MONDAY'S HERO: Kaed from Fire Eyes

Current read: Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella

Is that a gorgeous cover? I love it. Today it's my pleasure to welcome debut author Cheryl Pierson. Fire Eyes released last Friday at The Wild Rose Press. It's a beautiful love story set among the gritty realism of the Old West.

Cheryl was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, and grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and holds a B.A. in English. She is the co-owner of FabKat Editorial Services. She teaches numerous writing classes and workshops in the Oklahoma City metro area and also works on an individual basis with many of her students, and other authors, locally and nationwide. She has sold numerous short stories to Adams Media and Chicken Soup. Fire Eyes is her first full length novel release, and will be followed shortly by Time Plains Drifter. She lives in OKC with her husband, Gary, and has two grown children.

Welcome, Cheryl! Tell us about the inspiration behind Fire Eyes.

Growing up in the '60's, tv westerns and movies were all the rage. I have always loved the idea of a rugged, western hero. So being born and raised in Oklahoma, I decided to make use of our state's history in the plot of the book. Since Oklahoma (which was Indian Territory at the time) was under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker out of Fort Smith, the plot just evolved from the facts of history. "The men who rode for Parker" numbered no more than 200 at any one time. They were expected to keep law and order in a territory that sprawled over 72,000 acres of land.

BLURB:
Beaten and wounded by a band of sadistic renegades that rules the borderlands of Indian Territory, U.S. Marshal Kaed Turner understands what the inevitable outcome will be for him: death. But Fate and a war party of Choctaw Indians intervene, delivering him instead to a beautiful angel with the skill to heal him. Jessica Monroe has already lost a husband and a brother to the outlaws who tortured Marshal Turner. As the rugged lawman lies bleeding on her bed, she faces a difficult decision. Can she afford to gamble with her heart one last time? For when Kaed recovers, he is sworn to join the other Territorial Peace Officers in their battle to wipe out the renegade gang once and for all. When vengeance is done, will Kaed keep riding? Or will he return to claim his future with the beautiful woman the Choctaw call "Fire Eyes?"

Your hero, Kaed, is amazing. What makes him tick?

Kaed Turner is everything the reader would expect -- tough, both physically and emotionally, yet he has his vulnerable human side as well. He's been through a lot in his life, but he has overcome it. Physically, he's tall, around 6'2" with dark eyes and hair. Despite his rough upbringing, he is still a tease, and when he knows he wants something he goes after it. What does he want most out of life? Kaed really didn't know what he wanted out of life, until he met Jessica. Up until that point, he had been doing what needed to be done as a marshal, very professionally. Now that he's met Jessica, he's fallen in love with her--something he thought would never happen to him again. As the story unfolds, he realizes that what he wants most out of life, the unexpected promise of a future with a family, is something he may never get.

What three adjectives best describe him?

Hmmm. Would it be okay to say "HOT, HUNG, AND HUNKISH?" LOL How about confident, protective, and ...hot.

You can say anything you want here, Cheryl, LOL. How do Kaed and his heroine, Jessica, come together?

In the beginning of the story, he's badly hurt. Jessica is trying to save his life. So when he comes around, I would say her kindness and caring is what attracts him to her aside from her physical beauty. As the story progresses, he has to face the fact that he is falling in love with her for many reasons--not just her care of him. I think Jessica sees past the tough exterior immediately. She knows how badly he's hurt, yet he tries to slough it off as best he can with a tease. She knows he's doing it for her benefit. I think the turning point for both of them begins when he is suffering chills from shock, and she gets into bed with him to try to get him warm. She's got some demons in her past, too, and trust doesn't come easily to her, but things are different with him. And he's good with babies.

There's not anything quite as sexy as a hunky man holding a baby protectively, is there? Who or what inspired you to create Kaed?

Kaed Turner is the embodiment of every cowboy/rancher/peace officer that ever rode this part of the country. He's larger than life is a lot of ways, but he is very human in others--a lot like many of the real men of that time were. Where I live, here in Oklahoma, most of today's men are a lot like Kaed Turner. Not just the cowboys, or marshals, or ranchers, but our men in the Oklahoma/Texas area still remember their manners and their grassroots American values. There really is a "Code of the West."

What's next for you?

Right now, I'm working on another historical western, Gabriel's Law. Gabriel's Law revolves around a half-Comanche gunfighter, Brandon Gabriel, and a woman, Allison Taylor, who had known one another years before, when they were adolescents together in an orphanage. Brandon is hired by the townspeople to rid the town of a gang who has taken over, but once the job is done, the pillars of the community turn on him and try to kill him to keep from paying him the money they owe. Allie steps in and saves him by wounding the ringleader, bringing the wrath of the citizens down upon her, as well. Will her life ever be normal again? Will Brandon stay and help her realize her dreams of creating a working cattle ranch for orphaned boys? Now that he's back in her life, there's no way to ignore the fires of love that were kindled between them all those years ago.

That sounds wonderful -- get that one written quickly ;). What other releases do you have?

I have a Christmas short story (historical western) coming out in December of this year with The Wild Rose Press. It's called A Night For Miracles. The release date is December 2, just in time for the holidays. I also have several short stories in anthologies through Adams Media and Chicken Soup.

Where can readers find you?

I have a newly-created website, www.cherylpierson.com. You can also check out my other (in need of updates!) website at www.westwindsmedia.com. My blogs are: http://cherylpiersonbooks.blogspot.com and http://westwindsromance.blogspot.com I also guest blog once a month at Jeannie Reusch's "Happy Endings" blog and at The Wild Rose Press's "Cactus Rose" blog.

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

Actually, probably living through this past week would qualify for that. I got my author copies of Fire Eyes on Tuesday, then found out that the print version of the book had already been released for sale to the public on Wednesday. I was on Cloud 9. But they say things happen "in threes"--and this was no exception. I found out Friday that Class Act Books was picking up my paranormal western, Time Plains Drifter, and I just sent the contract back today. I will probably never have another week like this one as long as I live.

Wow, that is an awesome week! I'm sure there will be many more in your future ;). Readers, here's an excerpt from Fire Eyes. Warning: Explicit sex and language.

