Tag: Suzanne Smith

Cowboy Desire – Loving Jack

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

Author Bio

Estelle Pettersen is an Australian author and former journalist whose romance stories explore empowerment, freedom, and finding one’s strength. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, from the University of Queensland, Australia. Her second degree is an MBA from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and is passionate about history, languages, cultures, traveling, food, and wine. She is happily married and living in Norway these days.

Blurb

After five years of living in London, Olivia Bertrand returns home to Roma, in western Queensland, Australia, only to literally bump into sexy ex-football player Jack McCullen.

Close friends since early childhood, Olivia has always had a crush on Jack but was too shy to admit it. Having been through failed relationships and life changes, both realize that they want each other more than ever. Now, they’re only one step closer to taking their friendship to the next level.

Are Olivia and Jack ready to completely let go of the past for a wild ride ahead? Will they finally admit their love for each other, or will they go their own separate ways?  Find out in this sweet and sensual erotic romance of friends to lovers in an Australian country town.

Excerpt

I knew where we were heading when I recognized a large sign on the old road to the McCullens’ cattle farm about twenty minutes later. Jack parked in front of a magnificent, high-set Queenslander home. It was built of timber, raised off the ground, with a corrugated iron roof and a spacious veranda. The front lawn was a gardener’s delight, with outback flora and an old eucalyptus tree, where Jack and I had carved our initials when we were about nine years old.

“I haven’t been to your house for a while,” I commented as we walked up the steps. “I’ll get a chance to see your mum and dad and say hello.”

“They’re visiting some relatives in Toowoomba this weekend, so it’s just us tonight,” Jack replied, then cleared his throat. “Come over for dinner next Sunday arvo. They’d love to see you.”

“Sure,” I said, stealing a glance at Jack’s athletic physique. “Does that crazy bush turkey still visit your backyard?”

Jack released a light chuckle, then tilted his head and flashed his megawatt smile. “Did you miss Fred?”

“He was a real nutter, that one! Fred would’ve made a good Christmas meal.”

“Fred disappeared shortly after you nicked off to the other side of the world. He’s never come back.”

“Well, good riddance!” I smiled, feeling the warmth of Jack’s body as he stepped closer toward me.

“Ah, you miss him,” Jack murmured, cupping my face with his rough, warm hands. He was right. I missed that crazy, feathered bundle of insanity, who was part of the McCullen farm. However, it was Jack who I craved—I felt his warm, minty breath on my neck as we stood in front of the door in heated silence.

“Livvy, there’s something I’ve wanted to do with you for a long time,” he confessed, pulling me tightly into him.

“I wanted it too,” I whispered, inhaling his spiced, woody aftershave. My fingers trembled as they touched his tanned face and traced the tip of his aquiline nose, down to his soft lips.

“Will you kiss me?” Jack’s deep ocean eyes begged mine.

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

Cowboy Desire – Wyoming Way

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

Author Bio

Nancy Golinski is an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer. She has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and has been a college professor for over 15 years. She is passionate about health and fitness and empowers women to make healthy choices.  She is also a romantic at heart and writes romance fiction novels. She is married and lives in a small town in Ohio, close to Amish country. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the theatre or hiking one of Ohio’s many nature trails.

Blurb

When Jessica Thomas moves back home, sparks fly between her and childhood friend, Spencer Campbell.  Jess can easily see herself settling down with a man like Spencer, but he’s married, and she’s no home-wrecker.  She vows to keep her distance, but then an epic snowstorm throws them together.  Can their friendship survive?  More importantly, can they handle the consequences of that snowy night? 

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

Cowboy Desire – Space Cowboy

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

Author bio

Alice lives in London, UK, with her husband and son. By day she’s a compliance manager for a pharmaceutical company. By night she writes fantasy romance about shape shifting mermen, water monsters and time-travelling witches. Her first book, “A Merman’s Choice,” was published in January 2019 by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second and third books, “Music for a Merman,” and “Mermaids Marry in Green,” are out now. Alice has also contributed short stories for the BVS anthologies “Mystic Desire” and “Desire Me Again,” both available now, and “Cowboy Desire,” on pre order now, release date 1 April. Alice loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!

Space Cowboy Blues

Josh is a space cowboy. His job? Taming alien species. But on the blue planet Albastra, the beautiful Melynas is more than a match for him. He’d love to get close to her… but everything on Albastra is lethal to humans. Including her!

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

Social Media

MERMAIDS MARRY IN GREEN – “Exciting, adventurous, swimming in passion…” Goodreads & Bookbub 5 STAR REVIEWSMUSIC FOR A MERMAN – 5 STAR REVIEWSA MERMAN’S CHOICE – 5 STAR REVIEWS

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alicerauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18670218.Alice_Renaud

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alice-renaud

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Renaud/e/B07L52P17B

Website: https://nomadauthors.com/alicerenaud/alicebooks.html

Cowboy Desire – Craving Her Cowboys

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

R.M. Olivia

Bio

R.M. Olivia likes her writing hot and her characters even hotter. In case you couldn’t guess, she writes erotica and erotic romance. Where does she get her ideas? She credits her muse for whispering in her ear and pouncing on her keyboard. She gives her utmost gratitude to this little vixen of creativity.
She believes in letting her passions be her guide and in throwing caution to the wind.
R.M. Olivia does not discriminate in her choice of characters or story lines.
Keep reading, keep loving, and keep dreaming.

Riva Stewart is living her very own nightmare when she flees her abusive boyfriend. In a twist of fate, a broken down car  places her in the path of two very hot cowboy mechanics. Now only question is which man does she want more? How about both?

Instagram:@rmoliviaTwitter @rmoliviawritesFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/RMOliviaEroticaPage/Tumblr: @rmoliviaWordpress: rmolivia.wordpress.com

Cowboy Desire

Cowboy Desire is an eclectic assortment of short stories.

It includes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and even outer space romance, Cowboy Desire offers fourteen stunning short stories.

These fourteen authors provide a range of sweet to sexy stories all with a Western cowboy theme. They feature strong men and women battling the weather and dangerous terrain, here on earth and in outer space.

The collection is as diverse as the authors who wrote them. Here’s a chance to discover new talented authors and the characters they create. Within these pages, there are blends of tender, often moving, thought-provoking and downright sexy stories.

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

Cowboy Desire – Orion

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

by Virginia Wallace

Orion

Daisy O’Reilly will someday inherit a prosperous ranch…

But what she desires even more than wealth is to marry the man she loves, and to start a family. But Life, it seems, has a way of ruining even the best-laid plans. As Daisy’s dreams of motherhood slip away from her, it also seems likely that her beau Orion might disappear just as strangely as he appeared – on the night of a strange astronomical phenomenon.

Daisy thought she was riding straight towards her ‘happily ever after’. Now she’s not so sure. Will Orion make her into the wife, the mother that she wants to be…?

Or will the stars reclaim him as abruptly as they sent him?

General Description

Cowboy Desire

Cowboy Desire is an eclectic assortment of short stories.

It includes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and even outer space romance, Cowboy Desire offers fourteen stunning short stories.

These fourteen authors provide a range of sweet to sexy stories all with a Western cowboy theme. They feature strong men and women battling the weather and dangerous terrain, here on earth and in outer space.

The collection is as diverse as the authors who wrote them. Here’s a chance to discover new talented authors and the characters they create. Within these pages, there are blends of tender, often moving, thought-provoking and downright sexy stories.

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

Cowboy Desire – Mail Order Mate

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

What a great list of authors!

I’ve got a short story up in this anthology! I’m so excited to join this really talented group of authors!

My story is Mail Order Mate

On a planet ravaged by death, Jack is left alone to raise her niece Molly after the rest of her family succumbs to a pandemic sweeping through several sectors of space.  Jack lost her parents,, sister, two younger nieces, brother in law and fiancé. She struggles to run a ranch of jumbos, a mammal large enough to feed a family for a year.  They provide milk, fiber for weaving, and meat.  Too valuable to abandon, the ranchers on this planet need more hands to survive. 

Ido with his brother Gwan and his mate Zira, an alien race newly discovered, escape an overcrowded planet in the hopes of a better life.  He’s drawn to Jack but grief hangs heavy between them. 

