Saturday Spotlight – Behind Closed Doors

#SaturdaySpotlight: Upcoming #Release From Author @MadisonSevier #contemporary #romance

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors. It’s Saturday and while I’m wasting away at a veterinary seminar, all of you get to enjoy a sneak peek at the third book in author Madison Sevier’s River Jewel Resort series. Long Overdue is aptly named. We’ve been waiting for this bad boy to get out there and we’ve only a few more days to go! Secret Cravings Publishing releases it on May 6th.

Blurb

After a decade of working at the campus library, a scandal involving a student leaves Olivia Milan unemployed and able to spend much more time with her best friend, Matt. She’s always been attracted to Matt Osgood, but believes he’ll never feel the same about her. When he heads out of town for the weekend, Olivia takes the opportunity to visit the River Jewel Resort in the hope of getting a new job. However, what she finds when she arrives proves life can be stranger than fiction.

Romance author Matt Osgood has been in love with the same woman for a very long time, but he thinks she’ll never return his feelings. Years of going to the River Jewel Resort have allowed him to live out his every fantasy. Still, he aches for a real emotional connection to the woman he truly loves.

Can the River Jewel Resort turn fantasy into a reality for these two best friends? Or will they run in opposite directions when confronted with the truth?

Excerpt

“Not enough pay. Not enough hours. Not enough clothing.” She tossed the red marker across the room. “This newspaper is full of shitty jobs. There has to be something in this town I’m qualified to do.”

“Have you considered starting your own tantric-tutoring classes at the Y?” Matt waved his napkin as Olivia threw him an evil glare.

“Hardy-har-har. Are you ever going to let that go? It happened over a month ago.”

“I know, but I still wish I had been there to see it. I’m afraid the images in my mind of you and the Professor rolling around in your office just don’t do the real thing justice.”

“Perv.”

“You know it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the old man still sits around picturing the two of you getting each other off while he jerks off in that disgusting office of his.”

“Really? Did you have to go there? I feel dirty just thinking about it. Gross. I still can’t believe I let my libido take control of me.”

“Just kidding, babe. Tell you what, if you promise to go to River Jewel while I’m in Chicago doing actual work this weekend, I’ll stop teasing you about the senior-shag when I return.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Liar. You’re enjoying this.”

“Well, yeah, but I promise to stop. Besides, I overheard someone last night say that they’re putting a bookstore in at the Resort, on the third floor. That tells me they’re hiring and who better to run a bookstore than you?”

“No way.” She was speechless. A bookstore! It had been years since she’d been in an actual bookstore. Working at the library, reading Matt’s books and the ease of online shopping had supported her need for books for years. To be employed at a shop full of her favorite things would be amazing! Just the thought of working in one made her panties wet.

For Olivia, books had always been everything. The way they smelled when one opened them and the feel of them in her hands was like a drug. This was one of the many reasons she’d loved her job at the library. She could be closest to the things that made her happy.

One night after the library closed, her love of sex and fiction came together in an amazing way. She’d snuck in with a guy and they’d made love on top of one of the long, mahogany tables. Olivia had never felt more alive than that night. She’d been surrounded by new and old authors, their famous works standing at attention, surrounding them. Their stories of happily-ever-afters calling to her as she milked every drop from her ex’s shaft and after that, screwing in the library had become the only thing that came close to satisfying her.

Her fiancé, Randy, had never been into anything she wanted or needed and for a long time, she’d thought it was her fault. Olivia had tried to be everything Randy Davis desired and it took her a long time to realize that no one could have made him happy. His insatiability rivaled hers but he preferred to satisfy his needs with other people behind Olivia’s back. If she had known what he was doing, she never would’ve stayed with him for as long as she did. Looking back, she had wasted so much time and she’d cried enough tears to fill the Ohio River. If only she had met Matt sooner. Maybe their lives would’ve been different. Straddling Matt on a library table, riding him until they were both raw and exhausted…

“Hellooo. Earth to Olivia.” Matt snapped his fingers in her face. “Where’d you go? Oh, you were thinking about Tim, the quarterback again, weren’t you?”

Busted. “Not exactly. Okay, maybe.”

“You were! Library sex flashbacks? I’m so jealous!” He teased. “I’ve never known anyone to hold on to a memory of an ex like you have.” Did she sense a bit of real jealousy in his tone?

