Blog Swap – Character Interview – One Night with the Bridesmaid (#1NS #ContemporaryRomance #NewRelease from @Decadentpub)

Sara Daniel and I are pub-mates at Decadent Publishing, and we both have One Night Stand-themed novellas that just came out. It’s only fair for us gals to scope out each other’s men, so I’ve snagged the hero from her new release over for an interview. Rob Wellington’s a busy guy, so I’ll keep this short and sweet.

1. Hi Rob, come over here on the sofa and put your feet up. What would you like to drink–tea, coffee, wine, …scotch?

Scotch. Actually, any kind of whiskey will do.

2. So what does a movie director do, exactly? Can you describe your typical day?

As a movie director, I’m responsible for bringing a story to life in a way to will resonate with viewers, entertain them for a couple hours, and hopefully give them a broader perspective on the world. In reality, I spend way too much time dealing with high-maintenances actors and actresses obsessed with stardom, regardless of how many people they have to step on to get there… Pass the whiskey, please.

3. Here you go. I heard you’ve been to a rather eventful wedding recently–your brother’s? What juicy details are you at liberty to divulge?

I arrived in town on what was supposed to be the eve of my brother’s wedding. I planned my entire movie production schedule around the date, so I could be there, only to discover it had been called off. After a little digging (and a lot of whiskey), I further discovered the maid of honor had been doing most of the wedding planning. It didn’t take much to figure out she wanted my brother to herself. Well, she’s going to have to go through me first, and believe me, I won’t be so easy to fool.

4. On the topic of weddings–what are your views on marriage in general? Is there still such a thing as Happily Ever After?

If you couldn’t tell, I’m pretty cynical. Everyone I meet wants the power and fame I can help them achieve. They don’t care about me. And if they find someone who has more of both, well, then they’re not interested in me. So, yeah, in theory I think marriage should be for love and the big Happily Ever After. But good luck finding anyone pure enough to achieve that kind of perfection.

5. Okay, then….Can you describe your “perfect girlfriend?” If you ran into her–say…on a blind date–what do you think would happen?

I suppose the “perfect girlfriend” would have a pure motivation and would like me for me and not want my money or fame. Does such a woman exist? I sincerely doubt it. The odds that I would meet her on a blind date—well, that’s absolutely ludicrous. If by some miracle I did, though, I’d be a fool to let her get away.

6. Oh dear, it looks like you have to run. One parting question–would you ever consider having a one night stand with a total stranger?There are girls out there who would like to know…

Being in the limelight, a guy can’t be too careful. Just because a woman’s a stranger to me, she likely knows all too well who I am and is hoping to propel her own acting career by association. Girls, find someone else. I’m not interested in being used.

Famous last words.  I’d very much like to thank Rob for dropping by. My most recent “man” (Kal) is being interviewed over at Sara’s blog as we speak. If you have a moment, please pay him a visit.

Also, Sara is running a Rafflecopter giveaway with a $10 Amazon gift card and two Captivating the CEO keychains as prizes. I would embed the code, but WordPress and Rafflecopter don’t play nice so an extra click is required:

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

One Night with the Bridesmaid
(Sequel to One Night with the Bride–1Night Stand Series from Decadent Publishing)

Gifted with a 1Night Stand, Sabrina Lopez decides to use the chance to hook up with a man who knows how to give a woman pleasure—a man she’d never have the nerve to approach in real life. Madame Eve exceeds her expectations with the opportunity of a lifetime—and the man of her dreams, movie director Rob Wellington. He might be out of her league, but she’s willing to risk it all for one night.

Believing Sabrina responsible for breaking up his brother’s wedding, Rob sets out to stop her from scamming her way into the groom’s bed—even if he has to take his brother’s place. The last thing he expected to discover was a woman he could love and hold for the rest of his life—if he can convince her that he wants more than one night….

Buy Links: Publisher | Amazon | B&N

About Sara Daniel
Website: http://www.saradaniel.com
Blog: http://saradanielromance.blogspot.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SaraDanielSaraShafer
Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/SaraShaferDaniel
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SSaraDaniel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SaraDaniel

A Romance Writer Learns Italian – My Word of the Week – Freddo/Freddissimo (adj. cold/freezing)

Freddo (Freddissimo)

adj. cold, glacial, frigid
adj. fig. dead, lifeless
adj. fig. detached, aloof, impassive, rational
n.   cold, cold weather

from Word Reference

For previous installments of Italian Word of the Week, click here.

Adesso, fa freddissimo!–Right now, it’s freezing! (You can find an explanation of how freddo changed to freddissimo in my previous post.)

The reason I chose freddo this week is obvious. Il Regno di Ghiaccio (The Reign of Ice, i.e. the Italian title of the Disney movie Frozen) is an apt description of the current weather. The roads are iced over, frostbite is a few minutes of exposure away, and my car is making weird noises. D.C. doesn’t have it as bad as the rest of the country, but it was cold enough for me to dig out my gloves, scarf and hat from storage.

One of the first things one learns in Italian class is that (as with the case in French), one “has” cold as opposed to one “is” cold. In other words, ho freddo literally translates to “I have cold” but is the Italian equivalent of saying “I am cold.” Additionally, the weather “does” freezing as opposed to “is” freezing–(Il tempo) fa freddissimo. The idiomatic equivalent of fa freddissimo is fa un freddo cane, which, as far as I can tell, literally translates to (the weather) makes a frozen dog.

And since I get lethargic and sleepy whenever it’s cold out, this is all the effort I can muster for today. But calma e sangue freddo! (Keep calm and don’t panic–lit. calm yourself and keep your blood cold). My next Italian Word of the Week will hit the interwebs next Thursday.

Disclaimer: I am writing this as a student of Italian. If there is anyone out there who would like to add to or correct my post, please leave a comment.  

Blog Swap – Author Interview – Teri Riggs (#RomanticSuspense #EroticRomance from @DecadentPub : Resolutions)

Teri Riggs was kind enough to host me on her blog, where I chat about the 3 Best Airports for a “Lay”-over, and I’m here grilling her about her path to author-dom. She just celebrated the one year anniversary for the release of her romantic suspense, Resolutions, and the book’s paperback version recently came out. I’m a sucker for stories set in DC (mainly because I consider the city home), so I’ve been eyeing her book ever since I saw the cover. I can’t wait to find out more about it. You can buy Teri’s book straight from Decadent Publishing, or at other major ebook retailers such as Amazon and B&N.

1. You must be thrilled that your book is coming out in print (I know I would be). What have you been doing to celebrate?

Resolutions came out in print on Christmas Day. What a great present! To celebrate, once I quit dancing the happy dance, I told anyone willing listen my good news. Hubby bought a few copies for me to sign for all the family and took me to dinner to celebrate, too.

2. I can’t help but notice the monuments on your cover. Do the characters spend any time in D.C. before/after they go to Columbia?

Except for Mac being in D.C. for one chapter at the beginning of the story, all of the action takes place in Colombia until the last two chapters. Then Mac and Eve are both back in D.C. still looking for their HEA.

3. As a DC-native, I can attest to the city’s ability to grand HEAs to those who seek them. So…the very muscled dark haired man on your cover–I’d love an introduction. What’s his name and what do I need to know about him?

Mac is a former Army Ranger who now works for Resolutions, is a private black ops company run by his former CO. They specialize in all types of near-impossible extractions of kidnap victims, hostages, and all forms of intelligence other agencies have failed to retrieve. Mac is a pure alpha male who, because of his past, goes overkill trying to keep Eve safe. I can definitely introduce you to him—as long as Eve isn’t around! I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.

4. A birdy also told me Eve’s a DEA Agent, which probably means I should give Mac a wide birth. What does she do for the U.S. government, and how does this get her into trouble?

Eve grew up with overprotective brothers she called the Alpha Four. She wanted independence and a chance to prove she was capable of taking care of herself. Eve started out working in computers and research at the DEA. She trained hard to get her promotion to field agent and wasn’t about to let Mac take it away from her. Eve joins the IDEA task force and during a mission is captured by an evil drug lord involved in a terrorist plot against America. Mac is sent to rescue her. On the run, they have to learn to trust each other again while tryin g to stop the terrorist plot.

5. I have to say, your story sounds like the perfect mix of suspense and romance. Was it difficult finding a publisher for it, or are you one of those lucky authors who got an acceptance letter on your first submission?

I have enough rejection letters for Resolutions to wall paper my bathroom. In 2008 Resolutions was a finalist in the KOD Daphne Du Maurier contest for unpublished authors. Wow, I thought. This will sell! WRONG! Decadent Publishing offered me a contract in 2012. So no, I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to sell with my first submission.

I’m glad you found it a good home because it sounds awesome! Thank you again for dropping by.

Be sure to check out Teri’s blog to find a pretty cool list of Best Airports to have a “Lay”-over (according to Your’s Truly). For more information about Teri and her book, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Resolutions

DEA agent Eve Taylor has had her fill of alpha males. When Resolutions’ operative and former lover, Dillon “Mac” McKenna, threatened her hard-earned independence, she ran. On a mission to gather evidence against a Colombian drug-lord, Eve discovers the drug-lord is helping terrorists plan an attack on American soil. Before she can escape with the vital information, she’s captured and comes face to face with her mortality…

As a teen, Mac watched his family fall apart after his mother died doing dangerous U.N. work. The possibility of losing Eve to a mission ignited an overwhelming need to protect her. When he forced her to choose him or her job, she walked away. Two years later, it seems all his nightmares have come true and he’s tasked with rescuing her from a Colombian prison. Mac has never stopped loving Eve, but does he dare risk his heart when he’s so terrified of losing…

On the run, Mac and Eve must learn to trust each other again in order to stay alive.

About Teri Riggs

As a child, Teri made up her own bedtime stories. When her children came along, Teri always tweaked the fairy tales she told her daughters, giving them a bit more punch and better endings when needed. Now she spends her days turning her ideas into books. She lives in Marietta, GA with her husband.

Website: http://teri-riggs.com/
Blog: http://teririggs.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teri-Riggs/329379907142621
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeriLRiggs

Blog Swap! – Author Interview – Haley Whitehall (#Historical #EroticRomance #NewRelease from @LSB_lsbooks : Midnight Heat)

Haley and I are double pub buddies at both Liquid Silver Books and Decadent Publishing. We’re swapping blogs for the day to promote our new releases. I’m over at her place chatting about one of my favorite authors, and I’m peppering her with questions about her new book.

Midnight Heat is Book 2 in Haley’s Moonlight Romance series, and it’s preceded by Midnight Caller. You can find the most current buy links on her website or check her author page at Liquid Silver Books and Amazon. 

1. Okay, since you live in Washington State, the Twilight fan in me (do not judge, dear reader) has to ask: Is it as beautiful as described in the book? Also, is it actually always cloudy/rainy–so much so that a vampire can live there undetected?

I think Washington State is very beautiful. I enjoy all four seasons and find beauty in each. I do not live on the coast which is where Twilight took place. Here is isn’t as cloudy and rainy although we do seem to be having a foggy winter.

2. Now that we’ve got that decidedly fangirl-ly question out of the way, let’s move on to your gorgeous cover art. Who are the lovely couple I see locked in an intimate embrace? (Can you tell I’m a romance junkie?) How do they come to be together in a snowed-in cabin?

I know isn’t the cover art lovely? This book is about George and Allison. George is the younger brother of Frederick from book 1 Midnight Caller. The villain Mr. Coswell is pursing Allison and they flee the steamboat where both of them are working and head to George’s brother’s farm in St. Louis. That is the snowy cabin. In order to get some privacy George sleeps in the barn loft and Allison meets him there in the middle of the night with one thing on her mind…

3. Tell me more about George–and by this I mean his physical attributes. He works as a roustabout which is hard manual labor. I bet he is ripped.

George is an African American hunk! He works on the steamboat the Queen Bee hauling cargo on and off at each port. He is eighteen years old, but all man. I will always have a soft spot for him. He is six-foot one of solid muscle with broad shoulders and strong arms perfect for holding Allison. He has dark brown eyes and short cropped black hair. But the best part about him is not a physical attribute. He is an imposing man with a heart of gold. He is caring and thoughtful and protective—really, any woman’s dream.

4. *cough* May I ask for more details about Allison and George’s first kiss? Please don’t spare any details…

George has been wanting to kiss Allison for a long time now. Except with the abuse in Allison’s past he knew she wasn’t ready. She has been relaxing around him and he finally feels it is the right time for their first kiss. After a long day of work they are lying together on the deck of the steamboat hidden from prying eyes behinds stacks of crates and other cargo. Here is the excerpt of their first kiss:

“George was flavored by his restrained power and overwhelming care. Equal parts sweetness and spice, he was delicious. She moaned into his mouth, her senses never before stirred so much. Her skin seared where his lips touched. If the kiss lasted any longer she’d develop a fever.”

5. I always end my interviews with this question–How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write historical romance?

I didn’t actually start my writing career writing historical romance. I started by writing straight historical fiction set during the Civil War era which has always been my favorite. I’ve been drawn to the Civil War era ever since I was a child. Perhaps I had a past life then? Who knows. Anyway, the women in my writers group encouraged me to try to write historical romance since they said everyone reads romance. At first I struggled with writing love scenes and now I can’t imagine my historical stories without a lot of heat!

I’m a huge fan of heat in romance–can’t seem to get enough of it. Since Haley’s a very busy lady this week, I won’t keep her. For more information about the book an author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Midnight Heat

Living in St. Louis, Missouri is a nightmare for Allison. It is 1868, but for her slavery never ended. After enduring years of abuse, she reaches her breaking point. She sees a fiery death as her only escape. She did not expect to live through the night, but George came to her rescue and changed her plans. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dream of falling in love and having a normal relationship with a handsome black man. But will he accept her with her baggage and the dark secrets from her past?

At eighteen, George is ready to make his own way in the world. He leaves his brother’s farm and gets a job as a roustabout. Working on the Mississippi River gives him the freedom he craves. Going ashore one night he sees a shack along the waterfront on fire. He never expected to find a beautiful colored woman trapped inside. Protective instincts kicking in, he instantly wants to be her man and take care of her.

Will he be able to gain her trust and love or will the memories of Allison’s painful past burn their relationship to cinders before it has begun?

About Haley

Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historicals set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy. Visit Haley’s website at http://haleywhitehall.com.

Haley loves to connect with readers. You can find her here:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HaleyWhitehall
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LightonHistory
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752677.Haley_Whitehall
Blog: http://haleywhitehall.com/blog/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Haley-Whitehall/e/B0078EO6CE/

A Romance Writer Learns Italian – My Word of the Week – [Buon] Anno ([Good] n. year)!

Anno

n. year

from Word Reference

For previous installments of Italian Word of the Week, click here.

Buon anno, tutti! (Happy New Year, everyone!–translation not literal) This week’s word came up a day early since it is the New Year. I’m going to put myself on a limb here and say buon anno is the Italian equivalent of “Happy New Year”. The only source I have to back this up are dubbed episodes of How I Met Your Mother (which are hilarious, by the way), so please feel free to correct me if I’m mistaken. Literally, the New Year is il capodanno (m. s.), and New Year’s Eve is la notte di capodanno (f.s.).

Anno (n. year) is a word that has given me much grief because I instinctively say per anno instead of all’anno whenever I refer to recurring events. In English, one says “X happens twice per year”, which somehow causes per (for) to tumble out of my mouth instead of the correct all’. I’m pretty sure I get corrected on this error at least 3 times a day while classes are in session.

Some useful phrases related to this word are ogni anno (every year, annually), l’anno scorso (last year), l’anno prossimo (next year), tutto l’anno (all year, year-round), and qualche anno fa (a few years ago). Of course, the romance writer in me zero’d in on the psychological term crisi del settimo anno (seven-year itch).

Disclaimer: I am writing this as a student of Italian. If there is anyone out there who would like to add to or correct my post, please leave a comment. This is a learning process for me as well. 

A Romance Writer Learns Italian – My Word of the Week – Lupo (n. wolf)

Lupo

n. wolf

from Word Reference

For previous installments of Italian Word of the Week, click here.

You might be wondering why I picked a straightforward noun–an animal of all things–as this week’s Italian word. Honestly, I did it because it provides the perfect segway for me to plug my new release, Delicious Delay. No, said book is not a shifter romance (though I do have one bouncing around in my head, threatening to break free). However, in case anyone out there is wondering, the Italian words for “werewolf” are licantropo and lupo mannaro (yes, I have a vampire edition of this post planned for the not too distant future).

It’s always a relief for students to find idioms that exist in both English and Italian. Gridare al lupo (id. to cry wolf; to raise a false alarm), lupo vestito da agnello (id. wolf in sheep’s clothing) and chi si pecora fa, il lupo se la mangia (id. those who make themselves sheep will be eaten by the wolf) are great examples. 

And here comes the segway. Italians (or so my teacher told me) are superstitious. As such, they would rarely say “Buona fortuna.” Instead, they prefer to use “In bocca al lupo” (lit. in the mouth of the wolf) whenever they want to wish anyone good luck, to which the person would respond “Crepi il lupo” (lit. the wolf dies). Since my new book releases tomorrow, I’m need quite a bit of luck, so I’ll go ahead and say this a few more times to myself.

Disclaimer: I am writing this as a student of Italian. If there is anyone out there who would like to add to or correct my post, please leave a comment. This is a learning process for me as well. 

Author Interview – Krista Ames (#Christmas #Romance #NewRelease : Harper’s Wish)

Krista Ames is here to chat about her brand new Christmas novella, Harper’s Wish. It came out last friday and is now available at most major eBook retailers. Since the internet gods can be a bit finicky when it comes to book releases, the best way to find out the most recent buy links is by going to Krista’s website (here). However, here are a few to get you started: Amazon, B&N, and Kobo. Since Krista is super busy today, I’ll get my questions in while I can.

1. Let’s start with the title–Can you give me a hint about what Harper wished for in her letter to Santa this Christmas?

Hmmm…Harper’s big on the fact she never had any family growing up and kind of jealous of all the townsfolk always coming in to the post office so… guess you’ll have to read it to find out more ☺

2. On your cover, I can’t help but notice that Harper’s lips are only a few inches away from a decidedly attractive chin. May I ask who she’s smiling at? What does he do for a living?

Oh yes, I love that chin! That would be Fin Cole…tree expert extraordinaire! He helps his brother run the family tree farm.

3. Tree expert you say? Now I suddenly have all sorts of ideas about his other physical attributes. When it comes to men, I can be quite shallow. What does Fin look like (and there’s no need to limit yourself to the driver’s license description)?

Well handsome is one description you won’t find on the driver’s license. He’s muscled but has a lean frame. Brown hair and taller than me, which doesn’t say much since I’m only 5’3” so imagine 5’11”. Stubbled chin as you can see in his picture (sexy isn’t it?). Your typical farm guy with a big 4×4. Don’t ya just wonder what he looks like on a tractor in the middle of summer…..might have to stay tuned for that book ☺

4. How would you categorize the bedroom scenes in this novella–is Fin naughty or nice?

He treats Harper nice of course but he definitely knows how to be naughty, just how she likes it 😉 Driving her crazy, making her want more.

5. I always end my interviews with this question–How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write contemporary romance?

I got my start a few years ago now by inadvertently friending the owner of a publishing house. We met on a chat group for a completely different publisher that we were both working with. She encouraged me, let me know that if I ever wanted to submit to her, she’d be glad to read what I have. Well I ended up publishing 4 short stories in anthologies with her house. Was a great start!! I think I chose to write contemporary romance because it’s what I like to read. Now, since I’ve read some historical and paranormal, of course my brain is working overtime trying to come up with material to create a few stories ☺ Thanks so much for having me today, I had so much fun answering ☺

As I said, Krista needs to be in quite a few places at once today, so I’ll let her run off. For more information about the book and author, just scroll down.

(P.S. Enjoy the holidays everyone. I’m taking a short blogging hiatus but will tune back in after Christmas. In case you haven’t noticed, Delicious Delay releases this Friday!)

Harper’s Wish

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but for Harper Donaldson it’s just another day. Orphaned at an early age, she doesn’t have a single good memory of Christmas.

But, when a Santa’s Mailbox mysteriously appears in the lobby of the post office where she works as postmistress, Harper wonders what it could hurt to send her own letter to Santa.

Could he bring her the family she’d always wanted?

Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon (UK) | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

About Krista Ames

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan. She is married to a very supportive man who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours. Krista is also a mother of 4 ornery children who keep her plenty busy. With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and a playful kitty, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished. She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world. She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime at krista@kristaames.com.

Website:  http://www.kristaames.com
Blog: http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/author-krista-ames
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristaames
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/kristaames
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kristaames/
The Ladies’ Cave: www.theladiescave.blogspot.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Krista-Ames/e/B004FLQ9XM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
TRR Author Page: http://www.theromancereviews.com/kkames

A Romance Writer Learns Italian – My Word of the Week – Bellissimo (a, i, e)

Bellissimo (Bellissima, Bellissimi & Bellissime)

adj. very beautiful, all-beautiful, swell

from Word Reference

For previous installments of Italian Word of the Week, click here. For an explanation of how adjectives that end in “o” change depending on context, take a look at my previous post on “Caro“.

As with last time, we start with a mini grammar lesson.

• Italian adjectives can be modified with suffixes (that’s a fancy way to say “endings”) to express different levels of emphasis. “-issimo” is the Italian absolute superlative, which basically means it is used to show that a certain quality is expressed to a highest degree possible. In this case, Bello (adj. beautiful) is modified to become Bellissimo, which is often translated to “very beautiful.” However, it is probably closer to “the most beautiful humanly possible.”
• Cultural Note: That said, the Italian language seems to favor the dramatic (try watching Grey’s Anatomy dubbed in Italian–it’s very interesting). Therefore, it seems bellissimo is used somewhat capriciously.
• Side Note: Remember I went over “Caro” last week? You guessed right–“Carissimo” is “very expensive, dear, precious, etc.”

So obviously, bellissima (f.) can be used to describe a woman. To see the Italian hand gesture equivalent of Una bellissima donna! (What a very beautiful woman!), you can take a look at Berlusconi’s first encounter with Michelle Obama (since sarcasm doesn’t translate well in text form–THIS IS AN INAPPROPRIATE GESTURE!). However, when talking about men, there seems to be a preference for the unmodified adjective (i.e. a hunk = un bell’uomo, un bell ragazzo).

That said, bellissimo can be used to describe a whole host of other things. Most common among them seems to be food (Questa pasta è bellissima!) and the weather. Occasionally, it is also used to mean “good”, but I haven’t quite mastered when and when not to use it in this fashion, so I won’t elaborate.

That’s it for this week!

Disclaimer: I am writing this as a student of Italian. If there is anyone out there who would like to add to or correct my post, please leave a comment. This is a learning process for me as well. 

Author Interview – Shiloh Saddler (#Historical #MMRomance #NewRelease : Saltwater Lover)

Click on the Cover to go to Shiloh’s Blog!

The lovely Shiloh Saddler and I are pub buddies twice over–we both have books accepted for publication with Liquid Silver Books AND Decadent Publishing. Shiloh is here today to talk about her new release, Saltwater Lover. It’s a M/M historical romance and it came out today. You may buy it directly from LSB (which I recommend since more money goes to the author), or through Amazon and other major ebook retailers. 

 

Now lets progress to the fun-stuff. 

1. I have to admit–the two hunks on your cover are quite delectable. What are their names and how do they come to be on a ship?

Captain Mather is a slaver. His men capture Kojo along the African coast taking him prisoner on board the slaving ship.

2. So it says in your blurb Kojo has a deep connection to spirits. Are there paranormal elements in this story? What kind of spirits are they?

Kojo is like a shaman. He has learned from the elders how to communicate with the spirits beyond the veil. The spirits of those dead and the spirits of those not yet born can give him advice and direction. So I guess you could say there is a bit of a paranormal element because he calls on them at times.

3. As a fellow erotic romance writer, I have to ask–was it lust-at-first-sight or love-at-first-sight? Why are Kojo and Captain Mather drawn to each other?

Ooh good question! It was lust at first sight for both of them. Kojo has had stirrings for men for many years and does not understand these feelings as his people do not believe a man should love another man. Captain Mather hasn’t had a lover in months. When the two men realize they share the same urges it is only a matter of time before they heat up the pages.

4. Since I decided to make this blog 18+ [*cough* adult content warning *cough*], I might as well take advantage. How steamy are the bedroom (ship cabin?) scenes and how much sex are we talking?

LOL. I’d say four out of five flames. Mather teaches Kojo about his sexuality and there are a lot of lessons! The longer I spent with these men and edited this story the hotter it became. I’ll give you a short excerpt and you can decide for yourself.

Excerpt:

Mather smiled. The heat emanating from him made Kojo shiver, made him want to be closer to this man, to feel him. If he could make himself valuable to him, maybe he’d have an easier life. Maybe he’d be able to spend more time with him. Maybe he’d be able to feel the man’s hands roaming his body again.

The captain pushed his chair back from the table. “Reward,” he said, “Stand.”

Kojo’s pulse stammered. It felt like a bird was caged in his chest, flapping his wings to break free. He had no idea what the reward would be, only that it could not be his freedom.

Mather offered his hand and Kojo grasped it, letting the captain pull him to his feet. He inhaled deeply. The man’s blond hair smelled clean and salty with a hint of fish. This close to him, it was impossible for him not to be stirred by the man’s scent. The captain came closer.

Mather ran his fingertips lightly from the base of Kojo’s shaft to his softly swollen tip. His eyes were gentle, uncertain. As though afraid to hurt him.

He inhaled sharply, undone by the simple caress. This was his reward? He’d never expected something like this. Dizzy from shock, he reached out with his one free hand to grab the man’s shoulder. Mather felt solid under his clothes. He longed to feel the captain’s bare skin against his, though the thought scared him—had scared him since the first day on the beach. He’d always imagined fear and desire were two very different things. Now he knew otherwise.

Mather gripped his member tightly, but not enough to hurt. “Do you like this? Hmmm?”

All he could do was moan. He hoped Mather would understand he enjoyed his touch. He certainly didn’t want him to stop. Oh yes, this was what he had been building up to before. His body trembled. Senses overwhelmed, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back, awash in the first pleasure he’d ever experienced. His cock grew in Mather’s hand, showing him in action what he could not tell him in words. He wanted this.

Mather slid his hand down the length of it, squeezing it, testing its firmness. He continued to play and fondle, watching Kojo’s face. “I want to watch you come. Come for me, Kojo.” Mather took his balls in one hand while pumping slowly with the other.

Kojo didn’t know what the captain had said. He just wanted time to stand still so this moment would last. The spirits had never told him this type of fulfillment existed.

Incredible pulses of pleasure raced through Kojo’s body. He panted loudly and his enthusiasm spurred Mather to pump his cock faster and faster, at just the rhythm he needed. His toes curled against the wood floor. His breaths came in little pants. Mather ate them all up with his gaze, his smile.

Kojo continued to brace himself with his hand on Mather’s shoulder. Tipping his head back, he let out a long low moan, his body shaking itself to pieces with ecstasy.

5. *fans face* I think I just lost my train of thought. Where were we? Okay, one last question before you go (I always end my interviews thus for consistency’s sake)–How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write historical romance?

History was my favorite subject in school, and I’ve always read historical romance. Since I gravitate toward the genre I think it was only natural I decided to write historical romance.

I know Shiloh’s a very busy lady today, so I won’t keep her. For more information about the book and author (as well as a picture of Shiloh in a cowboy hat), just scroll down. If you get the chance, please leave a comment!

Blurb – Saltwater Lover

In 1800, Kojo is a native African with deep connections to the spirits—but those spirits choose not to save him from the slaving ship. He’s captured and taken aboard, where he meets Captain Mather. During the long journey to America, not even the spirits can save him from their growing attraction. Love blooms. A doomed love. For when they land, Kojo’s fate is to be sold.

Captain Mather can’t imagine Kojo being treated as a slave. Desperate to spare him from that life, the captain hides him, taking him to his home. When he’s blackmailed by a mutinous former crewmember, there seems little choice but to sell his ship and pay. Anything to save the man he loves.

About the Author

Shiloh Saddler likes to do research for her steamy romances first hand. She has invented a time machine and travels back to the 19th century on a regular basis. There are experimental settings on her time machine which could propel her into the future and even other worlds. She believes love and a good book makes anything possible.

Blog: http://shilohsaddler.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiloh.saddler?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShilohSaddler
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00H6CN5D4

Science Fiction and Fantasy Saturday No. 37 (#sffsat) – Rescued from a Trunked Manuscript – #Scifi #Romance

Here’s the next snippet from my nameless trunked manuscript. I’ll keep sharing it for quite a while since my sci-fi (post-apocalyptic) romance isn’t scheduled to come out until late February. 

For all past SFFSAT posts, click here. In the previous snippet, we witnessed Hades express some specie-ism with respect to a prospective employee. 

Nell made a show of glancing down at her slim platinum wristwatch. “You don’t have a choice—we have an infestation problem. The Order of Acolytes’ raison d’être is to kill undead, and their leadership is a veritable snakes’ den. And yet, that fragile human survived their employ for close to a decade.”

Forced to concede her point, he searched for another way out. “It says in her file this woman was fired.”

His sister gave him a disgusted look. “You know as well as anyone the Order’s idea of termination involves homicide. I don’t know how the girl did it, but she managed to get enough leverage to make them leave her alone. That feat, at the very least, should earn her an interview.”

SFFSat is a group of writers sharing snippets from both published and unpublished works of science fiction and fantasy. You can read more about the group by clicking the banner to the left, as well as follow links to the other participants. Any comments are much appreciated!