• African American,  Character Interviews

    Character Interview: Devin Jones @SynithiaW #RLFblog

    A Heart to Heal

    Synithia Williams, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited
    to interview your character, Devin Jones from the book, A Heart to Heal.

    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Publisher: Crimson Romance
    Cover artist: Crimson Romance
    Length: approx 240 pages
    Heat rating: Sensual
    Blurb:
    Shayla Monroe fled her hometown of Helena, South Carolina,
    after a shocking situation broke the heart of the only guy she’d ever loved. Years
    later, after losing her job in Atlanta
    with her name once again shrouded in scandal, she has nowhere to go but home.
    Now a devastatingly handsome and well-respected man, Devin Jones
    became a successful doctor as a way to forget Shayla’s betrayal. When she returns
    as infamously as she left, he plans to put aside old feelings and treat her as any
    other person in town. But after looking into her soft brown eyes, the feelings he
    thought long dead quickly rush to the surface.
    Ignoring rumors, disapproval from family and friends, and promises
    to avoid each other, the two become friends … then lovers. Devin wants all or
    nothing, but Shayla, haunted by her past, is afraid their relationship will damage
    what’s left of her reputation. Can two broken hearts survive the fight against past
    and present demons to heal and find love?
    Buy links:
    Crimson Romance: http://www.crimsonromance.com/crimson-romance-ebooks/crimson-romance-books-by-author/synithia-williams/
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Hero: Devin Jones, 35, Doctor
    Heroine: Shayla Monroe, 34, Unemployed due to an unfortunate incident

    Interview with Devin Jones

    Tell us about yourself.
    Let’s see, I have my own medical practice in my hometown of Helena, SC.
    I grew up here and always knew I wanted to come back and practice medicine. I became
    interested medicine after my mom died of a brain aneurysm when I was in high school.
    It was unexpected and difficult for me and my dad. I’m constantly on my dad about
    his health now. Personally, I enjoy playing basketball with my friends and spending
    time with my dad.
    Tell us about Shayla.
    Shayla. My dad says I’ve been trying to figure her out since
    we were kids, and honestly he’s right. I knew who she was growing up, but it wasn’t
    until high school when she braided my hair one summer that we connected. What can
    I say, we just clicked. She became my best friend, the one person I could count
    on. I had a crush on her, but never wanted to follow it up. Her dad had a reputation
    that spilled over on her. So many guys were trying to push up on her. I was happy
    to just be her friend. Unfortunately, something happened and it tore us apart. We
    went years without speaking. When she first came back to town, rumors were flying
    about what she’d gotten into. That’s the thing with Shayla, there are always rumors
    about her situation. Usually unfounded…some legitimate. But that’s who she is.
    She looked for love in all the wrong places. I’m ready to show her that she doesn’t
    have to look anymore. I’ll never understand her, never have a dull moment with her,
    and never stop loving her.
    What do you think is your strongest point?
    My strongest point? Hmmm. I’m the one my friends always come
    to for advice. I pride myself on my ability to remain rational in tense situations.
    Except when it comes to Shayla. I can never keep my cool where she’s concerned.
    What would Shayla say is your strongest point?
    I’m patient. She isn’t. When she’s impatient or nervous she taps
    her hand or foot. I can usually calm her down. She seems to like that about me.
    What would Shayla say is your biggest weakness?
    Her. She used to think I deserved someone better. It took awhile
    for her to realize she’s had my heart from the moment we met.
    What was it like where you grew up?
    My hometown hasn’t changed much. I grew up, and still live in,
    Helena, SC.
    It’s a small town about an hour or so from the capital of Columbia. It has its benefits: everyone knows
    everyone, a sense of community, no traffic. But it has cons as well. The biggest
    is a result of one of the benefits. Because everyone knows everyone gossip runs
    rampant. I don’t like people in my business or getting unwelcome advice on my love
    life. I’ve had a lot of that since rekindling my relationship with Shayla.

    About the Author

    Synithia Williams has enjoyed romance novels since she was 13
    years old, so it’s no surprise that she began writing her own. When she isn’t reading
    or writing, she’s working on sustainability initiatives in the Midlands of South
    Carolina. She lives with her husband, Eric, and two boys.

    Previous Books

    You Can’t Plan Love
    Worth the Wait

    Contest

    I’m giving away an ebook copy of one either You Can’t Plan Love
    or Worth the Wait (winner’s choice). Tell me if you think a romance between “bad
    girl” and a “good guy” can work.

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews

    Character Interview: Sgt Jonah Carver @kendallmckenna #RLFblog

    Brothers in Arms

    Kendall McKenna, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Brothers In Arms

    Author: Kendall McKenna
    Genre: M/M erotic romance
    Length: 32,000 words
    Heat rating: 3. There’s more plot than heat but the heat that’s there is HOT.
    Blurb:
    Jonah Carver–a Marine and combat veteran–and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted.
    When an investigation into government corruption ends in a killing on Jonah’s watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, sparks fly and Jonah begins to believe in second chances.
    Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to halt the investigation. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need.
    When Kellan is kidnapped, can Jonah keep the investigation from unraveling and avoid losing Kellan for a second time?
    Buy links:
    MLR Press http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KMBINARM
    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-in-Arms-ebook/dp/B00AO72K4S/ref=la_B007SDTAQC_1_3_title_0_main?ie=UTF8&qid=1366553902&sr=1-3
    ARe https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-brothersinarms-1020416-145.html 
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Jonah Carver is in his mid-30’s. He’s a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps.
    Kellan Reynolds is a former Captain in the Marines. He’s in his early-30’s and currently runs a political consulting firm in Washington D.C.

    Interview with Gunnery Sergeant Jonah Carver

    Tell us about yourself. What are you like?
    This is ridiculous. Did Kellan really say I had to do this? He did? That’s because he had to do it last time. He’s better at this. He wrote that damn book and he gives interviews all the time. (sighs)
    I’m a United States Marine. I act like a Marine. Next question.
    What do you think is your strongest point?
    I’m a good fucking Marine.
    Do you have a weakness? (If so, what do you think it is? What does your lover think it is? What does your enemy think it is?)
    My weakness is that I keep getting surrounded by incompetent morons who can’t strategize, navigate, command, or shoot as well as I can. What? It’s true. I haven’t served under a decent officer since Kellan left the Corps. I have no weaknesses. I am made weaker by the incompetence that surrounds me.
    (long pause)
    Kellan thinks my weakness is that I hold other people to an impossibly high standard. He says it’s not fair to expect other people to meet the same standards that I do. My enemies know I have no weaknesses because I killed them all in combat.
    Seriously, though…Kellan is my weakness. (clears throat)
    What drives you to do the things you do? What makes you want to be the “good guy?”
    Are all the questions this ridiculous? I do the things I do because they’re right. I don’t want to be the ‘good guy’. I’m not a good guy, not at all. I just do what I have to do and I do what’s right. Now Kellan…he’s the good guy. He needs to feel like he’s making a difference.
    Kellan and my father…the two best men I’ve ever known.
    What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
    Racing my bike along a stretch of open road, clocking almost 200 mph. And the only reason it’s a guilty pleasure is because Kellan worries.
    If you didn’t know how old you were how old would you be?
    That is such a stupid question. What does that even mean? Ask another question. Did Kellan answer that question? He probably gave some sort of philosophical answer like, ‘I would be as old as I am because I am that old’.
    A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?
    “Warrior”. Kellan keeps joking about writing my biography. He’d probably come up with a good title, you should ask him that question.
    If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?
    On a beach someplace with good surfing. Maybe Hawaii or Australia. (long pause) But Kellan would get a little stir crazy. He’d want to be back in D.C. doing something important. So I guess I want to live wherever Kellan is.
    What song would best describe your life?
    The Marine Corps Hymn
    If you were a tool, what would people use you to do?
    (long pause) Are you fucking serious? (heavy sigh) A Swiss Army Knife. I would be the perfect tool for whatever needed to be done at the time. What did Kellan say? He probably said something like ‘I would be a pen and people would use me to write words of wisdom’. (snort) He’s so smart it’s easy to forget he was a badass killer Marine, too.
    Picture yourself as a store. Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold there?
    M16s. Motorcycles. Beer. Condoms.
    As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?
    Precision drills. What? My parents sent me to military school.
    Tell us an embarrassing story that has to do with a pet. If you have no pets, a story about a significant other will do. ^_^
    We don’t have a pet. We talked about getting a dog, if we ever ended up living in the same city, let alone the same house. Maybe we could talk about that again, since we’re both at the Pentagon, now. I’m not telling any embarrassing stories about Kellan. He trusts me to have his back.
    If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
    I think it should say ‘Danger’, but Kellan would probably say it should read ‘Doesn’t play well with others.’
    Waves Break My Fall

    Please Fill in the Blanks (as Jonah)

    I love pizza with beer.
    I’m always ready for sex with Kellan.
    When I’m alone, I enjoy it.
    You’d never be able to tell, but Kellan can sing. Really well, actually.
    If I had a halo it would be someone else’s I was holding for them.
    If I could fly I’d take Kellan anyplace he wanted to go.
    I can never win an argument with Kellan because he’s too fucking smart.

    About the Author

    Kendall McKenna is a writer of M/M erotic romance. Kendall’s first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time. She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things. Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.

    Previous Books

    Brothers In Arms
    Waves Break My Fall

    Books Coming Soon

    Strength of the Pack
    Nights in Canaan

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews

    Character Interview: Norwegian Goddess @stbende #RLFblog

    Elsker 
    ST Bende, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited to
    interview your character, Inga Jensson Andersson, from your book, Elsker, The Elsker
    Saga.
    Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
    Publisher: Entranced Publishing, Blush imprint
    Length: 61,000 words
    Blurb:
    Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs
    to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University
    in Wales
    she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting.
    He’s an honest-to-goodness Norse God — an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok,
    the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia’s crazy visions are the
    only thing that can save their realms.
    Her orderly life just got very messy.
    Buy links:
    Entranced Publishing http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/blush/elsker/
    Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MaJIgkk-CI
    What are your main characters’ names, ages,
    and occupations?
    Kristia Tostenson, 20 years old, college student.
    Ull Myhr, ancient (but looks 23), Norse God of Winter.
    Former Asgardian Assassin, moonlighting as a grad student.
    Gunnar Andersson and Inga Jensson Andersson, also Norse gods
    moonlighting as grad students. Despite her actual age, Inga swears she’s not a
    day over 21.

    Interview with Norse goddess Inga Jensson Andersson

    Tell us about yourself.
    First of all, Kayelle, I have to tell you that scarf looks
    fab on you. Totally compliments your eyes. Now, what was the question?
    Tell us about yourself.
    Oh, right. I’m a pretty normal goddess. I love baking,
    decorating, and fencing. Now that I’m on extended vacation in your realm, I’ve
    gotten hooked on IndyCar racing, too. My girl Katherine Legge isn’t competing
    this year, so I’ve shifted all my loyalties onto that cutie pie, Ryan
    Hunter-Reay. *waggles fingers* Hi Ryan.
    What else? I’ve been married to my childhood sweetheart,
    Gunnar, for practically forever, and I’m totally head over heels for him. We
    spend most of our time with our best friend, Ull, and when I’m not taking care
    of those two I’m experimenting in the kitchen.
    Tell us about Ull.
    Ull is… well, he’s Ull. The tall, blonde and handsome god
    all the girls swoon over, both back home and here in Midgard. Commanding voice,
    piercing blue eyes, crazy arm muscles, the whole deal. But he’s impossibly
    stubborn, ridiculously sensitive, insanely bossy, and all together frustrating.
    Though I will say he’s great about wearing the clothes I pick out for him. I
    just picked up this cream cashmere sweater that’s going to look soooo good with
    his tan.
    What do you think is your strongest point?
    My baking, naturally. Though it should be noted my eyebrow
    maintenance is unparalleled.
    What was it like where you grew up?
    Asgard’s gorgeous. Big rolling
    meadows, lots of wildflowers, a willow tree with
    actual silver leaves. Crystal blue ponds, the palace… you should visit
    sometime. Spring’s best, the daffodils are blooming and they bring so much
    color!
    What do you wish was different about your
    life?
    Well, the whole Ragnarok prophecy kind of stinks. We’re all
    fated to die at this epic battle in the not-too-distant future. So if I could
    change one thing, I’d un-mark myself for death. But other than that, I’ve got a
    pretty sweet deal. I’m married to a total dreamboat, we’re on an extended
    vacation with our best friend in one of the prettiest realms, and now that we’re
    here I can buy stuff without leaving my couch. Your whole Internet shopping
    thing is fantastic!
    If you were given your fondest wish, what would
    it be?
    That’s easy. I wish Ull would meet the perfect girl and
    settle down. He’s been alone forever, and I know it’s hard for him. I really
    want him to be happy.
    Also, I wish Ull’s grandma would give me her Norwegian
    Waffle recipe. She is ridiculously stingy with that thing, and it’s so not
    fair. A recipe that good is meant to be shared.**
    Describe a place of perfect refuge.
    My kitchen. Without any boys in it. Ull is notorious for
    mutilating my high-end kitchenware. No, buddy, my new Shun Santoku is NOT what
    you should be using to open that parcel…
    As a child, who was your best friend? Tell
    us about him/her.
    Gunnar and I have been best friends since our first day of
    primary. I schooled him in fencing, and he’s spent the rest of his life trying
    to get back at me. I’m proud to say he has never, ever, outmaneuvered me in any
    sword fight of any kind. Broad sword, rapier and dagger, you name it, I own him
    in it. But he’s good with it. Gunnar’s got a seriously naughty sense of humor,
    and a heart of gold. He’s one of Asgard’s top assassins, and he’s ranked #3 in
    total kills, behind Ull and Thor. My husband is awesome.
    **Don’t tell Inga, but ST Bende does share the famous
    Norwegian Waffle recipe at the end of ELSKER!

    About the Author

    Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in
    Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee)
    and Europe… where she became overly fond of the
    musical Cats. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher
    inspired The Elsker Saga. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day
    pastries will be considered a health food.

    Previous Books

    Tur, The Elsker Saga prequel, is available to download free
    at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
    Elsker, Book 1 in The Elsker Saga, is available now at Amazon,
    Barnes and Noble, and select e-book retailers.

    Books Coming Soon

    Endre, Book 2 in The Elsker Saga, will be available in
    September 2013, from Entranced Publishing.

    Contest

    Be sure to stop by http://stbende.blogspot.com
    during April and May. We’re having a month of Elsker-themed giveaways,
    stretching from Release Day (April 22, 2013) to the Syttende Mai Waffle Fest
    (May 17, 2013). Can’t wait to see you there!

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews,  Erotic

    Character Interview: Leonardo from Loving Leonardo @roseanderson_ #RLFblog

     

    Loving Leonardo
    Loving Leonardo – The Quest

    Rose Anderson, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited to interview
    your character, Nicolas Halstead from the book, Loving Leonardo – The Quest

    Genre: Erotic Romance/Historical m/m/f
    Publisher: Calliope’s Writing Tablet
    Cover artist: Kim Van Meter
    Length: Approximately 200 pages
    Heat rating: R
    Tagline: Love transcends all barriers.
    Blurb:
    Never in his wildest imaginings as an art historian, could Nicolas Halstead conceive the book Leonardo
    da Vinci created for his lover Salai existed, let alone lead to the discovery of hidden declarations of love worked into da Vinci masterpieces.
    Happy and content in their polyamorous relationship, Nicolas, Ellie and Luca embark on a quest to learn all they can about the greatest mind of
    the Renaissance. But their world takes a devastating and deadly turn that sends Nicolas into the deviant underworld of Victorian London. It becomes clear that Conte Acario Bruno lives, and the madman wants far more than Leonardo’s book. He desires Nicolas’ death, and Luca for himself.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations? 
    Nicolas Halstead 11th Earl of Halstead: 31 years old. House of Lords, Art Historian for the famed Ashmolean
    Museum. He acquires and manages her Majesty’s art collections.
    Elenora Schwaab Halstead: 24 years old. The new Lady Halstead. Student of philosophy, Suffragette, and American Progressive. Daughter of the American Consul to her Majesty Queen Victoria.
    Luca Franco: 32 years old. The new Professor of Antiquities at the Ashmolean Museum. Son of a Venetian merchant. Head of the Franco family. He acquires items of history to add to the vast museum collections.

    Interview with Nicolas Halstead

    Tell us about yourself.
    Nicolas seated himself
    and crossed his legs comfortably before him. “Well, let me see…My name is Nicolas
    Halstead, 11th Earl of Halstead.
    I’ve assumed my deceased father’s seat in House of Lords. Though my travels puts
    me hardly ever there. As a young man I was educated at Eaton, and then finished
    my art history education at Oxford.
    From there I did my internship at the Ashmolean, where I recently became a fellow.
    It falls to me to add to her Majesty’s collections of state, and to do so, I acquire
    artworks from private holdings and collections.
    I’m an exceedingly private
    person. To maintain that desired privacy, I live in London, away from the family estate. Mrs. Fletcher,
    my housekeeper, looks after me and has since the accident that killed my parents.
    My grandmother, Lady Augusta Halstead did me immeasurable kindness when she gave
    me over to her trusted servant’s care all those years ago. She has no idea of the
    bond between Mrs. Fletcher and me, or what we truly share. You see, my Grandmother
    comes from a time of little deviation from the path society placed before you. The
    old dear would come undone in knowing the truth of me.”
    Nicolas’ lips twitch.
    “Until recently, I lived a quiet, somewhat content, life.”
    Tell us about Ellie and Luca.
    The twitch transformed into a wide smile. “I’ll assume by the question, you
    are aware of my nature. Therefore, to phrase it simply, we three are lovers and
    I love them. It’s trite to say,
    but we complete one another in ways we hardly realized were incomplete. Through them, I’ve discovered and accepted myself.
    Were I to describe my new wife, I’d say she’s unlike anyone, male or female,
    of my acquaintance. Bold as brass in speaking plainly…in attitude and affections
    as well. She’s a suffragette, a progressive in the truest sense. If any woman deserved
    the vote it would be she. Her mind is extraordinary, her heart fiercely loving and
    protective. She’s American, you know. In general, Americans reminded me of impressionist artists.
    The Impressionists violated the rules of academic painting, and Americans violate
    the rules of conventionality. As a student of nuance, I very much like her. That
    on top of the love I feel. I consider Ellie
    to be a true partner in life and love.
    Luca? He and I are cut
    from the same cloth in our interests and we share compatible views. I see Luca as
    one of the world’s purest souls. He’s kind and sensitive, loving and thoughtful.
    And I’ll add to that — he’s compassionate and self-sacrificing to a fault. Luca
    is also bold and brave, far braver than I. He’s been through a lot in the last ten
    years. Were I able, I’d take the heartache onto myself to free him of it. I know
    he would do the same for me. He’s a man anyone would be proud to know, let alone
    love.”

    What do you think is your strongest point?

    “Modesty?” He laughed.
    “How does one consider their strongest attributes without sounding conceited? Let’s
    see…I’m a loyal friend and devoted to those I love. I have empathy. Consequently,
    the unfortunate and hungry souls in Rome
    laid me quite low when we were there. Admitting to that, I’d have to add that I’m
    more than soft-hearted, I’m painfully aware. I suppose that is my strongest and
    weakest attribute — my attention to detail. I simply do not possess a blind eye.
    Given my training and interest in the artworks of the ages, I readily grasp nuance.
    I see the subtle shading of life in those small details often missed by others.
    It allows me to read situations quickly. Not a bad skill for a man with a deviate’s
    proclivity in an intolerant world!”As a child, who was your best friend? Tell us
    about him/her.
    “When I was a lad of
    twelve or so, Mrs. Fletcher’s orphaned nephew Thomas came to Halstead. He was a
    few years older than I and possessing a ready talent with horses, took a position
    working in the stables. I got to spend time with him when my Grandmother was out
    and about. I found him witty and fun and although our stations in life divided us,
    we enjoyed one another’s company. I went away to school and we stayed in touch through
    letters. When I returned home, I went to the stable to find my friend, and instead
    found him with his lover, the farrier’s son. Thom and I became lovers shortly after.
    Our relationship changed. And so had I.”What do you wish was different about your life?“I was born to a world
    divided by class structure and limitations. My mind sees the outward trappings of
    this divide daily, especially at Halstead. But my relationships with Mrs. Fletcher
    and her nephew Thomas transcend such boundaries. They mean the world to me, and
    my heart rebels at the very idea that I must keep my love for them a secret. I love Luca as well. It wasn’t all that long
    ago, loving him would cost us our lives. There’s no longer a death penalty for homosexual
    Englishmen, but we are still not free to love. I wish I was able to openly
    show my affections.”If you were given your
    fondest wish, what would it be?“I’d wish to turn back
    the clock to see my dear Thom living a full and happy life. We’d been together nearly
    thirteen years before I married Ellie. It was he who ended our relationship out
    of respect for her. I miss him.”What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask
    and answer it now.
    “I would have asked,
    Will we ever live in a tolerant world?My answer would be,
    yes. It’s 1887. Look how far we’ve come. Women will be voting side by side with
    men shortly, and are soon to be equal in every way. Especially if my wife has her
    say! With such social progress broadening our understanding of ourselves, I can’t
    imagine it taking long for prejudice, bigotry, and hatred to fall by the wayside.
    Love and kindness, tolerance and charity – these are precepts of faith around the
    world. But we don’t need our faith to tell us this is best. Like water, mankind
    eventually follows the path of least resistance. I have every confidence that before
    long, we’ll do what makes sense.”About the AuthorI love words and choose them as carefully as an artist might
    choose a color. My active imagination compels me to write everything from children’s
    stories to historical nonfiction. As a persnickety leisure reader, I especially
    enjoy novels that feel like they were written just for me. It’s hard to explain,
    but if you’ve ever read one of those, then you know what I mean. I tend to sneak
    symbolism and metaphor into my writing. You might say it’s a game I play with myself
    when I write. And I so love when readers email to say they’ve found something. I’d
    like people to feel my stories were written just for them, for that’s the truth.
    These hidden insights are my gift to my readers.  Find Me HereMain Blog: http://calliopeswritingtablet.com/Satellite Blog: http://calliopeswritingtablet.blogspot.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.com//MusesWritingTabletTwitter: http://twitter.com/roseanderson_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rose.andersonPinterest: http://pinterest.com/FollowTheMuse/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4317188.Rose_AndersonAll books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Anderson

  • Contemporary

    Character Interview: Bennett Saville @SusanMacNicol7 #RLFblog

    Together in Starlight

    In a departure from our usual interview today, author Susan
    Mac Nicol is sharing a written “newspaper” article with her character, Bennett Saville.

    News Article from The Cambridge Chat:
    Interview: Bennett Saville, star of Gabriel, bares it all!
    I’m waiting for my guest for the evening,
    Bennett Saville, to get ready for his interview. He arrived a few minutes ago and
    is now busy being fitted for the mike and dusted with the powder that takes the
    sweaty shine off our faces under the glaring lights. His curly auburn hair is being
    styled and I see him grimacing as they try to tame it. It’s fairly long, apparently
    in preparation for his latest appearance as the sexy, cavalier, and slightly sinful
    professor turned wizard in his TV series Gabriel. He smiles at me as I watch him,
    appreciating the figure he cuts in his tailored grey suit, looking for the entire
    world as if he’s just stepped out of a fashion magazine. He certainly wears clothes
    well, and it—dare I say—looks effortless. I suppose his stylist put it all together.
    Very, “Darling, what? This old thing?”
    God, I envy his tailor at being able
    to have their hands all over that well-developed and what looks like a pretty muscular
    body. I chide myself for sounding like some sort of middle-aged groupie, feeling
    my face flush as he grins at me. He has the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen on a man,
    like emerald chips—
    Leslie MacIntyre, for God’s sake,
    contain yourself, woman!
    That is easier said than done. I’m
    about to interview an up-and-coming film star, a young man who’s handsome, sexy,
    rich, successful, has seen his fair share of trouble and trauma, and is engaged
    to a woman ten years older than he is and seven years older than me. His fiancée,
    Cassie Wallace, is a beautiful woman. I’ve seen pictures of her on his arm in the
    tabloid magazines and the glossies, and she looks nowhere near her reputed age;
    classy, refined, and always has a rather mischievous smile on her face, as if she’s
    saying, “Ladies, he’s mine. Eat your heart out.”
    I want to ask him about his relationship
    with her, but this man has a definite no-fly policy on discussions about his personal
    life and his fiancée in particular. I once saw him walk out of an interview when
    the interviewer wouldn’t stop prying. He’d been extremely polite about it, but his
    resolve was unwavering.
    He’s finally sorted to the satisfaction
    of Mona, the makeup artist. She grins and gives me the thumbs up. Bennett Saville
    walks over to the stage, settles himself down very elegantly into the rather uncomfortable
    tub chair. I notice his plain black socks leading down into a rather recently shined
    pair of what look like Armani shoes. Nice. The man has big feet, and that sends
    me wandering along a path I really shouldn’t travel at this precise moment.
    He looks at me enquiringly.
    “You have a fascination with my socks?”
    he drawls in amusement, in that voice like melted chocolate. I shiver.
    “Better than your underwear,” I say
    without thinking. Then I blush crimson.
    He laughs loudly, his eyes crinkling
    at the corners as he leans back and settles comfortably into the chair. “Touché.
    At least I’m wearing some tonight,” he murmurs. When my jaw drops open, he chuckles
    and then adjusts the mike on his lapel. His eyes gaze at me in challenge, and for
    the life of me I can think of no smart-mouthed rejoinder.

    I see Henry wave at me from behind
    the camera, and I know we’re ready to rock and roll. The lights in the small studio
    dim, the chattering ceases and there’s an air of expectancy. I’m ready. The intro
    music cues to introduce the programme, and a minute later I’m sitting with my notepad
    on my lap, leaning in to address the camera that’s beaming my face and Bennett’s
    out into the world beyond. I’m also trying not to think about the man in front of
    me with no underwear on….

    To see the rest of the Cambridge
    Chat
    interview, check out either:

    Buy links

    Together in Starlight – book two in the Starlight Trilogy

    Previous Books

    Cassandra by Starlight – book one in the Starlight Trilogy
    Confounding Cupid
    The Magick of Christmas

    About the Author

    Susan Mac Nicol
    Susan Mac Nicol (Sue to most people) was born in Headingly, Leeds
    in the United Kingdom.
    When she was eight years old, her family emigrated to Johannesburg
    in South Africa, where she remained
    until her and her family¹s return, with husband and two children, to the UK in December 2000.
    Sue¹s career as a professional business woman was mainly in the
    operational side of the Financial Services and Vehicle Leasing markets. Currently
    her responsibilities have evolved to being the Regulatory Compliance Officer at
    a financial services company in Cambridge.
    Having written all her life, since her first short story was
    published in a local youth competition when she was just eleven, in between the
    day job and daily life, the inspiration for the Starlight series of romance novels
    was born. Her characters, Cassie and Bennett, finally made their debut on the flickering
    screen of a laptop. The character of Bennett was inspired by someone very special
    and perhaps one day, if you get the chance to ask her or meet her, over a cup of
    good coffee, Sue might just explain who this was. She will probably smile wryly
    and say, “Hopefully without sounding like a teenage groupie.”
    Her first novel was submitted to various publishers and Boroughs
    Publishing Group liked what they saw. Sue was offered a contract for her novels
    and that, as they say in the classics, was that.
    Sue is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Romantic
    Novelists Association here in the UK. She lives in a town house in the
    rural village of Bocking,
    in Essex, with her husband, two children and a
    mixed collie mongrel called Blu, so named because of his two different colour eyes
    ­blue and brown. Sue is a voracious e book reader and a self confessed geek and
    Android phone fan. Her office is in her bag most days and without all her gadgets,
    she confesses she could barely function.

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews

    Character Interview: Dutch Trahern @RueAllyn #RLFblog

    One Moment’s Pleasure.

    Rue Allyn, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited to
    interview your character, Dutch Trahern from the book, One Moment’s Pleasure ~ Wildfire
    Love # 1.

    Genre: Western Historical Romance
    Publisher: Crimson Romance Publishing
    Length: 142 pages
    Heat rating: 4-5 on a scale of 5
    Tagline: Everything for love ~ nothing for lust.
    Blurb:
    One Moment’s Pleasure will become a lifetime’s passion when spinster,
    Edith Alden, embarks on a search for her missing sister. Pretending to be a rich
    bored woman looking for an interlude with an anonymous male Edith enters the San Francisco bordello where
    her sister was last seen. She escapes the bordello almost too easily, but she can’t
    escape the passion ignited by a stranger’s kiss.
    Born and raised in the brothels of the California gold rush, Dutch Trahern worked for
    years to erase a childhood spent committing petty crimes and worse in order to survive.
    That past comes back to haunt him in the form of a woman he rescues from prostitution.
    Now his hard won respectability is threatened by an irresistible desire for a woman
    he shouldn’t want.
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00BFCUTSA/
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Hero ~ Dutch Trahern
    is a business man in the import-export trade based out of San Francisco. He is in his late twenties.
    Heroine ~ Edith Marietta
    Alden of the Boston Aldens is a spinster because her guardian grandfather doesn’t
    believe women should work or participate in any activity outside the home. At approximately
    24 years of age Edith is the oldest of the three Alden sisters.
    Villainess ~ Madam Cerise
    Duval would never reveal her age as she would like all of her clients to believe
    her ageless. She owns San Francisco’s
    finest bordello and would kill without qualm if it were to her advantage. She is
    Dutch Trahern’s nemisis.

    Interview with Mr. Dutch Trahern part owner of Trahern – Smiley Import and Export

    Tell us about yourself.
    I was born in a hell
    on the Barbary Coast. My father, who forced my
    mother into prostitution to keep him in gambling money, deserted us when the vigilantes
    ran him out of town in 1851. I was too young and didn’t know any other life, so
    when my mother died her madam, Cerise Duval offered to let me work for her as her
    personal ‘toy.’ I did it to give my brother a place to live, clothes to wear and
    food to eat. As I grew older, I understood how wrong it was to allow Cerise to abuse
    me, and when I saw her eying my brother, I swore I’d find a way to escape and build
    a respectable life for the two of us. I’d almost succeeded before I met Edith Alden.
    Tell us about Edith.
    She’s the most beautiful
    and most exasperating woman on earth, and when we met I believed she was a prostitute.
    The type of woman I despise most. I discovered very quickly that she wasn’t, but
    it took me a long time to realize what a truly honorable soul she is. She had her
    troubles–a misogynistic grandfather and a totally absurd will–and her secrets,
    and both of those caused us problems. I’m not certain how, but in the process of
    helping her solve those problems, she helped me find the pieces of my heart that
    I thought dead as a result of my years on the Barbary Coast.
    What do you think is your strongest point?
    I don’t quit.
    What would Edith say is your strongest point?
    I’m stubborn to a fault.
    What would Edith say is your biggest weakness?
    I’m judgmental and stubborn.
    What was it like where you grew up?
    It wasn’t very pleasant,
    so I’ve already said everything I want to say on the topic of my childhood.
    What do you wish was different about your life?
    I wish I’d grown up somewhere
    else with two loving parents. Of course if I’d gotten that, I would never have been
    in Duval’s bordello where I met Edith.
    If you were given your fondest wish, what would it be?
    That no one–man, woman
    or child–should ever have to sell themselves to survive.
    Describe a place of perfect refuge.
    Edith.
    As a child, who was your best friend? Tell us about him/her.
    That would be my brother
    Trey. We only had each other. As the oldest, I did my best to protect him, which
    wasn’t easy. Trey’s got a bit of a wild streak, and I’m certain that’s going to
    cause him heartache someday. Right now, he’s turning his wild side to advantage
    by pursuing a career as a US
    Marshal.
    What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask and answer it
    now.
    Too many personal invasions
    as a child has made me a fairly private person, so this entire interview isn’t easy
    for me. Let’s just say I wish you’d asked me if I have any bad habits. The answer
    is yes, I do. I like chocolate way too much. We never had any treats as children.
    I met the Ghirardelli Brothers when they were looking for a firm to import cocoa
    beans for their chocolate business. I made them a very good deal, so they discount
    their products for me. I’m able to afford all the chocolate I want, which really
    isn’t good for me. Thank goodness, I have Edith to tell me when I’m over-indulging.
    Off Limits

    About the Author

    Author of historical, contemporary, and erotic romances, Rue
    Allyn fell in love with happily ever after the day she heard her first story. She
    is deliriously married to her sweetheart of many years and loves to hear from readers
    about their favorite books and real life adventures. Learn more about Rue at http://RueAllyn.com

    Previous Books

    The Widow’s Revenge and Off Limits ~ Sexy Sailors # 1 both are
    erotic romances from Red Sage Publishing.

    Books Coming Soon

    One Night’s Desire ~ Wildfire Love # 2, another western historical
    romance coming in July 2013 from Crimson Romance Publishing
    Hazard Duty ~ Sexy Sailors # 2, another erotic romance, coming
    July 1, 2013 from Red Sage Publishing
    Deal of a Lifetime, a contemporary romance, release date TBA,
    coming from The Wild Rose Press
    One Day’s Loving ~ Wildfire Love # 3, an historical romance,
    release date TBA, coming from Crimson Romance Publishing

    Find Me Here

    Blog: http://rueallynauthorblog.com/
    RedSage: http://eredsage.com/store/ALLYN_RUE.html
    The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/RueAllyn