• Author Interviews,  Contemporary

    Mainstream: Celtic Destinies @kissastarling #RLFblog

    Clarissa: Celtic Destinies

    Kissa Starling, welcome
    to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Clarissa: Book One in the
    Celtic Destinies Series.

    Genre: Mainstream
    Publisher: Red Rose
    Publishing
    Cover artist: Shirley
    Burnett
    Length: 31,676
    Heat rating: Sensual
    Tagline: Reuniting ghost
    lovers proves to be the easy task. How will she ever find her own true destiny?
    Blurb:
    Clarissa has traveled
    halfway around the world to Scotland
    hoping to escape her sordid past and begin anew. What she finds is two unruly children,
    a single father who travels, a elderly cook and a couple of ghosts who demand to
    be reunited. It’s hard to figure out who plans to give her the most trouble- the
    children or the ghost of a kind long since passed. Will it all be worth it in the
    end and what must Clarissa do to obtain her own happiness?
    Buy links:
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and
    occupations?
    Clarissa Randolph is
    an ex-stripper turned nanny. She is in her late twenties.
    William Kirkland is
    in his late thirties. He is a business man and lord of his castle. He has recently
    become Clarissa’s boss since she is nanny to his two children, Gregory and Sally.

    Interview

    Tell us about your story’s
    world. What is it like in this period or place?
    Scotland
    is the setting and one I love oh so much. I am really into genealogy and a few years
    ago I went all the way back to the 1600’s for both my family and my husband’s. His
    family is from Scotland and part
    of mine from Ireland.
    We both love anything medieval. I can only imagine going there one day and seeing
    the castles, moors and hills where our ancestors loved, laughed and played.
    Which character in your
    current book do you think readers will like the most? Why?
    I believe it may be Daisy. She is the master’s cook/housekeeper.
    She isn’t a main character in this book, but she will appear in all of the series
    books. She’s eccentric and different and she may possibly have a story of her own
    one day!
    Why do you write?
    It’s the only way I’ve found to effectively get the voices out
    of my head. Ha, ha. I am partially kidding. The characters do talk to me once I
    begin their stories. I had one character invade my dreams for several nights until
    I understood she didn’t want her sexual business out there for the whole world to
    see. She wasn’t that type of girl! I rewrote a few scenes and the result worked
    perfectly. Now I’m more apt to listen when they talk.
    When you’re not writing,
    what would we find you doing?
    I love to be outdoors. My dog loves it too so we do a lot of
    walking. Usually we let my husband come along too. I go to the movies a lot, drive-ins
    are my favorite. There’s nothing like tailgating and then watching them slip the
    film onto those huge reels. (They let me come in and watch.) I love driving down
    roads when I don’t know where they go. I find the best shortcuts that way. If my
    day includes reading, writing, spending time with the hubby and cuddling with my
    cat it’s a good day.
    What other jobs have you
    held besides writing?
    I have to laugh at this question because answering what jobs
    I haven’t held would be easier. Let’s see how many I can remember- cashier at a
    children’s clothing store, cashier at the mall, waitress, hostess, cook, dishwasher,
    worked at a truck stop, cashier at a convenient store, gas attendant, babysitter,
    telemarketer for carpet, magazines and donations, housekeeper at a motel, custodian,
    cafeteria worker, substitute teacher, afterschool teacher, tutor, maid, I pressed
    shirts and sewed on buttons at a drycleaner, I put together plastic car parts by
    the garbage bag full, assistant teacher, counselor, survey taker, house sitter,
    I transported people to doctor’s appointments, I sold Mary Kay for a few years,
    and I remember several lemonade stands along the way!
    What are you currently
    reading for fun? Anything for research?
    I love research! Love it, love it. I often find myself researching
    above and beyond my topic when I should have already started writing. When I wrote
    PS – I Love You, I spent hours watching videos of Woodstock. Oh, the music back then…. Right now
    I am into zombies and I’m reading a lot of zombie books. I collect cookbooks and
    always have one on the bedside table to be read. My research library is what some
    might say is extensive.
    What’s the best gift you
    ever received?
    This one is easy, a screen for my bedroom window. I enjoy leaving
    the windows open and sleeping with fresh air coming in, even in the winter. Alas
    my house has no screens on the windows. My husband went to Home Depot to buy me
    one and they told him they don’t make them in that size. One day I came home from
    work to find one screen on my bedroom windows and a smiling husband with many cuts
    on his hands. He spent the entire day making me a custom screen to fit. It melted
    my heart.
    If you could time travel
    what era would be your first stop?
    I would go into the future to 3000. I know a lot about my ancestors
    and things they did in the past and while I’d love to meet them in person I’d like
    to meet some of my descendants even more. What happens to my great, great grand-daughter?
    Is she the first female president? What is she driving? Eating? Doing for fun? Does
    she wonder about me? And most importantly, does she need my help? I love being there
    for family.
    I am continually working on learning to play the guitar. I have
    short arms so I use a child’s size guitar to learn on. My father can play anything
    with strings and I am so jealous because I love music. He is teaching me. We’ve
    started over several times. I tend to quit when my fingers get sore. I’ll get there.
    Banjos are so cool.
    Experience the many sides of Kissa Starling

