OH, THAT MAN - Vonnie Davis

I am super excited today to be hosting one of my VERY favourite authors and people, Vonnie Davis.

I first came to know this lovely and very funny lady through our shared publisher, The Wild Rose Press. And then I read her first book, Storm's Interlude, and I fell in love, with Storm, Rachel, and Vonnie herself. I adore her work and know you will too. Trust me, pick up one of her books if you haven't already - you're in for a treat!

 

But I'll sit back now and let her cast her spell over you as well as she talks about meeting the hero of her latest book, Niko for the first time. Enjoy :)

 

LaVerne, I’m so excited to be here. Hugs to you for inviting me.

 

If you’re not a writer, you don’t understand how a character can grab you by the throat and control your life while you write his/her story. Whenever I speak of it to non-writers, they take a step back, their eyes darting back and forth for the nearest exit. I’ve learned to temper my remarks. But since you’re here, you’re either a writer or an avid reader interested in how writers think. So let me share one of my experiences with my hero in Mona Lisa’s Room, a romantic suspense set in Paris.

 

I had just drifted off to sleep one night when someone slammed our bedroom door. I sat straight up in the bed. What…what was that? I glanced at Calvin. He was snoring away. I must have been dreaming. I snuggled against Calvin and drifted off. Once more the door slammed. Only this time, I saw who did it—Niko, my hero, my French government agent.

 

I leaned up on my elbows, none too happy with his waking me again. “What? What do you want?”

 

“Watch.” His commanding tone of voice left no room for argument. We’d had similar late-night artistic confrontations before. I knew if I didn’t acquiesce to his demands, he’d just keep waking me.

 

So I watched Niko as he stormed back a hallway, his fists clenched. He opened the door to an interrogation room. Alyson, my heroine, was blindfolded and tied to a chair. He charged in the room and slammed the door. Her head snapped in the direction of the noise. Poof! The vision/dream/insight was over.

 

“That’s it?”

 

Silence.

 

“That’s all you’re showing me? Why are you so mad? Why is Alyson tied up? Wait, you woke me for that piddling little bit? I need more. Give me more.”

 

Calvin rolled over. “You want more, baby?”

 

Oh, for heaven’s sake!!!

 

It took me four chapters of set-up to get to that door slamming scene. I was not happy with my demanding hero.

 

Alyson, or Aly as Niko calls her, has been missing all day. He’s been frantically looking for her. Meanwhile she’s been arrested for solicitation due to a misunderstanding and her lousy French.

 

 

After Niko saw Marie-Clare placed safely into the hands of a female officer, he turned his attention to Aly. If she’d kept those fantastic legs of hers at the safe house where she belonged, none of this would have happened. He wouldn’t have gone though his own private hell. Josette, innocent soul that she was, might still be alive. Marie-Clare wouldn’t be mourning the loss of her friend.

 

Aly needed to be taught a lesson, and he planned on being the teacher from hell.

 

Niko opened the door to the interrogation room and stilled.

 

Aly’s head turned in the direction of the noise, a blindfold over her beautiful blue eyes.

 

His gaze swept over her and he willed himself to calm down.

 

She was safe.

 

She was unharmed.

 

In fact, the woman he worried over for the majority of the day was not only unscathed, she’d had her hair and nails done. His temper started to rise as he stared. Her hair was shorter now. A head-turning red. Large golden hoops drew attention to her pretty face, as if she needed any help. Clear fingernail polish had been replaced with dark red.

 

His back molars ground together. He thought of grabbing and shaking her. Damned if while he was slowly going insane with worry, she went shopping. He packed her clothes for her. If there’d been a skintight dress like the one hugging her very appealing curves, he would have remembered. The dress showed more cleavage than he liked for her to display to the world and rode too high on her thighs, exposing the bottom of the butterfly wings of her tattoo. The damn dress was little more than a naval napkin. What possessed her to buy such a thing?

 

While fear gnawed on his gut all afternoon, she was having a girl’s day out, visiting a beauty salon and shopping. He should shake the daylights out of her. His gaze dropped to her shoes and his tongue nearly rolled out onto the floor. Good Lord! His fingers itched to forge a trail over those legs. The woman was messing with his mind and his libido, making him weak with lust.

