing The Book ~ Read more >>>
~ Rose That Rules All - MAGNIFICENT! ~ Romancing The Book ~ Read more >>>
Q: What inspired this story?
A: The credit would have to be given to my little sister, Lindsey, who passed away in 2005. She was the only one who read the first chapter of Raeliksen (Book 1 of The Emerald Isle Trilogy.) Her inspirational words of “finish it” months before she died led me to complete the whole story and then some. Her encouragement had helped me more than she ever probably thought possible.
Q: Why do you write romance?
A: It’s a genre I dearly love. I read only romance and they always say to write what you know. Consequently, writing heartwarming love stories comes very easy to me. If I didn’t write, I don’t know what I’d do with all these great stories in my head.
Q: Why did you choose your setting and why was it perfect for your book?
A: I chose my setting of Ireland because it’s a place I feel most at home with. Most of my research into the Viking era led me to this magical land, when the courageous men of the North stepped foot on the beautiful isle and intermarried with many of the Irish king’s daughters. I had always been intrigued by this time period in history and the brave men who ventured out on their longships with only a dream and the stars to guide them.
Q: Which of your characters is most like you? And why?
A: Lorraine O’Connor from The Fall of Rain is me to a T. The things she likes (i.e. the specific way she enjoys her coffee, the car she drives, the farm she lives on etc.) and the personality she bears, are all pieces of myself. Those who know me, should recognize the subtle character traits in the story and, honestly, it was so much fun to inadvertently put myself into the thick of the plot.
Q: Did you choose the title of your book and if so how did you do it?
A: Yes. This title (along with the heroine’s name) came to me on the day of my grandmother’s funeral. She had told the family once that her nickname growing up was Rain (short for Lorraine) and since my story takes place in Ireland, the play on words for the title was ideal. My search for the perfect title, which helped to put closure to my Emerald Isle Trilogy, had ended on that fateful morning.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?
A: Ireland first. Norway second. I’ve not been to either, but have hopes to go to the Emerald Isle in the very near future. I’ll keep you all posted. haha
Q: Please tell us about your other books.
A: The first in the trilogy is Raeliksen. It begins with the love story of a Norse warrior who’s in love with an Irish princess. The second book, Mac Liam, introduces the reader to an Irish hunter, also in love with the same heroine. Both books show how much the heroes love this VERY lucky woman, but The Fall of Rain, lets the reader know just how far a man in love is willing to go for that woman, even if it means sacrificing everything for her. The Fall of Rain will bring the reader full circle, and leave them with an utter feeling of content. It’s a love triangle, I swear, no romance fan should miss out on.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I am currently writing the first book in another series called the Warrior Saga series. The hero is the older brother of Daegan Raeliksen, by the name of Gustaf, and the heroine, Aesa, is a fiery redhead he’s fallen in love with as he’s avenged his father’s murder. Gustaf was a character I introduced in Mac Liam and he’s gotten a lot of fan mail on the subject of his story. The book is called The Temperate Warrior and since I aim to please my readers, I felt compelled to give them a story they’ve begged for.
I’ll be giving away an ebook copy of any one of my backlist (Raeliksen, Mac Liam, Silent Partner – winner’s choice.) Please remember to leave your email address with your comment so we can contact you if you win. Thanks!
To buy The Fall of Rain please click below.Amazon print
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Turquoise Morning Press
All Romance eBooks
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Places to find Renee Vincent
Website
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Deep In The Heart Romance
Thank you, Renee, for being our guest!
A white Christmas is not unusual here in western New York, but up until yesterday it looked as if our Christmas would be green this year. But the snow started coming down and doesn't look like it's going away any time soon. So I'm finally in the Christmas mood and have been shopping and decorating and wrapping. It has nothing to do with the fact that Christmas is less than a week away!
This is the time each year when I like to share a few of my favorite holiday songs. We hear them for such a short time (although some we seem to hear over and over again!) and I love to pull out my old CDs and play them while I decorate the tree and wrap gifts. Since I just finished wrapping gifts, the songs are fresh in my mind.
