You've found the home on the net for romance writer, LaVerne Clark. Thanks for visiting! :)

I write suspense and light fantasy/paranormal set in the beautiful country of New Zealand. A land of myths and magic, Aotearoa (Maori for Long White Cloud) has always been a storytelling nation and it is my pleasure to share mine with you.

Make yourself your drink of choice, stay a while and feel free to leave comments. I love to meet new friends.



Heartpounding suspense and fantasy Downunder



Wednesday, November 27, 2013

REVIEW - Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye


I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of this first book in the Hard Ink series to read and review. I'll admit to salivating with the NEED to read it since first laying eyes on the gorgeousness that is that wonderful cover. Laura Kaye has quickly become a must-read author for me and I'm happy to say, she just seems to get better and better.
You can hear Laura talking about her new series here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCb0qdCz4JI


Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...



REVIEW


Laura Kaye has a knack for drawing you into the character's world and persona with a few choice words. 

Although Becca, our heroine looks soft and wholesome - as far from Nick as you can get - she soon proves that appearances are deceiving. Nick is forced to acknowledge early on that there is so much more to Becca than he ever expected and she earns his grudging respect, regardless that she is the daughter of someone he despises - with good reason. 

As I've come to expect from Ms. Kaye, the sexual tension is red-hot and builds like a tempest. It is most satisfying when they finally give in to their bodies needs. But the sex scenes aren't just about the characters scratching an itch. They're deeply emotional and sensual - and because of that, they are some of the most sexy I've ever read. Each encounter has meaning to Nick and Becca and leaves them becoming more enamored of each other. With the external conflicts both characters face - Becca needing to find her brother, Nick to clear his name and hide the fact it was Becca's father who put him in the position he finds himself in - their happy ever after is far from a sure thing. 

This book tackles a large cast and first-in-a-series necessary background information with style. No backstory dumping here. The reader learns all they need to about Nick and the terrible tragedy that he and his SpecialOp buddies suffer in bits and pieces and through dialogue. The pain they feel about that day and how it still affects them all is raw and honest and adds to the overall feel of grittiness and reality. Each member of the SpecialOp team have their own distinct personalities and I'm already looking forward to getting to know the others better in the follow-up books.

Overall - a great introduction to what is sure to be fantastic series. I'm hooked.   

Friday, November 15, 2013

Busy, busy...



Yep. It's that time of the year again when writers of all descriptions and from all over the world attempt the beast that is NaNoWriMo. I'm glad to report that the moment of, "Yikes! What am I DOING??" has been and gone, and I'm really enjoying the journey. And the story I'm writing has some great potential too. I think/hope. Of course, it will need a LOT of re-writes and polishing before it is even close to being ready to be read by my beta-readers, but it is still fun. I'm seeing the story and scenes in my head like a movie which for me tells me its working. Then again - it could just be madness caused by sleep deprivation that is telling me that. Anyway - this is the sequel to Affinity, my favourite book, tentatively titled, "Synchronicity". I'm not sure if yet if the title is a goodie or if it's a clanger. Time will tell - and things should become a little clearer with a bit of sleep! 

November is a busy month for me. I'm also eagerly awaiting the worldwide release of my first full-length book, Beyond the Shadows. I'm gearing up for the online Facebook party and getting the goodies sorted out for giveaways. By the way - they are international. Here is the link if you want to check it out and join in the fun. 

November also means the annual A&P show (Agricultural and Pastoral) where the local branch of Greyhounds As Pets (or GAP for short) have a stall to show off our gorgeous doggies and to entice others to adopt one. I mean - who wouldn't fall in love with these gorgeous, elegant speedsters? 
Hmm...lets try another one....

Ahh! That's more like it. As I was saying, gorgeous and elegant! :) This is our Jazzy. She has been the most delightful and loving addition to our family and while time spent elsewhere when I could be working on my Nano novel isn't usually ideal, helping GAP find new families for the recent retired racing hounds is the very best use of that stolen time. It is a sacrifice worth making.