 

Just to startle her, he strode into the room and slammed the door behind him. He took pleasure in seeing her jump. Because he was so damned mad, he walked to the opposite side of the table from where she sat and frowned at her. If he got any closer, he would put his hands around her slender throat. Twenty four hours. He had only known this woman for twenty-four hours, and she had him tied into knots.

 

“Who…who’s there?” Her head turned slightly from side to side as if hoping to hone in on his presence.

 

If he spoke, she might recognize his voice. No, he would not speak just yet. Slowly, he walked the perimeter of the room, his gaze locked on her. How could a soft woman contain so much strength? How was he to protect himself from her and her sweet allure?

 

He made two slow trips around the perimeter of the room, his anger growing with each step. Had she no clue what she did to him? How scared she made him when she walked out of his life? Before he realized his intent, he banged his fist on the top of the table. She jumped. “What in God’s name were you thinking?” he yelled in French.

 

BLURB:

 

Gwen,

 

You won't believe this email. I'm sitting in a French safe house, eating caviar and drinking champagne with a handsome government agent, Niko Reynard. He's wearing nothing but silk pajama bottoms and mega doses of sex appeal. I'm in big trouble, little sister. He's kissed me several times and given me a foot massage that nearly caused spontaneous combustion. I'm feeling strangely virginal compared to the sexual prowess this thirty-year-old man exudes.

 

When I came to Paris for a bit of adventure, I never imagined I'd foil a bombing attempt, karate-kick two men, and run from terrorists while wearing a new pair of stilettos. I've met a German musician, a gay poet from Australia, and the most delightful older French woman.

 

Don't worry. I'm safe--the jury's still out on yummy Niko, though. The more champagne I drink, the less reserved I feel. What an unforgettable fortieth birthday!

 

Alyson

 

View the Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/MonaTrailer

BUY LINKS:

THE WILD ROSE PRESS (digital) -- http://bit.ly/MonaLisaDigital

THE WILD ROSE PRESS (paperback) -- http://bit.ly/MonaLisasRoom

AMAZON (paperback) -- http://amzn.to/QQZGyD

FIND ME ONLINE AT http://www.vonniedavis.com

BLOGGING AT http://www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com

Thank you, Vonnie. That was so much fun - and special thanks for the yummy visual of Niko! ;) 



Super Book Blast - Maggie Jaimeson

Welcome to another awesome Book Blast Tour. I love hearing about these great new books, don't you?! Get a gander at Maggie Jaimeson's second book in her Sweetwater Canyon series. Sounds like a great read doesn't it?! And just look at that cover...beautiful...

Maggie is also giving away goodies on this tour. Check it out:

One autographed cover flat will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter at each blog stop. In addition, Maggie will award a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) as a grand prize to one randomly selected commenter on this tour, and a $25 gift certificate to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) to a randomly drawn host. Good luck!
You must leave an email address to be entered into any of the drawings.

To add to your chances of winning, visit some of the other stops which you will find here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/super-book-blast-healing-notes-by.html

BLURB

Forgiving yourself is the first step, but helping others forgive may be just too hard.  

Rachel Cullen grew up in Scotland with a fiddle in her hand from the age of four. She couldn't imagine life as anything but a musician. When her husband brought her to America she was immediately embraced by the Celtic and Bluegrass communities. But after her divorce, Rachel's life is a mess.  

A year of trying to prove to herself that she's woman enough for any man, and then a vicious rape while on tour with the band, leaves Rachel reeling. When she meets Noel Kershaw, an English teacher who is poetry in motion, she is definitely attracted. But he has a young child and he's suffering from his own divorce. The last thing Rachel needs in life is more baggage.  

First, Rachel must reconcile who she is, what she wants, and how to get there. Maybe then she'll know how to be a part of the family she's always wanted. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt

Claire crawled onto a stool on the other side of the island and smiled.  Neither of them talked for several minutes as they listened to the water in the pot heat.

“When I grow up, I’m going to play with Sweetwater Canyon all the time.”

“Are you sure you want to hang out with all us old folks?”

“You’re not all old. Well maybe a little old. But Kat isn’t old.”

Rachel smiled. “That’s true. She’s only seventeen.” And going on twenty-five it seemed sometimes.

“Oh, seventeen? That is old.” Claire put a finger to her lips and furrowed her brow. “How old do I have to be to play in the band all the time?”

