• Sports,  Stressing the Heroine

    Stressing Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma’s Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar @nwarriar #RLFblog #Contemporary Sports Romance

    Stressing Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma's Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar @nwarriar #RLFblog #Contemporary Sports RomanceLet’s meet Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma’s Slow Burn, a Contemporary Sports Romance, by Nalini Warriar. Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your latest book.

    Karma’s Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar

    Genre Contemporary Sports Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Sportswriter Karma Deepika Huntington is going to hit Rafael Henley, star pitcher for the Sliders, hard to avenge her husband’s death.

    Rafael cannot ignore the chemistry between them and decides a one-night stand is in order. Karma agrees. Just to get that itch off. But once they get into each other’s pants, things get complicated. Revenge and guilt take a back seat with sizzling chemistry in control.

    Hanging out with her father, a cross-dressing accountant, a hacker ex-cop, a flatulent claims investigator or a star pitcher with a hot bod? Karma’s choice in new contemporary sports romance Karma’s Slow Burn.

    Stressing Karma’s Deepika Huntington

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.

    Please tell me about your heroine.

    Age: 27

    Gender: Female

    Birthplace: Germany

    Profession: Sports Writer

    Ethnicity: Bi-racial Caucasian-Indian

    What does your heroine look like?

    Long black hair, dark eyes, skin the colour of decadent caramel, about 5’2″.

    Who is the significant other in her life?

    Rafael Henley

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.

    Clink of glasses and murmurs hit her ears as Karma walks in. Mostly men in dark suits with a few women in jewel-toned dresses flashing here and there. She tugs the tight bodice of her lime green dress, hoping she’ll see Rafael Henley again.

    How does the heroine feel about being this particular party, and what body language is she displaying that gives it away?

    She is confident as she strides in. She’s here as a free lancer, her equipment slung across one shoulder. Henley towers over the others and her gaze zooms in. She re-adjusts the shoulder strap and takes out her camera. Her fingers tremble as they hover over the button.

    Is she more likely to mingle or remain aloof?

    She’s more likely to mingle.

    If she drinks, what is her drink of choice at this party?

    Whisky, neat.

    How much drink is her usual?

    One drink

    The heroine figures out where the hiding places are and then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone, or to go drag a friend back to the party?

    She steps into the alcove, takes a deep breath before stepping out again to make her way to Henley’s side. But she’s too late. He’s seen her and is striding toward her.

    Is she likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is she the friend that others latch onto?

    She’s a loner.

    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the heroine going to handle it?

    She’s going to interfere if it gets physical. If it’s verbal, she will carefully try to diffuse the tense situation.

    Is the heroine the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?

    If it’s not her party, she’ll leave. If it’s hers, she’ll toss the aggressor out.

    Will she know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?

    She intuitive and picks up vibes. She will leave when it’s time.

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?

    Depends on the severity of the situation. She might take a deep breath and focus on remaining calm. Or might take control if needed.

    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?

    She will move to the source of the scream.

    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?

    Does the person need her help?

    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing she does?

    If the person needs her help, she will act. She will kick his groin, assuming it’s a man. If that doesn’t work, she rips his nose with her rings.

    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?

    She will not give up. She’s had self defence classes and know a thing or two about getting the upper hand. She will kick, bite, scratch…anything to get out of the situation.

    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does she do?

    She’s polite, aloof, distant. Makes it clear through her body language.

    Someone younger than the heroine is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the heroine deal with it?

    She takes the person aside, talks in a low voice and takes charge.

    The heroine is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does she tell herself in order to get through the situation?

    This too shall pass. Mind over matter.

    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?

    Look ahead and not back.

    What lesson from her past gets her through a stressful situation?

    It always good to be prepared for she is a woman in a man’s world.

    What one thing would you like readers to know about your heroine?

    She thought she had love. Until she meets Rafael.

    Where to buy Karma’s Slow Burn

    Publisher Warriar Books
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJSZD5X
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/karmas-slow-burn-nalini-warriar/1133444423?ean=2940163331772
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/ca/book/karmas-slow-burn/id1479565898
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/karma-s-slow-burn
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/957769

    Nalini Warriar Social Media

    Nalini Warriar dreamed of being a writer then forgot the dream for a bit as she went on to garner a Ph.D in Molecular Biology. While in her lab, the dream came back and hit her on the head and she’s never looked back writing through her years as a scientist. After more than a decade in cancer research, Nalini returned to the creative part of her soul and now devotes her time to dreaming up the perfect alpha male and feisty woman to appear in her books. Her novel, Fireflies in the Night, was a Foreword Reviews Fab Award finalist and won the Next Generation Indie Book Award in 2017. Kirkus Reviews awarded Fireflies in the Night a starred review and named it Best Books of 2016. She’s working on her next romance, a Crenshaw Brothers book, to be released in 2020. She lives in Ontario, Canada
    Blog https://karmasslowburn.blogspot.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/nwarriar
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authornaliniwarriar
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/naliniwarriar
    Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/author/naliniwarriar

     

  • Character Sketch,  Erotic

    Meet Jonah Goodman from One Woman Only by Dee S Knight @DeeSKnight #RLFblog #Romance

    Meet Jonah Goodman from One Woman Only by Dee S Knight @DeeSKnight #RLFblog #Romance Welcome Jonah Goodman from One Woman Only, a new erotic romance by Dee S Knight.