I'm also working to reach the coveted 50,000 words on November 27 as my hubby and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on the 28th. My father is flying down to Nelson to look after our children and then we're off to enjoy the weekend footloose and fancy-free! It has been years since we've gone away just the two of us, so it will also be a weekend of rediscovery and fun. We can't wait!

So - lots of things on the go and to look forward to this month. How about you? Have you got a busy one?  

Monday, September 23, 2013

TRR Fall Hop - Winner!

Weeee!! What a fun few days this has been! Thank you so much for joining me. I hope you had as much fun as I did and came away with a big list of new authors and titles to read.

Now, its time to announce the winner for my stop on the blog:

DRUM ROLL.........





ASHLEY E!!!

Congratulations, Ashley! I'll be contacting you in regards to which format you'd like.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Fall Into Romance Hop

Hi everyone and welcome to my Kiwi stop of The Romance Reviews blog hop. So glad you stopped by! Not only am I going to be giving away a PDF or Kindle copy of my romantic fantasy novella, AFFINITY to one lucky person, but when you get to the bottom of the post, you'll see I have goodies for EVERYONE :) Yay! Don't you love giveaways and free stuff? Just leave a comment to be in the draw and if you want to double or even treble your chances - follow me on Twitter or Like me on Facebook. Easy peasy!

Romance writers are HUGE readers. One of the perks of being a writer is being able to rub shoulders with some fabulous talent, and to read their work before they're discovered by the masses. Catherine Bybee and Laura Kaye would be the most notable authors I've read before they hit their stride and started featuring regularly on the best-sellers lists. From their very first books, they were dynamite! So - with that in mind, I want to introduce you to two more amazing authors I consider to be the next up-and-comers and their books I fell in love with.

 First up - Kathryn Knight and her paranormal novel, GULL HARBOR.


I fell in love with this book because of the seemingly effortless way the author handled the story, the language and the pacing. From the very start, the hair stood out on the back of my neck and there were a couple of times I didn't want to be the last one up at night! Serious spookiness aside, the attraction between Claire and Max was sizzling and had me turning the pages long into the night (hence the scaredy-pants drama). I was rooting for them to work through their past hurts and find their happy-ever-after because quite simply, they wouldn't find it with anyone else. They were destined for each other. This book is getting some wonderful reviews, as is Kathryn's other book, SILVER LAKE, and when you read her work, you'll understand why. A true talent, get her books now and you too can say, 'you knew her when...' :)

The next author I absolutely ADORE anything by is Vonnie Davis.
Vonnie's books are laced with laugh-out-loud humour and swoon-worthy moments of serious sexiness. A woman of many talents, Vonnie writes stories in ALL genres, so you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. And here is where your perseverance is rewarded. Vonnie's latest release, A MAN FOR ANNALEE, is FREE on kindle over the dates 17-21 September. Woohoo!! 
Click image for Amazon
Oh - and as an aside, my latest book, BEYOND THE SHADOWS is also being offered free for Kindle (click on the image on the sidebar) on the same dates as Annalee. So go get them and enjoy! :)

Don't forget that this blog hop is ongoing until September 21, 11.59pm EST, so you've got plenty of time to go and visit the other blogs taking part and (cross fingers!) win a book or three :) Maybe you'll even find your new favourite author during this Hop. Click on the Fall Into Romance button below which will take you on a random trip to another participating blog that you've yet to visit. Just make sure you're logged in to The Romance Reviews for the button to work. Registration is free if you haven't done this yet and can be found on the top right hand corner of their home page.

Before you head off to the next blog, don't forget to leave a comment with your contact email in case you win, and extra entry points will be awarded for Twitter or FB follow/likes. Good luck and thanks for visiting with me. It was fun!

The Romance Reviews Hop

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Laura Kaye - COVER REVEAL!

I'm excited to share Laura Kaye's cover reveal for Book Two in her Hard Ink series, HARD AS YOU CAN. Get a gander at this! Woooeeee!!


Yep - I'm salivating too and check out that cover quote! Nice one, Laura! :)


Avon is proud to announce the publication of  Laura Kaye’s second book in her hot Hard Ink series, HARD AS YOU CAN (On Sale: February 25, 2014).