“Probably at least eighteen.”

“But, you just said Kat—”

“Kat is different, because her mother plays in the band and can watch her all the time.”

“Well, you can watch me all the time. You can be my mother.”

Rachel gulped.

“Well, can’t you?”

“Can’t she what?” Noel walked in the room and lifted Claire off the chair in a big hug, swinging her around the room. “Can’t she what? She can do anything she wants.”

“See,” Claire leaned forward and looked at Rachel over Noel’s shoulder. “See, even Daddy thinks you can be my mother.”

“Whoa.” Noel set Claire back on the stool. “I’m not sure what I walked in on here.” He sent an accusing glance to Rachel. “You already have a mother, Claire.”

“I know. Not my real mother. My second mother. You know, like my friend, Megan. Her mommy and daddy got divorced and her daddy married a new mommy. So, Megan has two mommies now.  See?  Rachel can be my second mommy. Okay?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The cool signed cover flat ONE lucky commenter from Novel Natterings will win!
GOOD LUCK!

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Maggie Jaimeson writes romantic women’s fiction and romantic suspense with a near future twist. She describes herself as a wife, a step-mother, a sister, a daughter, a teacher and an IT administrator. By day she is “geek girl” – helping colleges to keep up with 21st century technology and provide distance learning options for students in rural areas. By night Maggie turns her thoughts to worlds she can control – worlds where bad guys get their comeuppance, women triumph over tragedy, and love can conquer all.

HEALING NOTES is the second book in the Sweetwater Canyon Series of four books.  The final two books will be available in 2013.

Website: http://maggiejaimeson.com

Blog: http://maggiemeandering.blogspot.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-Jaimeson/118916694787820

Twitter: @maggiejaimeson

 

Don't forget to leave a comment for Maggie to be in the draw to win those great prizes!

Release for hot, new "Vegas" Series – Are you feeling lucky?

Today, I have the wonderfully funny and innovative Mimi Barbour on my blog. If you've read any of her Vicarage Bench series stories, you'll know why I say innovative. What a great take on time-travel is all I'll say for fear of spoiling it for anyone :) Go check them out!

Mimi has a wonderful new series release and a great contest going which sounds like a lot of fun. I'll let her tell you all about them :)

Thank you LaVerne for letting me visit your blog today and for your support in helping me spread the news about my new series called "Vegas"

 

 

This is release day for the new romantic suspense

Vegas Series by Mimi Barbour

"Partners" Book One in the new Romantic Suspense Vegas Series. 

Riveting and fast-paced, this short blockbuster will introduce you to Aurora Morelli and Kai Lawson, the characters who are the stars of the Vegas Series.

In this novel, Aurora is forced to accept one very difficult fact—she's lonesome for her partner Debbie. An attack by a maniac put paid to their working together and Aurora is pissed. She's out to get the madman who hurt her friend and God help anyone who gets in her way.  Therefore when a new partner is forced on her, a bloody hotshot no less, the kind of dude she always stays as far away from as possible, she's even more pissed.

This action–packed short is humorous and will sweep you into the lives of these Las Vegas Detectives.

 

Short Excerpt – Chapter One
 

So this is what missing someone feels like. Kind of sad and lonely mashed together, eating away at you all day long. Aurora had never felt this way before; wouldn’t have given herself permission. This time the annoying ache refused to stop

She seldom allowed gloomy thoughts to grab hold and mess with her head. But looking around the small office assigned to her and another, seeing the empty desk, sorrow gnawed away until she gave in. Her old partner Deb left behind a hollow emptiness, a sensation she wouldn’t ever admit to anyone else. What did you expect? She chastised herself. Not having the person you trust more than anyone else in the world backing you up sucked big time.

Two weeks ago, life had been normal. She’d gone to get a cup of the sludge they called coffee and left Debbie working on their backlog of case files. Returning to their office, Lieutenant Cory Ashton had caught up with her and they’d stepped into the room together, both coming to a dead stop. Debbie, who’d lately taken to the layered look with sloppy clothes, had bent over to pick something up from the floor and everything had draped open— her pregnant belly had been revealed for all to see.

 

"Roll the Dice" Book Two in the romantic suspense Vegas Series.

