Happily Ever After Thoughts

Guest Author Interview: Calisa Rhose

2012-01-29T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today we are interviewing Calisa Rhose, Romance author.

Alexis: Hi Calisa, Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-)

Calisa: What a treat to be here Alexis! Thanks for the opportunity to talk about my debut release, HOME.

Alexis: You have a lot of stories in the works. What subgenre of romance do you feel most at home in?

Calisa: I do. Between contemporary cowboys, firemen and my paranormal series I stay busy. And then, of course, there’s my one-time vintage historical, HOME. But I am probably most comfortable writing contemporary. Paranormal is relatively new for me but I’m having a blast figuring it all out.

Alexis: Hmm, so HOME is your one-time vintage historical. Now, I'm curious. Can you tell our readers a little bit about your new release, HOME?

Calisa: I wrote HOME as part of a series Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll. In sequence my book would come in around the fifth book I think, but it was the first release in the series so they are not coming out chronologically. My story is about a Vietnam veteran and a gypsy who have nothing more in common than growing up in the same town.

When Sam returns from his stint in the war it seems the town who idolized him as their football hero before the war not has turned its back on him. Only Poppy steps up and accepts him home with open arms and love grows between the unlikely couple. Poppy has her own stigmas just being a gypsy in a time when her ‘kind’ are frowned upon and Sam realizes they aren’t as different as he’d always thought.

Alexis: Interesting premise. Where did you get the idea for this story?

Calisa: I honestly don’t know. I don’t write historical. Though I grew up as a little girl in the 60’s, I don’t remember much so when these two came to me asking that their story be told I was kind of surprised. But I had so much fun writing HOME.

Alexis: Ah, then it must have been fate :-) What are your favorite character traits of Poppy and Sam?

Calisa: I love Poppy Tippen’s seeming unflappable nature. She’s been through a lot as an outcast, but she doesn’t give up on her secret love for the town hero.

I learned to respect Sam Callahan for his ability to accept who the war made him and to fight to overcome the dark that threatens to rule his life. In the end they both become a strong force of support for one another and that’s important in any relationship, in any era.

Alexis: So, what made you choose this particular era?

Calisa: Again, I don’t think I chose it so much as it chose me.

Alexis: I love that! It's a story that needs to be told. What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Calisa: Nothing up for release just yet. Life kind of got in the way since HOME sold and I haven’t been able to write as much. But I do have a couple of things in the works. When TWRP put out a call for cowboys for the Honkytonk series I jumped at the chance to write what I love most. I’m writing a story that I hope will be contracted for this series. It's called CHAMPAGNE TIGER.

Kelly Donovan is running from an abusive husband who wants her dead and hides behind the law enforcement he works for to avoid prosecution. Mace Dalton is a small town sheriff who rescues a stranded stranger and realizes how easy she is to fall in love with. When Kelly discovers Mace is the same type of man (lawman) she’s running from she has to make a choice. Trust the law that has always betrayed her and let Mace save her, or keep running and take her chances that her husband will eventually be stopped. There’s a little twist that I won’t spoil for readers.

Alexis: CHAMPAGNE TIGER sounds promising. I wish you luck with it :-) Thank you so much for sharing your romances with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Calisa: Thank you! I’ve had a wonderful time today.

Alexis: For a chance to win a PDF copy of HOME, be sure to leave a comment for Calisa. If I have contact information I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Calisa’s Romances go http://calisarhose.wordpress.com/

Alexis: Check out this excerpt from HOME.

Excerpt:

“I’ll always want you, Poppy.”

Her head shook in automatic denial. “You’ll want a girl who fits your life. Not some gypsy with no family lineage to brag about. Your momma won’t accept that, either. She’ll make you choose someone like Connie, someone who fits into your world. Not the girl everyone avoids and whispers about behind her back. You’re gonna be the town’s doctor. You need an uppity wife who will make you proud.”

When Sam laughed, his chest shuddered against her back. Deep, husky, real. He turned her in his arms and looked down at her, smiling. “Poppy, do you honestly think I give a damn what people think? Look at me! I’m the town outcast, the survivor who should have died saving the others, not be here planning a future that includes a wife, a medical practice. “I shimmy under park benches, run from my mother’s lipstick, for God’s sake. I wake up screaming and crying over nothing in the middle of the night, crawl under my bed and hide, shaking, until morning. Hell, I can’t even be a doctor because I haven’t finished school yet.”

“I didn’t know. It must be awful for you.” No matter how it hurt Poppy to know he used her, it felt much worse to know how he hurt alone. “The only time it isn’t awful is when I’m with you. When I think of you.”

You can get your copy of HOME at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon and B&N.

Small-town country girl Calisa Rhose lives in a semi-remote area of Oklahoma with her husband, four small dogs, one cat and a horse. All three of her daughters and their families live within throwing distance. She’s a member of RWA and the local chapter OKRWA. She intends to nurture and continue to grow as an author with the help of her family and supporters.

Follow Calisa on twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook/Calisa Rhose She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com

And don't forget, for a chance to win HOME, leave Calisa a comment :-)

Review: DANGEROUS DESIRES by Dee Davis

2012-01-25T07:00:00.006-05:00

Being loyal to your family can really put you in the hot seat when living a life of danger in the Columbian jungle.

Madeline Reynard is a perfect example of all of the above. She started her misadventure in a Columbian prison, had a friend who gave her a “get out of jail free” card, and then moved on to work for a crime lord.

She doesn’t sound so desirable until we find out she obtained her distasteful work in order to save her sister’s life.

As she begins another run for her life, Drake, strong, powerful, and smart-yes, that’s an attraction too- is assigned a mission to bring her back to the states. Drake and his team arrive along with a host of complications, which result in Madeline and Drake fending for themselves against mercenaries in the heated jungle.

And they don’t ignore the dripping wet clothes clinging to their bodies.

Davis’ story is fast paced, gripping, and dangerous with every turn of the page. Family loyalty runs throughout the story causing life threatening situations, yet it triumphs in the end, one way or another.

Dawn

Guest author Eliza Knight: Where The Magic Happens . . .

2012-01-22T07:00:00.023-05:00

Where the magic happens…

I love that show cribs, where you get see where actors, models and other famous people live. I wish we could see author houses! So today, I’m going to give you my “office cribs”. Here’s where the magic happens…

You see a lot of writers having these beautiful writing spaces. Not me. My writer space is in utter chaos… I have no problem confessing that my space gives my husband nightmares, and when we have guests he begs me to clean it up. (And believe it or not, the rest of my house is actually quite neat!) But it is my functioning chaos, lol. I did not bother to clean up before I took the picture to show you, because I thought you should see it in for what it really is!

My “office” is in my kitchen—I’m lucky that my kitchen is large enough that I was able to commandeer part of it for my work. I used to have an office, but then we had three kids… and well, they needed bedrooms right? J But honestly, it is the best place for me. It is central to the house, and since one of my little darlings is still at home, and she hangs out in the kitchen a lot, it’s easier for me to work there. I can also hear the kids upstairs or if they are playing in the family room in our basement. It is also very close to the Keurig for instant refills on coffee.

