The Next Big Thing

Hello! It's been a while since I blogged because things have been crazy busy, but I'm going to be more regular (like taking my fibre in the morning). With that in mind, let's start this Pre-New Year's Resolution of blogging more by doing the Next Big Thing blog hop!

I was tagged by the fabulous Hannah Kate -- who posted her Next Big Thing here.

Here goes...

Since I'm working on editing my Immortals series to get them ready for re-release with Ellora's Cave, I'll talk about that. Book 1 is Immortal Duty (formerly called My Immortal), and it's being released December 26 (Happy Boxing Day!) but right now I'm working on Immortal Kiss!

Where did you get the idea for the book? 

Well, I loved Baron's character from the first moment he walked on the page in book 1. I also knew he was going to need a really strong heroine, someone who could match him all the way! I loved when Max put her hand up and offered to take him on :)

What genre does your book fall under?

This is paranormal erotic romance

What actors would you want to play your characters in a movie rendition? 

Ugh, I hate picking movie actors. Baron is a blond GOD. He's young, hot, ex-military, and smart-mouthed. I guess the perfect guy would actually be Michael Trevino who plays Tyler Lockwood on Vampire Diaries (picture him blond). For Max, I can easily see Jennifer Lawrence playing that part. She's strong and smart and pretty.

Give a one-sentence synopsis of your book. 

I'm just going to give you the blurb because I'm lazy and it's a lot easier  *grin*

It has been two years since Baron's initiation into the world of the Immortals, and during those two years he's been training with them, setting aside his past to embrace the challenges of his new future…a future without Maxine Deveraux.

 

Maxine is strong, determined, and loyal to a fault. The last person she wants to have to face is Baron Silver, the man who broke her heart, leaving her without an explanation or even a goodbye. But Maxine gave her word to Baron's brother Jackson that she'd track him down and bring him home, and Max always keeps her promises.

 

When Baron encounters a vicious vampire who vows to destroy everything he loves, it doesn't faze him in the least. He gave up everything he loved along with his humanity. But then the demon attacks Maxine, leaving her broken and battered on Barron's doorstep and he realizes there are still things he can lose...things he can't live without.

Will your book be self-published?

No. This series is being published with Ellora's Cave.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

I wrote this book a few years ago, and I think it was finished in 3 months.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I don't remember if anyone inspired me to write this particular book. Over the years though, I've been inspired to keep writing by many people. My family keeps me going, my writing partners encourage me, and the people who enjoy my books make it all worthwhile!

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

The Immortals series was previously published by a much smaller publisher a few years ago and I'm very excited to be getting it back out there into reader's hands. I've had lots of requests for the books to come back. They'll be re-edited and updated a bit, but....I'm also writing the FIFTH book, which will be about the twins!

My five (5) writers for next Wednesday are:

Christine D'Abo
Cynthia Sax
PG Forte
Stacy Gail
Jenny Schwartz

Christmas in July

I wanted to let you all know that my antho sister, Jenny Schwartz is hosting a Christmas in July contest on her blog and giving away a copy of the Clockwork Christmas anthology, featuring stories from Jenny, Stacy Gail, PG Forte, and me! Check it out here!

RELEASE DAY!!

TODAY is release day for FAR FROM BROKEN and A Clockwork Christmas!!! And tomorrow the Agony/Ecstasy anthology releases, which has my story CAGED.

We’re all so excited, so you’ll find Jenny, PG, Stacy and me all over the net pimping these fantastic holiday novellas—and giving copies away!

All week you’ll be able to find us at Long And Short Reviews – we’re in the SPOTLIGHT with Clockwork Christmas!

We're also being featured at Books On Board. There will be stockings hung by the fire, hot chocolate and other treats, and be sure to check out the Author Q&As! 

Today I’m visiting the ladies at the Romance Writers Revenge to talk about Far From Broken, the Agony/Ecstasy anthology, and some of my other new and upcoming releases. I always love visiting the pirate ship.

Tuesday all the Clockwork Christmas authors are blogging about the stories on the Carina Press blog, and Maggie Robinson and I are talking about the Agony/Ecstasy anthology on the Vixens blog. This was a fantastic anthology to be a part of, and I especially enjoyed Maggie’s story (I ALWAYS love Maggie’s stories, OMG)

Then on Thursday I’ll be at Steamed! with a blog about what I’ve learned (and still have to learn) about writing steampunk.  

But that’s not all….the party continues next week too!

This Winter Heart

PG Forte’s steampunk story for the Clockwork Christmas anthology made me cry. She has a way of presenting you with one character and making you feel for that character, so much that you live in that character’s shoes and understand exactly where they’re coming from. In THIS WINTER HEART, I felt for Ophelia, completely. I was firmly on her side…until PG showed me the other side of the story, and then I was torn.  Because the other side of the story is his side. I’d already decided Dario was being ridiculous and unreasonable and the heroine had every right to be pissed…but then she started to reveal his reasoning, his hurt and how badly he felt betrayed. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotion, and I’m so lucky to have gotten the “advance” ticket.

