MONDAY'S HERO -- Tor from Bestial Cravings

Current read: Seductress of Caralon by Lacey Alexander

I'm back! We had a great vacation, and I'll blog more about it soon. For now, please help me welcome paranormal author Dayana Knight, a good friend I met through our mutual association with The Wild Rose Press. Her current release, Bestial Cravings, had a wild ride on the TWRP bestseller list.

Welcome, Dayana! Tell us about Bestial Cravings.

Like many of my stories, the inspiration for this one has a colorful and strange history. Actually, the piece that set me rolling on Bestial Cravings was a contest entry several years ago. The submission guideline for the story was a complete 1000 word story and the clincher, you had to chose one of several sentences to write your story around. You also had to use that line as the first sentence of your story.

Thus, The Changeling, which later became Bestial Cravings, was born. Although the story didn’t place in the final rounds, it did make it to round two of the judging.

Anyhoo, I was perusing my files of stories, unfinished pieces, etc. and came across TC and thought, let me see what I can do with this one.

Blurb:

Vesta Johns has everything going for her—except her health. Desperate to find the answers to her lethargy and her insatiable desire for raw meat and sex, she seeks out the help of her doctor, but Dr. Cohen can give her no answers.

Or can she?

Torrence Simiene is a medical consultant with a unique specialization. As an alpha werewolf, it’s been his job to aid Dr. Cohen’s distinctive patients through their transition from human to shifter, for years. This time, however, it’s different. Vesta arouses his primal lust, and he’s having a hard time keeping her at a distance.

Will the doctor’s plan of care offer the ultimate cure for Tor and Vesta’s bestial cravings , or further drive them apart?

You know I love those Alpha wolves ;). Tell us about Tor.

Tor is determined, strong, alpha type no nonsense male until he meets Vesta. He is tall, well-muscled and lean. He has sandy, shoulder-length hair, hazel eyes and rugged clean-shaved good looks.

Very sexy! Tor is the first Alpha I've read who doesn't have dark hair. How is he drawn to his heroine, Vesta?

His profession at first, then he senses a strong pull of lust and need. His inner beast will not stand down when she is around, neither will another body part.

LOL! What draws her to him?

An insatiable lust as well, though Vesta has no idea why. She isn’t prudish though doesn’t sleep with just anyone but Tor puts her libido over the edge. The desire he awakens in her is new and frightening to her.

Who inspired Tor?

He basically just happened, though I love lean, muscled alpha males (grin). The sexier the better, the hotter…well you get the picture.

I hear you on the sexier and hotter the better ;). Is there a little bit of someone you know in him?

I’ll let you know when I meet him.

LOL, yes, please do! And introduce us ;). Are there any celebrities who capture his look?

Not really. I peruse magazines and stock photos. I save pics of hotties much like someone you may know, Helen. But I will share a secret with you. I do and have for many years been drawn to Viggo Mortensen. His many faces could inspire a multitude of heros.

I love Viggo! He was my first "hunk over forty" last year ;).

What projects are you working on right now?

I am currently working on Book II of the Roma Wolf Tales series. Bestial Cravings actually is a companion short to the series. I also have several other novels in different stages as well as another erotic short in the works.

I have submitted my first novel, a crime suspense, which I’d pulled in December from the original publishing house when my contract was up, to The Wild Rose Press and await their thoughts on picking it up for republication.

How can readers keep up with your work?

They can visit me at my blog (http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com/ ) or website (http://www.romawolftales.com/ ) Also, I’ve just unveiled my debut newsletter, Dayana’s Happenings, this month. See my blog for how you can sign up for this and future copies.

Fun question – what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Hmm…This isn’t really anything I’ve done but rather something that happened to me―today, as a matter of fact. I was gazing out my front window and noticed, to my distress, a bluejay lying on the ground just outside the boundary of my garden. It lay flat out on its back and I even noticed the breeze move its poor tail feathers. I stared a moment then went out to the garage to get a shovel and proceeded to go outside via the garage door to bury the bird. I stepped outside to the place I’d seen the bluejay and stood with shovel in hand befuddled. The bird was gone!

It was there and the position in which it appeared most definitely dead. I stood for long minutes trying to figure it out but then turned, went back into my garage, put the shovel away and back into the house. I stood for some time staring out my front window at the spot I’d seen the ‘dead’ bird. I’m not sure what happened but somehow the episode seems an omen. I only hope it is a good one!

I'm sure it's a good omen ;). In fact, I bet you could build a story around that event! Thanks so much for being here today, Dayana! Readers, here's a taste of Bestial Cravings (warning, adult content):

“I’d better go, Vesta.”

She turned toward him, disappointment tightened her lovely face as she stood. Tor followed her lead as she walked toward the door.

“I had a really nice evening. Thank you,” She said softly with a sad little smile.

Impulse made him pull her into his arms.

“Why so sad, Little One?”

“I don’t want tonight to end.” Vesta whispered and pressed against him. His arousal pulsed and sent a rush of heat through him. She turned her face up to him, and he bent to her lips with a hunger he’d never known. His erection twitched and jumped. And the entity within him thrashed. He couldn’t hold the beast much longer, the lust for her was too strong.

Tor ran his hands up her back and tangled his fingers in her hair pulling her head back. “Vesta, I want to take you now, but we can’t do this. There are things you need to know first.”

“I want you…”

“Vesta!” Tor set her away from him. “We can’t.”

“Why?” She turned heated eyes to him. “I know you want me.” She stroked her hand over his cock. “I want to feel this inside me, Tor.”

He grabbed her hand from his throbbing crotch and moaned, “Oh God.” His breath swooshed out, and he rolled his head back. I have to stop this now. “I’ve got to go. I’m sorry, Vesta. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Tor opened the door and stepped outside. When he stood a safe distance down the sidewalk he said, “I promise, Little One, you will understand soon enough.” Then he did the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life.

He walked away.

VACATION TIME!

Current read: Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

I'm heading off to the tropical island of Curacao with my family. Dh and the boys will dive and snorkel. As for me? The beach and many romance novels are calling ;).

Be sure to come back on July 13 when the lovely Dayana Knight will be visiting. In the meantime, have a wonderful Independence Day, and please take a moment to remember the amazing men and women of our Armed Forces who protect the freedom we enjoy in this great country of ours.

God Bless America!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- David Gandy

Current read: Bestial Cravings by Dayana Knight

Ah, the Dolce and Gabbana guy...six feet and two inches of gorgeous man. David is a British model of Scottish descent, born in 1980 in Billericay, Essex. Here's the ad that made him famous. It takes a great body to look good in that white speedo...

Now those are bedroom eyes...

MONDAY'S HERO -- Derek from Sapphire and Gold

Current read: Bestial Cravings by Dayana Knight

Here we are on the last Monday in June already. Summer does fly by! Please help me welcome debut novelist Penny Rader. Sapphire and Gold, an American historical romance, released Friday at The Wild Rose Press.

Penny Rader, born and raised in Kansas, fell in love with reading from the moment she learned to read, and quickly made the library her second home, enjoying stories with strong heroines, biographies of women, and mysteries. Penny discovered romance novels in the eighth grade and knew she'd read these empowering books for the rest of her life.

Years later she decided to learn to write her favorite kind of books. She discovered Romance Writers of America, which she quickly joined. Realizing she needed a writing support system she set about organizing the Wichita Area Romance Authors. If Penny isn't working, reading, or writing, she's probably watching a movie or one of her favorite TV shows or enjoying her family.

Welcome, Penny! How did you come up with the idea for Sapphire and Gold?

I was watching an episode of an old series, Rawhide. This episode opened along a river bank and something floated by. It made me wonder, what if a young woman was in the river, being pulled along by the current and in danger of drowning? Why was she there? Who would save her?

Blurb:
In 1752 Philadelphia, Alexandra Whittaker overhears the man who has raised her--and intends to marry her--admit to kidnapping her. She then uncovers a locket containing a portrait of herself as a child. Confused and frightened, she flees, heading for Williamsburg, Virginia, the place inscribed on the back of the locket. On her way out of Philadelphia, she stumbles across a bear and ends up in the river.

Sea Captain Derek Tremaine is guilt-ridden over the disappearance of a small girl left in his care as a youth. Always searching for her, he hears she may be alive and travels to Philadelphia where he discovers an unconscious young woman in the river. She bears a strong resemblance to the mother of the missing girl who has haunted his dreams. He is drawn to assist and protect her as she sails with him to Williamsburg in her hunt for answers about her life. But will the truth give them peace and allow their growing love for one another to blossom? Or will it drive them apart?

I love that blurb! Tell us about Derek.

Derek Tremaine is a tall, dark, and gorgeous sea captain. I love tall guys, even though I’m on the short side myself. He has longish dark hair and the most gorgeous golden brown eyes. He most wants to be free of the guilt that has driven him for the past fourteen years. He's protective, driven, and responsible.

I love tall heroes, too, but I'm on the tall side ;). Describe the attraction between Derek and his heroine, Alexandra.

Derek is drawn to Alexandra because she is in danger, which definitely brings out his protective instincts. She’s also a wee bit feisty, which he admires (in spite of himself).

Alexandra is drawn to Derek because she sees the tenderness he tries to conceal by being gruff. There’s also the fact that he’s so handsome he takes her breath away.

Who or what inspired you to create this hero? Is there a little bit of someone you know in him?

There used to be a series called Stingray. The star of the show was Nick Mancuso. I was fascinated by him.

Good inspiration! What projects are you working on right now?

I’m in the planning stages of a new contemporary series.

I do have a free read available through The Wild Rose Press. A Colonial Valentine is a prequel to Sapphire and Gold. Here’s the link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/a-colonial-valentine-p-1143.html.

Readers can keep up with me through my website, http://www.pennyrader.com/ and my blog, Perfectly Penny, http://pennyrader.blogspot.com/. I also blog the 21st of every month at Bits & Bytes: Romance…the Writer’s Way, http://warawriters.blogspot.com/.

Off topic question -- what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Buried my five month old grandbaby, Lexi. We weren’t expecting to lose her. She would’ve been three tomorrow. Readers can learn more about her at www.lexislamb.org.

Oh Penny, that goes beyond surreal. It's so difficult to lose someone so young. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for being here today to share Sapphire and Gold with us.

Excerpt:

The last vestiges of pain ebbed. She opened her eyes and thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of concern cross his handsome features. Her fingers felt along the bandage on her brow. "What happened to me?"

"You fell into the river and hit your head. Max and I pulled you out."

"Max?"

"My dog. Come, Max."

The Newfoundland eased his large frame between his master and Alexandra. She gasped in surprise--he outweighed her by at least three stone! She tried to sit up.

The man assisted her. "Easy now, lest you cause yourself further injury. Mayhap you should lie still." Impatience crept into his voice again.

She winced at his mild rebuke and lowered her gaze, only to realize she was clad in her bed gown. "Sir, has a woman been caring for me?"

"Nay." Amusement glittered in his eyes. "Women are not allowed on vessels. They bring bad luck."

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she forced herself to continue. "I'm--" She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'm not wearing my pink dress."

"Aye, that is true." He nodded, his expression unfathomable.

COVER ART FOR BLOOD WOLF and a Great Review for Thai'd Up!

Current read: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult




I'm thrilled with my new cover art for Blood Wolf. This is the story that won the Got Wolf? contest over at The Wild Rose Press. It will be featured in an anthology with the other long winner, My Lord Werewolf by Ria Ellis. The cover, designed by the wonderful Angela Anderson, is dark and gothic and suits the story perfectly. According to my lovely editor, Callie Lynn Wolfe, it's perfect for Ria's story, as well, which I'm looking forward to reading. Look for the book in October!

I'm also thrilled with the wonderful review the lovely Chrissy over at Blue Ribbon Reviews gave Thai'd Up. She says:

Heidi Clarke is visiting Thailand where she'll interview the male model who'll grace the cover of her magazine's "International Men" calendar. She can't resist the temptation to venture out and explore the area and she certainly isn't about to let the simple fact that she knows very little of the Thai language deter her from experiencing the local flavor.

Since she has the evening free of responsibilities and has been reassured that Bangkok is safe and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Heidi heads out and finds herself caught up in the various activities on the streets. It's a sort of culture shock and the mixture of stimuli is stunning...

THAI'D UP is one of the international short stories that make up Wild Rose Press's DESTINATION PLEASURE series. The title is a play on the BDSM club name which I thought was rather creative on the author's part. Helen Hardt brings the uniqueness of the Thai area together with the characters' interest in the BDSM lifestyle and pulls the reader into Heidi and her mystery man's burgeoning relationship.

Have a great weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Antonio Balsamo

Current read: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult


Those of you who know me know I love longer hair on a man... Meet Antonio Balsamo, age twenty-five, brown hair, brown eyes. Need I say more?

MONDAY'S HERO -- Ethan from Miner in Petticoats

Current read: A Little Harmless Pleasure by Melissa Schroeder

I can't believe June is nearly over! This summer is going quickly. Please welcome Eppie winner Paty Jager, a good friend of mine. Paty writes western historical romances, a sub-genre that I love. Her latest, Miner in Petticoats, is available at The Wild Rose Press.

Wife, mother, grandmother, and the one who cleans pens and delivers the hay, award winning author Paty Jager not only writes about the western lifestyle, she lives it. Jager and her husband of thirty years have raised four children, built a house, and now ranch 350 acres.

Jager began her writing career as a freelance reporter for local newspapers. Found RWA (Romance Writers of America) and after eight years of attending many conferences, workshops, and being a finalist in eight contests, she broke into the publishing industry with The Wild Rose Press. She credits the RWA organization for helping her work on her craft to become a published author and giving her the contacts necessary to build her career.

Welcome Paty! Tell us about Miner in Petticoats.

The plot for this book came about knowing who the hero was, Ethan Halsey, the oldest of five brothers who raised his younger siblings after their parents and youngest brother were murdered. It was instilled upon him from an early age as the oldest he must help provide for the family. So he is determined to make something of the mine their father started. To do this, he is establishing a stamp mill and has found the perfect place to set one up. Only problem is the widow who owns the land isn’t about to part with it or be bossed around by a man again. This book came about as two strong willed people believing they shouldn’t find happiness because of their pasts.

When I read this book, one of the things that intrigued me about Ethan was his inexperience with women. Seems it's usually the other way around in a romance, especially in an historical. Tell us about him.

Ethan Halsey is 6’6”, with broad shoulders that scrape door jambs when he walks through. Shaggy chestnut brown hair, kind brown eyes, soft voice that mesmerizes animals and small children until he gets mad, then his size and steel in his voice is something to be reckoned with. Having raised his brothers, he isn’t looking to raise a family or marry. He’s determined to make the mine a family legacy and earn the respect of his family and the community. He's strong-willed and cunning.

I love tall heroes, probably because I'm 5' 9" myself ;). Your heroine, Aileen, has been widowed twice and is wary of men. Why is Ethan attracted to her? And vice versa?

Ethan is drawn to Aileen by her she-bear attitude when it comes to her children, her tenacity to hold on to what is hers, her strength in adversity, and her business acumen. Of course her dark brown hair with red and copper woven through the tresses, her freckles, and her tall full figure as well as her lyrical Scottish accent help as well.

Aileen softens toward Ethan when her four-year-old daughter wraps him around her finger. And she enjoys their verbal duels. He is so large she fears him physically after having an abusive husband, but she learns he would never lift a hand against a woman or child. But he slowly pushes away her fears and enters her heart.

What inspired you to create Ethan?

Honestly, I’m not sure where Ethan came from other than how he was portrayed in the first two books and I spring boarded off that. There’s always a little bit of my husband in every hero only because he has qualities I admire in a man and add them to my heroes.

I hear that a lot. My husband contributes to all my heroes, as well. What's next for you?

I’m currently writing the fourth Halsey brother book, I’ve started a project with another writer about two sisters, I‘ve started a Christmas historical western novella, I have two completed ms out to agents and editors and I have a historical paranormal being reviewed by an editor.

I have the first two books of the Halsey series available--Marshal in Petticoats and Outlaw in Petticoats; a historical western-- Gambling on an Angel; and a contemporary western--Perfectly Good Nanny which received an EPPIE.

Readers can enter my monthly website contest or read excerpts and reviews for my books at http://www.patyjager.com or follow what’s happening in my life on my blog http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com.

Congratulations on the Eppie and your other successes! Now for the fun question -- what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Wow--strangest, most surreal thing I’ve ever done… Well it isn’t something that I did; it is something that happened to me. When I was fifteen we had an older gentleman, Louie, who was friends of the family who was a Little League and Babe Ruth umpire. When he umped tournaments in Walla Walla, WA, a two hour drive from where we lived in Wallowa County, he’d take my older brother or me along to drive him home afterwards because he was tired. One night when I drove Louie back, he was asleep in the passenger seat. I’m not sure where it came from but there was a fog across the road, and mind you, this was late June or early July in NE Oregon, and I saw a man walking slowly across the road in tattered clothes. I slammed on the brakes, throwing Louie forward. There was nothing in the road and the fog had dissipated. Louie asked me why I slammed on the brakes. I told him a deer was in the road. I still don’t know who or what I saw, but one day I’m sure my research for a story will reveal who that lost soul was walking in front of me.

Very interesting! I love stories like that. I hope your research helps you solve the mystery. Thank you for being here, Paty! And here's Ethan:

“I’m sorry it took something so drastic to get you moved in.” He placed a hand on her cheek and smoothed the worry lines beside her eye with his thumb. “But I’m glad you’re here. I’ll feel better.”

She turned and kissed his palm. “Thank ye fur comin’ tae ma rescue.” The warmth in her eyes and the moist spot where she kissed his palm sent need coursing through his body. He slid his hand to the back of her head and drew her up on her toes. The inviting smile on her pink lips aroused him even more.

He lowered his head and touched her petal soft mouth. Her lips parted and the tip of her tongue traced the seam of his mouth. He wasn’t sure what she asked, but he opened. The sensation of her soft, sweet tongue touching his nearly buckled his knees. He sagged against her, clutching her body against him, using her as a prop to hold him up. So there was more to kissing than just touching lips.

She rubbed against him, hardening his shaft even more and eliciting a moan. He pulled back unsure how far this would or should go. Cripes- there were children and his brothers lurking about somewhere.

The sultry look in her eyes and the smile curving her lips were his undoing. Ethan pulled her back into his arms, kissing her as she’d just kissed him. To taste a woman- this woman - was heady. If he’d known how kissing could jolt the body and how good a woman felt in his arms, he’d have courted a long time ago.