Let me walk you through my space…

I use a desktop—although I have a couple laptops loitering around the bottom of my desk that I use from time to time. I sit upon my “Queen” chair, as I call it. My mouse pad was made for me by a lovely author friend of mine, BJ Scott. I love it! It has my book covers on it and pics of my girls, and it says my name and Author & Mom. See my printer??? Would you believe I lived as a writer without a printer for years? I just got that printer about 6 months ago. As a primarily digital author, I didn’t need a printer. If I had something to print, I just used the printer at the local copy office or at the library.

Moving on… What is all that paper???? Like everywhere???? I tape all sorts of things onto my desk—lists, words I like, phrases, schedules, pictures. Research papers, notes, there are books and magazines and notebooks buried there that I am using. You see an ARC I just finished reading that I have to review. Front and center (Right below the ARC) is my planner.

My coffee has a place on the desk. A prominent place—easy for grabbing.

Right beside my desk is my bookshelf—filled front and back with research books and books to review. (I would be lying if I said that was my only bookshelf… In our family room I have two floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled… I also have commandeered ½ of my china cabinet for books and I have another bookshelf in my bedroom, and a bin under the living room couch filled with books. I am a book hoarder, no doubt.

Between my desk and the bookcase are boxes of my own print books that I take to signings or give away.

So while some of you may look at this picture and run screaming, I say to the rest of you—this is how I write, and as a prolific writer, it seems to work for me :-)

What would be your perfect writing space? One lucky commenter will win an ebook copy of my new release, LADY SEDUCTRESS’S BALL.

Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog, History Undressed, which was recently mentioned in a feature article in The Wall Street Journal. www.historyundressed.blogspot.com

Blurb:

Invitation to Pleasure

As the wife of the elderly Earl of March, Olivia Covington has never known the intimacies of the bedroom. Though her curiosity is piqued by the shocking whispers of society ladies, she is too wary of causing scandal to indulge in an affair. But Tristan Knightley, Earl of Newcastle, tempts her to throw off propriety.

Tristan wants Olivia for his own, and has sworn off all others until he can rid himself of the obsession. He is sure once he has a taste, he will tire of her, and can return to his rakish existence. Unable to wait to have her in his bed, he invites her for a tryst at Lady Seductress's Ball.

Excerpt:

Oh, if only circumstances and the situation were different.

She hurried down a dark corridor toward the back door, where she could seek solace and fresh air in her gardens. The house was just too stuffy and warm. What she really wanted to do was have him follow her up to her bedroom and reenact all of her dreams, only this time have it end with a deep and thorough plundering.

One must not covet what one cannot have. The voice of her governess popped into her head. Had that woman ever dealt with this type of situation? A short laugh burst from her as she imagined her stiff, gray governess. She doubted it. If she had, the woman certainly would never had said that to her.

Olivia did covet exquisite lovemaking, lovemaking that left her warm and sated, and she wanted it with a dark and handsome man. One filled with muscle and sensual magnetism.

She opened the door and a gush of cool evening air flowed over her flesh. She breathed in the smell of her flowers and all the scents spring brought with it. The sun had long since set leaving the sky a sparkling mirage of stars and the moon—oddly visible through the London smog. The moon afforded her the light she needed to walk the garden path to her gazebo. It was a tranquil place that she often came for relaxation. She needed that peace now more than ever.

Her dreams tormented her and the man himself tempted her.

What was she to do? A moral woman wouldn’t even think twice about it. Perhaps she ought to start taking a sleeping draught so as not to dream about him. When her mother had taken the tincture, she slept like the dead, saying her dreams were all but nonexistent. Of course her mother was having night terrors and not the scandalous couplings Olivia’s dreams embodied.

Yes, perhaps she would speak to the physician when he came out to see her husband. He would surely agree to it if she explained that she was so stressed about her husband’s health that she could no longer sleep.

He need not know that steamy kisses, wandering hands and seductive gray eyes haunted her sleep. She stepped into the gazebo.

“Olivia.”

She whirled around and jumped a little. Her foot caught on the hem of her dress, nearly tumbling her to the ground. She quickly righted herself, smoothed her skirts and patted her hair before facing the man who’d startled her.

It was the Earl of Newcastle bathed in the sultry moonlight. Lord, he was handsome. And every move he made dripped sensuality. She felt herself taking a step closer to him, if only to feel the heat floating around his hard, lithe body.

“My lord,” she said with a curtsy, her voice a throaty whisper.

Location, Location, Location!

2012-01-18T07:00:00.007-05:00

How important is setting to you? To the story? Do you prefer stories set in London or New York? Small towns across America or England? Do you like details of the city or town? The countryside? Is it important that the place is real or exists only in the author’s imagination?

If you’ve read this blog before, you know that I love my westerns…and with good reason. Aside from my fascination with cowboys and lawmen and the feisty women who love them, there’s something about the loneliness of the wide open plains, tall grass swaying gently in the breeze and the majesty of mountains in the distance that speaks to my soul. I love the small towns that spring up in the middle of nowhere, small towns where everyone knows everyone else’s business (Yes, I grew up in that small town where neighbors looked out for neighbors and I love it when an author gives me details of the busy body who lives down the street).

But…I also enjoy stories set in big cities, where tall buildings block out the sun, where there’s more concrete and pavement than tall swaying grass, where people can get lost in anonymity, where the hot dog vendor on the corner offers advice along with your hotdog. (Do you want mustard on that?) As long as the author can make me smell the steam rising off a hot summer street, or hear the traffic in the background, I’m there. And that’s all that matters.

What’s your favorite city or place to get lost in?

Happy Reading!

Marie

Guest Author Interview: Melissa Mayhue

2012-01-15T06:35:00.001-05:00

Today we are interviewing Melissa Mayhue, Historical Paranormal Romance author.

Alexis: Hi Melissa. Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-) What made you decide to add the paranormal element to your historical romances or was it the other way around?

Melissa: I never really considered it adding one or the other. They just sort of came as a package deal. :-) I’ve always loved to read fantasies and happy ever afters and time travel romances and I particularly enjoyed stories set in medieval Scotland with a hunky Highlander as the hero. Combine that with the knowledge that I made the decision to write that first book sitting in a place called The Fairy Glen, and the faeries were just a given! :-)

Alexis: Of course, they were. Those faeries love to be in romance novels. Can you tell our readers a little bit about your latest release, WARRIOR"S REDEMPTION?

Melissa: WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION is an off-shoot from the original Daughters of the Glen Series. The Faeries are still there, but now we’re adding in the magic and mystery of the Norse Gods and bringing the two together. This first story in the WARRIOR’S series centers on Malcolm MacDowylt, a character first introduced in A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING. In this story we get to learn about Malcolm’s family and the consequences of his having gotten what he wanted after he married Isabella MacGahan in order to become the laird of the MacGahan in that book.

Alexis: That sounds intriguing. Where did you get the idea for this story?

Melissa: Malcolm was originally created to be a bad guy in HOMECOMING. But with every scene I wrote, he refused to fall into that role. [He’s not the first character who’s challenged me in that way!]. And the more scenes I wrote for him, the more interesting I found him; the more I knew he was a man with a troubled background and a sense of honor fitting a hero! I’d given him a Viking ancestry originally on a whim, based on an article I’d recently read in an archaeology magazine about Vikings having settled in the north of Scotland. From there, I began to research Norse mythology and… well, one thing led to another and the WARRIOR series was off and running.

Alexis: What a great way to start a new series, a current character and Viking mythology.What are your favorite character traits of Danielle and Malcolm?

Melissa: I love that Dani never gives up. Not as a child and not as an adult. Once she believes in something or someone, she’ll do anything for them. As for Malcolm, well, he wormed his way into my heart back in A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING. The minute I started writing the scene where he plotted to let Isabella and Robert “escape” I knew he was one of the most honorable, forward-thinking secondary characters to creep out of my imagination!!

Alexis: This book starts your Warrior series, but you said it started with a book from the Daughter's of the Glen series. Can you tell our readers about that series?

Melissa: Daughters of the Glen is a paranormal time-travel series set in our world with a twist… Faeries exist. And these aren’t your basic Disney Faeries, by any stretch. The underlying premise of the world is that long ago Mortal and Fae coexisted in one place but when their worlds were split, Magic was stripped from the Mortal world. In the ages since, the Fae have used Man’s world as a penal dumping ground for their rejects and more or less a playground for everyone else. In the beginning of the series, Magic has returned, but not to the Fae stranded in the Mortal world. Instead, it’s in the hands of their half mortal descendents.

Alexis: How fun! What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Melissa: I’m finishing up the next in the WARRIOR series right now, WARRIOR’S REBIRTH, which follows Malcolm’s sister, Christiana and introduces a whole new group of characters!

Alexis: Excellent. I just love a good series where I can keep coming back to the world an author has already built. Thank you so much for sharing your romances with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Melissa: Thank you, Alexis. I very much appreciate the opportunity to visit with your readers and I’d love to invite them to stop by my website for a peek at excerpts from all the books. www.MelissaMayhue.com – They can also find me on Facebook [where I actually spend way more time visiting than I probably should!] http://www.facebook.com/Melissa.Mayhue.Author

Alexis: For a chance to win Melissa’s WARRIOR'S REDEMPTION, be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Melissa’s Romances go to http://www.melissamayhue.com/index.html

Check out this excerpt from WARRIOR'S REDEMPTION.

Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

Tom Green County, Texas

Fifteen Years Ago

Fairies absolutely were real. Dani didn’t care what her Aunt Jean claimed.

After Mrs. Palmer down at the new library had loaned her those wonderful books this past summer, she’d known it wasn’t just her imagination. Lots of people believed in them. She’d spent the entire vacation between fourth and fifth grades reading all about Faeries.

“Dani?” Aunt Jean’s voice carried all the way down to the chicken coops. “Dani! You better hurry up with those eggs, little girl, if you expect to get breakfast in you before the school bus gets here.”

Dani grabbed the one egg that had been laid already, dodging the grumpy old brown hen’s beak, and hurried back toward the farmhouse. She’d have to gather again when she got home from school, but at least Emma Hen had come through early, as usual.

A furtive glance to the empty corner next to the steps as she approached the house warned her of what was to come.

“Get your hands washed and sit yourself down.”

Aunt Jean’s no-nonsense expression was firmly in place and Dani quickly did as she was told, slipping into her spot at the old kitchen table as her aunt slid a warm plate in front of her.

“What did I tell you about setting a saucer of milk out by the steps?” Aunt Jean waited, arms folded in front of her.

“Not to,” Dani mumbled around her first bite of thick toast. “Draws snakes.”

“So it’s not that you forgot. You’ve just decided you’re not going to mind me, is that it? You’re just trying to be bad?”

“No ma’am, I’m not trying to be bad. I promise.” The Faeries liked milk and bread. It encouraged them to stay. “My book said --”

“Nuh-uh,” Aunt Jean turned back to the stove, scrambling Dani’s egg, her gray curls swaying with the stubborn shaking of her head. “I don’t want another word of that fairy nonsense, you hear me? There’s no such thing as a fairy, but rattlers are real enough. Those damn snakes will smell that milk a mile off and next thing you know, you or me one will be getting ourselves snake bit. And then what?”

“The Faeries would keep us safe, if you’d let me feed them,” Dani muttered, tearing a corner off her toast and dropping it into her lap. If her aunt would just believe, the Faeries would hear all their wishes and make them come true. “I read that in one of my books.”

“Danielle Faye Dearmon!” Aunt Jean turned around from the stove and leaned across the table. “I’ve had just about enough of this nonsense from you. Not everything in books is true just because somebody wrote it down. I’m serious as a heart attack about this, little girl. I want your promise right now that you won’t put any more milk out by the steps for these damned imaginary fairies of yours or else I’m going to have to paddle your butt, you understand me? I want your promise on it, Dani. I want it now.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Dani didn’t hesitate with her response. She had no choice. Her aunt was really serious this time. She almost never pulled out the ‘paddle your butt’ threat. “I promise.”

She meant to keep the promise, too. No more milk by the porch steps. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t hunt down a new spot to feed the Faeries when she got home from school this afternoon. A better spot. One that Aunt Jean wouldn’t find.

Because no matter that Aunt Jean was the best substitute mama on the face of the planet, in this one thing, she was completely wrong.

Faeries were absolutely real and Dani meant to make sure she stayed on their good side.

CHAPTER ONE

Land of the Faerie

1294 [as calculated by Mortals]

Howls echoed through the forest of Wyddecol, so protracted and pain-ridden they tortured Elesyria’s eardrums. Like some animal in its death throes, the screams pitched from fury to terror and back again.

She ran faster through the trees, seeking in vain to escape the torment of those sounds. Knowing she could never outrun that which came from her own throat.

It was her agony, her torment that tore the screams from her lungs as if the pain were a living creature eating at her innards.

Her daughter, her only child, her beautiful Isabella had disappeared from the World of Man.

On she ran, unseeing, dodging by instinct the low-hanging branches and fallen limbs. On, deeper into the forest until at last she broke through into a clearing. Ahead lay the Temple of Danu, golden in its perpetual shaft of sunlight, encircled by its ring of massive stones.

Elesyria pushed herself harder, maintaining her pace up the long marble staircase. Not even at the doorway did she slow. No stopping to shed her sandals, no washing her feet, no bending low to show reverence at the doorway to the inner sanctum. Not this time. This time, for the first time ever, she simply didn’t care.

Her precious Isabella was gone from the World of Man.

“Show yourself, I demand it! How could you allow this to happen?” she accused, ignoring the hysterical echo of her own words in the cavernous rounded room. “You promised. She was to be cared for if I would but leave her with the Mortals and return to your service. You promised!”

She screamed the final words, her voice cracking as she sank to her knees. The until-now strangely absent tears at last found their release, rolling down her cheeks to splatter on the white stone floor at her knees. “You promised,” she accused one final time, her words no more than a whisper against the canvas of her grief.

“You would demand my presence in your world, Daughter of Danu?”

The words echoed off the arc of the room’s high ceiling, bouncing, tumbling in a harmonious melody of sound.

“I do,” Elesyria answered without hesitation. She had no care for the ancient protocols. No time to travel to the trance world. No desire to honor the bitch-Goddess who had betrayed her.

In front of her a pale green mist coalesced, writhing and bubbling, shifting from one form to another until at last a tall, beautiful woman emerged. The Goddess, the Earth Mother, had arrived.

“Then I can only assume these are the direst of times. What troubles you, my child?”

“The loss of my child.” Elesyria rose to her feet, well aware she breeched all acceptable behavior in doing so. Eye contact with the Goddess was too painful, so she fixed her gaze on the other woman’s chin. “Isabella is dead. You’ve broken your promise to me.”

The Goddess lifted her hand as if to catch a handful of air in the room before rubbing her thumb against her fingers, much in the way a merchant might sample the feel of a fine silk.

“Isabella lives.”

“Impossible!” Elesyria had been to the curtain between the worlds this very morning. She’d stood there as so often she did, stretching out her magic to caress the essence of the daughter she’d left behind. Only this time, there had been nothing. “She’s not in the World of Man. I felt for her myself. That which had been her is gone.”

“Nevertheless, Isabella’s soul has not returned to the Fountain. She lives.”

“How can that be?” Elesyria’s legs buckled, too weak to hold her weight and she dropped to her knees. “The place where I felt for her is as empty as my heart.”

The Goddess lifted both arms and the mist returned, swirling in a sphere between her hands. It moved as if alive, frantic with a billion life forms, its color shifting from the palest green to a brilliant emerald and back again. Then the Goddess clapped her hands together and the mist disappeared as quickly as it had formed.

“Not only does she live, she has joined with her SoulMate. Though, as you say, she is not in the time and place where you left her.”

“What does that mean?”

The Goddess shrugged, palms held upward. “I cannot yet say. I know only what I feel when I search the Myst.”

Elesyria’s mind reeled in confusion. Isabella’s space on the Mortal Plain was empty. She’d felt that for herself. And yet, the Goddess claimed her daughter lived. Lived and had found the one happiness every Fae sought: her own SoulMate!

“I need answers,” she whispered, as much to herself as to the Goddess standing nearby.

“Indeed you do. Go with my blessings.”

Her blessings? Not enough. Not by half.

Elesyria raised her head, coming as close to meeting the Earth Mother’s eyes as she dared. “After all the years I’ve dedicated to your service, Goddess, I want more than your blessings. I want to travel through the curtain with the power to punish any who harmed my child.”

“Crossing over with your Magic intact is forbidden by your High Council.”

If the Goddess thought to dissuade her with something so trivial, she was seriously mistaken.

“I’ve no more care for the politics of Fae than I have for those of Man. I care only for the child grown to woman who I left behind when I returned to my service in your temple. I must know the truth of her fate. I want to travel through the curtain. With my Magic.”

“And if you find your daughter has not been harmed? If you find it is as I have indicated?”

If, pray the Goddess, Isabella lived happily joined to her SoulMate as the Goddess insisted? “Then I want the power to reward those who aided her.”

The visage in front of her shimmered from green to gold and back again.

“In offering reward as freely as you threaten punishment, Elesyria, you demonstrate your wisdom. So be it. You may retain your powers to use for this purpose and this purpose only. Your years of faithful service watching over my followers have earned at least this much from me. As you go forth, I will set in motion what I can to assist. Travel to the place where your daughter should be. Seek out the Tinklers when you arrive. They are my eyes and ears in the World of Man. If any can guide you to the truth, surely it will be they.”

“Thank you, Earth Mother.”

Elesyria bowed her head, honoring the Goddess before her. When she lifted her eyes once again, she was alone.

Rising to her feet, she squared her shoulders and hurried from the chamber, already seeing the spot she would cross over in her mind’s eye.

She would find the Tinklers the Goddess had spoken of and she would know the truth. She prayed the result would require her to use her Magic for the benefit of one who had helped her daughter, but if not?

Woe be unto any who had lifted a hand to bring harm down upon Isabella. They would feel her wrath even if it should shake the very foundations of the Mortals’ world.

Alexis: Don't forget. For a chance to win WARRIOR'S REDEMPTION, leave a comment for Melissa.

Review: The Irish Princess by Karen Harper

2012-01-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

I’m intrigued with the characters Karen Harper chooses for her historical romances. As many novels are available highlighting the kings and queens of England’s history, Harper spotlights the lesser known subjects.

Elizabeth “Gera” Fitzgerald, an Irish princess, constructs a long term plan to seek revenge for her family’s destruction ordered by King Henry VIII.

Beautiful and ambitious, Gera maneuvers her way into England’s royal court, her most detested place on earth. All of her actions have a purpose, unknown to her English contacts. Except Edward Clinton.

Edward begins as a courtier of King Henry, yet sees the fire and rebellion beneath Gera’s subtle exterior. He agrees with her unspoken goal, yet must remain loyal to England to keep himself out of the Tower.

As I read The Irish Princess, I lived and imagined the difficulties all the way from the harsh weather, lack of an easy meal, and constant shifting of Faith and alliances at the court. The fact that Gera stood her ground against the mighty royal family and court to prove her Irish family’s worth exhibited her strength in a day when women rarely had a voice.

My heart ached for the long separations of Gera and Edward, their inability to pursue the obvious, smoldering passion, and the fear they would never have an opportunity to love.

True to history, the ending will stun and leave you to search for more of Karen Harper’s exceptional historical works.

Dawn

Guest Author Interview: Alyssa Day

2012-01-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

Today we are interviewing Alyssa Day, Paranormal Romance author and New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author!

Alexis: Hi Alyssa, Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-) You write many of your books as part of a series. What is it about this approach that appeals to you?

Alyssa: Thanks for inviting me! I love series (both reading and writing them) because once I invest in characters and a world, I want to return to it over and over.

Alexis: Me too :-) Can you tell our readers a little bit about your latest release, ALEJANDRO"S SORCERESS?

Alyssa: Alejandro and Maria were characters in my book ATLANTIS UNLEASHED, and they were such strong characters - especially Alejandro! -- that I wanted to find out more of their story. My team is formatting and converting the book now and it should be available for all e-readers by the end of this week.

Alexis: Whoohoo! Can't wait! Where did you get the idea for this story?

Alyssa: I always start with a "what if?" and this one was triggered by an article about the difficulties in some marriages due to the woman being the primary or even only breadwinner these days. I wondered what if Alejandro, who was the strong alpha male who protected the whole village in ATLANTIS UNLEASHED, goes to special training at the FBI, and while he's there, Maria discovers she is a witch with enormous power. The power balance between them would undergo a tremendous shift--how would they deal with that? Also, after 6 months apart, would they still love each other quite so fiercely?

Alexis: What a great issue to delve into. What are your favorite character traits of Alejandro and Maria?

Alyssa: They're both strong, Alejandro especially has a terrific sense of humor, and they're both intensely dedicated to justice and protecting the innocent.

Alexis: Which is your favorite series that you've written?

Alyssa: Definitely The Warriors of Poseidon!

Alexis: What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Alyssa: Yes! High Priest Alaric's book, HEART OF ATLANTIS, will be out in print and in e-book in December from Berkley, but before that I'll be releasing Denal's story and Jack's story (the tiger shape-shifter everyone loves!) as e-book exclusives!

Alexis: That's great. We have a lot to look forward to :-) Thank you so much for sharing your paranormal worlds with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Alyssa: Thank you! It's lovely to be here! I'll give away a copy of VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS to each of 3 lucky winners!

Alexis: For a chance to win Alyssa’s VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Alyssa’s Romances go to http://www.alyssaday.com/books.html

Alexis: Check out this excerpt from ALEJANDRO"S SORCERESS.

Excerpt:

Southern Shores, North Carolina

Maria stood on the veranda of her rented cottage and stared out at the deep-blue waves, dappled with golden sunlight from the sun setting behind her. The sand on the beach shone like a blanket of crystals in the slanting light. It was hard to believe that a place of such beauty could play home or hiding place to such hideous monsters—and they were only the least of it. The ones she and her coven sisters were tracking here were merely the gatekeepers trying to bring a far worse evil into the world.

Demons.

She leaned her head back and took a deep breath of the fresh sea air. The late fall evenings were brisk and brought a welcome change after summer's heat. Although she'd grown up with enough heat in Guatemala to be more than comfortable in North Carolina. Of course, now that she'd learned to regulate her internal temperature, she could probably walk barefoot through a furnace or the arctic tundra, for at least an hour or so, before she started to feel any discomfort.

Magic. She'd always known she'd had it--had something--but she would have been afraid to pursue it in her superstitious village. There had been some who'd wanted to banish an innocent child simply for seeing visions of the future; a grown woman who was a witch would have been grounds for stoning or burning.

Luckily, those Atlanteans had rescued the child, Eleni, and helped to rescue the village. Helped Alejandro rescue them all.

She closed her eyes in pain at the thought of him. Thick, dark hair, always too long and falling into his gorgeous dark brown eyes. Bronze skin covering a hard-muscled body that she'd dreamed of for years before she'd finally, finally been able to touch it. He'd thought of her as a child for far too long, but when he realized she was all grown up, the passion between them had been explosive.

The memory of his dark, strong body rising over hers, bringing her to heights of desire and ecstasy she hadn't known existed, made her tremble a little, and she clutched her hands more tightly around the veranda railing.

"We have to go. Now." Trina rounded the corner of the cottage and climbed the steps. "The demons are at it again. They just attacked a busload of senior citizens at the Heron's Rest Diner."

Maria channeled her anger and horror into power and tamped it down to use later, when she'd really need it. Trina, long and lean in black leather pants and a red tank top, shook her head and dozens of beautiful long braids chimed with the bells and charms she'd woven into them. Maria could see the tracks of fresh tears on Trina's ebony skin and knew instantly it must be really, really bad.

Trina never cried.

"Pete called and gave me the quick rundown, but he's in the middle of a magical duel, so he didn't have time to talk much. Sounded like there are at least a dozen tourists who will never be eating the Blue Plate Special again," Trina said brusquely, as if she didn't care. She slammed the cottage door open and ran for the back room.

Maria knew better, so she didn't waste breath on arguing. They geared up and headed out.

--excerpt from ALEJANDRO'S SORCERESS, by Alyssa Day, copyright Alesia Holliday, January, 2012

Alexis: Don't forget. If you would like to win VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS, you need to leave a comment. Three copies are up for grabs, so chances are great!

Bookstore Closing

2012-01-04T06:00:00.005-05:00

I saw something very sad the other day. I was out and about, heading to the grocery store (another necessary evil like doing the laundry), when I saw a big orange and black sign on the Waldenbooks & More at the corner.

They were closing, shutting down.

It wasn’t a big store. Actually, small compared to the stores Waldenbooks had at the mall, but it was a good store .The staff was friendly and helpful (and knew me by name). It saddened me in ways I can’t describe. I’d spent many happy hours in that store, browsing through the shelves, picking and choosing the books I wanted to read (and dropping a pretty penny in the process—thank goodness for mad money!).

It made me question what happened to our brick and mortar bookstores and made me realize how the readers’ (and writers’) world is changing. Do people just not have the time to browse through the stacks and read like they used to? Or do they still read like crazy and it’s just so much easier to order from Amazon (or any of the other places one can order books)? What about e-books? So many people have a Kindle or a Nook or one of the many other e-readers available. Instant gratification! A few clicks on your computer or e-reader and the book is yours (and you don’t have to get out of your pajamas!)

I will miss that Waldenbooks & More at the corner, but thankfully, there’s a Barnes and Noble not too far from me and I can get a cup of coffee there too! Do you still go to a brick & mortar book store to buy your books?

Happy Reading!

Marie

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.028-05:00

Happy New Year! To celebrate, we decided we would share our thoughts on the new year and each offer a special prize to start the year off right. So be sure to leave a comment for the start of 2012 on Happily Ever After Thoughts!

*DAWN: Getting right to my main wishes for reading and writing in 2012 is difficult as my mind veers off on many tangents, yet I gave it a shot and this is what I came up with…

I wish to read and expand my choice of genres. I had started this in 2011 and am thrilled with the new novels and authors I’ve discovered. Fearless with my choices now, watch for reviews of my favorite finds.

As for writing, I’m excited about my newly finished rough draft on a series tentatively titled From the CIA. I plan to also complete the second in the trilogy, Window of Lies, which follows Court of Lies. Wish me luck in having those available to readers by the end of 2012! And happy reading and writing:-)

MARIE: I’ve always been the type of person to make New Year’s resolutions on January 1, but it seems those resolutions very seldom last until January 2. Perhaps, in the past, I chose things to change in myself that are just too hard or goals that are impossible to reach. Perhaps, I was never held accountable because I never told anyone what my goals were but this year is different. Why? I’m not sure. I’d like to think I’m wiser (and yes, a little older).

So my resolutions for 2012 are not really resolutions. They are goals I should try to achieve for the rest of my life. They are:

Tell my loved ones that I love them….as often as possible.

Smile more.

Be kind.

Take more time for myself.

Change the things I can and accept the things I cannot.

Last, but not least, continue on the writing path I have set for myself.

So. There they are. My resolutions, my goals, for 2012 (and beyond). Definitely attainable.

ALEXIS: What is it about the New Year that inspires people? Many people make New Year's Resolutions. Others, like my fellow blog writers, set goals or make wishes. It is a good time to do these types of things. Why? There is something about a new year starting that gives everyone a new birth, just like that baby New Year. It is the idea that we can start over, start fresh, start from scratch, start anew, no matter what has gone before. It is a clean slate, a second chance, a tableau rasa. It is HOPE.

That is the key to this inspiration, isn't it? And what makes it so powerful is that we all recognize this day for what it is. We all see it the same way. Talk about positive, uplifting, and amazing!

That being said, my plan is to read more romances this year than last year. Last year I read 17 and a half. Yes, I'm in the middle of Caris Roane's Wings of Fire right now. It may not sound like a lot of books, but when writing two manuscripts a year, it is, trust me.

So leave us a comment about your New Year's aspirations and dreams and you will be entered for a chance to win! We are giving away a sighed copy of Dawn's Court of Lies, a sighed copy of Marie's Touch the Flame and a $10 gift card to Amazon. Talk about a good chance to start the New Year off with a bang (or a book as the case may be :-) Winners will be announced on Wednesday!

*Dawn regrets she won't be able to respond to comments on Sun and Mon, but is looking forward to catching up with you on Tues!

Review: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis

2011-12-28T06:00:00.004-05:00

I’m excited to fill you in on my Christmas read. I had left a message on Goodreads.com and Facebook for advice on my choice, yet I discovered Jill Shalvis’ Christmas in Lucky Harbor on my own. And a fabulous discovery it turned out to be.

Maddie and her two estranged sisters inherit a run-down Inn located in Lucky Harbor, Washington.

All gung-ho to start anew, Maddie gladly leaves LA and her abusive husband for the possibility of a new career. She’ll have plenty of time to pursue the remodeling of the old Victorian building and property since men have no place in her heart.

And then he comes along. Actually, Maddie nearly runs Jax off the road. Jax has eye-popping good looks along with many talents. She finds this out by leaving an intoxicated message for a contractor to “master her remodeling.” Guess who the contractor is!

With tingling and twitching “parts,” Maddie ignores the chemistry and shows her best side while she tries to run him off, such as her ability to burp the alphabet commonly practiced in the mirror.

With a constant smile and frequent chuckles, I read on to see how their parade of true personalities could possibly pull Maddie and Jax in the same direction.

Fun, sexy, and a book that will make you late for bedtime!

Dawn

My Island Life: A Crucian Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.049-05:00

My adventures living on a Caribbean island. Welcome to my monthly, or not so monthly adventures. We try not to commit too soon here on island :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

First Impression #2:

After living on island for over a year, I've discovered that Christmas is a little different here than it is on the mainland. On St. Croix, Christmas is focused on People, Parties, and Presents.

There are a few traditions that aren't as popular here. For example, Christmas lights. Very few homes bear any Christmas lights at all. My guess is that this is due to the WAPA bills. WAPA is the electric company here and a big issue for everyone. For my husband and I, our WAPA bills have run $300-$500 a month. Remember, we don't need to heat the houses here either. So my guess is, Christmas lights are not a priority because of cost.

On the other hand, people on the island highly prize each other at this time of year. Christmas parties abound, mostly potlucks. Getting together is the reason for the season. I'm guessing that presents are also important because the K-Mart parking lots (we have two) are completely full, 7 days a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But the biggest difference here in relation to the mainland is that Christmas doesn't end on December 25th. Nope. In fact, the Christmas Festival doesn't even open until December 29th! This Carnival event, which is one long party for everyone, goes until January 8th, 2012. The actual Carnival Parade happens on January 7th. And you have never seen a parade quite like this. Unfortunately, to see the entire parade, a person would have to watch the parade go by for 8 hours. Yes, 8 hours for about 48 entries. But they are spectacular entries for sure, planned and created from the day after last year's parade. Here's a link if you want to see some photos or learn more. http://www.stxfestival.com/

Lesson #2: Island Life means I can't take the Christmas tree down until mid January, and I should plan to celebrate the season with as many people as possible. I will do my best to keep up with the crowd :-)

For a chance to win one of these wonderful gifts, leave me a comment about your Christmas. All commenters will be eligible to win each gift, but once you win one, you are not eligible for others. Winners will be drawn for gifts in the order they appear below. Winners announced Wednesday!

Gifts:

Tsunami Blue by Gayle Ann Williams (Futuristic Romance)

Lord of the Shadows by Alix Rickloff (signed - Historical Paranormal)

Chances Are by Shelly Stevens (Erotic Romance)

Everything I Know about Love I Learned from Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell (Nonfiction)

$10 Gift Card for Amazon.com

On My Christmas List One Year

2011-12-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas is almost here (how did that happen? Wasn’t it just Thanksgiving?). Do you make a list? Do you have any books on your list?

I don’t put books on my wish list anymore, not after what happened a couple years ago (actually, we no longer make wish lists at all). My husband, who’d run out of ideas, asked me for a list of what I wanted so I thought long and hard and did as he asked. It wasn’t a long list (a pair of slippers, a sweater and something else I can’t remember now), but I very specifically asked for Sandra Brown’s Exclusive.

You must understand, I never expected my husband to actually look at the list and get me what I asked for so when a friend of mine finished reading said book, she loaned it to me (knowing what a huge Sandra Brown fan I am). I came home from work that day and immediately sat on the corner of the couch (my favorite place to cuddle up with a good story), opened the book and began to read. And I was enjoying myself. Until my husband came home.

“Whatcha readin’?” he asked.

I closed the cover and showed him.

In all the years we’d been married, I never saw that expression cross his face (and I haven’t seen it since).

“Where’d you get that?” he asked (with that suspicious look in his eye, thinking I’d gone out and bought it for myself).

“A friend lent it to me. Why?”

He was upset. More than upset. He was mad. “Why did you put it on your wish list if you were going to get it from a friend?” (That’s not how he said it, but this is a family friendly blog and I can’t put his actual words here.)

That’s when I knew, he’d followed my list to the letter and got me the book. I felt bad so I gave the book back to my friend and promised I wouldn’t read it until he gave it to me. Christmas morning, I unwrapped the book and spent most of the day reading. I was done by that night. The next day, he asked, “Where’s the book?”

“I finished it.”

Oh, the look on his face! And the things he said (again, I can’t repeat them here). Needless to say, my husband has never ever bought me another book. And I don’t think he ever will.

Do you have books on your wish list this year?

Happy Reading!

Marie

Guest author Interview: Callie Hutton

2011-12-18T06:00:00.020-05:00

Today we are interviewing Callie Hutton, Historical Romance author.

Alexis: Hi Callie, Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts. I noticed you tend to write Westerns. What is it about the West that intrigues you?

Callie: Most likely the adventure of going somewhere new and different. Also, women were needed more in the West. They weren’t pampered, and had to be more like modern women because they were expected to pull their own weight.

Alexis: That's a great point. I hadn't thought of it like that. Can you tell our readers a little bit about your latest release, A Wife by Christmas?

Callie: In 1906 Guthrie, Oklahoma, History teacher, Ellie Henderson, has been a thorn in High School Principal Max Colbert’s side ever since he took over three months ago. When she’s not flying by his office, late for her class, with books and papers jumbled in her arms, she’s attending Suffragettes meetings against his orders.

Because of her family connections, he can’t fire her, but he can certainly find someone to marry her, and keep her busy in the kitchen. And far away from his school. Max soon finds that what seemed like a good idea can turn into disaster when Miss Ellie Henderson is involved. The woman is a master at getting into trouble.

With the Christmas season in full swing, he has many opportunities to introduce her to prospective husbands. However, the uncomfortable feeling is growing that no one is worthy of the minx…

Alexis: Where did you get the idea for this story?

Callie: Ellie Henderson is actually the youngest niece in A Run For Love, that released a week before this one. I took an online class from Eliza Knight and used Ellie and Max for the scenes I had to write. Once I got those two characters in my head, I knew I had to write their story.

Alexis: I completely understand :-) What are your favorite character traits of Ellie and Max?

Callie: Ellie is trouble from the word ‘go, but she means well. She’s ahead of her time, in that she believes women can take care of themselves, and proves it by moving out of her family home, and having a career. But as strong as she is, there is soft spot in her that Max wiggles his way into.

Max is rigid and overbearing. He has his ‘life plan’ and no one is going to get into his way. Not ruthless, just determined. It seems he, also, has a soft spot that Ellie discovers. Once he realizes why she annoys him so much, it becomes easy for her to break through that shell.

Alexis: So this is a sequel. Can you tell our readers a bit about A Run for Love?

Callie: A Run For Love released a week before this one. That book starts at the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Tori Henderson is an out of work teacher who just became the only parent to her four nieces and nephews ranging in age from eleven to sixteen. Since they’re about to become homeless in Kansas, she enters the race for a piece of land in the newly opened Oklahoma Territory.

Before the race even starts, she clashes with Jesse Cochran, an attorney running from his wretched childhood and aching for acceptance in a new life, which he hopes to gain in Oklahoma.

They end up neighbors in Oklahoma, and those initial sparks turn into flames and Tori ends up pregnant. Jesse insists on marriage, but conflicts early on lead to a tragedy that pushes them apart.

Tori’s ready to give up, but Jesse is determined to hang onto what he’s dearly wanted all his life.

Alexis: I'm loving these stories! What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Callie: I have a book, Annie’s Attic to be released from The Wild Rose Press in 2012. That is a contemporary novella that I wrote in conjunction with other Oklahoma Romance Writers. We had a central theme of a cursed doll that must appear in all our stories. It was fun to write contemporary for a change because I could use all the modern sayings.

I’m right now working on Michael Henderson’s story (The oldest nephew from a Run For Love).

Alexis: That's great. Now we can look forward to more from you :-) Thank you so much for sharing your romances with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Callie: Thanks so much, Alexis. It’s always fun talking about my stories and characters that I dreamed up in my head.

Alexis: For a chance to win Callie’s A Run for Love or A Wife by Christmas, be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Callie’s Romances go to http://calliehutton.com/

Or if you can't wait, you can buy these books at Barnes & Noble, Amazon or Soulmate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/a-wife-by-christmas/

Alexis: Check out this excerpt from A Wife by Christmas.

Excerpt:

“Miss Henderson!” Max choked out. The woman stood before him, dripping wet, in trousers—trousers! Her unbuttoned coat displayed the man’s shirt she wore, plastered to her chest, the peaks of her nipples prominent against the wet fabric. Dripping wet pants outlined her legs as if naked.

She continued to laugh, and pushed the hair out of her eyes, raising her breasts, which pointed directly at him. Max yanked her jacket closed and buttoned it up.

His jaw tightened as he took her hand and helped her out of the trough. She covered her mouth with her other hand, trying to stifle her laughter.

“Miss Henderson, I don’t see any humor whatsoever in this. You are an upstanding citizen of this town, a member of a prominent family, and a teacher. A teacher!” He took her by the elbow and moved her forward. “I can’t believe you would appear in public dressed in trousers.”

Ellie pulled away from him. “I have to go back to the meat store and get my bag.”

Max took her elbow again and walked her in the direction of the bag resting against the large glass store window where she’d left it. Her shoes squished with every step she took, and she continued to shake herself like a dog. A trail of water followed them. She retrieved her package and turned, her lips blue, her body shaking with the cold. “Thank you v-v-very much, Mr. C-C-Colbert. I guess I will s-s-see you Monday.”

He continued to stare at her wide-eyed. “Miss Henderson, I have no intention of letting you continue to wander around town dressed in soaking wet trousers. You’ll catch your death of cold and miss school. I will escort you home.” He stopped and stared at her. “Where is it you live?”

She pulled her hair to the side and squeezed. Max jumped back when the water hit his highly polished boots. “The b-b-boarding house on Elm and S-s-seventh.”

“Very well. My house is closer. I’ll drive you home in my automobile.” He grabbed her elbow again, and Ellie stumbled along, taking two steps to his every one.

Alexis: Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of A Run for Love or A Wife by Christmas.

Review: Risk No Secrets by Cindy Gerard

2011-12-14T07:00:00.003-05:00

The most unlikely people have secrets.

Sophie married Hugh, a member of Black Ops Inc at great cost to the heart of another member, Wyatt. Along with the marriage came a daughter. This was a dozen years ago and hearts never forget.

My thought: No matter how long you’re away from a former person, boyfriend, relative, or just friend, you never forget what type of relationship you had.

Sophie’s life in El Salvador became nothing more than tension and nerves as Hugh continued to battle the underground complete with all the weapons and danger terrorists and “bad” guys carry with them.

Then came the ultimate battle. Another young girl, mistaken for Sophie’s daughter, was abducted followed by an extreme ransom. Working in another country, Hugh didn’t return Sophie’s plea for help. Who else could she turn to? Wyatt.

My thought: Sophie’s husband just got a bad mark in my book, as I was completely surprised at how Wyatt came into Sophie’s life again.

The hunt for the missing girl, Sophie’s demand to help find her, and the danger Wyatt encounters to aide his former lover moves at an incredible speed through the jungles and unsavory parts of El Salvador.

In the midst of dodging bullets, and unearthing secrets, Hugh makes an appearance. He knows the underground well and opposes Wyatt’s plan, yet follows through. The most important part of the plan is to save a young girl’s life at any risk.

Except for the risk of Sophie’s life as she’s added to the hostage list. Who’s going to save her? Who wants to save her? Which man truly loves her?

My thought: Just when you think you have everything figured out and could finish Ms. Gerard’s novel yourself, think again. Hugh and Wyatt are in a battle amongst themselves. The biggest secret, twisted like a cruller, shocks the reader as one of the men in her life proves his love.

Dawn

Guest Author Interview: Pat McDermott

2011-12-11T07:00:00.016-05:00

Today we are interviewing Pat McDermott, author of several romantic adventures set in Ireland.

Alexis: Hi Pat. Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-) What inspired you to try a young adult novel?

Pat: Thanks for having me, Alexis. I’m delighted to be here. I had already written my “Band of Roses” trilogy when an acquaintance suggested the YA angle. I knew nothing about YA, but soon became engrossed in these delightful, multi-genre stories. My adult books, set in a modern Ireland still ruled by the heirs of High King Brian Boru, follow the adventures of the Irish royal family. I started writing with the characters as teenagers, a sort of “prequel” to the trilogy, and I had a great time. Their romantic escapades are a tad sweeter than those of their grownup personas, but their adventures are just as exciting, thanks to the troop of unpredictable Irish fairies who’ve joined the cast—and I don’t think they mind being part of the story. The book recently received a 5-star reader review!

Alexis: Wow! Congratulations on the review! This story sounds wonderful. Can you tell our readers a little bit about, Glancing Through the Glimmer?

Pat: As with all my stories, Glancing Through the Glimmer crosses several genres. The publisher lists it as a Paranormal Young Adult Fantasy. It’s also a romance, an alternate history, and an adventure. The title is a phrase from The Fairy Thorn, an old Irish poem by Samuel Ferguson. In my story, “Glimmer” refers to the fairies’ magic. Here’s the book blurb:

In the modern Kingdom of Ireland, few mortals believe in the fairy folk. Without that belief, the fairies are dying. Finvarra, the King of the Fairies, would rather dance than worry—but he must have a mortal dancing partner.

When Janet Gleason’s grandfather becomes the new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the sixteen-year-old orphan must leave Boston and her friends behind. Janet is lonely in Dublin and unused to her grandparents’ stuffy social life. An invitation to a royal ball terrifies her. She can’t even waltz and dreads embarrassment. Finvarra’s fairy witch overhears her fervent wish to learn to dance.

Seventeen-year-old Prince Liam Boru loathes the idea of escorting another spoiled American girl to a ball. In fact, he detests most of his royal duties. He dresses down to move through Dublin unnoticed and finds himself on his royal backside when Janet crashes into him. Intrigued, he asks to see her again, and she willingly agrees. Unaware of each other’s identities, they arrange to meet. When they do, the fairies steal Janet away.

Liam’s attempts to find her trigger a series of frustrating misadventures. Can he and Janet outwit a treacherous fairy king who’s been hoodwinking mortals for centuries?

Alexis: This sounds like such fun. Where did you get the idea for this story?

Pat: The Scottish legend of Tam Lin and the myths surrounding Finvarra, the King of the Connaught Fairies, provided inspiration. Most of the plot and subplots developed as I wrote.

Alexis: Ah, legends are great inspirations. What are your favorite character traits of Janet and Liam?

Pat: Janet’s resilience impresses me. An aspiring young actress, she uses role-playing to help her adapt to her “fish out of water” life in Dublin—and to charm Liam. Liam is a scholar, a smooth-talking poet-prince who becomes a reluctant hero when ancient magic imperils Janet.

Alexis: I can see the adults in these two characters already :-) This book is set in Ireland. Do you have a special affinity for this country?

Pat: My O’Brien grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from County Sligo in the early 20th century. I grew up hearing the myths, the songs, and the history. My kids were nearly grown before I finally got to see Ireland myself, and I’ve been back several times. The scenery is gorgeous, and diverse. Wherever you go, you’re never far from the sea, and the ruins of castles, towers, and abandoned homesteads dotting the countryside are constant reminders that Ireland has been around for a long, long time.

Alexis: How lovely that you have been able to visit the place you set your stories in. What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Pat: The “Band of Roses” trilogy, A Band of Roses, Fiery Roses, and Salty Roses, is coming in 2012 from MuseItUp Publishing (the first two are re-releases). Right now, I’m sprucing up Autumn Glimmer, in which Liam and Janet return for a Halloween weekend they’ll never forget.

Alexis: Excellent! A whole trilogy plus a prequel. Thank you so much for telling our readers about your lovely Ireland set stories. We appreciate you coming for a visit.

Pat: Thanks again for having me, Alexis. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.

Alexis: For a chance to win Pat’s Glancing Through the Glimmer, be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Pat’s writing, go to http://www.patmcdermott.net/

To buy Glancing Through the Glimmer click on this link: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=224&category_id=54&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Alexis: Check out this excerpt from Glancing Through the Glimmer.

Excerpt:

The first time Liam slipped and fell, he cursed the rain-damp grass. He blamed his second tumble on his haste to catch up with Janet. What on earth had possessed the girl to run off like that? She couldn’t possibly want to find music that badly.

Music only she could hear.

The third time he lost his balance, he’d swear someone had pushed him, but no one was there. He landed on his hands and knees and cursed again. He might not be a muscleman, but he was far from a clumsy dolt. A lifetime of sports and outdoor treks had surely left him fit enough to climb a scrubby little hillside.

Something strange was afoot.

I’m being ridiculous. The breeze must have kept him from hearing the music she heard. She’d likely gone after the owner of whatever was playing the tune to learn its name.

Yet the Nose of Howth seemed deserted. How odd for a sunny Sunday morning. Even if Janet had gone off seeking the source of the music, no amount of rationalizing could explain why she’d left so abruptly. The chilling sense that she was in danger had Liam’s heart thumping high in his throat.

Should he call his cousin? If Kevin was still on the pier, it would take him a while to get here. And practical Kevin would surely think Liam astray in the head.

Maybe he was, but something told him he had to find Janet, and fast. Keeping close to the ground as if he were dodging radar, he clambered monkey-like up the hill. This time he reached the top of the rise. Lumps in the landscape surrounded him, clumps of rock and rolling masses of heather and gorse that encircled the level spot where he stood. He knew the place well. Except for the curious lack of weekend hill walkers, nothing seemed amiss.

“Janet!”

He listened hard. A seagull cried in the distance. Otherwise, all was silent. No, wait! Music drifted toward him, a plucky harp tune he might have enjoyed under different circumstances. Was that what Janet had heard?

Where was it? He turned in a circle, squinting in the sunlight, scanning, straining to hear. When he returned to the spot where he’d started, a jolt of fear set his pulse racing.

A round stone hut had appeared on the highest part of the clearing. Its low thatched roof rose to a ridiculously high point. It resembled a roundhouse, the sort of dwelling that belonged in a prehistoric ring fort.

Or a fairy fort.

Liam swallowed hard. He’d seen replicas of such huts in Ireland’s folk parks. He’d also viewed ruins of the original ring forts, all that remained of the structures built by the mysterious peoples who’d lived and died in Ireland thousands of years ago.

Where had this one come from? Why was it on the Nose of Howth? Liam had never seen it before, nor had he heard of any gimmicky tourism plans for the cliff walk. Of course, he didn’t know everything. Convincing himself that he’d failed to see the hut at first because the sun had blinded him, he ventured toward the structure.

He spotted a doorway and relaxed. Janet was there, speaking to a woman wearing a period costume, medieval or older. That’s what it was, he thought: tourism come to tarnish Howth. How could Uncle Peadar have allowed such nonsense?

Liam called Janet’s name again, but neither she nor the woman showed any sign that they’d heard him. The wind must have carried his voice away. He stalked toward the roundhouse. As he approached, the costumed woman placed a necklace over Janet’s head.

The roundhouse flickered, faded, and reappeared. Alarmed, Liam stopped. This was no tourist gimmick. As his thoughts scrambled for an explanation, the woman grabbed Janet’s arm and pulled her into the hut.

“Janet, no!” His ferocious roar proved useless. Unbelievably, the roundhouse began to dissolve. No longer doubting his horrified senses, he dove at the hut and charged through the disappearing door.

The world around him melted away.

Alexis: Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win this adventure filled novel :-)

Doubleday Book Club

2011-12-07T07:00:00.012-05:00

I got a phone call the other day. Actually, got a lot of them – Monday must have been the day for everyone to call me. Do I need a free 27-point check on my car? No, my husband is a mechanic. Do I want solar panels for my house? No, thank you, already have them. Can you contribute just ten dollars to this worthy cause? Yes, that’s a worthy cause. Do you have any donations for Big Brother/Big Sister? Sorry, just dropped off a big bag of donations to Goodwill. Do you have time for a quick survey? Not at the moment—I’m on my hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor.

But I digress.

Doubleday Book Club wants me back!

I can understand why. It doesn’t matter that I haven’t ordered a book from Doubleday in over fifteen years and they stopped sending me the monthly selections years ago (apparently, I didn’t cancel my subscription properly so I’m still on their list).

I was a good customer. An excellent customer! Mostly because I often missed sending back the paper that said “Don’t send me this book” and was surprised when a new book ended up in my mailbox that I didn’t think I wanted but turned out to be an excellent read.

They know it. And they want me back. I’m thinking about it (although, as you know, my TBR pile is taking over my house) but it’s nice to be wanted, don’t you think? Would you?

Happy Reading!

Marie