Maybe it was a fantasy of you that I was thinking about. She’d seen how well-endowed Matt was. Helping him get into and out of the shower safely every other day had played a huge part in her need to be taken by a man, any man. Thinking back, she should’ve spoken up sooner. Maybe their lives would be different if she had. An author and a librarian were a perfect match. She’d give him plenty of inspiration for his books and he’d fulfill all of her fantasies. But what if she was wrong?

About the Author

Romance author, Madison Sevier began her career at Secret Cravings Publishing in 2012. Her days are spent homeschooling her daughter and doing the bookkeeping for her husband’s business. At night, she gets to become someone else, creating characters who work their way into the hearts and minds of romance readers everywhere.

Being a Gemini, Madison is known for doing whatever strikes her fancy at any given moment. Some of her favorite hobbies include; hiking, animal rescue, writing, reading, baking, horseback riding, coffee tasting and she’s a huge NASCAR fan.

Living in what everyone calls ‘Kentuckiana’, she’s found the perfect paradise to allow her stories to come to life. Against a backdrop of the Ohio River and surrounding hillsides, she never knows where a new romance will come from. But you can be sure you’re going to hear about it.

She loves hearing from her readers and meeting new ones. Feel free to contact Madison at madisonsevieratyahoo.com or through her blog: madisonsevier.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonsevier12

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonSevierAuthor?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadisonSevier

Blog: Madison’s Place: http://madisonsevier.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7011658.Madison_Sevier

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113626781991778172262

Sulia: http://sulia.com/madisonsevier/

Booklikes: http://madisonsevier.booklikes.com/

The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=madisonsevier

Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=197&zenid=a32f1d4a7c9c20ad74cd9bf76916fb90

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Sevier/e/B00BDWM3DG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1397515846&sr=8-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Madison-Sevier/e/B00BDWM3DG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1397516513&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/madison-sevier

Are: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

‘Long Overdue’ River Jewel Resort Series, Book 3, scheduled for release on May 6, 2014 at Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=867&zenid=745b63e22749ef5729215fc98de9f6c8

SaturdaySpotlight: I Wanna See You Be #BRAVE #MyWANA

I’m trying something different here at Behind Closed Doors. Instead of the usual chat about my writing or having a guest author share their new release, I’m issuing a challenge. I want to see this meme take off. No it’s nothing like Grumpy Cat or Six Sentence Sunday. The idea came to me while listening to the radio in the car on the way home from work today. The song, Brave by Sara Bareilles came on and of course I cranked up the volume. Have you listened to the words of that song? They’re a challenge to stand up for yourself and speak your mind.

“Let the words fall out.”

How many times have you sat back and kept to yourself, afraid to stand up and be counted? Have you remained silent while others around you have behaved badly? Can you honestly say you’ve never held your tongue when a friend or family member did something you knew would end in a bad way?

I did it for years. Not anymore.

All too often we keep to ourselves and allow bad things to happen to good people because we’re afraid to get involved or worse yet, be ridiculed for voicing our concerns. We live in a society where the squeaky wheel gets all the attention even if it’s not deserved. We’ve all seen it. I can think of a half dozen examples right off the top of my head and they all involve customers complaining about the service they’ve received or not as the case may be. People nowadays think if they bitch long enough and loud enough, they’ll get their way whether it’s a free meal or veterinary care. I mean, come on! If you have a problem with a meal, you don’t eat the entire thing, make the waitress jump through hoops to get you want you ask for to then stiff her on the tip and demand to see the manager to complain about the service.

How many of you have put the needs of others before yours time and time again hoping that one day the kindness will be reciprocated? Go on now, be honest. I know I have and at this point in my life I’m tired of being a doormat. I’m always the one asked to work extra shifts or even switch my entire schedule around to accommodate another. After years of this, I finally asked to have the schedule that would be best for me and was told no. Yeah, that’s right. NO. Those who benefited from my sacrifice over the last five years weren’t about to switch things back for me, even though it was promised at the time I agreed to the switch in the first place.

I sat back when some of my gay and lesbian friends were struggling to find their place in this world. For far too long I remained silent while our government interfered in our personal lives, denying basic rights to same sex spouses. It wasn’t until I married my husband that my eyes were really opened. As a military wife, I’m entitled to many spousal benefits that my same sex counterparts were not up until the last few months. I couldn’t sit back and not lend my voice to support these families. It broke my heart to hear their stories.