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can-and never let go.

HARD AS YOU CAN is available for preorder at the following links:



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The Worst Blogger in the WORLD!


Hello!! Long time, no post, which is why I completely and utterly deserve the above ribbon :) Its kind of pretty don't you think?

Its been a crazy couple of months for me. I've had both good and bad things happen which has knocked me off my feet - literally.

You may have heard me mention the fact that I play social netball with other like-minded mums of small children. Its a great occasion to get out, have fun with the girls and get a bit of fitness in at the same time. I played centre which basically means leaping like a gazelle (in my head anyway!) to intercept, making sure the ball keeps away from the opposition's end of the court. It's preferable the ball spends the majority of time in our end and gets to our shooters as quickly and as often as possible.

You might note I used the word, played. That's because a year ago, I leaped for a beautiful intercept, but landed with a straight leg and my knee didn't like it one bit. It popped both ways, tearing the ligament and leaving me in agony. Here in New Zealand, we're lucky that we have a Government Agency called ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) which looks after people after they've injured themselves, pays for their surgeries, partial physio costs and helps get them back to full fitness. So, I finally had my surgery last month and am now in recovery-mode, which is going well. One thing being so incapacitated has taught me - I will never take having a well-functioning body for granted ever again!

But - I've had some wonderful news too. My third and first full-length book had come out early on Amazon. I'm so excited to see it there and for it finding it's way into reader's hands for the first time.

Just look at it! It's been a lot of hard work to get it to this point, and many times I thought the story would never be told, so to see it in all it's gorgeousness thrills me beyond measure! Now I'm on countdown until I get to hold the paperback in my hands! 

Here is the blurb and a little teaser for you....

He’s immersed in shadows—can she help him fight his way to the light?

Constable Kelly Appleton’s life turns upside down when her partner—the man she secretly loves—is shot. The lines between work and pleasure blur as she helps him recuperate, but frighteningly, his hold on reality loosens too.

After his brush with death, Nathaniel O’Leary questions everything—his life, his relationships, even his recent capture of a serial killer. When ghosts and an ominous shadow come calling, Nate struggles to stay grounded. Suddenly, keeping his hands off his sexy partner is the least of his problems.

As Kelly and Nathaniel work together to right a possible miscarriage of justice, they realize the shadow is a portent of death directly related to the serial killer. Terror strikes when the shadow reveals Kelly is the next target.

With evil closing in, can their love banish the shadows forever?

EXCERPT:

Temper sharpened her gaze. “Are you even listening to me?”
“You might want to back off,” he warned in a strained voice.
“Oh, might I? And why would that be?”
Nate looked down. The top of her dress stretched tight over her heaving chest, the position affording him a glorious view of cleavage. The peaks of her breasts were so close, if he took a deep breath, they’d brush against him. It took everything in him to take shallow breaths even as his tongue salivated at the thought of exploring the lush valley under the material. And who knew what he’d do then. She followed his gaze, and he heard her stifle a gasp. When she didn’t move away, his body hardened to the point of pain.
She lifted her head and another rush of blood went straight to his cock. Her pupils had dilated, her eyes darkened to midnight blue and a slow, feline smile stretched her generous mouth. “Why would I do that?” she repeated in a soft drawl.
“Because you might not like my reaction,” he growled, mindful to keep his breathing shallow.
Slowly, she lowered her head and allowed her body to drop closer until they were just a sliver apart. “But what if I do?”
Need ripped through him and without further thought, he shifted his knees wider, bringing her flush against his length. She groaned softly and his control snapped. Reaching out with graceless fingers, he snagged her hair, his fingers pulling on the tie holding it back. Blonde silk cascaded forward, the fragrant tresses shielding them from outside distractions. His hands bunched in the cool strands, delighting in the warmth of her scalp under his palm, and he tugged her towards him, the movement impatient.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Why Write Romance? Rachel Brimble Tells All.

