Tag: Mystic Desires

Mystic Desire

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour
Mystic Desire
A Paranormal Romance Anthology
with stories by
Breanna Hayse, Alice Renaud, Zia Westfield, Dee S. Knight, Carol Schoenig,
Callie Carmen, Anne Krist, Suzanne Smith, Patricia Elliott, R.M. Olivia,
Richard Savage, Lora Logan, Jan Selbourne
Mystic Desire is a collection of short paranormal romance stories. This is a chance to read and discover the work of a diverse group of very talented authors.
The themes in this book are varied, as are the collection of characters and artifacts, including Native American dream catchers, mystical jewelry, and characters such as lustful vampires, hot warlocks, a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, a zombie apocalypse and things that go bump in the night.
From soft and tender love to hot passionate, kinky sex,
there is something for everyone in this anthology.
Unconditional Lust – Breanna Hayse
The massive, hideous merrow leader, Muruch, craves the taste of human flesh. Confined to the ocean, he feeds his horde with sailors from ships pulled into the maw of the Bermuda Triangle. When US Army Captain, Nurys Shaye, puts her life on the line to save him after being captured, his hunger for human flesh is shadowed by the desire for her body and her love. Will she be able to see past his appearance and trust him to break down her walls and teach her to feel?
The Sweetest Magic of All – Alice Renaud
When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It’s May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don’t apply…
Bewitching the Wolf – Zia Westfield
The Witch, Alice Humphreys has poured her heart and soul into creating a magical B&B where guests experience the fantasy vacation of their dreams! Brodie MacEwan has been sent to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle. He never expected to discover his soul mate in his dreams. But is the illusion real? Alice knows that there is something all too predatory about the Scotsman and he makes her body tingle in places it shouldn’t!
An Awareness of Evil – Dee S. Knight
Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.
Love that Binds – Carol Schoenig
On the outskirts of a small town where nothing grows, a young girl, Ianthee, is being bullied and accused of being a witch. Young Caleb, inexplicably drawn to Ianthee, comes to her rescue. Before they can explore their feelings, Caleb and his family disappear. What happened to him, and what part does a long-ago legend play in their lives?
Dream Catcher – Callie Carmen
Long ago, a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage. It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?
Life Saving – Anne Krist
Saving lives isn’t just for adults. Sometimes the innocent magic of a child can do the job better.
The Mortal Vampire – Suzanne Smith
Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them doornail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.
Love from the Mist – Patricia Elliott
When Jace Warden learns that his brother plans to announce his engagement at a family get together, he flees to the other side of the world to escape the joyous celebration.
Or at least attempts to… His plane never makes it, and he winds up trapped on an island. Little does he realize, he’s not alone; there’s a mischievous little entity milling about, and she wants to play.
Love’s Ghost – R.M. Olivia
“Sorry, babe. I know it hurts to hear.” John frowned. I’ll make this brief. I spoke to the man in charge, and he is giving me one last chance.”
“Come again?”
“I’m allowed to make love to my wife one last time before I have to cross over. So, are you ready for your husband? Are you ready for me, Ingrid?” He lifted my chin up and ran his thumb along my lips. I felt a chill go down my spine. How could this be real? How could this be happening?
Love Knows No Apocalypse – Patricia Elliott
Getting stranded in the middle of a storm was not Samantha Wheeler’s idea of an ideal situation, especially in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. But fighting zombies was the easy part; her heart, though, was a whole other matter. Thanks to a man named Steve Jones.
When they find themselves in danger, she has to decide what’s more important – dying for someone you love or surviving.
Calling All Angels – Lora Logan
Elijah Baker, an immortal tasked with fighting against demons that exist on earth, finds peace when he meets his new neighbor, Celeste. But when he realizes that their love comes with a cost, he is faced with choosing between his calling and a chance at true love.
The Anniversary – Richard Savage
A cruel twist of fate wrenched Evelyn and Peter apart on their wedding anniversary. Evelyn’s life descends into darkness. James enters her life giving her a chance of happiness. Evelyn discovers a piece of jewelry, that has the power to grant her time with Peter on their anniversary. She adores James, but needs Peter. Can she ever really let Peter go, while there’s still a chance they can be together?
Through the Veil – Jan Selbourne
A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.
**scroll through the slideshow to find out more about the authors!!**
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See author interviews

Carol Schoenig, Suzanne Smith, Lora Logan, Callie Carmen, Zia Westfield, Jan Selbourne, Dee S Knight, Alice Renaud

Read my review on Goodreads I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of authors new to me! I got to read their style and find out if I wanted to try more of their writing.

Callie Carmen

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Callie interviewed with me back in March and I’m delighted to have her back. She’s got more things to tell us and I know you’ll enjoy her stories. She’s got some great advice for new authors at the end of the interview too.

Author Bio:

I started in the book business as a bookstore manager which was the perfect place for me since I was an avid reader. After two years, I moved to the corporate office as a buyer and eventually became a senior book buyer. This was a rewarding career that I loved.

