Make Welcome, Rebecca J. Clark

 

I want you all to welcome Rebecca J. Clark to my blog today. She agreed to an interview so you can learn a little more about her and her work.

Thanks for coming, Rebecca. Tell me, how do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book?"

It depends on the mood I’m in. If I’m feeling coy, I’ll say, “Yes, because I’m THAT kind of woman.” If I’m feeling dramatic, I might say, “What do you mean THAT kind of book?” And I’ll look at them with a really hurt, confused expression on my face. Or if I’m feeling snarky, I might say, “Why? Do you have a problem with a woman finding a happy ending with a man who loves and respects her and is good in bed?”

Good answers. Most of us that write do so because we love to read. How many books do you read a month? What was the name of the last book you read?

Again, the answer is...it depends. I’m the type of reader that when reading a good fiction book, I must stay up all night to finish it if necessary. That’s not good for the day job. Or the writing job. LOL. So, I probably read only one fiction book a week, but I am always reading two or three non-fiction books. The last fiction book I read was Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye. As for non-fiction, I’m reading The China Syndrome about the relationship between our diets and our long-term health, and Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham (cuz a writer should never stop trying to improve his/her craft).

That’s so true. We all need to continue getting better at what we do.

What are your thoughts on Self Publishing?

I think it’s the best thing to happen to authors and readers ever. Seriously, EVER. I shudder to think of how many wonderful books have been rejected over the years from traditional publishers because they didn’t quite fit what the market was supposedly looking for. But I don’t honestly think publishers—the big ones anyway—necessarily know what the market is looking for. For instance, I LOVE romantic suspense. I LOVE straight contemporary (real world, no vampires, dead bodies, aliens, etc), but the Big 6 publishers don’t buy many of those because “no one is reading them.” Um, hello? What am I and others like me? Chopped liver? :) Anyway, with self-publishing, authors can now write the books they want to write, and readers can read more of the types of books they want to read. Is there a lot of crap out there by self-published authors? Yeah, there is. But I think most online bookstores will let you read sample pages before you buy. I can tell in the first page if I’m going to like the story. Plus, if I’m only shelling out .99-$2.99, if I end up not liking the book, it still cost me less than my trip to Starbucks. Big deal.

Amen! But then you know I’m all about self publishing.

What do you like better, Facebook or Twitter?

Neither. LOL. Seriously, I’m horrible at social networking. I dabble here and there with both, but have found neither very effective at reaching my readership...probably because I’m only dabbling. I just don’t have a lot of free time—if I have time to be on Facebook, I should probably be writing. That said, I do need to find a better balance between writing and promo. So if I had to choose...I’d say Twitter because it’s quicker and less of a time suck.

*Head-desk* Honey, you have to get online more! LOL

Tell us something about your current release that you've not told any other blog.

Within a few days of DELIVER THE MOON coming out, one of my readers found a really “duh” error within the first few pages. The wrong last name on one of my major characters. ACK! Luckily, my fabulous most-awesome publisher, The Wild Rose Press, was able to fix it in both the ebook and paperback. Thank goodness. Otherwise, every time I look at that book on my shelf, I would think of that error.

I did enjoy working with The Wild Rose Press. And you’re not the first one to spell a character’s name wrong.  

And the most important question ever... Toilet paper...over or under?

Duh. Over, of course.

Of course!

Available at The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4897

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deliver-Moon-Rebecca-J-Clark/dp/1612171478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338608103&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deliver-the-moon-rebecca-j-clark/1111794605?ean=2940014626859

http://rebeccajclark.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/rebeccajclark.author

Twitter @RebeccaJClark

Please Welcome Beth Trissel

Please Welcome Award Winning, Beth Trissel

Today she's going to talk a little about the importance of dreams and how a dream can become a book. She is graciously giving away a copy of her latest release to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment below to be entered to win. If you tweet about this post, and tell us about it, we'll enter your name in twice to the drawing.

Take it away, Beth...

Years ago I had a dream on New Year’s Eve, a highly propitious time for dreamsand the second instance when one on that particular eve led to my writing a story.  The first book resulting from this source of inspiration was historical romance novel Red Bird’s Song.  The second instance eventually evolved into myrecent release, vintage American Christmas ghost story romance Somewhere the Bells Ring.  The dream that inspired this story took place in the beautiful Virginia home place where my father grew up and I often visited over the years, a graciousGeorgian style brick home, circa 1816.