They stood before the fireplace, silhouetted in the glow of the embers. Jessica began unbuttoning the placket again, and Kaed forced himself to endure the slow, bewitching torture. He was still for a minute, barely daring to breathe, his eyes closed. He opened them in quick reflex, drawing a sharp breath, as her hand brushed the engorged tip of him. She gave him an impish grin, her cool fingers encircling him, stroking him. She drew the very breath from his body as she finished opening his jeans, exposing him completely.

She pushed the heavy cloth down, and he stepped out of the pants and kicked them aside.

The firelight played across his muscles with each movement he made as he came close to her and reached to unbutton her blouse.

The blouse and skirt fell away, drifting to the floor, followed by the chemise and the rest of her undergarments. She trembled as his rough fingertips brushed across the hardened nubs of her nipples.

By tomorrow morning she’ll know I’m flesh and blood—alive, and pure male.

They sank to the warm pallet together and he covered her body with his own, reaching to finger the rich auburn tresses that fell unbound around her face.

Jessica’s skin was sensitive to every touch of Kaed’s warm, lean body against hers. She arched up to him, her full breasts skimming the dark hair of his chiseled chest. His mouth slanted across hers in a hot, possessive kiss.

She opened her lips under his, his fingers weaving with hers, holding her hands pinned to the floor as his tongue touched hers, and hers responded in a satin, velvet promise of what was to come.

A low groan tore from his throat, and he lifted his head, breaking the kiss. He breathed raggedly, and Jessica parted her legs, and reached for his cock.

Kaed shuddered as she wrapped her fingers around his burning shaft and brought him to her entrance with no further preliminaries.

He grinned at her eagerness. “Miss me?”

“It’s been a long time,” she whispered.

“I know.” He began to push, entering her slick, welcoming warmth easily. “Four whole days.”

Jessica moaned, biting her lower lip. “Seemed like forever.”

Kaed met her eyes as he sank deeper into her. “For me too, Jess.”

She sighed, reaching to twine her fingers through his dark hair. “Don’t ever leave me again, Kaed.”

“Feel me, Jessi, inside you.” He took a deep breath. “This is my promise to you,” he whispered huskily. “This is me saying I love you and I need you, even if sometimes I don’t say the words just right.” He ground into her slow and deep, and she rose up to him, offering herself.

“You always say it just right, Kaed.” She turned her head and kissed his hand that cradled her cheek. “And this is no exception.”

BREAKFAST AT KAYE'S

Current read: Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella

Happy Friday all! You can find me over at Kaye Manro's blog today. Please stop by.

And because I hated to blog over sexy Matus, here he is again in my favorite photo ;).

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Matus Valent

Current read: Wild, Wild Women of the West (Aphrodisia Anthology)

I usually like longer hair on a man, but I have to say, this hunk (in the above photo especially) does it for me. Matus is 6' 2" tall and is twenty-eight years old. He was born in Bratislava, Slovak Republic and currently lives in California where he works as a fitness model. He's also a beach volleyball champion. Can't imagine that...

MEET ME AT CARI'S

Current read: Wild, Wild Women of the West (Aphrodisia Anthology)

Today I'm visiting my lovely friend Cari Quinn. Please stop by as we chat about heroes, BDSM, and putting your writing first. Gotta love those topics ;).

Thai'd Up is on the Wilder Roses bestseller list! Thank you all for your support. It means more than you know.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for hunk day!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Roman from Currents Run Deep

Current Read: Wild Women of the West (Aphrodisia Anthology)

Happy Memorial Day -- please take a moment to remember those who have died for our great country.

Today's guest hails from another country -- New Zealand, which is, incidently, a place I've always wanted to visit ;). Shelley Munro is an online author friend I met through my pals Christina Phillips and Kaye Manro. Shelley writes steamy erotic romance for Ellora's Cave, and she's here to talk about her latest EC release, Currents Run Deep.

Welcome, Shelley! Tell us about yourself.

I live in New Zealand with my husband and a small, bossy dog called Scotty. I used to work for McDonald’s the hamburger people doing administration, but gave up my calculator and all that boring bookwork to write full time a few years ago. Writing is a dream job for me. What other job allows me to travel to far flung places in the company of very yummy men without getting into trouble with my husband?

I seem to have incurable wanderlust, and when I’m not writing I like to explore different parts of the world. Luckily hubby enjoys traveling too. I also enjoy walking, cycling and reading. I like walking the dog and definitely avoiding housework because life’s too short for stuff you don’t like, right? You can visit my website at http://www.shelleymunro.com/

LOL, avoiding housework is my middle name. And I definitely agree about traveling to exotic places with hot men and not getting in trouble with the dh ;). Now, to Currents Run Deep. I have to tell you, I love the idea of Orca shifters. How did you come up with this premise?

I wrote Currents Run Deep for a sea themed anthology. I’d recently been whale watching in Hervey Bay, Australia and the idea of whale shifters wouldn’t fade away. I did some research on whales and learned about the different types of Orca whales – the Transients and the Residents. Immediately, my mind leapt to a Romeo and Juliet type plot and that’s what I wrote—about orca shifters from enemy tribes who fall in love.

Blurb:
A sexy face in the crowd...shifter Asia Bolino can’t believe the gorgeous cutie is Roman Anderson. They belong to enemy tribes, but she’d love to run her fingers over his…assets. Roman doesn’t recognize her, and in a moment of weakness, Asia agrees to a late night date, a little forbidden pleasure.

Someone attacks Roman while he waits for Asia. Aware of his shifter status, Asia does the only thing she can—she takes him back to her apartment. The problem is when he regains consciousness, he thinks they’re married. He parades around her apartment wearing nothing but a smile, and Asia is weak. She succumbs to his charm and skillful loving. Hip-deep in lies, she’s aware the sensual bubble might burst at any moment. That might mean bloodshed, and she can’t allow that to happen. Worse, Roman doesn’t seem to recall he’s a shifter.

Asia struggles with guilt while melting at Roman’s touch. Nothing can come of their relationship, and now it seems someone knows the truth and they’re both in danger.

What an intriguing blurb! I love how you used actual resarch on Orcas to develop your plot. Let's talk about the Romeo in your story, your hero, Roman.

Roman Anderson is over six foot, has short dark hair and brown eyes. He’s muscular and fit-looking. At the start of the book, he wants to conclude his business talks and return home to a peaceful life—a pity, because he’s pretty sure this isn’t gonna happen with rebels stirring strife amongst his tribe. He’s charming and sexy with plenty of girl friends, his position as leader of his tribe drawing attention, but he’s also a savvy businessman with an eye to the future. He wants success and growth for his tribe. He’s a strong leader, decisive and charismatic.

How is he drawn to Asia? And vice versa?

Hey, Roman is a male. Initially, it’s physical attraction pure and simple. He sees her singing in a nightclub, asks her out on a date and is triumphant when she says yes.

Asia recognizes Roman as a member of the enemy tribe, but when he approaches her and asks her out, she grasps the opportunity. She’s always thought he was a sexy man and secretly lusted after him. She wants just one night…no one will know and she’ll finally get her hands on his sexy body. Then Roman is attacked and he doesn’t remember a thing. Asia can’t leave him like that—helpless and alone—so she takes him home and that’s when things get sticky.

What was the inspiration behind Roman?

As I mentioned earlier, it was the anthology call that started me thinking about an orca shifter. I love writing shapeshifter characters because there’s always that element of “wild” and untamed about them. They’re generally alpha characters and great leaders.

I don’t usually base my characters on people I know—not an entire character, although I might give my characters a quirk from someone I know or someone I see during my people watching stints.

My characters spring into my head, almost fully formed. I never look through magazines etc. for inspiration. I have to say that I’ve been enjoying your celebrity blog posts and saw Eduardo last week. For the first time ever, I said to myself, “Wow, that’s my hero in my current WIP!” So, Helen, thanks for that!

You are welcome! Glad I could help ;). I have to tell you, I've put a face to more than one of my own heroes while researching hunks for my blog. What's up next for you, Shelley?

I’m currently working on a regency historical for a change of pace before starting the next story in my Middlemarch Mates series. I also have a m/m story underway that I’m writing to submit to Samhain Publishing. Once all that is done, I have a story to write for the Ellora’s Cavemen anthology and another one that I intend to set in Samoa where I recently went on holiday. I usually have more than one project on the go, and my imagination seems to have gone haywire recently. I’ve been scribbling lots of notes!

I’ve been writing flat out and have quite a few releases coming this year. It’s shaping up to be the year of the shapeshifter. In February Leticia’s Lovers came out (lion and leopard shifters). In May Currents Run Deep was released (orca shifters), in June I have Make That Man Mine (taniwha or water dragon shifter) and in July I have Lynx to the Pharaoh featuring a caracal or desert lynx shifter. My next Middlemarch Mates book, CatNap comes out in September. (tiger shifters) As you can see, I’ve been busy!

Wow -- what a year! And what an imagination you have! I've read Leticia's Lovers and it's fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on Currents Run Deep. How can readers keep up with your work?

Readers can check out my current releases at my website. http://www.shelleymunro.com/ There are excerpts and extra material for most of my books. I also have a newsletter I send out on a monthly basis with news, member only contests, excerpts and interviews. Readers can join on my blog page.

Fun time -- would you share something surprising about yourself?

Here’s two - my husband and I have traveled to 76 countries from Botswana to the UK, Alaska to Panama, the UK to Nepal and a few others. I was raised on a farm, and I’m a vegetarian, much to my father’s bemusement.

Thanks so much for being here, Shelley. Readers, here's a taste of Currents Run Deep:

“Here we are.” Asia pulled away from Roman to rifle through her bag for her keys.

“You look very sexy tonight,” he murmured, his smoky voice sending shivers of delight through her. “It’s a pity I’m feeling so tired. Perhaps we can discuss how sexy you look again tomorrow morning?”

The keys slipped from her hands and landed on the tiled floor with a metallic clang. Asia stooped to pick them up.

“What do you say? We on a promise?”

Asia felt her jaw go slack and hurriedly clamped her lips together. She hadn’t heard wrong! “Um…okay.” He’d probably forget his words by the morning.

After opening the door, she directed Roman inside. She flicked on the hall light, paused to lock the door and guided him toward the bedroom—her bedroom. Asia concentrated on swallowing the nerves that leapt up from her stomach to combine in a knot at the back of her throat. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips.

“I’m gonna shower before hitting the sack. Okay with you, sweetheart?”

“Um, sure.” The idea of him naked in her shower pushed her libido a notch higher. This wasn’t fair. He’d remember everything tomorrow and head back to his island kingdom without another word of sex or bed or anything resembling horizontal. That’s if he deigned to speak to her. For some unfathomable reason she wasn’t concerned with her safety, but he didn’t strike her as a bad man. She hoped she wasn’t wrong.

“You going to shower with me?”

Asia felt herself blink. Oh man, he tempted her, but it wasn’t right to take advantage of a man in this condition. “You need to sleep. If I shower with you we’ll get sidetracked.”

Roman’s dark gaze moved slowly down her body and back up to her face. A sexy smile bloomed on his battered face. “That is true,” he acknowledged. “Maybe you’re right. It’ll be quicker if I shower on my own.” He slipped the ripped and bloody suit jacket off and let it drop to the floor.

When he started to undo his shirt, Asia decided it was time to flee. “I’ll grab you a clean towel.” She shot from her bedroom as if a pack of Resident Orcas were after her. Her breathing had turned choppy and her palms were moist. She felt as if she’d swum across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand in record time. Asia wiped the dampness from her palms and took a deep breath. This couldn’t continue. She was an adult, for goodness sake! With trembling hands, she tugged open the cupboard and seized several towels.

The pipes clanked, indicating Roman had found the shower and turned on the water. Just the image of his naked body made her break into a cold sweat. Asia scowled. All she could think of was sex. The rush of pleasure at the moment of orgasm. Doing it with Roman. Her steps slowed. She heard the shower door open and close and imagined his naked body. Muscled. Tanned. Very touchable.

Oh boy.

Asia fanned her flushed face. Sucking in a deep breath, she headed for the bathroom and temptation. “He’s injured,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t be thinking about him like this.” Besides, he’s a sworn enemy of our tribe.

Asia stepped into the bathroom, her gaze shooting to the shower. Despite the fragrant steam filling the room, she could see his body without difficulty. And it was just as spectacular as she imagined.

The water shut off and the shower door opened. Asia thrust the towels at Roman, trying hard not to stare. It was all of two seconds before her resolve weakened and she sneaked a peek. Powerful shoulders gave way to a tight, trim waist and slim hips. Muscles. Oh yeah…muscles! Tight, toned and sexy. Asia craved a touch. The only trouble was that strangers had just pummeled him like a punching bag. She shouldn’t have sex on the brain. This crush she had on Roman Anderson was bad news. A quick roll in the sack and a few hasty kisses were one thing, but this insidious craving for more had to stop before someone got hurt. Before she got hurt.

A relationship between members of opposing tribes was out of the question. Her family would never speak to her again, and Asia freely admitted that would hurt. Despite their faults, she loved her family members and couldn’t imagine going through the rest of her life never seeing them. In isolation. A male wasn’t worth that kind of sacrifice, not even an orca who made her hot and needy.

“You’re going to feel sore tomorrow,” she muttered after catching his dark gaze on her face. Damn, that was masculine interest she saw in his eyes. This had to stop.

Now. Be strong

“Maybe,” he conceded, glancing down at his colored and bruised ribs in a disinterested manner. “I’m tired. Just want to sleep.” He leaned closer to buzz a kiss across her lips before dropping the towel on the floor and sauntering back to the bedroom.

Asia gaped at his bare ass and at the wet buttercup yellow towel on the bathroom floor. She didn’t know which disturbed her most—the expanse of naked temptation or the fact he expected her to pick up after him.

THAI'D UP RELEASES TODAY

Current read: To the Edge of the Stars by Joyce Henderson

Thai'd Up is available today! You can find it here.

Those of you who've been following my blog know I was gearing up for a summer release, but my editor asked me to fill an upcoming slot. I'm pleased so many online friends agreed to host me with such short notice. Today, I'm hanging out with Monica and Catherine. I'm also at Mama Writers talking about life's little curve balls.

On Monday, Viola will be interviewing me at the Vixens' blog, on Tuesday, I'll be visiting Cari, and on Friday, May 29, I'll be at Kaye's. The lovely Sarah at The Lovestruck Novice was kind enough to do a teaser for me, so please check that out as well.

Thanks so much to all of you!

Visiting Bangkok to do an interview for her employer, Heidi Clarke is intrigued by the wild and raucous nightlife. When a handsome and engaging stranger, dressed as the Phantom of the Opera, offers to escort her into a BDSM club, she's too curious to refuse. As the man behind the mask introduces Heidi to new and exciting pleasures of the flesh, she can't help but wonder who he is. Or if she really wants to know.

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Beiron Andersson

Current read: Bound to Love Her by Esri Rose
Who says all Swedish men have blond hair and blue eyes? Here's a dark-haired, dark-eyed luscious one. Born in Stockholm, Beiron is said to be one of the first male supermodels. Now in his forties, he works full-time behind the camera. Too bad...

MONDAY'S HEROES -- Simeon and Judd from Angel Vindicated

Current read: Bound to Love Her by Esri Rose

It's gearing up to be a crazy week for me! I'm going to be busy, busy, busy. But today's a great day. Why? A Colorado Vixen is visiting! Meet my critique partner Viola Estrella. She's here to talk about her new Cerridwen Urban Fantasy, Angel Vindicated. We have not one, but two hot heroes to enjoy!

Welcome Viola! Tell us about yourself.

First of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog, Helen!! I always enjoy reading your interviews.

I love a story with humor, flawed characters, paranormal elements, and romance. I try to include these aspects in all that I write and I love every minute of it. When I’m not reading, writing, or watching my share of reality TV, I’m spending quality time with my husband and sons in our Colorado home.

Angel Vindicated is Urban Fantasy. How did you come up with the idea behind it?

In a Wal-Mart parking lot. I’m not kidding. I’d been brainstorming for a few days and I knew I wanted my protagonist to be an angel but I just couldn’t put the pieces together. Frustrated, I hopped in the mini-van and headed out to go grocery shopping. I pulled into a parking spot and boom, it all came to me. Well, most of it. So I sped through the grocery aisles with a giddy grin on my face, then rushed home to get it on paper. After that, I worked out a loose plot and went to work.

Blurb:
Abby Angel may not enjoy being a law enforcement Angel for Demon Control, a branch of Angels Inc, but she excels at it. Deporting unruly demons back to Hell is her specialty. Her personal life, on the other hand, could use a little work. The virtuous and pristine genes seem to be missing in this particular Angel, getting Abigail in trouble more than she likes to admit. To date, her biggest vice has been Simeon Keller, a half demon/half human, who effortlessly managed to seduce Abigail five years ago. She’s avoided him ever since but she still can’t seem to knock the bad reputation the blunder has branded on her.

Now, the threat of a demon rebellion has Angels, Inc overwhelmed, and Abby must trust Simeon to help her find and deport the fiends who are attempting to destroy earth’s only salvation. Staying out of Simeon’s bed is the least of her worries as she fights for her life and the lives of all Angels and humans everywhere.

Love that blurb! But let's talk heroes.

In Angel Vindicated there’s a bit of a love triangle. Some may argue after they read it, but I think I have two heroes. Siméon the half demon/half human and my heroine’s best friend and fellow Angel, Judd.

Siméon has a unique look with shoulder length black hair, silver eyes, tanned skin, and a lean muscled body. He’s slick, suave, persuasive, and he adores my heroine. Abby is the one thing in his life he doesn’t have control over and he thinks she’ll be the death of him. And she just might be.

Judd has a more rugged look with his disheveled blond hair, blue eyes, lean build, and wrinkled, ruffled appearance. He’s impatient, possessive, funny, and he also adores Abby but denies his feelings every step of the way. He’s the bad boy you love and want to strangle at the same time.

Where does Abby fit in with Simeon and Judd?

Siméon loves that Abby’s unlike the other Angels he’s come into contact with. Her fiery red hair and freckles make her imperfect and enchanting at the same time. He’s intrigued by her and how he can easily unleash her repressed sensuality. Abby is drawn to Siméon because he makes her feel like she’s the only woman on the planet. He’s attentive and incredibly charming. If only he wasn’t a demon.

Judd and Abby share a friendship and a bond. They’re both imperfect Angels. They both make mistakes and don’t try to deny it. Judd is drawn to Abby’s realness and how he can joke and act himself around her. And Abby feels the same way about Judd. If only he wasn’t such an ass sometimes.

My favorite question -- who or what inspired you to create these two hotties?

I think there’s a little bit of Siméon and Judd in most men. I just picked the pieces I wanted and built them up in each character. I can’t say they’re inspired from anyone in particular.

Since Siméon has a unique look it was very difficult to find a perfect match, but this stud came pretty close. He has that seductive glint in his eyes and suave appearance. Just give a few more inches to his hair and shave off that five o’clock shadow and Francesco Cura might pass as my half-breed hottie.

Judd was a little easier to find. John Abston is just about the perfect Judd in my eyes.

What's up next for this Vixen?

I’m also working to promote my upcoming paranormal romance, Bewitching You, which will be available in late October from the Wild Rose Press in print and as an eBook. To find out more, you can reach me on my website: http://www.violaestrella.com/ or www.myspace.com/violaestrella or www.twitter.com/violaestrella

Or reach me at viola@violaestrella.com. I’d love to hear from readers!

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

Oh, boy, I try to surprise people as little as possible. Unlike my characters, I’m pretty boring. I’m a mother of four boys and a wife to a very patient man. LOL

Being a mother to boys is never boring ;). Thanks so much for being here. I'm so happy about your release. Readers, you're going to love this one. Read on for a taste!

“It’s good to see you again.” His voice was as smooth and pleasing as I remembered. “It’s been too long but I’m afraid I’m confused by the nature of your visit. I don’t believe I’ve done anything lately to require your presence.” He grinned toward the last part. Red, soft, powerful lips

“No,” I blurted out. “I mean, that’s not why I’m here.” I leaned toward his desk and noticed his eyes dip to my chest. I should’ve worn a t-shirt. An extra large one.

Slowly, deliberately, he met my eyes again. “Why then?”

I could feel my entire body heat up. I probably looked like a big red freak of nature.

Get a hold of yourself, Abby. He was evil. A demon. Not worth the provocative thoughts dancing through my mind.

I’m looking for someone you used to employ. His name is Peter Piper and last night he escaped a second warning.”

“And?”

“And I hoped you’d be able to give me some information about him.”

He cocked his head, braced his hands on the desk and bowed toward me to look at my bruised cheek. It couldn’t have been too noticeable. With MOG’s medicine and my healing power, it should be mostly gone.

“Did this Peter Piper hit you, Abigail?” He went on to examine the rest of my face and down farther.

“No,” I said, thankful there was a large piece of furniture between us. Afraid I’d be in his lap right then if there wasn’t. “No, he didn’t touch me.” His buddy did but Siméon didn’t need to know that.

He sat back down. “What happened to you then?”

“I fell.” I was such a bad liar. Judd was right.

Siméon smiled, showing me a perfect set of teeth and a dimple on his left cheek. “Aren’t Angels bred to be honest and noble?”

“I am those things.” Most of the time.

“Really?” He tsked. “That’s disappointing to hear. I thought you were different.”

I didn’t ask what gave him that idea. I already knew. I also knew the half-breed sitting before me was the devil in disguise and was being very good at avoiding my purpose for coming here.

THAI'D UP COMING NEXT FRIDAY

Current read: Columbine by Dave Cullen

Yes, you read that correctly. Thai'd Up is releasing next Friday, May 22 at The Wilder Roses. I was gearing up for a summer release, but my editor asked me to fill an upcoming slot. I haven't even started to promote, I don't have any blog appearances scheduled... But hey, I can wing it, right? As always, I appreciate everyone's support.

Visiting Bangkok to do an interview for her employer, Heidi Clarke is intrigued by the wild and raucous nightlife. When a handsome and engaging stranger, dressed as the Phantom of the Opera, offers to escort her into a BDSM club, she's too curious to refuse. As the man behind the mask introduces Heidi to new and exciting pleasures of the flesh, she can't help but wonder who he is. Or if she really wants to know.

I promise I will eventually blog about the Romancing the Rockies conference. Things keep coming up. Give me a few weeks. Right now I have a book to promote, LOL.

Major hugs and thanks to everyone who voted for Passion in Paris at Whipped Cream last weekend. It won Book of the Week!

Need a hunk today? Head on over to Colorado Vixens. Here's a preview:

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Eduardo Verastegui

Current read: Columbine by Dave Cullen

Yes, it's the guy with the baby leopard... I don't know how to pronounce his last name (took French, not Spanish) but let me ask you this -- who cares? Born in Mexico on May 21, 1974, Eduardo, the son of a sugar cane farmer, is an actor, model, and singer. He has the most lethal eyes/lips combination I've seen in a while. Absolutely gorgeous!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Brendan from Between the Lines

Current read: Columbine by Dave Cullen

I hope all you moms had a wonderful day yesterday! Today I'm excited to welcome Kathy Otten. Kathy has created a very special hero in her western historical romance, Between the Lines, which is available at The Wild Rose Press. Anyone who knows me knows I love western historicals, and that I'm a sucker for a strong hero who's a little haunted. Irish-born Brendan captivated me. I'll definitely be reading more of Kathy's work.

Kathy, it's great to have you here! Tell us about yourself.

I am a working mom with three college age kids and I've been marrried for almost twenty-seven years. I've always loved books, and picked up my first romance novel to read while breast feeding my son in the middle of the night. Stories have been floating around in my head since I learned to make words, and while those early attempts ended up in notebooks under my bed, they did garner me my biggest fan and supporter--my mom. Through her love of museums and antiques I also gained a fascination for history and the people who once walked the same places I now walk. My dad loved his old singing cowboys and of course John Wayne, so it was inevitable that once I began writing my own romances, I found myself setting them between the start of the Civil War and the end of the cowboy era.

Your fascination for history definitely shows in Between the Lines. How did the idea for the plot com about?

My characters come to me first, and for this story it was Brendan. Since he was so quiet I thought it would be fun if the love of his life had a tendency to talk too much. Since he was tall, I made her short. When thinking about how they could meet I wanted to do something with the mail-order-bride theme, since the idea of two virtual strangers marrying has always been one of my favorites.

Blurb:

Anxious to escape the confines of her loving, but overprotective family, Meg Greyson travels to Wyoming Territory to marry the man of her dreams. Only she discovers Brendan Kelly is nothing like the gentleman rancher who penned her beautiful letters. As she comes to know this intimidating, yet tacit man, Meg finds herself constantly having to rationalize away his dark and dangerous side in order to conform him to her image of the perfect man who wrote her letters.

Brendan knows he should tell her the truth, but once he does, she will leave him forever. So he keeps pretending and every time she says, “I love you,” he dies a little more inside, for he knows he will never be the man she wants him to be.

Describe Brendan for us.

Standing six foot six, Brendan is a big, muscular man, with dark auburn hair and green eyes. He has a scar that bisects his face from the corner of his left eye to his mouth and and he can intimidate people with a glance. He longs to be different from the evil man who was his father, but so far nothing he's done has altered that inevitability, and every time he looks in the mirror all he can see is his father looking back. He is tacit, protective, and feels unworthy.

Why is he attracted to the heroine, Meg?

Meg isn't afraid of him. And she insists there is goodness inside him, while he is afraid to believe it might be true.

And vice versa. What does Meg see in Brendan?

Meg falls in love with the perfect gentleman who wrote her letters. A man who encouraged her dreams and respected all her free-thinking ideals. When he told her he loved her and asked her to come west and share his life, she went.

Did anything or anyone in particular inspire you to create Brendan?

My characters just come to me as they are. I was lying in bed, half asleep, when I saw Brendan (I didn't know his name then), lying on his stomach in bed. He was in pain, and though I could see he'd been shot in the back, he didn't know, and he kept saying, "Meggie, me back hurts." At that point, I could see he was a big man, he had auburn hair, and spoke with a Irish accent. I didn't know who Meggie was, but he loved her. The rest of the story evolved from there. No one specifically inspired him, though I once dated a guy who was 6' 6" and I'm 5' 4".

What projects are you working on now?

I'm currently working on a novel about a troubled U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory and the outlaw he's sworn to bring to justice.

I have a Christmas novella, An Ordinary Angel, to be released December 9th from The Wild Rose Press. I also have two Civil War short stories, and another Christmas novella, also with The Wild Rose Press.

Readers can visit my web site at www.kathyotten.com for news, books, and reviews.

I, for one, will be watching for your next release ;). For fun, will you share something surprising about yourself?

I married a dairy farmer and milked cows for 15 years. I've milked in everything from a stanchion barn with buckets and a dumping station, to a free-stall barn with a rapid-release, double-twelve parlor.

I'll have to contact you when I'm researching my next ranch-set story! Thank you so much for being here. I know my blog readers will love Brendan as much as I did. Readers, here's a taste of Brendan:

She reached up and lifted his hand away, gently bringing it down to lie in her lap. He watched, as withinfinite care, she unwound the dirty bandana. A small cry escaped her lips when she saw the deep, oozing rope burn that slashed across his palm. The friction of the rope as he’d fought to hold the twelve hundred pound horse had burned deep across his palm and into the meaty side ofhis hand. Just as tenderly, she unwrapped the other bandana. The slice was deeper on this hand. Yellow discharge oozed from both wounds.

“Brendan Kelly, where were your gloves?”

He shrugged. “Don’t be owning any."

"Why ever not?”

“‘Tis cheaper tae grow new skin.”

Her mouth dropped open. Horrified, she stared.

Oddly, he felt the left corner of his mouth tug up on one side in an unfamiliar movement, as he suddenly felt the urge to laugh. Her mouth snapped shut, and her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Too late, he recognized that flash of fire in her eyes just as she plunged both his hands into the basin. He sucked in a sharp breath when his raw palms hit the warm water.

“Sweet Mary Jesus, Meggie! Are ye trying tae takeoff the rest of me skin?”

“Oh for goodness sake, it’s not that hot. You know I really don’t think you’re as tough as everyone believes.”

“Ah, don’t ye now?”

“No.”

“Then ye best not be telling anyone me secret. ‘Tis bad for me reputation.”

The teasing light faded from her eyes as she studied his face. “And how many other secrets are you keeping, Brendan Kelly?”

He stiffened. Had she heard something while he was gone? Did she suspect the truth?

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I had no right to say that. You have been nothing but honest with me.”

He shifted uncomfortably as she turned her attention to carefully dabbing the dirt from his wounds. “It’s just thatsometimes you seem so different from the man who wrote all those letters. I don’t mind really, I’m just confused.”

His heart thudded against the wall of his chest as she blotted each hand dry with a clean, white towel.

Protectively, he set his jaw against the pain. The pain of his hands as she gently picked the dirt from his wounds and the pain in his heart as he realized this woman bent so lovingly over his hands would never be his.

Passion in Paris Hits Number One

Current read: Saddled by Delilah Devlin

I know I promised to blog about the Romancing the Rockies conference, but being the techie moron that I am, I can't figure out how to download my photos. I'll have to wait for my son to get home from school so he can do it for me. So next week, I'll talk about the conference.

In the meantime, Passion in Paris slid into the number one position at The Wilder Roses. Thank you to all my readers! Your support overwhelms me.

I also received a wonderful review from the lovely Azalea over at Whipped Cream. She says:

What could be better than visiting the sights of Paris including the famous Eiffel Tower, than finding yourself in the Tower elevator with a handsome stranger?

Raine has acrophobia but is determined to overcome the fear by riding the Tour Eiffel elevator. Her attempt at bravery is short lived, however, when she falls backward and passes out. Rescued by a handsome stranger, she eventually thinks she recognizes him but all is not as it first seems. This story comprises all four levels, sweet, sensual, spicy and definitely hot, hot, hot.

If you’re a Francophile as am I, you will appreciate the sprinkling of French words interspersed throughout the story. The author teaches you a bit of French in a way that does not distract from the story. You will fall in love with the characters and especially Blaise, ooh la la, and find yourself fantasizing about a trip to Paris. Make sure you visit the Tour Eiffel!

Je t’adore. You will adore this sexy little romp too.

Passion in Paris is up for Whipped Cream's Book of the Week award. Voting starts tomorrow, and the competition is fierce this week, so I'd love your support if you're so inclined. You can find the poll here.

Happy Friday to you all, and Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers. Go out and pamper yourself! Here's a little fuel for your fantasies...

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Josh Wald

Current read: Saddled by Delilah Devlin

I stumbled across this hottie on a blog called Hunk du Jour. Born in 1979, Josh is a model, skateboarder, and musician. And he has some amazing tattoos. I can do without the flowers on his calf, but the one on his upper arm? Nice!

GOALS FOR MAY Give Yourself Permission to Write

Current read: Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

It's that time of the month again -- time for me to post my goals for May.

I need to tackle this from a new perspective. I've done great at achieving all my goals so far this year -- great, that is, except for those goals pertaining to new writing. I've edited my work, others' work, critiqued, blogged, promoted, worked on my local chapter conference. You name it, I did it. But somehow, my own writing has fallen to the bottom of the pile.

Time for a change in priorities. While all those other things are important and will further my career, I am first and foremost a writer. So writing is moving to the top of my list.

My plan for May is simple. For two hours every morning, before I look at email, blogs, anything else, I write. I must write 1000 new words during this time. If I hit 2000, I can stop early. But from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. each weekday, I write.

So far, I've been successful. Of course, I've only done this for two days, LOL. Here are the results:

5/4 -- 1128 words

5/5 -- 2059 words

The Vixens are joining me in this experiment for May. We'll all share our word counts at the end of the month. We're also emailing each other daily with the following mantra: I matter, my creativity matters, my goals matter, and my success matters.

So go ahead, give yourself permission to write first and worry about the rest later. It'll still be there when you've written your 2K ;).

Tune in tomorrow for the Wednesday hunk. Until then -- WRITE.

MONDAY'S HERO -- Grant from The NovelTea Series

Current read: Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

I'm back from my local chapter conference with fresh motivation! Pitches went well, booksigning went well (whew for Renee and me!) and the workshops were engaging and refreshing. I'll blog the details on Friday. For today, I'm thrilled to welcome multi-published author Cindy Green, yet another Mama Writer. Cindy will be talking about her NovelTea series from The Wild Rose Press. The books in this series all feature the same hero, which is something different. I'm anxious to find out more about that!

Here's a brief bio for Cindy:

Cindy was born in California but now resides in North Carolina with her husband and two young sons. Growing up, she loved reading and writing, but her heart always lay in teaching. After graduating from college with a degree in history, Cindy taught Jr. High for four years in just about every subject. After the birth of her second child, she was able to stay home and focus on her writing as well as homeschool her children. In her spare time, she loves reading, photography, scrapbooking, Period Dramas, and spending time with family.

Welcome Cindy! Tell us about the NovelTea series.

The original NovelTea story, A Night of NovelTea, evolved out of the need to write something—anything—while editing a full length book. I just started writing and that first story was the result. Writing this story was definitely a jaunt. I was just going along for the ride, writing by the seat of my pants. With the sequel, on the other hand, I had to sit down and do a lot of research on the secret services here in the States in order to create my own agency. I had to know the terminology they use and get into the head of one of these courageous heroes. And just so you know, the title ‘NovelTea’ is a play on the word ‘novelty’ because my heroine is looking for more excitement in her life. It is also the name the bookstore/tea shop that the heroine owns.

Blurbs:
A Night of NovelTea:
Juliet Truesdale believes life is passing her by as she runs her parents bookstore/tea shop until the day a handsome, mysterious stranger enters the shop, steals her heart and turns her life upside down, throwing her into a mix of dangerous yet comical situations she never could have contemplated.

NovelTea Next Door:
Government agent Grant Gerard knows he’s cocky. It’s the reason he can do this job day after day. He’s always kept his life simple and uncomplicated…until destiny took a turn when he met bookstore/tea shop owner Juliet Truesdale.

Armed with a new lead pertaining to known criminal spook, Alexis Guthrie, Grant enlists Juliet to aid the investigation which ends up at the door of her neighbor, Adam Trudeau. This investment banker neighbor of hers seems harmless enough despite his annoying interest in Juliet. Will this turn of events only usher in more dangerous or even deadly situations for the duo? Can Grant allow Juliet into his heart and keep her safe from the danger looming in the distance?

Great blurbs! Let's learn a little more about your hero, Grant.

Grant Gerard is a spy. He’s six foot three with very dark hair and icy blue eyes. He has a snappy personality full of sarcasm which he uses to hide his true feelings. He’s capable and competent in a dangerous situation and finds a way to make you laugh when you want to cry. Oh, and suave and charming. Let’s not forget that.

Grant’s life has revolved around his job in the secret service for a long time. He eats, drinks and breathes ‘the job.’ He serves his country and puts his life on the line because—it has to be done and why not him. Everything changes when he meets Juliet. He begins to question his whole world view—his goals even. He's courageous, cocky, and charming

Suave and charming -- I love it! And I can't resist a hero who's just a little cocky sometimes ;). Let's talk about the chemistry between Grant and his heroine, Juliet. How are they drawn together?

Grant is drawn to Juliet because of her honesty. She isn’t trying to pull something on him like the lowlifes he works with on one side of an operation or another. Juliet is 100% sincere. He’s physically attracted to her, of course, but it’s more than that. Juliet gets him to open up in a way no one ever has. He sees her as something his life has been lacking. Normalcy. He’s also very protective of her and yet not an overbearing Alpha. She doesn’t swoon at his feet and fall for all his charms. She keeps him guessing.

Juliet is attracted to Grant right off the bat because…well, he is a spy and there is a bit of danger about him. She’s bored of her mundane existence and wishing for some excitement in her life. Boy does she get it—and in spades. Grant is cocky and cocky usually turns her off but she realizes that this is just his way—it’s a part of his job as much as the 9mm he carries under his suit coat. Below the veneer she perceives a person she can visualize spending her life with…perhaps. There are so many questions about him and she never knows what he’s going to do next.

I love hearing how authors are inspired to create their heroes. What was your inspiration for Grant?

When I first created Grant, I think I just put together an amalgam from my imagination of a cool spy-like hero. But as I have had the chance to develop him in the subsequent sequels, he has become more of a real person to me. I analyzed what a man who spends his life in a risky occupation would be like. What his fears, joys and disappointments are. It has been quite a trip, and I am looking forward to writing book #4 which will be from his perspective and will reveal a whole lot more about his past and what he decides is most important to him.

As for visual inspiration, I didn’t really have a celebrity in mind when I first wrote Grant. However, I do believe I was very much inspired by some of the characters in the BBC TV show Spooks. For example: Matthew Macfadyen and Rupert Penry-Jones. In fact, when I read the first story to myself I can hear Rupert’s voice in my head. I’ve included a photo of Rupert here—just imagine him with dark hair. He also played Captain Wentworth in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and the book Persuasion is mentioned a couple times in A Night of NovelTea. I’ve had readers say that this series is a meeting of Jane Austen and the TV show ’24.’ And a reviewer said NovelTea Next Door has a great ‘gum shoe’ atmosphere without rendering the story dated, creating a modern hero with a twist.

What's next for Cindy Green?

I have three upcoming releases: Book #3 NovelTea Takes a Holiday is coming soon, my first high fantasy romance the Princess and the Rogue will release sometime this year, and a short Inspirational story Snow Kissed will release in November. Currently I am working on a YA romance titled Homecoming Madness, also a historical novel Temptation of the Heart and the sequel to my fantasy, The Prince and the Sorceress.

Visit my website to see what other titles I have available because there are several. I write Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense, Historical, and Fantasy. I have a newsletter you can subscribe to as well. With it, I also send out my free serial read, ‘Valentine’s Challenge’. Stop by my blog because I try to update it several times a week. http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/

What a prolific writer you are! Now we'll go off topic -- tell us something surprising about yourself.

I am a total Superman fanatic. It is a little known fact, but completely true. I have the books, comics and DVDs to prove it. Shh! This is a secret between you and me.

LOL -- just between you and me and my blog readers ;). I bet there are some more Superman fans out there. Thanks so much for being here today, Cindy! Readers, here's an excerpt from NovelTea Next Door:

After covertly glancing around the store, I slipped into the back room as I heard the heels of Juliet’s pumps click across the cement floor. She stopped in front of a shelf filled with large encyclopedia sized books, her attention down on her clipboard. I watched her for a moment as she checked inventory until I heard a key in the door behind me. I really couldn’t be seen in here. Thinking quickly, I ran up to Juliet, grabbed her from behind, wrapping my arm around her shoulders before drawing her around the corner and behind another shelf of books.

We were squished together, her back pressed against the wall and mine up against the shelving unit. I had placed my hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t let out a scream or more likely a yell. As she faced me, obvious fear reflected in her eyes which was soon replaced with relief when she recognized me. I held a finger in front of my lips to signal she should be quiet before removing my hand.

Now her forehead furrowed up with annoyance. She shifted her shoulders up and mouthed the word “What?” Again, I signaled for her to be quiet as footsteps neared our position.

“Juliet?” a voice asked. I could see feet encased in a pair of navy-blue tennis shoes. It was most likely one of the NovelTea employees seeking out the manager.

We both remained silent in our hidden location. I could tell Juliet was unsure why we were concealing ourselves from one of her workers. It’s not like we were in any real danger, but it was good training for Juliet. I looked into her face, as her nose—with the light distribution of freckles—was only a few inches from mine, and smiled at her. I’m sure it came across cocky but I was just glad to see her.

The female who had come looking for Juliet turned and exited the stock room. When I heard the door snap shut, Juliet sent me a scathing glare and removed herself from our hideaway. As I made my way out, I noticed she wasn’t waiting for me but was instead moving toward the door. I raced up to her and took a hold of her upper arm until she faced me.

“What are you going to do to me now, Mr. Gerard?” She had that glare thing down good.
I smiled my best smile, hoping to thaw her mood into something closer to good humor. “You mean you don’t like hiding with me in the dark.” I still held her hand and for some reason she didn’t pull away.

The corner of her mouth twitched as though she might smile but she didn’t. “If memory serves me correctly, the last time I had to hide out with you, it left me with an indelible recollection I wish I could forget. The sight of a dumpster still makes my skin crawl.” The smile she had been repressing came pouring to the surface this time. She knew it too. No doubt hoping to avoid detection, she slipped her hand away and turned from me.

I stepped close to her from the back and leaned my head near her ear. “Juliet,” I whispered. I watched as she shivered.

“Yes,” she replied. The edge was gone as her voice softened.

“I only came by to make sure you were okay.”

She twisted around in a graceful pirouette-like motion with a scowl marring her beautiful face. “Grant, don’t stand there spouting lame excuses about your behavior. I just knew something like this was going to happen.” She looked upward as if whoever she was talking to was on the ceiling and then began to circle around me, her anger beginning to simmer. She didn’t say anything but it wouldn’t be long before she boiled over.

“Juliet, I really did come to see you.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did.” She continued to pace around me like a carnivore about to devour a meal.

“I just didn’t want to be seen by anyone. Remember, I’m supposed to be incognito.”

“So, why…” She paused, her attention averted by the sound near the door.

She looked back to me and placed her palm on my chest, pushing me around the corner. If this was the way she wanted to punish me, I wouldn’t stand in her way. I worked hard not to smile at her. She was so serious, and the way she twisted her face up when she was angry was just too tempting. I had to smile.