“You shot me!” Aurora is incensed. Her new partner shrugs and answers. “I saved your life.” From the very first page of this riveting story, these two battle for supremacy in trying to catch the serial rapist who ripped both their lives apart. With all her might, she fights the attraction to his baby blues that tease and start her internal warning devices humming. After all, her job is her life and determination has always been her lifeline.

Kai has a mission of honor to undertake. The man who’d raped his sister can’t be allowed to live. After all, she hadn’t! Revenge fills his soul while visions of his new partner fills his heart. The sassy woman rattles his calm, and he can’t keep his hands to himself. Doesn’t mean she has the power to stop him from doing what has to be done.

 

Short Excerpt – Chapter One
 

“You shot me!"

“You told me to.”

“Dumb shit!” Aurora pushed her new partner from hovering over her so she could sit up. “I didn't mean it. I just wanted you to scare Rhondo.” She felt blood poring from the wound on her arm and purposely kept her head turned away.

“Shooting you did scare him. He let you go, didn't he?”

Aurora frowned at him. Why did his voice have to sound so damn reasonable?

“What-ever!” She hoped her scorn would get to him.

“Hey! I saw his eyes, you didn’t.  He had every intention of using that knife. You know, the sharp one he had pressed against your throat. If I’d shot him instead of you…” He shrugged.

Aurora shuddered, fighting off nausea. She didn’t want to listen to reason. Being angry made the situation a whole lot easier to deal with. Sarcasm, the best weapon she had in a macho man's environment, replaced whining.

She glared at him and saw his shapely eyebrows rise. The light of the bulb hanging from the ceiling of the cruddy apartment haloed his head making the bare skin shine.  “Just my frigging luck to end up with a partner who thinks and looks like Bruce Willis."

Kai chuckled. Her glower put a quick end to his merriment. He tried changing the subject with sweet talk. "I've been told I have a nicely shaped head for being bald."

"Sure and it goes swell with your baby-blue eyes." She sneered on purpose. No way would she admit he did look good.

His response was a grunt of displeasure. “Are you always this crabby?”

Disbelief shone in her amazed expression. “Not at all…” She said, disdain evident. “…only when I’ve been shot.”

"Vegas" Contest Rules

(Sept 15 – Sept 30th)

1. Read the book called "Roll the Dice".

2. Write an honest review for Amazon.

3. Send a copy of Amazon's notice to

mimibarbour@hotmail.com

 

Then…

you'll have a chance at being the lucky winner of a

$50 Amazon Gift Certificate

 

I've purposely set the price of the book down to $.99 for this contest and on Sept 19 & 20 it will be promoted in the

www.Freepartay.com

 

and will be …

 

…you guessed it!

FREE!!!

 

Good Luck!!!

You can find Mimi on the web here:
Website, Twitter, Blog, Facebook

Let's Get This Party Started!!

Welcome everyone and thanks for joining me in celebrating Affinity's release day!!

Before I go any further - I just want to give a big shout-out and express my gratitude to my wonderful, intelligent and patient editor, Frances Sevilla from The Wild Rose Press. Fran - you were a dream to work with. Thanks so much for helping Affinity shine and for turning it into the story I always dreamed it could be - and for letting me know when my kiwi-slang was too confusing for the American market! I can't wait to work with you again.

Just as a reminder - this is what it's all about....

In the wrong hands, Jenna Thomas’s legacy could be a curse—in her mind it already is.

As a child, a routine x-ray awakened an abnormality in Jenna’s DNA giving her the ability to “call” creatures and take on their attributes. Labeled a freak since then, Jenna’s learned to keep everyone at a distance. But all that changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning, and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman, witnesses part of the drama. Captivated by Jenna’s exotic beauty, he decides to investigate, not sure what to believe. Jenna puts his cynicism to the test—even as the attraction between them grows.

As word of her extraordinary rescue spreads, a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to control Jenna’s abilities draws near. With her feelings for Nick putting him in danger too, can Jenna risk everything to protect them both?

“Back off everyone, give us room,” boomed Nick with authority. Everyone took a step back. An attractive woman holding a microphone stepped into the created space. Her phony smile flashed teeth like a shark. Circling, she came in for the kill, her cameraman capturing the moment.