Today, I'm super excited to host Rachel Brimble on Novel Natterings. Rachel's first book, "Searching For Sophie" was the first Wild Rose Press book I bought before I was published by them. After reading it, I knew I wanted to be published by TWRP as it was nothing but quality. Since then, I've noted Rachel's writing has grown in leaps and bounds. I knew her star would shine bright and I've been watching her career flourish with a big grin on my face. If you've never read her work before - you're in for a treat!

For now though, settle down, pour yourself your drink of choice and enjoy getting to know this fabulous lady just that little bit more.


Why write romance? 


I have been asked this question many times in interviews so I thought I’d tackle it in more depth to try and figure it out myself, lol!

Romance is universal and eternal. Human beings have, and will continue, to fall in love no matter what else changes or alters in the future. Technology is evolving at a rate that my near 40-year-old brain has given up trying to keep on top of. If I need something doing on my laptop or phone other than the basic input of letters or numbers, I go to Mr. B or my teenage kids.

As for romantic, emotional or spiritual guidance I don’t need anyone else but myself. I LOVE love. Simple. There is so much evil happenings in the world, why on earth would I want to spend up to seven hours a day (my average working day), immersed in more of the same that I see on TV and in the newspapers.

I write love stories. I write about people discovering more of who they are and the people with whom they want to share that journey. I write about highs and lows, success and failures…BUT I also write those intimate moments that bring us the ultimate joy, the knotting in the stomach, sexual anticipation and the moment someone makes you belly laugh or looks at you in such a way, you know in their eyes, there is no one more beautiful.

Am I lucky that I get to do that every day? You bet I am and I will be FOREVER grateful to my husband and kids for allowing me the time to do what brings me absolute joy.

My passion for writing leads me to answer the question of why I write romance. I do it because the stories that come into my mind dictate it. It’s out of my hands what sub-genre of book I will write at any given time.

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
The scope of freedom has changed somewhat since I signed with Harlequin Superromance and Kensington but not to the point I feel as though my creative wings are clipped. My wonderful editor at Harlequin has given me free reign of whether my stories are contemporary romantic suspense or mainstream. My equally wonderful editor at Kensington wants Victorian romance but has given no specification of what TYPE of romance I write set in that period.

Then you have my latest release, “16 Marsden Place” a romantic comedy set in the fictional UK town of Potterford. J



 This story came from nowhere but had to be written – The heroine, Sienna Lloyd, literally popped into my mind fully-formed. No, this doesn’t happen often, I promise you! I knew she was sassy and sexy, I knew she had lost her father and I knew she ran a lingerie shop that was under threat of closure. As she started to talk to me, I realized she spoke with typical British irony about almost everything––constantly hiding any pain or fear under a gossamer thin veil of self-deprecating humor. I loved her instantly!


When Omnific Publishing offered a contract for the book I was thrilled because I hadn’t written a comedy since 2010 and wasn’t sure if I could actually still do it after writing so many romantic suspense and mainstream novels. Fingers crossed, I’ve managed it and readers will love Sienna and Jack’s journey equally as much as me!

Here’s the blurb and buy link:

There isn't a situation that can't be fixed by a coat of chocolate body paint or a liberal smear of Champagne Lick, right? Wrong!

Ever since her father was murdered by a gang of youths, Sienna Lloyd has named herself Potterford’s protector—her sexy lingerie shop is a place where the town’s women can visit and feel safe. But when that shop is in danger of closing, Sienna needs a solution that will keep her in Potterford, where she can always look out for her mother, friends, and clients.

The answer? Move the shop to her home at 16 Marsden Place. The problem? Her new neighbor, the delicious but seriously uptight Jack Beaton. Oh, and his four-year-old twin girls.

Jack has just moved to the tiny town of Potterford in a bid to start over. To build a new life that keeps his children safe from their violent and sex-crazed mother. So when he discovers his neighbor intends to open a sex shop right next door, Jack will do anything to ensure it doesn’t happen…including fighting every ounce of his attraction to the shop’s owner and his innate need to trust again.


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/16-marsden-place-rachel-brimble/1115472157?ean=9781623420208



Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013.

She has just recently signed a further three-book contract with Harlequin Superromance, continuing her ongoing series set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England…although she hopes a dream visit to Canada might just change her mind!