Here are Natasha's top picks (in no particular order) for Christmas songs this year:
1. The Bing Crosy/David Bowie duet of Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
2. Kathy Mattea's haunting rendition of Mary Did You Know
3. Eartha Kit's sexy Santa Baby
4. Barry Manilow and KT Oslin singing Baby It's Cold Outside (this is the one I seem to play over and over again this year.)
So, any suggestions for songs to add to my playlist?
Natasha
FLAUNT IT
RISK IT
www.natashamoore.com
I needed it! I'm still working like crazy, but it's less stressful if I'm not at work worrying about having to get all this done before Christmas in just a short time.
I'm talking about Life without Fantasy at All things Urban Fantasy for another giveaway. I loved Abigail's introduction: Terry is here celebrating the release of DREAMING OF THE WOLF (available now from Sourcebooks Casablanca), the eight book in her Heart of the Wolf paranormal romance series about alpha werewolves and the women who tame them.
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/2011/12/guest-blog-giveaway-terry-spear-on-life.html
and
Paranormal Haven
So I'll just post this so you can drop by if you have a chance.
I realized that I have written a book of blogs...in that I have written about 45,000 words, a good start on a 100K book, or a YA book, already to go! LOL
Off to write one more guest blog! Woohoo!! I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Have a super Saturday!! Oh, and after the long, hot summer drought, I'm absolutely not complaining about our vampire days!
Terry
This is the season of celebrations, and I'm actually celebrating my anniversary...my erotica writing anniversary, that is. :)I've been a writer for many years, but my first erotica piece was published in December about five years ago. It was an short fiction piece, and it led to the the Dragon Song series. That series, about dragon shifters, started my erotica career in longer fiction, and I've been happily writing ever since.
So, I'm sharing my cover images for the series and enjoying the memories--'tis the season for memories, too--while at the same time shamelessly self promoting. Know anyone who likes dragon shifters? Have I got a gift idea for you! lol
Enjoy whatever you're reading this December. :)
We have three cats. Although the two kittens were a mutual decision between the three adults that lives in this house, those kittens are mine. Everyone knows it, even the kittens. I feed them. I cuddle with them, and yes, I use baby talk when they come up to me. Sick I know. But I love them. They’re my babies.
So one of my roommates put up the Christmas tree last night. This is her Christmas tree. I could have cared less if we’d put one up—yes I’m totally Grinched out this year. It’s gorgeous. One of the biggest freaking Christmas trees I’ve ever seen. Did I mention it's HUGE!
Anyway, the cats have to be attached to me almost 24/7. It’s gotten so bad that they even bother me when I’m sleeping and I’ve gotten to where I sleep with a squirt bottle beside me. I don’t even allow my kids to sleep with me at night, so I’m sure as heck not going to let a cat. My bed is my bed.
Last night I got eight hours of solid sleep. When I woke, I quickly realized that I didn’t once have to spray a cat for swatting at my face or wrestling on the end of my bed. Kind of freaky really when it’s been a nightly process for weeks.
So I got up, hunting the babies. Didn’t take me long to realize why I was left alone:
If they knock this thing down, my roommate will kill me. LOL.
Merry Christmas:)
Esme
www.esmereldabishop.com
I haven't been to Scotland in winter. I don't like driving on icy roads here, much less on the opposite side. But I have to admit I'd love to see Scotland transformed into a winter wonderland, especially around the holidays. The landscapes turn magical in a different way and everything is frost covered and sparkling. I found some photos to show you what I mean. I didn't take these but I wish I had.
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| I visited Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire when everything was green and gold and when the flowers in their impressive gardens were in bloom. It is much different in the above photo. |
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| Rannoch Moor |
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| Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe. |
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| A furry Highland cow eating hay in the snow. |
Happy Holidays!!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com
Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her--give up her son or the man she loves.