“Are you the lady who jumped in to save the boy? What made you do something so heroic? Witnesses say you were under for over ten minutes. How is this possible?”

The questions fired at her like a volley of bullets. Jenna flinched as each one hit its mark. She couldn’t answer honestly without sounding like a freak. So she said nothing, burying her head into Nick’s chest. His arms tightened around her. The subtle turning of his body shielded her from all those eyes.

He pitched his voice to address the crowd. “It’s been a traumatic event for everyone involved, and as you can imagine, it’s not over for us yet. We’ve no comment to make at this stage, so please, give us some time to come to terms with what’s happened. Thank you.”

“Could you at least give me a little snippet, Sergeant Hawke?” pouted the reporter, pushing her chest out and fluttering her lashes.

Jenna’s spine went rigid. A sick feeling of dread settled in the pit of her belly.

Police. Nick is a policeman. Dear God, I’m in trouble.

 Her head pounded and her hands shook. His arm tightened when she tried to pull away, holding her firmly in place. Any other person she could have fobbed off. Now she understood his aura of authority, his all-seeing gaze and concern at the thought of a child left alone in her car. He would be relentless uncovering the truth.

Some of the swag I'll be giving away...

Make your presence heard. Feel free to ask any questions whether its about the book, or my writing life, or any other burning question you can think of. Every comment goes in the draw for spot prizes -regardless of where you live in the world! Enter as many times as you like.

I will be updating the blog during the day, so make sure you come back regularly to find out what else has been going on while you were gone :) HINT: It might just involve a page number game - but beware - it could get a little hot and steamy! ;)

Release Day Invite to All!

Hello my lovely Novel Natterings friends.

Well - the day is drawing nearer and I couldn't be more excited! Affinity, my romantic fantasy novella is due to be released Wednesday 27th June 2012. Yahoooo and Woot - and even WOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!  :)

To celebrate - I'm going to be hosting a party with lots of giveaways, exclusive excerpts from the book and even a Kiwi-themed surprise or two and YOU are invited. And just to prove it - here is your official invite:

In the wrong hands, her legacy could be a curse - in her mind, it already is.

Feel free to extend the invite to anyone else you think might like to join in the fun. I hope to see you here if you get the chance - and just because I'm excited, I feel another celebratory yodel coming on...

Woohooooo!!!

A new Jewel of the Night story

I was so excited to see a new release in the Jewel of the Night series. Not only is the series close to my heart because this is the home of my own debut novella, but because each and every story I've read so far has been fabulous. I've been taken to countries all over the world, been transported to different eras and the characters in them are all unforgettable from the worst villain imaginable to the most delicious heroes. If you love books to keep you on the edge of your seat, yet thrill you with sensual love scenes and real emotion, I guarantee this series will not let you down.

Lets hear a little about the newest release titled, Blue Ice by Donna Dalton.
Hi Donna, lovely to have you here. Tell us a bit about yourself and your latest release.

   

I’ve been writing for The Wild Rose Press since 2007 when they contracted my full length historical romance, IRISH DESTINY. Since then, I have published two other historicals and several novellas.  When the call came out for the JEWEL OF THE NIGHT series, I was intrigued.  Although historical romance is my first love, I enjoy reading and writing contemporary romantic suspense.

Writing for this series wasn’t difficult at all. The requirements were quite simple; they wanted stories that involved thieves, a blue diamond, and a high level of danger. It didn’t take long for me to hit upon my story idea. I remembered watching a television series called IT TAKES A THIEF, where reformed thieves staged break-ins that were filmed and shown back to the home-owners. I started asking myself “what-if”, and soon had a basic plot formulated.

Although there was a deadline for submitting to the series, the journey to get this story published went smoothly. I set weekly goals and paced myself and soon had the manuscript ready for submission. Not long after, BLUE ICE was contracted.

My favorite part of BLUE ICE is when Addison realizes she’s been pushing away the one thing she needs – Garrett. From the beginning, she fought her attraction for the Texan. Everyone she ever loved had betrayed her. Why would Garrett be any different. Yet, as they work together, she begins to see that he is nothing like all the others. He’s loyal and kind and puts her safety before his own. Loving Garrett is like coming home after a long journey, and she finds she’s ready to open her heart and let him in.