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Wowzers!


COVER REVEAL!!!!


I'm so thrilled to show off my beautiful new cover, for Beyond the Shadows, coming soon from The Wild Rose Press. Arial Burnz is the cover artist (she also did Affinity)and I'm blown away by how perfectly she has captured the essence of the story. I even had a friend point out to me the shadow hand on Kelly's (our heroine) shoulder! Details like the small cross Kelly wears made me want to cry. It is amazing. I can't say enough about this incredible cover artist. I'm definitely going to employ her services when I can afford some swanky new digs on the internet! If you need any graphics done, I highly recommend going to visit her here - Mystical Press.


Sunday, May 12, 2013

My Best Friend, My Mum

It's Mother's Day here today and although I'm being treated like the Queen I am, had bacon and eggs made for breakfast, served with proper coffee - I'm feeling a little sad. Its Mother's Day and I'm missing my own mum - terribly. We live too far away! So I thought I'd dedicate my blog today to the most amazing, intelligent, beautiful, caring and funny person I know. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

My mum, Bernice Taylor


Told ya she is beautiful :)
I'm the only daughter in a family of four kids and as such, I suppose you would think that I was a little spoiled. Sure I got my own room while my three brothers had to squeeze into one, and I finally got a horse after years of wheedling in my annoyingly high voice, but apart from that, mum made sure that's as far as the spoiling got! 

She taught me wonderful life lessons, without me knowing what she was doing. One of my first memories is her taking me to her work one day. I think I must have been about five years old. At the time, she worked in a rest home. I vividly remember her giving me the important job of feeding an elderly lady her breakfast of porridge, but after giving me instructions on how to do it. With careful movements and watching for the lady's reactions, I tipped the jar up, and let it drop again when she had a mouthful. It was a powerful moment for me. All at once, it taught me many lessons. 

* It's important to care for and respect others, especially the elderly. They are us at some stage in our lives, and we all deserve to be loved and cared for. 
* Patience. I admit, I'm not the best at this, but that memory of helping this particular lady stays with me when I feel I'm losing my patience. Things take time. Bit by bit, whatever you're trying to do will get done, as long as you keep at it. And sometimes, it is all the richer for taking the time to enjoy it.
* Empathy. That one simple act taught me to put myself into another's shoes. Suddenly, I felt how she might be feeling. Even at five years old, I knew I wanted to make her comfortable and to reassure her that at that moment, there was nothing else I wanted to do more than to spend that time with her. She was important, and it was important to me that she knew that.
* The circle of life. Sadly, this lady died only a few days after my time spent with her. For a while there, I thought I'd somehow caused her death by feeding her breakfast. Had I feed her too fast? What had I done wrong? Finally, I asked my mum, who was quick to inform me that no, it wasn't my fault, and proceeded to explain to me that it was just her time and that is just how life works. After her explanation, I felt lucky to have known this lady, to have been a part of the end of her life, to have shared a part of my youth and energy. Maybe I'd helped ease her into the afterlife - whatever that may be. I feel honoured by that thought.

This is just one of many instances I remember my mother guiding me. Many times, I didn't understand at the time. To be honest, I don't know if even she knew she was! Its not until you're an adult yourself that you can see situations clearly for what they were. But she often tells others I was a perfect child (so those eyes in the back of the head were sometimes blinded then? Thank God!), but I've also had the luxury of watching her mother my brothers. This is a good thing because as we all know, boys are a totally different species than girls! My two youngest brothers are fairly close in age, and as such, had a love/hate relationship with each other. Okay - much closer to an all-out hate relationship back then. One day, mum must have been at her wits end after the boys had come to blows and called each other names, screaming at the top of their lungs. Enough was enough. You've all seen the 'get-along shirts' on Facebook? Yes? Well - my mum, incredibly intelligent woman that she is (and well before her time, I reckon) came up with a solution eerily similar. She tied their wrists together. For. the. whole. day. Over the day, they had to learn how to get on together. They even had to visit the bathroom together! Can you imagine? Those memories still make me giggle. Thinking outside of the square is one of the many talents my mum possessed as a young mother. I wish I was as innovative as she was then! 



