Author Speed Dating: Tara Eldana

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match. 

This week’s guest: Tara Eldana

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Questions

1. Halloween or Harvest celebrations: Are you an enthusiast or noncommittal in these fall events? And if you celebrate, what are your favorite activities?

Halloween costume parties are fun. I decided to go to one a few years back at the last minute and grabbed a lampshade and wore it on my head. I was the drunk person at the party who wore a lampshade on their head.

2. If you could single-handedly bring back one fashion trend just because it fits your personal style, what trend would you return to the runways of Paris and Milan and why?

Hats with the little veils that came down in front of your face, ’50s style. I think Audrey Hepburn wore one in one of her movies, and it’s just so crazy cool.

3. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

Too many, five, not including a half dozen short stories.

4. Name your favorite celebrity crush from high school. What made that performer/athlete/political leader so dreamy?

I’m really dating myself, but when I was a freshman The Partridge Family was still on TV, so it was David Cassidy. “I Think I Love You.” And his hair. 

5. Preferred writing location: home office with total silence, public place with plenty of white noise or some other combination?

Home office with total silence.

6. Favorite more recent popular fiction heroine: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins), Stephanie Plum (Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich), Eve Dallas (Eve Dallas/In Death series by Nora Roberts) or Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)?

Katniss in the first book.

7. Name your favorite way to stay in touch with your readers.

Facebook and blogs on my website.

8. Extra-large French fries or a perfect square of dark chocolate?

Lots of perfect squares of dark chocolate with sea salt.

9. Have you ever, even for a moment, forgotten that one of your characters was…you know…fictional?

One of the characters, the heroine’s best friend Liz, in my novella Cabin Fever,” under contract, but not released yet, came through so strong, she’s the star of her own novella “Double Dare,” which my pub house, Black Opal Books, released first. A woman I know, named Liz, inspired her, so that may be why.

10. Picture yourself standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon. Now describe what you’re doing right now: cheering in a victory stance, leaning over for a better view, turning pale and curling into a fetal position as far as possible from the edge?

Cheering in a victory stance.

11. Property Brothers or Big Bang Theory?

        Big Bang.

12. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

I’m going back to Liz from “Double Dare.” She can’t resist a dare and she’s a bad-ass. 

13. Name a movie you’ve watched countless times but one you’ll still tune in to whenever it’s on cable.

It’s a tie. “Casablanca” and “Moonstruck.”

14. When did you first decide you were a writer, and when was your first book published?

I first decided I was a writer when I was pregnant with my son (eek, 33 years ago) and took my first creative writing course at my community college. My first book was published in 2015.

15. If you could keep only the possessions that would fit in one suitcase, and you were limited to two books – one you wrote and one by someone else – which titles would you tuck inside your bag? Explain your choices.

UNDER THE RIPTIDES, a story I wrote about a human woman who is really a mermaid whose destiny lies under the waves with the (mer)man literally of her dreams. This is the first in my series of mermaid stories. I’ve always loved the sea and wanted to change the ending of THE LITTLE MERMAID, which our teacher read to us when I was in third or fourth grade in Catholic school and make it a real happy ending.

          The other one would be Alice Munro’s DEAR LIFE because nobody will ever be as good as she is.

 

***

 

 

 

 

Into the Depths

By Tara Eldana

 

 

Someone tapped on the window.

She jumped. Cold sweat trickled down her back. How could she have left herself so vulnerable? She kept her hand on her cell phone.

The police she talked to on the crime part of her beat always said not to fight for property.

She turned her head to look at the person who knocked.

It was him—the guy from her dreams.

Was she falling prey to her mother’s mental illness?

“No,” she screamed.

Another car pulled next to her and the guy standing beside her car was gone.

The older lady in the other vehicle didn’t spare her a glance as she got out of her car, her ear glued to a cell phone.

Shaking, Becca got out of her car, stood on unsteady legs, grabbed her stuff, walked into the building, got on the elevator, and made her way to her third floor apartment. She dropped her stuff on her tiny kitchen table.

She didn’t think her dreams could be a sign of psychosis. Her dream man did not ask her to harm herself or others.