    Jonah Goodman

    Age: 36
    Gender: Male
    Birthplace: Lucky Strike, North Carolina
    Profession: Mechanic
    Ethnicity: Human

    Please provide a physical description of yourself.

    I’m one of a set of identical triplets, though I think I’m probably the best looking of the bunch. We all have hazel eyes and black hair. Mine probably needs a trim and I’m sure I need a shave (the ladies seem to like a little scruff, you know?). I’m 6 feet two inches and I’m pretty muscular–have to be for my job, which is auto mechanic, often on the NASCAR circuit. I’m most often found in flannel shirts or tees, and rough jeans, though I can dress up when required–but I have to be required.

    Please tell us a little about your character.

    My brothers and I grew up with super loving parents, though a bit unconditional. My mom is a former stripper and Dad “borrowed” a bit of money from the bank where he worked when money was tight. It takes a lot to raise three boys! But for the past 28 years or so, my mom has only taken off her clothes for Dad and Dad paid his debt to society long, long ago. For all their love and good intentions, they never married, though. So growing up in our small Bible Belt town was a little hard on me and my brothers. Daniel and Mark found their peace in books and math and I’m proud as hell of the men they grew up to be. I found my way in sports (and fighting the bullies when needed), and beneath the hood of a car. They got their PhD degrees and I got my GED, but hey, we all ended up doing what we love.

    Everyone thinks that I couldn’t care less about responsibility or commitment, but even I surprised myself when I filed for and was granted four patents for new car part innovations, and (get this!) starting setting crossword puzzles for the NASCAR programs. No one knows about any of that, though, and they don’t need to. I’m cool with their impressions of me–except for Kelly Shepherd. I wish she knew me well enough to see through the façade to the whole of who I am.

    Who is the significant other in your character’s life?

    Kelly Shepherd. Damn, what a fine woman she grew into! Strawberry blond hair, big green eyes, and a figure that won’t quit. I fell in love with her when we were in junior high and then screwed up royally at the beginning of our senior year. When I left her high and dry–left my family and town, actually–she never forgave me. It probably ever would have worked anyway. Her family was the richest, most powerful in town and mine…wasn’t. But now, eighteen years after I made the biggest mistake of my life, we have a second chance at seeing what might have been had the stars aligned.

    How educated is this character? Is he book smart, self-taught, widely-experienced?

    Jonah never did particularly well in school, but the man is a genius when it comes to cars, engines, and motors of any kind. He’s self-taught, although he did learn form is dad when he was young, and his Uncle Zeb when he left home and moved in with his uncle in Darlington, South Carolina. He became so accomplished, NASCAR teams seek him out routinely.

    Does he scrape by, live comfortably, live extravagantly?

    Jonah has a doublewide trailer on five acres of his uncle’s property. Outside it looks like a regular old doublewide, but inside he’s tricked it out to have a chef’s kitchen, heated floors, the most modern bathroom seen anywhere, and other creature comforts. The house is kind of like Jonah himself–deceptively simple outside but much more than expectations inside.

    What special skills does your character rely on?

    He’s a pretty good BS thrower–part of his charm. He can talk the ladies into most anything, but lately he’s felt the need for a lot more then racing groupies can provide. And once he sees Kelly again, he knows what he wants. Getting her onto his team will take skills he hasn’t used in a while, though. Other than that, his compulsion to meet the challenges he finds in cars is a skill of sorts. It’s gotten him four patents and the chance to make it big.

    Is he close to family?

    He’s very close to his parents and especially close to his uncle, who is the most like Jonah in temperament and interests. Zeb owns a garage where Jonah works when he’s not on the NASCAR circuit for a season, and he has a house on a piece of Zeb’s land. The two spend a lot of time together. Jonah is not so close to his brothers, but mainly because they all live at a distance from each other. Mark and Daniel have always been the scholars and the serious brothers. Jonah feels very different.

    How do others perceive your character based upon looks? How true is this assumption?

    He is a good looking devil, and that’s the truth. When women see him, they think he’d be great in bed and a fine catch. Only the former is true because Jonah has never stayed with one woman long enough to be a “catch.” When men see him, they thing he’s a guy’s guy and would be great to have a few beers with. Both would be true.