In my dream a young lady dressed in a long gown for a holiday party entered the room without a name.  All the rooms in this big old house have names except for this one.  Instead of the room appearing as it did in my day, it had transformed into an old-fashioned gentleman’s bedchamber with a fireplace, bookshelves lined with leather-bound volumes, high-backed armchairs, and an antiquated bed. I later learned from my father that this is much how that room used to be in his grandfather’s time.  But I didn’t consciously know that.

In the room, slumped on his knees before the crackling hearth, was a handsome dark-haired young gentleman attired in a suit that struck me as early 20^th century style, but what impacted me most about him was his sadness.  The young woman, a guest in the house and in far better spirits than he, had unwittingly intruded on his grief. aIn her hands she held a dusty champagne bottle with a note affixed to it, seemingly left for him by his late wife.  The newcomer had discovered it tucked among bottles in the wine cellar and thought it might cheer him.  It didn’t—at least, not at first.  But he read the note and took some comfort from that.  If I tell you what the missive said I might spoil the story so I won’t.  But his profound grief, the note, andthe vividness of this dream, affected me so deeply I pondered what story might come of it for a very long time before undertaking the writing of Somewhere the Bells Ring.

The other greatest influence on this story is my nostalgia for the late 1960’sand fond memories of Christmas’s spentin that home.  The story is set there in 1968 with flashbacks to an even earlier era, 1918 and the end of World War 1.  As to the ghost, well, I always wondered if that house was haunted.

Blurb:

Caught with pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestral home in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal, until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued. Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't so bad.

To Eric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feels no less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-like beauty gives him reason to hope––until she tells him about the ghost haunting the house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.

As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees to help her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe––in Bailey and the ghost––before the Christmas bells ring?

Excerpt:

“Bailey.” He spoke softly, so as not to startle her.

She turned toward him. In her long, white nightgown, hair tumbled down around her, wearing that lost look, she bore an unnerving resemblance to the mysterious woman in Wilkie Collins’ classic mystery, The Woman in White. Eric fervently hoped the similarity ended there. As he recalled from the novel, that unfortunate lady had been unhinged.

Leaving the door ajar, he stepped inside. “We missed you at breakfast.”

She answered distractedly. “I wasn’t hungry.”

He limped to where she stood, the hitch in his leg a little less pronounced today. Maybe he was getting stronger. “Why are you here, looking for ghosts?”

“Or a door to the past.”

He tried to coax a smile to her trembling lips. “Did you check inside the wardrobe?”

“Eric, I’m being serious.”

“That’s what worries me.” Leaning on his cane with one arm, he closed his other around her shoulders and drew her against him. Such a natural act, and she accepted his embrace without pulling back. She smelled of flowers from her perfume and wood smoke. “Mercy, child,” he said in his best imitation of Ella, “it’s as cold as a tomb in here.”

“It wasn’t last night.”~

Somewhere the Bells Ring is available in various eBook formats at The Wild Rose Press,Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nookbook, and other online booksellers.

Follow Beth on
Twitter
Facebook
or check out her website

On Tour

I'm on tour today... a virtual tour that is. Claire Ashgrove has graciously asked for me to come on over to her blog for a chat. Claire is a multi-published author with a very exciting 'coming soon' list of titles.

So stop on over and wave.

Re-Release Day for Soul Mate

I'm very excited to see Kari and Nick get back out in the world to make people happy again. As some of you know this novella, Soul Mate, was previously released with a different publisher. After some time and effort I received my rights back and asked my publisher over at The Wild Rose Press if they would re-release it. So now, with a very hot cover and a couple of added scenes I present to you Soul Mate...

Kari Pearce lives the life of a lone werewolf. No one knows of her affliction, not even her sister. When she hears of a missing child up in the Sequoias, Kari goes on the hunt to find the child and her abductor before tragedy can occur. Saving the child is easy, avoiding the FBI agent associated with the case is not.

Agent Nick Murdock knows he's seen Kari before, but damn if he can remember where. There's one thing he knows for sure. Kari Pearce, with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, is hiding something. And Nick is going to find out what.

Download your copy today at: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

***Dark Diva Reviews 5 Delightful Divas and Top Pick from Original Release

"...Ms. Bybee has a definite winner on her hands with Soulmate."

***4 1/2 Bitten By Books Reviews from Original Release

"...For a novella, Soul Mate delivers a knock-out punch."

Six Sentence Sunday

I wanna play... I wanna play... Here are my six sentences from by novella Before the Moon Rises

Max Ritter wakes up naked in an Emergency Room...

“Maybe I can explain my, er, situation over eggs benedict.”


She was tempted, even dressed in a hospital issue gown open in the back, she was tempted. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not? You said yourself I’m good looking, and I know you’re curious about why I ended up here.”

Janet slid the paperwork she held in front of him and handed him her pen. “Even if I wanted to, I make it a rule not to date my patients.”

“Humm...” He took the paper and signed his name, then pushed it in her direction. “I’m no longer your patient.”

First Review and...

I had my first review for Possessive. Sizzling Hot Book Reviews give Possessive 4 Hearts - Here is the LINK .

And for all you guys who like to download right to your Kindle I noticed that Amazon is ready for you... So here is your KINDLE LINK for Possessive.

What? You don't use Kindle... you're an All Romance e-book kinda reader... No problem! Here is your ARe LINK -

I'm looking forward to some reader reviews on this one... hint... hint..... *smack* that means you!

One more week....

Gosh... seems life is just jumping forward lately - Next week is my release of Possessive and I'm a bit nervous about it. It's my first ghost story. No fangs or time traveling highlanders. So it's a bit outside of the box for me and my readers.

So, dear reader... what are your expectations when you read a book outside of the authors box? Or do you try and stick with only one of an authors genre? I know some of my readers read only my time travel books or only my werewolf books. It's like the two can't mesh or something... LOL - Hey, whatever works! But what's the reason behind it?

Help my pre-release jitters and give my your humble opinion.

New Cover/Publisher for Soul Mate

As some of you know, my novella Soul Mate was removed from circulation last year and is going to be re-released later this year with The Wild Rose Press. And not just a re-release, but a new and improved version of the original story. It isn't often we as authors have the opportunity to go in and play with a story after it's out for the public, but with this story I did have that chance.

Nice cover... don't you think?

Blurb and Excerpt to follow... No release date yet.

Whoa! Another Cover for the Gods

Oh, boy... Look at this one! Nice huh?
Possessive ~ Coming Soon from The Wild Rose Press

~ Here is my unofficial blurb ~


Grief counselor Lauren Trousdale has no choice but to take her work homewith her. A near-death experience left her with the ability to not only see,but also communicate with ghosts. The gift isn't one she dares reveal toanyone, certainly not to Dr. Ethan Bailey, the man she can't stop dreamingabout. Most of the ghosts have been kind, lost souls, but when she wakes to an ice-cold room, the entity feels evil.Perhaps her lovely, erotic dream about Ethan was actually a nightmare.


Ethan's interest in Lauren bloomed the first time he saw her. And whenLauren shares her secrets, Ethan's only thoughts are of how to keep hersafe. When the ghost stalking her becomes violent, Ethan must riskeverything to save her. Can Lauren let him take that risk alone?


Special Thanks to Rae Monet
and lovely covers.

I'm so blessed.

Two new contracts for 2011

I just thought I'd share my latest news.

2011 will bring you two more releases from Catherine Bybee.

Soul Mate, previously published in 2009 is going to be re-released from The Wild Rose Press this year. I've made a few changes with it and couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Possessive, a novella length ghost story will be coming from The Wild Rose Press in 2011 as well.

I look forward to sharing covers, reviews and blurbs with you in the near future.

Let's talk Rejections!

Ohhh... the dreaded 'R'! Do we really want to talk about rejections. Getting the Dear John letter from an agent, editor or publisher?

Yes, yes we do!

Harlequin recently held a week long event labeled, So You Think You Can Write, or as we on the HQN forums call it, SYTYCW. During this week long event wanna be HQN writers were able to take a deeper look at what the editors over at HQN wanted to see in a query letter, a synopsis and in the actual manuscripts that pack in their in-boxes and mail room. It was a very valuable learning tool for any new and even seasoned author to attend. If you missed this event, never fear, the forums are still there for you to go back and read. My guess is the questions you have will have been asked by someone else so go on over and take a look by clicking this link HERE.

All that said, the final challenge in the SYTYCW gig was for everyone to send a synopsis and a first chapter to the editors via e-mail (something HQN doesn't do) and they would respond by January 31st. Yesterday, the rejections started pouring out. When several aspiring authors receive rejections at the same time, the topic is hammered. So here I am, hammering the rejection process.

Rejections are a badge of honor folks. It means you've written something and had the courage to send it to someone to read and either smile or toss in the trash. Ouch, that toss in the trash thing hurts. But I ask you, dear author with a pile of rejections sitting on your desk, have you ever read a book and thought... UGH, what a waste of money that was? Of course you have. In this subjective world of fiction many a book has been loved by one and hated by another.

A couple of years ago, in my quest to find a publisher for Binding Vows *Top 100 seller in Amazon Time Travel for more weeks than I can count* I sent out queries to publishers and agents to the tune of maybe 25 queries. Not that many really... but the rejections came in. Then I read an article in RWA magazine about The Wild Rose Press. Rhonda, the goddess of TWRP stated that they responded to every query personally and if they request a partial they would give feedback even if they rejected your book. So, what the heck did I have to loose? Next thing I know I have a revise, resub request and off I went... It took some time but my finished product was worth it.

Publication is a journey and the only real difference between a published author and a non published author is persistence.

And one more cliche for the road... If you toss enough shit against the wall, something is going to stick! Keep writing and subbing, everywhere... with agents, publishers etc. Rejections don't sting as hard after you've had a dozen or three or five.

Blog Interview and Giveaway

Sky has a wonderful (if I do say so myself) interview up for me on her blog. There is a sneak peak at Fin and Lizzy's story, Redeeming Vows. So come on over and wave... it's kinda lonely!

http://skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/

Don't delay... We'll pick one lucky winner of a free copy of Binding Vows - Book One in my MacCoinnich Time Travel Trilogy.

Shifter Tour Continues PARTY

Welcome back everyone. Day two of the tour so don't miss one stop.

Today I'm going to highlight Richard, Max's brother from Before the Moon Rises.
This category length romance is available in e-book - and if you want a chance to win a copy of Embracing the Wolf, be sure and leave a comment here on my blog AND sign up to receive my newsletter via my yahoo loop... and I'll put your name in a hat and choose the lucky winner on November 1st.

Now... onto the blurb and excerpt:

~Embracing the Wolf~

Blurb:
Werewolves come in two categories, good and evil. Although Richard Ritter's family has encouraged him to make the change for years, he never considered embracing his wolf until he meets Kate Davis. One night with her however, and his life changes forever.

After a horrifying evening of violence, Kate Davis's life is turned upside down. Richard offers more than security; he offers her passion, something she hasn’t experienced in years. Falling in love with him was easy, but once she learns what he becomes every month her fear of the unknown threatens their future.

2nd Excerpt:

With no parking space in sight, Kate parked along the side street in the dirt. Joey lugged his backpack over his arm and followed her toward the entrance of the school.

“We’re going to sleep there again tonight, right?”

“I think so.” Kate pivoted, certain someone called her name. A parent she didn’t recognize walked a few feet away, but diverted her eyes when Kate searched hers. Not seeing anyone she knew, she continued walking.

“I hope so,” Joey said.

Her hands chilled, the hair on her nape stood on end. A few more feet, and Kate stopped moving. The heavy weight of someone’s stare kept her from taking another step. Wary, she turned around in a full circle.

Someone was watching her.

Parents passed her by, moving around her as if she were a big rock in a small stream.

Her spine stiffened.

“Come on, mom.” Joey tugged her arm.

“Wait a minute.” I’m being paranoid.

“I’m going to be late.”

Kate started forward again. When her phone rang in her purse, she jumped. She retrieved her phone and glanced at the digital display. She didn’t recognize the number.

She pressed talk and slowly brought the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

Static and wind brushed against her ear with the hum of the line.

Nothing.

“Hello?” she asked again, trying to keep her panic at bay.

The school bell buzzed, the sound echoed in her phone as if in stereo. Whoever the caller was, they were somewhere on campus.

Panic gripped her throat, threatening to choke it off. She closed the phone and threw it in her purse. “Come on.” She pulled Joey away from the school, back toward her car.

“What are we doing?” Joey’s little legs ran to keep up with her, his eyes suddenly large and flooded with fear and confusion.

“We need to go.”

“What about school?”

The kids ran in the opposite direction, all of them scrambling to make it inside before the doors shut.

Kate ran to her car with Joey’s hand secured in hers.

“What’s the matter, Mommy?”

~*~*~*~*~~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~***~**~*~~~**~*~*

Have to read this now? Download your copy from The Wild Rose Press click HERE

Kindle download at Amazon click HERE

Fictionwise click HERE

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

Next is Mary's blog click HERE

***********************************************************************

Here is an easy list of links to all the stops on the tour - so don't miss a one!

http://www.authormariebeau.blogspot.com/
http://masteranthonystevens.com/
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com
http://quackersandtease.blogspot.com
http://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/
www.aeryntraxx.blogspot.com
http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com/apps/blog/
http://catherinebybee.blogspot.com/
www.maryalicepritchard.com/blog
http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com/

http://simoneeden.blogspot.com/

Meet Christine DePetrillo

I'm wrapping up the August Blog Tour today with an interview with Christine DePetrillo.


CB: Welcome to my blog, Christine. I look forward to learning more about you and your work.
Tell us a little bit about you. How long have you been writing? How many books and what genre have you written?

I’ve been writing forever, but more seriously in the past ten years. I write contemporary and paranormal romance. I have three e-books out with Whispers Publishing, and three more books set for release later this year, one in print with The Wild Rose Press.

CB: Congrats! Tell us about the book you’re highlighting today on my blog?

My newest release coming in September from The Wild Rose Press is ALASKA HEART. Here’s the cover blurb:

Alaska is supposed to be cold, so why is Alanna Cormac on fire?

Sent on a dream assignment to Denali National Park, nature magazine writer Alanna Cormac has no intentions of falling in love with Dale Ramsden, sexy Iditarod winner. When Dale, his family, and even his eighteen sled dogs charm their way into her heart, however, Alanna’s fast-track New York instincts crumble. The Alaskan landscape and the caress of a man too good to be true ignite feelings she never had time to explore before. Feelings that have her so blissfully busy she’s unaware she’s being watched. Judged. Targeted.

She’s next.
Love will either save her or swallow her whole. Is there even a difference?

CB: Alaska is on my short list of places to visit. Tell me, what do you love most about this job?

That I can do it in my pajamas wearing no makeup and with my hair in a messy ponytail. Sexy, right?

CB: LOL. If there was one thing you could change about the writing business, what would it be?

I’d get rid of the synopsis. It’s like a dreadful book report. It makes me want to scream.


CB: Those do suck, big time! What do you say when someone says…”Oh, you write THOSE kinds of books.”

I say, “Oh, you wear THOSE kinds of shoes.”

CB: Great answer! Give us a taste of your latest masterpiece:

Excerpt:

“When you turn around, look first. You can grab your camera after. Okay?"


“Okay.” The anticipation buzzed through me. Or was it being so close to Dale?

With a little nudge, Dale spun me around, and a gasp caught in my throat. His hands closed over my shoulders, anchoring me, keeping me earthbound amongst what had to be heaven.

Rising above all the other mountains in the distance, Mount McKinley reached into the cerulean Alaskan sky like a white giant. Its peaks were arrowheads of rock encrusted in snow that glistened magically in the pink of the late afternoon sunlight. How incredibly small I was, like a speck of dust in comparison to the majesty of McKinley.

“Oh, Dale…” My voice was nothing more than a rasp. I let my pack drop to my feet and leaned back against him. He folded his arms around me and squeezed. When I thought the moment couldn’t get any closer to perfection, he loosened my scarf enough to nuzzle his cold nose against my neck. Though I initially shivered at the contact, he quickly warmed the spot with the heat of his lips.

Giving McKinley another look, I turned around to face Dale. He trailed his lips over my cheek and finally to my mouth where he did things that made my head spin. Our lips parted as we tasted, savored each other. Great Goddess, I had shut myself off for too long. Or maybe I’d been waiting. Waiting for him.

Whatever the case, Dale unlocked emotions in me. My heart thudded wildly in my chest. My skin longed to have Dale’s fingers spread across every inch of it. My lips wanted him to never stop kissing me.

“Take your pictures, Alanna.” The words were a whisper. “And let’s go.”


CB: Where can we find your books? Where can we find you on the net?

To order ALASKA HEART, visit me at www.christinedepetrillo.blogspot.com on September 24th. Click on the ALASKA HEART cover and it’ll take to where you can buy it. My other books from Whispers Publishing are also on this site. Also visit me and six of my writing gal pals at our group blog called A Pinch of Romance at www.apinchofromance.blogspot.com.

CB: Thank you for joining me today. I look forward to doing this again with your next release.

Pleasure being here. Thanks!

Please Welcome Sandra Sookoo

Today on the Wild Roses Blog Tour I'm interviewing Sandra Sookoo. And remember folks, if you take the time to stop by, be sure and leave a comment or two so we can add your name to a pot for a bunch of giveaways at the end of the month... Now, onto the interview!

CB: Welcome to my blog, Sandra. I look forward to learning more about you and your work.
Tell us a little bit about you. How long have you been writing? How many books and what genre have you written?

SS: I’m getting ready to celebrate my eighth wedding anniversary. I have no children or pets but still managed to stay busy LOL I wrote my first “novel” when I was 10 then promptly burned all my early work in my teen aged years LOL It’s been a long and winding road since then and I love every minute of it. As for how many books? I think I have 7 full length books published and multiple novellas and short stories.

CB: That is a lot of books. Tell us about the book you’re highlighting today on my blog.

SS: My latest 2 releases just came out within a week of each other. The first is WEDGIE TALES AND PANTY LINES. It’s a funny, contemporary book that details a woman’s journey into confidence through her job as an underwear tester. The second is VEGETARIAN AT MIDNIGHT. It’s a funny, paranormal book that tells the story of a werewolf trying to break the curse that binds him while trying to convince the woman he loves they’re soul mates.


CB: The title alone on these books sell me. Tell me, what do you love most about this job?

SS: The ability to write whatever I want, play in worlds pulled out of my imagination and work with some truly awesome people in this industry.

CB: If there was one thing you could change about the writing business, what would it be?

SS: I wish the industry would tighten its standards on some of the work it accepts. There are too many bad books out there that were accepted simply because a publisher was desperate to fill a release schedule. Maybe if more manuscripts were rejected, the writers would be forced to spend more time with the piece before sending it out.

CB: What do you say when someone says…”Oh, you write THOSE kinds of books.”

SS: I smile and say, “Yes I do. Sex and love happen. Get over it.” and then I smile and usually just laugh. Hey, this is what I do and it makes me happy. Deal LOL

CB: Good answer. Give us a taste of your latest masterpieces:

Blurb and Excerpt for WEDGIE TALES AND PANTY LINES:

When unassuming mail room worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion.

Trouble is Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments.

Add a jealous co-worker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life.

The last thing she needs is panty lines.

Excerpt: “I’m sorry, but I can’t test your underwear.”

“That’s exactly why we need you for this project. You’re the everyday woman, Miss—I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch your name.” A vivid green gaze held mine. “In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced. You don’t mind that we pulled you into this brainstorming session, do you? It’s just that I heard your comment about whose job it was to test the product and thought you’d be interested.” Full lips parted with his easy grin and revealed perfect teeth that practically screamed they’d seen years of braces.

“My name’s Kate. Kate Little.”

He nodded, and my stomach lurched. I mentally berated myself for the pleasure that gripped me because he approved of my name.

A snort from Pamela. “That’s funny. You’re hardly a little anything.”

My cheeks heated—this time from anger. “That’s it. I’m not going to hang around and take abuse from you underfed, over-tanned, rude people.” I shot out of the cushy leather chair and angled my way around the conference table, aware that everyone watched my departure.

Yeah, so I’m a thirty-year-old, plus-sized woman. I wear a size 16. It’s not a crime, and it’s not fat. It’s average. And, by the way, I’m just Kate. Not Katherine with a “K” or even with a “C,” and if you attempt to call me Katie, I’ll ignore you. If the nickname persists and I become annoyed, I’ll throw a pencil at you.

I paused at the head of the table to glare at the guy in charge. What’s-his-name in the tailored suit.

“Get someone else to be your guinea pig.”

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJyAd-Id9M
Publisher’s website: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Blurb and Excerpt from VEGETARIAN AT MIDNIGHT:

Sometimes the love of meat is only the beginning of the problem.

Sophia has issues beyond being near-sighted. Bound to work for a power-hungry Portal Master for the next 90 years, her crown-shaped birthmark might set her apart, but her vegetarian lifestyle make her unforgettable. She can’t afford to be distracted by Xavier’s Adonis-like features because she knows she’ll betray him eventually.

Golden-curled, fedora-wearing Xavier’s a man with issues. Under a gypsy curse that compels him to morph into a werewolf, he wants nothing more than to convince the Portal Master to lift the blight. The only way to that exulted individual is through Sophia, but her stubbornness and fearful disposition heat his blood and annoy him at the same time.

Passions and problems collide while both Sophia and Xavier rise up to meet their destiny. Fighting a fallen angel and the Immortal Court, only the strong will come out alive.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b_GNk1AjxA
Publisher’s site: http://www.eirelander-publishing.com/

Excerpt from Chapter One.

“Sophia.”

The whispered name went into the night air unheard while his nose continued to twitch from the sharp scent of wood burning stoves. He ignored it and pushed further into the shadows of a doorway as she passed. No sense letting her see him until it was absolutely necessary. He considered slipping into his wolf form in order to follow her, but just as quickly banished the thought. Better to maintain full control of his human side for this part of the reconnaissance.

Xavier Leighton pulled the brim of his fedora lower then slunk out of his hiding place. He frowned. This woman held his fate in her hands? This woman had the power to save him? After watching her for weeks to learn her routine, she didn’t appear capable of handling her own life, let alone anyone else’s. He wanted to scoff, rage at fate for the cruel trick, but he did none of those things. Instead, he studied the woman.

Dull, brown hair hung limply to her shoulders. She tucked a lock of it behind her ear with a pale hand, the nails clipped short. His gaze focused on the slight sway of her hips as she walked. Xavier scowled. He wondered what her body looked like beneath the blazer that obscured her figure. Her height was several inches shorter than his six feet, the perfect size to tuck into his arms. His mouth watered—not from lust but from hunger. He hadn’t eaten since the day before, and the meal of venison did not satisfy him—would never satisfy him again. Perhaps if the woman did not answer to the title of Gatekeeper, he would devour her. The soft parts he could see would keep him busy for a while. He could almost feel the bones snap in his jaws, taste the sweetness of her flesh…

All the old admonitions from Hannah warning him not to eat humans came rushing back. He thrust them away yet, the primal urges would not be ignored so easily—neither could his curse.

The shrill ring of her cell phone yanked him out of his culinary reflections. Her attention seemed to be occupied with her enormous bag yet she continued to rush over the darkened sidewalk. Xavier stifled an impatient growl. Women these days had no sense of personal safety. If she had been just an ordinary human citizen, he would have pounced on her right then. He needed proof of her identity before he either disposed of her or saved her.

“Mona? What happened? You didn’t burn the apartment down, did you?” Her voice was low, melodious, but tinged with fear. “What happened?” The woman paused under a street light. Xavier saw a flash as she turned her head. She wore glasses. An intellectual female. His interest in her rose. However, her next comment chilled his blood. “Mona, tell me again what it means when my birthmark glows.”

A birthmark? Xavier narrowed his eyes. Would she actually give him confirmation without him needing to reveal his presence? His pulse thundered in his ears as she drew her left sleeve up to reveal her wrist. A crown-shaped birthmark glowed eerie red in the darkness. He licked his lips, tasting success.

A Gatekeeper!


CB: They both sound like stories I would love to eat up. Where can we find your books? Where can we find you on the net?

SS: Author website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook. You can link directly there from the front page of my website. There are also longer excerpts on my site as well.

CB: Thank you for joining me today. I look forward to doing this again with your next release.

SS: Thanks for having me!

Okay Folks... Today you can find Catherine Bybee at Rae Summers Blog

http://raesummers.wordpress.com

Be sure and stop by and learn of yet another latest release.

Manic Monday - Early Print Release

Yep, you heard it here... Silent Vows, the print release, came out Friday of last week.

The Wild Rose Press will often times release the print version of their novels three weeks before the digital release. So if you're a die-hard print reader... then make your way over to my publishers website and order your copy today.

Here, I'll make it easy for you: Click HERE to link over.

Covey Trailer Awards + Binding Vows

Okay folks... I'm up for another trailer award. This time with the New Covey Trailer Award site. I could use your vote.

Click HERE for the link. Binding Vows is #8. By all means, check out the other entries and vote with your heart. But do vote.

Because their site takes quite a bit of time to load, I'll post my trailer here for you to watch. But you need to go to their site to vote.

Happy Summer Everyone!

~~Embracing the Wolf Release Day~~

Ohhhh, the long awaited release of Embracing the Wolf. Okay... it's long awaited for me, but not really for you. This second story in the Ritter Werewolf Series focuses on Richard Ritter and the woman that captures his heart.

Available in E-book from The Wild Rose Press TODAY! Click HERE to link to the buy page.

Here is the blurb ~

Werewolves come in two categories, good and evil. Although Richard Ritter's family has encouraged him to make the change for years, he never considered embracing his wolf until he meets Kate Davis. One night with her, however, and his life changes forever.

After a horrifying evening of violence, Kate Davis' life is turned upside down. Richard offers more than security; he offers her passion, something she hasn’t experienced in years. Falling in love with him was easy, but once she learns what he becomes every month her fear of the unknown threatens their future.

Today is my JUNE JUBILEE day over at Coffee Time Romance so be sure and stop by the forums and chat! Click HERE to link on over.

Binding Vows ~ 5 Tombstones from BBB

5 Tombstones from Bitten By Books!

Tara McAllister is a waitress who works for tips while going to nursing school. She is a typical woman of the 21st century. She doesn’t believe things she can’t see or touch. She also has a friend that talks her into attending a Renaissance Faire where they must be in full costume and sleep in tents. She is overjoyed…not.Duncan MacCoinnich is from the 16th century but has traveled in time to the 21st century. He is of Druid descent, and magic runs through his veins. Duncan and his brother must find what they need in modern times within three days or the witch Grainna will be too powerful to take down.


Tara and her friend Cassy drive to a Renaissance Faire in the middle of nowhere California in the summer heat. Tara hates it from the get go. Cassy is excited that there is a witch that will read palms and dares Tara to go. Tara is twenty-five and still a virgin, so she decides that if the witch can guess that, she will shut up and pretend to enjoy herself. The witch guesses correctly and makes them into royalty during the fair. She starts to enjoy herself until a gorgeous man and his brother start talking about witches and druids. Duncan needs to take Tara away before Grainna can kill her for her innocence and will stop at nothing to do it; he just doesn’t think his feelings for her will get in the way. He decides that if he can’t save her in this time then he must take her back to his. He just hopes that she won’t hate him for too long because he wants her more than just a way to stop Grainna - he wants her for himself.


Binding Vows was such a amazing book. It is possibly the best I have read so far this year. In a typical romance where the woman or man travels back in time, it is usually dreamy and sweet. Not in this book. It tells what it would be like for a typical woman to go back. You have no indoor plumbing, cars, modern medicine or air conditioning. Doesn’t seem so romantic now, huh? Well, Tara is just that woman and she ain’t happy. It is hilarious watching her get to know her new surroundings and laughing at Duncan while he tries to make it easier for her. What a pair these two are. It was so much fun getting to know them. Of course, Catherine left a cliff hanger, and now we must wait for the next installment. Is it ready yet?

Pick up your copy today: E-book - or - Print

~Oh the Cover Gods~

I can't hold back... I should wait... but I just can't!

Rae Monet - When we meet, m'dear, I'm going to cover you with kisses. It will be embarrassing for both of us, but I'm gonna do it anyway.

And yes... that is Jimmy Thomas, don't you just wanna run your fingers all over that chest, Jimmy Thomas. *fans self*

Here is the cover for the third and final book in my time travel trilogy.

Redeeming Vows is the story of Fin and Lizzy. You've met Fin in Binding Vows - and you'll meet Liz in Silent Vows, due out September 3rd.

But is this not the bomb of book covers? Like award winning! And this will be in print and E-book... So I get to slobber all over this hunk!