The last thing she wanted now was to shut her eyes. She sank into her couch and did a search on her cell phone on symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Was she experiencing a brief psychotic episode? Some of the symptoms fit—seeing and feeling things that weren’t there. The information said these episodes were triggered by severe stress, such as death of a loved one or a natural disaster. A cranky editor didn’t qualify.

Her heart, which had been hammering in her chest since the knock on her car window, slowed and against her will her eyes closed, pulling her into a dreamless sleep.

***

Ethan paced the great hall of the Garnet City.

What was he thinking startling Becca like that when she was so mentally exhausted? His sire Thobian said he was impatient and told him to wait, but his need to touch her in her waking state was too strong.

It was easy to slip through the portal and bridge time and space because the autumnal equinox drew near. He’d looked into the quartz crystals a full earth year ago and saw Becca, his twin flame. His life and world had come alive and made sense.

She didn’t know her destiny was with him under the vast expanse of ocean that she feared. He had taken her in her dreams, repeatedly, to their mutual delight.

Lovion, the ranking member of the Ruling Council, smirked. “She screamed at the sight of you. She must come with you willingly.”

“Her mother’s illness makes her fearful,” Thobian said.

Ethan’s sire held a seat on the Ruling Council but cast only one vote. In cases of deadlock, Lovion cast the deciding vote, and he hated land dwellers, even those who could take sea form.

“She is mine,” Ethan said it quietly and calmly. The members of the council, except for Thobian, looked shocked at Ethan’s words. Lovion sneered.

***

IN THE DEPTHS, an April release from Black Opal Books, is available from the retailers: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

***

About Tara

Tara Eldana is an award-winning staff writer for a weekly community newspaper chain in metro Detroit. She became hooked on romance fiction when her 11th grade English teacher rejected the book report she wrote, saying the book was much too easy for her and insisted she read and report on Daphne du Maurier’s REBECCA. She read Margaret Mitchell’s GONE WITH THE WIND that previous summer.

She took a long road through journalism school, graduating from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, in 1995, just shy of 20 years after she finished high school, raising a couple kids, working part-time and doing homework while her husband and kids watched TV. Still she found time to read what her kids called her “mush books.”

Tara loves the romance genre and loves letting her characters take control of their stories. She is a member of the Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America. Stay in touch with Tara through her website, www.taraeldana.com, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Author Speed Dating – Aliza Mann

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Aliza Mann

 

15 Questions

1. If a director made a movie about your life, which actress (living or dead) would you like to portray you, and which one would more likely be cast?

I hope it’s okay if I do two actresses – one living and one deceased. The first (living) would be Viola Davis because she is one of those freaks of nature who is so incredibly moving and powerful, she could play a loaf of bread and we’d be in tears by the end. Right? The other (deceased) is Dorothy Dandridge because she could sing and dance. I can’t do either (ha!) and it would just be nice to see someone really great enhance those skill sets for me in a movie. Obviously, my life would be a musical.

2. What are some of the things that have changed in the publishing industry since your first book was published?

There were more big publishing houses than there are now. We’ve seen a number of mergers and acquisitions across the industry that have somewhat narrowed the playing field in one aspect, since the emergence of self-publishing. There are arguments for both, traditional vs. self, along with lots of pros for hybrid publishing. I went with a small press back then, since I was scared to death of self-pubbing. I don’t think I’d do that if faced with the same decision today. So much info is available on how to, what to, and when to self-publish which is making it a more viable option, in my opinion. There were also some genre shifts. I think there will always be those types of up and downs in every genre.  At the time, trends led away from the paranormal genre. Otherwise, my first book probably would have been something about shifters or vampires. I’m glad to see that paranormal is on the rise again in both popularity and sales.

3. Us Weekly or Newsweek?

Us Weekly because my guilty pleasure is gossip.

4. As a reader, do you sneak a peek at the end of the book, or do you make yourself wait for answers until the very end?

I read in order. I feel weird when I sneak ahead. I really want to walk with the characters. Gosh, I’m such a goody-goody sometimes!

5. Have you ever, even for a moment, forgotten that one of your characters was…you know…fictional?

I have a character who I’ve written a few chapters on and haven’t made it back to the project. Her voice came out so clear, I had to stop and write her. It was, oddly, such a strong story that I did find myself thinking of her as a real person a couple of times. I think there has been maybe one other. It doesn’t happen often, but I imagine it will. Something of an occupational hazard.