Honestly - I could go on about this incredible woman, but I might just leave it there for now. Some family embarrassments secrets should be kept in the family, only to be brought out during milestone   birthdays. Believe me, I've got a few tucked away - and it is my Dad's 60th next year, so I'm keeping them close to my chest! :)  

Suffice to say, Mum has molded me into the person I am today and I'm thankful for her love, belief,  unwavering support and all-round cheer-leading for me and my brothers, no matter what we choose to pursue in life. I'm so blessed to have her in my life and for my own children to benefit from having her in theirs too. Now, we just need to move closer to enjoy each other even more. 

Love you, Mum, xxoo



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Official Blurb for Beyond The Shadows

I'm so excited to have received the official blurb today for my THIRD book (weeeee!!! Can you believe it??)

Getting that email today makes it another step towards becoming reality and not just a dream. Someone - pinch me!

BEYOND THE SHADOWS

He’s immersed in shadows—can she help him fight his way to the light?

Constable Kelly Appleton’s life turns upside down when her partner—the man she secretly loves—is shot. The lines between work and pleasure blur as she helps him recuperate, but frighteningly, his hold on reality loosens too.

After his brush with death, Nathaniel O’Leary questions everything—his life, his relationships, even his recent capture of a serial killer. When ghosts and an ominous shadow come calling, Nate struggles to stay grounded. Suddenly, keeping his hands off his sexy partner is the least of his problems.

As Kelly and Nathaniel work together to right a possible miscarriage of justice, they realize the shadow is a portent of death directly related to the serial killer. Terror strikes when the shadow reveals Kelly is the next target.

With evil closing in, can their love banish the shadows forever?


I can't wait to share this story with you all - but in the meantime, here is a little taste of how I visualize Nate...enjoy...


Friday, April 19, 2013

Darkness Series - Lilly Gayle and Giveaway


I'm so excited to have Lilly Gayle guest blog on my site today! Lilly's Out of the Darkness was one of the very first TWRP books I'd read. Quality writing, sexy and intelligent reading, I was hooked from the very first page. This lady knows how to write a FANTASTIC story. I remember pestering her to hurry up and write the next book in this series. I wanted Gerard's book so badly (you will too once you've devoured OotD) so I was shameless, even though I didn't know her so well then. Then, one day I got an email from TWRP (I'm signed up as a first-reader for them) to read and evaluate a manuscript that had just come in. I do believe I screamed a little and did a little jig in my excitement when I saw the title and author :) Okay - enough of me and my girl-fan squealing. Lets hear from Lilly and how she came to write the Darkness series.

When I first decided to write about vampires back in 2005, I knew I wanted to stick closely to some of the original legends. No glittering vampires for me! I also wanted my hero to have a conscience. In my opinion, a heroic vampire wouldn't want to be a vampire. So, I had him searching for a cure, and Out of the Darkness was born.

The book wasn't published until 2010, but it gave me my start as a published writer.
The legend I followed in Out of the Darkness was a Hebrew legend about Adam's first wife, Lilith.

Hebrew legends say God created man and woman together and in the same fashion. The first female was Lilith. She saw herself as Adam’s equal, but Adam wanted a helpmate. Lilith refused
to be subservient and left Eden. That’s when God created Eve from Adam’s rib. Lilith later became a succubus, seducing mortal men while they slept.

According to vampire lore, after Cain killed his brother, Able, God cursed him to walk the earth in darkness for eternity. The myth also claimed God cursed him with an eternal craving for blood because he craved the blood of his brother. After Cain left Eden, Lilith went to Cain, gave him her blood, and awakened him to his immortal nature.

In the sequel to Out of the Darkness, Embrace the Darkness, Vincent's friend Gerard wants more than just the cure Vincent sought in the first book. He wants answers.


In the second book, I further explore  vampire myths and legends. And my favorite—and  the one I think best fits my series—dates back to Mesopotamia around 4000 B.C.

