Ayesha Patel was born in the rich and colorful state of Gujarat in western India before moving to Texas. She quickly found her footing in languages and creative writing and weaves her diverse background into her stories. She currently lives in the beautiful, though rainy, state of Washington with her husband. With a splendid view of Mt. Ranier behind her, a cup of coffee in her hand, and a ridiculously fast laptop at her fingertips, Ayesha is thrilled to explore the literary world.

Connect with Ayesha: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads






Dear Reader, 

Like many authors, I’m just as much a reader at heart and enjoy reading about the different paths writers venture through. Every journey is different and mine is among the throngs who had a long road. However, I learned a lot along the way and met some truly incredible people. These people, editors, agents, authors, and readers, not only offered bits of industry and writing wisdom, but they offered support and laughs. Laughs are very important in this subjective business when everyone is entitled to their opinion, and sometimes those opinions are not kind or what we desperately wanted to hear. 

I wrote sci-fi and fantasy until Priya in Heels bubbled out of me. I wrote many novels, and everyone was significantly better than the last, but with the amount of rejections (literally a notebook full, which I still have), I switched gears. Sci-fi and fantasy will always be a huge part of my life, and I love writing in those genres, but I decided to take some advice and write something even closer to my heart: my real life. My struggles, my pains, my off-the-intended-course adventures, and juggling the loves of my life with cultural expectations.

After several novels and their amassed rejections, neatly categorized in aforementioned notebook, I finished Priya in Heels in the fall of 2012 and sent it off to another round of agents and Entangled Publishing. In the fall of 2013, I signed with Victoria Lowes of The Bent Agency. When I emailed all those who had my work about my new partnership, including Entangled, my now editor responded to tell me that they wanted to acquire Priya in Heels. Since my agent was all for this, and the point of having an agent is take their professional advice and work together, she negotiated a deal. Eleven months later, we have a polished, beautiful copy of Priya in Heels for the entire world to meet. It’s just beginning to an exciting career that I hope will be filled with lots of success, excited readers, and thought-provoking novels. 

Thanks for letting me share part of my journey and I hope you enjoy Priya in Heels.

--Ayesha

The staff here at Barclay Publicity recently got to sit down with YA author, Jennifer McGowan, to talk about MAID OF DECEPTION, the second book in her Maids of Honor series.  Here's what she has to say about MAID OF DECEPTION:

BP: Please tell (everyday normal) readers what MAID OF DECEPTION is about without using the book blurb:

JM: Maid of Deception is the second book in the Maids of Honor series, and follows the tale of Beatrice Knowles, a young woman who has grown up in the English court. She knows everybody who is anybody—and many of their secrets. But Beatrice has secrets of her own she is desperate to hide. With her beauty, wiles and shrewd intelligence, she is an excellent manipulator, which makes her a worthy spy among the Maids of Honor—even though she and Queen Elizabeth detest each other personally.

In Maid of Deception, Beatrice is forced to spy on a member of the Scottish delegation—the rogue Alasdair MacLeod. As she learns more about young, arrogant man, she also quite against her will finds herself falling for him. She must strike a dangerous balance between her work and her heart, however: In the court of Queen Elizabeth, love can be the deadliest weapon of all.

BP: MAID OF DECEPTION follows book one in the Maids of Honor series. For those that haven't read MAID OF SECRETS, can you give a little re-cap of the series premise and what happens in book one? What is the (high) concept or "hook" in your book?

JM: Maid of Secrets is the story of Meg Fellowes, a thief who is pressed into service as a spy for Queen Elizabeth. There, she joins the elite ranks of the Maids of Honor—five very different young women who must protect both Queen and country. As Elizabeth’s newest spy, Meg must find a murderer at Windsor castle—and keep one step ahead of a dashing Spanish spy.

The high concept for Maid of Deception is that it’s about a “mean girl” who meets her match—in her Queen, in her enemies, and in love.  You learn why Beatrice has become such a haughty ice princess . . . and see her learn how to love.

BP: Maids of Honor is Historical YA. Are you a history buff? What was your inspiration for your book?

JM:  Yes! I love history, and in particular Elizabethan history. I was a bit of an Elizabethan scholar back in college, and never tire of reading about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth. My inspiration for the series came from a contemporary court account, where a foreign courtier remarked in his notes that the Queen’s advisors were quite upset that the Queen seemed to know things she “shouldn’t”, because they hadn’t told her. I thought: “where would the Queen get her information?” And the idea of the Maids of Honor was born.

BP: Please describe the setting in MAID OF DECEPTION:

JM:  Maid of Deception takes place in two main locations—Windsor Castle and Beatrice’s manor home in Northampton, England, at the edge of the Salcey Forest. The book is set in 1559, the first year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

BP: In your opinion, what is the market for your book?

JM: While Maid of Secrets was primarily an adventure, Maid of Deception is a book of court intrigue and romance. So teen readers to adults are the market, predominately female (given that all of the spies are young women!), and particularly those who love romance, history, spy tales, and girl-power themes.

BP: List three books you just recently read and would recommend?

JM: I’m so behind on my reading, it’s ridiculous. However, I’d recommend BRAZEN, by Katy Longshore, A MAD, WICKED FOLLY, by Sharon Biggs Waller, and THE FALCONER, by Elizabeth May. Another fun historical that is steam punk, is LEGACY OF THE CLOCKWORK KEY, by Kristen Bailey. So many books!

BP: Tell us what makes your heroine the "leading lady" in your book:

JM: Beatrice was so much fun to write. She’s tough, prickly, and has attitude to spare—she’s needed to, because in the courts of kings, you always have to keep your game face on. But underneath her cool, beautiful exterior, she is hiding secrets of her own. Seeing her come to life in this book has been an absolute pleasure.

BP: Share a bit about your hero with us, and what makes him "hero" material:

JM:  Alasdair MacLeod is everything I ever wanted in a historical hero—I pulled no punches! He’s arrogant, attractive, powerful, and he loves with his entire heart and soul. He’s also surprisingly funny and lives life as a constant adventure. He proves to be the perfect foil for Beatrice’s highly-controlled personality.

BP: Are there any plot twists you can talk about without giving too much away?

JM:  Beatrice has everything planned out—everything—including her wedding to the rich, arrogant Lord Cavanaugh. But the Queen lives to thwart Beatrice’s plans, and not only cancels the wedding, but assigns Beatrice to spy on a man she detests, a brute of a Scotsman. The truth behind why Beatrice and the Queen are bound together despite their mutual dislike comes out in the book—and so does the truth behind the dastardly Lord Cavanaugh. Another plot twist involves a group of people who live on Beatrice’s family estate . . .their very presence is a threat to her family, and Beatrice must work double-time to keep everything from falling apart.

BP: What was your favorite scene to write?

JM: There is a labyrinth at Beatrice’s estate that is all fallen-down and unsafe . . . so of course they go into it. That scene was great fun—but I think my favorite scene is when Alasdair tells Beatrice how he really feels about her. **sigh**

BP: Please tell us about what's next and/or what else you're working on:

JM:  I am currently editing Maid of Wonder, which I’m delighted to share will be the next book in the Maids of Honor series. This is Sophia’s story, the youngest and most peculiar spy in the group. She is the ward of John Dee, the Queen’s astrologist—and gifted with the Sight. Her book is unusual, as It’s written in a different style from the others, and it features both Dee and one of history’s most famous masters of the arcane: Nostradamus.

BP: What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong too?

JM:  I am an active member in Romance Writers of America, and its local chapter, the Ohio Valley RWA.

BP:  Have you won any Honors, Citations or Prizes?

JM: I am a multiple-time finalist and one-time winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award—an award given to unpublished authors for excellence in a romance manuscript.

BP: How can our readers learn more about you and your books?

JM: Readers can visit me online at www.jennifermcgowan.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferMcGowan, and on Twitter at @jenn_mcgowan

We cannot thank Jennifer enough for taking time out of her super busy schedule to chat with us, and we're looking forward to seeing what else has in store for us over the next few months with her upcoming books.

About Jennifer McGowan

Jennifer McGowan was born in Ohio, grew up in Montana, and studied in Paris. She fell in love with the Elizabethan era as a college student and is now an unrepentant scholar of that period, happily splitting her time between the past and present. An RWA Golden Heart Award winner and multiple finalist, Jenn is the author of the Maids of Honor series, which currently includes Maid of Secrets (2013), the novella A Thief Before Christmas, and the forthcoming novel Maid of Deception (2014). She lives and writes in Ohio, and you can connect with her online at JenniferMcGowan.com, find her on twitter via @Jenn_McGowan, or visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferMcGowan.

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Just in case you didn't already know, we're beyond thrilled to work with Tracy Wolff! Tracy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author published with Random House, Penguin, Harlequin, Entangled, and Sourcebooks. 

Ethan Frost is the (insanely sexy) hero in her New Adult series published with Random House (LoveSwept), and ADDICTED, the highly anticipated second book in the Ethan Frost series, releases on July 15!

