AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: PHYLLIS CAMPBELL

Jenny: Hi, Phyllis. Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.

Phyllis: I’ve been published for eight years. During those years, I’ve had 16 books published. My favorite genre is historical, but I also write contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, western, and paranormal. I’ve received many 5-star reviews – and some awesome “Recommended Reads”. I’ve been best selling author and author of the year with Champagne Books. On a personal note, I’m married, have two daughters and one stepdaughter, and three wonderful grandchildren.

Jenny: What inspired you to write your first romance?

Phyllis: I had just watched a great movie...well, it was great until the ending, anyway. The romance was perfect throughout the movie, but then in the end, the hero married the woman his father had arranged for him to marry. Made me mad! I went to sleep that night and had a dream. Before this point, I would dream a lot in ‘movie form’ and didn’t know why. So after this particular dream, I awoke thinking this would make a good book. (oh, I’d also been an avid romance reader at this point, too) Anyway, still being upset at the ending of that story, I wondered if I could write a “Happily Ever After”. So…I gave it a try. That’s all it took. My muse kicked and the stories didn’t stop. Haven’t stopped yet, thank heavens!

Jenny: What's currently on your iPod/mp3 player/cd player?

Phyllis: Nothing. lol But, when I do get the chance to listen to whatever I want, it’s usually soft rock – and music from the 80’s. heehee

Jenny: Describe a typical (or non-typical) writing day?

Phyllis: I work 10 hour days at my job, four days a week, so I don’t get much writing done during the weekdays. But Friday, Saturday, and Sunday… I’m at the computer. I try to get some housework done, but to me, writing is more important. It’s a good thing my daughters are grown and out of the house so there isn’t a lot to clean. But I’m at the computer typing away.
Jenny: What's the one question no one ever asks that you wish they would?

Phyllis: LOL I think I’ve been asked every question in the book.

Jenny: What's your favorite setting from one of your novels?

Phyllis: I LOVE writing historicals, mainly Regencies and Victorians. Love the Dukes. Love the Earls. Love the ROGUES! I love the beautiful gowns, and those tight trousers the men wear. heehee Love the carriages, and the Victorian homes… Yup, that’s my favorite.

Jenny: What do you think makes the idea heroine/hero?

Phyllis: To me the idea heroine and hero are those that have a great personality. They don’t take everything so dang serious. They know how to laugh and they know how to tease. The perfect hero has to be seductive, and the perfect heroine can’t resist his charms.

Jenny: What are you working on at the moment?


Phyllis: I’m working on a pirate story – my first! I’m so excited about it. Only into chapter four right now, but it’s promising to be a page-turner…and my characters are promising to steam up the pages. Story is called – Secret Seduction.

Jenny: Which comes first--the plot or the characters?

Phyllis: Oh, good question. Probably the plot. Then again, my pirate came first with this story, instead of the plot. Depends on the story.

Jenny: Any new releases coming up?

Phyllis: Oh yes! My Victorian, Love Comes Blindly will be released with Champagne Books July 1st. This is the last book in my Victorian Series. The other books in the series are: My Heart Belongs To You (out of print), My Knight, My Rogue, (also out of print), Always, My Love…and Vows Of Deception. In each of these stories, readers have read about the three brothers – Nicholas, Gregg, and Ian. Love Comes Blindly is Gregg’s story. Gregg and Madeline (heroine) also play a big part in Vows Of Deception, in case you want to read more about them.


Read on for a tantalizing excerpt from Phyllis's novel, Love Comes Blindly....

Gregg really didn’t want to call her Sister. He wanted to think of her as a real woman, not a nun. The tingles racing through his body reminded him how pleasurable a woman’s touch could be.

She moved to stand, but he grasped her hand and pulled her back down to the bench. “Mary, thank you for telling me. I feel I know you better now.” He rubbed her soft fingers.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have told you, but I feel like I know you better, too.”

He nodded.

“And Lord Gregg?”

“Yes?”

“Please call me Sister Mary.”

He grinned. “I know you’re not a nun.”

“But it’s not proper to call me Mary. I would hate to explain this to the other nuns.”

“Indeed, so I will only call you Mary when we’re alone.” He shook his head and chuckled. “It’s hard to think of you this way. I feel we’ve become close friends.”

“We have.”

“I wish... I wish I could see. I want to see your face. I’ll bet you’re beautiful.”

Taking both of her hands in his, he pulled her closer. Soft, delicate fingers rested in his palms. He ran the pad of his thumb across each finger. Slim. He suspected her body would be this way, too. Slowly, he moved his touch to her wrist, which was also small. As he continued up her arms, she stiffened. He waited for her to stop him or pull away, but she did neither.

He paused again when he reached her shoulders. A slight quiver came from her. Cautiously, he moved his fingers over her collarbone to her neck. Smooth skin met his fingertips, as did a wild pulse. Her throat moved in what must have been a swallow, and he copied that movement with his own, trying to add moisture back into his suddenly dry mouth.

Had he been the first man to touch her like this since she studied to become a nun? The thought thrilled him and made him want to keep touching. Small gasps came from her, and he enjoyed hearing them.

He continued up her slim neck toward her face. Quick, hot breaths exhaled from her mouth and fanned his skin. Excitement gushed through him, and his own breathing became ragged. His manhood stood at attention as encouragement to do more. He’d never became this aroused by touching a woman, especially with her clothes on. And to think he didn’t know what she looked like. Yet for some reason, it didn’t matter.

She had a small chin, and when he reached her dry lips, they were parted. He couldn’t stop from sweeping his thumb across her bottom lip. He wanted so much to stroke her tongue, and he struggled to keep from pushing the tip of his thumb into her mouth.

Licking his own parched lips, he continued the exploration and moved his fingers over high cheeks before stroking closed eyelids. Long, thick lashes tickled his skin. When he touched her hair, she sighed, and he nearly joined his voice with hers. Soft, silky, and curly, a lock of hair brushed his fingers.

He imaged what she looked like, and Mary was very lovely.

He dropped his fingers to her mouth again. This time they were moist. She must have licked her lips. His arousal ached with need. How he wanted to kiss her.

“You’re a very beautiful woman, Mary,” he said huskily. “I imagine your eyes are an amazing color, also. Let me see if I can guess.” He paused for only a moment. “Green...no, they’re blue. No, they’re turquoise.” Her gasp made him smile.

“How did you know?”

“I’ll confess. My friend, Lord Calvin, told me.”

She took his hands from her face and pushed them away. “I need to get you back to your bed now. Afternoon prayer time will be starting soon, and then I will have to help prepare the mid-day meal.”

Her voice wasn’t sensual any longer. Instead, it was edged with panic. Had he disturbed her as much she disrupted his thoughts?

She moved around him and pushed his wheelchair. By her hurried steps, he knew that he’d upset her. His heart ached. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

“Mary?”

“Sister Mary, please.”

He scowled. She really didn’t sound like a nun. She didn’t smell like a nun, and she didn’t gasp like one, either.

“What do you want, Lord Gregg?”

“I want you to call me Gregg.”

Her long pause made him hold his breath.

“If you wish,” she said.

“I do. I also want to tell you I’m sorry.”

The wheelchair slowed. “Thank you.”

“Do you know what I’m apologizing for?”

“Yes.”

“Sister Mary? May I ask you another personal question?”

“No.”

He chuckled. Her reply came too quickly. “Have you let other men touch you like that since...you came to live at the Abbey?”

She expelled her breath and it blew across his neck. He grinned. Yes, he disturbed her, to be sure.

“Lord...umm, I mean Gregg, I’ve made many mistakes in my past. I’m not immune to a man’s touch.”

“But you haven’t allowed a man to touch you since?”

“No.”

“Is that why your heart was racing?”

“Yes. But, Gregg, you can never do that again. Do you understand? I...cannot have those feelings.”

COMING JULY 1^ST TO CHAMPAGNE BOOKS – www.champagnebooks.com

BIO:

Phyllis Campbell is an award-winning, multi-published, and best-selling author with Bookstrand Publishing, Champagne Books, The Wild Rose Press, and Carnal Passions. Most of her reviewers have given her the title of “Queen Of Sexual Tension”. Married with kids (and three grandchildren), Phyllis has lived in Utah all of her life and enjoys family activities when she’s not writing her next sensual story. Visit her website at www.phyllismariecampbell.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: KETA DIABLO

Jenny: Hi, Keta. Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.

Keta:

Hello, Jenny, and thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. I'm happy to be here. I live in the Midwest part of the country on six acres of beautiful woodland. I have the perfect setting to sneak off into the woods with pen and notebook in hand and write to my heart's content. When I'm not writing, I'm either gardening or reading.

Jenny: What inspired you to write your first romance?

I started writing sensual romance historicals about six years ago and have always loved the genre. When erotica burst onto the scene, my stories became a little spicier and then a little more spicier. Now I'm writing historical and fantasy erotica for several publishers and gay fiction for two others.

Jenny: What's currently on your iPod/mp3 player/cd player?

Right now, ABBA; this morning Chris Isaak and Sarah McLachlan.

Jenny: Describe a typical (or non-typical) writing day?

Most all my days are work days now since I write for five (or is it six) publishers. I'm a night owl and was even before I became an author. This works out well for me. Most of the time, I'm up late at night, grab about five hours of sleep and then I'm back at it until dinner time. I do take a break for lunch, and either take a walk outside or just sit on the deck and read for a while to get away from the story I'm working on.

Jenny: What's the one question no one ever asks that you wish they would?

I wish they'd ask me about the marketing/promoting. I know, boring subject. Many people think you just write a book and sit back and reap the benefits, and that's not the case. Writing the books is only part of the equation. There's just as much time spent marketing and promoting after its release. And today, with all the social networking groups, nings, and yahoo groups, it's a neverending job to get your name out there.

Jenny: What's your favorite setting from one of your novels?

I love writing about the Civil War. I've always been a history buff, but this particular era fascinates me because of the extreme change in lifestyles for the people in the South. In my novel Land of Falling Stars, the heroine goes through immense changes from pre-war to almost the end of the war. Her life was altered drastically and many traumatic incidents changed her outlook on life. She's a controversial character and some reviewers, although they gave the book high marks, commented about her childish/spolied attitude in the novel. I think it's hard for us to imagine living under the conditions that many Southern women did, and we don't know how we'd react to such life-altering changes. Sophia was a pampered, spoiled brat before the war and clearly had a difficult time adjusting. Thankfully, she redeemed herself at the end.

Jenny: What do you think makes the idea heroine/hero?

I've always said in order for me to fall in love with the hero, he has to possess two things; an immense love for his woman and a sense of humor. Of course, being handsome and fearless doesn't hurt either. I don't like wimpy/whiny heroines, or those portrayed as TSTL (too stupid to live). While many heroines today are just as strong emotionally and sometimes physically as their counterparts, occasionally I still see the weak, spineless heroines written.

Jenny: What are you working on at the moment?

Another Civil War historical/erotica. Several novellas in the gay fiction genre, and a pirate story. Let's see, and then there's a novella length story which would fall under paranormal and . . . I'm sure I've forgotten something. Usually, I'm working on several projects at the same time.

Jenny: Which comes first--the plot or the characters?

For me, it's the characters. You can have the best story, but if you can't get readers to fall in love with your hero and heroine, you're in trouble. I just finished a book (names withheld to protect the innocent) and the writing was actually quite good. I didn't relate to the hero and thought the heroine also seemed rather bland. The plot was fine, but in the end, I couldn't remember much about either of them. It was an erotica historical too, the genre I love to read.

Jenny: Any new releases coming up?

Yes, thank you for asking. I have three releases this month (June). Crossroads Revisited, the second novella in the Crossroads series being released by Phaze. This is a gay fiction story.

Carnal Cravings due out June 27th through Dark Roast Press, another gay fiction.

The Sin Eater's Prince, a short story in Cecilia Tan's Vampire Anthology through Ravenous Romance.

I have several coming out in September after that.

Read on for an excerpt from Keta's novel, Crossroads Revisited.....

Private Investigator, Frank McGuire tracks down another serial killer, but this time it's personal. Real personal. The maniac has killed five young college students and Rand Brennan is his next target. That pisses Frank off.


Unlocking the door to the townhouse, Rand walked in and glanced around the familiar setting. God, how he’d missed it. Missed Frank. He walked into the bedroom and rifled through the dresser drawers until he found what he searched for. He slipped the black hood over his face and peered into the mirror above the dresser. A perfect match to the black sweatshirt and matching jeans he’d donned before leaving his mother’s house.

Next, he walked to the nightstand and retrieved the Glock. Memories of performing the same routine from his childhood flooded him. How many times had he snuck into his parents’ room, pulled his father’s gun from the drawer and held it?

He checked it for ammo and breathed a sigh of relief it wasn’t loaded. Not certain how to eject the bullets, his plan would all be for naught if it had been. Frank didn’t have to know it wasn’t loaded. Maybe he’d forget he’d taken the bullets out.

Now all he had to do was hide in an inconspicuous location. He knew Frank’s routine well. He’d come home, drop his briefcase onto the kitchen counter, pour a shot of Jack Daniels and head for his bedroom to change.

Rand snuck into the closet and hunkered down. He couldn’t help but laugh at the perverse irony. Finally, he was ready to come out of the closet . . . in more ways than one.

Less than thirty minutes later, the front door opened. Rand held his breath. The door closed and he heard the briefcase meet the counter. The liquor cabinet door groaned and glasses clanked. Yep, Frank was after the Jack Daniels.

Footsteps echoed softly down the carpeting in the hallway. Soon, Frank would step into the bedroom, glass of whisky in hand and plop onto the bed to read the newspaper.

Dusk had settled over the land. Rand couldn’t have picked a better time of day for his little charade. He peered through the slats in the closet. Uh-huh, just as predicted. Frank almost flopped onto the bed after setting his drink on the nightstand, then picked up the newspaper and scanned the first page. By the time the closet door squeaked open, Frank was already reaching for the Glock in the nightstand.

“Too late,” Rand said.

Frank jerked his body around and put his hand to chest. “Rand? Jesus, why don’t you just order a lightning bolt to strike me dead?”

“Too quick of a death for a cold-hearted bastard like you.”

“Put the gun down, Rand. This isn’t funny.”

Rand smiled beneath the hood. He really looked scared shitless. “I’m calling the shots here, McGuire.”

“Rand, you’re pissing me off. Stop pointing that fucking gun at my chest.”

“Take everything off from the waist down.”

“Have you lost your fucking mind?”

“Maybe.”

“Why in hell would I take my pants off?

To draw out his anxiety over the loaded gun, Rand walked over to him at a foot-dragging pace. He grabbed a lock of his long hair. “Do I look like I have to explain things to you? I’m the one with the gun now in case you hadn’t noticed.”

“You’re messing with fire. You don’t know the first thing about guns, and didn’t your father ever tell you not to point it anyone, loaded or not?”

“He did,” he said with an air of cockiness. “Apparently I didn’t heed his warnings. Now, you going to drop those jeans or do I have to rip them from your body?”

“What the―”

“I’m going to start counting, and for every second you hesitate, I’m going to give you a lash from my belt.”

“You’re not wearing a belt,” Frank said with a smile.

Rand looked down at his black jeans. “I’ll use yours, now fucking drop ’em. One . . . two . . . three . . . .”

“All right, you little bastard. How you going to get away from me when this sick little game is over? I’m ten times faster than you, and I don’t take kindly to anyone pointing a loaded gun at my body.”

“Do what I say so I don’t get nervous and blow your brains out. Four . . . five . . . .”

“Okay, okay.” Frank unzipped his jeans and slid them down his hips.

Rand licked his lips and the gun wobbled in his hands.

BIO:

Keta Diablo writes erotica historical and fantasy for Ravenous Romance and Noble Romance. She also writes gay fiction for Dark Roast Press, Phaze and Noble Romance. If you'd like to know more about my books or what I have coming out in the future, you can find me on the Internet at these addresses.

Author Home: http://ketadiablo.blogspot.com

Author Blogs: http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.com (My gay fiction blog)

http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com (My erotica blog)

I'd love it if you'd follow my blogs.

You can also find me at Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: LORHAINNE ECKHART

Jenny: Hi, Lorhainne. Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.

Lorhainne: My name is Lorhainne Eckhart. I am a mother of three young children. I love nature, the peaceful countryside and working in my garden. I relish the challenge of home renovations and landscaping. That’s when I’m not busy being a mom and writing.

I am currently polishing up my third novel, which will be a first in a series.

Jenny: What inspired you to write your first romance?

Lorhainne: I love to read everything. My first love is romance novels. It is the desire for a happy ending. But I always had my own stories popping up into my head. It was five years ago when I finally sat down to write my first novel.

Jenny: What's currently on your iPod/mp3 player/cd player?

Lorhainne:

My MP3 player, The way you look tonight, Elton John, just one of my favorites. But when I write, I prefer the peaceful quiet countryside, and leave the music for when I paint.

Jenny: Describe a typical (or non-typical) writing day?

Lorhainne:

I get up at about 4:30 – 5 am, and write for a few hours before getting the kids ready for school, then spend 3 – 4 hours while their at school writing. I have target of 2000 words a day, some days I meet this in 3 hours, I love those days. I do not write at night.

Jenny: What's the one question no one ever asks that you wish they would?

Lorhainne: What inspires you to keep writing? My answer would be. A desire to pass on some life lesson I have learned in a premise of a story.

Jenny: What's your favorite setting from one of your novels?

Lorhainne: Right now, that would be aboard the US Navy Destroyer, in The Captain’s Lady, that was stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Jenny: What do you think makes the ideal heroine/hero?

Lorhainne: Ah, the ideal hero is most definate a man who knows he is a man. That was confusing. What I mean is, he alone takes a stand for the innocent, fights an injustice. Is not selfish, but understanding. Is faithful and loves his lady with his whole heart. Stepping in to fix his ladies problems. Takes care of the bad guy all the while protecting his lady.

Jenny: What are you working on at the moment?

Lorhainne:

My current WIP is a romantic suspense with paranormal elements. No not a vampire or wearwolf. But an undercover DEA officer who meets a psychic who got involved with the wrong group of friends, running a Marijuana Grow op. The working title Walk the Right Road – Jerome’s Story.

Jenny: Which comes first--the plot or the characters?

Lorhainne:

The idea comes to me of the premise of a story. As I begin to write the story the characters and plot unfold.

Jenny: Any new releases coming up?

Lorhainne:

My second Novel, The Forgotten Child, is currently under review by a publisher.

See more Lorhainne at her website, http://lorhainneeckhart.com/index.html

Read on for Lorhainne's newest release, The Captain's Lady....

“We have no reports of a ship in distress

in the area, Captain.”

“What about fishing boats?”

“No, sir, no reports.”

Looking once more at his first officer, Eric

issued curt orders, the harshness grating in his

voice. “Send a rescue team to check it out.”

Handing the binoculars off to one of the crew

members, he strode with determination off the

bridge, heading directly to the ship’s launch. His

well-trained crew scurried about. Joe appeared at

his side and they watched from the rail as the

small rigid hull sped off in the direction of the

dinghy. His pulse rose and the dampness on his

back soaked through his short-sleeved shirt.

“So what do you think?” Joe leaned on the

rail, uncertainty clear in the crinkle of his brows.

“Don’t know, dammit.” Eric focused on the

scene unfolding in the distance. Again he

commandeered the binoculars from Joe and

scrutinized the three-man team approaching,

then securing the boat to the dinghy.

His senses were keen; over the years, he’d

learned to trust them. The uneasiness that crept

its way into his gut, the hairs now standing up on

the back of his neck and the racing of his heart;

this unshakable feeling was telling him that

things were about to change—drastically.

Puzzled, he felt the mounting frustration build

inside, along with something else he could not

quite put his finger on. Shaking his head, he

realized it was not a feeling of dread.

The crackle of the radio interrupted his

speculation. A voice from the rescue team came

over the line. “There’s someone in here, a woman,

and she’s in bad shape.”

BIO:

Lorhainne Eckhart began her writing career five years ago. What inspired her to start writing was a lifelong love for stories. She read everything and naturally had the ability to create vivid characters, drawing on the experiences of friends, family and acquaintances around her.

When her children started school she sat down to write her first novel. The story unfolded and four years later The Wild Rose Press published her first novel, The Captain's Lady. She continued to write during her search for publication and is currently at work on her third novel.

Lorhainne has a passion for the outdoors, her extensive gardens and preserving nature. Lorhainne Eckhart and her family enjoy living in the peaceful countryside on Vancouver Island.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: SANDRA SOOKOO

Jenny: Hi, Sandra. Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.

Sandra:

Hi everyone, and thanks Jenny for having me. My name is Sandra Sookoo, I live in the Indianapolis, IN area with the most wonderful hubby in the world, and I write romantic fiction. Sounds like the start of a 12-step program, doesn’t it? But it’s true. I write it: contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance and I love every minute of it.

Jenny: What inspired you to write your first romance?

Sandra:

Life inspired me. There’s too many bad and unexplainable things in real life, and since most people read romance to escape real life, why not give them an awesome story? For me, the promise of a happily ever after is what keeps me writing romance. A good love story never hurt anyone, and the higher the stakes, the better the ending.

Jenny: What's currently on your iPod/mp3 player/cd player?

Sandra:

I have a Microsoft Zune but normally only use it when travelling. When I write, I listen to music on my lap-top, which are mostly Disney songs and Broadway soundtracks.

Jenny: Describe a typical (or non-typical) writing day?

Sandra:

A typical day in a writer’s life? Is there such a thing? Usually, by eight in the morning, I read and return email, post on a few promo-sites for books currently released, look through critiques I’ve received and return a few, then finally, while watching Rachael Ray, I’ll start work on writing. Sometimes it’s writing on the WIP, sometimes it’s editing another book, either way, work goes on and off throughout the day until I call it a night around eleven pm. Of course, there are exceptions when life intrudes, but if it’s a typical day, that’s what I’m doing.

Jenny: What's the one question no one ever asks that you wish they would?

Sandra:

If I could meet a writer from the past, who would it be? My answer: Mark Twain. Why? He wrote the stories of his heart and he didn’t care who he ticked off. People remember his stories to this day. That’s the kind of writer I want to be, remembered for the good, the bad, and the controversial.

Jenny: What's your favorite setting from one of your novels?

Sandra:

There are so many favorites. It seems whatever book I’m writing becomes the favorite of the moment, but if I had to pick one, it would be the setting from The Art of Fang Shui which will release from Eirelander Publishing in January. The bulk of the novel is set in the Indiana Dunes State Park. Perfect, eerie setting for all sorts of paranormal creatures.

Jenny: What do you think makes the idea heroine/hero?

Sandra:

Ideal? Isn’t that kinda like trying to slot everyone into the same peg? LOL But seriously, the ideal man for me has to stand up for what he believes in, won’t take crap from anyone, loves the heroine like nobody’s business, kills the bad guy, and then offers to take his heroine out for ice cream afterwards. Sigh.

Jenny: What are you working on at the moment?

Sandra:

My WIP is a historical novel with a bit of a paranormal edge. I love writing historicals and I love writing paranormals. I guess it was only natural that I would blend the two—but you can thank my CP for that. She encouraged me to do it.

Jenny: Which comes first--the plot or the characters?

Sandra:

Usually, the plot. I’ll think up a snippet of an idea and I make sure to write it down so I won’t forget. It may not see the light of day for months as the possibilities stew in my mind. Then, when I have a firm grasp on the bare bones for a story, I’ll turn my attention for characters. Once those are in place, plotting comes into play and the naming of characters begins.

Jenny: Any new releases coming up?

Sandra:

I’ve got a novella releasing with The Wild Rose Press in late September entitled The Haunting of Amelia Pritchart. Until then, readers are invited to enjoy my two current releases Winner Takes All from Desert Breeze Publishing and the most recent Foodie’s Guide to Kitchen Magic presented by Lyrical Press, Inc. Please feel free to drop by my website for more information!

See more of Sandra at www.sandrasookoo.com

Read on for an excerpt of Sandra's novel, Foodie's Guide to Kitchen Magic....

“Enough of the pleasantries. Let’s get started.” He clapped his hands. “Show me what you can do with your magic thus far.”

“All right, but don’t blame me if you burst into flame or end up with some sort of food all over you.” She scrunched up her nose in concentration, flicking her right wrist, fingers extended. When nothing happened, she narrowed her eyes at a basket of tomatoes, wiggling her fingers in an effort to make them rise into the air.

Nothing happened. The basket remained in quiet repose.

“Might I make a suggestion?”

Annoyed, she glanced up to find him alarmingly close to her. “Okay.”

“You are trying too hard.”

“That doesn’t help me at all.” She glared at him. He was too handsome. She didn’t trust handsome men. Especially men whose jeans hugged their legs and rear in all the right places. “Not a bit.” The skin of his forearms beckoned to her from his rolled up shirt sleeves.

Why couldn’t the Institute have sent over a balding, middle-aged hairy man with a paunch? She wished they had because she knew her skills assessor could be a severe distraction.

She glanced again at his toned forearms, the sprinkling of light brown hair over taut muscle and her stomach tightened with unfamiliar longing. It had been a long time since she’d had a man in her life—a very long time, and considering he went stark raving mad at the end of the relationship, she didn’t want to get involved in another. She shivered as her gaze wandered over his chest to his trim waist, then lower still to the jeans that were so tight she could almost imagine his…

Her cheeks burned at the thought. She could definitely make an exception for him.

Matteus sighed. “Watch me.” He lifted his right hand into the air. “Use the energy that resides inside you. It’s a matter of simple control and designation.” With the tiniest movement of his wrist, he coaxed two plum tomatoes from the basket to hover above the cutting board. “And this.” He crooked his index finger and the fruit fell to the board with a soft thump. “Now you. Manipulate the knife and cut them in half.”

“I can’t.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. She stared at the two red tomatoes. “I’ve only had this magic—this energy—for two days. I have no idea how to use it.”

“Thus the reason I’m here.” He moved behind her. “Let me show you. And from now on, you are forbidden to use the word ‘can’t.’ It’s irritating.”

Excitement skittered down her spine while thoughts of forbidden dark places danced through her mind as his body brushed against her back. “What now?” The question was barely louder than a whisper as he held her hand suspended in the air.

“Become the object you wish to move. Think of nothing other than that object.” His words caressed her cheek, stirring a few escaped auburn tendrils of her upswept hair. “Convince the object it has nothing else better to do than your bidding.”

Aidan nodded, her throat too dry to utter words.

When he released her hand, she nearly cried out—she felt the loss of his warmth that deeply. She focused her eyes on the chef’s knife, she imagined herself filling the cool metal of the blade as she rested herself in the weighted balance of the handle. Swishing her wrist, a smile curled her lips when the knife levitated a few inches over the cutting board, wobbled for a brief second or two, and then inexorably glanced off the side of the first tomato. It landed with a clatter on the cutting board. “Crap.”

BIO:

Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romances, and has recently embarked on writing mysteries. Just like the heroines in her books, she uses sarcastic wit and humor to make people laugh.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she’s gone on to grow her unique writing style. She’s a blogger, and has also written a couple of fairy tales (because they’re needed in life) and a handful of children’s stories (because they’re fun) in addition to her romance work.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true, and that suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: EVA GORDON

1.) Hi, Eva. Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little about you. I write fantasy and paranormal novels with a strong romantic element. My debut fantasy, The Stone of the Tenth Realm, was published summer 2008 by a small UK Press, Libros International. A second fantasy, Gaia’s Keeper, soon to be published is forth coming by my new publisher Vanilla Heart Publishing. I have written the sequel to The Stone of the Tenth Realm, Alchemist of the Tenth Realm. Werewolf Sanctuary is Book 1 in my epic Wolf Maiden Chronicles, a paranormal romance series involving male alpha lycans and their human mates known as wolf maidens. Werewolf Sanctuary is a contemporary that will lead to all the other historical paranormal tales(Werehistoricals) in the Wolf Maiden Chronicles. Book 2 in the series, Beast Warrior, takes place during the Viking era. Book 3 follows with White Wolf of Avalon. I love to create stories that combine my passion for mythology, romance and werewolf lore. I have a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. I have taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. I also moonlight as a faculty member of the Grey School of Wizardry, an online school for kids and adults interested in magic and lore. A member of Romance Writers of America, I have also taught workshops on wolf lore and falconry for writer groups. I have volunteered at a wolf sanctuary and other wildlife rehab organizations.

2.) What's your favorite food? Thai, Chinese and Sushi.

3.) What's currently on your iPod/mp3 player/cd player? I listen to music while I write so I have thousands and the list is long. I love Metallica, Kamelot, Medieval Babes, Dragon Force, New Age, World Music and Sound Tracks. When I’m writing a scene I listen to music that provides good background music. CCR, ‘Better Run Through the Jungle’ was perfect when I wrote a bloody scene with my bad Bayou werewolf in Werewolf Sanctuary.

4.) Describe a typical (or non-typical) writing day? I wake up, check e-mails, go on a run with my standard poodle, then write for 4-6 hrs, more or less. Each day will be different due to my other activities.

5.) What's the biggest lie you've ever told? Called in sick from teaching one day because it was a beautiful day to ride my Arabian Gelding. I rode along a main road and my students going to a soccer game saw me. Busted! They laughed the next day because the sub told them I had the stomach flu.

6.) What's your favorite setting from one of your novels? There are many. One of my favorites is when my main character Sophie, from my fantasy The Stone of the Tenth Realm, escapes a concentration camp and ends up in the Beastiary, a magical forest, a world of an alternate Earth.

In Werewolf Sanctuary it’s the first scene when Wyatt, the alpha werewolf discovers that brilliant wolf biologist/vet and vegetarian, Madeline has the mark of the lycan wolf.

7.) What do you think makes the idea heroine/hero? Someone who has the same flaws we all do yet changes for the better. Growth. Someone who will heroic deeds for the greater good despite the risks. My heroines are intelligent,feisty and driven to accomplish a particular purpose. My heroes are alpha males, strong, hot looking, possessive and protective. A man you want around when the apocalypse happens.

8.) What are you working on at the moment? I’m cleaning up my third book in the Wolf Maiden Chronicles, White Wolf of Avalon(480 AD) and researching book 4, which will take place in Ancient Rome.

9.) Are you a panster? A planner? A planster? Which method works best for you? Why? A panster, big time! The story leaps out of my brain and unfolds on the computer. Then I go back and outline, write up the characters, etc.. If I have to follow a plan, there is no plan. My mind sees a movie and I just write it down. I wish I can interphase my brain with a computer and just program the movie, actors and all.

10.) Any new releases coming up? Book 2 in my Wolf Maiden Chronicles, Beast Warrior is due in July. This is the first of my werehistoricals. It takes place during the Viking Era, 840 AD. Can a nice Frankish wolf maiden find love with a Viking Wolfskin (werewolf), despite her evil Frankish lycan fiancé? And what about the enemy Bearskins (Bear men) who want to destroy all lycans?

Werewolf Sanctuary - Book 1 of the Wolf Maiden Chronicles

By Eva Gordon

Werewolf Sanctuary, an action packed romance between an alpha male lycan, and his wolf maiden. The first in a series titled, The Wolf Maiden Chronicles, each depicts historical romances between alpha Males and their human wolf maidens.

Since ancient times, the Lupercal Council has kept their people’s werewolf identity a well-guarded secret. Referring to their kind as lycans, they shift into a bear-sized wolf, bearing unique markings reminiscent of Maori or Celtic tattoos. The pack shifts during the full moon and are under the control of their alpha male leader. The alpha
male and alpha female are not bound by the full moon and can shift at will. Lycans can only breed with their kind. The exception are the alpha males, which can only mate with human women known as wolf maidens, who bear the five-toed paw print or mark of the wolf on their left hip.

The story begins with Lupercal society in peril due to an unknown disease infecting their young offspring. The children who do survive the pestilence, shift too early into wolf cubs, lose their distinct markings, and end up becoming normal wolves, unaware of their human consciousness. Normally immune to most known diseases, the Lupercal has few of their own doctors and must seek the help of a human outsider to find the cure.

Wyatt Weylin, alpha male of the Montana pack, and leader of a team of mercenary lycans, flies to a World Wolf Conference in San Francisco, where he hopes to convince leading authority on wolf diseases, veterinarian Dr. Madeline Styles to come to his wolf sanctuary and find a cure. The minute he sees her he feels drawn to her striking good looks. The sensory chemistry is instant. He tries to suppress the feeling, knowing that he is forbidden to fall for a human. Wyatt discovers that the vegetarian animal doctor has the mark of the wolf and he claims her as his life mate. Madeline slowly learns about Wyatt’s true nature and the fact that she has been claimed, and like all lycans, wolf maidens are microchipped to prevent escape. She is told that she
has three moons to decide if Wyatt is the right alpha for her, and if not, she must choose another. However, she can never leave their society. Angered and confused she first balks at the idea until she witnesses the entire pact shift, and learns that her own grandmother was a wolf maiden who lost the alpha mate and love of her life. Feeling the strong connection with Wyatt, she decides to pursue the cure to the
lycan cub disease. To complicate matters Bisclavaret, Wyatt’s enemy and bad alpha lycan from the Bayou, is determined to make Madeline his wolf maiden, one way or another.

Reviews for Werewolf Sanctuary

Werewolf Sanctuary by Eva Gordon
Paranormal Romance- May 6th, 2009
4 stars

I typically tend to be more passionate about reading vampire novels when it comes to the supernatural fiction collection. But I could not help but become intrigued with this shifter book! It had all the elements that grab your attention. I found it an exhilarating page turner from the beginning to end.

Werewolf Sanctuary begins with a burst of action that kept me hooked! The author keeps the reader engrossed by explaining the main character’s (Wyatt Weylyn) origin which was highly fascinating. At Wyatt’s wolf sanctuary, the wolf cubs have been succumbing to various ailments including death. Wyatt is on a mission to hopefully cure and resolve this issue.

Maddie is a doctor in the biology of wolves and has a specialty in their diseases as well. She was a wonderful character. I felt deeply connected to her since she went through what many single women go through before they find their soul mates. I particularly was attracted to Maddie’s down to earth personality and courage handling sudden new changes to her life in ways she never expected to happen.

How do their lives intertwine? You MUST read it to find out. This is a guaranteed enjoyable read! There is a generous amount of romance, action, intrigue and paranormal that will keep you energized and wanting more!

Reviewed by Monica from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club



Werewolf Sanctuary is an amazing tale,intriguing and oh so believable - from the first paragraph to the last, this story is an entertaining journey into the the lycan world...the characters have such defined and believable personalities - the surroundings are so beautifully shared - Werewolf Sanctuary has more than enough to give readers a page turner, satisfying experience. I look forward to more of the Wolf Maiden Chronicles... Kathy Dement, beta reader

Wolf Support Opportunity!

To celebrate the release of the first novel in Eva Gordon’s Wolf Maiden Chronicle Series, Eva Gordon and Vanilla Heart Publishing donated $1 per copy sold during launch party week to Howling Acres Wolf Sanctuary, where Charlie and Sherrie LaBat have maintained a wolf sanctuary since 1991, committed to wolves in need of a permanent, safe haven. She plans to donate a portion for the release of each wolf maiden novel.

I write fantasy and paranormal novels with a strong romantic element. Her debut fantasy, The Stone of the Tenth Realm, was published summer 2008 by a small UK Press, Libros International. A second fantasy, Gaia’s Keeper, soon to be published is forth coming. I have written the sequel to The Stone of the Tenth Realm, Alchemist of the Tenth Realm. Werewolf Sanctuary is Book 1 in her epic Wolf Maiden Chronicles, a paranormal romance series involving male alpha lycans and their human mates known as wolf maidens. Werewolf Sanctuary is a contemporary that will lead to all the other historical paranormal tales in the Wolf Maiden Chronicles. Book 2 in the series, Beast Warrior, takes place during the Viking era. Book 3 follows with White Wolf of Avalon. I love to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, romance and werewolf lore. I have a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. I have taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. Her background in science and her passion for wildlife biology adds credibility to her writings. I also moonlights as a faculty member of the Grey School of Wizardry, an online school for kids and adults interested in magic and lore. A member of Romance Writers of America, I have also taught workshops on wolf lore and falconry for writer groups. I have volunteered at a wolf sanctuary and other wildlife rehab organizations.

.

Eva Gordon

Author of Paranormal and Fantasy Romance

http://www.ravenauthor.com

http://www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/Eva_Gordon_WKIK.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Werewolf+Sanctuary+by+Eva+Gordon&x=7&y=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyudh6g4ls8

My Amazon store, The Wolf’s Den Bookstore http://astore.amazon.com/autevagor-20