The ancient Sumerians ruled Mesopotamia. They built a dynasty; the first cities,  city and state religions, and civilization. But war, death and disease was rampant.
Young men died in the prime of their life, suddenly and unexpectedly on the battlefield or from diseases caused by war and destruction. Legend claimed that by dying under such extreme circumstance, the spirits became conscious in the grave, their desire to live so strong they rose up from the grave.

In Embrace the Darkness, I explore this legend further and hope that it brings the myth of vampires into a more believable, fictional world.

I had a lot of fun writing these two books and hope to write at least two more in the series. I hope that you will check out either or both of my books and let me know what you think.

Leave a comment for me today, for a chance to win a digital copy of Out of the Darkness, the first book in my Darkness Series.

Lilly Gayle~http://lillygayle.com

Author of paranormal and historical romance:
Helpless Hearts- a western historical romance: Can a former gunslinger find redemption through love? Available now on Amazon and B&N.
Embrace the Darkness-a paranormal romance: To find their way into the light, they must first EMBRACE THE DARKNESS. Digital copy available now on Amazon. Available through other retailers in digital and print formats 6/21/2013.


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Doing the Happy Dance!

WOOHOOO!!!!




Yep - that's EXACTLY how I feel right at this moment!

Last week, I got a wonderful email from THE best editor in the world (Fran, you rock) saying she would like to offer me a contract for BEYOND THE SHADOWS. 

This book has been the hardest one I've ever written. Its gone through more drafts than any other with lots of changes and a major re-write to the main plot, but it was totally worth it. Now, it is a book I'm super proud of and one I can't wait to share with you all.

Hot cops; sizzling chemistry; ghosts and the afterlife; a serial killer on the loose, all set in the magical land of New Zealand. These guys could be Nate and Kelly:


Oh! And the most exciting part for me? This will be available in PRINT as well as digital! That mad   dream I have of swimming about in a pile of my books re Scrooge McDuck may well be a possibility yet! :)  

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Exciting New Author - Leanne Davis


I'm excited to introduce you to debut novelist, and fellow Wild Rose Press author, Leanne Davis. Doesn't that word sound wonderful, Leanne? Author. Woohoo!! Congratulations, and after reading the blurb and excerpt of POISON, I'm looking forward to many more books from you :)



Tell us a bit about yourself.
First, thank you for having me today to talk a little about me and my debut contemporary romantic suspense, Poison.
I live in a small town out of Seattle, Washington with my husband and two little kids. I earned a business degree from Western Washington University. I worked in the construction management field until my daughter was born and I’ve since been home with my kids and writing part time.

When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?
I love to camp and go boating with my family. We spend much of our free time going to destinations all across Washington State. I especially love to horseback ride with my dad, who has ten horses. He takes me to beautiful, remote locations where only horses and serious hikers can get to. That is about as far from writing and computers as I can get!

Ooo. I've got serious horse-envy! I'd love to do that. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve been writing since I was thirteen, and only stopped for a few years in college…so other than that I have always considered myself a writer. Writing has always been more of who I am than what I do. Publishing was something I wanted to do, but writing is something I have to do…no matter what.

Do you remember what inspired you to write your first book?
I was thirteen when I wrote my first hundred page novel. (It resembles the story and writing of Anne of Green Gables which was my favourite book at the time. My ten year old daughter is now reading it after she was miffed she isn’t allowed to read Poison) From that first novel on, I always had short stories and then novels in progress. I have five stories in my head for every one that I get written!

I love call stories. Can you tell us about yours and your reaction?
Before I was contracted my editor worked with me on my first four chapters to show me some of the mistakes I was making with some of my mechanics. She then had me rework the entire manuscript and resubmit it to her. So…I had about two more months of waiting, when on a Sunday morning at 9:30 I checked my e-mail and there it was…my answer. My entire family was home…so I snuck into the bathroom to read it…just in case it was a no. I would have been crushed and would have needed a few minutes before I could face telling anyone; especially my oldest daughter who has loved this process and riding it with me. When I found out it was a contract offer I literally was jumping around the bathroom dancing…so maybe it was a good thing no one could see me! Then I burst out and nearly screamed; my book is being published!!