    Please complete the sentence

    I love pizza with everything except anchovies
    (which I’ve never attempted to eat!) Onions and sausage are my favorite.
    I’m always ready for a road trip.
    When I’m alone, I wonder where everyone is.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I was born
    up north. My deep southern accent masks it.
    If I had a halo it
    would be sparkly with ribbons hanging down.
    If I could speak Spanish fluently I’d
    go live in South America for a while.
    I can never stop buying books because
    well, I’d die!

    Previous Books

    The Lifestyle Series:
    Robert’s Story
    Chalan’s Story
    Rick’s Story
    Carl’s Story
    Aidan’s Story
    Swing Pointe
    Goldi
    All I Ever Wanted
    Toy Box
    The Untrained Housewife
    Angel’s Wish
    Candy Kisses
    Sweet Kisses & Lesbian Wishes
    Profiling
    Cracker Cowgirl
    I have several short stories in print anthologies
    as well.
    I also have a few books out by my alter ego K.
    Starling who only writes sweet romance.
    Kismet
    The Last Waltz
    I Should Have Kissed You
    Sweet Tea Maggie

    Books Coming Soon

    I have a short story, Pinky, coming in the Serving
    Him anthology from Cleis Press in March. http://amzn.com/1573449253/
    Luciano’s Story, book 6 in the Lifestyle Series,
    will be released this year at Red Rose Publishing- http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1296
    Classical Rules has been contracted by Sapphire
    Publishing and is set to be released in the Uniforms Optional anthology sometime
    this spring. I don’t have a link for that one yet.
    I plan on submitting several more short stories
    this year and I’m working on a full length novel as well. (my first!!!)
    Contest
    I’d love to give away a pdf copy of Clarissa
    to one lucky reader.
    Find Me Here
    Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/kissastarling
  • Author Marketing

    Fitness Model: John Quinlan @JohnJQuinlan #RLFblog

    John Quinlan, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited
    to have you here today. Thank you for taking time to talk to us. Let’s jump right
    in with questions.

    Please give us your professional bio.
    I have been involved in athletics, professional wrestling, fitness
    and modeling over the years since the age of 19. I have been an image model for
    dozens of apparel brands over the years along with appearing in television documentaries,
    commercials, art gallery print work and having my likeness used on children’s literature
    book covers. I have been a spokesmodel for apparel brands as far away as Japan and Asia just
    to name a few. I am also a Physique model competitor and a current Romance Novel
    Cover model as well. I have been a supplement company image model who is currently
    signed as a sponsored athlete with Athletic Xtreme Supplement Co.
    Now, tell us about you as a person.
    To be honest I am happy-go lucky type guy that is ego and attitude
    free. Once you are my friend I will always do my best to be one of the good guys.
    People tell me I have a unique look that sets me apart from other models in the
    business. I love being unique and different as many have often told me, “hey, I
    remember you….you’re the model guy with the tattoos.” I have been referred to as
    the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world by people in passing which
    I think is very cool and I am truly humbled by all the kindness I have received
    from all the amazing people like you Kayelle.
    You have many tattoos. Which one is the most significant to
    you and why?
    Yeah, I have a bunch which includes 2 half sleeves, both wrists,
    stomach, back and fingers etc. I am told I wear them well so it’s all good as I
    try to keep myself in good physical condition so my ink compliments my body. The
    most significant is a tough one to answer as they all have deep meaning but one
    I will mention is on my left wrist which is the oriental Kanji “Family” symbol inside
    my left wrist that represents my children.
    What part did your upbringing have in who you are today?
    I was brought up to treat people the way they want to be treated
    and I think if you ask anybody that really knows me they would say I am the poster
    boy for this.
    What do you wish was different about your past and why?
    I believe everything happens for a reason. All the events that
    have taken place in my past have brought me to this point I am at right now so really
    wouldn’t change much. If I had to be honest the only topic I would like to see removed
    from my past would have to be all injuries I sustained throughout my years in the
    fitness world. There are too many to name but they were always preventing me from
    being 100%.
    As a child, who was your best friend? Tell us about him/her.
    My best friend was my dog London. He was a Golden Retriever and he lived
    to be 16 years old because he was loved so much. I had lots of great friends that
    I went to school with as a child but this dog was the best man! Still miss him as
    he represents my childhood.
    Who is your childhood hero?
    As a boy I was a huge baseball fan and being from Boston growing up in the 80’s
    Wade Boggs was my childhood hero. I remember the very first time I saw him at Fenway Park
    and he was God like. I collected all of his cards so when I saw him in person it
    was very memorable.
    What’s your favorite movie of all time?
    Great question Kayelle, I would have to say ‘Wedding Crashers’
    as it is one of those movies I can watch over and over again and it is still funny
    everytime.
    Imagine you could spend as much money on your hobby as you
    liked and not worry about the cost or place to keep things. Describe your hobby
    and what the area would be like where you indulge in it.
    I would collect everything from classic cars, trucks and motorcycles
    with a mega storage place to show them off where I and all my friends could enjoy
    them. Guys with tattoos are supposed to like this stuff! Ha ha ha!
    Describe a place of perfect refuge.
    Have you ever seen the Corona
    beer commercial of the guy sitting there in the chair and you see him from the back?
    He reaches over and takes a sip from the Corona
    bottle and skips a stone in the beautiful green/blue water while he just sits in
    the warm sun on the beach without a care in the world. That is my perfect refuge.
    If you could time travel, what era would be your first stop?
    The 1950’s! I loved all the old school sports from that time
    and I was also a big fan of the movie, ‘Back to The Future’ as a kid. It was a simple
    time and I would love to see just how sweet it was.
    Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t
    done yet?
    Jump out of a plane would be really something. Hopefully the
    parachute would be nice to me and open up on time and not get jammed up!
    Are you a cat person or a dog person?
    Dog baby! I have nothing against cats or people who have them
    as I am a true animal lover. Love em’ all BUT I did grow up with many canines in
    my house so I am a bit biased here.
    Do you prefer light or dark chocolate or no chocolate at all?
    Everybody has to love chocolate as I can eat pounds of the stuff
    in one sitting! I love all chocolate as I don’t discriminate but if I was to be
    picky and choose I would have to say light or milk as the dark taste is a bit stronger.
    But really just give me a wheelbarrow of it all mixed up and I will enjoy shoveling
    it down no problem!
    What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask and answer it
    now.
    I often get asked this question as a model, “Will you ever go
    all the way?” I am surprised you didn’t ask this but my answer to this is if the
    money is right and all the “stars in the sky align perfectly” baring all is never
    out of the question.

    Fun Questions — Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with extra cheese.
    I’m always ready for a challenge.
    When I’m alone, I wish I wasn’t alone.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I have scars.
    If I had a halo it would be because I was good to others and
    earned it.
    If I could live everyday like it’s my last I’d die
    a happy man with no regrets.
    I can never have an attitude towards great people in the Romance
    Model world like Kayelle Allen
    because it’s the people like her that make
    models like me, without people like her guys like me are nothing.

    Upcoming Appearances

    I have a few but the only one I can confirm right now is the
    2013 RT Booklovers Convention in Kansas
    City. I will be there all day Saturday May 4th.

    Find Me Here

    Web Gallery and Updates by Patric: http://johnquinlan.org/
  • Book Release,  Contemporary

    Contemporary: Real Men Don’t… @ColeenKwan #rlfblog

    Coleen Kwan, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Real Men Don’t Break Hearts.

    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Publisher: Entangled Publishing
    Cover artist: Jessica Cantor
    Length: 277 pages
    Heat rating: sweet
    Tagline: Enemy. Playboy. Landlord. The perfect fling?
    Blurb:
    Ally Griffin is horrified to learn her new landlord is none other
    than the infuriating playboy Nate Hardy–the man she blames for getting her jilted
    at the altar six years ago. Plus, now her ex-fiancé is back in their hometown of
    Burronga, Australia, to marry his beautiful new bride…for real this time. Everybody’s
    treating Ally with kid gloves, as though she’s still heartbroken, but she’s just
    fine, thank you very much.
    Nate Hardy is tired of his high-flying city career and bachelor
    lifestyle and is looking for something more real. The last thing he needs is to
    find himself undeniably attracted to Ally, the woman with whom he never saw eye-to-eye.
    But is he even capable of what Ally wants and deserves?
    As Ally tries to pull her life out of the rut it’s fallen in,
    she doesn’t count on Nate stirring up her emotions. A short-term fling with the
    resident bad boy is practically irresistible, but only if she can guard her heart…
    Buy links:
    Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/SWsoPn
    iTunes http://bit.ly/Ujr1JE
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Ally Griffin, 25, gift store owner.
    Nate Hardy, 29, former finance whizz, now landscaper.

    Interview

    What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
    as compared to when you first started writing?
    The most important thing I do is write on a regular basis. When
    I first started writing I’d wait for inspiration, and I’d give up as soon as I hit
    a rough patch. Now, I know how important it is to stick to my daily word count and
    to hang in there on the difficult days when the words won’t come, because persistence
    pays off.
    If you could change something about your first book, what
    would it be?
    Asher’s Dilemma
    I would make my heroine more proactive. I would also pay much
    more attention to editing my work and try to eliminate passive writing and over
    description.
    What do you enjoy most about writing?
    I love creating my characters and getting lost in their stories.
    I like it that my characters can say and do things I wouldn’t be able to!
    If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it
    be?
    That’s a tough question. I would most likely choose Jessica Page
    Morrell. She’s a writing teacher and coach, and I always find her inspiring.
    If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what
    would it be?
    I would tell myself to make time for writing, even if it’s just
    a few hours on the weekend. I would tell myself to finish that book, then write
    another and another, and try to improve with each one.
    How do you cope with stress as an author?
    I’m a great believer in To Do lists. If I have all my chores
    written down, they seem more manageable, and there’s something very satisfying about
    ticking each task off as it’s done. I’m also a great believer in chocolate! Whether
    it’s a rejection, a looming deadline, or a story that won’t work, chocolate always
    eases the stress.
    Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only
    one hour to pack and leave, and it starts as soon as you finish this interview.
    What will you take with you and where will you go?
    I can’t go anywhere without my contact lenses, so that would
    be the first thing I pack. I’d take some T-shirts, shorts, and jeans, and I’d go
    on a luxury tour around China, taking in the Great Wall, Shangri-La, and Xian. Of
    course, I’d have to take my family along, too.
    Where were you at midnight, on December 31st when the new
    century started?
    I was near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and I watched the
    fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour.
    What do you like to do when you’re bored?
    I have to confess I watch a lot of TV! I enjoy shows like The
    Office, Doctor Who, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds. My teenage daughter has also
    put me onto shows like Parks and Recreation, and Community.
    Please underline which statement is more like you:
    “I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”
    “I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because
    I do things as fast as possible.”

    Please complete the sentences

    I love pizza with BBQ chicken.
    I’m always ready for a nap.
    When I’m alone, I daydream.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I daydream a lot!
    If I had a halo it would be so cool.
    If I could fly I’d trim the annoying climber growing on my house.
    I can never wear lipstick because it always feels sticky and yucky.

    Find Me Here

    Website: http://coleenkwan.com
    Blog: http://coleenkwan.com
  • Character Interviews,  Contemporary

    Character Interview: Meredith @emkayconnor #RLFblog

    Willing to Learn

    EmKay Connor, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re
    excited to interview your character, Meredith McKenna from the book, Willing to
    Learn.

    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
    Cover artist: Kim Killion
    Length: 50,000+ words
    Heat rating: Spicy
    Tagline: The fiancee of a prince visits the tropic paradise
    that is Trésorier du Coeur to learn how to make love, and instead she finds it.
    Blurb:
    Meredith McKenna is neither graceful nor a beauty, but
    that’s never stood in her way. She knows who she is and, more importantly, what
    she deserves. Not one to wish on a star or hang her hopes on a fairy tale like
    true love, her practical nature won her the hand of a prince. That’s how she
    ended up here: Trésorier du Coeur. An island paradise.
    But becoming a princess is no simple matter. Regardless of
    the mysticisms mouthed by the island’s proprietress, the jungle waterfalls, and
    long, pristine beaches, the resort is first and foremost a school for
    seduction, an ancient tradition of her fiancé’s family, and she must select a
    man to be her “tutor.” Anders Collier is the most insubordinate and infuriating
    of the lot. But behind those cool gray eyes lurks a white-hot secret, and
    behind closed doors lies everything their hearts and bodies have yet to learn.
    Willing to Learn is being published by Boroughs Publishing
    Group in February 2013. Prior to this book, EmKay Connor’s manuscripts finaled
    in numerous contests, including Spring Into Romance, The Unpublished Beacon,
    and RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart. Her freelance writing has been published in
    print and online media, as well as being featured in several issues of the
    Romance Writers Report.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages,
    and occupations?
    Meredith McKenna, 27 years old, holds the
    title of Vice President, Foreign Philanthropy in her father’s billion-dollar
    corporation, McKenna Enterprises.
    Anders Collier, 35, is an (ahem) undercover
    special agent with the FBI.

    Interview with Meredith McKenna

    Tell us about yourself.
    I’m not typically one to grant interviews
    unless it’s related to the philanthropy work I do for my father’s corporation,
    McKenna Enterprises. I prefer to guard my privacy. After all, people tend to
    judgmental, especially when it comes to the wealthy or celebrities. Not that I
    consider myself a celebrity.
    But, since you asked, I’ll give you the
    condensed version of my bio. I am the only child of a billionaire entrepreneur
    and an ambitious gold digger. My mother died when I was very young so
    essentially I was raised by my father. Let me correct that: I was raised by
    staff members who worked at my father’s Beverly
    Hills mansion. Our relationship improved after I
    completed my education and took at job in the family business. Now I see him
    regularly at our weekly business lunches.
    My upbringing was typical for anyone born
    into money. Lots of lessons–riding, dance, foreign language, private schools,
    summer vacations in Europe, shopping sprees,
    parties. However, for as long as I can remember, I never fit in with the other
    richies. I have little tolerance for the back stabbing and air kisses and game
    playing that seem to come with the territory. Most of these socialites have
    their heads in the clouds; instead of building a career or doing something
    constructive with their lives, they seem content to wait for Prince Charming to
    show up.
    My straight forward, practical attitude
    seems to have paid off though. I’m engaged to Darik Bhantarin, Crown Prince of
    Tano’air. That’s what brought me to Trésorier du Coeur. Before I can become
    Darik’s princess, I have to go through this Princess 101 so-called orientation.
    Darik failed to mention the training program includes the “bedroom arts.” Can
    you believe that kind of nonsense exists in today’s modern age? I’m expected to
    choose a mentor, one of Madame Duval’s gigolos, to instruct me on how to give a
    royal blow job.
    Tell us about Anders Collier.
    Argh! Just hearing that man’s name is enough
    to make me scream. He’s the rudest, most infuriating, disrespectful, boorish,
    insensitive, condescending person I’ve ever met. At the opening reception where
    I was introduced to the staff–a.k.a. Madame Duval’s lineup of professional
    lovers–he actually snubbed me. There were more than a dozen men competing for
    my attention. Any one of them would be thrilled to be chosen as my mentor. Not
    Anders Collier. As if he can afford to be choosy. Sure, he’s attractive if you
    have a thing for the clean-cut type: short blond hair, cool gray eyes, tall and
    lean. Other than that, he wasn’t very impressive. I have to say, he was the
    only guy at the formal reception who actually appeared comfortable in his tux.
    It could have been a pair of jeans and a polo shirt as relaxed as he looked.
    What do you think is your strongest point?
    My realistic outlook on life. I don’t delude
    myself with fairy tales like riding off into the sunset with a hero or myths
    like love at first sight. I don’t believe in playing games or lying or
    misrepresenting one’s self when it comes to relationships. That’s why Darik and
    I are such a good match. Our mix of qualities and skills is perfect for a
    mutually beneficial marriage.
    What would Anders Collier say is your
    strongest point?
    Gives an unladylike snort.) Anders Collier doesn’t know me well enough
    to speak to my personal traits. And even if he was acquainted with me, I doubt
    he’d have anything nice to say. He would probably point out the fact that my
    breasts are too small and my hips are too wide.
    What do you wish was different about your
    life?
    I don’t “wish “anything was different
    about my life. I don’t believe in wishing for things. You have to face facts
    and deal with what’s in front of you. With enough determination and hard work,
    you can achieve anything. Wishing for things to happen is nothing more than a
    convenient excuse for people too lazy to take accountability for their own
    success and happiness.
    I have everything I want in life. I love my
    job and I’m engaged to a prince. Did you happen to notice my engagement ring?
    It’s a nine-carat, two-million-dollar diamond solitaire. Once Darik slides the
    platinum wedding band on my finger, I’ll have not only a man who shares my
    honesty and practicality toward marriage but a huge contract for McKenna
    Enterprises, as well. My father can’t stop telling me how impressed he is with
    his amazing daughter’s business acumen.
    What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask
    and answer it now.
    Again, I don’t believe in wishing for things
    to happen so I’ll tell you the most important question to be asked: What am I
    going to do about this ridiculous princess sex-ed training? I have no intention
    of sleeping with a stranger, not even to become a princess. The key is to find
    a mentor who wants to avoid an entanglement with me as much as I want to avoid
    one with him. If I can convince Anders I won’t rat him out and jeopardize his
    future as a gigolo, I’m pretty sure I can skate through this royal orientation
    without Madame Duval or Darik any the wiser. What do you think? Is there any
    possible way I can carry it off?
    EmKay Connor

    About the Author

    EmKay Connor is a member of Romance Writers
    of America and several specialty chapters, including RWA-San Diego, Georgia
    Romance Writers, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, Outreach International RWA, and
    RWA Kiss of Death. A firm believer in paying it forward (and backward and
    sideways), she has served as president, vice president, secretary, newsletter
    editor, workshop presenter and committee chair at both the local and national
    level. She also contributes her time and experience by volunteering to judge
    numerous writing contests each year.

    Find Me Here

  • Urban Fantasy

    Urban Fantasy: Natural Born Enemies @GemmaKMurray #RLFblog

    Natural Born Enemies

    Gemma K Murray,
    welcome back to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Natural Born Enemies.

    Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
    Publisher: Leap of Faith Publishing
    Cover artist: Regina
    Paul
    Length: 55,679 words
    Heat rating: 4 flames
    Blurb:
    Cedar River,
    Michigan is a wonderful place to fall
    in love. Some people see change as a good thing, but there are a few others who
    can’t let go of the “old ways.” “Breeds should stay within their breeds,” they say.
    Adam Thomas is the deputy sheriff in Cedar
    River. His black puma shifter side got him released from the military
    and sent back home. His demons followed, but they are nothing compared to the ones
    within his pride.
    Luna McIntyre is the only daughter and shaman to the McIntyre
    pack. She is tired of being smothered and told what to do in regards to her life.
    She’s opened a sweet shop and moved forward with her life. However, the love of
    her teen years is back in town and her family is trying to rein her in again.
    Someone in this small town is so set in their beliefs that they
    can’t see how love is sometimes simply love. Cats and canines may be natural born
    enemies, but love may be enough to get past the differences.
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00ASHH9T0/
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Adam Thomas is in his
    late twenties/early thirties. He is one of the deputies to the sheriff, Bowie Golden,
    in the Upper Peninsula town of Cedar River.
    Adam is a black puma shifter.
    Luna McIntyre is the
    only daughter of the Alpha of the McIntyre pack in Cedar River.
    She is also in her late twenties/early thirties and owns Full Moon Sweets, a candy
    shop full of tempations.

    Interview

    Tell us about your story’s world. What is it like in this
    period or place?
    Natural Born Enemies
    is the second book in the Cedar River Series. Cedar River
    is a small town of shifters in every shape and size. From the largest nest of dragons
    to phoenix, wolves, pumas, and otters, if you are looking for a shifter, you will
    probably be able to find it in this series. The town is set along the shores of
    Lake Superior, one of the most beautiful places
    on Earth. Cedar trees scent the air along with the crisp smell of the lake. Residents
    are of different species, but they manage to pull together and help out as a community
    should.
    What inspired you to write this book?
    When I finished writing
    Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart, I thought I was done. However, Adam stepped
    forward and wanted his story told. The more I heard his story (in my mind) the more
    I knew I had to tell it. He carries inside of him so much sorrow and pain and because
    of that, he is so familiar to me.
    Why do you write?
    Honestly, I write because
    if I didn’t, I would lose my mind. I have always had voices in my mind and I thought
    I was crazy. Then, I began to sort them into groups or couples and I wrote. Once
    I began to write, the voices in my head would slow down and my head was able to
    clear. If I didn’t write, I don’t know what else I would do.
    When you write, what things do you want close at hand? (Coffee,
    water, chocolate… pictures of gorgeous hunks for inspiration…?)
    In the morning, I have
    French vanilla cappuccino, the afternoon, water. In my house, there is always a
    dog or two underfoot. My earbuds are always close by as well. With the view I have
    out my front window (where I write), that is all the inspiration I could possibly
    need.
    When you’re not writing, what would we find you doing?
    At the age of 40, I decided
    returning to school seemed like a brilliant idea. Therefore, if I’m not writing,
    I’m studying. When I have time, I am a bookaholic. I love to read. I was a reader
    long before I was a writer and I can while away an entire day between the pages
    of a book.
    What aspect of your life do you write into your books?
    My real-life emotions
    really come out in my writing. I’ve been married for almost 20 years so love is
    a must have in my books. I don’t believe in the fairy tale, happily ever after love.
    I want my characters to have “real” love. You know, the love where not everything
    is perfect. Their relationships are organic and need to be tended. I love to laugh
    so humor is a big part of my writing. My husband says my female characters resemble
    me in many ways (stubborn, tough, strong).
    What other jobs have you held besides writing?
    I spent many years as
    a babysitter/daycare worker. I waited tables, did dishes, and cooked at a truck
    stop when I was in high school. I also worked in a vet clinic, which was so much
    hard work, yet very much worth it. My favorite job (besides writing) has been being
    a stay at home wife/canine mom for the last 20 years.
    Which of your books was the hardest to write and why?
    Keeper of the Golden
    Dragon’s Heart was the hardest because I didn’t want to be a paranormal author.
    There are so many amazing paranormal/urban fantasy authors out there and I never
    imagined my imagination could compete with them. Once I shut off my inner critic
    and let the story flow, I found myself in awe of what I was writing. My imagination
    is really an awesome place to hang out.

    Personal Info

    What’s the best gift you ever received?
    My first canine kid,
    Kodiak. We had just found out we couldn’t have children when my husband brought
    her home. She healed two broken hearts.
    What kind of music do you listen to while driving? Same question
    when writing?
    When I’m driving, I usually
    have country music on. I love the harder hitting music like Jason Aldean and Luke
    Bryan.
    When I’m writing, it
    depends on the characters. For Natural Born Enemies, I listened to A LOT of Celtic
    Thunder. For Book 3 (which I’m working on now), I have a lot of Clapton, Heart,
    Bob Seeger, Santana, and Pink on my playlist.
    What’s your favorite movie?
    Right now, I can’t get
    enough of Catch and Release. It’s such a funny, yet wonderfully romantic movie.

    Please complete the sentence

    I love pizza with pepperoni and green olives.
    I’m always ready for Duck Dynasty (reality television show).
    When I’m alone, I take time to
    be girly
    .
    You’d never be able to tell, but I am a princess at heart.
    If I had a halo it would be held
    up by a couple of horns and it would be more than a bit tarnished
    .
    If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d stay here
    in the U.P.
    I can never give up because my dad taught me to fight
    for the things that matter
    .

    Previous Books

    Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart- Cedar River Series: Book
    1

    Contest

    Find Me Here

    Website: http://gemmakmurray.com
  • Paranormal

    Dark Fantasy: City of the Mirage @BookstoGoNow #RLFblog

    Jerome Brook, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
    about your book, The City of the Mirage.

    Publisher: Books to Go Now
    Genre: Dark Fantasy
    The Divine Astarte is one of the last of her race. Her kind
    seeded many worlds with life. One of these realms was the planet of the
    Warrior.
    Astarte is feared, not loved by her people – she is the
    Destroyer of Worlds. She is served by a legion of shield maidens. These cruel
    warriors inspire terror in all the lands of the empire of Astarte. The people
    of her empire are also terrorized by the Beast Men. They are the offspring of
    members of an alien race and the daughters of men. Astarte still rules in the
    City of the Mirage.
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B008C2MNRG/

    About the Author

    Jerome Brooke lives in the Kingdom of Siam.
    He is the consort of Jira, a princess of the lost Kingdom of Nan
    and is a retired attorney. He has served as City Attorney for Ellettsville, Indiana.
    He has written The City of the Mirage (Books to Go Now) and many other books.

    Find Me Here