In keeping with my love of romantic suspense and historicals, I am currently working on a story that combines both. It’s set at the end of the American Civil War when emotions are running high after the assassination of President Lincoln. The hero and heroine become embroiled in the search for the killer. It’s an exciting story to write, and I can’t wait to get it finished so readers can enjoy it.

I can be reached through The Wild Rose Press at www.thewildrosepress.com or on my website at www.donnadalton.net.  I’m hosting a contest on my website where the winner will be awarded a $10.00 (ten dollar) gift certificate. Stop by and give me a holler J

BLURB

Reformed jewel thief Addison Hayes wants to make a fresh start. A new television series featuring rehabilitated thieves staging break-ins seems perfect. The only snag? Her handsome co-host Garrett Powell—his Texas drawl makes her body sing. But seven years behind bars taught her that romance and business don’t mix.

Garrett Powell only signed on for the TV show to satisfy a debt and get his life back on track. Fellow inmate Jimmy Patterson once saved his life and in repayment, Garrett agreed to secretly look out for Jimmy’s protégé, Addison. But Addison’s spunk and intelligence soon have Garrett wishing there could be more between them.

When a rare blue diamond necklace they stole for the show goes missing, Addison and Garrett have to join forces to clear their names. With gun-toting thugs and the law after them, can they find the jewel—and each other—before it’s too late?

EXCERPT

Body heat and the spicy scent of aftershave enveloped her. Her pulse revved like an engine on nitro. Garrett Powell. For a geeky security alarm system analyst with a short rap sheet, he was good. Damn good. She hadn’t heard him approach. Hadn’t even heard him while he looted the upstairs bedrooms. Was she getting soft?

She pulled a box off the closet shelf and returned her focus to the task at hand.  “Are you finished upstairs?”

“Yep," he replied. “All set. You?”                       

She lifted the box lid and pushed back the lavender-scented packing paper. Italian leather gloves and silk scarves. Excellent quality. “Only this closet left.” She dumped the contents of the box into her sack. “Did you find anything worth taking?”

“A couple of Louis Vuitton purses and a pair of Manolos. Excellent condition.” His southern accent gave the renowned brand names a comical twist.

She smiled, amused, an emotion she’d been short on lately. “Anything else?”

“Some electronics...two cell phones, a Blackberry, and an iPod. And a nice vintage coin collection.”
The Texan knew his hot commodities. “Jewelry?” she asked.

“Ha. Can’t stop yourself, can you, darlin’?”

She bit down on a curt reply and shoved the box onto the shelf. No need in getting her temper up.
She’d have to get used to such comments if she wanted to work with him in the future. The Texan had discovered her Achilles heel and appeared to enjoy poking at it.


Thanks so much for stopping by Donna! Don't forget to visit Donna's blog for the chance to win a gift voucher - good luck! : ) 

Red Hot Release - Riley Quinn

The winner of the e-copy of Guardian of the Jewel is...Maeve! Thanks for stopping by Maeve.


Please help me welcome Riley Quinn to this second installment of the Jewel of the Night series.

Riley's book, "Blood Diamond" has already received some great reviews, and I can tell you from my own experience, you will be blown away with the world she draws you into. Leave a comment and be in to win your very own e-copy of Blood Diamond. Good luck!

* * * *

Thanks for having me today, LaVerne.

I first heard about the Jewel of the Night series last fall. A friend who was already published with The Wild Rose Press forwarded the information on to me. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. Only one problem, I couldn’t think of a story!

So I shoved it to the back of my mind. Then one day I was watching a rerun of Bones, the pilot episode where she’s walking through the airport with a skull. I got to thinking about how physical anthropologists (those that study bones) sometimes went to exotic locations for work. Just that little thought really got the creative juices flowing.

What other kinds of professions required travel like that? Where would I want the action to take place? I didn’t know much about diamonds so Google was my friends. After searching “blue diamonds” for a while, I came across an article that talked about the Republic of Congo getting sanctioned in 2004 for having too many diamonds exported when there were no mines.

Ooh, what could I do with that? So I thought some more. My characters starting talking to me. Around this time last year, I had the kernel of an idea. After the first of the year, I started writing. I turned some pages into a critique group I’m a member of and got some pages of someone’s else’s story about a blue diamond.