6. In which genres and sub-genres are you published, and which others do you plan to add to the list in the next two years?

I have contemporary and paranormal romance. I don’t think I’ll go beyond those two subgenres, unless I dabbled in Romantic Suspense. I feel that suspense is one you must do very well to carry off. Maybe that’s me romanticizing those wonderful writers of that subgenre. Maybe one day…

7. Brad Pitt or David Beckham?

Beckham! Did you see those underwear ads? I was sold.

8. If we imagine that a reader has lived on a desert island and missed the opportunity to read one of your books, which title do you recommend that she order as soon as she returns to civilization?

I would recommend FURY RISING. It’s one of my favorite stories and I believe it offers a glimpse into my psyche.

9. Do you have a green thumb or black one, and, either way, how are you gearing up for spring planting season?

It has to be black. But I have one plant that is a climbing pothos. It has grown from the top of my bookshelf to the floor. I’m so proud of it because I’ve never been able to grow a thing. It’s very temperamental however. It really hates water, I think. Whenever I over-water, the leaves look so sad for a couple of days.

10. When and how did you first decide you wanted to be an author?

This, like most things here, is going to sound crazy. I knew I wanted to write something when I was about eleven. I called up the local paper and asked if I could write a column for them. No idea what that entailed, but a very patient and kind editor told me all about submitting a portfolio and have engaging topics, and finding my audience. I will never forget how excited I was that he’d taken me seriously. That day, I knew I would write.

11. Antique Roadshow or Law & Order: SVU?

SVU. It’s the best.

12. What is your favorite song of all time, and what do you do when it comes on the radio or when you stream it?

Ed Sheeran: “Thinking Out Loud”. Whenever it comes on the radio or my playlists, I sing and sway along with it. Again, I’m the worst singer and dancer, but that song makes me feel like I can. So beautiful.

13. What do you believe is your biggest strength as a writer, and what has been your approach to tackling some of your weaknesses?

I believe I am very strong at emotional development of characters. I could use some working on plot. One of the things I’ve done is shifted, or tried to shift, from pantsing to plotting. It is very helpful to see what I need to do, what isn’t working, the areas that are lacking tension… If it’s all in my head, I’m unable to see those things as clearly. As much as I hate plotting, I had to change for the good of my writing.

14. Regarding board games, Scrabble or Left, Right, Center?

Scrabble. I mean, most writers have to go with Scrabble, right? LOL.

15. What is your biggest hope for a reader when she opens one of your books?

The primary goal for anything I write is connection. If one reader reads one of my stories and goes away from it feeling as if they connected with the story, the hero, the heroine, I’m going to be very happy.

***

 

Dark Hearts

By Aliza Mann

 

 

 

The heat burned into Mitch’s knuckles from the grill as he flipped the quarter pound beef over and lightly poked with the tip of the spatula. There was no excuse for an overdone burger in his mind. He avoided looking at Gigi. The glare in her eyes was bound to be intense and accusatory.

“I don’t know why you want to go down that road again. She’s not for you, wolf-boy.”

Mitch choked down the disdain at his best friend’s comments with a smirk. “Who says?”

“Kayla is not what you need. Leave her alone, Mitch. I mean it,” Bridget said with a huff. Picking up her tray, she turned and flipped her midnight black and white-streaked ponytail over her shoulder, then sped off to yet another table of hungry, possibly drunken college students.

On her way across the room, she dropped off the fries he’d just prepared to the curly-haired beauty at a table in the middle of the room.

Mitch may have been prepared to ignore Kayla and heed Gigi’s warning, but then it happened. She smiled . . . bit her bottom lip, then ran her hand through that wild as hell, sexier than hell hair of hers. His mind ran back over the night they’d shared a week prior. She captivated him.

Her smooth, brown skin radiated with a warm blush as she spoke some quick statement to Gigi. It could have been ‘thank you’ or ‘bring me another trough of fries’ or whatever. Regardless, she looked like an angel.

Mitch returned his attention to the grill, the scent of the burgers reaching the overcooked point that demanded he stop daydreaming about the beautiful girl who’d managed to do what an entire campus full of women had tried and failed at. Miserably.