So today’s question is about emotional journeys. Please comment for a chance to win a complete set of the novella trading cards. The characters from your favourite stories, the ones that stay with you for a long time…do you think it’s because their journey was deeper, emotionally? Their baggage harder to overcome? What is it about a character that makes you remember them?

Blurb:

Santa Fe, The Republic of New Texacali, 1870

Eight years ago, Ophelia Leonides's husband cast her off when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now destitute after the death of her father, Ophelia is forced to turn to Dario for help raising the child she never told him about.

Dario is furious that Ophelia has returned, and refuses to believe Arthur is his son—after all, he thought his wife was barren. But to avoid gossip, he agrees to let them spend the holidays at his villa. While he cannot resist the desire he still feels for Ophelia, Dario despises himself for being hopelessly in love with a woman who can never love him back.

But Dario is wrong: Ophelia's emotions are all too human, and she was brokenhearted when he rejected her. Unsure if she can trust the man she desperately loves, she fears for her life, her freedom and her son if anyone else learns of her true nature...

One More Week!

I can't believe A Clockwork Christmas is going to be available to buy from Carina Press in one more week! All this week I'm going to be talking about the stories and giving away sets of our romance trading cards, so I hope you'll join me.

Monday: Wanted: One Scoundrel, by Jenny Schwartz
Tuesday: This Winter Heart, by PG Forte
Wednesday: Crime Wave in a Corset, by Stacy Gail

A Clockwork Christmas

I'm so excited to finally be able to share details of the upcoming A Clockwork Christmas Anthology! The Holidays can't come fast enough :)



We Wish You a Steampunk Christmas

Changed forever after tragedy, a woman must draw strength from her husband's love. A man learns that love isn't always what you expect. A thief steals the heart of a vengeful professor. And an American inventor finds love Down Under. Enjoy Victorian Christmas with a clockwork twist in these four steampunk novellas.

Anthology includes:
Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail
This Winter Heart by PG Forte
Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz
Far From Broken by JK Coi

Stories also available for purchase separately.


WANTED: ONE SCOUNDREL by Jenny Schwartz

All suffragette Esme Smith wants is a man. A scoundrel to be precise. Someone who can be persuaded to represent her political views at men-only clubs. As the daughter of the richest man in Australia, Esme can afford to make it worth the right man’s while.

Fresh off the boat, American inventor Jed Reeve is intrigued by Esme’s proposal, but even more interested in the beauty herself. Amused that she takes him for a man who lives by his wits, he accepts the job—made easier by the fact that he already shares her ideals. Soon, he finds himself caught up in political intrigue, kidnapping and blackmail, and trying to convince his employer he’s more than just a scoundrel…

THIS WINTER HEART by PG Forte

Santa Fe, The Republic of New Texacali, 1870

Eight years ago, Ophelia Leonides's husband cast her off when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now destitute after the death of her father, Ophelia is forced to turn to Dario for help raising the child she never told him about.

Dario is furious that Ophelia has returned, and refuses to believe Arthur is his son—after all, he thought his wife was barren. But to avoid gossip, he agrees to let them spend the holidays at his villa. While he cannot resist the desire he still feels for Ophelia, Dario despises himself for being hopelessly in love with a woman who can never love him back.

But Dario is wrong: Ophelia's emotions are all too human, and she was brokenhearted when he rejected her. Unsure if she can trust the man she desperately loves, she fears for her life, her freedom and her son if anyone else learns of her true nature...


CRIME WAVE IN A CORSET by Stacy Gail

Roderick Coddington is on a mission to make Cornelia Peabody pay. After identifying her as the thief who stole a priceless Faberge egg from his dying sister, he finds her and shackles a deadly timepiece to her arm. If she doesn't return the egg by Christmas morning, she will die.

Normally seven days is more than enough time for Cornelia to carry out the perfect crime, but Roderick's intrusion into her life is beyond distracting. He challenges her mind, and ignites her body with desire she's never felt before. But worst of all, he threatens the independence she values above all else…

As Roderick spends time with Cornelia, he realizes there's a lonely soul hidden beneath her beautiful but criminal veneer. Falling for a thief wasn't part of Roderick's plan, but plans can change and he has no intention of letting another priceless treasure get away from him.

FAR FROM BROKEN by JK Coi

Soldier. Spymaster. Husband.

Colonel Jasper Carlisle was defined by his work until he met his wife. When the prima ballerina swept into his life with her affection, bright laughter and graceful movements, he knew that she was the reason for his existence, and that their love would be forever.

But their world is shattered when Callie is kidnapped and brutally tortured by the foes Jasper has been hunting. Mechanical parts have replaced her legs, her hand, her eye...and possibly her heart. Though she survived, her anger at Jasper consumes her, while Jasper's guilt drives him from the woman he loves. He longs for the chance to show her their love can withstand anything...including her new clockwork parts.

As the holiday season approaches, Jasper realizes he must fight not just for his wife's love and forgiveness...but also her life, as his enemy once again attempts to tear them apart.