If you haven't pre-ordered your copy yet, do it ASAP at: 
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks |  Google Play | Kobo

Read this exclusive interview with Tracy to find out more about ADDICTED!

How many books have you written?
My first book was published in November 2007 and since then, I’ve written 31 novels for five different publishers.  I write under three different names (Tracy Wolff, Tracy Deebs and Tessa Adams) and in  seven different genres.

When did you become a New York Times bestselling author?  
I became a New York Times bestselling author in March of 2014. It was a shock and a total thrill all at the same time!!!  

What is the (high) concept or "hook" in your book?
ADDICTED is the story of two damaged people who should probably never be together but who somehow fit together perfectly.
ADDICTED is the highly anticipated follow up to RUINED, and Ethan Frost novel from Random House Loveswept. 

Please tell (everyday normal) readers what the book is about without using the book blurb:
Addicted is the story of Ethan Frost and Chloe Girard, two damaged people whose love for each other helps them to heal each other—and themselves. Ethan is a man who has spent his life trying to live up to the legacy of his hero father, while Chloe has spent the last few years of her life trying to live down the painful disaster of her past.  It’s only in finding each other that the two of them truly find themselves and start to build the lives they always should have had.

Share a bit about Ethan Frost, and what makes him "hero" material:
I love Ethan.  I really do.  I’ve written thirty-one books and I think he might be my favorite hero out of all of them.  When I set about crafting him, I wanted to write about a man who was strong and alpha (because those are totally the guys I’m attracted to) but whose strength was a little more quiet and altruistic than I often see in books.  Ethan is the kind of guy who has power and money but doesn’t see the need to flaunt it.  Instead, he sees what’s wrong in the world around him and does his best to try to fix it.  From trying to right the wrongs of Chloe’s past to designing the best products to be used on the battlefield to paying for buses to help evacuate poor people during natural disasters, Ethan  is part CEO, part activist, and all hero.

Tell us what makes your heroine the "leading lady" in your book:
I really like Chloe because she’s young and she makes mistakes.  She knows she doesn’t know all the answers but she struggles fiercely to find them, even when it puts her in physical and emotional jeopardy. She’s smart and loyal, but she also is terrified of really opening herself up and getting hurt again.  The fact that she tries—that she shows up again and again, no matter how often life knocks her down—is awe-inspiring to me.  

What was your favorite scene to write?
In ADDICTED, I loved writing the blender scene because it was so raw and painful and honest.  It was a little difficult to write because I had to get deep into Chloe’s head and just try my best to write an authentic, real account of what she was going through.

Who was the hardest character to write in ADDICTED and why?
Chloe has always been a difficult character for me to write.  Her voice comes really easily to me, so that’s not the problem.  But she’s damaged, really damaged, and I always try to walk a fine line between how her past has shaped her into the person she is and how she refuses to let it affect her any more than it already has.  Sometimes she succeeds, sometimes she doesn’t—but I work really hard to keep her sympathetic and interesting and as real and truthful as I can make her.

Is your book part of a series? If so tell us about what's next and/or what else you're working on:
ADDICTED is the follow up to RUINED.  At this point, we do have at least one more book planned— between Chloe’s roommate and her brother.  At the same time, there are a lot of questions in Chloe’s and Ethan’s lives that I feel I could answer with more word count, so I’m not discounting a third book between them either.  

I’m also working on a rock star series for Entangled—the Shaken Dirty series. l I have the Extreme Risk new adult series that follows four snowboarders through the ups and downs in their careers and personal lives, and I am also working on a new young adult paranormal novel about superheroes with my good friend, Tera Lynn Childs.  It’s called Powerless and should hit shelves in June.

What is your writing routine like? How much of your time do you spend marketing, blogging, networking, and writing books?
I get asked about my writing routine often, and the truth is I don’t really have one.  Most of my books are written in a state of abject panic as deadline is looming and I just don’t have enough written.  On days like that, I pretty much live in front of the computer, taking breaks only to dance across the room or to feed my three children.

List three books you just recently read and would recommend?
There are so, so many great books to talk about—I read constantly and in pretty much every sub-genre of romance (hence the reason I write so many different kinds of romances—I’m interested in everything!)  Three books I’ve read recently and really, really loved are:

Nalini Singh’s SHIELD OF WINTER, which is part of her Psy/Changeling series (and which happens to be my favorite series ever).

Beth Kery’s ADDICTED TO YOU: Beth is an amazing writer who really strikes at the heart of her characters and this book, and this hero, just struck me right down to the bone.


Stacey Kennedy’s DESIRED: Stacey is such a talented writer and this series is so dark and delicious that I can’t put it down. She’s awesome!

What do you see as challenges for the new adult (or romance) market? What ways would you suggest that the industry face them?
I think that the new adult market needs to stay fresh.  I’m a sucker for a story with dark and tormented characters—one of my academic specialties is the gothic villain-hero and I love to write and read about him.  But at the same time, new adult is such a new sub-genre that if we want to stay around for a while we have to be careful to constantly be providing the reader with new and exciting experiences.  New stories, new characters, new conflicts, new worlds—I think as long as we push the boundaries and aren’t afraid to take chances, it’s a sub-genre that will be around for a long time.


What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong to?
I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as Austin RWA.  I’m also a professor at my local community college and often volunteer to speak in local classrooms about the writing/revision/publishing process, as I currently do have five young adult novels on the shelves as well.

Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual:
Because I write so many different books, I’m always wondering how I can use something that I’ve read or heard or seen in a book.  One of my son’s favorite stories to tell about me is how, when I was writing my first Urban Fantasy book—which has a strong romantic suspense element to it—I would drive him and his football friends around our home town (where the series takes place) and would randomly comment on how “that would be a great place to dump a body” or “how long do you think it would take someone to find a body over there?”  More than one friend has freaked out until they find out it’s all fiction …

How can our readers learn more about you and your books?
I love hearing from my readers.  I’m Tracy Wolff on Facebook, @Tracywolff on Twitter, I have a blog www.tracywolff.blogspot.com that readers can check out to see what’s coming next and of course, there is my website: www.tracywolff.com

About ADDICTED:

As Chloe Girard discovers, there’s love . . . and then there’s addiction.

Ethan Frost is everything a woman could want in a man. He’s rich, gorgeous, powerful, one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.

But that’s not why I’m with him.

I love Ethan for all the things no one else gets to see: his innate kindness, his reckless spontaneity, his unwavering determination to use his brilliance for good. I love the way he looks at me, the way he touches me. The way he makes me forget the wreckage of my past and the twisted fear that still lives inside me.

But sometimes it terrifies me how much I crave him, how much I need him just to breathe. I always thought it would be my past that ruined us, but there’s a darkness in Ethan I never dreamed existed. Can we survive as his secrets surface—threatening to unravel us both?


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Samantha Ann King is a USA TODAY Bestselling Erotica author who knows how to bring the heat. King takes the phrase “a night to remember” to a whole new place in her latest novel, TEMPTING MEREDITH – an extremely sensual tale about one woman’s past with two men and her future with another.

“King brings us a deliciously sensual ménage of love and healing in her newest erotic romance, Tempting Meredith. Deceptively strong characters come together to reveal a story filled with passion, love, humor, heartbreak and redemption. Lush sexual delights are backed by multiple well-developed plot lines. King gives readers an engaging erotic romance that addresses not only the physical highs and lows of a ménage relationship but also the emotional.” – RT Book Reviews

TEMPTING MEREDITH releases on June 9. Pre-order your copy now!
Enjoy this exclusive interview with Samantha and find out more about TEMPTING MEREDITH!

What is the high concept in your novel, TEMPTING MEREDITH?

A citified astrophysics professor intent on guarding her heart falls for two outdoorsmen who must teach her to love and trust again.


Please tell readers what TEMPTING MEREDITH is about:

Readers first met Meredith in SHARING HAILEY when she told Hailey that falling in love makes you stupid and Hailey was twice as stupid because she’d fallen in love with two men. Sadly, that part got cut from the final book, but readers liked Meredith enough to ask for her story. It was tough. I had to get Meredith to open up about why she was so down on love. Once she told me, I was heartbroken, and I knew readers were right. I had to give Meredith her happily-ever-after. Of course, Karma’s a bitch, so Meredith had to fall for two men.


Please describe the setting in TEMPTING MEREDITH?

Tempting Meredith takes place in the Texas Hill Country. The heroine, Meredith, is an astrophysics professor at TIMT, Texas Institute of Math and Technology, a university on the outskirts of Austin. The heroes, Charlie and Blaine work on a hunting ranch about two hours west of Austin.


Why do you write erotica?

My first exposure to erotic romance was Jaid Black’s HUNTER'S OATH. I was hooked! It was about the same time that I decided I desperately wanted to work again. I’d been a stay-at-home-mom for eighteen years, and I was past ready for a new job! Problem was I suffered from frequent migraines and vertigo. I could work through the migraines but not the vertigo, so I needed a flexible occupation. I kept coming back to writing. I’d tried my hand at historical romance when the kids were young, but my oldest daughter had health problems and it was too difficult to work and care for her. Of course, she was my priority. When she died in 1999, I didn’t go back to writing because I didn’t have the heart for it. But after eleven years, the writing bug was biting me again. This time, because I’d been enjoying erotic romance, I really wanted to give it a try.


When did you first start writing erotica, where did you publish, and what were the results?

I started writing erotic romance in the summer of 2010. Six months later, I finished SHARING HAILEY and entered it in Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight contest. Angela James at Carina Press judged the finals, awarded me first place and asked to see the completed manuscript. A month later, a little over a year after I’d started SHARING HAILEY, I got “the call” every writer dreams of. Angela wanted to publish my book!


What are your thoughts on the impact and importance of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY in relation to the erotica genre?

Fifty Shades has brought erotic romance into the mainstream. It’s that simple. I was fortunate that it became popular a few months before my first novel, SHARING HAILEY, was released. Even though I don’t write BDSM, many fans say they found me because of Fifty Shades.


Are there any differences in the way you develop a character in erotica, say, than in other realms of fiction?

I write erotic romance, not erotica. I don’t have anything against erotica. In fact, I enjoy reading it. I just don’t write it. What’s the difference between the two? I’m so glad you asked. Erotic romance requires a happy ending. Erotica doesn’t. Erotica is a sexual journey. Erotic romance is a sexual journey that ends in a loving, committed relationship.Sometimes, the characters are already in that loving, committed relationship, but they are rediscovering each other and reevaluating their relationship. The main characters in any good romance need to grow and change. In developing my characters, the sexual journey plays a role in helping them heal from past hurts or traumasso they can find their true selves and a happily-ever-after.


Share a bit about your heroes with us, and what makes them "hero" material:

Charlie and Blaine are who I think of when I think of the perfect Texas man. They have no preconceived notions about a “woman’s place.” They like strong women who think for themselves. They still open doors and give up their seats when a woman is standing.They’re in great shape and love the outdoors. They have some quirks that separate them from your typical heroes, like foot reading. Oh, and they cook. What woman can resist a man who cooks? They’re not perfect—Charlie’s politics are too conservative for Meredith’s tastes, and he can be a little overprotective, and Blaine is hiding an important part of himself—but they’re getting there.


Tell us what makes your heroine the "leading lady" in TEMPTING MEREDITH:

Intellectually, Meredith’s a prodigy—left high school without her diploma at the age of 16, got her GED and went to college on a full scholarship. She’s very good at knowing where her weaknesses lie, tackling them head on, and then taking that newfound knowledge a step further. She’s managed to combine those strengths and weaknesses to become the youngest tenured professor at TIMT and a powerhouse volunteer in her community.So her professional life is perfect. But when she was eighteen, a college boyfriend screwed her, thenleft her alone to deal with the repercussions. She hasn’t been able to trust men since, at least not with her heart. Emotionally, she has a lot to overcome, a lot to learn.


As an author of erotica is it difficult to write about fantasies as if they were events that actually took place?

Writing an erotic romance is no different than writing other works of fiction.They’re all fantasy. I have a friend who writes romantic suspense. One of her villains cut off somebody’s feet. Now that would be difficult for me to write. Creeps me out just thinking about it.

Is TEMPTING MEREDITH part of a series? If so tell us about what's next and/or what else you're working on:

TEMPTING MEREDITH is part of my Lovers and Friends series that begins with SHARING HAILEY and continues with WAITING FOR TY. So many readers have asked for more of Hailey that I’m working on a sequel. I’d originally intended to write a novella, but as is typical for me, I learned that the characters had a lot more going on in their lives than I was aware of. So I’m looking at a novel.


What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong too?

I’m a founding member of Land of Enchantment Romance Authors, and like many romance writers I’m a member of Romance Writers of America.

Over the years, I’ve been involved with several organizations that advocate for children, especially in the areas of healthcare and education. Before I began writing fiction, I volunteered as a grant writer to secure funding for non-profits.


Have you won any Honors, Citations or Prizes?

SHARING HAILEY  was nominated for Romantic Times 2012 Reviewers’ Choice Awards in the Erotic Romance category and was a Night Owl Top Pick. It also won first place in the OKRWA IDA awards and Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight contest. It’s been translated into Hungarian and Italian and been on several “best of” lists in Italy.

WAITING FOR TY was a Dark Diva Recommended Read and spent six months on Amazon’s LGBT Romance top 100 list. It was also an All Romance bestseller.


Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual:

Hmmm. Yeah, sorry. I got nothing. I’m pretty ordinary. I used to think I was different, but then I talked to other writers and learned they all have the same fears and insecurities. We’re a pretty neurotic bunch. Writing isn’t an occupation conducive to sanity.


Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions Samantha!

About TEMPTING MEREDITH:

Astrophysicist Meredith Burke's professional life is perfect. Her personal life is another story. Years ago, a menage with the man she loved and his roommate left her with a broken heart and a secret. She hasn't trusted anyone since, but when she meets rugged hunting guide Charlie Connor she figures she doesn't need to. He's got "one-night stand" written all over him.

After one night with Meredith, Charlie needs more. She's intoxicating, and shockingly willing to give him total control of her body. When she agrees to spend an entire week with him at the lodge where he works, it's more than he'd hoped for. But Blaine Bridges, Charlie's best friend and boss, has his own secrets.

Blaine hasn't seen Meredith since that disastrous encounter eight years ago, but he still has feelings for her. Now she's dating his best friend, the man he wants for himself. When Meredith invites him to join in their naughty play, his pleasure is all-consuming. But will the secrets they all hold close destroy a beautiful beginning or bring these three lovers closer than they ever imagined?

Grab your copy: Carina Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you like family-centric, emotional storylines in a small town setting with a heavy dose of sexual tension and explicit love scenes, then the Harmony Falls series is for you.

Second chances don’t come around often, especially not in a town known for its scandals, and almost definitely not with the one that got away, but Morgan and Charlie get theirs in Elley Arden’s latest Harmony Falls novel, MARRYING THE WRONG MAN.  This is a story that’ll tug at the reader’s heartstrings and we can't wait to share it with you.

MARRYING THE WRONG MAN goes on sale May 12th so fire up your eReaders, pre-order your copy at Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble and enjoy this exclusive interview with author Elley Arden!


Please tell readers what  MARRYING THE WRONG MAN is about:

Marrying the Wrong Man is about second chances. Living in a small town, Charlie and Morgan were pigeon-holed from the moment of their births. And though they found each other in their early twenties, they hadn’t found themselves yet. After some pretty catastrophic events in both of their lives and several years apart, they end up together again. Neither one of them is too happy about it. But there’s a child between them now, and they have to work together for her sake. The end result is love of course. And this time, it works, because they are listening to their hearts instead of other people.

In your opinion, who will enjoy MARRYING THE WRONG MAN?

I’m a hopeless romantic and an endless optimist. No matter how bad things get, I expect a happy ending. I want my entertainment to yield the same. I’m also a busy woman with a fulltime writing career, a husband I enjoy spending time with, three kids who take up a lot of my time, and two pets who clamor for whatever is left. Marrying the Wrong Man—as well as all my books—is written with woman like me in mind. The story is intended to make a positive emotional impact on readers without taking up too much of their time.

Are any of your characters anything like you or your life?

All of my characters have a little bit of me in them. Sometimes, it’s just the car they drive. Other times, it’s a personality quirk. But, as the story is written, the characters morph in such a way that even the similarities we share become infiltrated with their own uniqueness.

Share a bit about Charlie, and what makes him "hero" material:

Charlie Cramer is a man in need of redemption after he drank a good bit of his life and his reputation away. He’s hero material, because despite the dark pit he’d fallen into, he picks himself up, and he creates an admirable life for himself. And when the woman who’d pretty much kicked him into that pit shows up in town, he helps her when no one else would.

Tell us what makes Morgan the "leading lady" in MARRYING THE WRONG MAN:

I love the idea that a fall from grace can end up being life’s biggest blessing. Morgan Parrish was a classic mean girl who ends up on the other side of the popularity coin when she flees town to hide an illegitimate pregnancy and then has to deal with her politician father’s very public arrest. In the end, this once selfish woman learns the joy of self-sacrifice. It’s a pretty poignant role reversal.

Is MARRYING THE WRONG MAN part of a series? If so tell us about what's next and/or what else you're working on:

Marrying the Wrong Man closes out the Harmony Falls Series. I’m currently working on the next book in the Designing Love Series. It’s titled Marriage by Design, and it focuses on Angie Corcarelli’s fight to save some historic row homes from demolition. Of course, the man she’s fighting is worth fighting for, too. But, he just so happens to be her best friend’s ex-boyfriend and her brother’s arch nemesis.

What is your writing routine like? How much of your time do you spend marketing, blogging, networking, and writing books?