“Let your words be anything but empty.”

That’s what my challenge is for all of you. Write on your own blogs or here in the comments section one instance where you’ve stayed silent for too long and now you’re speaking up. There are so many ways for us to make a difference in this world, for ourselves and for others. We don’t have to sit back and let bullies scare us away from living our dreams. Don’t be the silent minority and just go with the flow anymore. Stand up and be counted. Tweet about it using #BRAVE hashtag. Use it on Facebook too. Put your thoughts in the comments below and other’s will share the entire blog.

I WANNA SEE YOU BE BRAVE!

~Tammy

@AlexAnthony80 Turns the Spotlight On Her Characters From #Ascend #eroticromance #vampires

Behind Closed Doors is being taken over by vampires once again. Josie and Stefan from Alexandra Anthony’s Vampire Destiny series have agreed to be interviewed by the author for today’s Saturday Spotlight. Sit back and relax and let Alexandra pull a few secrets out of the two love birds. They won’t give away anything too juicy, but what they do share will curl your toes! ~Tammy

It’s an honor to be back at Behind Closed Doors once again. During my visit during the Saturday Spotlight, I’ll be introducing my fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.

It’s been some time since I sat down with Stefan and Josephine to see how they’re adjusting to life and all of the changes that have happened since the first book, Fated. In preparing for our spot here today, I opened up the floor to my readers and I’ll throw in a few of their questions today as well.

AA: Stefan and Josie, thanks for taking time to sit down and talk to me.

Stefan: *arches eyebrow* It is always a pleasure, Alexandra. It is the least I can do. I am your muse after all.

Josephine: Anytime. Even though I find it unfair that the story is told from my point of view and he’s your muse.

AA: I can see why that might be a little odd. So, tell me what’s happened since we last sat down and chatted. I think the last time was shortly after Illusion was released.

Stefan: Much has happened since Illusion. Josephine was almost murdered by

another vampire and I gained a new child. She also had moved to New York and agreed to live with me.

Josephine: There really was no choice since someone decided to permanently bond us. *fixes a pointed stare in Stefan’s direction*

AA: There was that issue. You seemed to handle it better than expected, Josie.

Josephine: I suppose finding the love of your life and learning that you’re a half vampire helps you put things in perspective.

Stefan: I think it my influence. I do like to keep her occupied.

AA: True. And Stefan, what is it like for you? Being single for almost 1,000 years must make settling down a bit…odd.

Stefan: *smiles crookedly and leans forward slightly* It would only be odd if it was not the ultimate goal. Josephine was much more…agreeable than I had anticipated.

Josephine: Agreeable?! *slaps Stefan lightly on the arm and snorts* I think Stefan had plenty of time to live as a bachelor. But we’ve agreed not to dwell on each other’s past.

AA: That’s right, Josie. We met one of your exes in Awakening. That didn’t go so well. How do you think you’d feel if you had to meet one of Stefan’s ex lovers?

Josephine: It didn’t go so well…at least for Aidan. And I can’t say I’d handle meeting one of Stefan’s exes well either. It’s bad enough knowing you’re with one of the most gorgeous men that every woman wants.

Stefan: Ah, but I only have eyes for you, vackra.

AA: Good save, Romeo. This is a question for both of you from one of my readers…do you ever wish you’d be able to have a child together?

Stefan: *glances at Josephine deviously* It is not wise to wish for something that can never be. And a child under foot would not give us the…freedom we have now.

Josephine: I never thought I’d be in the position to have a child, so it’s no loss. I’m not going to lie and say now that I’ve met my soul mate I wish there wasn’t a way to have a child that was as beautiful and strong as Stefan…and as stubborn as me. But as Stefan said, there is no reason to wish for something that can never be.

AA: In Awakening, a line in the sand was drawn with your father, Josie and Stefan nearly died in Book 3. Any idea how you’ll resolve the situation with Kian?

Josephine: This may sound trite, but I think we’re at the point where we’re both waiting for the other to make the first (or wrong) move. We’re sort of in standby mode. Regardless, no one will win in the end.

AA: Another reader question. Stefan, Josie is becoming much more powerful. Does it bother you that she might possibly be the stronger one at some point?

Stefan: Josephine is growing stronger with immortality…her mental powers will grow as well. It is logical and expected for her to be stronger as far as her abilities go. With my experience and physical strength and her mental abilities, we will be a force to be reckoned with. But to answer the question, it does not bother me. It is fitting that I have a mate that is powerful in her own right.

Josephine: So one of these days I’ll get to save the day?

Stefan: *shakes head and grins* As long as I am around to protect you, it is highly unlikely.

AA: And I have another reader question for each of you. Josie, what was it like to adjust to having a brother? And Stefan, can you put into words how it feels after such a long journey to have at last bonded with you soul mate?

Josie: I’ll go first. It’s been a big adjustment. I’m used to being a bit of a loner…and I meet Stefan and suddenly I’m surrounded by vampires. Meeting Nikolaus was wonderful. Even though we missed out on growing up together, we’re linked together and we have a great bond.

Stefan: Meeting Josephine after so many years was simply a relief. I suddenly felt complete, as if the missing part of myself was back in its rightful place.

AA: One final question since I know you won’t give any spoilers away for Ascend. Can you at least share a little about the book and what happens?

Josephine: We’re off to look for Garrett’s journal in my childhood home in this book. We’re also a little on edge after the explosion in Book 3. Ascend is all about self-discovery and reliving the past. And the journey has just begun for us…there are many surprises around the corner for us in the next few books.

Stefan: And our story has just begun. We have much to discover about our past…and our future.

Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)

His lips tickled my ear. “It will work itself out, Josephine. I will not let you fail. You are stronger than you think.”

He always knew what to say. Twisting in his arms, my fingers caressed the planes of his face. I was still amazed as I took him in, so much more beautiful than my human eyes had ever been able to perceive. His deep-set sea blue eyes twinkled brightly, his prominently arched cheekbones standing out sharply only to taper to his strong, chiseled jawline. Light sandy blond stubble darkened his face, tickling my fingertips.

He captured my hand in his and brought them to his lips. His warm breath was ragged against my skin as he kissed each finger softly.

I closed my eyes as his mouth ghosted over my skin. “Your strength is the only thing holding me together right now. I feel so much more than before. It’s…”

“Overwhelming? Frustrating? I have been there before. It will get easier. You are hours old.” Stefan finished reassuringly. “Come.”

He tugged at my hand and led me into the kitchen. As soon as I stepped away from the window, my throat was on fire. The most alluring smell filled my nose, my mouth almost watering as I inhaled the intoxicating elixir. My mind began to shut down, instinct threatening to take over.

Blood. It was all my mind could think about. I wanted it…I needed it. I began to pull at Stefan’s hand, struggling weakly against the much stronger vampire.

The one time I thought I might be able to match him in physical strength and I still came up short. Figures.

“Enough. Focus.” His mental voice was sharp and was like a much-needed slap across the face. I stood with my mouth gaping, wide-eyed and cautious. He pulled me to a sudden stop and his hands rested heavily on my shoulders. My eyes skittered to his face. His expression was soft, a contradiction to his harsh mental command.

“I know it is difficult, Josephine. Your mind is fragmented and it is difficult to concentrate on the smallest of things. You must focus. Learn how to control your urges. Direct it as you do your shield.”

Nodding quickly, I remembered my old trick of pretending to bring a curtain down over my mind, instead directing it to my sense of smell. Once shielded from the temptation, my mind cleared and my mood settled. I licked my dry lips anxiously. “It’s much better. I’m ready.”

His lips curled into a proud smile as we resumed our trip to the kitchen, his hand firmly holding mine. I swallowed roughly as I noticed the large glass sitting on the counter, my fingers tightening around his. My sense of smell was closed, but my mouth still watered as I imagined the soothing liquid rushing over my parched throat. When our eyes met, his eyes were pitch black and I’m sure mine was as dark as his.

“Fuck,” he suddenly hissed, his eyes squeezing shut as he rocked back on his heels. His golden hair fell forward as his lips brushed across my cheek. “I vowed to be strong for you and keep my desire in check until you were ready. But I find watching you like this makes me want you, Josephine…in ways I can’t even articulate. You must feed first.”

The carnal cadence to his voice made me want to fall to my knees. I knew that tone, and despite the fact that we were literally unbreakable as immortals, I had a feeling that walking the next day was going to be difficult.

“A goal I would love to achieve,” he teased, shifting me until I was between him and the counter. “Drink,” he purred against my shoulder as his nose traced along my skin and up to my ear at the same time, his hands guided me closer to the cup filled with warm blood.

Ascend is available on
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords