Deep Discount for SEXUAL HEALING FOR THREE!

Donna Vega is a dedicated woman on a mission. Matchmaking sister Angela is determined the mission include a love-life with Dominant and architectural landscaper Russ Merrick and his younger brother, Chance Novak, a gifted and sensitive ER doctor. The mission goes awry, however, when Donna lands on the radar of a psychotic employee obsessed with Russ.

Escaping an abusive past, Donna Vega is determined never to be the victim of a man's whims again. She doesn't have the inclination or time for one man, much less two. 

  

Wiccan and drowning survivor, Chance Novak has inherited psychic gifts that he's wary of using. When he meets Donna at a domestic abuse seminar, Chance recognizes an injured soul that he'd like to heal. But can he get past Donna's armor to make her see him as more than just a colleague? 

Russell Merrick has always put everyone's needs before his own, pursuing a vanilla ideal of wedded bliss. But now since his divorce can he abide sharing the one woman who could fulfill his every sexual fetish, when his younger brother is the other man?

More importantly, can Russ deflect the twisted attentions of a killer who's willing to go through Chance and Donna to get to him?

To learn more, read excerpts and/or to purchase, visit here: http://www.bookstrand.com/sexual-healing-for-three   

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR INTERVIEW -- YA GLBT AUTHOR JOHN H. AMES!

BIO: My real name is Juan H. Alvarado and I was born in El Salvador, C.A. I currently live in Belize and my passions are writing, reading and spending time with the ones I love. I began writing in 2009 and After posting some of my work on an internet website and receiving positive feedback, I went on to write several full-length novels under my penname, John Henry Ames. My first completed series is the Surviving Elite High Trilogy which chronicles the life of a gay sixteen-year-old boy as he makes his way through life as an outcast in the shadows of an elite high school where he is tormented by two psychopathic bullies.

You can Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJohnHAmes Or visit my site: http://jhabooks.webs.com/

 The Interview

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, John! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

JOHN: Hi Gracie! Thank you so much for having me here today. It’s an honor. Well, let me start by saying that my real name is Juan H. Alvarado and I was born in El Salvador, C.A. I have always loved reading and writing but never had the courage to sit down and write something. After graduating from college in 09, I took a night shift at a small motel. To keep myself occupied, I began writing and completed several full-length novels under my penname, John Henry Ames. My first completed series is the Surviving Elite High Trilogy which chronicles the life of a gay sixteen-year-old boy as he makes his way through life as an outcast in the shadows of an elite high school where he is tormented by two psychopathic bullies.

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

JOHN: This is an excellent question since there are so many people who have inspired my writing and the genre I write in. The first person to ever inspire me was the amazing J.K. Rowling. The first time I read a Harry Potter novel was back in 2003. That novel instantly pulled me into a world that I had never seen or heard of before, leaving me wanting more. When the last novel came out, it blew my mind to the point that it made me sit down and write a novel of my own. I spent a few months writing, and the finished product was called Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories.

Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories is my first and only straight fiction novel. It tells the story of two guys who meet in high school and find out that they have more in common than they thought, since they share the same memories, dreams, and nightmares. Soon enough, they discover that they are unearthly beings from another world and that they are the incarnation of the beautiful Raven and the amazing Crow. You might be wondering two guys, the incarnation of a man and a woman? Not much of a Twilight novel, right? True, but let the story flow, and you'll see that not everything isn’t quite what it seems. I’m currently looking for the right publisher for this novel, and when I find one, I will let you and all my readers know where to get it.

Another individual who has inspired me and got me into the world of gay fiction is the incredible Jeff Erno. The first m/m romance that I read was A Better Place by Mark A. Roeder. That little novel has a jock/nerd theme in it, and I absolutely fell in love with that theme. I immediately researched for that theme and came across Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno. I fell in love with that novel almost immediately. It was like love at first sight. That little work of fiction inspired me to write Surviving Elite High in 2010 and the rest is history.

GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

JOHN: I definitely got The Call after reading Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno. OMG! I loved that novel so much that it inspired me to write my debut novel, Surviving Elite High. Jeff Erno is amazing and he’s one of my favorite authors of all time. His novels are emotional and incredibly cool. I have to thank him for getting me into this amazing little world.  

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

JOHN: Not to take reviews seriously. Yes, constructive criticism is an excellent way to improve your writing and grow as an author. However, in this modern era where everyone has access to a computer and everyone is a critic, readers often criticize novels with their emotions. If they had a bad day and read your novel, you will mostly get a bad review. That’s why I don’t take reviews seriously. They are tied to a reader’s emotions and feelings.     

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your YA Trilogy, Surviving Elite High.

JOHN: The novel Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno was my main inspiration for my debut novel because of the jock/nerd theme found inside. I wanted to write something similar to that theme, but unique at the same time. At that point in time, I was also dating someone who stole my heart and, sadly, broke it. He was also my main inspiration for Surviving Elite High. Since he was an American citizen and had attended a small high school in Buffalo, New York, I drew inspiration from his high school life and wrote Surviving Elite High. I simply added a few unique twists and turns that would leave readers wanting more.      

GRACIE: In Surviving Elite High, aside from being a star quarterback, Nick Anthony Hawking is not the best student academically. Besides his doing poorly in school, what do you think is Nick’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

JOHN: I think that Nick’s Achilles’ heel is his tendency to want to be a protector. That got him into big troubles because it blinded him from seeing people’s faults. For example, look at what happened in Surviving Elite High: Senior Year, especially with Emily Roberts. Nick was trying to be kind and protective with her and that blinded him to the bad things she was doing behind his back. That almost got John killed a second time. In the novel, Nick realized his mistake by apologizing to John and focused on protecting John and only John.

GRACIE: In Surviving Elite High: Loving James, what do you think it is that makes Nathan so irresistible to James, despite Nathan’s complete incompatibility? By the same token, what makes James so blind to Jacob Ashmore’s feelings for him?

JOHN: In James’ little world, there is no one more perfect than Nicholas Anthony Hawking. He’s obsessed with the idea of having someone like Nick to love and protect him, someone who acts rugged, straight and manly. That’s all he wants in life, someone like Nick. That blinds him to see what an incredible person Jacob is to him and how Jacob really feels toward him. James wants someone like Nick so badly that he will do almost anything to make Nathan into another Nick. That fails of course and almost gets him kill.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

JOHN: Whoa! I have to say Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories. Why? It’s my first completed novel and it comes straight from my heart. I absolutely love that little story and I am hoping and praying that my readers fall in love with it as well.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

JOHN: Oh my God! I would have to say Nick Hawking. To me, Nick is the bomb! He’s not close to perfect and he can be a huge a****** to people most of the time; however, he can be so sweet and sensitive with John. I absolutely loved the way he changes for him and becomes a better person for him. It just goes to show you that people can change if they set their minds to. 

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

JOHN: My characters are not perfect or even close to perfect and that makes them real and unique, relatable to readers. Each one of them has so many issues to deal with and as the story unfolds, they grow into better and responsible individuals.  

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

JOHN: My favorite aspect of the writing process would be sitting down and plotting the entire novel from top to bottom. I love that part so much! Ideas flow in and I love sticking them together into a beautiful story. My least favorite aspect of the writing process would be editing. Oh. My. God! I hate it so much! It’s stressful, long and tedious. I wish I could just skip that part, but sadly, I can’t.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

JOHN: I have to admit, I am both. When I have something solid or concrete in my head, I write it down before I lose that precious information. Everything is outlined thoroughly from top to bottom and my writing goes smoothly. Sometimes, I can be a pantser though. I simply sit down and write with no direction whatsoever. I do, however, take longer to finish a novel this way. 

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

JOHN: I think that I would have been a model. LOL! Nah, I can’t model. I don’t think I the looks. I honestly think that I would have been a manager or an accountant. But, I love writing and I don’t see myself doing something other than writing cool and kickass stories.

GRACIE: I think you’re being modest about your looks, John, but who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

JOHN: I have so many favorite authors but I would say that my top two would be the amazing J.K. Rowling and the incredible Jeff Erno. Both of them have inspired me with their work and they keep on doing it.

As for my favorite books, I would say:

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – I couldn’t pick one, to be honest. Every single book in that series is so good that they inspired me to write Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories.

Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno – This is my favorite GLBT novel of all time. Yes, there are so many out there, but this one is the first one to make me cry. This novel was so thrilling and inspiring that it led me to write my first GLBT novel, Surviving Elite High.

Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell – Dear God! This novel is so awesome! Mr. Jay Bell came up with one the most amazing little pieces of literature ever and this is the third and last novel to make me cry. (Something Like Summer by the same author was the second novel to make me cry).

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

JOHN: Right now I’m working on my fourth GLBTQ novel called, Love, Joy, Heartache and Pain. Now, this novel is special because it’s my very own collection of short stories, three shorts to be exact. They can stand on their own or act as a long one if you want them to. I absolutely love them. Here are their names:

1)         The not so unrealistic detailed account of how my best friend and I swap bodies for a short period of time. Swapatize for short.

2)         The Spirit Indestructible.

3)         And The Lake View Psychopath.

GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

JOHN: Yes I do. I can be found online in several places actually:

1)         http://jhabooks.webs.com/

2)         https://www.facebook.com/JohnHenryAmes

3)         https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJohnHAmes

4)         http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820153.John_H_Ames

5)         https://twitter.com/JohnHenryAmes

6)         http://instagram.com/authorjohnhenryames

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

JOHN: My work is everywhere, but here are the major links to them:

Surviving Elite High - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-ebook/dp/B00BIOF58E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361488153&sr=8-1&keywords=surviving+elite+high

Surviving Elite High: Senior Year - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-Senior-ebook/dp/B00BKLG98A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1361727037&sr=8-4&keywords=Surviving+elite+high

Surviving Elite High: Loving James - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-Loving-ebook/dp/B00BKKTOZQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361727091&sr=8-3&keywords=Surviving+elite+high

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

JOHN: Never give up. If you want to be a writer, know that the journey will be long, tedious, and hard. But remember that classic Lao Tzu quote, 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'. You'll get there eventually. Just keep a positive mind and attitude and aim for the stars, because you might just end up on the moon.

GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

                      

JOHN: Yes, there is a little question that fans always ask. Will there be more books in the Surviving Elite High Saga? Yes. Right now, I’m working on a possible plot for Rick Sanders, a minor character in the Surviving Elite High Saga. I also want to write a third for Nick and John. Wish me luck guys!

GRACIE:  We wish you much luck, John and thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

JOHN: No, Thank you for having me here today.

Spotlight Author Interview - Paranormal Romance Author Tianna Xander!

BIO: Tianna Xander is an eclectic, multi-published, award-winning author of paranormal romance and erotica. Harassed by her muse daily, she rarely puts the pen down. However, she’s the first to admit that, when she does set the pen down, or her muse has momentarily deserted her, she spends too much time on the internet.

She lives in Michigan with her family, four cats, a German Shepherd Dog, and a raisin addict disguised as a Netherland Dwarf bunny named Babs.

 

Interview begins here:

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Tianna! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

TIANNA: Thank you for having me, Gracie. I’m excited to be here!

I started telling romantic stories to my friends at a very young age. However, my first book wasn’t published until 2006 when Tina, the owner of Extasy Books, offered me my first contract. I have since been published by Siren, Cobblestone Press and the Extasy Books sister company, Devine Destinies.

I’m a bit outdoorsy. I love to camp, hike and ride my mountain bike anywhere it will take me. I love watching sci-fi shows and movies. Netflix is great and a sci-fi geek’s dream. My newest book, Woman Beware even has a few red shirt references. LOL

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

TIANNA: My husband inspires my writing on almost a daily basis. He’s the type of man who still opens doors and walks between me and the street. After over thirty years, he still holds my hand. He’s a perfect romance hero come to life and I consider myself a lucky woman to have his love and companionship.

As far as who influenced the genre I write in, I would have to say Christine Feehan. I had never read paranormal before I read her Dark series. After that, I was hooked on all things paranormal. I would also say Sandra Hill played a roll in my writing time travels. I love her Viking series.

GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

 

 

TIANNA: Virgin’s Blood was my first published book. I borrowed this from one of my son’s English papers—with his permission, of course. “Note to self: Never take 1000 dollars to a drug dealer. He will kill you for it.” When he read that sentence to me, something snapped and I suddenly had this picture of a man killing a woman amidst a mess of pizza boxes and spilled cocaine in my mind. I looked at my son and said, “Oh, my goodness! I just had a great idea for a book. Can I use that?” LOL

The first few lines of Virgin’s Blood were, “Never take 6000 dollars with you to a drug dealer. He will kill you for it.” After that, the rest came easily and The Chosen series became my first series of many and the only series I write in first person.

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

TIANNA: That it’s not as easy as everyone seems to think and you don’t get rich doing it. LOL Don’t get me wrong. I love writing and I do it because I love it, but those dreams of buying a new house and car were very nice, but still dreams, nonetheless. J

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your long-running Paradise series.

TIANNA: Actually, I started the Paradise saga writing a story for the Extasy Books Tarot series. I needed a book with characters that would fit the King of Wands card.

True to the character of my overachieving, sadist of a muse, I was forced—forced I tell you—to make the King of Wands book the first of a series with villains so nasty they would give most shape-shifting heroes the creeps. Thankfully, said muse allowed me to kill off most of the bad guys quickly and with extreme prejudice. Believe me, they deserved it.

GRACIE: What do you think are the drawbacks and perks of writing a series like Paradise?

TIANNA: The perks of writing a series are revisiting old friends, not having to dream up a new premise and stories almost guaranteed to be accepted by your publisher. LOL The drawbacks are few, but there.

After a while, you wonder why you’re still writing about a town or people who feel like relatives and start having a difficult time telling their stories because you feel like a voyeur. Isn’t that crazy? These people don’t even exist, but somehow, you feel as though you just might be invading their right to privacy.

GRACIE: In Woman Beware what do you think is Lena’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

 
TIANNA:  I’m not sure. She hasn’t shown a weakness yet. Well… other than Artu. Maybe a red shirt will be the death of her after all. LOL

GRACIE: In The Water Dragon Summer is an independent heroine who knows what she wants. Despite her being claimed by a chauvinist what do you believe makes Summer the perfect mate for Adrian and Adrian the perfect mate for Summer?

TIANNA: I think they will work well together. Water gives him strength and she can bring on the rain at a whim, now that she has his strength to anchor her.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

TIANNA: Alicia: The Awakening is my favorite. There is a lot of history (sort of) in that story for me. If her emotions seem real, it’s because they are real. They are mine. Writing that book was a catharsis for me. It rid me of old fears, by making me see that I have become a strong woman just as Alicia became a strong woman after her ordeal. Letting go of all of that emotional baggage opened doors for me that had remained closed for years. It changed me and I’m better for it.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

TIANNA: Gabriel in Alicia: The Awakening. He was so patient and loving with Alicia, just as my husband has always been patient and loving with me. Well… he is when it really counts. LOL

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

 

TIANNA: They have their own unique code of honor. None of them are perfect, but they are always perfect for each other.

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

 

TIANNA: Plotting and writing are my favorite parts, right up until I get to the sex scenes. Bedroom scenes seem to get harder to write as I write more and more of them. One would think it would get easier, but there are times when I wonder if I’ve already written a certain passage the same way. I don’t want to plagiarize anyone—including myself. It cheats the reader.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

TIANNA: I do a little bit of both. I’m a pantser when I’m especially excited about a storyline. I sometimes feel as though typing 100 words per minute isn’t fast enough. LOL

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

TIANNA: Actually, I would have been a quantum physicist—believe it or not. LOL

 

GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

TIANNA: As I said, I love Christine Feehan’s Dark series. I love Sandra Hill’s Viking series and I adore the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands.

I like Sandra Hill’s Viking series because I like the old-fashioned heroes who only want what’s best for their women. Guys like that are difficult to find these days. It isn’t impossible. I have one. He’s definitely a keeper.

I like Lynsay Sands and Christine Feehan’s vampire books because there is just something about a tall, dark and hungry vampire who can get rid of the bad guys with a flick of the wrist.

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

TIANNA: I’m working on book three of the Gate To Fate series, Reporting from Paradise, the next in the Dragon Bound series and I’m waiting for Viola to finish adding her part and ship the next DARE book back to me to write more in it.

GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

TIANNA: Of course! My website is www.TiannaXander.com I’m on Facebook as Tianna Xander or readers can like my Tianna Xander Fans page. I’m also on Twitter @TiannaXander

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

TIANNA: My website www.TiannaXander.com/books has blurbs and excerpts as well as my publisher’s websites. However, some excerpts are more explicit than others. There are also buy links for my books on my website.

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

TIANNA: To borrow a phrase from Galaxy Quest, “Never give up. Never surrender.”

Always keep learning about the craft. I’ve been published many times over and I’m still learning something new every day. Don’t let rejections get you down. EVERY published author has been rejected at least once. The secret is to keep on writing and keep on submitting your work. Sooner or later an editor will see the potential in your baby and tell you what you can do to convince them to make you an offer.

One more thing: You will never, and I mean never, please everyone. Don’t try. Don’t read reviews that have less than four stars if you must read reviews and never let a snarky or poor review stop you from writing book two or book two-hundred.

GRACIE: LOL, love the quote from one of my favoite movies! Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

TIANNA: I love that my readers take the time from their busy lives to visit my worlds and fall in love with my characters. I thank them for their time and the effort it takes to leave reviews for their favorite titles.

GRACIE:  Tianna, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your prolific writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

TIANNA: Thank you for having me here at the G-Spot. It was a blast!

Retro Release Deals - TERMS OF SURRENDER & BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT!

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This Siren Classic Erotic Romance is available $2.99 beginning Wednesday 8/28 until Tue, 9/25!

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BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT!

Siren Classic: Erotic Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Interracial

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4 Coffee Cups for Maia's Magickal Mates!

“Maia’s Magical Mates is a true treat for the senses!... The love scenes were very well written and add definite spice to a story that would have been fantastic even were they not there. This is saying something because anyone can write some sex scenes and call it a story, but it takes a real master to write a book that has an actual storyline, but then has the added zing of well thought out and written love scenes. If you enjoy stories that have a bit of everything then I highly recommend Maia’s Magical Mates!” Regina, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More. Read the complete review here:  http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/maiasmagicalmatesbook3bygigimoore.html#.UhBIHW0pg74

Author of the Week!

 

I’m appearing at novelist John H. Ames’ Blog as his Author of the Week. Check out our interview and excerpt from Lucy’s Liberation here:

 

http://jhabooks.webs.com/apps/blog/show/31992170-author-of-the-week-gracie-c-mckeever

Lily's Secrets Now Available in Print!

Lily’s Secrets (MFM) Elk Creek 1

[Siren Ménage Everlasting: Erotic Western Interracial Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, HEA] Newlywed Lily Baldwin has news for her husband that she never gets to share before she is attacked by a savage in their home and left for dead in the middle of nowhere. Miraculously, Lily is rescued by a stranger who takes her to his people to recuperate. She never sees her stranger or gets to thank him for what he did, but she doesn’t forget him. Five years later Lily has returned from her ordeal with the Kiowas, but her husband Wyatt finds it difficult not to blame himself for failing to protect her. When half-breed Dakota Cooper turns up near the couples’ property injured and needing the same aid Lily needed years previous, Lily cannot resist helping him even if her husband wants to leave Dakota to die. What will Wyatt do when he finds out the complete truth behind Lily’s attack and her lost years with the “hostiles”

Now Available in Print! To learn and read more and/or to purchase, visit:

http://www.amazon.com/Lilys-Secrets-Publishing-Menage-Everlasting/dp/1622429923/

Lucy's Liberation Now Available!

Lucy's Liberation (MMF)
Elk Creek 2

This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, July 8th.

[Siren Ménage Everlasting: Erotic Historical Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M elements, HEA]

When her much-older abusive husband, Rance, dies, Lucy Peyton believes her nightmare is over and looks forward to a new life of independence. Her hopes for a marriage of love instead of convenience, however, are dashed when she discovers the provisions of her late husband’s will and realizes that Rance is still trying to crush her, even from the grave.

Rance’s nephew, urbane adventurer and thrill seeker, Ki Benjamin, may have just found a reason to settle down in Podunk Elk Creek when Lucy’s petition reaches him in New York.

Prentice Teague has a lot to make up for from his former life, and he gets a chance at redemption when he’s reincarnated as Ethan Crawford. A young cowboy who fell into some dubious company before his untimely death, Ethan now is the target of a corrupt mentor determined to finish the job he started when he shot Ethan in the back.

To read excerpts, learn more and/or to purchase, visit: http://www.bookstrand.com/lucys-liberation

Interview with Gigi Moore at ManLoveAuthors!

Check out my latest interview and learn more about my ménage amour alter ego, Gigi Moore here: http://manloveauthors.com/an-interview-with-gigi-moore/

Spotlight Interview with Erotic Paranormal Romance Author LYNNETTE BERNARD!

Author Bio: Lynnette Bernard is a fan of Broadway, the ocean, science fiction, romance, music, movies, books, and babies. She has two babies of her own that were the perfect children, who have turned out to be outstanding adults. She is a staunch advocate of “happily ever after” and changes the endings of any movie that she sees or book that she reads that doesn’t follow that rule. She has the hots for cowboys, shifters, vampires, and really nice guys and lives her fantasies about them through her writings. The cowboys of Colorado will always hold a special place in her heart.

The Interview:

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Lynnette! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

LYNNETTE: Thanks, Gracie! It’s so nice to be here. Thanks for having me. J I have written stories from the time I was about 14 years old. My first book was completed at age 16. It was an historical romance set in Wyoming in the late 1800s. The story was a great story and I may rewrite it some day, but although I knew the basics of physical love, I had no experience. The story was definitely PG and I am proud of it; however, I would definitely flesh it out and spice it up to do justice to the characters’ love story. Now that I’m older, I have a better understanding of physical love, emotional love, and striving for dreams. I would never look back and regret anything. My future possibilities are endless and I am so thankful to be doing what I love—writing.

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

LYNNETTE: My father always supported me in all my decisions and loved me unconditionally. He was a man who loved my mother with all his heart, and he loved every one of us kids without reservation or judgment. He was an amazing man, a loving husband and father, and the perfect role model. He was a deeply caring and kind man. All the men in my stories have these traits in their personalities because of my dad. Men would be an amazing gender if they all took their lessons from him. As far as the genre aspect, I’m a romantic through and through. I love reading romance stories, and I love writing romance stories. So, that’s all me. J

GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

LYNNETTE: I always remember having a need to write from the time I was a pre-teen/teenager. I tried for many years to get my work published but I was caught in a constant loop of frustration. I couldn’t get an agent to represent me unless I had something published, and I couldn’t get anything published unless I had an agent to represent me. Luckily for me, the age of e-book publishing opened up a world of possibilities to me. I just had to submit my work in the format that the publisher wanted. I was very lucky that Siren Publishing took a chance on me. It took six weeks and a follow-up email to check on the status of my submission, but it was a positive experience and I was offered a contract for Laurie’s Loves. It was the most amazing thing for me that after all the years of writing—someone had finally given me a chance and believed in me. I am forever grateful to the wonderful people of Siren.

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

LYNNETTE: I now know that I can say “No” to suggestions. What I mean by this is very important. When Laurie’s Loves was going through the editing process, I was constantly trying to please the editors. They suggested changes that I felt would completely change the basic idea of the series. I was afraid to stand up for myself and take a chance that I would be told my book wasn’t going to be published. I ended up standing my ground and held firm to my beliefs, and you know what? Nothing bad happened. In fact, quite the opposite happened. My stories stayed as I had written them, and my readers contact me and tell me that what I stood my ground about was exactly what they enjoy the most.

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates series.

LYNNETTE: I’ve always loved the paranormal world. I especially love wolf shifters and vampires. In thinking about the series I was going to create, I wanted to create a world that held beautiful possibilities where people were kind, loving, and supportive. I wanted to write my own love story. Like Laurie Young, I was that person who had raised two children alone, with a crazy, abusive ex and two wonderful kids. I gave up everything to raise my kids and had finally taken a vacation after fifteen years of having no “me” time. That’s how the trip to the Circle Three Ranch came about. I also have dreamed of finding my soul mate and thought how wonderful it would be if my mate would be able to find me by scent, want to protect me and care about me, be completely loyal and faithful, find me desirable, and want a family with me. Jace and Jackson certainly fulfill that requirement. The abilities of speaking to each other, knowing each other’s feelings and emotions, and experiencing visions about the beauty of their future just kind of came to be as I realized that those things would help reassure Laurie and all future mates that the love they found was right, and allowed their love to progress quickly.

GRACIE: In Laurie’s Loves, what do you think it is about Laurie Young that makes her the perfect mate for alpha Jace Beckett and beta Jackson Scott despite her being human and even though she is their fated triad mate?

                                                        

 

LYNNETTE: I really think Laurie is perfect for them because she doesn’t think she is anything special. She has no designs on them and she treats them as acquaintances. They get to know her as just a friend even though she is much more to them. She is a naturally nurturing woman and someone who has taken on the role of caregiver to others—both in the pack and within her own life. She has fears, but her need to help, guide, and love children and the people of the pack drives her. She needs to comfort those she meets and Jace and Jackson need her kindness and her love. They have had a life of isolation despite their status as alpha and beta. She brings them the honest caring and acceptance that is completely free of any motives for self.  She is exactly what they need, and her character progresses through the Beckett’s Wolf Pack Series showing how she has naturally come into her own as the queen of the pack. She’s awesome and loving—just what her men and the members of the pack need.

GRACIE: In Babies for Nikki what do you think is fearless spitfire Nicole Sinclair’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

 

 

LYNNETTE: Nikki’s fear is that she is the go-to woman to make everyone laugh, but people don’t see her as a desirable woman. She doesn’t think anyone sees who she really is, or values her as a woman. She’s used to being used and thought of as the person who will fix everything. To some degree, she is; however, she is much more than that. When she meets Alexander and Butler, she is at first skeptical and resorts to her sarcastic humor to protect herself. Only when she gives in to their love, experiences the visions, feels the emotions of her men, and hears their thoughts can she finally get over her lack of confidence. It’s important to note that it doesn’t matter what profession, or what a woman’s financial status, childhood insecurities never leave us. Whatever our parents or our friends torture us with as children never leaves us. It’s like a constant buzzing in our mind that reminds us that we’re not all that great. Some of us get over it to some degree. Some of us don’t. The love of our mate/mates is what will help us flourish and grow. Nikki can only see that she is a desirable woman who is deeply loved when Alex and Butler show her in their treatment of her.

GRACIE: What is it you find appealing about the author themes of healing and acceptance that seem to run through most of your books and series so far? Did your author themes choose you or did you choose them?

LYNNETTE: I think both, actually. I have a very spiritual heart and I believe in miracles. So much has happened in my life that supports this. I also have been on the receiving end of prejudice. I have always been frustrated by people making judgments about me, or anyone really, without taking the time to get to know the amazing people that we are. In the worlds that I create, acceptance is firm, and honest. There is the important theme of family that is shown through each series. Family is the ultimate happiness as far as I’m concerned. My characters want to create a supportive family and they want to have children. So, my books will always have acceptance, healing, and family.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

LYNNETTE: Oh, wow. That’s tough. I have to be honest and say that my favorite book is always the one I’m working on at the moment. I have to let the other books go or I won’t be able to work on the current book. I really have to say that making each book I’m working on my favorite gives that book the importance it deserves until the story is told.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

LYNNETTE: Again, another tough choice. Laurie is me twenty years ago. Nikki is me now. Jamie is me during college. Gracie is me as a big sister. Every man in the wolf pack series is awesome, and don’t even get me started on the men in the cowboy series! Every one of them is exactly what each of us needs. But, if I had to pick just one character, ummmmm, probably Deuce McKade. He is an amazing man who took over the caring of his brothers and friends. He’s strong, he works hard, he’s an amazing uncle and father, and his love for Gracie makes me cry. All the men in my books are really loyal, loving men who adore their mates. Every one of them is exactly what I would want in the mate who loved me.

 

 

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

LYNNETTE: Well, I think the sense of family and protection is a big reason why they are so unique. Most of all, the characters are kind. Kindness is the basis for their personality so you like them, trust them, root for them, and ultimately love them.

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

LYNNETTE: I love the actual writing of each novel. I escape from the problems of my life when I am creating. I can create worlds where good people win. They can be happy, and they can have a loving, fulfilling future with their mates. I have said many times that I love escaping from the world and never leaving my “cave with wi-fi” for days on end. J

My least favorite is criticism in reviews by people who seem to have no concept of what my books are all about. If you don’t like ménage stories, don’t buy them. If you don’t like men who adore and love their mates, don’t buy them. If you don’t like inner conflict that my characters struggle through, don’t buy them. I sometimes want to defend myself against some incredibly cruel words, but I let it go. Not everyone is going to like my books and that’s okay, but I truly don’t understand why people have to be intentionally hurtful.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

LYNNETTE: A little of both. I have a basic understanding of my book before I start, but I do come up with some of the scenes as I go along. The characters speak to me and make me give them scenes that are unique to them.

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

LYNNETTE: I’ve always wanted to edit movies. I’ve had experience writing and directing plays and movies, and I love the editing process. I would like to do that.

GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

LYNNETTE: I have pretty eclectic tastes. I love romance, science fiction, the classics, plays, comedies, mysteries, historical, and erotica. Some of the current authors I read are: Melinda Barron , Stormy Glenn, Elle Saint James, Charlie Richards, Bianca D’Arc, Marie Harte, Gabrielle Evans , Eve Langlais, Evangeline Anderson, Allyson James, Amylea Lyn, Ann T. Ryan, Andrew Grey, Toni Griffin, and Cheryl Lynne to just name a few. There are so many, I hope I don’t insult anyone by leaving them out. I love all kinds of romance stories: M/F, M/M, M/M/F, M/F/M, the possibilities are endless. Love is love. That is the true test of any book that I read. The love story and the commitment the characters have to each other is what makes me love the book. As far as classic writers, my favorite writer is Shakespeare.

I absolutely love The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. That has to be my favorite book for young adults. It calls to your heart and allows kids to identify with the isolation of teenage life. My first love story that I read at the age of 16 was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It was my first foray into the romantic world and it hooked me on that genre for life. What a wonderful love story.

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

LYNNETTE: I’m currently working on the 3^rd Cowboy Mates, Psychic Connections book. This one is Spence, Lainey, and Tim’s story. It’s called Claiming Lainey and is a ménage love story. When I’m finished with this one, I’ll be writing Book 5 in the Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates Series. That one will be Wade, Meeka, and Reece’s story. It’s called Meeka’s Reluctant Mates. I plan on starting two new series this summer. One will be Auctioned Mates, and the other will be Wizard Mates. I truly love all of my characters and series. I wish I could stay home and write ALL the time!

Abbey’s Protectors, Book 4 of Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates is scheduled for release from Siren Publishing on June 19^th. It may be sooner (I hope) so I’ll keep everyone posted on my website and on my Facebook page.

GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

LYNNETTE: My website is http://www.lynnettebernard.com and my email is lynnettebernard@gmail.com

I absolutely love hearing from readers. I also have a Facebook page and would love readers to “friend” me. J

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

LYNNETTE: I have excerpts of my novels on my website. http://www.lynnettebernard.com

My books are available at Siren BookStrand, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. I see that they are also available as an Apple App.

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

LYNNETTE: Hone your craft. Make sure your stories are tight and interesting. Most importantly, don’t give up.

GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

LYNNETTE: Well, I would like readers to know just how much I absolutely love what I do. I am my happiest when I’m writing. I can’t even begin to tell you how important it is to me to have this amazing opportunity in my life. Life can be very hard and we all need that one special thing in our lives that we can hang onto and hold dear to our heart that helps us see that there can be beauty and happiness in this crazy world. Writing does that for me. I am so thankful to be able to write.

GRACIE: Lynnette, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

LYNNETTE: Thank you for having me. It was fun. :) Happy Reading, Everyone!

Interview with Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense Author BRYNNA CURRY!

 

 GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Brynna! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

BRYNNA: Hi, Gracie. I’m thrilled to be here!  I was born in Russellville, Alabama, but I moved around all over the south, always the new kid.  After my parents divorced, we finally landed in Haleyville, Alabama. I married my high school sweetheart Jackie and we settled in the rural area of Haleyville near Bear Creek with our son and two daughters. It’s quiet here and always very green in the summer with all the trees on our property. The dense forests and rolling countryside make great inspiration for my paranormal romance and suspense novel

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

BRYNNA:  I can’t remember a specific event that triggered the writing bug. It was more a gradual thing evolving out of a difficult childhood.  Domestic violence was an everyday occurrence in my home as a child. My parents fought constantly.  Books were my sanctuary. I can remember locking me and my little sister in the closet and reading to her very loudly to block them out.  My Aunt Brenda impressed on me at a very young age that reading was important.  I started making up my own stories, embracing my wild imagination. Brenda was the first person I trusted with my story worlds and she encouraged me to keep at it. 

I love all things spooky, so my writing took a decidedly paranormal bent. Still, I just couldn’t write romance.  At the time, happy endings didn’t exist in my world. Once I was old enough to read romances, each one I picked up featured wilting wallflower heroines endlessly waiting for some hero to step in and save them. It annoyed me.  I wanted them to be strong, to save themselves and maybe their hero too. I mean, what was wrong with that? I guess I couldn’t identify with those characters because I’m a take charge kind of girl.

After I’d read through the mysteries, suspense, fantasy books at the library, the librarian suggested a Nora Roberts book with mystery elements.  I chose Sea Swept off the shelf. I remember thinking this is a romance novel? Written heavily in the hero’s point of view?  Anna is so strong.  Cam didn’t ‘lord’ over her as if she was incapable of doing anything (included thinking) for herself. And I thought, this is what I want to write but let’s throw in witches, vampires and shifters.

GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

BRYNNA:  The call was an email from Lyrical Press, Inc. offering a contract for Earth Enchanted. After careful consideration, I signed in May of 2009. I absolutely love working with the staff at Lyrical and Piper (my editor) is the greatest.  I’ve been through some extremely tough spots over the last few years. Both she and Renee have gone above and beyond for me.  I have a new piece almost ready for submission and three others waiting in the wings. Piper will get the ‘first look’ because I respect and trust her opinion. Two things I give to a very rare few.

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

BRYNNA:  You need the patience of a saint and skin thicker than molasses in January to survive.  Never stop trying to learn something new and always pay it forward.  Don’t expect anyone to help you, but be that person who reaches out to help others.

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your series, Elemental Magic?

BRYNNA:  Elemental Magic was inspired by a weird dream. In that shadowy realm of sleep, I saw a beautiful sorceress in drowning rain standing inside a stone dance casting a spell. Her lover fought to get through the barrier to stop her.  The dream became the prologue for Earth Enchanted. Sadly, the material was cut in editing which made for a lot of confusion at first. I was able to add bits and pieces throughout the series that helped shed light on the Corrigans’ history.  The dream inspired four of the books in the series, but Fire’s Ice is fan inspired.

From the first book, Devin’s character took on a life of his own. With each story, his role changed and he grew into a better person. In the beginning, there were only four planned books. Fans loved Dev so much, that I knew I would have to give him his happy ending too.

GRACIE: For Devin McLoch of Fire’s Ice, what do you believe is his Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

BRYNNA: Devin’s one true weakness is his family. They are also his greatest strength. He loves them fiercely and will do anything to protect those in his charge.  Rather than eliminate it, I prefer to indulge his weakness. His caring nature balances out all that wicked power. *wink*

GRACIE: In Sea’s Sorceress, what do you think it is that makes Skye Corrigan a perfect match for Rhiannon O'Malley and vice versa?

 

BRYNNA:  Skye is used to having women chase him. His stunning looks and flirty nature naturally attract attention. Rhiannon brings his ego back down to earth. She takes care of her family, even though the emotional toll is beginning to affect her physically. They balance each other.  He brings Rhia out of her shell indulging the naughty streak she keeps buried, while Rhia encourages his better qualities and supports his art.

GRACIE: What do you find appealing about the story themes of healing and redemption that seem to be prevalent for your characters throughout your Elemental Magic series?

BRYNNA:  No one is without flaws. Our flaws and individuality makes us who we are. Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was exactly the same. My characters are wonderfully flawed. They hurt, feel, love and make mistakes with the same passion we all do. There is a desire to be more, to seek redemption for past sins in all of us. Overcoming the road blocks I set in their path challenges the character to grow and change and most importantly they breathe. It makes them human.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

BRYNNA:  Fire’s Ice – because it’s the most magical and it’s Devin’s story. I love the others too, but I find myself rereading Fire over and over.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

BRYNNA: Devin McLoch, always. He speaks the loudest to me, maybe because of his background, his magic or perhaps just his kindness and fiercely protective nature. We have a lot in common (well, except the magic lol).  Even when I thought it was time for him to fade into the background, Dev kept popping up where I least expected him. He is a just wicked enough to be fun. 

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

BRYNNA: Spinning the webs that will become stories.  I can’t really think of anything I don’t find appealing about writing except being interrupted in the middle of a scene.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

BRYNNA:  When it comes to the actual writing I am a pantser. I know where I am going, but the characters lead me. As long as we end up where I want, it’s all good. That said, I do plan ahead specific story points that must be included if the book is part of a series.  But those points stay in my head. I loathe making outlines. Guess I’m just too impatient for those. My characters are like real people to me, so I don’t need notes to remember things about them. I just know who they are and that works for me.

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

BRYNNA: I would want to be in law enforcement, or maybe a private investigator.

GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

BRYNNA: Sherrilyn Kenyon is my favorite author, but I love to read Nora Roberts, Hannah Howell, Julie Garwood, Jayne Ann Krentz and many others. SK’s Dark-Hunters are addictive. ACHERON is my favorite book by her, but I’m anxiously awaiting the release of STYXX.

GRACIE: I adored ACHERON too! What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

BRYNNA: I’m putting the finishing touches on a rewrite that will be the beginning of a new suspense series. Claiming Ana brings together veterinarian/witch Ana Brannon and private investigator/werewolf Howl Raven and introduces readers to a new cast of characters. Their attraction is instant and red hot, but Howl discovers he may have found more than his mate. Ana may be the one witch who can cure him of his curse. Amidst their personal battles, Howl is digging into dangerous territory with his work for Chief Cade Murphy. Cade and his brothers are determined to find their father’s killer and doing so will risk everything they hold dear.

I love stories with strong male leads. The Murphys of Triple Star (http://triplestarranchseries.blogspot.com/) are both dangerous and delicious and I think readers will enjoy watching them fall while searching for the answers they seek.

On the paranormal side of the coin are the Shadow books. Shadows of Seven (http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com/)  is the continuance of Elemental Magic (http://elementalmagicseries.blogspot.com/)  Beginning with Charm of Light (http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com/) readers will step into a very deadly future with Allaina Corrigan. As she begins to discover the true reach of her powers, vampire Kail McKenna joins her to fight those of his kind. Together, they will search for and train the other charms.

I’m very excited about this series. I’ve loved vampires since my aunt first introduced me to Dark Shadows (the original).  I promise you won’t find any sparkly guys here. My vamp and his guardian counterparts are warriors sworn to protect the charms at all costs. Following these books will be Highland Magic, which is the story of Vaughn, Cian and Grayson McLoch.

Curious? You can read about these new series here.

http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com

http://brynnacurrystriplestarranchseries
htttp://brynnacurryshighlandmagic.blogspot.com  

GRACIE: Wow, looks like readers have a lot of exciting reads to look forward to from you! Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

BRYNNA:  Readers can find me at my site In Shadows (http://www.brynnacurry.com),  on Facebook, and Twitter. I’m also on LinkedIn, Goodreads, and pretty much everywhere as Brynna Curry.

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

BRYNNA: For blurbs, exclusive excerpts, character profiles and more, visit the Elemental Magic page at http://www.brynnacurry.com Elemental Magic is available through iTunes, Amazon, B & N, Kobo and wherever ebooks are sold. Also available in print through Amazon and Createspace.

http://www.amazon.com/Brynna-Curry/e/B0043WRLUS
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/brynna-curry
http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/brynna-curry_135783  

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

BRYNNA: Always do your homework. No way around it. Research is as important as the writing. Read books in the genre you want to write. See what sells. Read agent/publisher/author blogs. They are a fountain of invaluable advice. And mostly just work very hard. Treat it like a job, because it is. Never give up.

GRACIE: Brynna, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

BRYNNA:  I’ve enjoyed chatting with you! Thanks for inviting me to visit.