What are the chances? So I emailed her and we chatted back and forth. We decided to work with each other to get our stories done and out there. We met for writing sprints. We helped work out plot holes. We helped figure out what our characters were trying to say. We both made the March 31 deadline. I’m proud to say we both got picked up. My book, Blood Diamond released December 1 and my partner in crime, Rachel Lynne’s book comes out December 22.

I had a great time writing my story, thanks in part to working with another author. Writing can be lonely work and for me being in Europe, even more so because of the time difference. I loved my characters and seeing them learn to trust each other. But best of all, I loved the location of the story.

I’ve never been to the Congo jungle where my story is set. I did a LOT of research and I hope it comes across as realistic. It gave me some extra options to add suspense. I hope that my readers enjoy the exotic locale as well.


Blurb:
Dodging an angry warlord and running through the rain forest in Congo Brazzaville was not what Jillian St. James expected when she signed up with Doctors Without Borders. Yet that’s exactly what she gets after a mysterious visit from her brother.
Mercenary Mack Nichols doesn’t have much faith in humanity these days. When the beautiful young doctor denies being part of the theft of a blue diamond from his client, he doesn’t put much stock in her story.
Neither have reason to trust the other and their mutual attraction is an inconvenience to both. A betrayal and the reveal of an evil plan pit these two against an army. Can they put aside their doubts and work together to bring down a corrupt, power-hungry overlord or will their chance at love be over before it ever starts?



Excerpt:
“Are you all right, Jillian?”
The husky timber of his voice sent another shiver through her, this time having nothing to do with fear.
How could she be aroused after being scared so bad? Especially with a man like this one, a man who worked for the General. She was one sick puppy.
“Jillian?” A hand came down on her shoulder and she jumped.
Finally lifting her head, she ignored Mack and trained her attention on the log where she’d been sitting. As recognition set in, her entire body began to shake and her heart pounded so hard she feared cracking a rib. Dear God. A yellow-green snake with ridged scales lay in two pieces on the log she’d occupied. Eyes the same color of its body stared sightlessly toward the fire.
She swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. “Is that—”
“An African Bush Viper? Yep. I think in the firelight, your hand must have looked like dinner.” Though the snake now lay dead, Mack’s voice still sounded strained.
She stood on shaky legs. “I didn’t even see it there.”
“I’m not surprised. It had coiled its tail around the branch overhead and dropped from there.”
If he hadn’t seen the highly poisonous snake, she’d be dead right now. She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his throat. She heard a thud and then his arms were around her, surrounding her in a blanket of safety. For the first time, she thought maybe he really would keep his promise.

Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/blood-diamond-p-4332.html?zenid=3467be87fcef7a20661864de9906a871

I enjoyed stopping by today and talking about my story. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask away. Again, thanks, LaVerne for sharing your space with me.

It's a pleasure Riley : )

Be sure to stop by next post where Christine DePetrillo stops by to talk about her story, Lazuli Moon.

So I've started a blog...now what?

Ahem...Ok, I guess I introduce myself first : )


To those who don't know me, I'm a recently published author for The Wild Rose Press. They are the fantabulous company who affirmed I could write and made my manuscript Guardian of the Jewel the wonderful book that it is today.

www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=172_196&products_id=4283


It's been a fairytale start for me in this publishing world, and so who better to interview me than the review site, Once Upon A Romance, on the release of my debut novel? They also reviewed Guardian (a nail-biting experience!) and awarded it four stars. You can find the full interview here: http://http//www.onceuponaromance.net/LaVerneClarkInterview.htm


We own an ex-racing greyhound whom we adopted over a year and a half ago now. I've fallen deeply in love with her, and lay the blame squarely at her four paws of why I've become involved with the charity Greyhounds As Pets. I'm the area coordinator for our region of Godzone, and help to find new homes for Jazzy's kennel mates once they've finished racing. It's slow progress, but we are getting a presence out there now. Jazzy and I have featured in a couple of magazine articles and one newspaper article so far. Next on the agenda are school visits and Rotary club presentations, mixed in with a bit of sausage sizzle fundraisers. Here we are pictured in our local Santa Parade last weekend. Extremely hot weather - but it was a blast!




Just in case it's not obvious - our theme was Shrek - I'd just forgotten to paint myself green!








That's it from me, until next time, see you around!

LaVerne