“Where’s my chicken tenders and fries, Mitch? C’mon, keep up with me. We’re down a server tonight, so stop poking around.” Gigi’s voice echoed into the kitchen from the small serving window, which also served as Mitch’s vantage point for the whole dining area. Jesse’s was an endless source of entertainment.

“Intense, much? Here. Take your order,” Mitch barked in his playful way and placed the heated plate from the steel countertop. “And you should try to keep up with me. There are three more behind this one.”

“Remember what I said, Mitch. Besides, she already has a man in her life making things difficult. Not only that—you’re just too different. So take your break outside before the next rush. And don’t even think about bringing those bedroom eyes into the dining room. Leave my orders up.”

Another flip of her ponytail, and she was off again. Mitch didn’t need to be psychic to pick up that Kayla had been having a bad time, what with all of Gigi’s hints and their conversation the night they’d met. And she was right. The last thing he needed was a demon bringing unwanted attention. They could be messy. Mitch was mostly invisible to everyone on campus. Except for the women who went for the tall, dark and arrogant type. The façade he depended on made his life more difficult, but he needed it. His survival depended on it.

 

***

DARK HEARTS, a May 2016 release from Intima Press, may be purchased through these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

 

***

About Aliza

Aliza Mann is, and always has been, infatuated with reading and writing. From childhood, one would be more likely to find her reading than most anything else. Spending her summers hidden away in her room until it was time to either eat or go to the library to get more books, she wasn’t interested in many things outside of her fav pastime. Even then, it didn’t necessarily dawn on her that writing romance would be the career of her dreams. She had an idea that writing would make her happy, but not necessarily becoming a novelist. In fact, as a child she once contacted a local newspaper to get info on becoming an advice columnist. It wasn’t until 2008, after her education in business was behind her and she was well on her way to a promising career in the health care industry, that she realized her dream of becoming a romance writer. From there, she found Romance Writers of America and a local chapter, Greater Detroit Romance Writers and through their support, education and resources, she has been able to follow her dreams. And she lives happily ever after writing paranormal and contemporary romance titles.

When she isn’t working her two full-time jobs and reading, she is spending time with her wonderful family – her daughter and son-in-law; her son, who is about to break her heart by leaving for college; and her beau at her home in Metro Detroit. She loves golf, food (not the cooking part), and fashion (with the credit card bills to prove it). You can find her on Twitter , Facebook and through her website, www.alizamannauthor.com.

 

 

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Author Speed Dating – Victoria Craven

 

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Victoria Craven

 

 

 

15 Questions

1. If a director made a movie about your life, which actress (living or dead) would you like to portray you, and which one would more likely be cast?

I would like to be portrayed by Renée Zellweger. She seems to understand chaos. If Madelyn Khan were still alive, I would more likely be portrayed by her as the drama queen.

2. What are some of the things that have changed in publishing since your first book was published?

The thing that has changed the most is social media. There is more exposure than ever, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to miss something.

3. Us Weekly or Newsweek?

Newsweek. I like the coverage of their stories.

4. As a reader, do you sneak a peek at the end of the book, or do you make yourself wait for answers until the very end?

I never, never take a peek at the end. Reading a book from beginning to end is part of a journey I take with the author.

5. Have you ever, even for a moment, forgotten that one of your characters was…you know…fictional?

I talk about my characters as though they are real. I give them a life of their own. They are very real to me. My family thinks I’m crazy. I don’t disagree with them.

6. In which genres and sub-genres are you published, and which others do you plan to add to the list in the next two years?

Currently, I’m published in paranormal, historical romance, but in the next two years I hope to be published in suspense.

7. Brad Pitt or David Beckham?

Brad Pitt he is aging beautifully. David Beckham is young enough to make me feel like Mrs. Robinson.

8. If we imagine that a reader has lived on a desert island and missed the opportunity to read one of your books, which title do you recommend that she order as soon as she returns to civilization?

The first book in my series, IMMORTAL LOVE.

9. Do you have a green thumb or black one, and, either way, how are you gearing up for spring planting season?

I have a black one. I have managed to kill everything I attempted to grow. Thank goodness I live in a condo.

10. When and how did you first decide you wanted to be an author?

I decided to be a writer when I got my first computer. There were blank pages calling to my imagination.

11. Antique Roadshow or Law & Order: SVU?

Antique Roadshow. I love the unexpected treasures people were hanging on to and had no idea what it was worth.

12. What is your favorite song of all time, and what do you do when it comes on the radio or when you stream it?

“Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Every time I hear it, I just have to sing.

13. What do you believe is your biggest strength as a writer, and what has been your approach to tackling some of your weaknesses?

My biggest strength is character development. I have to use an outline to tackle the events that get them from point A to point B.

14. Regarding board games, Scrabble or Left, Right, Center?

It has to be Left, Right, Center. I suck at Scrabble. It’s a shame to admit for a writer.

15. What is your biggest hope for a reader when she opens one of your books?

That they love the characters and their journey that brings them together.

***

 

Destiny’s Promise

By Victoria Craven

 

He carried Carina to her chambers and laid her limp body on the bed. She was growing cold. His mind reached out to listen to her heartbeat. It was slow but steady. He piled blankets on her and stirred up the embers in the hearth adding new logs.

He sat back down on the bed and rubbed her cold hands. “Come on Carina, wake up.” She was barely breathing. He shook her shoulders, “Come back to me, sweetheart.”

Kiera ran through the door. She looked at Carina on the bed. “What happened?”

“We were talking then all of a sudden she collapsed.”

“Let me see what I can do.” Kiera took Carina’s hands and closed her eyes. Soon color returned to her face and her breathing was more audible.

Eleanor and Arelia charged in. “What’s wrong,” Eleanor said.

“She collapsed.”

Arelia placed her hand on Carina’s head. “She’s coming out of it.”

Fury burned inside of him. The table began to shake. Eleanor turned to him. “You better get out of here before you hurt someone.”

“That’s exactly what I plan to do.” He ran out of the room and headed for the stairs. He took them two at a time, then out of the Great Hall and headed toward the Golden Goblet. He could feel the energy building inside him, and his fingertips tingled.

When he first walked in he didn’t see Disa, but felt her presence. He crashed through her chamber door. To his satisfaction she jumped. He heard her two henchmen running up the stairs and he sent a bolt of energy, knocking them end over end. To his satisfaction she looked worried, but soon covered it up with a smug expression.

“Why, my Lord to what do I owe the pleasure.”

“I want you to stop doing what you’re doing to Carina.”

“Like I said. No.”

She said it with such finality, his temper flared, shattering the mirror on the wall. “Don’t test me, Disa.”

“Oh, please, what are you going to do, make it rain?”

He opened his palm and summoned a lightning ball. Then he opened his other palm and summoned another. Disa had barely enough time to throw up a protection spell before the lightning splintered toward her, yet her spell wasn’t strong enough and it began to crack. She threw another one to reinforce it.

Another bolt hit her wall and it began to crack again. With one final push of energy he’d broken through and her protection spell shattered, blowing her back on the bed.

He closed his fists and walked over to her. His face merely inches from hers. “Leave now,” he said with a deadly growl, “or so help me God, I will make you suffer.” Then stormed out of the room.

***

 

DESTINY’S PROMISE, Book 3 in the Love Conquers All series, is a March 7, 2017, release from Tell-Tale Publishing. It may be purchased from Amazon.

***

About Victoria

Victoria Craven was born to tell stories. Throughout her childhood she was a daydreamer. Growing up, she told the most outrageous tales to her friends that got her in trouble now and then. She escaped the mundane to live in her fantasies: She was a mermaid, a princess, a spy, and an explorer trekking across the tundra in Antarctica. Even as an adult, she saved just a little part of herself to drift into her dream world.

Then one day she said to herself, “I’m going to write a book,” and that’s what she did. She had no idea what it took to be a writer, thinking all you had to do was add some words and ideas to a page and poof, a book, and every word was golden. What a rude awakening when her writer friends took her into the light and showed her just how much she had to learn. That process is still going on today!

Victoria has published the first three books in a historical paranormal series, Love Conquers All.

Currently, she resides in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area with her wonderful husband, who spoils her rotten. And from time to time is her critique buddy.  She is the mother of three beautiful daughters and grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren.

When she isn’t writing, she doting on her grandchildren, curled up on the couch with her husband, or having a sleepover with her best friends.

And she still saves just a little bit of her life for those daydreams.

Stay in contact with Victoria through her website, www.victoriacraven.com, or connect with her through Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

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Author Speed Dating – Laurie Kuna

Author Speed Dating(1)

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Laurie Kuna

 

Laurie Kuna pic

 PARANORMAL ROMANCE

 

 

15 Questions

1. Which character in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is your favorite, and what does that say about you?

An elf, because I’m an English teacher and an elf is a subordinate “Claus.”

2. What are some of things you do to work your way through a plot problem?

Drink…Kidding. Do something else, like walk on the treadmill. My subconscious mind usually solves the plot problem.

3. Name your favorite author who writes in a genre that you never write.

Sarah Paretsky—1st person detective stories (VI Warshawski).

4. Cherry cordials or candy canes?

No contest. Cherry cordials.

5. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

One.

6. In 10 words or less, give your best tip for aspiring authors.

Ignore non-constructive criticism and complete adulation. Neither helps you.

7. Lifetime Christmas movies. Yea or nay?

Yea and nay! Depends on content.

8. What was the lowest point in your writing career, and how did you recover from it?

I’ll let you know when I’ve recovered.

9. Are you traditionally published, self-published or a “hybrid” author, and why did you choose that path?

Traditionally. It chose me more than anything, as I was line editing for ImaJinn and sent a manuscript in to its publisher, Linda Kichline. She bought it, and three more of my titles.

10. “O Holy Night” (Josh Groban version) or “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby version)?

Der Bingle, although Groban’s got a great voice.

11. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

Endora Bast, as she’s a shape-shifting witch who kicks ass.

12. What is your strategy for writing over the holidays?

Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard.

13. Of all the delightful treats available during the holiday season, which one would you prefer to hide in a closet so you don’t have to share it with anyone?

The cherry cordials from Question #4.

14. Do you belong to a critique group, and how has that membership affected your writing?

Yes! We’re really a family more than a critique group, so the support I’ve received—both personally and professionally—has kept me writing when I know I’d have called it quits long ago without them.

15. What is your usual New Year’s Resolution, and how quickly do you usually break it?

Stop swearing…Just as long as it takes for one of my favorite sports teams—the Spartans, the Red Wings, or the Lions—to do something stupid. Or the officials in their games to do the same.

***

9781933417370.indd

Fate’s Fortune

By Laurie Carroll

 

 

 

“I’ve a business proposition for you. Come to my ship, and we’ll discuss it over a bottle of port.”

Although Cal could not be overheard, he leaned close and said in Meg’s ear, “If he sailed all the way out here seeking you, he’s got more than common business in mind.”

And used otherworldly means to find me. “We can’t know for sure until we hear his proposal.” Meg raised her voice so it would carry to Lady Luck. “As my crew has a large stake in whatever transaction you’re offering, we can discuss the terms right here.”

“There”s a bold piece,” Cooper muttered as he stood at Hugh’s elbow. “You’d think she had the advantage, the way she acts.”

Hugh grinned, genuine admiration in his eyes. “That’s what makes her so good at what she does, Coop.” Putting both hands on his quarterdeck rail, he leaned toward the Rosalind. “Very well. Surrender your ship, your crew and your cargo. And return to Charles Town with me.”

Although not completely surprised that he wanted to take her back to the Carolinas, his outrageous conditions shocked Meg to her core. Nevertheless, she showed no emotion. Widening her stance, she crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin. “My ship is badly damaged and many of my crew injured. At this time, I carry no cargo.”

“Nevertheless, those are my terms.”

“I’m afraid they’re completely unacceptable.” Anger resonated in her voice when she added, “We’ll fight to the death before allowing anyone to drag us back to a Royal port to hang.”

Now Hugh’s expression cooled. “I’m willing to make a counter offer.”

The offer you’d intended all along, you mean. Wanting my crew’s surrender wasn’t in your plans. She cocked a brow, though Hugh was likely too far away to see the gesture. “And that is?”

“You’re known to have an excellent blade, possibly the best in the New World.”

The sudden dread of certainty crept into Meg’s mind. “I’ve heard it said of me,” she replied flatly.

“Then here’s my proposition. Prove your ability by dueling me. If I win, you return to Charles Town with me, and your crew goes free.”

Something about Hugh’s words thrilled her beyond belief. But pride and her sense of duty to her men quelled the thrill. “And if I win?”

Hugh laughed arrogantly, but to Meg’s ears, it was not genuine.

“Then do what you wish with my ship and crew, for I’ll be dead.”

Annoyance blasted through her. You know full well this will never go that far between us. But I’m of a mind to call your bluff. “Then

make your peace with God, Captain Stevens.”

Hugh’s lips flattened, but he said casually, “Put your crew ashore and bring your first mate and pilot with you. We’ll fight here on the

Lady.”

Meg felt Cal and Elijah go tense beside her. “I’ve injured men who can’t be moved.”

“Then I’ll send some of mine to see they’re comfortable in their berths.”

“I’ve one requirement of my own,” Meg stated, all the arrogance of command she could muster in her tone. “My crew goes free, no matter who wins.”

Turning to Cal, she whispered, “Don’t argue with me over this. I can’t risk you and the men.”

“However he found us, he’s here only for you.” Cal turned his back on Hugh’s ship as he added, “We were on our way back to Charles Town so you could see him. Do you really want to fight him now?”

“No.” Meg sighed. “If he hadn’t hunted us down with the express intent of taking me back with him, I’d go willingly. But I don’t take kindly to ultimatums. And I don’t think he really expects me to.”

Elijah gently squeezed Meg’s forearm. “Be careful.”

She winked at her pilot. “Maybe I won’t fight too hard.”

“Be serious, Meg,” Cal hissed under his breath, leaning in from her other side. “If Stevens bests you, he’ll likely…” His voice trailed off and he looked away.

Meg could feel her eyes blazing. She lifted her chin. “What, Cal? Bed me? You didn’t seem particularly worried about that in Charles Town.”

He had the grace to blush, but his eyes were hot when he looked up at her. “You weren’t injured then and could defend yourself if you chose to. Right now, you’re not fit, and I . . . ” Fear and anger held equal sway in Cal’s expression. “I just don’t want him to take advantage of you.”

“He challenged me. I can’t refuse.” Seeing her friends’ fear, she stated firmly, “Rest assured, anything that happens between us will be on my terms or not at all.”

 

***

Fate’s Fortune may be purchased from these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and ImaJinn Books.

***

About Laurie

Laurie Kuna writes historical and contemporary paranormal romance for ImaJinn/BellBridgeBooks, the historicals as Laurie Carroll and the contemporaries as Laurie C. Kuna. She taught high school English for 29 years and now uses those skills to edit professionally. A Golden Heart finalist, she published that manuscript as her first book, A War of Hearts. She loves hearing from fans and can be reached through her website, www.lauriecarroll-kuna.com, through her Facebook author page or by email at lauriekuna@gmail.com.

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Author Speed Dating: Nancy Gideon

     

Author Speed Dating(1)

If there’s one thing I enjoy almost as much as writing books, it’s READING books. I love discovering new authors, too. So as I planned my new blog, I decided this could be a perfect place to introduce my writer friends to new readers and introduce my reader friends to some of their new favorite authors. Only we’re going to do this Speed-Dating style. Just 15 getting-to-know-you questions, a little bit about the author and an excerpt from one of her stories. Check them out right here each Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match…or two…or three.

Let’s get ready to Author Speed Date. The clock is ticking. Ready. Set. Go!


  This week’s guest: Nancy Gideon                                                 

Nancy Gideon -photo

Paranormal graphic      

15 Questions

  1. Which Disney princess (or prince) do you wish you were more like? And which one are you really most like?

Cinderella-my first exposure to Disney. Really was into that waiting for my prince stuff. But really, I’m more the Elsa in Frozen type.

  1. Monopoly or Battleship?

Battleship. Bring it!!

  1. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

59 published, another full three in a drawer, countless body parts on flash drives!

  1. If you had no audience, and no regrets would follow, what midnight snack(s) would you be gorging on tonight?

A pint of Ben & Jerry’s – something with coffee-flavor, nuts and caramel swirl . . . or anything salty!

  1. Manolo Blahniks or Nikes?

Nikes . . . Just do it . . . later.

  1. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote.

China (something). One of those in the box somewhere. A publisher actually read it once, but I don’t think 750  pages of wandering cast and ninjas is worth revisiting.

  1. If you were marooned on a deserted island with plenty of food and water but with only one book to read and re-read, which title would you hope for?

I’d pack my COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE from college and have it all: drama, romance, comedy . . . and being stranded in a Tempest. I could play all the parts.

  1. In which genres and subgenres have you been published?

Most of them! Regency, historical, contemporary romance and suspense, paranormal, non-fiction and even a screenplay or two!

  1. Pizza and beer or steak and Chianti?

Steak on the grill and beer.

  1. How old were you when you had the first inkling you might be a writer, and what gave you that hint?

Fifth grade when I first saw my name in print under a fractured fairy tale in my school’s newspaper. It was awesome! Never wanted to be anything else.

  1. In 10 words or less, give your best writing advice to aspiring authors.

“Butt-in-chair-hands-on-keys.”  Stolen from Nora Roberts who also said, “You can’t edit a blank page.”

  1. TED Talks or Cupcake Wars?

Supernatural reruns??  I do like Cupcakes Wars. Food Channel rocks!

  1. Which one of your own fictional heroes would you have taken home if you could?

All my favorite heroes are dark, damaged and dangerous . . .being sensible, I’d have to say . . . any of them, though right now, my current hero, Colin Terriot, a shape-shifter prince, no less, is leading the pack (the six-pack!). Besides, they all live with me anyway.

  1. What is your most ridiculous fear?

That my outfit and jewelry won’t match. I’ve been late to work trying to find the right second earrings!

  1. If someone has never read one of your books, which title would you recommend she read first?

Any of them would give a reader the feel for my style:  Fast-paced, sometimes gritty, sizzling with added sass and humor. Probably REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT from my “By Moonlight” dark paranormal shape-shifter series because it sets up the off-shoot “House of Terriot” books I’m currently writing. Or if you’re a contemporary reader, TOTALLY YOURS, written under my pen name Dana Ransom – now on sale for just $1.99!

***

 

Nancy Gideon - book

REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT

by Nancy Gideon

 

The deadly leader of a shape-shifter clan with no memories of who he is and a dedicated cop hiding a heart-breaking secret face impossible odds in steamy New Orleans that conspire to pull them apart. Because the enemy they pursue . . . might be him.

Had she expected it to be easy having him here so close and yet so agonizingly far away? Bad enough watching him in that antiseptic clinic cell, a prisoner of his own panicked madness, raving, raging, out of control. Worse was having him here in the lush, sexy surroundings he’d built for them to share, temptingly near yet impossible to reach.

A bargain made in heartbreak hell.

Though she might be tortured by cherished memories, he was not. She was nothing to him but a protective port in his emotional storm, and that knowledge was driven home like a stake through the heart every time they were together, every time he stared at her through those cool green eyes without the slightest flicker of response. Every time he took that distancing step back to evade the casual graze of her hand. Every time he lay next to her in the night and silence created a force field of discomfort.

Tripping over him every minute of the damned day only emphasized how much she wanted, needed him back.

And underlined how far away he was.

***

Praise from Publisher’s Weekly for the “By Moonlight” series:

“A paranormal romance series with intriguing characters and zippy action . . . Gideon masters the tension required to keep her complex and engaging story moving.” (Starred Review)

 

“Vivid writing, plot twists and a satisfying ending will keep readers coming back to Gideon’s magical NOLA.”

 

 “Rich and complex. Enticing new dimensions to the Shifter world keep things fresh. Gideon delivers well-crafted prose and page-turning tension.”

REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT available on Amazon.

***

About Nancy

Nancy Gideon is the award-winning author of over 59 romances ranging from historical, regency and series contemporary suspense to dark paranormal, with a couple of horror screenplays tossed into the mix, and is currently testing the “Hybrid author” waters.  She works full time as a legal assistant in Central Michigan, and when not at the keyboard, feeds a Netflix addiction along with all things fur, fin and fowl. She’s also written under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings and is a member of the Mid-Michigan, PAN and FF&P Chapters of RWA.

Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Goodreads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group, Amazon

 

 

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