erotic romance – Page 6 – Behind Closed Doors

The Island’s Steve Eischer takes over for #WickedAfterDark

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors. For those of you who’ve visited the last few days for the Wicked After Dark Halloween Blog Hop, I turned over the reins to one of my favorite characters, Brigid Moon. Today I’m happy to welcome to the hot seat another of my favorites, Steven Eischer. For those of you who read the first book in this series (thank you!), you will remember the Vegas tycoon who swept Quinn off her feet the moment she entered his casino. He was part of the love triangle I’ll never forget. You see, I never intended on having Quinn fall in love with two men. We’ll get back to that in just a bit.

First let me tell you a bit more about the hot, hunky man who as Quinn’s sister said “has more money than God.” He’s a self-made man, having worked his entire life for all that he has. Over the years he’s basically been married to his job and building his empire…2/3 of Las Vegas if anyone is counting! After two failed marriages, he wasn’t looking for a relationship when Quinn walked into his club at the MGM Grand. One look into her eyes and he was done for. Not that he was complaining!

Unfortunately, Fate and her brothers had other plans for Mr. Eischer that didn’t include having Quinn as his life partner. His intuition picked up on that right off when he witnessed the reaction between Quinn and Jacob the first time they laid eyes on each other on the club dance floor. How about I let him tell the story from here. Come on out and say hello to the gang, Steve.

I love what you’ve done to the place over the last year, Tammy. Purple is our, I mean you favorite color right? Oh, hello everyone! I hope Tammy hasn’t been filling your head with all sorts of nonsense like how I wouldn’t take a backseat and just have the one night stand with Quinn.

(I shake my head. It’s going to be one of those interviews. That devilish smile of his is coming out already and don’t get me started about how his emerald green eyes twinkle when he’s about to pounce. The Devil!)

Well, it’s true! I had intended on just having Quinn and Jacob’s story take off from the moment they come face to face in your club. You were the one who couldn’t stay in the background. One look at Quinn in that little red dress and you were smitten. It didn’t take you long to show her your penthouse, did it?

(Steve’s deep chuckle rumbles in his chest and makes my stomach do a few flips. Heaven help me. This is exactly what happened when he took over the first book!)

Well, you have to admit Quinn was smokin’ hot in that dress. I would’ve been a fool to let her slip through my fingers. Truth be told, I took a gamble that night when I asked her to let me show her my Vegas. She could’ve stayed away from me too. I have to believe it was all going according to plan.

Really? Whose plan would that be?

Yours. Quinn’s the spitting image of you when we were together all those years ago. You were the one who left me all brokenhearted.

(now it’s my turn to laugh) Brokenhearted my ass! Within an hour after I left Vegas you were in the arms of not one but TWO supermodels. We had a lot of fun, I’ll give you that but brokenhearted? Seriously?

Okay, maybe not brokenhearted, but I did miss you a hell of a lot. Until Quinn and her sister strolled into my casino you were the sassiest broad I’ve ever known. No one will ever take your place, darlin’.

You’re still the sweet-talker, Mr. Eischer! Let’s get back to business shall we? Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything differently when it came to Quinn and Jacob?

Not one thing. We were there for each other when it was needed the most. I was there for her when her entire world came crashing down. I helped Jake see the only woman he would ever be truly happy with was Quinn. Both of them brought me out the cycle of living, breathing, and eating my work. Nothing else mattered to me until they walked into my life. Now I’m even richer than I ever thought possible. At the time, I would’ve given everything I had, everything I was if it meant Quinn could be happy with me. But then I had a visitor…

Did you? Whose visit could have made you go from telling Quinn she was your always and forever to chasing down Jake to make him snap out of it and claim his love of a lifetime?

The Lady herself. Fate appeared to me along with her Guardians. Together they filled me in on a few things. I was given a choice. If I chose Quinn then the paths of many others would be altered for this lifetime and the next, including the one who was to be my happily ever after.

I’m…I’m a bit shocked. Why didn’t you tell me this before? This could have made an entirely different outcome to the series—

Exactly. By not telling you about their visit, the stories of the others in our group will be told. And of course, now I get to spend a hell of a lot more time with you. You know, consulting!

(he winked at me! Goddess help me, if I wasn’t married to my own soul mate, I would indeed start up those all night “consulting” sessions!)

Damn it! You get me all unnerved when you wink at me like that. We are supposed to be talking about The Island. What role do you play in this one?

This one is told in flashbacks. It starts out a year after For the Love of Quinn ended. I don’t want to give away too much. I want folks to read our story and of course follow the rest of the series. The last I peeked at your notes, the series is up to nine books. When are you going to put out book three?

Gee, can’t we enjoy book two’s release first? Don’t you worry. The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3) is nearly finished and books 4 and 5 are coming along as well. And yes, you’re in these too. Funny how you just weasel your way into all the books of this series. 😉

I told you before. I can’t stay away from you for very long. Even if you are married to your always and forever, there’s a part of you that you only shared with me. Admit it.

Well, you got me there. Maybe that’s why I keep telling your story. I love how you enjoy helping so many people fulfill their dreams and fantasies. Is that why you own or at least co-own most of Vegas?

Could be. It’s the one place where adults can let loose and enjoy themselves with little restrictions. Why not set up shop here? I get to meet such fascinating people. It’s where I met you. It was about twelve years ago, right?

It was and now’s the perfect time to end for today. How about you come back tomorrow and we can pick up where we left off?

(he raises one eyebrow and flashes that damn crooked smile again.)

With the interview, Mr. Eischer. The interview.

Okay, but you know what it does to me when you say “Mr. Eischer” in that scolding school teacher voice. 😉

Do you see what I have to put up with folks? This is how it will be in every book. He is incorrigible! But I have to admit I wouldn’t want him to be any other way and neither will you when you read his story! Come back again tomorrow for the second part of Steve’s interview. Make sure to check out some more of the blogs participating. You will find some of your favorite authors and some new ones to enjoy as well. Today over on Sassy Vixen it’s the Guardian Michael’s turn. You won’t want to miss out on his story or the chances at the prize package over there.

Speaking of that…here’s the Rafflecopter to catch up on more entries here and below that will be the little froggy icon for the linky list of the participants. Have fun everyone and blessed be!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#WickedAfterDark with the Eternal Siblings and Brigid Moon

Welcome back to Behind Closed Doors and Brightest Blessings to you. For those of you who missed my post yesterday, let me introduce myself. My name is Brigid Moon. I am one of the characters in the Now and Forever series written by the owner of this blog, Tammy Dennings Maggy. This week she’s asked several of us to give our take on our story so far. You know, the back story and all the insider information you don’t get to read about in the books. 😉

Today Tammy has asked me to interview two very important characters who have influenced the lives of all of us but in particular our star crossed lovers Quinn Quartermarsh and Jacob Hartley. Quinn is my cousin and fellow Wiccan. Her faith has been tested over the years and I’m happy to say she’s found it and herself again. She’s also discovered her special talent of dream walking. You will learn more about that in The Island, but for now I’d like to introduce you to my special guests.

They are the two of the three gods who are called The Three. Their older brother, Yeshua is the Master Creator and pretty much has the last word on everything. The Goddess Fate is the middle Sibling. She’s in charge of Destiny and making sure all of their creations continue down the right paths to their foretold futures. The youngest is Lucius. He’s the God of Trials and Tribulations and in charge of testing their creations to be sure they are worthy of all the gifts Yeshua wishes to bestow on them. The Eternal Siblings are known by many other names of course, but this is how they chose to reveal themselves to Tammy for our story.

I’d like to start off by thanking you both for coming here today. I know my cousins and friends have been keeping you rather busy as of late. Why did you feel it was necessary to intervene with Quinn and Jacob this time?

(Lucius chuckles softly) You want to take that one, dear sister?

(Fate rolls her eyes) Oh don’t be so melodramatic, Lucius. Brigid, as you know Quinn and Jacob have been fated to be together right from the start. Unfortunately, in each and every lifetime up until now, they’ve continued to choose paths leading away from each other.

(Lucius) And each time they did that, I had to develop more trials and tests for them to overcome. They had to prove to us they were worthy of having their always and forever. I mean, if your heart calls out for someone, shouldn’t you listen?

(Fate) Now you’re just teasing. Don’t think Yeshua and I haven’t noticed your special interest in Brigid over the years. (Both of them turn toward me and smile.) Now look, we’ve made her blush!

(me) Okay, um…this isn’t supposed to be about me. As for Quinn and Jacob, why not just let them keep trying in each life cycle until they get it right? Why send them to the Island and get the Guardians involved for just these two people?

(Lucius) Nice way to redirect the interview, Brigid! (His laugh unnerves me every single time. It’s not helping that he’s smokin’ hot!) The three of us had left them go as long as we could. There are just too many other destinies involved. Quinn and Jacob cross paths with many others. In order for all those life paths to be on course, Fate and the Guardians had to step in.

(Fate) Lucius and I don’t always see eye to eye, but in this matter we were in agreement. He’s thrown everything he has at them and they keep searching for each other. Their hearts continue to call out to me to help them. I couldn’t stay away any longer. Too many Destinies were at risk. Including your own, my dear.

(me) I’ll just leave that for Tammy to write in another book if you don’t mind, Goddess. I’d like to get back to the idea that in order for Quinn and Jacob to have their life together here on Earth, they had to choose the path that would lead them to each other. In fact, they had to choose to leave the Island without knowing exactly when they would find each other again. Why was that necessary?

(Fate) Yeshua gave humans free will. He wanted them to be able to make choices in their life that had consequences, both good and bad. He feels they are our greatest creations and if given the chance, they will choose the correct paths leading to their fated destinies.

(Lucius) I don’t agree with him on that one. I think most humans are only out for instant gratification. They fold as soon as they are put to the slightest of tests. They should prove they are worthy of that fated destiny of theirs. Their happiness can be so much more if they have to work for it. If it’s just given to them, they take it for granted.

(me) I understand that, but I thought you said these two had already been through enough. Why not just tell them the when and where and make it happen as soon as they returned to the Earth Realm?

(Fate) There were still people both of them would meet in their future. Lucius needed them to cross paths with them in order to complete the trials of those other people. On the surface it would seem that Quinn and Jacob would be tested yet again, but I assure you, their future together in this lifetime was secured as soon as they chose that path. We did let the Guardians Daniel and Michael tell them where they would find each other again, but we thought it best not to tell even them how long it would actually be before they would be reunited.

(Lucius) It was enough for them to know they would have their fated destiny together. They didn’t question it or ask for guarantees. They just believed. That is what clinched it for me. Plus I got to hang out at that club you used to perform at with your band. You are quite the entertainer, Ms. Moon. 😉

(now I’m blushing yet again. This time Lady Fate laughs and once again I’m unnerved…but in a good way. How can I not smile with these two together in one room and actually getting along?) Don’t think for one minute I didn’t notice you stalking me either, Lucius. You can take on the form of some of the sexiest actors around and I will still be able to tell it’s you!

(Fate) I told you she would be able to pick you out of a crowd. She’s not an ordinary human, dear brother.

(Lucius) No, Brigid is anything but ordinary. It’s time we leave her to her tasks with this blog for Tammy. Isn’t there some sort of contest the visitors can enter?

(me) Yes there is the contest. I’ll get to that in a moment. Thank you both once again for visiting this blog. I’ve heard from my cousin, Daniel that Fate will be visiting with him today over at Tammy’s sister blog Sassy Vixen Publishing. I’m sure you have more mischief to manage, Lucius.

(Lucius’s bawdy laugh makes Fate and me smile broadly.) That’s what I love about you, Brigid. You have a lot of spunk. I’ll be seeing you around, I’m sure. 😉

(Fate) Come on, little brother. It’s time to go. (She takes his hand as they fade from the room.) Take care, Priestess. We will be in touch!

LOL! I don’t know why Lucius gets to me the way he does, but whew! Sometimes when the gods appear, they take on the forms of what would be pleasing to our eyes. Lucius always turns up looking like Alcide from True Blood, but Lady Fate appears to me in many different forms. No matter. She’s always beautiful to me.

Sorry. I get sidetracked for a bit after one of their visits. Let’s get back to the task at hand. This blog hop is quite large with over 200 participants. You have until November 1st to visit as many as you can. Each one has it’s own contest, so check them all out! I’ve included the graphic to the linky list of the participants, and the link to the Rafflecopter for you to continue to accumulate your entries in our contest. Go to the post on day one HERE in order to see the prize package.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#WickedAfterDark with the Wiccan Priestess from The Island

I’d like to welcome everyone here today. It’s the first day of the Wicked After Dark Halloween Blog Hop. Over 220 authors and bloggers are participating in this hop giving you many opportunities to visit with authors you already know and discover new ones…maybe even try out a new genre or two. Who knows?

On each blog you will have a change to enter a contest to win prizes ranging from ebooks and gift cards to something wicked or naughty to go along with the Halloween theme. Here on Behind Closed Doors, I’ll be offering a fun prize package that includes some adult toys for a fun night of role playing and maybe a little BDSM with the one you love…or just the one you lust over! 😉

I‘ll be putting up posts during the entire week of the hop starting tomorrow when Wiccan Priestess Brigid Moon takes over the blog. She’s one of the characters from the second novel in my Now and Forever series. The Island is to be released on November 15th and I couldn’t be more excited! Even though it’s the second book in the series, it’s actually a prequel of sorts explaining how it is Quinn and Jacob have been destined to be together through every lifetime.

Before I go any further, I’d like to give you a peek at the prize package I put together for one lucky visitor. All you have to do to win it is make sure you leave a comment on any of the days of the hop. You can do it every day if you wish to get more entries. The Rafflecopter link will be posted at the bottom of each day so you can check it to be sure you’ve collected every entry possible. Some are worth more entries than others so for your best chances, collect all entries available. Here’s a picture of the items in the package…

There is a feather boa, mask and of course a tickler/whip to play with. There is a battery operated “friend” in there along with a package of lubes and oils to make your play time special. As you can see, this is definitely and ADULTS ONLY prize. This is an ADULTS ONLY blog too. So if you are under 18 years of age, you should leave now.

On to today’s post…

I decided to give a basic overview of what to expect this week. Tomorrow will be Brigid giving us her insights and maybe even a guest appearance by two of the Gods I call The Three. Since Brigid can see them, she should be able to interview them, right? 😉 Since these two siblings tend to be at odds frequently, I’m sure Brigid will have her hands full keeping the interview on course. Just in case, I’ve given her two days at the helm. I’m sure she will handle it all with ease. Not much phases her!

After Brigid, we’ll get another special treat. Steve Eischer has agreed to stop in and fill us in on the stuff that went on behind the scenes in Las Vegas. Besides The Three, Steve knows the most about Quinn and Jacob and their journey to be together. Hell, he even took matters into his own hands when it looked like things were going awry in For the Love of Quinn. Not too much goes on without Steve knowing about it. Ahhh..the perks of being a billionaire!

My sister blog Sassy Vixen Publishing is also participating. Over there you will be able to see Quinn and Jacob’s story through the eyes of their Guardian Angels Michael and Daniel. Make sure you stop in and see what they have to say. You will be seeing a lot more of these two in the future books of this series!

Okay, so now you have a basic idea of how I’m going to run my part of the blog hop and contest. Make sure you come back tomorrow for the start of Brigid’s posts, start gathering your entries through the Rafflecopter link below, and make sure you take the time each day to check out the rest of the participants in the hop. All you have to do is click on the graphic at the start of the post and you will be taken to the list of the other blogs. Or you can click on the little Linky Icon below the Rafflecopter link to take you to your next stop. Have fun!

~Tammy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Video Trailer for The Island (Now and Forever 2)

I’m in the planning stages for a virtual book tour to promote The Island, coming up with a variety of posts, a media kit with all my links, bio, covers and of course the video trailer. Recently I did a blog post for Writer’s Words of Wisdom about creating video trailers. I used the techniques described in it to create my latest video. Even though it took me a while to put it all together the way I wanted it, it really wasn’t hard to do.

Once I collected and purchased all the photos I wanted to use, I listened to the variety of royalty free music I had on my computer from iTunes and from Incompetech.com. The latter is a site put together by Kevin MacLeod. He has hundreds of pieces all for free to use in projects. All you have to do is give him credit somewhere in your work and you are all set. If you can’t or don’t want to give the attribution, you can purchase the music as well. Kevin also offers a service where he will create an original composition for you if you desire.

Well, being on a very tight budget, I of course went for the free music for now. One day I may have to hire Mr. MacLeod to compose something for me, but for now I’ll just enjoy the beautiful pieces he has on his site. The budget this time around was used to purchase a few more pictures from Shutterstock.com. I found several that just caught my eye immediately. The photos of the Goddess Fate, Michael Hartley, and Daniel Quartermarsh were the most striking. They captured my vision of these characters perfectly! I couldn’t be happier.

For my hero and heroine, I had to try to not get photos that were steamy, but not too risque. I also wanted to give an idea of how I pictured Quinn and Jacob, but didn’t want to make those the only images in the reader’s mind. The fun part is coming up with your own interpretation of the characters as you read their story, and maybe even put yourself in as one of them. During the upcoming Wicked After Dark Blog Hop, I’ll be doing character interviews and posting pictures of the actors who I used as inspiration. There is no right or wrong answer to how someone pictures my characters. I hope the posts generate a lot of discussion. It will be fun for me to see what folks think of my vision versus how they see the characters.

Enough chit chat! Here’s the video you all came here to see. Let me know what you think, and if you have a few moments, please stop by YouTube and view the trailer from there so the view count will go up. And if you can give it a like, I would really appreciate it!

Saturday Spotlight Shines on Author Jennifer Denys

Once again I’m thrilled to welcome another fellow Siren author. Jennifer Denys is here today to share a bit about herself and her latest release Chasing Emily. Jennifer has created an entire world where women are a rare commodity, dwindling in numbers with every childbirth. This is actually the second book in her Duoterra series and looks to be just as sizzling as the first.

Before we go any further into talking about the her books, let’s bring Jennifer out to join us here by the pool. The food and drinks are all ready, so grab some of your favorites and and one of the lounge chairs and let’s get started!

Are there recurring core issues in your stories?

Oh yes indeed and they go back to me as a reader. The ‘friends who fall in love’ theme is one of my favorites and all six women in the ‘Friends’ and in the ‘Doms’ series fall in love with someone they already know and love.

Why do you think you are drawn to these types of characters/plots again and again?

I have no idea why I love that so much?! As for characters – the heroine is often based on me, my feelings, my needs, my desires. I can then empathize with her. I try to make myself write about someone who is totally out of character for me – and it is hard! The heroine in Chasing Emily is a middle aged woman (like me) with middle aged body issues (like me) who much prefers younger men (like me!).

You and I are very much alike. I’m a middle aged woman with those same body issues and I simply ADORE younger men. Yep. I am a cougar! Fortunately for me, My husband fits the bill. 😉 What are your favorite fiction genres to read from?

I’ve changed over the years. I used to love historical romance but it kinda went out of fashion (at least here in the UK). I then moved onto the Mills & Boon type romantic fiction but after a few years got bored with it and then I discovered erotic romance! Throughout I’ve always love sci-fi (preferably with romance in it).

What are your favorite non-fiction genres to read from?

History! And the reason I haven’t attempted any historical novels so far is I know how much research you need to do to get it right!

I love history too. I’m partial to the US Civil War era but I don’t think I could tackle a historical set in that time period. I would love to read more of them though! Besides reading and writing, what activities do you enjoy in your leisure time?

For many years my passion was genealogy – my own, other people’s (I researched and wrote up Family Histories on commission), giving workshops in genealogy. These days I don’t have time for it as writing takes up so much of my time (writing, editing, promoting, checking figures/reviews/emails etc etc. A writer’s life is never done). I have plans for a series that will cover 80 years within one family drawing on my expertise in this field – but don’t know when I will get around to that

Now let’s get back to Chasing Emily. In one or two sentences, give the core premise behind your story.

The second in the Duoterra futuristic sci-fi series is set on a planet some sixty years after it has been colonized. The entire series deals with what happens to that society when women start to die because of childbirth, death and disease and become something of a commodity in an increasingly patriarchal society.

What’s your heroine running away from (literally or figuratively)?

Haha! Had to laugh at this question since in the book Emily is always running away! In Chasing Emily she is a middle aged woman used to freedom and when she is forced into a marriage she runs away only to be chased by her two lovers – who are at odds with each other.

What obstacles will she encounter in this story? From what I hear, the obstacles abound!

Obstacles include one lover who is jealous of the other, an infuriating judge determined to marry her off to keep her out of trouble, trying to avoid being sent to the state brothel, wolf-cats, spankings, and a dunking in the horse trough!

How many books to you anticipate will be in this series?

I am not entirely sure how many stories will be in the series but I will say the wolf-cats make an increasing appearance, the illness (only briefly mentioned in Chasing Emily) will make a recurrence, and men will get their comeuppance by the end!

What are you working on now?

I’m writing a werewolf BDSM story about an alpha wolf, three betas and a human woman. I am also working on a follow up story to bring together both the Friends & Doms series into one book as they had cross over characters. This one is set ten years on and life didn’t go the way they all expected. Oh and I have a comedy sci-fi in the works, using one of the common themes of an alien abducting a human woman to be their mate I am a sucker for those types of story, but in this one the alien has ended up with a middle aged woman who is not playing ball and refuses to comply to his demands to take her clothes off – let alone have sex with him!

LOL! That last one in particular sounds like a hoot to write. I can’t wait to read the situations you put the alien and the woman in and their reactions to each other. Can you imagine what the poor alien is thinking when he gets such an uncooperative abductee? What’s coming soon for you? Is it one of those you’ve mentioned here today?

The next book out is my first collaboration. This is with lovely Finnish writer, Susan Laine, and it is an MMF werewolf story set in England and Finland (mostly the latter). We liked the idea of drawing on our mutual European roots for this story. It is due out mid-October through Evernight Publishing.

Fantastic! I’ll keep my eyes out for that one. Make sure you come back and visit with us again…especially when you release the alien abduction novel. 😉 I’m giggling already just picturing the possible situations you will come up for them.

Thank you for sharing with us today, Jennifer! For those of you who wish to find out more about Chasing Emily, Jennifer will be my guest on Sassy Vixen Publishing blog on October 1st.

Where to find more about Jennifer and her books

Bookstrand Author Page

First Round of Edits for The Island…

I was really looking forward to the first round of edits for The Island. Not only did I run through that manuscript multiple times with a critical eye, I wanted to be sure the lessons I learned from editing For the Love of Quinn came through. I didn’t want to see anymore of those little comment balloons pointing out the ever dreaded head hopping. Oh and don’t get me started with my overuse of the ellipses…

See what I mean?

So imagine my surprise when I opened up the file sent back from my publisher and editor to find very few corrections done to the entire thing! Not only that, but the editor gave me such wonderful words of encouragement stating that I handled the shifts between the characters points of view and also the flashbacks “deftly.” She said my story was “seamless.” Yep. SEAMLESS! I can tell you there was a lot of celebrating around our household that evening.

Today I made the few corrections needed and chose and adult and story excerpt to send back to my publisher. The last time they ended up going with a different adult excerpt, but it’s all good. I had trouble picking the story excerpt this time. I wanted to give a teaser without giving too much away right off the bat. Hopefully it will be the one they like too. I’ll let you know when they put the excerpts up on my Siren author page.

There should be one more round of edits, cover art approval and then the final copy approval all within the next few weeks. November is just around the corner!

I’ve been busy working on The Surrender of Julia throughout all of this too. Since that one has scenes that are also in The Island I have to be sure they flow well and that I don’t change anything other than it’s all going to be through Julia’s eyes now.

Watch for updates and teasers from both books over the next few weeks. Once I get the cover, I’ll get started on the video trailer. I have a rough idea of what I want to have in the video, but it has to go along with the cover. I’ve chosen the music. Now to find the “perfect” images to tell Jake and Quinn’s story.

Until next time, my friends. Brightest Blessings!

A Sexy Marine Looks for an Escape and finds Love…Oh MY!

Welcome everyone! I have a fantastic treat for you today. Author Kendall McKenna is my guest today sharing her book Waves Break My Fall. Not only did she bring an excerpt that will melt your panties off, she’s agreed to answer questions about her heroes Kage and Zach. Trust me, once you here about them, you will be begging to learn more!

Oh! I nearly forgot. Kendall has one more surprise for one lucky visitor: a free ebook copy of Waves Break My Fall. All you have to do is follow the directions on at the end of today’s post. It’s easy!

So let’s bring out Kendall and grill her a bit about her two hotties! Welcome to Behind Closed Doors, Kendall. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Kendall McKenna and I write M/M Erotic Romance novels. I’m very partial to U.S. Marines and law enforcement officers so they make up the majority of my characters. Today, I’m going to talk about my second title, Waves Break My Fall.

In one or two sentences, give the core premise behind your story.

A U.S. Marine is home from Afghanistan and he’s not settling back into his life well, so he flees to Puerto Vallarta for a time. While he’s there, he encounters a young man who seems to get what he’s going through and just how to handle it.

When and where does your book take place?

Present day, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

How does the time and setting weave into the plot and persona of the characters?

This story is part of Silver Publishing’s Summer Heat series, so the setting is a huge part of the story. That was part of the submission requirement. The ocean acts almost as a matchmaker for the two heroes, pulling them to the beach so it can push them together. There is even one scene that takes place in the water, and it’s a huge character moment for one hero, and lays the groundwork for the ‘rightness’ of the relationship.

Who is hero #1?

That is Kage. He’s a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps and less than two weeks out of Afghanistan.

What drives him?

Overall, Kage is driven by duty and honor. He’s good at being a Marine so he’s proud of being a Marine. More immediately, he’s suffering from PTSD, but has only just become symptomatic. He doesn’t feel at home in his own skin, so he can’t settle in at home, and it drives him to flee to Mexico.

What is he running away from (literally or figuratively)?

Kage is running from himself, the well-meaning and loving smothering attention of friends and family, memories, and nightmares.

What obstacles will he encounter in this story?

Kage’s PTSD symptoms are so powerful, and so new, they’re a constant burden for him. He’s also very aware that, while he’s proud to be a Marine and is not ashamed to have done his duty, he’s done some things in combat that would make civilians uncomfortable if they knew. As a result, he holds himself back to an extreme.

What draws him to the hero #2 in this story? What gives him that push away from him?

Immediately, Kage is drawn by simple, basic, primal, sexual attraction. His PTSD and his own insecurities have him pushing away.

What does he need to learn to make the happy ending possible?

Kage needs to learn that he’s worthy of being loved. That the man he’s falling in love with understands him, what he’s had to do, and isn’t horrified by any of it.

That can be a hard thing for anyone to overcome, especially someone who’s had to put his life on the line every moment of every day while in a war zone. What about Kage will make readers sympathetic to him?

He’s aware that he’s damaged, and he very much wants to overcome it, not succumb to it. He is also determined to conquer his issues because these issues stand between him and this wonderful man he’s just met.

So who is this wonderful hero #2?

That would Zach.

What drives him?

Ambition. Zach is a recent college graduate and he has goals and things he wants to achieve. He’s on the cusp of setting his plans into motion.

What is Zach running away from (literally or figuratively)?

He’s running from adulthood. He knows he has to go back at the end of summer and get is life started, but he’s really trying to prolong this period of his life.

Man, I remember that time in my life when it was finally time to stop being a student, put my big girl panties on and join the real world. What obstacles will Zach encounter in this story?

Zach keeps bumping into Kage’s issues! Kage’s PTSD and the emotional barriers he’s thrown up are difficult for Zach to overcome. He’s also got his own issues with past relationships and he’s struggling not to repeat his own mistakes.

What draws him to Kage? What gives him that push away from him?

Zach has the same primal sexual attraction to Kage that Kage has to him. It’s lust at first sight for them both. The push comes from Zach being a physically strong, intelligent, competent, capable, grown man, who likes his partners to be the same. He likes to be dominated in bed, but treated as an equal in life. His past partners haven’t respected that, and Zach is a little gun shy. Kage is about as big an alpha male as you can get, so you can imagine how nervous this makes Zach.

What does he need to learn to make the happy ending possible?

Zach needs to learn that Kage is the man who can dominate him in bed, but has no desire to dominate him in life. Zach has to realize that Kage doesn’t view him as weak because he likes a powerful lover. He also needs to learn that Kage is damaged and is going to be slow to heal, but Kage wants to heal.

What makes Kage infuriating to Zach, if anything?

Nothing. Kage frustrates Zach, because he’s emotionally reserved and a little insecure. Zach doesn’t understand why Kage doesn’t get just how awesome Zach thinks he is.

What makes this hero hot and lovable?

Zach is smart and sensitive and intuitive. He’s a tall, handsome man in a more traditional way, maybe a softer way than Kage is.

What about him will make readers sympathetic to him?

He’s a little bit embarrassed by his own sexual desires and it makes him endearing. He’s just so sensitive toward, and accommodating of, Kage’s issues, it’s hard not to love him.

Is the oppositional force in this story more external or internal or a little of both?

It’s all internal for them both. The ocean and Zach’s friends are all pushing these two together, but their own issues are the only real oppositional forces.

What is the theme at the heart of your story?

It’s about progress, not perfection. The right person will make you want to be a better person.

What message do you hope readers take away from this story?

Love yourself, warts and all, and others will love you, too.

That’s a lesson we all need to take to heart. It sounds like it would be the simplest thing in the world, but it is so much easier said than done. Is this book a part of a series?

Nope. It’s a one-off. And that’s a complete lie! A lot of reviews have asked to find out what happens when Kage and Zach get home, and that’s a story I can tell. Zach’s new job and Kage dealing with PTSD is truly an entire story itself. Now, ask me if I have time to write it!

Oh I know all too well having way too many things to do and not enough time to do them in. I’m sure you will find the time at some point. Something tells me that Kage and Zach won’t let you keep them on the back burner for too long. What is the theme of the overall series and how does this story fit into that?

Relationships are hard. You have to want to do the work, you have to compromise, and you have to give more than you take.

Will these characters show up in other books in this series?

If I write it, yes, it will be all Zach and Kage Part II.

How many books do you anticipate will be in this series?

That depends on how much of their story these two tell me at any given time. It’s up to them.

What are you working on now?

I’m winding up the sequel to Brothers In Arms, and I’m about to start work on a special submission call I was asked to provide to MLR Press. It’s got a newly awakened Ancient Vampire and a newly re-born Ancient Warrior. They’re thrown together in the middle of combat in Afghanistan and for some reason, would rather make love than war. 😉

What’s coming soon?

Marine Corps Werewolves, a story called The Strength of the Pack. Also, the Ancient Vampire battling it out with the Ancient Warrior.

Wow! Paranormal Marines? Count me in! For those who want to pick up their own copy of Waves Break My Fall, where can they find it?

It’s available from Silver Publishing, but is also carried at Amazon, B&N, and ARe. Just click on the book cover at the beginning of the post, and you will be taken right to Silver Publishing’s website.

Let’s not forget. One lucky person will win a free copy of the book by following the directions in the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post. A winner will be chosen randomly on September 14th and Kendall will contact you with your prize! But before we get there, Kendall has one more treat for us. I know you’ve all been patiently waiting, so without further adieu…

Adult Excerpt

“I’m going to get you ready,” he whispered.

“I don’t need much.” Zach lifted his hips.

Kage shushed him, placing open-mouthed kisses along Zach’s jaw. Zach tilted his head back, seeking Kage’s lips. Kage kissed Zach, licking deep into his mouth. They were both breathing heavily now and the sound was loud in the otherwise quiet room.

Reaching into the drawer of the bedside table, Kage withdrew a small lube bottle and a condom. He steadied Zach with a hand on his hip and slid his fingers into Zach’s ass. If it was possible, Zach was even hotter than he had been earlier. His body opened easily for Kage’s fingers.

Twisting his wrist, Kage spread the slick inside of Zach’s tight channel. He slid his fingers out and pushed them back in to the last knuckles. Zach pushed back against him and groaned. Picking up the lube bottle again, Kage eased his fingers out of Zach’s hole.

“I’m good, I’m ready.” Zach gasped, looking over his shoulder as Kage added lube to his fingers.

“Not as ready as I want you to be,” replied Kage, pushing two slick fingers back into Zach’s ass.
Zach groaned like he was in pain and Kage almost stopped moving. “You’re gonna fucking kill me.”
Kage laughed softly. He worked his fingers in and out of Zach’s hole, ensuring a slick glide for his cock. This time, he pressed his fingertips downward into that firm gland he could find easily now.

“Oh, fuck,” Zach cried. He clutched at the pillow beneath him. “Kage.” His harsh whisper sounded like a plea.
Kage kissed the base of Zach’s spine. “I’ve got you.”

Withdrawing his fingers again, Kage lubed three of them this time. He pushed his fingers into Zach’s clenching hole, and it was like Zach’s body was drawing him in. He twisted his fingers and massaged Zach’s gland. This time, Zach shuddered violently.

“Oh, god!” Zach pleaded, “Now, please, Kage. I need you.”

Zach’s desperation hit Kage like a body blow. Blood surged into his own cock, and he was overwhelmed with the need to be inside of Zach. He eased his fingers from Zach’s hole and reached for the condom.

Struggling with trembling fingers, Kage rolled the condom onto his own hard cock. “Hold yourself open for me,” he said, trying to remember to breathe.

Zach pushed the pillow aside and drew up one knee. He hooked his arm behind his knee and pulled his leg higher, spreading his ass wide. Kage lay himself down on top of Zach, wanting to feel his heat.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous.” Kage breathed against the back of Zach’s neck. His cock ached, and he was desperate to push himself into Zach’s heat.

Reaching between their bodies, Kage lined himself up with Zach’s hole and flexed his hips. He pushed inward, slipping into Zach’s body. He groaned at the feel of Zach surrounding him and taking him in.

Zach fisted his free hand in the bedclothes. He moaned loudly, lifting his hips as if to get more of Kage’s cock inside. Kage braced his hands on either side of Zach and gave a hard thrust of his hips. He slid deep into Zach’s ass.

“Kage!” Zach’s cry was a desperate plea.

Once again, thank you for coming and sharing your writing and yummy heroes with us today, Kendall. I hope you will come back very soon and share your next release with us! Now for the contest. Some browsers will not show the full contest widget. Don’t worry! If you click on the link, it will take you directly to another page so you can get your entries. The only part of the Rafflecopter you have to do is leave a comment. Make sure you leave your comment BEFORE you leave the page, just in case. 😉 The other ways to get entries are totally optional. At the end of the contest period, one winner will be chosen randomly from all the entries. I will post the winner here and Kendall will contact you will your prize!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where to find out more about Kendall

Saturday Spotlight at the House of Taboo

Email: Kendall.mckenna3@gmail.com

The Spotlight is on…Elodie Parkes

19785lbpi5v6m1h — photo by Danillo Rizzuti

Once again it’s time to fire up the spotlights and shine them on the couch on center stage. In just a few moments, my guest author Elodie Parkes will join us. Her newest novel was just released and she’s graciously agreed to spend a little time with us today talking about that and herself. So gather around, get comfortable and join me in welcoming Elodie to Behind Closed Doors.

Thank you for agreeing to be with us today, Elodie. How about we get started with the questions about you as a writer. What inspires you to write?

People and emotions inspires me. The complexity of life spurs me to write.

Are you a plotter or panster or a little of both?

I start to write with the ideas and characters already in my head. It generally just flows because I know the story I want to tell.

Do your stories tend to be character driven or plot driven?

Both I think, although with a greater emphasis on the characters.

Do you listen to music while writing? What kinds of music work best for you? Do different types of music help you for different types of scenes?

I listen to nothing when I am writing (laughs) even if something is on, you know TV or CD I can’t hear it. I go into my writing and that’s it, I’m completely unavailable to the world and its noise.

Tell us about the different types of characters you like to write about? Why are these types so appealing to you?

I write about composites of people I have met, seen, or noticed in real life. I think there is a lot of loneliness out there in the real world and I like to give those characters I create love, friends and for them to grow too.

What are your favorite fiction genres to read from?
Well I read heaps of books and genre hop. I have no favorite author, as I love so many author’s work. I read a whole lot of paranormal romance. I read Science Fiction, mystery, contemporary romance. I read reference books too, usually, art, art history, and some business books. I’ve read all William Gibson’s books. I’ve read hundreds of books, as it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I’m reading ‘Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter’ right now.

Who are some of your favorite authors and why do you think they appeal so much to you?
Well as I said I don’t have a real favorite author but I can say, I like Philip K Dick because his Sci-fi is so creative and intelligent, Robert Goddard because he is forever re-inventing, Sue Grafton because how do you write am alphabet of detective crime that is entertaining consistently like her ?
Christine Feehan because she just goes for it (smiles).

What kinds of stories are your comfort reads when you are sick or feeling low?
Sexy, erotic romance HEA’s

What inspires you and why? (Art, poetry, music, movie, book, etc. Please share something specific if you like.)
People inspire me, just in general life. Art is a favorite of mine but it has not so far inspired a book. I think it’s life and the way we all live. I write romance, erotic romance because I think we need more love in the world. Real love I mean, acceptance, caring and camaraderie.

Besides reading and writing, what activities do you enjoy in your leisure time?
What’s your day job? Do you like it? Why or why not? How has your job affected your personal development? How has it affected your writing life?
I run about with my dogs Celt and Chaucer. I trawl through antiques fairs and markets as I do love this.
I work in a shop, an antiques shop and I meet a huge variety of people who often give me ideas. For instance for my book ‘Millie Reinvented’ I did have inspiration from a customer. I was talking to a young woman who was in the antiques shop where I work and she was buying a little sculpture of two lovers kissing. She said she had to have it because it was so nice to look at, as her husband didn’t even kiss her anymore. I couldn’t say anything I just wrapped the item, and stored the thought until the story burst out onto my laptop.

Congratulations on your new release, The Horoscope Writer. In one or two sentences, give us the core premise of the story.

Life is stranger than you think. Everyone needs and wants real love and a lifelong love.

When and where does your book take place?
The Horoscope Writer take place in rural/urban United Kingdom in 2012.

Who is the heroine?
Cassandra Thomson

What drives her?
Her childhood experience of being a disappointment to her parents. Her artistic talent. Her need to be loved.

What draws her to the hero in this story?
She is drawn to Dominic the hero because he is unusual, creative as she is, (he’s a writer). He is unknowingly broadcasting desire for her and she needs that.

Who is the hero?
Dominic Reed

What drives him?
His loneliness, his past experience, and his strange inheritance from his great uncle.

What draws him to the heroine in this story?
Her looks initially and then her trust and love for him. (Smiles)

Rumor has it, you’re working on your next novel. What’s it called?

The Last Time

Now let’s get a look at your new release The Horoscope Writer. You are all in for a real treat. Elodie has brought an excerpt for us today as well as a short blurb.

Blurb

When Dominic Reed looks out of his study window and sees Cassie, he’s not sure what to make of her at first. That’s before he sees her lovely gray eyes and pretty skin. He’s a writer and works alone, which to his sadness has become his way of life.

When he asks Cassie to have coffee with him, it’s the start of an intoxicating romance for the both of them. If only Dominic didn’t have to hide some of his writing, if only he hadn’t inherited a strange gift from his great uncle Aubrey. Cassie ignites a passion in Dominic that he has never felt before, and he seeks for a way to bind her to him.

Cassie is an artist and when she falls in love with Dominic she paints him a picture of his wonderful back garden where they have made love, little knowing that it will have a special effect on Dominic.

Excerpt

Dominic stood back and pulled off his sweater, and then almost tore the buttons of Cassie’s shirt open to reach her breasts. He pushed her bra down to her waist exposing her breasts and cupping them in his hands. Cassie’s breath was coming in gasps as Dominic sucked on her nipples, and then turned her around to clasp her to him, and kiss down her neck from behind. With his other hand, he unzipped her jeans and slid his hand down her stomach.

Cassie was desperate to feel his fingers inside her, and she arched towards his hand, pushing her jeans down for him to reach her. Dominic moved his fingers down to reach her wet and throbbing for him.

He held her gently around her neck to reach her jaw and bring her head back to kiss her lips. With his fingers inside her, his tongue in her mouth, and his own hard desire pressing against her bottom Cassie moaned as she came. She was weak from the sensation, and Dominic was groaning low and whispering something to her. She turned her head more bringing her arms up around his head to keep his kiss on her lips.

“I need you so much”, Dominic was whispering, and he gently pressed her to bend across his kitchen table. Cassie knew what was going to happen and she craved it. Dominic pushed down his own jeans to free his erection before the hardness killed him. He was tender as he pushed into Cassie from behind, holding her around her breasts so that she was not pushed hard against the polished wood. He slid into her and thrust deep wanting her to come again as she sighed with the pleasure of his hands on her breasts, her hips, and the way he filled her.

Dominic was in love with her but she ignited a sexual need in him that drove him to thrust hard, and he let go of her breasts to bring his fingers to her bud at the same time as he thrust into her. Cassie couldn’t breathe as she came again, and gasped his name. “Dominic”.

Elodie Parkes, it’s been a pleasure having you with us today. I hope you will come back again soon when your next book is available for us to read. Until then we’ll catch up with you and your latest novel updates online.

Where to find Elodie

You can also find Elodie’s books on Amazon by clicking on the covers above and on Amazon UK here:

Millie Revisited

Two of Them

The Horoscope Writer

Update on the Now and Forever Series

Since the last entry here, I actually finished the first “draft” of The Island to my publisher. I got a request to revise it and basically split it into two books. Not that it was too long for one book, I just had too much going on. I needed to focus on one couple at a time so to speak.

Well, I took that advice to heart and now have The Island and The Surrender of Julia as book two and three respectively. I’m so glad I did that! Not only did I get to delve deeper into the world of the wickedly beautiful Julia Santos, I got to spend more time with Jake and Quinn building on their full love story and with both books, I got to bring in more of the paranormal element.

As a Wiccan, I believe in more than just one God or Goddess. I wove that into the story having characters who are also Wiccan, and introducing The Three as basically my version of the Trinity. There is Yeshua the Elder God/brother who is the Creator. The Goddess Fate or Lady Fate as I call her in in charge of Destiny. Then there is the “youngest” Sibling, the God of Trials and Tribulations, better known as Lucius. Without The Three working together there would be Chaos. At times it would seem that Lucius works against his Siblings in order to prove that humans aren’t worthy of the blessings Yeshua has bestowed upon them. In actuality, Lucius puts the humans through the tests in order to be sure they are worthy. It’s up to them to choose the right paths in each life time to get the blessings. If they don’t, then they keep trying life time after life time until they get it right.

Quinn and Jacob are true soul mates. Through each and every life time, they search for each other, but through their own choices, are pulled apart repeatedly. Their hearts cry out to Lady Fate every time and finally she’s had enough. She wants to intervene by way of the Island. She hopes if they get to be together in that paradise, both will finally be able to choose the one path leading them back into each other’s arms. She enlists the help of two guardian angels to help gently nudge and guide them down the right direction.

These same angels will have their hands full. Not only do they have to convince Quinn and Jacob to go back to the Earthly realm to find each other again, they have to watch over several other people. Some have already crossed the path of our fated lovers, and others they have yet to meet.

I believe we are not alone and that other beings are there to help us get through life’s challenges if only we ask. Why should we go through life thinking it’s all just random and chance? Why should my characters? That’s why I wanted to bring in the Gods and the Goddess into Quinn’s story. That’s why I made their guardian angels people they knew: Quinn’s brother Danny and Jacob’s father Michael. Being able to see, hear, and touch their loved ones again, helps to build up their faith in the promise given to them by The Three. This time was in fact their time to be together. Nothing and no one would ever tear them apart again.

In that light, here’s the music that often runs through my head when I think of Jacob and Quinn’s love story. In the first book we got to see just about everything through Quinn’s perspective, but in The Island we get to see a broken man finally find his way back to the one person who could complete him heart and soul.

I’m Back! It’s Thursday Thirteen once again

Hello all! It’s been a bit since I’ve been back to Behind Closed Doors and I’ve got a lot to share. I’m nearly done with the revisions for The Island (Now and Forever 2), and I’m working on the third book in the series tentatively titled The Seduction of Julia. These two books take place during the same time period but through different points of view. In fact, the next book in the series overlaps some time from book one as well.

The Island is the prequel to For the Love of Quinn. Why was it that Jake and Quinn had such a powerful connection from the moment they first met? Was it really the first time they laid eyes on each other in Las Vegas, or have the two of them been searching for each other for many lifetimes? Ten years before their faithful meeting depicted in book one, separate tragedies strike them and their families nearly ripping the two of them apart forever.

Since it is still a work in progress, I don’t have any dates when The Island will be available, but when I do you all will be the first to know! I’m very excited about this series and the characters who’ve stepped forward wanting their stories told. The Now and Forever series will always be my baby. Through it, I’ve been able to work through many things from my own past and ultimately find my happily ever after with my husband, Liam.

So here are the first thirteen sentences from book two. It’s the opening scene and cuts off the conversation, but hopefully it will be enough of a teaser to get you begging to learn what happens next.

“Thirteen years is a long time to hold a grudge, Jake.”

“That’s just it. I let that part of my past go once and for all when you came into my life.” Jacob reached for his wife’s hand and squeezed it tight before bringing it to his lips. “My life with Julia is something I would rather keep in the past. It’s got nothing to do with us or our family now.”

Both of them looked to the twins strapped safely in their infant carriers secured in the cushioned passenger seats between them. Both had dozed off now that their plane was in the air. Quinn shook her head slowly and looked back at her husband. “If it wasn’t for Julia Santos pushing you over the edge all those years ago, we might never have met when we did.”

Jacob smiled. “Have you been remembering more about—?”

“The Island? Yes…”

There’s more to the conversation, but that would be putting in more than thirteen sentences. 😉

For those of you who’ve been following this blog, you may remember the short story I posted called “A Christmas Miracle for Jake.” Well, this is the story that sprang from that. Julia became such a vibrant character, I couldn’t just leave her as background fluff. I let her tell her own story in book three. Stay tuned for more updates about this series and others I will be writing as myself and my alter ego Lia Michaels.