During my first year as a published romance author, I was writing a book every 3-4 months. It was an inhuman pace that kept me writing six to eight hours a day, five days a week. As a result, I would drop off the social networking, blogging, and marketing radar for days and even weeks at a time. In my second year, I’m hoping to find a better balance. We’ll see what happens. There are so many story ideas and so little time!

Who are your favorite authors? And/or what are you reading right now?

My favorite authors are the ones I grew up reading: Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Later on, I discovered Rachel Gibson and Susan Andersen. Those are favorites, who I preorder or wait impatiently for their next book. There are many wonderful writers putting out books today. I’m currently reading Christine Bell’s Wife for Hire.

When did you first start writing, where did you publish, and what were the results?

I was a non-fiction writer and editor for ten years before I pursued a career as a romance writer. I have plastic bins in my basement filled with hundreds of glossy magazines that feature my articles. But romance was always pulling at me. Crimson Romance took a chance on me and published my first romance novel, Save My Soul: Book One in the Kemmons Brothers Baseball Series, in March 2013. I’ve now published seven novels with Crimson Romance (another four are on the way), and Save My Soul has sold thousands of copies. Not bad for a year’s work. J

Do you have any writing advice you can give to those who want to be as successful as you are?

My advice to anyone who wants to see a publication rate like I’ve had in my first year is to jump first. Take chances. Make it up as you go along. You can always regroup. You can always slow down. You can always change course. But, you’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you do it.

What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong too?

Currently I’m woefully uninvolved. With this crazy writing schedule, it’s been hard to keep up with the laundry let alone shower and dress to attend meetings and get-togethers. More balance is my goal. I’d like to get back to doing things like sitting on the committee for my city’s St. Jude Children’s Hospital gala and regularly attending my local romance writers’ group meetings.

Have you won any Honors, Citations or Prizes?

A couple years ago, I decided to try a contest for feedback, so I submitted Crashing the Congressman’s Wedding to the Central Ohio Fiction Writer’s Ignite the Flame Contest, and I won first prize. That was my first and only contest entry.

Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual:

I can’t stick to an outline. I write one, and all the plot points are brilliant. As I read through it, I’m certain best-seller status is guaranteed. But, when I sit down to write, the characters never cooperate. They think this plot point is stupid. They hate the twist on Page Eight. They kick and scream until I’m kicking and screaming with them. And then I ignore the outline for the rest of the book. It causes a lot of frustration.

How can our readers learn more about you and MARRYING THE WRONG MAN?

I’d love for readers to check out my website: http://elleyarden.com. I’m also on Twitter (@elleywrites) at least once a day, but @ me if you have something to say, because I never seem to get through my timeline with any real regularity. I do love to chat, though, especially if it’s about baseball or wine. I’m also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elley-Arden-Author/540667649278016) when I’m feeling particularly longwinded. J

Title: MARRYING THE WRONG MAN
Author: Elley Arden
Author Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May12th, 2014
Word Count: 50,000words
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Format: Digital eBook
ISBN:9781440579639

Synopsis:

Morgan Parrish returns to Harmony Falls after her spectacle of an almost wedding and her father’s colossal fall from grace. She’s broke and infamous. But that’s nothing compared to the secret she’s been keeping.

Life is finally on the upswing for Charlie Cramer. He’s sober and chef of Chargrilled Bistro. But his peace is shattered, when the woman he loves—the woman who left him—shows up in town with shocking cargo: the baby he’d begged her to keep and raise with him.

When fate steps in and Morgan takes a job working in Charlie’s bistro, things heat up—in and out of the kitchen. Can they learn to trust each other enough to love again? And is that love enough to keep them up when everyone else is trying to tear them down?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Add MARRYING THE WRONG MAN to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Other books in the Harmony Falls series:

BATTLING THE BEST MAN:  Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble | iBooks

CRASHING THE CONGRESSMAN'S WEDDING: Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Books-A-Million | Powell’s

What is the concept in FUELED BY LUST: CATO?

CATO begins with a phone conversation between two women. One has called into an abuse hotline just to have someone to talk to about her current boyfriend and her build up to leaving him. Her discussion of wanting to find someone that truly loves her triggers the monitoring equipment set up by the Insedi to find potential mates. Cato becomes intrigued with her voice and decides he has to find out who she is despite not having any clue as to her name or where she lives.

Ok.  Now I need to know... who are the "Insedi"?

The half energy/half human Insedi race’s genesis is explained in Drusus’s story, but for those of you who aren’t aware, around 300 B.C. a Roman Emperor and his wife stumbled upon the vortex that connects Earth to the alien world. The “mist-like”pure energy form of the alien, known as the Nubis, was intrigued by the physical structure of the humans and mimicked their essence. Basically, they merged with it. The remaining energy forms traveled to Earth and “went forth and multiplied” then returned to their alien world. In fact, the Latin term for “merge” is Insedi.

Please tell readers what the book is about:

Cato was seen in the previous two books, so there is an assumption that the reader will know that he’s the Insedi computer genius that monitors the airwaves for potential mates for his brethren. In the process of this, he hears a mesmerizing feminine voice call into an abuse hotline and becomes immediately intrigued. The problem is that he knows the phone booth location, but can’t seem to be there when she randomly calls in. The more he learns of her life, the more he wants to know her. One night she gets attacked at the booth and it starts the ball rolling on Cato’s drive to protect her and to exact revenge on the person he thinks did it. He wasn’t expecting to fall head over heels in love or deal with the many surprises that are revealed throughout the rest of the book. A new character is introduced in Book 3 and you’ll see previous characters interacting throughout.

What was your inspiration for the Fueled by Lust series?

I actually dreamed of these guys. I saw them forming from mist and knew then that I had to do a science fiction piece. They were just too yummy to be from earth. From there, it was the over 600 romance books I read before I ever decided to write about my guys. I purposefully spent two years researching what has been ‘done to death’ so I wouldn’t repeat it. I found that I especially liked to know what happens to characters after I put a book down, so that definitely made me want to do a series on them.

Please describe the setting in FUELED BY LUST: CATO?

This book splits its time between Austin Texas, the home base of Cato and the other characters, and their home world of Insedivertus. The opening scene is in the Seekers Dating Agency where Cato’s bank of otherworldly computers reside. You’ll get to see a nice action piece inside the Heat Seeker Male Revue nightclub where the clientele’s lust fuels the Insedi’s depleting energy core.

Your covers are super sexy. Can you tell readers about the design process and how you found your cover models?

For anyone that has read one of the Fueled By Lust books, they know that these unbelievably sexy aliens play the role of male strippers or escorts in order to be around sensual desire while they try to locate a potential mate. Who better to put on the cover than an actual male entertainer?

I send out cover calls via social media to different male revue sites and ask for someone interested in partnering with me on the cover. I stress the word ‘partner’. They have to be just as excited for being a part of the process as I am. I promote them and they promote me. You wouldn’t believe how sweet these guys are. They provide the photo and I’ll have whatever touches I need done. I never have their bodies airbrushed. What you see is what you get. They’re real ladies! I do add in the mating necklace or mist when warranted.

If you want to meet Severus in the flesh, go to Florida and check out Rock Hard Revue and find Cisco Perez. David Greenhouse is the owner of Rock Hard Revue and was the photographer for the cover. You’ll find Cato in Ohio. Devon Sutton from The IronMen of Cleveland Male Revue brought him to life. Candace Heaverlo did the photography and the mist was done by Erica Johnson. I enjoyed working with each of them and very pleased with the outcome.

What type of reader will enjoy Fueled by Lust series?

Just because I’ve got aliens as the heroes doesn’t mean that the readers should all be science fiction fanatics. These stories take place a majority of the time on earth and the guys go through the same things that any other man would go through. They just happen to be able to reform into pure energy when needed, rely on their mating necklace to let them know if the woman has potential to be their perfect mate, and visit their home world by traveling through a planetary vortex.

I would also think that it would be sought after by readers that like to know what happens to the characters they’ve met in previous books as secondary characters get their chance at love. This world continues to grow along with the characters so it’s going to have something for everyone. Each hero has a different proclivity. Some are dominant like Drusus, others like to move a little on the kinky side, some prefer males, and I even have those that don’t mind getting tied up by their heroine. Each hero has his own distinct personality. I always hated reading a series and the heroes were cookie cutter versions from book to book.

I also believe that readers with a voyeuristic tendency will like my tales. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the corner of the bedroom and will want to take thorough notes.

I caution the readers. If you’re looking for porn and smut, this is not the place to find it. My characters have fantastic, scorching sex scenes and I don’t hold anything back, but there is love filling their hearts while it’s occurring. Just what every person in the world should want.

Who are your favorite authors?

J.R. Ward was a big influencer. It was the camaraderie amongst her group of vampires that did it for me. My books have nothing to do with vampires and the heroes are not as torn up and broken as Ward’s characters (which she does very well), but you will pull out a tissue now and then with some of the things they’ve had to deal with.

I also like Laurell K. Hamilton just because she’s a feisty woman and the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry books are just awesome.

Share a bit about CATO with us, and what makes him "hero" material:

Because of the role he plays for the Insedi, Cato was one of the first to start using slang language and contractions properly. My poor aliens come to earth speaking proper English, have no clue how to use an ATM machine, and eventually have to learn to blend in. He helps them do that. Cato is so cool! He has tattoos, a line of stud earrings, rides a Harley, and doesn’t want to wear anything but his trusted blue jeans, heavy metal T-shirts, and biker boots. Did I mention he has blue tipped hair? Despite his intimidating size and looks, he is full of “goo” as Cassie claims in Book 2. He’s very tender hearted and when he loves, he goes all out. He wants babies, lots of babies.

Tell us what makes LUNA the "leading lady" in FUELED BY LUST: CATO:

Luna Jasper. What can I say? That poor thing. She is really a very strong woman, but when she suffers one family member death after another, she ended up in a relationship that is totally not right for her and she’s trapped. When she finally snaps out of her rote existence of a life, boy does she do it with a splash. She just wants to be happy and not struggle through life anymore.I was so happy when Cato found her. They bring out the best in each other.

What challenge, if any, did you face turning your story into science fiction?

The biggest challenge was making sure that I explained the connection between Insedivertus and Earth. They don’t come to Earth by way of spaceships. There is a vortex connecting our planets. It was sort of weird how I stumbled on that association. I was trying to figure out how they spoke Latin and ended up with bodies shaped just like Earth men. When you read Book 1, which introduces the Insedivertus race, you’ll be surprised at the link to Marfa Texas and the last Etruscan Roman Emperor. I just didn’t make up the royal name of Tarquinius, the man actually existed.

Why erotic sci-fi romance?

I dreamed of these guys. They were forming out of pure mist and it triggered Drusus’s story. It worked out for me in the long run because the science fiction genre can open up so much more for storylines, drama, and intrigue. I know that when I read some good ones, I loved that I could just sit down, step out of my box of preconceived ideas, and just let myself walk through a strange world without thinking too hard. If I want to analyze everything to death as to realism, then I’ll grab a book on how to fix my kitchen sink.

What else are you working on?

Since I work full time, my writing is squeezed into breaks, lunch, after work, and weekends so I barely have time to keep the FBL series going much less start on other stories. You’ll see much more of the series before I’ll switch up to a new line of books. I just finished Book 4 which is Emperor Lucien Tarquinius’s story. I had a reader mention on a review of Book 1 that they were looking forward to hearing his story. Well, they’re getting their wish. I like hearing back from the readers on whose story might be the next one to reveal.

What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong too?

I wished I had time to belong to a community organization. I do donate money to charitable organizations, so that kind of helps alleviate my guilt factor. I belong to the Romance Writers Association.

Have you won any Honors, Citations or Prizes?

All three books have been on the Siren-Bookstrand Top 30 bestseller list. Bookstrand is a retail site for multiple e-read publishers. I just broke my top level of number 7 when CATO hit number 5 in the Male/Female Category. That got a good squeal out of me. Both DRUSUS and SEVERUS landed in the Top Twenty Hottest Bestseller List in Science Fiction on Amazon.

SEVERUS was rated “Best Book” by Long and Short Reviews which was like winning an Oscar for Best Picture in my mind. SEVERUS also won the April “BOOK OF THE MONTH’ honor from LASR. The readers determine which book sounds like the best one to read based off the review. I was extremely excited by that win. Love it when readers are engaged!

I’ve entered DRUSUS in the Passionate Ink’s 9th Annual Passionate Plume Contest under the Science Fiction/SciFi/Fantasy category. I won’t know if I’ve won anything until the RWA conference in San Antonio July 23-26, 2014. So wish me luck!

Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual:

I’m a former Marine. People always ask me why I say “former’ instead of “ex”. If there is anything you learn from this interview, let it be that you never call an honorably discharged Marine an “ex”. We’re highly trained. Keep that in mind. No, seriously. “Ex” is for the ones that get kicked out. For the rest of us? Once a Marine, always a Marine. I think I get a lot of my heroes’ facial expressions and tone from some of the wonderful Marines I’ve met over the years.

I also ride my own Harley and I absolutely love to shoot pool. One day, I need to just get away from my desk (writing and work), let the series take a few days break and just get on my Harley and head out for a good run. Maybe I’ll come up with some new stories to share.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Celeste! I can't wait to introduce readers to your series.
— Dani

About Celeste Prater:

I was born and raised in a small town between Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin. Wanting to see more than my small Texas town, I joined the Marines, which satisfied my craving to see more of the U.S. and drive to see if I could be one of the few and the proud.

A firm believer in educating the mind, I have achieved several advanced degrees, the latest being a Masters of Science.

My true love is writing erotic romance, especially about alien hunks that know how to treat their females. 

Drusus, Severus, Cato, Lucien, Petrus, Maxim, Caelius, and many more have swirled in my dreams until I had to bring them to life and allow them to find love within the pages of the FUELED BY LUST book series.

Connect with Celeste at:


Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | YouTube | Tumblr | Instagram

About FUELED BY LUST: CATO

While monitoring the airwaves for potential mates for the earthbound Insedi, Cato Telarius becomes mesmerized with a sensual, feminine voice captured during a pay phone conversation with a hotline operator. Cato’s obsession with finding the woman attached to the voice leads him to a discovery that will shock the Insedivertus race and a love that will test the boundaries of his sanity. 

Luna Jasper has been working hard to get out of an unfulfilling relationship, and just as she sees freedom within reach, one small mistake spirals her into a fight for her life, a huge push into the arms of a man she never believed could exist, and a surrealistic encounter with an alien world beyond her wildest imagination.

Available at BookStrand

About FUELED BY LUST: SEVERUS

Thrown together by the mating of Drusus and Avelina, Severus Faal and Cassie Wells find themselves drawn into a world of corporate espionage when Cassie catches a co-worker planting monitoring devices at her law office. Cassie’s drive to uncover the reason for the infiltration immediately engages Severus’s protective instincts to keep her safe. As they work together to solve this mystery, they begin a journey of self-discovery that raises old ghosts and salts unhealed wounds.

Since Severus refuses to wear his mating necklace, as is the custom of the Insedi male, he relies on instinct and readily dismisses signs that Cassie has triggered his mating cycle. While Cassie has a fearless outer shell, her core is full of shadows and indecision. A troubled childhood stagnates her ability to open her heart and experience a love that could span a millennium.

Available at BookStrand | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About FUELED BY LUST: DRUSUS

Drawn to Texas by a vortex link between Insedivertus and a plethora of potential mates, Prince Drusus Tarquinius focuses on ensuring the survival of his alien race. Avelina Roth is simply out on the town trying to forget her love troubles when their accidental meeting draws them both into a dangerous liaison that brings a hated enemy back into Drusus’s life and shatters Avelina’s belief that we are alone in this universe.

How does troubled in love Avelina Roth deal with the overwhelming Drusus Tarquinius, a force not of this Earth, when he engages her in his mating cycle the moment they meet?  Will Drusus overlook the past and move forward with the final mating?  Will Avelina survive to know the full depth of his love when the planetary war that pushed the aliens to seek mates knocks firmly on her door?

Available at BookStrand | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

FIX YOU is the part one of Sebastian and Olivia’s story in your new serialized romance series. Tell readers why you chose to write serial romance and why you feel it will appeal to them: 

I decided to write serial romance because it appeals to me as an audience. I’m an avid reader as well as a big television fan. My family and I glom onto a series and don’t let go. Like Game of Thrones, for example. We talk about it, we bond over it, we pause and rewind and gossip. It’s like our thing. And part of what makes us love it is the anticipation. When the season ends, we’re ALREADY pumped for the next season, planning our big premiere viewing party (which is just us but with elaborate food and themed cakes) I guess I’m a glutton for punishment, lol. 

So when I started reading some of the New Adult serials that had become so popular, I realized that I love the format. Now, I don’t want to wait FOREVER. But in some twisted way, I DO want to think about the next book, guess what’s going to happen, get excited as release day draws near etc... It’s part of the fun for me. 

A book can last the three hours it takes me to read it, but I'm finding that a serial spread over a few months gives me much more pleasure. So it was a no brainer that I had to write one. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to torture my readers, lol! Mine are set to release super close together, one a month, and there are only three for each couple’s story. That way, readers get to anticipate and guess and maybe even eventually have some input on future stories. I’m SUPER excited about it all!

You're a USA Today Bestselling author, with more than twenty traditionally published titles but FIX YOU is self-published. Why the switch to indie?

I decided to move into indie publishing in an attempt to diversify. I love my publisher, Entangled, and still plan to release category romance through their Brazen and Indulgence lines. At the same time, I also want to be able to create something I love without boundaries. Category is very specific (in length, regarding tropes, in tone, etc...).

I decided to write a new adult series on my own so I would have total creative freedom. My books are still professionally edited, formatted, and have professional covers, but at the end of the day, I get to determine what stays on the page and what doesn’t, and I get to decide if the cover art is exactly what I want. It’s very freeing.


Why do you feel indie publishing is so hot right now? 

I think more and more self-publishers are taking the time to package their books in a way that can compete with traditional publishing. There is a wealth of freelance talent out there, so great editing and covers can be had if authors are willing to utilize it. Not to mention that many traditionally published books are priced in the $5.99+ range while indie authors can price their books at a very competitive $2.99 price point (while offering, say, the first installment at a discount of free) and still make a fair royalty for their work. It’s a win-win for authors and readers.


Please tell readers a little about the book:

FIX YOU is about a girl in trouble. Her family is on the brink of losing it all, and some part of her knows there is more to that sordid tale, but she is struggling with another, bigger problem at the moment. Her long-time boyfriend has addiction issues and has become abusive. She feels all alone in the world, and terrified. Enter Bash McDaniels. He’s gruff and from the wrong side of the tracks, but there is an honesty and a realness about him that draws her to him.

They can’t contain their attraction for each other, but they know they can’t possibly have a relationship. He has goals and dreams that will take him far from Boston. Her family has expectations of her that do not include some “loser without an education”.  Their lives are in turmoil, and no one wants them together. Not her ex-boyfriend, not Bash’s brothers. And still, they can’t stay away from each other…


When can readers expect the following installments of Sebastian and Olivia’s story and when will they meet the other McDaniels brothers?

Bash and Olivia’s story will unfold over three books, released one month apart, in March, April and May. Then, each of the other two McDaniels brothers will get his own, three-part story. I don’t have a firm release date for those yet, but I’m hoping to have Matthias’s first book come out late summer and go from there, one a month (or faster, if I can!)


Can you give readers a sneak peek at books two and three in The McDaniels Brothers serials?

I’d love to give readers a sneak peek at books two and three, but I’m not sure I can without giving spoilers away on book one! Something pretty major happens at the end of book one that very much plays into the second and third books and changes their course drastically. And, as things progress, Bash and Olivia’s bond gets stronger while forces become even more determined to pull them apart. Cryptic, right? SORRY! I just don’t want to ruin book one for anyone!


In your opinion, what kind of readers will enjoy FIX YOU?

If you love sexy contemporary romance with a younger feel to it and some serious angst, I think you will love these books. Bash and Olivia have this chemistry that is so magical, and yet they are each struggling with their own demons that make it seem impossible for them to be together. I found them compelling to write and hope readers find them just as compelling.


Share a bit about your hero with us, and what makes him "hero" material:

Bash McDaniels is the middle of three brothers who lost their parents at a young age. Bash was separated from his other two siblings when they went into foster care and the state couldn’t find a family to take all three, so he has had the most difficult time in a lot of ways. He loves his brothers, but also is a little bitter than he missed five years with them. Even through all his struggles, and with no solid male role model, he has a strong work ethic. He busts his ass as a bar-back at night and trains to become a professional boxer during the day. He also knows how to treat a girl. When he sees a stranger in a potentially dangerous situation, he doesn’t hesitate to risk his own neck, and job, to protect her.


Introduce your heroine and tell us what makes her a "leading lady":

Olivia Beckett is an only child who has had everything. At least, from an outsider’s perspective. She’s pretty and fun and has the “perfect” captain of the rugby team boyfriend. Her family is wealthy and she gets to go a fancy private college that most girls would dream of. But behind the smile, Olivia is falling apart. Her boyfriend is abusive, her parents are in financial trouble, and she's feeling alone and helpless. I think she’s a leading lady because she doesn’t just bury her head, or give up. She’s a fighter. And when she meets Bash, she doesn’t let him write her off. She proves herself to be worthy of his respect, and learns to stand on her own two feet. I admire those traits in someone so young.


Do you have a behind the scenes team?

I have a great, behind the scenes team that helps me produce these books. I have several first line beta readers, a content editor and then a freelance copy editor who I work with to make sure the books are in tip-top shape. Then Dee Tenorio of Laideebug Digital does all my covers and my book formatting. Once the book is produced, I turn it over to my publicist, Dani Barclay of Barclay Publicity, and she helps me the rest of the way. I realized long ago that each facet of putting out a book is specialized. People go to school for years to learn design, how to edit, how to market a product, etc... Just because I CAN do something (albeit poorly), doesn’t mean I should, lol (and believe me, you guys should be glad I didn’t!)


Can you recommend other similar books that readers might enjoy once they've devoured FIX YOU?

Some of my own favorite NA authors are Jen McLaughlin (LOVE her Out of Time, Out of Line books, and have her latest cued up on my Kindle), Jennifer L. Armentrout (Wait for You<3), Monica Murphy (One Week Girlfriend) and HM Ward (The Ferro Family). I have so many books waiting on my Kindle to read, as well, so I’m sure I’ll have more favorites to add soon!


Have you always wanted to be a writer? Tell us a bit about your road to publication:

I didn’t actually really start writing until I was thirty-five. In fact, I didn’t even know I wanted to write. All I ever knew was that I was never truly satisfied with my job, no matter what I was doing. I did a lot of different jobs, from working at a library (which I DID enjoy for a long time), to selling computers (which I did NOT enjoy). I went in every day, did my job to the best of my ability and made the best of it, but I always felt trapped. Like a bear in a cage. So I’d work for five years somewhere, and then, typically, have some sort of mental freak out where I felt like I HAD TO GET OUT! So I’d call my husband and say, “I can’t do this anymore.” And, bless his amazing heart, he’d say, “Okay. So quit.”

Then I tried to flip houses, which was fun but short-lived.  After that, I decided I’d stick in with a day job, but try being a rock star at night, so I joined a band and sang. Turned out, after six months of gigging, I still hadn’t gotten over my crippling stage fright so rather than be sick 80% of the time, I broke up the band. That kind of thing continued, and after years of a happy family life but a dismal array of “careers”, my husband suggested I go back to college and try things until I found my passion. At around the same time, my sister Nicole (who is a practicing psychic) told me she pictured me making a living as a writer. I added some creative writing courses to my schedule and found I loved it. I was happier than I’d ever been.

When I finally went back to a day job, it was with renewed determination that it would be my last. It took me five years, but I was finally able to call myself a full time author in 2012! It’s been the ride of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to my family who supported me and all my craziness to get here.

Tell us anything about you that you think might be interesting or unusual: 

Fun fact #1: I’m actually a princess. Okay, not ACTUALLY, but sort of. I’m the descendent of Russian Prince Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov. Our family was exiled long before I was able to grab my tiara, but our pictures (and those of other descendants) are housed in the Winter Palace in Russia and a Russian film company just did a documentary about our family. SO cool, right?! But once I got over the excitement of that, I realized the odds of me getting my rightful place on the throne were nil, and I had to figure out what I COULD do that would satisfy my soul. Hence, the writing.

Fun fact #2: In my quest to find my niche, I also tried my hand at being a professional poker player (I’m good at it, did well, and even won several tournaments, but it turns out poker is WAY more fun when it’s a hobby). I still play, but writing will always be my true passion.

About FIX YOU, Bash and Olivia Book One:

Olivia Beckett’s once-charmed life is falling apart. Her family is about to lose everything, and she has almost no chance of continuing her college education. She can't even seek solace from her high school sweetheart. He's changed. She doesn't recognize the boy she used to know— his violent behavior is escalating and it scares the hell out of her. Her whole world is crumbling, and she has no one to turn to……

Sebastian “Bash” McDaniels is an up and comer in the boxing world working nights at the local college bar until he can land the fight of his dreams that will get him the hell out of Boston and away from his family's tragic past. He’s weeks from his goal when Olivia Beckett comes tumbling into his life in a flash of silky dark hair and haunted eyes. When he saves her from a potentially brutal beating, they begin to grow close, but Olivia's ex isn’t ready to let her go so easily. 

Bash can't bring himself to walk away, but fixing Olivia just might leave him broken…

About Christine Bell:

Christine Bell is a USA Bestselling Author of contemporary romance novels and one half of the happiest couple in the world. She and her handsome hubby currently reside in Pennsylvania with a four-pack of teenage boys and their two dogs, Gimli and Pug. If she gets time off from her duties as maid, chef, chauffeur, or therapist, she can be found reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from Young Adult novels to books on poker theory. She doesn’t like root beer, clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but lurrves chocolate, going to the movies, the New York Giants and playing Texas Hold 'Em.


Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she would be a pirate...or, like, a ninja maybe. She loves writing fun, sexy romances, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with rusty spoons. Christine loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to get in touch with her via the Contact Page, or find her on Twitter@_ChristineBell.

It's here!
SHATTERED SECRETS, the first novel in Krystal Wade's much awaited Book of Red series, releases today so grab your copy and dive into this gripping, magical world!