Along the way, I decided to become a stay home Mom. I couldn’t give up working around books altogether. I volunteered to run the book fairs in our small farm town, six per year. At the same time, I started and ran, A Child Oasis Company, with the sole purpose of placing a small book library in the homes of all the needy children in the nearby city. As my children became teens, I found I needed more in my personal life than the volunteer Mom for the schools. I sat down at the computer one day and Patrick, book one of the Risking Love series, was born. Book two, Nicolas is now available and receiving five star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Joseph book three will be out this fall. My latest writing adventure is Dream Catcher which is a short story as part of the Mystic Desire Anthology.

Tell us about yourself.

First I want to thank Eileen for letting me be part of her wonderful blog. Especially today on the publication day of Mystic Desire Supernatural Anthology including my title Dream Catcher.

I grew up in a small New England town that had one stoplight, with four stores on one side of the road and four on the other. The next village was ten miles away and was where we purchased our groceries. My neighborhood was a twenty-minute walk to town, and there was a farm just down the street. Off the backyard were woods that I loved to explore several times a week.

In the summer, I’d spend every waking moment on the lake that was surrounded by magnificent mountains at my parent’s cottage. When it wasn’t windy enough to take out my small sailboat, I’d be in the rowboat with a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other. It was heaven on earth.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

It never even crossed my mind to write not even a short story before I sat down and wrote Patrick book one in my Risking Love series. I was an avid reader, so I had a good base to back me up when I did start writing. No one was more surprised than me when I had my first novel published.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I used to read pretty much any novel that had something to do with the law. For example, John Grisham novels, but a few years back, I started reading romance books. I’ve been hooked ever since. All of the stories that I have written are romance.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

For adults. All of my books are love stories with a happy ending. The lovemaking scenes are hot and spicy.

What is your current release or project? 

CURRENT RELEASE: Dream Catcher in the Mystic Desire Supernatural Anthology
Mystic Desire is a collection of short paranormal romance stories. This is a chance to read and discover the work of a diverse group of very talented authors. The themes in this book are varied, as are the collection of characters and artifacts, including Native American dream catchers, mystical jewelry, and characters such as lustful vampires, hot warlocks, a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, a zombie apocalypse and things that go bump in the night. From soft and tender love to hot passionate, kinky sex, there is something for everyone in this anthology.

COMING SOON: JOSEPH Book Three in the Risking Love Series

Pretty much everyone Violet ever loved left her; so she all but gave up on true love. That was until she fell for Joseph. Only he belonged to her friend and barely knew that she existed. Or so she thought.

Will one night of uncontrolled passion destroy Violet’s hope of finally having a forever with Joseph? Will he feel trapped and only want Violet for the child she is carrying?

Tell us about the key characters.

The hero in, Dream Catcher is Jake Miller, a bestselling romance author writing under a pen name. He spends far too much time writing, editing, and marketing his many novels. This has left him pretty much on his own and a bit lonely.

The heroine is Angelica Jennings. She is the hardworking successful owner of an advertising agency. In her free time, she remodels her cottage on the Great Sacandaga Lake or reads a recent novel from one of her favorite romance writers. Now that her company has become successful, she wants to take some time to find Mr. Right.

What is your blurb of the book?

DREAM CATCHER

Long ago, a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage.

It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?

Share an excerpt.

Dream Catcher by Callie Carmen Excerpt:

The small town of Northville was busting at the seams with town folk and people vacationing at the lake for the Memorial Day weekend. We were about an hour early for the fireworks display, so we sat on the wall of the bridge and talked about everything and anything. By the time he was finished telling me about all the books he had written, several of which I had read, I believed that Jake was indeed my favorite female author, which made me laugh. This big strong man was responsible for some of the most romantic love stories and the hottest lovemaking scenes I had ever read. I found that humorous and delicious at the same time.

I had to remind myself that he wasn’t real—that I was dreaming—but it sure didn’t feel that way. When the fireworks started, he stood behind me with his arms around me and clasped just below my breasts. He leaned down and kissed and lightly bit my earlobe and neck, giving me chills.

“Tip your head back for me, baby. I need to taste you again,” he whispered in my ear.

When his lips met mine, the fireworks going on overhead felt like they were also going off inside of me. I moaned, and he deepened the kiss. This had to be real. I’d forgotten about the others standing around us until shouts of “Fire!” roared out of several of them. We looked up and saw that one of the fireworks had landed on the roof of someone’s home and was burning.

The sirens rang out over their shouts, and I woke once again to my darn alarm going off.

Do you have a favorite scene?

Yes, when Angelica first meets Jake in her dream. It is a sexy and humorous scene.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Social Media: This might not be advice that newer writers want to hear, but it is essential for you to be as successful as possible. Set up your social media sites right away, that means before you even finish your first book. That is not to say that it is ever too late to do this just that it has to be done. If you don’t advertise to let people know about your book, how will they know that it exists? Once they are set up, promote your books regularly. Set up social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr, Instagram, MeWe, Website, and Goodreads, to name a few. Pick three to start and master those before moving on to others, or you will be too overwhelmed.

Read: Read the genre you want to write in. This is important so you can understand what works and doesn’t work in that genre. Of course, keep reading other types that you enjoy too.

Write What You Know: Write about things you know, you like, and the words will come to you more easily. If you write about something that you are not familiar with be sure to do plenty of research so your story is believable.

Number of Characters: Do yourself a favor don’t have several named characters in your book because as soon as the editor gets their hands on it, you will be editing a lot of them back out again.

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011326206882 https://www.facebook.com/CallieCarmenAuthor/

Twitter https://twitter.com/Callie_Carmen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/calliecarmennovel/

MeWe https://mewe.com/profile/5aea84c00dc9f110e68a9373

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17829431.Callie_Carmen

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-carmen-72ba98156/

Tumblr https://calliecarmenauthor.tumblr.com/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/calliecarmennovel/

Website link https://www.calliecarmen.com/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07BN5PXDF

BookBud https://www.bookbub.com/profile/callie-carmen

Blog link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17829431.Callie_Carmen/blog

Purchasing links:

PATRICK books2read.com/u/3krqEW

NICOLAS http://books2read.com/u/mqVGQv 

MYSTIC DESIRE https://amzn.to/322Ziq3

CRAVING LOYALTY http://getBook.at/CravingLoyalty

Suzanne Smith

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Suzanne is another author who contributed to Mystic Desires from Black Velvet Seductions. She’s a fellow Midwesterner so that’s lovely!

Author bio

I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago. I attended Wells High School, then North Park College, where I graduated with a BA degree, my major in psychology. Currently, I live in River Grove, a small suburb just outside of Chicago. My days are spent managing a very busy dental office in Chicago’s Gold Coast area. My nights are mostly quiet ones, spent in the company of my two rescue cats, Zilly and H.K., and my dog Sammy, with an occasional night out with friends.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago. I attended Wells High School, then North Park College, where I graduated with a BA degree, my major in psychology. Currently, I live in River Grove, a small suburb just outside of Chicago. When I retire from my day job in a dental office, just a few short years from now, I plan on doing a lot more writing and traveling. I’m fascinated by ancient Rome and would love to make the Colosseum my number one stop.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

After I started taking online writing classes with a great teacher, Laurie Sanders. I could not believe how challenging it was to write a good love scene or a death scene. Or, for that matter any scene at all. But, when I finally got a scene right, it felt like a big accomplishment. That spurred me to continue as well as to strive to be a better storyteller.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I read pretty much any genre. I currently write dark and paranormal romance.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Adults.

What is your current release or project?

I have a short story titled The Mortal Vampire in the Mystic Desire Anthology (to be released by BVS in October).

Tell us about the key characters

Remy is a cocky and remorseless vampire who loves the hunt and the kill. At least until he meets the mortal Angela. Angela is a young woman who is sweet and gullible on the surface but fiercely passionate underneath. Giselle is Remy’s vampire girlfriend, unforgiving and at times secretive. Dr. Merlot is Remy’s maker, very wise and one of the most powerful vampires in the world.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them door nail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.

Share an excerpt

“Since it is hard for you to walk, perhaps I should carry you,” I said aggressively, my bold over the top proposal birthed out of the need to touch her. It wouldn’t surprise me if she told me to fuck off. 

‘I don’t want you to hurt yourself,” she said seemingly unfazed.

It took all my energy to suppress a snicker. I guessed she weighed no more than 120 pounds soaking wet. I could probably pick her up and carry her all the way home using only my baby finger. “I am very strong. No need to worry.”

“Ok,” she said shyly, stepping closer to me and turning ever so slightly to her left. “I’m ready when you are.” She reached up and looped her arms around my neck, locking her fingers together behind me.

“Lean back,” I murmured as I gathered her delectable frame in my arms, using great care to be as gentle as I could when I swept her off her feet. Once we started walking, she tightened her arms around my neck.

“This is nice,” she said, laying her head on my shoulder.

As a strong gust of night wind blew in our direction, the delicious smell of her blood hitched in my nostrils. I wasn’t prepared for that nudge from nature reminding me of who I was. What I was. My arms tightened around her body. I felt my fangs begin to erupt. I imagined how her blood would taste as I ripped open her throat and gorged myself on the precious red nectar, all the way down to the last drop. Maybe I couldn’t fuck her but I could claim a part of her after all.

“You don’t have to hold me so tight Remy,” she said as she looked up at me with effervescent blue eyes. “I won’t fall.

As much as I wanted her blood, I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing those beautiful eyes still and lifeless.  Part of me liked that she was so trusting and relaxed in my company. But the bigger part of me wanted to reprimand her for her naivety. It had almost gotten her killed tonight.

My steps slowed to almost a snail’s pace. I was taking advantage of every moment I had with her, savoring the warmth of her sweet flesh pressed against mine. Disappointment flooded me as I set her down on the top stair of her porch landing. “Well here we are.”

“Yes.” She said as she backed out of my arms. “Thank you Remy. You are my hero.”

“I’ve been called a lot of things but never a hero.”

She unexpectedly pulled me close and pressed her lips against my mine. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. There it was a second time. That frightful but exhilarating thump in my chest. My hands shook as I pushed her away. I was not accustomed to being the seduced. I had always been the seducer. She had turned the tables and I wasn’t sure I liked it.

“Don’t be afraid of me.” She whispered as she lifted her gaze to mine. “I will not hurt you.”

Do you have a favorite scene?

I’d have to say when Remy learns from Dr. Merlot the truth of what is really happening to him. I can’t elaborate without giving too much of the story away.

I’m intrigued…
What advice would you give a beginner?

Write. Write. Write.

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Suzanne-Smith-Dark-Romance-Author-145176809653851/

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07FN6CYTG

Twitter https://twitter.com/Suzanneromance

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/suzannesmith9948

Other https://mewe.com/i/suzannesmith8

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/suzanne

Purchasing links https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F322Ziq3%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2KzCJ1jPieaoXH5iaAqDhMrJNUlZQkpeLHqiZktJmmWhkJR-z_mqCNuE8&h=AT2xDeLpjB1a7k6fytP6GeqndDhOiPD5SInXyBMREEAbNKhsTw4qyU0EX_x_m4F2b8XRNwuqdWG-23bAZM23wIbobQcpO1fGRuQmQsqT2c0kjCaY2lwSJYdiE8Tq3qUh6Dt6pjWjz-NRa1bj-WB0Rg

Zia Westfield

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Zia Westfield is the next contributor to Black Velvet Seductions Mystic Desire. Her short story is a paranormal shifter romance.

Author Bio

Zia Westfield creates suspenseful, exciting stories with romance at the heart of them. There is nothing more thrilling than watching two people fall in love despite the odds and the danger surrounding their every move.

She makes her home in Tokyo with her husband and three sons. She holds a full-time job, volunteers too much because she doesn’t know how to say “no,” and generally finds peace between the pages of a book or when she’s writing out the stories in her head.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an Italian-American with the noisy family that comes with that and have lived in Japan for many years. My husband is Japanese with all the traditions and rules of that culture. It makes for interesting times at our house! We’ve raised three boys, who are university age, so I’m preparing for an empty nest soon. During the day I teach English as a foreign language to university students, a job that keeps me hopping. At night, I try to write whenever I can before I faceplant after a long day. I love walking along the beach, being with family, and watching Hallmark mysteries. I’m a sucker for a good romance and mystery. 🙂

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

My nose was always stuck in a book when I was a child. I think it was probably middle school or high school that the idea of writing a story glimmered as a possibility. But authors seemed like magical people with incredible imaginations. How could I possibly do something like that? It took many years and motherhood to give me the courage to actually try bringing the characters in my mind to life.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

Mystery (especially cozy mysteries). Romantic Suspense. Paranormal Romance. I write in Romantic Suspense and Paranormal Romance. I haven’t tried to write a cozy mystery yet, but I think it would be a fun genre to work in.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Mystic Desire is an anthology of short paranormal romance stories for adults.

What is your current release or project? 

Mystic Desire is out now! Woo hoo! In October, the next book in my Deadly Encounter series, Killer Deceptions will release.

Tell us about the key characters

Bewitching the Wolf is my story in Mystic Desire. Alice Humphreys is a witch who is loyal, hardworking and determined to remain single. Brodie MacEwan is a wolf shifter who believes in the ties of family and the soul-deep connection to the one woman fated to be his mate. When the two meet, it’s sparks all around!

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Alice Humphreys has poured her heart and soul into creating a magical B&B where guests experience their fantasy vacation in their dreams. When Brodie MacEwan arrives looking for a room, she gives him his choice of the adventure room, the relaxation room or the romance room. There is something all too predatory about the Scotsman and he makes her body tingle in places it shouldn’t! 

Brodie has been sent to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle. He never expects to discover his mate in his dreams. But is the illusion real? As he moves closer to identifying the woman his soul is bound to, he must deal with a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, bumps in the night, and musical bedrooms. Any other wolf shifter would turn tail and run, but Brodie never gives up when he’s in pursuit and never when the stakes are so high!

Share an excerpt

     An hour later, they were sitting around the table. Despite Alice’s best intentions, she had ended up next to Brodie. With every spoonful of Aunt Cora’s stew, she inhaled Brodie’s scent to the point that if someone has asked how the food tasted, she would have replied “wild with a dash of the outdoors.”

     A loud crash from above caused Alice to spill stew on her shirt. Oggie snatched the wine from the table, cradling it in the crook of his arm. “ ʼTis an earthquake,” he bellowed. Puddles popped into the room and ran toward them, but as Brodie stood up, Puddles skidded to a stop, yelped and poofed away.

     Alice wiped off the sauce trailing down her shirt, then tossed her napkin on the table. “I’ll go see what happened.” She addressed Brodie, grateful to escape his presence. “Please enjoy Aunt Cora’s amazing apple pie for dessert.”

     Brodie nodded towards Aunt Cora. “Please save me a piece. I’ll go with your niece.” He scraped back his chair and stood, his gray eyes darkened with a swirl of emotion she didn’t understand but that sent a shiver down her back.

     She led the way up the stairs, aware of him behind her the whole way. When she reached the room directly above the dining room, he moved in front of her.

     “What room is this?” he asked in a low rumble.

     She dropped her own voice in response. “Henry Duncan’s study. Nothing has been touched. Aunt Cora wouldn’t allow it.”

     He nodded and, standing to the side, opened the door slowly and then pushed it fully open. He stepped inside and, after peering in, Alice followed. She noted that Brodie had no problem maneuvering in the darkness. For her own sake, she hit the lights.

     The French windows to the balcony were open; the curtains billowed into the room with drops of wind and rain. Alice hurried across to thrust the large windows closed, locking the handles. She turned and surveyed the room. A pile of books lay on the floor next to the desk.

     “These books must have tumbled off when the windows blew open,” Alice said.

Brodie nodded. He prowled the room like a predator, the movement of his muscles mesmerizing and completely unacceptable. He was her guest—a guest who was cutting up her peace of mind.

     “Well, that should do it. Shall we go back?”

     Brodie glanced at her, his gaze more silvery than gray. “Not yet.”

     Alice frowned. She was about to remind him that he was a guest in the house when Puddles popped out from behind a bookcase, ran over to a large armchair situated near a standing lamp and sniffed the rug.

     “What’s the dog’s name?” Brodie asked, everything about him on alert.

     Puddles stiffened. His head came up, and tucking his tail beneath his legs, he scampered back towards the bookcase.

     “It’s Puddles.” She tapped her chin with her finger. “He seems afraid of you. I wonder why,” she added dryly.

     He ignored her. He barked out something in a language she didn’t understand, except for the word Puddles, and darn if that dog didn’t turn around and obediently trot over to the man.

     Brodie squatted down and, holding the dog’s gaze, appeared to hold silent communication with the Scottish terrier. Puddles’s tail began whipping side to side with increasing vigor. He let out a yip, ducked his head, and then disappeared.

     “Humph,” Alice sounded, crossing her arms. “What was that all about?”

     Brodie rose and, once again, seemed to draw all the energy in the room towards him. But the predator in him had receded, the silvery shade of his eyes back to slate gray.

     “Puddles said that Henry wanted a book to read,” Brodie said, his mouth quirking upwards.

     Alice stared at him in horror. “Do you mean I have a second ghost?” Alice looked up at the ceiling and then shook her fist at it. “Henry Duncan,” she shouted. “You broke Aunt Cora’s heart!”

     Brodie’s mouth dropped open. “Lass, he’s dead.”

     “That’s no excuse.” She brushed past him, pausing only long enough to say, “I want a slice of pie before Oggie eats it all. Are you coming?” She marched out the door and thought about how Aunt Cora had cried for days after Henry passed on. Her aunt was wrong. Men dumped, deceived and died. So no matter Brodie MacEwan’s good looks and her traitorous body’s responses, she was standing strong.

Do you have a favorite scene?

I love the scenes Oggie is in. His way with words makes me smile every time I read them. I also can’t help enjoying the fight Alice puts up to hold back the inevitable.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Keep writing! There is no magic formula. Writing is a craft and like any skill, it takes constant practice and a lot of perseverance to reach The End.

Jan Selbourne

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Jan is the next in the series of authors from Black Velvet Seductions. She’s got a short story in the anthology Mystic Desire.

Author Bio

Jan Selbourne grew up in Melbourne Australia. Her love of literature and history began as soon as she could read and hold a pen. Her career began in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, then a working holiday in the UK and Europe brought the history to life. Marriage and career put her writing career on the backburner, then on the point of retiring she changed direction to work as secretary for a large New South Wales historical society. Now really retired, she has published three historical fiction/romance novels.  Jan has two adult children and lives in New South Wales.

Tell us about yourself.

I live in New South Wales, Australia, now retired and have two adult children.  My working life was diverse, and I was fortunate to travel to the UK and Europe, giving me wonderful backgrounds for the books I wanted to write. However, it wasn’t until after I retired that I could finally indulge my love of writing. I have three published historical fiction books and currently working on my fourth.  

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When I was at school.  I loved literature, writing essays, letters to friends and pen friends, and fun stories to entertain my children.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I like murder mysteries, a good who-dunnit and biographies as well as historical fiction and non fiction.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Adults

What is your current release or project? 

My current release Through the Veil is part of the Black Velvet Seductions supernatural anthology, Mystic Desire.

Tell us about the key characters.

Australia – 1875. Helen Finlay, daughter of a wealthy landowner and Marcus Townsend, wool classer, are in love and about to marry when a tragic accident kills Marcus. In 2018, Rachel Finlay, heartbroken over a disastrous love affair, discovers an old family photo album with details of this accident and gets the shock of her life. She knows these people, but she’s never met them. Turning her back on her dismal life she returns to the site of that accident and walks back in time to Helen – and Marcus.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside.  Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.

Share an excerpt .

Sandra glanced at her watch. “Ten minutes before we are due at the bank. After that, we’ll have a drink at the club. We deserve it.”

            Rachel fingers clenched. “When we’ve signed whatever papers they need signed, I’ll be on my way.”

            Sandra stopped walking. “There’s still a lot to do. The Salvation Army is collecting the furniture tomorrow, the estate agent wants the keys after we lock up the house and there’s bound to be something we’ve forgotten.”

            Rachel shook her head. “You don’t need me to watch them carry out furniture nor do you need me to take the keys to the agent.”

            “This happens every time,’ Sandra snapped angrily. “You drop everything in my lap and walk away. What’s bugging you Rachel? You’ve been edgy and downright rude to Greg.”

            “Stuff Greg. Nothing’s bugging me and if I want to leave now I will.”

             “For once in your aimless life, this is not about you, this is about Aunt Frances and all she did for us,” Sandra threw back at her.

            “I know what Aunt Frances did for us and you love taking charge and basking in the accolades after.”

            Sandra’s cheeks burned. “You don’t care about anyone except yourself. You drink too much, you can’t keep a job for more than a year,” she jabbed Rachels’s chest,“It’s no wonder you fall for the arseholes of this world.”

            “Shut up Sandra!”

            “No, I won’t shut up. Why do you fall for no-hopers with balls as big as their egos then drink yourself stupid when they drop you?”

            A lump formed in Rachel’s throat. Because I can’t find what I’m looking for.

Sandra threw her hands in the air. “Forget it, you are hopeless. Greg said last night you’d want to leave as soon as you knew what Aunt Frances was worth.”

            Anger dissolved the lump. “I’d rather be hopeless than a chardonnay sipping, social climbing snob without a bank account to match,” Rachel hissed furiously. “I’ll bet my last dollar that the first question Greg asks, after his oozing, ‘how are you, my darling’ will be ‘did you get everything fixed up with the solicitor?’ You can tell Greg– No, I’ll phone him myself to tell him in very plain language where he can get off and never to speak to me again.”

            Sandra’s mouth had dropped open in shock.

Rachel’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to fight. Let’s get it over with at the bank and then I am driving up the coast.”

Several seconds passed before Sandra found her voice. “Why? What about your job?”

When Rachel didn’t reply Sandra closed her eyes in despair. “Don’t tell me you’ve lost your job.”

“I didn’t lose my job, I quit,” Rachel replied stiffly.

“Quit? When?”

After I recognised the man in the photo. “A few days ago. I’m driving to Grafton and perhaps go up the range to Glen Innes.”

             “Glen Innes?” Sandra repeated incredulously. “For God’s sake why and for that matter, what happened to your fear of heights and getting sick on winding roads?”

            “That’s for me to worry about,” Rachel replied. “I am sorry Sandra but I’m leaving after the bank.”

            Tight lipped, Sandra resumed walking, with Rachel following.

            Two long hours later, Rachel re-joined the Pacific Highway. She’d held it together at the bank and the awkward moment on the pavement before their curt goodbyes, but now as the car picked up speed, her throat ached with unshed tears. Their nasty argument and Sandra’s brutal words had cut into her like a knife. And, that horrible rhyme wouldn’t go out of her head.  Always the bridesmaid never the bride, loser in love empty inside. That just about sums you up Rachel. Never knowing what you want in life, alone in a crowd, disappointing your family, never good enough. Falling for men who win you over with charm and then wipe their feet on you. What did that psychologist say? “You are harbouring deep insecurity and guilt from your childhood.”  When I retorted, ‘What guilt? I had a wonderful, secure childhood,” she’d gone on about looking within myself and finding new interests and friends.  Friends? Sandra had been your best friend until she married that patronising, smooth talking “would be if he could be.” Rachel’s eyes blurred with tears. Now you’re driving north without knowing why and–

            “Keep your eyes on the road!” a voice ordered as a semi-trailer roared past.

 “Oh shit!” Rachel swerved back to the left lane and glanced at the empty passenger seat. “Now I’m going mad!”

            “No, you’re not,” the voice said softly. “I will meet you there.”

            A mere suggestion of a hand brushing her shoulder made her shiver and it all became clear. She knew where she was going.

Do you have a favorite scene?

Yes, where she arrives at the Mann River Reserve, on the Great Dividing Range, and walks through the veil, to her former life.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Don’t give up, keep writing.

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne

Twitter https://twitter.com/JanSelbourne

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=jan+selbourne

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jan+selbourne&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

Blog link:

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

Purchasing links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/322Ziq3

Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/4j1AD2

Dee S. Knight

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Dee is the second in the series of authors from Black Velvet Seductions. She also has a story in Mystic Desire.

Author Bio

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That’s how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she’s lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more, join Dee on Nomad Authors: htpps://nomadauthors.com.

Tell us about yourself
I’ve been writing erotic romance for many years now and still love it. I married my high school sweetheart and use that as inspiration for all of the happily-ever-afters I’ve spun through the years. I write under three names: Dee S. Knight (erotic romance and a couple of ménage romances), Anne Krist (straight, sweeter romance), and Jenna Stewart (all ménage, some historical, some shapeshifter). No matter who I am at the moment, it’s all still romance.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?
After writing my first book, which came about as something of an accident. We were living in a small town in South Carolina while hubby finished up a consulting job. I was at loose ends for a couple of months and he suggested I use up some time by writing a book. I said okay—that sounds like fun. And like an idiot—because I didn’t know that’s not how it’s done—I wrote a book. I was hooked from that moment on.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?
I love all forms of romance (of course), but I also love legal thrillers, mystery, suspense, military adventures. There really isn’t a whole lot I won’t read. A look at my Kindle library would make people wonder about my taste, lol.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?
Adults only. Even my sort of non-erotic romance is intended for adults.

What is your current release or project? 
 Currently, I’m in Mystic Desire, a supernatural anthology by Black Velvet Seductions. I actually have two stories. An Awareness of Evil (as Dee) is about a psychic who senses a child is in grave danger, but she can’t quite see who or where she is. Life Saving (Anne) is about a man on the brink of ending his life. I won’t say more! BVS has put together a great group of writers for this anthology, and I’m very proud to be part of it! At the same time, I’m working on finishing Book 2 of the Good Man series.

Tell us about the key characters
In An Awareness of Evil, Amanda McMasters is a psychic who goes to the police asking for help in finding a child who is in danger. She can’t really tell them anything, however. As her sensations become more and more intense, she’s almost at her wit’s end. Amanda is a truly good person who wants to help when she can, and not “seeing” enough detail for the police to step in is very frustrating. Of course, there is a young, handsome detective standing by to encourage her. 😉

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?
An Awareness of Evil: Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.

Life Saving: Saving lives isn’t just for adults. Sometimes the innocent magic of a child can do the job better.

Share an excerpt

An Awareness of Evil:

                “There’s not much more frightening to a child than hearing a parent cry.” Amanda Masterson clutched her purse in her lap and tried to keep from twisting her hands. She stared at the nameplate on the front of the desk. Det. Donny Connor. He looked older than the other detective and probably had more experience but she wished she were speaking with the younger guy, doodling as he listened to her and his partner. He sat sideways to his desk with the chair pushed back onto two legs, looking as though he hadn’t a care in the world. But something told her that he heard every word.

                “I can imagine,” Detective Connor said in a low voice. He seemed as though he were trying to sound soothing but a note of frustration hit between his words. “And so, you heard someone crying.”

                “Not exactly.”

                Detective Connor blew out a breath, laid his pen on the desk and then picked it up again. “Ms. Masterson, you’ve been trying to tell us what’s up for the past fifteen minutes. Why don’t you just say it and let us decide what’s important or not?” The detective looked to his partner sitting at the next desk. Detective Gilchrist gave him a bare nod. So far, that was the most interaction she’d seen from him.

                Amanda took a deep breath and braced herself to tell the men what she’d been trying to avoid. “I don’t actually hear crying.”

                “You don’t actually hear—”

                “More like I sense it.”

                The detective slowly placed the pen on his desk again. “You sense it.”

                “Right.”

                Detective Connor stretched his arms and folded his fingers behind his head. “So you don’t see the person crying. You don’t hear anyone crying. You don’t actually see a child.”

                “That’s right.” She knew what was coming but knowing didn’t diminish the frustration. Or the pain in once again not being believed. “I’m something of a psychic.” She hadn’t meant to sound small, but that’s how it came out anyway.

                Detective Connor dropped his hands to the desk and jerked the pen off the notepad. “You’re psychic.”

                “Yes.”

                “I see. And you’re sensing that this child you can’t see or hear is frightened.”

                “I know it.”

                “Okay, where is this child? We’ll be sure to check it out, won’t we Brendan?”

                “Absolutely.”

                Now Amanda didn’t bother trying to keep her hands still. She squeezed her fingers and released. Squeezed and released. “I don’t know.”

                “Ms. Masterson, what exactly do you expect us to do? You don’t have any idea of who the kid is or how we can find it.”

                “Her. I’m sure it’s a little girl crying.” She shook her head and narrowed her brows in worry. “I don’t know. I thought maybe you’d had a report of a domestic disturbance or something I might be able to draw on. I’ve been sensing her for two days now. It’s getting worse. She’s scared and I don’t know how to help her.” Her voice had risen to the point that people at desks around them had stopped to look. Amanda took another deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry. If I had more information, I’d tell you. But I can’t keep this to myself anymore.”

                “Can’t keep what to yourself, miss? You haven’t told us anything.”

                “Amanda Masterson,” murmured the other detective. “I think I’ve heard that name before. Have you been involved in another police case?

                “Yes, last year in Spokane.” She had lived there until moving the eighty or so miles to Milford, Idaho. Once she had helped the Spokane police solve the murder case, she’d lost all privacy. People called morning, noon, and night asking for help in finding everything from lost dogs to lost keys. Or worse, more lost children. The stories had broken her heart and the constant requests had destroyed her peace. When her landlord told her she’d have to move or control the numbers of people banging on her door, she had little choice but to leave the Washington town. She’d chosen a smaller place in the more rural neighboring state. The last thing she needed now was to have the same problem start up again.

Do you have a favorite scene?
Yes. The final scene. *grin* I can’t say more.

What advice would you give a beginner?
 There isn’t any better writing lesson than to write. Write, write. But not just for yourself. The hardest lesson is to give your work to an impartial reader and see where what you’ve written can be improved. There isn’t a writer in the world, from Stephen King to a kid in the fifth grade struggling over a writing assignment who can’t benefit from constructive criticism.

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight

Twitter http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Blog link: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

Purchasing links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/322Ziq3

Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/4j1AD2

Lora Logan

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Lora came to me through Black Velvet Seductions. She’s the first in a series of interviews with many of their authors.

Author Bio

Not unlike many of her characters, Lora Logan is attracted to tough, tattooed men, and is lucky enough to be married to one! The mama of three Maltese puppies, she is an animal lover and can be found most days snuggling with them while reading or writing.

While Lora begins every story with an outline, her favorite part of writing is the fact that her characters usually steal the show. She happily follows behind with a pen in her hand as they choose their own trajectory.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Lora Logan and I write ROMANCE, ROMANCE and more ROMANCE! I live by the philosophy to write what I’m given, which means I have a tough time sticking to one genre of romance. I write contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and most recently paranormal romance. This is a bit of a taboo when it comes to writing but I can’t stop the characters that invade my mind and demand their stories be told- whatever their stories may be.

I am happily married to the most perfectly imperfect man and have three babies (maltese puppies, Josie, Rambo and Dixon.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always been a writer, but when I knew I wanted to become an author is a different story entirely. It took a minute. There was a picture in my mind of how my life was supposed to end up. You know that narrative we all had to write in high school, where do you seen yourself in ten years? Well, my life went nothing like I had planned. After years, (and years, and years, and years), of failed fertility treatments I finally learned that children were not in the cards for me. It’s a difficult thing trying to figure out what your life is supposed to be when your missing something so profound. I spent years of my life just focused on being the best wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, employee…etc. While those things are certainly fulfilling, I soon came to the realization that there wasn’t much in my life that was just mine. So began the journey of figuring myself out. What was my dream? What made me happy and fulfilled as a person? After much soul searching, I found that writing fiction brings to me a purpose that I’d been missing. A chance to share with the world the scary inside of my mind, where these characters and their stories find life. My family is and will always be my main focus but being an author belongs to me.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I try, I swear I do, to read outside of my own genres… I just love romance so much I can’t seem to stop myself! I would say that I read romance (all genres) 90% of the time. The other 10% is spent reading horror, self-help, and books on spirituality. When writing reading can take a backseat depending on where I’m at in my own process.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Adults. There is a fair amount of sex and cursing in my books although it depends greatly on the characters. I have a potty mouth but not all of my characters share that trait.

What is your current release or project? 

MYSTIC DESIRE is releasing on October 1, 2019 and is a collection of paranormal short stories. I was fortunate enough to join a group of very talented authors on this project and am so excited for its release. I loved working on this anthology and feel it’s a great opportunity for readers to find new authors they’ve not previously read. MYSTIC DESIRE has a little bit of everything, from sexy vampires, ghostly leprechauns, and lustful warlocks to enchanted artifacts. My story, CALLING ALL ANGELS is a tale of angels and demons.

I always have a lot of things happening at once in terms of writing. Currently I am finishing a contemporary romance novel and am set to begin working on a new series based off of my short story in MYSTIC DESIRE. I tend to write one project at a time while editing the previous one, that is my personal method although many authors can write more than one book at a time. I have a romantic suspense novel that is completed but needs some reworking and four other books that are outlined and waiting (not so patiently) to be started.

Tell us about the key characters

Elijah is immortal, his reality filled with the dark evils that attempt to take over the earth. He and his brothers fight to rid the world of demons that threaten the innocents. These demons whisper in the ears of the people to get them to fulfil their sinister acts. With the world full of so much evil, Elijah is consumed with it. Suffocating on it. That is until he meets Celeste. She is the perfect example of the innocence he is trying to protect. He soon realizes that something about her is different, bringing a peace to him that he’s never known. Their love is not perfect and Elijah soon realizes that the things he desires most could jeopardize the one thing he was put on this planet to do.  

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

MYSTIC DESIRE is a collection of short paranormal romance stories. This is a chance to read and discover the work of a diverse group of very talented authors. The themes in this book are varied, as are the collection of characters and artifacts, including Native American dream catchers, mystical jewelry, and characters such as lustful vampires, hot warlocks, a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, a zombie apocalypse and things that go bump in the night. From soft and tender love to hot passionate, kinky sex, there is something for everyone in this anthology.

Synopsis for my short story:

CALLING ALL ANGELS, follows Elijah, an immortal tasked with fighting against the evil that exists on earth. He finds peace when he meets his new neighbor, Celeste, but when he realizes that their love comes with a great cost, he is faced with choosing between his calling and a chance at true love.

I enjoyed writing this story because it explores the evil of the world that exists on a plain which we cannot see, and how that world bleeds into our own. A story not based on reality… or is it? Of course, this is romance – seem far-fetched? It’s not because the one thing that can rid evil in any reality is love.

Do you have a favorite scene?

There are two scenes that stand out in my mind. The first is the initial sex scene. It is a favorite because it changed as it was being written. As with writing project I have the story finished in my mind and in the form of an outline prior to starting it. This particular scene ended up changing entirely as if the characters didn’t appreciate what I was going for. I like when my characters take control of their own trajectory and this was certainly one of those times.

My other favorite was the end. Of course, I’m giving none of that away.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Just write it already! Maybe the most seasoned of writers can start a manuscript knowing exactly how everything is going to work and write it perfectly from beginning to end – but that is far from the norm. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met such an author. Write the story. Those holes in your story that you couldn’t work through in your mind will resolve themselves as the words are written. Your characters will develop into their own and you will learn them, how they respond, how they feel and what makes them unique. You will not be perfect, your story will need reworking. It’s an evolution that will happen naturally. If you’re anything like me, you will need an editor and they will help you not only with grammatical issues but also with the flow of your story. Your creativity is a gift, respect the gifts you are given and act on them. Lastly, the more you write the easier it becomes.  

Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoraLoganAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorloralogan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorloralogan/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18850117.Lora_Logan?from_search=true

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/loralogan

Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/lora.logan

Website: https://www.loralogan.com

Purchase Links:

MYSTIC DESIRE: https://amzn.to/322Ziq3

ALL SHE EVER NEEDED: https://t.co/9uii1BD7In