    If someone from your character’s past showed up, who would he most want it to be, and why? OR who would he most NOT want it to be, and why?

    He would NOT want to see Kelly Shepherd. In fact, he’s managed to avoid seeing her for the past eighteen years, ever since he dropped her off after the homecoming dance their senior year. Now however, at his parents’ wedding, his past is slamming into his present, and he can’t avoid Kelly any longer.

    Can your hero keep a secret? If not, why not? If yes, why?

    Yes. For eighteen years he’s kept the secret of why he dropped out of school and left home after homecoming. No one knew–not his brothers, or parents, or even Kelly. He never said anything mostly out of embarrassment but also to protect Kelly’s reputation.

    What is your hero’s breaking point?

    When Jonah did everything possible to prove he was a good man and someone Kelly could rely on, she still wouldn’t give him her trust. That was when he reached the point where he wasn’t ready to do more.

    How emotionally expressive is your character to others?

    Everyone thinks Jonah is the brother who shows no responsibility or commitment but of the three boys, he’s the one who has stayed in touch with the others more. He’s emotionally involved with his uncle and sensitive to hos his uncle feels after the death of his wife. Jonah especially shows emotion with Daniels, new stepson, and with children in general.

    About Your Writer: Questions for your character to answer about you.

    To honor the person who chose to share your story, please answer at least four of these questions. Questions with more than one point should be considered one question. You may answer as many more as you like.

    Why do you think your writer chose to write about you?

    Well, I am the most interesting of the Goodman brothers. I work on cars–some of the fanciest and slickest cars around–and on NASCAR teams, with all that entails. My brothers teach school and do something with math. God only knows what, exactly. So who would you rather write about? Dee chose the right brother!

    What do you wish your writer had not told others about you?

    That I’ve finally reached that point in life where I’m lonely and wanting… Just wanting. A guy who has the privilege to do what I do should be happy with life as it is, not longing for something more to fill a void. Dee could have kept my loneliness to herself.

    When your writer is writing about you, what do you think makes your writer the most happy? What makes your writer the most sad?

    Happiest: That I decided to go after Kelly for real and also after the biggest prize in my career. There was no holding me back.

    Saddest: That I let pride and fear hold me back from doing those two things sooner.

    Why do you think your writer loves to write?

    She’s a damn control freak and likes taking charge of her characters’ lives. It’s a power play, but a power play over make believe people in her head. How sad is that?

    What do you wish your writer would write next?

    A book on automotive history. Or maybe how NASCAR started. But I don’t have much hope for either.

    What other character from your book do you think your writer should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

    Mark. He’s my bona fide genius of a brother. No one in the family really understands what he does so if she wrote his story maybe we’d find out.

    Is there anything you’d like to say to your writer?

    Good job, Dee! Thanks for giving me my heart’s desire.

    Where to Buy One Woman Only

    As one of a set of triplets, Jonah always feels the need to make his individuality known. So where his brother Daniel is serious and completely focused, Jonah shuns commitment. Where his genius brother Mark is hailed in the scientific world, Jonah hides beneath a car, tinkering. Thing is, being different isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It takes a woman–the right woman–to make him see that a “good man” can always be a better man. One Woman Only is on KindleUnlimited.

    Amazon http://mybook.to/OneWomanOnly

    Dee S Knight Social Media

    A few years ago, Dee S Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That’s how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she’s lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more join Dee on Nomad Authors.
    Website https://nomadauthors.com
    Blog http://nomadauthors.com/blog
    Twitter http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight
    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN
    Newsletter (sample) https://preview.mailerlite.com/o2g1i0?fbclid=IwAR0COlyuPY-Hu30KTBdT092j_GZeuN5z4pc1LtsvHTyr6IbiSpsGqeIgT90

     

  • Character Sketch,  Fantasy

    Introducing Glyn of Clan Miller from Hatchling’s Vengeance (#4 of the Dragshi Chronicles) by Helen Henderson @history2write #RLFblog #fantasy #dragonshifters

    Introducing Glyn of Clan Miller from Hatchling's Vengeance (#4 of the Dragshi Chronicles) by Helen Henderson @history2write #RLFblog #fantasy #dragonshiftersLet’s meet Glyn of Clan Miller from Hatchling’s Vengeance, a fantasy by Helen Henderson. Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about the story your author wrote.

    Hatchling’s Vengeance by Helen Henderson

    Genre Fantasy

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13

    Vengeance has two paths. The cult leader, the Parant, means to have his. No matter how long it takes or how many innocents die, he will kill all dragon shifters. For the last two unattached dragon shifters, their only weapons to save their kind are their swords–and love. Sometimes not even dragon fire and talons are enough to overcome the mind control wielded by the one called–the Parant.

    For those who the Parant commands, will vengeance yield to love and provide a path to redemption? Or will retribution decree the punishment for past acts be death?

    Dragon shifter and follower alike stand on the knife’s edge with happiness and loss fighting to control the balance.

    Introducing Glyn of Clan Miller

    Please tell me about yourself.

    Age: 23

    Gender: Sorry, I can’t answer that. Very few people know my true gender. And if it is revealed, it would not only endanger someone I must protect, but cost me my dearest friends.

    Birthplace: somewhere in the Revarn Mountains of Nerelan

    Profession: bodyguard to the dragon lord, Lady Lexii Beylnea

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters): I am a true human. No one knows why but I am one of the few humans who can communicate using mindspeech with both the dragshi and their dragon halves.

    What do you look like?

    I have wavy dark hair that I keep cut short. Since most women of my world keep their hair long, the style helps conceal my true gender and doesn’t provide an adversary an advantage in a fight. At least if this one stray lock stops falling over my eyes. My usual dress of pants and tunic, and my slender build allows me to pass as a man.

    Who is the significant other in your life?

    I am promised to no man. I will tell you this. In my dreams, when I hope for release from the pledge to protect Lexii up to and including my life, the man riding beside me is Talann, son of Lady Anastasia Jessian and Lord Branin Llewlyn. But it is only a dream, Once Talann’s dragon soul twin awakes and he takes his rightful place amongst the dragshi, he will be Lexii’s mate.

    Are you close to family?

    Yes and no. I was orphaned when my parents were lost at sea. Although I do not see them often, there is a bond between me and my kin, Clan Miller. When I do have the opportunity to travel in their trading wagons, it is as if we have never been separated. They must have recognized something in me for they pledged me into the service of the dragshi. When I came of age, I renewed the vow to protect the Lady Lexii and to serve as friend and confident. With the vows, I in essence gained another family. While the draghsi are not of my blood, they are as close to me as any other person alive. Lady Anastasia Jessian and Lord Branin Llewlyn have always treated me as if I was their daughter.

    Please tell us about your education.

    One of my duties as bodyguard to a dragshi is to be able to mingle in their society. As a result I attended the same classes as Lexii, learned under the same masters. Hours were spent in the archives studying the rule of law so that I could properly serve as Lexii’s confidant when the time came for her to stand in judgement. Besides the formal training I received at the hands of the ceoltiers and the best weaponsmasters in the land, I learned the ways of my trading caravan kinsmen and traveled with them a ways so that when the time came to relinquish my duty to the dragshi, I would have the necessary skills and experience to earn my own living.

    On what special skills do you rely?

    As bodyguard to a dragon lord, I must be skilled with a wide variety of weapons. There are fanatics in the land who view a human who can take on dragon form as an abomination to be eliminated. I can hold my own with a master of the short sword, am very good with long bow, but is the short bow where I am the most skilled as marksman.

    What is your biggest need?

    For Talann’s dragon soul twin to awaken so that Talann can take his rightful place amongst the dragshi. Once he is wed to Lexii I will be freed of my oath and able to pursue my own life. I only hope that the dragon soul awakes soon for it is harder and harder to resist my feelings for Talann. And each day the fear grows that he will never ascend to his rightful heritage. An additional complication? Talann and Lexii’s souls clash. My two closest friends cannot stand to be near each other.

    What would you like to tell your writer?

    The world perceives me as a man and everyone knows that a real man rides a stallion. Yet you gave me a mare for my mount. Riding a female horse frequently puts me on the receiving end of comments and taunts. While I attempt to avoid conflict, it is not always possible to avoid a fight without being considered a coward. As bodyguard to a dragon lord I cannot afford to be thought of as anything other than a skilled fighter. You know my secret, the truth of my identity, yet with me riding a mare you added to my troubles. Why?

    Where to buy Hatchling’s Vengeance

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H9968QO
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hatchlings-vengeance-helen-henderson/1124015107
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1128171775
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/hatchling-s-vengeance
    Books2Read https://books2read.com/Hatchlings-Vengeance
    Angus Robertson https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ebooks/hatchlings-vengeance-helen-henderson/p/9781533739186
    BooksAMillion http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Hatchlings-Vengeance/Helen-Henderson/9781519588180
    Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hatchling-s-Vengeance-eBook/260147393

    Helen Henderson Social Media

    Although the author of several local histories, and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, Henderson’s first love is fiction. Her work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendent of a coal-miner’s daughter and an aviation flight engineer, her writing reflects the contrasts of her heritage as well as that of her Gemini sign. Her stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romantic fantasy, she is the author of the Dragshi Chronicles and The Windmaster Novels. In her books, she invites you to join her on travels through the stars, or among fantasy worlds of the imagination.
    Webpage http://helenhenderson-author.webs.com/
    Blog https://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com
    Twitter https://twitter.com/history2write
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/777491.Helen_Henderson
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HelenHenderson.author
    Amazon Author Page http://amzn.com/e/B001HPM2XK
    Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/njhistorywriter/

     

  • Character Sketch,  Paranormal

    Meet Rob Regor from Music for a Merman by Alice Renaud @alicerauthor #RLFblog #paranormalromance #PNR

    Meet Rob Regor from Music for a Merman by Alice Renaud @alicerauthor #RLFblog #paranormalromance #PNRWelcome Rob Regor from Music for a Merman, a new paranormal romance by Alice Renaud.

    Rob Regor

    Age: 22

    Gender: Male

    Birthplace: Regor Island, in the Morvann archipelago, off the coast of west Wales, UK

    Profession: policeman

    Ethnicity: In human shape, white Caucasian.

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters): Shape-shifting merman.

    Please provide a physical description of your character.

    In his merman, or aquatic, shape, Rob looks a bit like a dolphin. He has black skin and webbed hands and feet. He also has a foot-long, flexible tail. But not a fish tail! Mermen are one hundred per cent hot-blooded mammals. In human shape he is tall and muscular, with black hair, tanned skin, and eyes that look black from a distance but are actually midnight blue.

    Please tell us a little about your character.

    Rob is tender and sensual, brave and caring. He is a bit of a rebel, he wants to be loyal to his father and Clan, but can’t help feeling attracted to the human world. He is a talented singer, and composes beautiful mermen songs. Once he falls in love with Charlie, the heroine, that’s it – she’s the one, there’s no doubt about it, and he will risk anything to protect her.

    Who is the significant other in your character’s life?

    He meets Charlie, a beautiful, sexy, spunky environmental activist, when he has to arrest her. He can’t stop himself from falling for her, even though she’s on the other side of the law, and she’s human – mermen of his Clan are completely forbidden from having relationships with human women.

    How does Rob dress?

    Rob is a policeman, so he wears his uniform when on duty. Off duty, he likes casual clothes, jeans and T-shirt. Regor mermen spend most of their time in their aquatic shape, so he’s not used to wearing human clothes. He finds them restrictive, especially his uniform.

    What special skills does Rob rely on?

    Rob is a shape shifting merman, he can move between the human world and the sea world. In aquatic shape, he can talk to sea mammals, swim as well as any dolphin, and stay underwater for as long as whale. Like them he uses echolocation to orientate himself, and communicate at a distance with other mermen. Rob is a talented musician and singer, he composes beautiful songs in the mermen language of musical clicks and whistles. In human shape, he’s a fantastic swimmer.

    What is Rob’s family like?

    Rob’s mother died when he was very young, he doesn’t really remember her. He has a good relationship with his two elder brothers, Rhodri and Rhun, but he is afraid of his father, Rhys, head of the Regor Clan. Rhys hates humans, and has a fearsome temper.

    Does Rob see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of gray?

    Rob was brought up to see things in black and white. Good or bad, human or merman. And human = bad, merman = good. But now that Rob is living among humans, he is discovering that things are not so simple.

    What inner doubt causes Rob the most difficulty?

    Rob’s father sent him to the mainland to spy on humans. Becoming a cop was the perfect cover, or so Rob thought. But the more time he spends with humans, the more he likes them. He is increasingly torn between his loyalty to his Clan, and his attraction to the human world.

    What past event causes Rob the most fear?

    When Rob broke the Clan’s laws by going to a human music and poetry festival, his father punished him by imprisoning him in an undersea dungeon for 3 days. Rob was only 15 years old at the time. Rob has very bad memories of his time in prison, and he is afraid of what his father might do to him if he disobeys him. Most of all, he fears what his father might do to Charlie, if he learns that Rob is in a relationship with her.

    About Your Writer: Questions for your character to answer about you.

    To honor the person who chose to share your story, please answer at least four of these questions. Questions with more than one point should be considered one question. You may answer as many more as you like.

    Was there anything your writer discovered about you that was a surprise to one or both of you?

    My writer was surprised to discover how much I love music and poetry, both the human and the merman kinds. She hadn’t planned for me to be an artist!

    Why do you think your writer loves to write?

    It’s more fun than preparing presentations and telling people about company policies. Although rather less well paid.

    What other character from your book do you think your writer should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

    I think my writer should write about Caltha Dooran. She is the leader of all the Clans, and the feistiest mermaid on the Morvanns. She’s a great character, properly kick-ass. I wonder what kind of man could tame her!

    Is there anything you’d like to say to your writer?

    Don’t give up on your dream.

    Where to buy Music for a Merman by Alice Renaud

    Publisher Black Velvet Seductions
    Amazon https://amzn.to/2ZkU5wR
    Barnes and Noble https://books2read.com/u/mdG7Bw
    iBooks https://books2read.com/u/mdG7Bw
    Kobo https://books2read.com/u/mdG7Bw

    Alice Renaud Social Media

    Alice Renaud was born and brought up in Brittany, Western France, her father was French and her mother British (from Wales). She moved to London, UK, in 1997, where she now lives with her husband and son. She works full time as a compliance specialist in a pharmaceutical company. She has been writing in her free time since she was 14. She got quite a few short stories published in UK magazines, before moving to longer fiction. She wrote three contemporary romance books, but didn’t find a publisher for them. She then realized that mermen, sea witches, and time travelling warlocks were a lot more fun than sheikhs and billionaires! Her first two paranormal romances did not find a publisher either, then she wrote A Merman’s Choice, which was published in January this year by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in the Sea of Love series, a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. She loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!
    Twitter https://twitter.com/alicerauthor
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AliceRenaudAuthorRomance/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18670218.Alice_Renaud
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B07L52P17B

     

  • Anthology,  Character Sketch,  Paranormal

    Meet Aaron Wolfsbane from The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice Renaud @alicerauthor #RLFblog #paranormalromance

    Meet Aaron Wolfsbane from The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice Renaud @alicerauthor #RLFblog #paranormalromanceWelcome Aaron Wolfsbane from The Sweetest Magic of All, a new paranormal romance short story from the Mystic Desire BVS anthology.

    Aaron Wolfsbane

    Age: 28

    Gender: Male

    Birthplace: Uxbridge, Greater London, United Kingdom

    Profession: Teacher

    Ethnicity: White

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters): Human

    Please provide a physical description of the character.
    Tall, fit, with tousled black hair. His eyes are as green and limpid as the water in a woodland brook. A tanned, handsome face, with a straight nose and strong jaw.

    Please tell us a little about your character.
    Aaron is a time-travelling warlock who has just come back from the 17th century. He has come to Wales to find out if there are still sea witches left, and if their old magic still works.

    Who is the significant other in your character’s life?
    He meets the love of his life, Sapphire, in the story. Sapphire is the last in a long line of sea witches… but she’s only an apprentice sorceress, and she’s having trouble with her spells.

    How does your hero dress?

    Aaron moves between the 17th and the 21st century. When in the 17th century, he dresses like a gentleman of the time: black doublet and breeches, riding boots, and in winter, a cloak. In the 21st century he wears clothes suitable for a teacher, as that’s his day job: smart-casual shirts and trousers, or jeans and T-shirts when not working. Like all warlocks, he favours black.

    How educated is this character? Is he book smart, self-taught, widely-experienced?

    Aaron teaches English literature. He is very well read and very knowledgeable about Shakespeare – which isn’t surprising, as he knows the man and drinks with him regularly.

    What special skills does your character rely on?

    His magical skills, which include light healing, finding lost objects, and time travel. His specialty however is seeing what is in men’s – and women’s – hearts. He can see into your very soul.

    What is your character’s family like?

    Aaron is the son of a medieval witch, Alys Wolfsbane, also known as Alys the Dark, who ran away from her abusive husband and escaped into the 21st century. Unfortunately she had to leave her baby son behind – Auric, Aaron’s elder brother. In the 21st century, Alys met Aaron’s father, and gave birth to Aaron. They were happy for a while, until one day she disappeared. She reappeared the following evening. She looked ten years older, and she had a little boy with her – Ariel, Aaron’s younger brother. It turned out that she had been abducted by the Faeries, and spent years in Faerieland. Ariel is half-Fae. So Aaron has a rather unusual family!

    If someone from your character’s past showed up, who would he most want it to be, and why? OR who would he most NOT want it to be, and why?

    He would like to see his mother again. After her mysterious disappearance and return, she and Aaron’s father tried to rekindle their relationship, but Aaron’s father couldn’t get over the fact that she was 10 years older and had had a son by another man. Eventually she went away for good, taking Aaron’s brother, Ariel, with her. Ariel returned years later, but she didn’t. Ariel told Aaron that she had gone back to Faerieland, for good. Aaron still loves his mum, but is angry with her for abandoning him. They have unresolved issues!

    What is your hero’s biggest hopes and dreams?

    To settle down, with someone who will love him as he is, and never leave him.

    About Your Writer: Questions for your character to answer about you.

    To honor the person who chose to share your story, please answer at least four of these questions. Questions with more than one point should be considered one question. You may answer as many more as you like.

    Why do you think your writer chose to write about you?

    I’m a time-travelling warlock, and I have an unusual family background, so I guess I have an interesting story to tell.

    Why do you think your writer loves to write?

    I think she loves to spend time with us, away from her work and family duties. We help her to relax and forget her worries.

    What other character from your book do you think your writer should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

    I think she should write books about my brothers, Auric and Ariel. They’re very interesting guys. Auric is a medieval monk who uses his magical skills to fight demons. Ariel, with his Fae blood, is the most powerful warlock in England, and all the women fall under his spell.

    Is there anything you’d like to say to your writer?

    Don’t give up. Keep writing.

    Tell us about The Sweetest Magic of All, from the Mystic Desire anthology by BVS

    The Sweetest Magic of All

    When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It’s May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don’t apply…

    Mystic Desire: A collection of sexy supernatural stories by talented BVS authors! As well as The Sweetest Magic of All, you can enjoy other knee-trembling tales, including:

    An Awareness of Evil – Dee S. Knight

    Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.

    Bewitching the Wolf – Zia Westfield

    The Witch, Alice Humphreys, has poured her heart and soul into creating a magical B&B where guests experience the fantasy vacation of their dreams! Brodie MacEwan has been sent to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle. He never expected to discover his soul mate in his dreams. But is the illusion real? Alice knows that there is something all too predatory about the Scotsman and he makes her body tingle in places it shouldn’t!

    Calling All Angels – Lora Logan

    Elijah Baker, an immortal tasked with fighting against demons that exist on earth, finds peace when he meets his new neighbor, Celeste. But when he realizes that their love comes with a cost, he is faced with choosing between his calling and a chance at true love.

    Dream Catcher – Callie Carmen

    Long ago, a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage. It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?

    Life Saving – Anne Krist

    Saving lives isn’t just for adults. Sometimes the innocent magic of a child can do the job better.

    Love from the Mist – Patricia Elliott

    When Jace Warden learns that his brother plans to announce his engagement at a family get together, he flees to the other side of the world to escape the joyous celebration.

    Or at least attempts to… His plane never makes it, and he winds up trapped on an island. Little does he realize, he’s not alone; there’s a mischievous little entity milling about, and she wants to play.

    Love Knows No Apocalypse – Patricia Elliott

    Getting stranded in the middle of a storm was not Samantha Wheeler’s idea of an ideal situation, especially in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. But fighting zombies was the easy part; her heart, though, was a whole other matter. Thanks to a man named Steve Jones.

    When they find themselves in danger, she has to decide what’s more important – dying for someone you love or surviving.

    Love that Binds – Carol Schoenig

    On the outskirts of a small town where nothing grows, a young girl, Ianthee, is being bullied and accused of being a witch. Young Caleb, inexplicably drawn to Ianthee, comes to her rescue. Before they can explore their feelings, Caleb and his family disappear. What happened to him, and what part does a long-ago legend play in their lives?

    Love’s Ghost – R.M. Olivia

    “Sorry, babe. I know it hurts to hear.” John frowned. I’ll make this brief. I spoke to the man in charge and he is giving me one last chance.”

    “Come again?”

    “I’m allowed to make love to my wife one last time before I have to cross over. So, are you ready for your husband? Are you ready for me, Ingrid?” He lifted my chin up and ran his thumb along my lips. I felt a chill go down my spine. How could this be real? How could this be happening?

    The Anniversary – Richard Savage

    A cruel twist of fate wrenched Evelyn and Peter apart on their wedding anniversary. Evelyn’s life descends into darkness. James enters her life giving her a chance of happiness. Evelyn discovers a piece of jewelry, that has the power to grant her time with Peter on their anniversary. She adores James, but needs Peter. Can she ever really let Peter go, while there’s still a chance they can be together?

    The Mortal Vampire – Suzanne Smith

    Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them door nail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.

    Through the Veil – Jan Selbourne

    A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.

    Unconditional Lust – Breanna Hayes

    The massive, hideous merrow leader, Muruch, craves the taste of human flesh. Confined to the ocean, he feeds his horde with sailors from ships pulled into the maw of the Bermuda Triangle. When US Army Captain, Nurys Shaye, puts her life on the line to save him after being captured, his hunger for human flesh is shadowed by the desire for her body and her love. Will she be able to see past his appearance and trust him to break down her walls and teach her to feel?

    Where to buy Mystic Desire

    Publisher https://blackvelvetseductions.com/
    Amazon https://amzn.to/322Ziq3
    Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/4j1AD2

    Alice Renaud Social Media

    Alice was born and brought up in Brittany, Western France, her father was French and her mother British (from Wales). She moved to London, UK, in 1997, where she now lives with her husband and son. She works full time as a compliance specialist in a pharmaceutical company. She has been writing in her free time since she was 14. She got quite a few short stories published in UK magazines, before moving to longer fiction. She wrote three contemporary romance books, but didn’t find a publisher for them. She then realized that mermen, sea witches, and time travelling warlocks were a lot more fun than sheikhs and billionaires! Her first two paranormal romances did not find a publisher either, then she wrote A Merman’s Choice, which was published in January this year by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in the Sea of Love series, a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second book in the series, Music for a Merman, will be out later this year. She loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!
    Twitter https://twitter.com/alicerauthor
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AliceRenaudAuthorRomance/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18670218.Alice_Renaud
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B07L52P17B

     

  • Character Sketch,  Fantasy

    Understanding Lara from In My Own Shadow, a new #Fantasy #romance by Susan A Royal @susanaroyal #RLFblog

    Understanding Lara from In My Own Shadow, a new #Fantasy #romance by Susan A Royal #RLFblogSusan A Royal, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

    Meet Lara

    Age: early twenties

    Gender: female

    Birthplace: I’m a country girl, born and raised in a rural area.

    Profession: Entry level clerical work

    Ethnicity: White

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters): Human

    Please provide a physical description of yourself.

    I’m tall. Nearly six feet. Dark blue eyes and long thick hair – the color red everyone seems to want these days.

    Please tell us a little about yourself.

    Something about me seems to intimidate guys. Could be my sarcastic attitude. That’s what my friend, Carrie, seems to think. And she’s right. It’s my defense mechanism.

    Who is the significant other in your life?

    Never in a million years thought I’d fall for a guy like Rhys. Quiet, capable, keeps to himself. He takes his job seriously…even to the point of blaming himself when things go wrong, the way I did when Dad died. Only one problem. He treats me like an unwanted responsibility. Every time I try to get to know him better, he clams up and starts acting like commando man. And it goes downhill from there. I let him get under my skin..

    What special skills do you rely on?

    Lara and her father spent a lot of time in the woods while she was growing up. Hunting, camping, fishing.

    What do you have a knack for doing?

    Lara’s stubborn. She won’t give up on something she believes in.

    Is she close to family?

    Lara had no brothers or sisters, and her mother died when she was very young. She and her father were very close.

    How do others perceive your character based upon looks? How true is this assumption?

    In the book, her best friend Carrie refers to her as the redhead with a killer figure, and she’s spot on.

    If someone from your character’s past showed up, who would she most want it to be, and why? OR who would she most NOT want it to be, and why?

    Lara would give anything to see her father again. They argued just before he died and she’s never gotten over it.

    Can your hero keep a secret? If not, why not? If yes, why?

    Lara can keep a secret. Something important has been planted in her memory. She has no idea what it is, but she refuses to let someone pick her brain to find out. Especially someone who will use the information for all the wrong reasons.

    What inner doubt causes your character the most difficulty?

    Lara doesn’t realize how strong she really is.

    What is your character’s biggest need at the beginning of the story?

    Lara needs to forgive herself. She’s not responsible for her father’s death.

    What would help your character face hardship and meet any challenge?

    If she knew how Rhys truly felt about her, she’d have the strength to do anything.

    How does your character express disappointment?

    She gets angry.

    Who in his life has the power to hurt this character the most? Why?

    Rhys . Because Lara cares about him.

    About Your Writer: Questions for your character to answer about you.

    To honor the person who chose to share your story, please answer at least four of these questions. Questions with more than one point should be considered one question. You may answer as many more as you like.

    Why do you think your writer chose to write about you?

    I’m stubborn, sarcastic, determined. We have those traits in common

    What do you wish your writer had not told others about you?

    I wish she hadn’t told anyone who I feel about Rhys. It’s embarrassing.

    Was there anything your writer discovered about you that was a surprise to one or both of you?

    I’m stronger than I thought.

    What makes your writer the most sad?

    It makes her sad to think me losing my father, but she’s happy that I came to terms with his death.

    Why do you think your writer loves to write?

    She loves words and how they can paint a picture.

    What other character from your book do you think your writer should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

    Cobal’s father is chieftain of the clan, and Cobal was supposed to follow in his footsteps until he realized his future lay in another direction.

    Tell us about In My Own shadow

    Publisher MuseItUp https://museituppublishing.com/
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/My-Own-Shadow-Susan-Royal-ebook/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/in-my-own-shadow-susan-a-royal/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15751776-not-long-ago

    Susan A Royal Social Media

    Susan A Royal takes her readers on adventures to other worlds where anything can happen and frequently does. She shares a 100 year old house in east Texas with a ghost who likes to harmonize with her son when he plays guitar. She writes SciFi/Fantasy with action, adventure and liberal doses of romance. She is currently working on the third in her time travel series, It’s About Time. Want to know more?
    Visit susanaroyal.wordpress.com for a peek inside this writer’s mind. You never know what you’ll discover.
    Website http://susanaroyal.wordpress.com
    Blog http://susanaroyal.com
    Twitter https://twitter.com/susanaroyal
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susanaroyalauthor/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ssn_royal/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6442088.Susan_A_Royal
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/A-Royal-Susan/