Can the green horns adapt to ranch life?  Will Jack put her past to rest and love again? 

Here’s the overall description of the book:

Cowboy Desire

Cowboy Desire is an eclectic assortment of short stories.

It includes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and even outer space romance, Cowboy Desire offers fourteen stunning short stories.

These fourteen authors provide a range of sweet to sexy stories all with a Western cowboy theme. They feature strong men and women battling the weather and dangerous terrain, here on earth and in outer space.

The collection is as diverse as the authors who wrote them. Here’s a chance to discover new talented authors and the characters they create. Within these pages, there are blends of tender, often moving, thought-provoking and downright sexy stories.

https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

The Brute and I

by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

Blurb

When Marco struts into Gigi’s grill, Alex wonders if she has found the one. When he takes the seat next to her and strikes up a conversation, She is immediately aroused by the heat of his animal magnetism. There is something she sees in his vulnerable, piercing green eyes that touches her heart. She realizes that she wants this handsome man to be more than just her bedmate. She wants him to be her soulmate.

Marco was instantly smitten the moment he fixed his eyes on Alex. There was something about her warm, sympathetic gaze that filled him with hope. Maybe he had a chance to overcome the bitterness and despair that had blighted his life. Perhaps finally some measure of happiness is within his grasp.

The love between them quickly blossoms, but there is a dark cloud on the horizon. For no reason Marco can see, Alex suddenly becomes sullen and withdrawn. He worries that she is slipping away from him. The idea of losing her affection and being forced to retreat back into the cold, black, pit of despair, is more than he can stand. He only knows one way to deal with the pain he is feeling.

Can their love survive the turmoil and grow into something good once more?

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.

Excerpt

“I asked you to marry me because I love you. Why won’t you believe that? I have never wanted anyone else. That is something you fabricated all on your own.” The smooth even inflection of his words told me that he was speaking in earnest. “You’re fucked up but I can fix you. Let me in your heart.” The breeze of his breath touched my cheek as he leaned in closer. “Let me in your head.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Fix me? Was he going to glue the broken pieces of my heart back together? Try to stitch the holes in my shredded soul? Was that what I was to him? A broken doll that needed mending?

The bitter memory of him and Nurse Betty together fueled my voice. “If I’m fucked up Marco it’s your fault.” He cast his eyes away like I had hit a nerve.

“You need to understand that I was very angry at you. I was becoming more and more afraid that someday you would tire of me and shove me in your special room.” His words were hesitant. “Convince yourself that I never existed, turn me into an invisible, nonessential person.”

He looked broken as if his spirit had been snatched out of his body. I wanted to take him into my arms, to assure him that his love was embedded so deeply into my soul that he would never be a diluted memory. My body began to sway as he gently stroked my hair.

“I didn’t know how to fight it, that impenetrable glitch inside your head. The invisible monster that was stealing you away from me. I felt so helpless.” He hung his head as if he were exhausted and no longer had the strength to fight.

I felt wretched. I had done this to him. Stripped him of his virility. Taken away his zest for life. I asked myself how I could have been so oblivious and disconnected.

I had no idea that Marco was in silent competition with my special room and that he was at war with an enemy he couldn’t see, or that he was fighting a battle he felt he was losing.

I wondered how it was possible for his feelings of weakness and helplessness to have had escaped me, that all I had been able to see was the way that he had distanced himself from me and the disinterest he had shown whenever I expressed my anger or jealousy.

Purchase link

https://amzn.to/2PqqzvP

Other interviews with Suzanne Smith

Suzanne Smith
Suzanne Smith

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.

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

Suzanne Smith

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Suzanne Smith writes dark romances and I bumped into her on Facebook. I love learning about new genres. Her new book is The Brute and I.

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.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Chicago, IL. I went to North Park College and earned a Bachelor Of Arts degree with a major in psychology. I currently live in River Grove, a suburb just outside of Chicago. By day, I am the office manager of a busy dental practice in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. By night, a writer.

2. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Well, I really didn’t plan on being an author. It just sort of happened. I started taking online writing classes (with a wonderful teacher and editor named Laurie Sanders) a few years ago. My intention was to find a hobby that would keep me busy when I retired not too far in the distant future. I soon became hooked when I realized how stimulating and satisfying it was to bring the characters that I had created in my head to life on the page. The freedom writing gives the writer is phenomenal. Freedom to travel back and forth in time, to go anywhere in this world or any other, to kill someone without consequences. Lol.

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

Though I write romance, I like to read all genres. I just finished reading We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. By no means is this a romance, but it was a fascinating book. Before that, I read a biography of Marcus Aurelius by Frank Mclynn. My current read is Killer Secrets by Zia Westfield. It is a great romantic suspense story, a real page turner.

4. Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Adults.

5. What is your current release or project?

The Brute And I, my debut novel, was released in July. It is a dark romance with a strong psychological slant, meaning that the reader will spend as much time in the character’s head  as they do in the character’s bed. The book also has a bit of spirituality, and some danger and suspense. The structure is a little different from many romance novels as the beginning starts with the hero and heroine already having fallen out of love. The Brute And I is a standalone book. My current WIP is titled Monsieur Renault. It is about a slightly disfigured masked man (think Phantom Of The Opera on a lesser scale) who falls in love with a whore.

6. Tell us about the key characters

The unlikely hero in The Brute And I is named Marco. He is a young man who has been deeply affected by the premature death of both of his parents. He feels bitter and alone and often acts out his anger. The heroine is named Alex. She is a young woman who has been scarred by years of neglect from her alcoholic father. Unable to deal with her feelings of inferiority and isolation, she suppresses them. After a life changing event and a lot of intensive therapy, Marco and Alex get their HEA ending. But I must say, I make them work for it. 

7. What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

The Brute and I 

When Marco struts into Gigi’s grill, Alex wonders if she has found the one. When he takes the seat next to her and strikes up a conversation, she is immediately aroused by the heat of his animal magnetism.  There is something she sees in his vulnerable, piercing green eyes that touches her heart. She realizes that she wants this handsome man to be more than just her bedmate. She wants him to be her soulmate. 

Marco was instantly smitten the moment he fixed his eyes on Alex. There was something about her warm, sympathetic gaze that filled him with hope.  Maybe he had a chance to overcome the bitterness and despair that had blighted his life. Perhaps finally some measure of happiness is within his grasp.

The love between them quickly blossoms, but there is a dark cloud on the horizon.  For no reason Marco can see, Alex suddenly becomes sullen and withdrawn.  He worries that she is slipping away from him. The idea of losing her affection and being forced to retreat back into the cold, black, pit of despair, is more than he can stand. He only knows one way to deal with the pain he is feeling.

Can their love survive the turmoil and grow into something good once more?

8.  Share an excerpt.

His thick brown curls were still wild but neatly combed behind his ears. His smooth olive skin was still deeply tanned from the lingering rays of the summer sun. He had lost a little weight overall, but the muscles in his broad shoulders appeared more defined than ever. I had missed everything about him since we had separated. His humor, his tenderness, his intelligence. But nothing more than the warmth of his naked body pressed against mine.  My pulse raced as I fantasized about having my way with him right there on the table. Ripping his shirt and Levis off his body and humping him like a dog in heat. I wondered if he felt the same. His eyes locked on mine.

“Why the strange look? What are you thinking about?” His deep sexy voice fueled my erotic image.  

“Nothing.” I was glad that the lighting was subdued so he could not see how flushed I was. The mischievous little boy grin on his face made me smile. I knew that stare. It was his silent way of saying that he wanted me without having to put it in words.

“Yeah. I was thinking about nothing too.”

9. Do you have a favorite scene?

I have a few favorite scenes. One is when Jake, Marco’s estranged best friend, reenters the picture. You really get a feel of the dynamic between Marco, Jake, and Alex.

10.  What advice would you give a beginner?

I know it’s been said a thousand times, but I would tell an aspiring author to keep writing. Do not get discouraged. Also, write what you want to write about not only what you feel will be acceptable. If you write about what you are passionate about, it will show in your work. Your readers will love you for it.