I got goose-bumps and a big grin reading that! :) What drew you to write your chosen genre?
My head is full of stories, I don’t know that I choose them…they just are there. So for me it’s always been contemporary stories of fiction that could happen. My debut novel is a romantic suspense…but most of my novels are not. I love to read and write novels that could happen…so I have the escape of fiction but I like the realistic feel that the story could possibly happen.

If you could be one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Kelly from my second book, Notorious. She is a tall,  famous model, rich, and able to do anything she wants in life…so kinda the opposite of the barely five foot, stay-at-home, writer-mom that I am! It’s fun to live other people’s lives, without disturbing my own!

What’s the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
Editing! I get the story down, the characters pretty much who I want them to be, with only a few plotting problems or conflict issues…but oh those mechanics. I spend much of my time on line edits…often more than it takes me to write the story. Many author’s indie publish nowadays without professional editing…and it makes me nuts. Fix the mistakes! Since it is such an issue for me I am hyper aware of it others.

You can't see me, but I'm nodded furiously here about the importance of professional editing! Has anything coincidental happened in the real world while writing one of your books in terms of the characters, scenes or world you’ve created?
 I wrote Poison in 2003, years later my best friend named her son the reverse of my character John Tyler. She had no idea I had written a novel or the characters names! A family member also married a John…I should have changed his name but once my characters are named it’s nearly impossible for me to call them by anything else!

Freaky! Great minds think alike, huh? :) Which one of your books is your ‘baby’ and why?
The first book in a trilogy I have called  Zenith Falling. It was way different kind of story for me for everything from the setting, to the careers, to the romance. And that made it challenging and extremely fun to write.

What are you working on right now?
Book #2 of a new series named River’s End. It is set in a fictional town based on a place I often vacation at in Eastern Washington which is a successful horse ranch run by four brothers… and eventually each brother has their own story to tell.  I am only a couple of chapter’s in but I can’t wait to get back to it, as I’ve been a bit distracted with publishing demands of late. But nothing is like working on a new novel!

Latest news?
Book #2 of my Seaclusion Series Notorious has been contracted and hopefully will be out soon. It is the story of the brother and sister of John and Cassie from Poison, and how they find their way together after being lost (for different reasons) in their own lives.

Great news! I love series books. Where can we find you and your books?
Poison is available on Amazon’s KDP Select for now.
As of July 5th, Poison will be available in print and other distributors. 


BLURB:
Cassie Reeves betrayed John Tyler a decade ago, but now, John is the only person Cassie can turn to for help protecting her son from her violent ex-husband. John’s quiet life as a small town doctor in Seaclusion, Washington has no place in it for Cassie, her son, or the feelings Cassie’s presence rekindles. John and Cassie’s mutual attraction reignites, despite everything that drove them apart a decade ago, and threatens to destroy them now. No matter how much Cassie has changed, and tried to right her past wrongs, there is no escaping her ex-husband. Cassie knows that only she can end what her ex-husband has started. But will she survive long enough to have a chance at the happiness that has escaped her for so long?

EXCERPT:
Cassie sighed and pushed the flowers onto the counter between them. She tidied her desk, avoiding his gaze. Finally she stood and gathered her things.
He watched her. He didn’t like hearing Tim was scared his mom wouldn’t come home from work. What kind of knowledge was that for a kid to have? Hell, he didn’t like that Cassie was scared that she wasn’t going to come home from work. He didn’t think anyone could fake the fear she had of the innocuous floral arrangement.
Cassie was just about to hustle past him, when he put a hand on her arm to stop her. She paused, looking at his hand, then up into his eyes. Her lips trembled. She quickly dropped her face from his view. She raised a hand to wipe at her cheeks. Tears?
Damn it all to hell. A stab of genuine sympathy filled him. He put a knuckle under her chin and forced her to look up him. Her eyes were glazed in moisture. She was trying not to cry. He swallowed, unsure why her efforts to hold back tears from him put a knot in his throat. Had he become so heartless with his anger that he couldn’t let her fear a man she seemed to think wanted to physically harm her?
“Cassie—”