We sat down with Krystal for a chat so keep reading to find out more about Shattered Secrets!

What is the (high) concept in SHATTERED SECRETS?

Shattered Secrets is about deception. Everyone has secrets. Even the secrets have secrets. The main character struggles to figure out who to trust, and in the end she learns she must trust herself.


Please tell readers a little about the book:

Seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols learns there is more to her world than she’s ever dreamed of: everything in her life is a lie, right down to her name; beings who have the power to shape and alter every human action are fighting for control; and the bad guys, even some of the good, want her dead.


Please describe the setting in SHATTERED SECRETS.

Shattered Secrets starts out in the beautiful, winter-stricken state of Virginia, then quickly moves to the Gulf Coast of Florida.


Who was the hardest character to write in SHATTERED SECRETS and why?

Mark Snellings was the absolute most difficult character to write in Shattered Secrets. He plays so many roles in the novel: concerned friend, jealous “friend” who wants more out of a relationship, creepy guy who acts slightly out of line, right down to psychotic murderer and back again. This would probably make most people believe I didn’t know who he was and should have worked on him harder, but the thing is: Mark Snellings doesn’t know who he is.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I’d have to say that the chapter titled The Funeral was my favorite scene to write. The emotions were overwhelming, and I found myself crying right along with the characters.

Are there any plot twists you can talk about without giving too much away?

Mark Snellings is a huge plot twist, but if I tell you too much more, I’ll ruin the surprise.

Is SHATTERED SECRETS the first in a series or is it a stand-alone read? If it is stand alone, can you tell us anything about your next project?

Shattered Secrets is the first in a planned three-book series. While it can stand alone, I have a feeling readers will want to follow Abby as she grows and learns more about her new life—and her role in it.

In your opinion, what is the market for SHATTERED SECRETS?

Fans of young adult fantasy, paranormal and adventure should enjoy Shattered Secrets. The book has a cross-over audience appeal, as well.

Do you ever get writer's block and if so how do you overcome it?

I’ve been known to get writer’s block on occasion. A lot of my suffering is due to self-doubt. I usually overcome this by reminding myself that I write for me first, and only hope others enjoy my books and characters as much as I do.

What advice do you have for aspiring young authors (children and teenagers)?

Live your life to the fullest. Without life experiences, you will have little to write about. Backpack across Europe. Go on a Safari. Climb mountains. Live spontaneously. Love a lot. Don’t ever be afraid. Then write and write and write without worrying about what others think. Make yourself happy, and take pleasure in sharing—even if only one other person in the world is touched by your story.

List three books you just recently read and would recommend?

Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea, Alice in Zombieland, The Raven Boys

Why do you write Young Adult, Paranormal?

I write YA because I made a lot of mistakes when I was that age. I took my parents, friendships, my siblings, even myself for granted. I look back on all the hard times I endured, mostly self-inflicted, and think “I need to find a way to get through to young people, to help them, to give them something positive even if their life is dark”. And while none of my stories are preachy or anywhere close to self-help works, they all contain strong elements of family, of love, of believing in yourself and what you’re able to do. Most kids, even adults, don’t realize they need to love themselves before they can ever love someone else.

What do you see as challenges for the YA market? What ways would you suggest that the industry face them?

There are so many challenges in the YA market right now. I think the number one challenge is finding wholesome books that appeal to young people without making their parents cringe. There’s been a huge influx of sex (a perfectly relevant topic for young people) without consequences (not at all relevant) in a lot of literature. We all know young people think about sex, have sex, etc, but I’ve read several books where the main characters treat it all so nonchalantly, to a dangerous level. This isn’t realistic.

I believe the industry needs to institute a movie-rating system for books. I know many publishers have done this, but it’s not prominent enough, and the reasons for the ratings aren’t listed. And if my movie-rating dream ever does come true, quite honestly, I think Rated-R books should be restricted without proof of age. If you can’t get into a rated-r movie, why are kids able to buy those books? Sure, we all read our mother’s copies of Danielle Steel novels when we were growing up, but I’m pretty sure we can all agree that what’s out there right now is way steamier than any Danielle Steel novel.

What local community or charitable organizations, or writers groups do you belong too?

I belong to RWA and Indie-Licious


Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual:

Most of my story ideas are born on my 50-mile commute to work. Often times while I'm sitting in traffic, staring out the window at the same stupid trees and potholes and light poles that I've stared at for the past 15 years, an idea or image will spring into my mind. I end up lost in that idea and suddenly okay with my drive, okay with the traffic, and okay with it all. I'll slap a smile on my face and write down the idea as soon as I get home…two hours later.

About SHATTERED SECRETS:

After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant. She couldn't be more wrong. The boy who saves her holds her heart. But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.

Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.

Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own. But has she put her trust in the wrong place? And will the world survive if she has?



Purchase your copy now!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Amazon UK

About Krystal Wade:

Krystal Wade is happily married to the love of her life (don’t gag) and raising three beautiful children in the gorgeous state of Virginia. They live just outside Washington, D.C., and every day she wakes up to find herself stuck in traffic trying to get there.
The horrid commute gives Krystal plenty of time to zone out and think about her characters in full, brilliant details (she’s a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give her a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to her on the fifty mile trek into town (she picks up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe this).
Krystal has been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of her oh-so-large life. When she’s not working, commuting, or chasing after her three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find Krystal outside talking to her chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training her amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).
Reach Krystal at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

ONE NIGHT IN HEATED SNAPSHOTS is an irresistible short novel that takes two unlikely lovers to the sizzling heat of Miami for one night of passion and revenge that will change their lives forever. It's a New Adult novel an it's all readers are talking about right now. Join us on the Book Scoop Blog today as Ashley C. Harris answers some questions about this hot new trend in genre fiction.

To start, can you tell us when you started writing with the intention of getting published?

I think ever since the third grade when I started obsessively writing, the dream formed in my mind of becoming a professional author and getting published. I had all these stories in my head and wanted to get them out there.

Can you tell us a bit about the book?

ONE NIGHT IN HEATED SNAPSHOTS is about a young college-aged photographer named Beth. For the past year she's lived next door to Sterling, the most handsome and talented swimmer at her university. In fact, there are rumors Sterling might one day compete at the Olympics. He'd be quite the catch if Beth liked playboys or the king of every college party... which she didn’t. She can't stand Sterling and that's why he wants her. When he shows up on the plane for the biggest traveling photography contest of Beth's life, she senses right away that Sterling is up to something.

Besides the age of the hero and heroine, what is the difference between YA and NA? 

NA is a wonderful, exciting new genre whose definition is not yet set in stone. Basically YA targets audiences twelve and older (from middle school all the way to high school, which has been really broad in the past as a twelve-year-old and a seventeen-year-old might want to read something totally different).  

NA targets audiences that relate to the much older teens (seventeen and eighteen to early twenties: from young adults that are getting ready to enter college to twenty-somethings that are working). It’s targeted towards a group of people going through older and much different life situations than a young teen who is just coming into high school.

My characters are twenty-four, just at the very end of their college years, but I hope even older audiences can pick up the book and relate to it. I plan on doing this by taking Beth and Sterling through multiple situations in the first and second books of this series that really stretch adulthood and how a person has to change and grow in their twenties.  

What do you think it is about New Adult that appeals to readers who generally shy away from young adult novels and instead prefer adult romance?

I believe some readers love what popular YA novels feature, paranormal stories and coming-of-age situations, but shy away from that section of their bookstore because they just feel too old or removed from the characters in those stories. That's why NA is so great because it's kind of the in between of these two genres. YA lovers will grow into NA, and adult romance lovers can read it guilt-free while accessing more mature content.

How graphic do you think you can get with New Adult writing? Is there a specific point where you have to draw the line in sex scenes?  

For me personally, yes. There is a big specific point I draw the line with sex scenes in any genre.

A person’s maturity and what they’re exposed to changes a lot from high school to college and then the early twenties. So I think you get to play with that in NA. I do believe though, as a writer, you have a responsibility to draw the line when you know a somewhat younger audience is viewing your material. I hope I can stay within my own personal boundaries but at the same time write freely.

What do you love most about writing New Adult?

When I was a teen in high school I was told by my classmates and adults to have fun then because it’s over once high school is done. But thanks to my mom's influence and guidance I never believed that way of thinking. After high school my life experiences and dating adventures were just beginning and I didn't want to trap myself in a box. NA kind of proves that point. To be realistic, a lot of people aren't even getting married or meeting 'the one' until their late twenties and beyond. I love that with NA my characters can have fun without making us feel like the heroine is too old to be experiencing love for the first time.

How would you describe Beth, the main character, and is she based on anyone? 

Honestly there are pieces of Beth in me, and I did pull from some of my own thoughts and daydreams in college. She's also a photographer, and my sister is a photographer, so I pulled from that too. My sister is actually a professional photographer & graphic designer. So I've watched her perfect her craft for years and I've seen the competitiveness of the craft through her experiences with other people. A piece of that inspired this novel actually. I also can relate to my main character Beth's love of photo editing with my own love of film editing, so I pulled from that when writing this book.

How did you successfully add depth to her character? What tips would you give to other writers on this?

Even in my shorter novels like this one, I always, in my mind and on paper, put together my character’s entire life story. Readers may not get their whole life story in the book and adventure I've put them on, but I can pull how they react in different scenes by what I've decided they've gone through and will go through in the future. For example, I decided Beth's father was a pastor who died on a missionary trip. So the way she reacts to different things in the book is pulled from that background info, even if I don't go fully into detail about her entire past. I also know where she'll end up in the future, so I can foreshadow her behavior to be the behavior of someone who will achieve that.

I'm a huge swim fan. Did any real-life swimmers inspire your male lead, Sterling?

Yes!!! In fact most of America's Olympic swim team of 2011 inspired some of his character ;-). I watched the Olympics for the swimming and drooled over all the hot male swimmers. So when I knew I wanted to make Sterling an athlete, I thought what would be more fun than having him be a future Olympic swimmer. With that in mind before writing this novel, I bought and devoured a few of the top Olympic swimmers’ bios. They inspired me, as well as my real life boyfriend who is training to be a professional athlete himself. 

Where did the idea for ONE NIGHT IN HEATED SNAPSHOTS begin? Is the final version similar to your initial idea? 

I wanted to write a story about a heated romance that takes place while traveling against the rush of a ticking time clock. The final version stayed with my main idea. However, my editor, Cameron Yeager, helped me dig deeper into the characters. She helped me figure out where I needed to add extra scenes to make sense of the shocking ending. Her help and expertise really is what made me decide I'm going to write a second book and make this a two-part series. The saying, “two heads is better than one,” is so true. Her support really made this novel even better than I was expecting. 

Do you have a favorite scene from the book?

The model scene in the novel where Beth has to pose in a picture to help her friend out with a photography assignment. That was such a fun, steamy scene to write, and while in college, who wouldn't want to act out what unfolds in that scene with Sterling?! Sign me up ;-)

I also loved writing the Miami scene where Beth gets to try all the local food; that's one of the best things about traveling, getting to taste what the locals eat, and Beth gets to do it with Sterling in tow.

Your novels are self-published. What are the best bits about being a self-published author, and the worst?

So much of self-publishing, now more than ever, is absolutely amazing. In the past it was almost impossible as a self-published author to get your books out there. Now with e-books, more and more mega-authors are turning to self-publishing because you get to control the book’s release, cover, marketing plan, and editing. There is no more waiting. It's all in your hands and that's powerful for writers.

What can be the worst about self-publishing is you also have to discipline yourself to learn all the mechanics about the business. Like how to format different e-books and print-on-demand. You have to know how to get a copyright license and a whole lot of other behind the scenes technical stuff that readers don't even think about. You have to constantly learn and study the e-book market and its trends to build a career. If you’re business and technical-minded, it's quite amazing. I love it.

Everyone’s publishing journey is different. What is the number one thing you’ve learned so far on yours?

What I've learned the most is to never give up! If you can't work for the industry, figure out how to make the industry work for you. It's a lot of years and hard work but you can succeed in whatever you put your mind to. Also don't be afraid to look at your biggest weakness/struggle because you can use it as your biggest strength.

Can you give some tips for self-published authors on how to raise their profile and that of their book?

I believe it's very important to know the market and study the trends and the new ways books are becoming popular. A lot of it is online now and that can be at a click of a button for the next big author. It pays to team up with people who are talented in areas you haven't developed yet. That way, multiple people are bringing strategy and ideas to the table. I, for example, may not be a pro yet in the e-book industry but I can bring my filming background into book trailer development, and that gives me an edge over people that have no idea how to do that. Others may also know something in a different area that gives them a total edge over me, so imagine when we work together what could happen...

How do you organize your day so that you can write, blog, and still have time to be with your family and friends?

It's very hard, especially when you're doing all that and working other jobs as well. I stay organized by trying to remember what's most important. When that's in perspective you know what to absolutely make time for. Then I write down all my goals, and I re-write them often. I put my list where I can see them, and then, without thinking about it, that's where I end up spending my spare time: around my goals and what matters most. For example, God and my family are most important to me. I have to work so that's a given use of my time, and then besides that, I make all my fun activities evolve around my goals so I can achieve them one by one, and that's satisfying.

What are you working on at the moment?

I've been working on the second book in the Shock Me series, and I'm so excited for the adventures and romance I have coming in that book!!! It's really turning out greater than I could have imagined.

On top of that, I've been getting distribution ready for a film I wrote and directed that will be coming very soon. It's called 'The Yellow Diet' and it's a parody on women and dieting and all the crazy things that happen behind the scenes in the diet industry. I'm so excited for it.

About ONE NIGHT IN HEATED SNAPSHOTS:

On the eve of Beth's college graduation, she is given the opportunity of a lifetime; an overnight, all expenses paid photography trip that will take her from New Jersey to the hot sands of Miami Beach. This adventure could land her the top magazine job she's been dreaming about … that is if the most adorably handsome but most annoying guy on the planet doesn't get in the way.

Sterling Johnson, Beth's neighbor, is the hot, college swim champion whose music and loud partying keeps his entire dorm up half the night. Where he goes, crazy swim fans follow. He could get any girl he wants … except for the perfect and career focused Beth.

When Beth leaves for the photography competition, she's shocked to see Sterling on the plane. As the heat of Miami threatens to scorch the feelings these two have been hiding for each other, will Beth’s dreams of winning be realized, or will Sterling’s revengeful plans ruin everything?

Published: Dec. 16, 2013
Words: 30,380 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781310341779
Genre: New Adult

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Smashwords | Book Trailer

About Ashley C. Harris

Author and film director Ashley C. Harris resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. When she is not hard at work writing or dreaming up new indie films she spends her time working out, reading the bible, and going on breath taking adventures with her sister.

The seed for becoming an author started budding for Ashley in the third grade, when she wrote her first hundred page book during her class's quite time, her teacher couldn't believe it and voiced over her that surly she'd become an author someday. Those words never left Ashley and she has been writing ever since.

Ashley loves to create young adult, science fiction, fantasy novels, and is currently working on her first steamy romance... with more to come.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr Blog

The blog tour for Ann B. Harrison's newest rural romance - FROM THE OUTBACK - kicks off today!


Follow the tour and get to know Ann, get exclusive excerpts about this steamy new romance and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a gift card for The Book Depository! 

About FROM THE OUTBACK:

Although desperate to get out of her dead end job, Sami is cynical when she hears of an inheritance from the grandfather she never knew. But once she and her young brother arrive in the beautiful valley, she discovers they are not wanted...especially by the sexy vineyard owner next door.

Will she persevere and make a home for them, or give in and take the easy money when the going gets tough?

Available now on Amazon!

From the Outback Blog Tour

December 17th, 2013: Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! An interview with Ann B. Harrison

 December 27th, 2013: Bookgirl Knitting, guest feature with Ann B. Harrison

December 27th:  StoreyBook Reviews, exclusive excerpt and spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

January 2nd, 2013: JeanzBookReadNReview, interview with Ann B. Harrison

January 3rd, 2014: Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile, a review of FROM THE OUTBACK

 January 7th, 2014: Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears, exclusive excerpt and spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

January 8th, 2014: Evie Knight | Wickedly Sexy Romances, spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

January 11th, 2014: Reading Between the Wines, interview with Ann B. Harrison

January 14th, 2014: Butterfly-O-Meter, interview with Ann B. Harrison

 January 15th, 2014: Romance Reviews Today, interview with Ann B. Harrison

January 16th, 2014: Cocktails and Books, spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

January 27th, 2014: Smitten with Reading, a review of FROM THE OUTBACK

February 4th, 2014: Read Your Writes Book Reviews, spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

February 5th, 2014: Annie Seaton Romance, guest feature with Ann B. Harrison

February 7th, 2014: Books R Us, spotlight on FROM THE OUTBACK

February 13th, 2014: Swept Away By Romance, a review of FROM THE OUTBACK

March 10th 2014: Night Owl Reviews, live author chat with Ann B. Harrison

Check back often. We're adding more dates and tour partners daily!

Want to learn more about FROM THE OUTBACK?
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Ann B. Harrison!

About Ann B. Harrison:

Ann swears she was born with a book in her hands and has never put it down. A lifelong love of reading has finally culminated in achieving her dream of writing...and publication.

She lives in the beautiful Hunter Valley with her own handsome hero of many years. Ann has always loved the ups and downs of life in small communities and she shares this with readers in her rural romances.

Strong sexy heroines with a good dash of sass thrown in feature in her stories. Of course these women need an equally strong hero. Bring on the outback hero and watch the passion ignite.

When not writing Ann enjoys reading, gardening, walking her very large dog Hugo and fighting with her computer.

Connect with Ann on her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads