EXCERPT from MAIL ORDER OUTLAW by Cynthia Woolf

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

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BLURB

Ed Talbot isn’t husband material. He’s an outlaw, was forced into his father’s gang at the age of thirteen, and is wanted Dead or Alive in more than one territory. But now his father is dead, he hates the life, the blood, and his brother’s rages. When a stagecoach robbery goes awry, Ed ends up with a satchel full of charming letters from an enticing young miss. Unfortunately for Miss Lizzie Cobb, her betrothed is now dead, and Ed Talbot sees a way out. Impersonating a fine, upstanding young man shouldn’t be too difficult. Despite the risks, falling in love with her proves to be all too easy.

Isolated on her mother’s ranch just outside of Tombstone, Miss Lizzie Cobb doesn’t have the time or the means to find a respectable husband. As a half Apache woman in the Arizona Territory, being a mail order bride seems like the only solution to her problem until she realizes that San Francisco is too far away, and she’ll have to leave her vulnerable mother and baby brother behind. Her solution? Call off the wedding.

When her groom shows up on her doorstep, she’s shocked. He’s handsome, strong, and has traveled hundreds of miles to claim her. His kisses inflame her body and his presence soothes her soul. Falling for the rugged man is beyond her control. But the past has a way of catching up to outlaws, and facing the truth is going to be hard…for both of them.

EXCERPT

CHAPTER 1

Tombstone, Arizona Territory, March 5, 1882

Lizzie finished her letter to Maggie Black, owner of Matchmaker & Co. in Golden, Colorado.

Dear Mrs. Black,

I have changed my mind about becoming a mail order bride to Mr. Malcom Brandon. I cannot leave my ranch. It is my first love and if I must remain an unmarried woman in order to keep it, so I shall.

Please extend my apologies to Mr. Brandon. I will refund any fees associated with this change in the arrangement.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Cobb

She read it over again. Pleased with the document, she prepared it for posting in next mail run.

She still needed a husband, but being half Apache didn’t make it easy to find one. Lizzie couldn’t leave the ranch though, not even for the sake of a husband. For the ranch work she could make do with ranch hands and foremen. It would mean no children for her, ever, but this was the decision she had to make. Keeping the ranch for Jamie was more important than her own dreams.

*****

Outside Tucson, Arizona Territory, May 12, 1882

Ed Talbot adjusted his bandana to cover the lower half of his face. The stagecoach his father had targeted for his latest robbery was about to crest the hill. When it did Ed and his half-brother, Harvey, would be waiting. His father, Josiah Talbot, would fall in behind the vehicle until it came to a halt.

Josiah rode with Harry and Joe, closing in behind.

Ed and his brother waited and the coach was slowing as it was supposed to. Suddenly the shotgun rider started firing his rifle at the men closing in behind.

Ed and Harvey rode toward the coach. Harvey fired his pistol and killed the shotgun rider, but not before they saw Josiah fall. The stage came to a halt and Ed kept his gun on the driver, while Harvey rode past the coach to where their father lay on the ground.

“Nooo.” A howl like Ed had never heard came out of Harvey. Ed knew then that their father was dead, but he didn’t grieve. The man Ed had hated for most of his life was dead. He rejoiced.

Harvey walked forward, reloading his gun as he came. As soon as he got had a full cylinder, he aimed at the driver and shot him dead.

Ed saw what was going to happen and jumped off his horse and ran toward his brother. He grabbed his brother’s arm. “Harvey. What the hell do you think you’re doin’?”

“He killed Pa. He deserved to die. The driver and this man are a witnesses and have to die…” Harvey’s eyebrows came together and he narrowed his eyes. “Or you do and then he dies anyway. Now you got a problem with that?”

That was no choice and Ed was about to say so, when Harvey raised his pistol and fired. The man who’d done nothing but be a passenger on the wrong stage, was dead.

“Couldn’t let you say something you might regret, little brother.” Harvey holstered his gun. “Gather up all the stuff including the luggage and then search all three men,” he instructed Harry and Joe.

Ed noticed a valise in the coach that he assumed belonged to the man. He took it and tied it to his saddle bags.

“Let’s go,” said Harvey. “Take the coach horses, we’ll sell them in town and set the coach on fire.”

Joe gathered up sage brush, so prevalent in this part of the desert near Tucson and piled it inside the coach. Then he took a stick match out of his pocket, struck it against a rock and started the kindling on fire. Within minutes the stagecoach was burning and black smoke billowed into the sky. If they hung around, they’d be found by the sheriff’s posse.

“All right let’s get out of here.” Harvey turned and rode his horse the way they’d come, back to their hideout in the Mule Mountains.

Not having any choice, Ed followed his brother. Harvey would kill him in a heartbeat rather than let him go. Their father had been the same way. Fifteen years ago, when Ed’s mother died, Josiah had taken him into the gang. Ed was thirteen. He learned how to rob stages, trains and banks. He learned how to kill people but he never actually killed anyone. He’d managed to avoid that particular deed. His father and brother thought him a coward, but Ed had no taste for killing a living soul or the outlaw life in general.

When they got to camp, Ed took the valise and went to his bedroll. He opened the piece of luggage. In his search for valuables he shoved aside a couple of suits, ties, shirts, and underdrawers. In the bottom he found a packet of letters tied together with a thin strip of leather. They were addressed to Malcolm Brandon of San Francisco. That must have been the man’s name.

Gripped by curiosity, Ed untied the bundle and opened the first letter. It was from a woman named Elizabeth Cobb in Tombstone.

Tombstone, Arizona Territory, March 8, 1881

Dear Mr. Brandon:

My name is Elizabeth Cobb, but I go by Lizzie. Thank you for responding to my letter desiring to become a mail order bride to the right man. My only requirement is that the man be over six feet tall as I am nearly six feet myself. I understand from Mrs. Black that you fit the bill by being six feet two inches yourself.

I run a cattle ranch outside of Tombstone in the Arizona territory. Up until two years ago, I ran the ranch with my father. Now it’s just Mama, Jamie and me. Jamie is the actual owner of the ranch but he’s only ten years old and I need to run it until he can take over, if he wants to. He’s a very studious boy and may decide to go to college and study a subject other than ranching. He doesn’t love it like I do.

Mrs. Black informed me that you own a thriving dry goods business in San Francisco. Why are you looking for a mail order bride? Aren’t there any women there for you to marry?

I don’t know what all to say. Please write me back with questions that you may have.

Sincerely,

Lizzie Cobb

Ed wondered about Lizzie Cobb. Why was she willing to be a mail order bride? Was she ugly? She was very tall for a woman, maybe that was why. What would she do with the ranch when she got married, leave it for her mother to run with the little brother? Was she planning on taking the old lady with her and selling the ranch?

Many questions buzzed through his mind. Tombstone was about seventy miles south, two days hard ride through the desert. Riding hard wasn’t a good idea. He could kill his horse and then he’d be dead himself. There was nothing but sage brush and cactus as far as the eye could see. No water. The going wasn’t easy. There was a swing station where the stagecoach changed horses and passengers could rest and get a meal. Sometimes the stage stayed overnight depending on what time of day they arrived. Apaches roamed the desert and stages, stations, and settlements were often attacked. Bandits were known to come from Mexico and rob the stages as well as gangs like our gang. It was Harvey’s gang now that Josiah was dead.

The stage drivers and those who rode shotgun didn’t want to get caught out after dark if they could help it. Ed understood the reasoning. He’d faced the Apaches himself while living in the desert.

He read more of the letters; there were eight in all. With each letter he became more interested in Lizzie Cobb. She sounded like one hell of a woman. Running a large cattle ranch after her father died. Caring for her mother and younger brother.

From what she’d shared he knew Lizzie was twenty-four years old, six feet tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She didn’t sound like a woman who could be missed or mistaken for anyone else.

As he read a plan formed. His only worries were how much Lizzie knew about Malcolm Brandon. The dead man signed his later letters ‘Mal’ so Ed would go by that name. He was only a little taller than the man had been so his clothes would pretty much fit, might be a little tight.

Could he do it? Could he become Mal Brandon?

BUY LINKS

http://amzn.com/B00XEKFLIE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mail-order-outlaw-cynthia-woolf/1121894192?ean=2940151415125

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mail-order-outlaw/id993479746?ls=1&mt=11

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mail-order-outlaw

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Woolf_Mail_Order_Outlaw?id=U74kCQAAQBAJ

An Interview with Cathy Perkins

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

Tell us something about you.

I’m a transplanted Southerner, currently living in Washington, with my husband, children, several dogs, and the resident deer herd. I love the Pacific Northwest – food, wine, climate, relaxed attitudes and access to the outdoors.

My books are predominantly financial-based mysteries, but I enjoy exploring the relationships in my characters’ lives. Inspiration comes from my financial day-job – I’ve learned firsthand the camouflage, hide-in-plain-sight skills employed by my villains – but people, the characters, definitely make the books page-turners.

A member of Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (Kiss of Death chapter) and International Thriller Writers, I’ve help coordinate the Daphne du Maurier contest and manage the ITW Debut Authors program and blog, The Thrill Begins. I’m a firm believer in giving back to the community, whether it’s the kids’ schools, the city or state where you live, or whatever your passion may be.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a “day job”?

Like many authors, I’m a hybrid author in all aspects of the term. I’m still working an interesting day job, so I write in the morning before work, on airplanes (while traveling for the day job, which is not nearly as exciting as it might sound), late at night, and any other spare moment.

I read the most inspiring post the other day from a debut author who talked about giving up social events – happy hour and lunch with co-workers, for example – in order to carve out time every day to write. I was so impressed. Although I can’t say I write every day, I try to use those “spare moments” to add words to my next manuscript.

How did you get started writing?

While I’ve had a life-long love affair with reading, I didn’t start writing until a few years ago. This probably isn’t how most people start, but I had a tong-term consulting job in a city about 90 miles from my home. I’d listen to music and daydream during the commute. Pretty soon, the daydream developed dialogue, characters and a setting, and I thought, hmm, this is turning into a good story. That particular book lives in a box under the bed, but I was hooked on writing, creating worlds and characters.

Once I screwed up my courage and showed friends my first story, they encouraged me to continue writing. I heard about a week-long writing retreat sponsored by the RWA Lowcountry chapter. I learned so much at their Masterclass, I joined a critique group when I returned home, hoping to learn more. Other writers encouraged me to join RWA and enter a few contests, including the Golden Heart. The Professor won those contests and was a Golden Heart finalist. I kept writing and learning and more of my books were published. Definitely a “dream” come true.

Describe your office. Is it organized, cluttered?

How about organized chaos? I telecommute to my day job, so I converted a bedroom into an office for it. Since I’m always working on multiple projects, there are (ahem) a few piles of paper. On the floor, the credenza…

Since I want to keep my writing separate from my day job, I generally write at the dining room table. Of course, those windows have an eighty-mile view across the Columbia River to the Blue Mountains – inspiring!

I hear you know something about Greenville, SC, having lived there for years. But you now live in the Pacific Northwest. Which place is your favorite?

h, I love both places! I grew up in the Greenville area and still have family there, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Greenville sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has thousands of trees and lush gardens that are very different from my current home. Although Seattle, aka the Emerald City, is also known for its fantastic greenery, we’re in the process of building in the Cascade Mountains, which has its own enormous evergreens, cottonwoods, rivers and mountain-vistas.

The biggest difference between the two areas is, of course, cultural. The South has managed to hang onto its outgoing charm, while Seattle-ites are more likely to wear earbuds and a hooded rain jacket and avoid eye-contact.

I chose to set Cypher in Greenville, SC. Family-owned businesses are still very much a part of the South and something I knew intimately from both my financial job and my many friendships with business owners. I could relate to the heroine, Cara, on a professional level, as well as understand her struggle to meet her personal, friends, business and family’s expectations.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

I’m working on a lighter story right now, set in Washington’s Cascade Mountains rather than South Carolina. The starting point for it occurred while cutting up with a friend. We riffed off the opening line—There’s a body in the beaver pond. Oh, dam(n). It’s the first in a new series that my agent is impatiently waiting for me to finish!

My second WIP is the sequel to So About The Money, which will release later this fall. Its imaginative title is “Book 2.” So far it has Rockcrawlers and that llama from So About The Money may just have to show up.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

When I started playing with ideas for Cypher, I thought, What if? What if I turned the idea of an office romance completely on its head? What if instead of a person at the office, it was the company itself that everyone wanted? Although Caroline (Cara) Wainwright says she’s perfectly happy working for the advertising agency, what if she really wanted to work for the family business like her brother, if only to snag her father’s attention?

The rest of the “what ifs” about Cypher, the family’s corporation, might give away plot twists, but from the beginning, Cara wonders: since her father has always made the business a higher priority than his family, how far will he go to protect it?

With Cara pulling on family dynamics inside Cypher, Detective Davis Morris can push from the outside, tying together pieces of forensic evidence. He’s also falling for Cara, which makes him wonder if their attraction is desire, manipulation…or real. Talk about your personal conflict! David is investigating the murder of Cara’s friends–with everyone in her family hiding secrets and on the suspect list, including Cara. Unless they overcome their distrust and work together, more people will die.

I love it when the stakes are higher because the hero and heroine stand to lose both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

Self-publishing – or indie publishing, take your pick – offers both opportunities and challenges.

I love the flexibility and creativity of indie-pubbing a story. I can control the scheduling and marketing, as well as the creative aspects of the cover and any other element of the story I especially want. On the other hand, I bear the full responsibility for delivering a quality experience to my readers. That includes hiring competent editors for content and copyediting.

If you’re considering indie-pubbing a story, recognize you control all aspects of the publication. Don’t be in such a hurry to press the “publish” button that you skip important steps in editing, proofing, and designing the marketing campaign. Either learn to produce the technical aspects of publication or hire/barter with a professional to produce a fabulous story.

CYPHER excerpt

In this section, against her attorney’s instructions, Cara Wainwright has arranged to meet Detective David Morris at the hospital where her terminally ill mother is a patient. Newspaper coverage speculating about her murdered friends and Cara’s role in their death prompted her to give him a different perspective on all of them. Through his investigation into Cara’s life and personality, David is already fighting his attraction to her. He doesn’t know if she’s the murderer, a co-conspirator—or innocent.

Before Morris could ask [Caroline] to explain the “error in judgment” or prod her about Reese’s drugs, she said, “There may be another possibility.”

“Oh?” His attention immediately sharpened. They’d already covered his primary motives.

Her fingers drummed the table. “As far as I know, no one hates me. My family has money, but most of it’s tied up in Cypher. The company’s never been an active target before.”

Before? “Is something different this time? Have there been threats?”

“I’m not aware of any.”

She was hedging. “Anything from a disgruntled employee?”

“It’s just a feeling. That something’s going on. With the company.”

He found himself in the uncomfortable position of pulling a Pennell. He couldn’t take her instincts to court. He needed something solid. “You aren’t involved in the company?”

Caroline shook her head. He tried to focus on the subtext of her words rather than her perfume and the way her chest rose and fell sharply when she tried not to cry.

“It was a mutual decision. I enjoy my work with Robeshaw Advertising. I called Crystal earlier today. She said the police were there. Was that you?”

He wasn’t going to let her off that easily. “I could talk to your father about threats to the company.”

Her body language said, Good luck with that one.

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Already tried that, huh?”

“He’s big on Need to Know.”

“What about you?” He tried to say it neutrally. He didn’t want to be attracted to her, but he wasn’t looking forward to hearing about her love life either.

“Me? I’ve already told you, nobody’s threatened me.”

“This could be directed at you personally rather than your family. Maybe an old boyfriend?”

She recoiled as if he’d slapped her. “Bill would never—”

“If it is directed at you,” he interrupted, “the guy could try again. We need to consider the possibility.”

For a long moment, she stared at him. Then she released a slow breath and relaxed her shoulders. “You can take my old boyfriends off your suspect list.” A wry expression twitched her mouth. “I can think of one guy who broke my heart back in college, but I didn’t exactly leave a trail of crushed men in my wake.”

Don’t sell yourself short.

Long blurb

Cara Wainwright thinks life can’t get tougher when her mother’s cancer becomes terminal—until she returns home from the hospital and finds her houseguests dead.

Greenville, SC Detective David Morris, is unsure if Cara is the suspect or the intended murder victim. Searching for insight into her family, their mounting secrets, and the conflicting evidence from multiple crimes, his attraction to Cara complicates his investigation. Is the lure need, manipulation—or real?

While David pursues forensic evidence, Cara pushes for answers about her father’s possible involvement, for at the center of the mystery stands Cypher—the company her father built and will take any measures to defend.

When the assassin strikes again, Cara and David have to trust each other and work together to stop the killer before he eliminates the entire Wainwright family.

Perkins Bio

An award-winning author, Cathy Perkins works in the financial industry, where she’s observed the hide-in-plain-sight skills employed by her villains. She writes predominantly financial-based mysteries but enjoys exploring the relationship aspect of her characters’ lives. A member of Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (Kiss of Death chapter) and International Thriller Writers, she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, handles the blog and social media for the ITW Debut Authors, and coordinated the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

When not writing, she can be found doing battle with the beavers over the pond height or setting off on another travel adventure. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for CYPHER, HONOR CODE and THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in Washington with her husband, children, several dogs and the resident deer herd.

Social Media

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/cperkinswrites

Website http://cperkinswrites.com

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/Cathy_Perkins

G+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CathyPerkins/

Book links

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MMLX1ZQ

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cypher-cathy-perkins/1120110911

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cypher-1

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cypher/id931297655

Cressida’s Dilemma by Beverley Oakley

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks so much for inviting me here. It’s been a long time since I’ve done any blogging lately due to the chaos which unexpectedly burst upon my nicely ordered life at the beginning of the year.

Lately, it’s been good to remember that those whose lives I researched for my series of “fallen women” – starting with my latest book Cressida’s Dilemma – were far less well-positioned than I to deal with husbands having major accidents coinciding with moving house to a new town and starting the kids in new schools J

Cressida’s Dilemma was inspired by nineteenth century journalist Henry Mayhew’s study on the detritus of London society – the prostitutes, thieves and swindlers and beggars – in his book, “London’s Underworld”.

Reading his research, I’ve been very conscious of how far we’ve come in the last 150 years. (Certainly, here in Australia.) In contract to my husband and I who have been cushioned by the excellent Traffic Accident Insurance which operates in our state and which we had no idea kicked in for anyone in a road registered vehicle, as well as advanced medical care, most of my nineteenth characters are highly vulnerable to any unexpected change in their circumstances.

Cressida, the heroine in the first book in the series, is well positioned, financially, and deeply in love with her husband of eight years, but she’s not been given the vocabulary or self confidence to discuss what’s at the heart of her reluctance to resume the conjugal duties she once so enjoyed following the birth of her latest child. Her domineering mother-in-law has stressed the importance of a healthy son in the nursery so when Cressida’s lovely husband, Tristan, Lord Lovett, asks if Cressida’s reluctance to go to bed with him stems from fear of having another child, she vehemently denies it – despite it being the very reason. He therefore sadly concludes that Cressida is content to make their children the focus of her life, rather than him.

Cressida is a woman of her times – well behaved and acquiescent – but when she hears rumours that Tristan has returned to the arms of another woman, her attempts to discover the truth lead her on an extraordinary and sensual journey of discovery.

Cressida’s Dilemma is about love and children – too many and too few – and reconnecting. There are a few steamy scenes in the book between the married couple as well as the mystery of a lost child to resolve and much of the action takes place at Madame Plumb’s Salon of Sin.

Here Cressida and her husband are both drawn for different reasons, and initially neither knows the identity of the other. Mrs. Plumb’s Salon of Sin is a place where people from all levels of society – footmen and cuckolded duchesses – mingle, looking for love and it’s here that Cressida makes an unlikely friend who changes her life and makes her realize the distress of the underclass. As a result Cressida later persuades her husband to use his position to assist society’s more vulnerable, including the ruined vicar’s daughter Cressida meets, as well as a baronet’s wife in hiding, framed for her husband’s murder.

I share Cressida’s good fortune in being married to a truly gorgeous, heroic husband who’s been an amazingly stoic patient for the past four months of his rehabilitation since he was winched out of the Victorian Alps and helicoptered to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. On Friday he will have the titanium removed from his wrist and hopefully, by the end of the year will be flying the 777 again and taking me on his regular route between Melbourne and Los Angeles.

So I have more to celebrate than just the release of Cressida’s Dilemma which is available for pre-order and will be out in June in paperback as well as e-book.

Below is part of the first scene:

Chapter One

“The Earl of Lovett has taken a mistress?”

The breathy shock of pretty newlywed, Mrs. Rupert Browne, sliced through the buzz of conversation, lancing its unsuspecting target three feet away and causing a deaf colonel to ask the duchess solicitously if she required a glass of water.

Still choking on her champagne, Cressida, Lady Lovett, strained to hear the response of her cousin, Catherine, who had obviously disseminated this latest shocking on dit while she smilingly assured deaf Colonel Horvitt she was quite all right, as if her happiness were not suddenly hanging by a gossamer thread.

She could only hope she was making the right responses to the colonel’s monologue. All her concentration was focused on the nearby conversation as she waited desperately for a rejection of the outrageous claim.

“Surely not?” gasped the generally well-intentioned but oblivious Mrs. Browne to Cousin Catherine’s whispered reply. “But the earl made a love match. Mama told me he scandalized society by marrying a nobody.”

Cressida had to use two hands to keep her champagne coupe steady. The indignity of being described as a ‘nobody’ was nothing compared with the pain of hearing her husband’s amours—real or otherwise—discussed in the middle of a ballroom. She forced her trembling mouth into her best attempt at a smile as the colonel leaned forward and wagged his finger at her, his stentorian tone precluding further eavesdropping. “Your husband ruffled more than a few feathers with his speech in the House of Lords last night, Lady Lovett.”

Cressida had once giggled with her ferociously forceful cousin, Catherine, that the colonel used his deafness as an excuse to peer down the cleavage of every pretty lady he addressed. She was in no mood for giggling now. Clearly, Cousin Catherine was disclosing details about the state of Cressida’s marriage, of which Cressida, apparently, was the last to know. She straightened and pushed her shoulders back, suddenly self-conscious of appearing the sagging, lacking creature the several hundred guests crowded into Lady Belton’s newly renovated ballroom must imagine her, if they were already privy to what she was hearing for the first time. Before her last sip of champagne, she’d considered herself happily married. It was all she could do to remain standing and dry-eyed.

Adjusting the lace of her masquerade costume, she managed, faintly, “Ah, Colonel, you know Lord Lovett and his good causes.” She tried to make it sound like an endearment, but the axis of her world had become centered on ascertaining what other titbits about her marriage Catherine was divulging to Mrs. Browne.

The music swelled to a crashing crescendo, the end of which was punctuated by Mrs. Browne’s shocked squeak, “Who is the woman? Madame Zirelli? Was she not once Lord Grainger’s mistress? No! His wife? He divorced her? And now she and Lord Lovett—?”

Cressida’s Dilemma is available here: https://www.totallybound.com/cressidas-dilemma

Beverley Oakley’s Biography

Historical Romance Author Beverley Oakley (also writing as Beverley Eikli) took her love of worthy heroines to new heights when she worked in the back of low flying survey aircraft over Greenland and French Guyana in the 1990s.

While Beverley’s broad repertoire of fictional heroes was fine-tuned through years of working in the male-dominated safari and airborne survey industries, her mostly nineteenth century heroines, by contrast, live very sheltered lives. The dichotomy between 21st century freedom and nineteenth century servitude is one of her favourite themes. So are flawed heroines struggling for happiness and fulfilment during a time in history when they were completely dependent on their closest male relative.

Beverley now lives with her family in Melbourne, Australia, twenty years after hitching her star to the Cessna Caravan (now a Boeing 777) of the handsome Norwegian bush pilot she met around a campfire in Botswana’s beautiful Okavango Delta where she ran a safari lodge at the time. She teaches creative writing, makes historical costumes and works as a Disaster Events Researcher.

Beverley’s latest project is set in Colonial Lesotho where she was born and where her father prosecuted medicine murder and illegal diamond buying cases in the African kingdom’s rugged mountains during the 1960s.

She loves hearing from readers and you can contact her or find out more about her books here:

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Pinterest

You can also sign up for her Newsletter here: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/about

An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author Dianna Love

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

Dianna will give away an e-book copy of her latest release, STOLEN VENGEANCE, Book 6 in the Slye Temp romantic suspense series, plus a set of signed Slye Temp Keeper Kase Cards to one winner. (Amazon or Barnes & Noble account required to receive ebook.) Open to int’l and US readers.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I write several genres – romantic suspense, urban fantasy and young adult sci-fi/fantasy, because I read EVERYTHING, especially in fiction, with the exception of horror. I would love to read Stephen King, because I know he’s a genius in his field, but my mind would never let me sleep again once I read his work. Here’s the rest of why I write what I do: First, I love romance in all genres, so there is always a romantic thread or actual romance in everything I write. I love exploring what makes people come together, especially when they seem to be the worst two to form a bond. I love the intricate puzzle of suspense that keeps a reader on edge, so I generally have suspense in everything I write. As for contemporary vs fantasy or paranormal or sci-fi… I just really enjoy the playground each of those genres allows me.

Tell us about your current series.

I just released STOLEN VENGEANCE, book 6 in the Slye Temp Agency series, which is built around a rogue black ops group faced with stopping an international trio of dangerous people who are determined to see the Orion Prophecy come to fruition. That series is a mix of fast-paced action and intense romance, with a splash of Dan Brown-style ancient-artifact intrigue, that results in big premise stories. I’m currently writing on WITCHLOCK, which is book 6 in my Belador urban fantasy series. Since it’s urban fantasy, this series has continuing characters and a romantic thread that runs through it. One thing different about this particular urban fantasy series, though, is that it was built around one woman and two men who are close friends, but like sister and brothers, not a love triangle. They each have their own life issues going, but the two men are Beladors and Evalle is half Belador and half “other,” which makes her an Alterant. This series is set in Atlanta, but travels to other realms at times and will include other geographic locations in future books as well. One of the most beloved characters in this series is Feenix, Evalle’s pet gargoyle who is two feet tall, has an overbite that causes him to lisp, and is learning to talk. This series is packed with fast action, high emotion and a lot of suspense (Are you sensing a common thread that runs through my writing? *grin*)

What inspired your latest book?

For STOLEN VENGEANCE, the inspiration came from thinking about how we sometimes have to make difficult decisions that scar us, and what happens when there’s a chance for redemption. Dingo had to walk away from Valene seven years ago to keep her safe, and without telling her why he left. But he comes back when that threat returns, and has to convince Valene to let him step back into her life so he can protect her. Few women would just go along with that as presented, and neither does Valene, who hates to admit that she still feels for him.

What is your favorite part of writing?

THE. END. LOL, no seriously. I once heard an author I admired say she loved having “written,” not writing. I thought that was so strange until I spent the past fourteen years writing. Now I realize that I wage war on every book, demanding the best that it can be, and that’s so draining. I want to write each book. I’m driven to write each book. The truth is that I can’t start a book unless something about it excites me. But the minute it’s truly done and heading to be published, there is such a sense of relief and joy it’s hard to describe. Other than that, I love coming up with surprises in my stories. That’s when I sit in my writing room thinking, They have no idea what is coming in this one. I get a big chuckle, but then I also get anxious to share the story with readers.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

WITCHLOCK will be released June 30, 2015 in e-book and print. This book grew out of an idea that I’ve had for a long time about an ancient power that was thought destroyed, but has returned. I like the idea of taking things that are just accepted in our world – the status quo – and throwing a monkey wrench into it then standing back to see what happens and who survives. J Of course, Evalle, Storm, Feenix and the rest of the crew will be back in WITCHLOCK, as well as some characters that readers have only seen glimpses of in the past.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Going Indie on new projects has been something that fits me perfectly, because I’ve been in business for myself since I was seventeen. I’ve always built marketing plans for my New York published books and I’m a very Type A person, so the idea of developing a team and expanding my business base was not overwhelming. If anything, having this control invigorates me. I hold myself to a high standard for delivering the best book I can to my readers. I have a saying that responsibility starts at the top of a business, regardless of whether the company is small and local or huge and international. I can say without question that the people on my team are the very best at what they do and strive to do everything they can to help me publish books that readers, more often than not, think were published in New York. That’s quite flattering, but as I said, it’s also a responsibility that must be met each time I start to write. For me, that’s what it takes to be a professional author. My books go through a battery of editing and beta reads. I believe there is a place for Indie and traditional publishing – that it isn’t an either-or proposition. Tomorrow is always a new and exciting day in this industry!

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

Read what I said above, then – decide if you really want to be “in business.” There’s a lot to it, which often requires the successful authors to work seven days a week. Publishing your own books means writing the book, having content editing you trust, revising, beta readers, probably revising some more, copy and proof editing, the handling the loading for e-books and print, making decisions that are best for you when it comes to buying ISBNs or not, promotions, interacting on social media, participating in live events… on and on. You have to spend time vetting out the resources, but I do have a tip for a new place where you can find those resources in one spot – AllWriterResources.com – that saves time, your most valuable commodity. Basically, you’ll get out of self-publishing what you put into it, but that doesn’t mean if you work 7 days a week that you’re guaranteed to be successful. And figure out what “success” means to you, because it’s different for everyone. Decide what your goal is up front and post that somewhere you can see it for the days that it seems like things have jumped track. Don’t chase someone else’s idea of success or you’ll probably be disappointed. The last thing I’ll tell you is that with the exception of those rare “lightning in a bottle” books that explode out of the gate, it has always taken time to build a following. At one time, New York expected it to take four to seven books, released one book a year, for an author to get established. In the past decade that shifted to the idea that every book should launch a career, but that was never the norm and still isn’t. It takes time for readers to discover an author and for a fan base to become established. Give yourself and your books a chance to build an audience.

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

Never. I do not include any real person in my books. The characters I create are a mix of things I’ve experienced, people I’ve met who struck a note in me, and characters that come to me from somewhere unknown. The closest I’ve come to putting a real person in a book was naming a secondary character June Tinker. In Stolen Vengeance, I made June the bombshell sixty-year-old wife of billionaire Jon Tinker. The real June Tinker will turn ninety this year, God willing, and she’s read my books since the very beginning. I dedicated the book to her and wanted to immortalize her as the hot number she was in her prime. She loved it. Her kids loved it. She’s the only character in my books who is not a hundred percent fictional.

What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?

You picked the three things I LOVE MOST to write. I LOVE conflict! That’s the heart of every story. Without conflict we would be bored. I HATE to be bored. I love writing emotion, because without that I can’t sit down to write. I need that right from the start, or I can’t get invested in each story. Characters are only difficult when I have to keep digging to find out what makes them tick, but even then it’s fascinating because inevitably I discover something that surprises me. As long as I’m entertained, I’m in my element.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

STOLEN VENGEANCE – He’s the last man she’ll trust and the only one who can save her.

What genres are you drawn to as a reader?

My favorite books to read are in exactly the same genres that I write today except for historical (which I love, but have no desire to write) . I love to read suspense, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal.

Do you prefer to read in the same genres you write in or do you avoid reading that genre? Why?

I don’t read in the genre I’m writing at that time. Right now I’m reading contemporary romance and a historical novel while I’m writing urban fantasy. That prevents any accidental cross over, but allows my brain a chance to relax a little.

Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?

First–Always strive to improve. Take workshops. Even if you can’t go to conferences or travel to workshops, you can still learn and grow by taking online classes. I’m teaching some classes at a great new online workshop venue—AllWriterWorkshops.com–along with a bunch of other instructors and experts in fields of value to writers. Never stop searching for ways like this to get better at storytelling and to improve your stories.

Second—there are a few basic things that will really help you if you can remember to apply them.

Always compete only with yourself, not other writers. Challenge yourself to step up your game on every book.

Always ignore sound bites such as, “I just dashed this book off in twelve hours and eight publishers went into a bidding war.” There’s always more to the story and what someone else says about how they wrote or sold doesn’t matter, because your goal never changes—it’s to write the best book you can and build an audience for it.

Always have a support person or group, someone with whom you can rant or share joy or just take a break with from writing. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people.

Always write with your readers in mind. Don’t use your book as a platform. If you make a promise to entertain readers, then stick to your promise.

Always protect the work. Be honest enough with yourself to know when you should accept advice on the story or the characters, but also know when it’s time to pull your story away from destructive influences.

Always write, no matter what. I know you hear that a lot, but it’s true that you learn something new on every book you write, and constant writing will build those mental muscles.

What does all of that have to do with struggling to gain that first contract? If you do get the contract, you’ll know how to produce another wonderful book and you’ll be better prepared for working with an editor. If don’t get a contract, the worst that has happened is you end up with a great book to publish another way.

What’s next for you?

I’m heading to Illinois June 8^th for the Keeper Books Tour that will be in the Chicago area for a week. I’ll be there with five other bestselling authors (www.KeeperBooksTour.com) and then I’m on to the Romance Writers of America national conference in New York this July. I’m looking forward to riding my BMW motorcycle out west for a week before arriving at the RomCon reader convention in Denver, CO this September. Other than that, you’ll find me in my writing cave!

EXCERPT from STOLEN VENGEANCE

by NYT bestseller Dianna Love

How could Dingo tell Valene that he’d taken a bullet and suffered much worse so that Garcia would leave her alone? Then he’d have to tell her why he’d done all that. She’d be devastated with guilt because she’d feel responsible.

Hadn’t he hurt her enough? “My people are hunting a dangerous group who might remember you from back when we were together.”

“I’ll ask the police to make some rounds here.”

“If they come for you, the police won’t stop them. I’m just asking how long you’ve known this guy who’s offered you a contract.”

“Long enough.”

Dingo changed his tactics. “These people can infiltrate a lot of places. You don’t want to find out you’ve been dealing with a criminal, do you?”

She dropped her arms and curled her fists. “Charlie is not a criminal. I investigated him myself and checked his references. Don’t you dare come here threatening him.” She closed the distance between them, getting right up in his face. “Unless you have hard evidence to show me, do not screw up my relationship with this client or I will not be responsible for my actions. Do you get that?”

He got it. And he could ignore a lot of things, but seeing her all fierce and ready to do battle only turned him on. He’d spent many a night seven years ago tweaking her temper just for the passion that followed.

His body came alive with her this close.

All systems go and target locked.

If he touched her right now, though, she’d try to break his arm or he might hurt her accidentally by defending his favorite parts.

Dingo had backed into a corner. Not a smart place to be if Valene decided to make him pay for showing up here and breaking into her place.

Did that matter to his dick giving her a standing ovation? Not one bit.

Val poked him hard in the chest. “This has to stop. You’re making me crazy, Dingo.”

Welcome to my world.

She pushed again and his body begged her to use all those wild fingers on him.

When she jabbed a third time, Dingo grabbed her wrist.

He could feel her pulse racing.

His was doing its own version of heading for the checkered flag on a NASCAR straightaway.

Out of pure insanity, he started rubbing his thumb softly across her skin. He could smell her. Loved her scent.

She vibrated with a mix of anxiety and anger, and her shallow breaths interrupted the silence piling up between them.

Dingo tried to remember why he was here, but the call of her body kept sidetracking him.

He swallowed and dug around for some way to reach past her anger. Words weren’t his forte. When he spoke it was in the same low voice he’d once used to wake her before daylight on mornings when he showed up unexpectedly.

“I don’t want to fight with you.” He wanted to kiss more than he wanted anything else at this moment, but he hadn’t come here for that. Not as his primary objective, anyway. “You can hate me all you want, but please don’t lock me out right now when I can’t sleep for fear that I won’t be here when you need me.”

She’d either hear him out or kick him out.

Interview with Beverley Bateman

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

The Hawkins’ family is my current series. It’s a series about the Hawkins’ brothers, set on a ranch in Duster, Montana. Each book is a romantic suspense that stands alone. Hunted is Cody’s story is about Cody and Maggie. She’s in the Witness Protection program but her identity has been compromised. Missing is Luke’s story. He’s a Hawkins’ but also the town’s family doctor with an adopted daughter. A stranger is stalking Luke and his daughter and there is a threat of kidnapping. Targeted is Ky’s story. A rancher is killed; the woman Ky married eleven years ago inherits the ranch. She left eleven years ago and hasn’t been back since. Now someone wants to kill her. Targeted is my WIP and I hope to finish it this month.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?`

Ideas come from all areas. My writing chapter does tours at the RWA National and we’ve done police, homeland security, chatroom predators, coast guard, etc. I get ideas from newspapers or news articles and sometimes I get an idea and then think about it for awhile and develop a plot and then work on the characters.

What was the deciding factor in self-publishing your book(s)? Did you decide on ebook or print only or both?

Great question. I was originally published by three different small presses in both e-book and print. I learned a lot about the publishing process from the editors. However, the sales were negligible and they had control of the book. About three years ago several authors were talking and very excited about self-publishing. I kept asking questions and decided to get my rights back to my book and self-publish. You have more control but it’s also a lot more work. I originally decided on ebook only. The decision was mostly based on cost and more people read on e-readers these days so it’s a bigger market. However, I am now rethinking that decision and looking at having some print books for sale and giveaways.

What went into the process?

Writing, editing, cover design, formatting, etc. Share your ups and downs and how you went about it. If you used a service, can you share? Once I got my rights back I started to edit the first book. I was actually shocked at the number of errors – and it had passed through three editors. Once I edited it I sent it to a proof reader and found a cover artist. I met an agent for BookBaby at the Writers Conference in Tucson. I decided to use them so I didn’t have to learn formatting and uploading to each different book seller. It also gave me time to write a new book. I After a couple of books I decided to find a formatter and I uploaded the next book myself. More work but I do have complete control.

What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?

Characters have always been difficult. I’ve taken classes and work hard at getting my readers to relate to them. I’m not sure why, but I think I find it hard to get into the character’s head and emotions and share them with the reader. I’m improving and people have told me they like my characters, but I still need to keep working to make them even better.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

Dr. Allie Parsons agrees to help at a Montana medical clinic. Luke Hawkins, her handsome new boss sends her emotions sky rocketing. He’s single with a young daughter. Threatening notes at the clinic have Allie afraid they are a warning that the doctor’s daughter could be kidnapped. Is she right? The body count is mounting. Who are they after ? And why?

Tell us about your heroine. Give us one of her strengths and one of her weaknesses.

Her strength is she is a survivor. She travels to Duster, to escape her father, be the doctor she wants to be, and build her own life. Her weakness is her relationship with her father. From childhood she wanted his approval and never got it. She has spent most of her life trying to please him.

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization? Which one? Have they helped you with your writing? How?

Yes, I belong to the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and I belong to two of their sub chapters. I belong to Scriptscene and Kiss of Death. I love them both but Kiss of Death (KOD) has provided a lot of help for me. They provided great tours at the RWA National conference; FBI, CIA,ATF and even police where we got to practice shooting on the outdoor ranges. They have monthly writing workshops on both craft and experts in various technologies like forensics and poisons. They also offer group and one on one critiques, a BIAW several times a year and the Daphne writing contest where you’re provided with actual feedback.

Where can readers find you?

Website beverleybateman.com

Blog http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Twitter @kelownawriter

Facebook https://facebook.com/beverleybateman.18

tsu https://www.tsu.co/darkwriter

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/okwriter

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7052567.Beverley_Bateman

http://www.amazon.com/Beverley-Bateman/e/B008M01F5E

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

They are all listed with links on my website at www.beverleybateman.com

MISSING can be found at

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Missing-Lukes-Story-Hawkins-Ranch-ebook/dp/B00HJAN18M/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425844764&sr=1-4&keywords=Beverley+Bateman

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/missing-67

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/missing-beverley-bateman/1117923790?eas=9780991874811

EXCERPT from MISSING

“For god’s sake, help me. I’m dying in here.” His knees bent up to his chest, hands clenched over his abdomen, Bobby rolled back and forth on the narrow cot.

“What’s yer problem?” A burly guard peered through the steel bars.

“My gut’s on fire. Get me the doc, now.”

“Yeah, yeah, we’ll call him. Stifle ‘til I get back.” The guard shuffled down the hall.

The guard returned. “The doctor’s in conference. Can you walk?”

“No way man, I can’t even stand up. The pain’s killing me.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay, they’re bringing a stretcher. We’ll take you to the medical room, but you better not be faking.”

“Does this look like faking to you? I’m dying.”

The door squealed as they pushed it open

“Get me something for the pain.” Bobby yelled as they handcuffed him to the stretcher and rolled him down the hall into the small medical center.

The male nurse met them inside the reception area.

“He says his stomach is burning up, can’t even stand.” One of the guards replied.

“The doctor’s in meetings. Let’s take a look. Wheel him into the first cubicle and put him on the bed.”

The guards unlocked the handcuffs and dropped him onto the bed.

“I think I felt something burst.”

“Hang on, I’ll check it in a minute, buddy.” The middle-aged nurse patted his shoulder.

The guards handcuffed one hand to the bed post. “You need us to stay?”

“No, I can handle him. He’s one of our volunteers.” The nurse replied. “Let’s take a look at that abdomen.”

The nurse ran his hands over his stomach. “It’s definitely hard; maybe a burst appendix? You still got your appendix?”

Bobby nodded.

“I think we should get you to the hospital. I’ll be right back.”

The nurse stepped out of the room and Bobby rolled over. He wiggled his free hand under the mattress until he found the slit he’d made a few days earlier. He pulled out a shiv, a pick and an envelope and tucked them both in the back of his pants.

The nurse sauntered back into the room. “The ambulance is on its way.”

“Can’t you give me something for the pain?”

“No. They’ll give you something at the hospital once they figure out what you’ve got.”

“Then get me there quick. I can’t stand the damn pain any longer.”

“hey said they could be here in fifteen minutes.”

As the minutes ticked by he wondered how the rest of his plan would work.

The sound of wheels rolling down the hall announced the arrival of the paramedics.

“They’re here. You’ll be at the hospital in about ten minutes. Hang in there.” The nurse tucked a chart under the stretched pillow and unlocked the handcuffs.

Minutes later he was in the ambulance racing down the highway. And they’d forgotten to handcuff him. He couldn’t believe his luck. He’d practiced for weeks picking the lock on the handcuffs. He smiled as he pulled out the shiv.

Beverley Bateman is a Canadian author of several romantic suspense books. She loves traveling, good wine and a mystery. She lives with her husband and two Shiba Inu dogs among vineyards and orchards set in lake country and surrounded by mountains, beaches, swimming and skiing. She writes sitting on her deck overlooking the lake sipping a glass of Cabernet. Yes – someone has to do it.

EXCERPT from MAIL ORDER OUTLAW

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

The first book in my new series, The Brides of Tombstone, is now available. Mail Order Outlaw tells the story of Lizzie Cobb and Ed Talbot. Their romance is anything but ordinary.

Here is the blurb.

Available at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00XEKFLIE

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mail-order-outlaw-cynthia-woolf/1121894192?ean=2940151415125

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mail-order-outlaw/id993479746?ls=1&mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mail-order-outlaw

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Woolf_Mail_Order_Outlaw?id=U74kCQAAQBAJ

EXCERPT

Could he do it? Could he become Mal Brandon?

The more Ed thought about it, the more he liked the idea. He’d have to sneak away in the middle of the night. If his brother knew of his plan to leave the gang, Harvey’d stop him; maybe even kill him if he had to. Especially if he knew about the money Ed had found in the lining of the valise, a lot of money. Enough for a fresh start.

Ed didn’t want to be in the gang anymore. He’d never wanted to be in it to begin with. His mother had wanted him to go to school and become a teacher. Ed had wanted that, too or at least to do something…legal.

As a kid he’d never really known Josiah. He was just the man who stopped by and spent the night every couple of months when Ed was growing up. Then when his mother died, Ed had been by himself for a few weeks before Josiah showed up. A few glorious weeks where he could mourn his mother, Becky Brody in peace. When Josiah found out Ed’s mother had died, he took Ed with him. Ed had been in Josiah’s gang ever since. The only things he had left of his mother were her green eyes.

He did have some things he was thankful to his father for. Josiah had taught him to use a gun and to ride like the wind. He could speak Spanish as well as anyone, because Josiah’s mother had been Mexican and he made sure both his sons could speak it. He was big; six-foot-four and muscular.

Only Harvey had been bigger.

Harvey was also meaner. He had no problem killing people.

Ed thought he actually liked it.

Harvey used and abused women, as well. He liked that, too.

Ed hated to see and hear the abuse, when there was nothing he could do. Once he’d tried stopping Harvey and nearly died for his efforts. Now he just stayed away from camp whenever Harvey brought a woman there, which thankfully wasn’t often.

Unless it was Belle. For some reason Belle James could give as much as she took and Harvey liked her best. Maybe loved her, if he was even capable of that emotion.

Ed didn’t have women very often. He’d fallen in love once.

When Harvey found out, he had taken the woman, raped her and left her for dead. There was no way he or Josiah, either one, would let Ed leave the gang for any reason.

Ed watched Joe stoke the fire and add wood to it. It was cold in the mountains and on the desert at night. It shouldn’t have been considering how blistering hot they were during the day, but at night the temperature dropped to uncomfortably cold.

Ed didn’t want to be responsible for that happening to any other woman, so he stayed away from them. He visited the occasional brothel. He was a twenty-eight year old man, after all and had needs just like any other man. But other than those visits, and he never saw the same girl twice, he stayed away from women.

Except for the valise Ed had, there was only a strong box on the stage. The box was locked and Harvey let the boys use it for target practice until the safe was opened. There was a small payroll inside. Only a thousand dollars, but that was enough to keep the men in liquor and women for a couple of weeks and then they’d plan another robbery of a stage or train or bank. Probably a stage because it was easiest and Harvey was all about easy.

Plans made, he waited for two weeks knowing the men would eventually go into Tucson to let off some steam. They never lasted longer than a couple of weeks after a score. By then the liquor ran out and so did the ammunition from the target practice and the money they’d gotten was burning a hole in their pockets.

This time, he’d leave. He had the knowledge and ability to take over another man’s life. His brother wouldn’t know where he’d gone and there was no one in the gang who could track worth beans.

Finally Ed could begin a new life. A good life as a good man and leave the gang and all those memories behind.

He was ready.

Harvey came over to him as usual. Ed was playing solitaire on one of the blankets. “Come on, little brother. Let’s go into town. Have a few drinks and screw some women.”

“Ya’ll go on. I’m staying in camp.”

“You need to let off some steam, just like the rest of us.” Harvey laid his hand on Ed’s shoulder and squeezed. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Ed shrugged off his hand. “I don’t want to. Leave me be.”

Harvey looked at him, gaze narrowed.

Sweat beaded under his collar. Ed wondered if he would force him to go. But finally Harvey shrugged. “If that’s what you want, so be it. Let’s go men. We’ve got drinkin’ to do and women to fuck.”

Ed waited for two hours after his brother and the other men rode out before he took the valise and headed the opposite direction from Tucson. South seventy miles to Tombstone. Toward a new life. One he couldn’t wait to start.

The ride took him three days, taking care to go easy on his horse across the mountains and desert. He skirted the way stations, not wanting anyone to see him. He did stop at several smaller watering holes along the way that were off the beaten path. When he got outside of Tombstone, he made camp, changed into the clothes out of the valise and shaved off his beard. The clothes were small and a little short, but not enough to make a difference…he hoped. He was trying his best to put a new foot forward and put Ed Talbot behind him in another life.

Interview with Kelley Heckart

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

How did you get started writing?

I was a songwriter/musician, writing poems and lyrics, before I started writing short stories. From there, I decided to tackle the daunting task of writing a novel. Due to health issues, I could no longer continue the wild life of a rock musician. Writing stories was another, healthier way for me to express myself. This experience taught me that life is full of surprises and unexpected changes.

What inspired your latest book?

One of my favorite topics in high school English class was Greek mythology. I fell in love with the gods, goddesses and their stories. This is what inspired my latest series set in the wild lands of Arcadia, Artemis’s realm. She is one of my favorite goddesses. I love her fierce independence.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

I am a hybrid author. I have 7 books published with Mundania Press and then decided to try self-publishing with my new series. There are pros and cons to self-publishing. One con is the cost. But I am enjoying the process of hiring a graphic artist for the book covers and working with a great copyeditor. I’ve been lucky that I found some reliable, talented people to help me with publishing.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

My advice would be to take the editing process seriously and take your time to hone your craft. There is much more to writing a story than good grammar. Don’t hurry and just slap your book up on amazon.com until it’s ready. Think twice about publishing the first book you write. Most are not ready to publish. Mine wasn’t. Think of it this way—a painter rarely sells the first painting. The next one will likely be much better.

Tell us about your hero. Give us one of his strengths and one of his weaknesses.

Kasin is a centaur shifter. Rare among his kind, he is loyal to his family even though his father despises him. His loyalty is a strength and weakness—because of his sense of honor to his clan, when he becomes king, he makes a difficult decision that puts his clan before the needs of Callisto, the nymph who has stolen his heart.

Tell us about your heroine. Give us one of her strengths and one of her weaknesses.

Callisto is one of Artemis’s nymphs and Bear Goddess, an honorary position. She has taken a vow of purity and faces death when she breaks her vow. She is strong-willed and brave, but it’s her stubbornness that gets her into trouble.

What genres are you drawn to as a reader?

I like to read historical fiction, books on various types of mythology, non-fiction history in ancient and medieval time periods, paranormal romances and fantasy. Right now I am reading Game of Thrones and love it. I think it is so well-written and engaging I can see why it was made into an HBO series.

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.

The Bear Goddess is the 1^st book in a series set in the wild lands of Arcadia, home to Artemis, her nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, werewolves, vampires, gods and goddesses and other mysterious otherworld creatures. This book starts out with the myth of Callisto, the nymph who betrayed Artemis. I used bits of the myth and Bronze Age Greece history to craft my version. The Oreades, Artemis’s mountain nymphs, are described by ancient Greek writers as tall and fierce hunters, so I decided that’s how I wanted to portray them in my story. I created the Guardians, nymphs who protected the goddess’s forest with the skills of great warriors. And each nymph is born of one of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water.

What’s next for you?

Book two of my Arcadia series is called The Wolf Queen and is based on the legend of the werewolf Lycaon. In my version he has met his match. It’s a twist on Beauty and the Beast—Beauty may be the real beast. After that, the third book is called The Crow Maiden and has a revenge theme. Then I have some other stories in the works—a couple of contemporary paranormal romances, a non-paranormal romance about the healing power of music, and the first book in a series based on cursed druids.

Excerpt from The Bear Goddess:

Resting her head against the edge of the tub, she stared at the sky. Kasin, the Zeus lover, surprisingly treated her gently. She had expected to be brutalized or worse. With the fair skin and height of those imposing men from the northern mountains, he looked like those who worshipped the Sky god above the goddesses, yet he also possessed a temperate manner unlike those brutal, warlike people. She couldn’t imagine living under the rule of the vile centaurs.

Her skin prickled in response to the cooling water. “I am ready to get out now.”

He appeared, holding his hand over his eyes, and tripped over a branch.

She giggled.

Regaining his balance, he said with some annoyance, “I am glad you find that so amusing.”

“You do not have to close your eyes. Just refrain from staring at anything worth staring at.” She laughed, not sure why she told him that. He made her feel giddy, something that had never happened to her before now in the presence of this man.

Opening his eyes, he kept his gaze lowered as he helped her stand. Keeping his eyes fixed on her lower legs, he wrapped a large cloth around her and then lifted her out of the tub.

Her body didn’t ache as badly as it had before the bath. Gradually, her body was healing.

“How was the bath?” He helped her put on her tunic, which covered her upper body to her mid-thigh.

“It was quite enjoyable. You can look up now if you wish.”

His gaze swept up her body in a way that made her face and body flush. She was entering into a dangerous game, but her vow didn’t seem to apply here so far away from Artemis.

With his help, she pulled on her leggings. His hands felt hot each time he brushed against her bare skin. Her skin tingled beneath his seemingly innocent touch. He hesitated, holding on to her hips a moment longer than was necessary.

The air between them felt like the aftermath of a lightning storm. She had no idea what was happening, but she knew it wasn’t what she should be feeling when in the presence of a man.

****

Short Blurb for The Bear Goddess:

Forbidden love… Broken vows… Betrayal…

A nymph. A centaur. Enemies in love.

On the run, danger and betrayal follow Callisto and Kasin. To survive they must evade those who want to keep them apart and no place is safe.

Kelley’s Bio:

Multi-published author Kelley Heckart lives in Arizona with her musician husband, dog and a number of backyard “pets,” including Godzilla the desert iguana. Her stories reflect her passion for ancient and medieval time periods, storytelling and the supernatural. Inspired by the ancient Celts, her tales are filled with fierce warriors, bold women, otherworldly creatures, magic and romance. When not writing, she works as an editor/proofreader and practices target archery. She can be found online at http://www.kelleyheckart.com/

Website: http://www.kelleyheckart.com

Blog: http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CelticChick

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Newsletter sign up: Receive special notices like new book releases and giveaways only for my subscribers: http://kelleyheckart.com/Contact_Kelley_Page.html

Meet Carole Brungar, An Interview

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

Kia Ora, I’m Carole, author of women’s fiction title ‘a tide too high’. I live in the Horowhenua town of Levin in the North Island of New Zealand. I’m really excited about being able to visit with you all via Cindy’s blog. Thanks Cindy, for the opportunity!

I’ve been writing for a long time, mostly for newspapers and magazines but my foray into the world of fiction is relatively new, although my desire to write and tell a story isn’t. I read so much romantic fiction that after a couple of years I decided I could tell a story just as well. But as you either know or have guessed, it’s not as easy as it sounds! The journey to writing my first book started about 20 years ago. My first attempt was 53,000 words and I loved it. However, life happens and it was bound and filed in a draw and then packed into a box as we shifted homes several times.

Eight years ago I found that manuscript, re-read it, and discovered the plot lines had credibility, the characters had potential and the settings were unique. I was pretty darned impressed with what I’d written, but it lacked a maturity that comes from professional growth. So I set about re-writing it, building more depth into the plot and finally settling at over 120,000 words. I messed with the characters minds, gave them new professions, I set them challenges, and I made them human like you and I. I made them laugh and cry and I made them realise each was made for the other. Then I made them realise that the seas of the Pacific aren’t always storm free.

My story is set mostly in scenic New Zealand, with its beautiful isolated Northland beaches and it’s vibrant cities. It tells of two ex-pat kiwis, Alec Stanford a London businessman whose family owns considerable land in New Zealand’s winterless north including private beaches, and McKenna Morgan, the lead singer in one of New Zealand’s biggest exports, rock band Polar Blaze. Her home is now in Brentwood LA, but her parents still live in her childhood home in Auckland.

Mac Morgan doesn’t do relationships; she simply doesn’t have time, she’s too busy trying to prove to everyone, including her mother, that she can make a success of her life. Her life evolves around Polar Blaze. Alec on the other hand, wants what his twin brother has, a home with a wife and children, but his beautiful socialite wife is filing for divorce and although he’s one of the world’s most successful businessmen, he has to admit, he hasn’t learnt how to manage a marriage. Perhaps he should leave it to those who are good at it, like his brother.

Life of a rock musician is full on, work hard, play harder, but when Mac collapses on stage in front of a packed Auckland crowd, she gets the ultimatum: change your lifestyle, or take your chances. Mac disappears to recoup at a secluded beach in the far north where she faces her demons and meets Alec’s family. And Alec.

A tide too high is a novel about two people from different worlds who find a soul mate in each other and face a struggle to keep that love alive, and make the right decisions.

He kissed her ear lobe and then her sun-warmed cheek. Their lips met and for the briefest of seconds he felt her tense before relaxing and he allowed himself to kiss her gently at first and then with more passion.

She rolled her body again and folded her arms on the side of the pool, this time studying him.

“What are you thinking right now,” he whispered huskily.

“I was wondering if you were still married?” she asked playfully, her eyes fixed on the grin that was sliding across his mouth.

He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her hard in response. “Pretty much,” he replied, kissing her again.

“What a terrible waste of resources,” she answered, when at last he lifted his lips from hers.

Tell us all about you Carole

My hubby and I own two acres in the country with loads of wonderful old trees. Some 40 ofthem are kowhai trees and during August and September the kowhai are a riot of yellow flowers. Their blossoms carpet the lawns in golden yellow and they attract the kereru, New Zealand’s native pigeon and hundreds of native tui that feed on the nectar. Gradually the birds become drunk and by end of day they fight and sing and the noise is incredible. We live about 15 minutes from the west coast and on weekends love to visit the different beaches and walk with the wind in our faces. The beach is my special place to think.

I have a Degree in Communication Management and Journalism and I work as a communications advisor in local body government, dealing with media issues, writing promotional articles and sometimes writing speeches for the city’s mayor or councillors. Previously I worked as a newspaper editor and photographer for the New Zealand Defence Force.

My hubby Dennis is a talented landscape watercolourist and we share studio space here at home in a purpose built studio. When I’m not working my day job, I write, but I also teach fabric art classes throughout New Zealand, online and at home from Tui Glen Studio.

Well I’ve had quite a lot of feedback from readers asking what happens to Mac and Alec, and what about the other characters, especially the drummer Jimi. So although I didn’t intend to, I’ve started a shorter story that will add another dimension to the characters in a tide too high.

I aim to write stand-alone novels, as I personally like to read the whole story in one book and I’m currently working on my next novel, which is set in New Zealand during the 1960’s. It’s been a huge challenge researching the social history of that time and I hope I do it justice. I’m going to set it locally and although it will be totally fictitious, it will feature my grandmother’s milkbar. I loved it, especially the jukebox. The novel will weave a story around a couple that have to deal with the scars of the Vietnam War.

Finally do you have any advice for others?

I do. Although I’m a “novice novelist” if you like, I have to say, for those who want to write, write. Write for you. Write as though you will be the reader. That way, you will write what’s true to your heart. The other thing is, write what you can, when you can. Not everyone can write for five hours a day, or stay awake until midnight writing every night, but even if you can spend an hour a day, every day, you will eventually get your story told.

And lastly, if you haven’t been to New Zealand, you need to make it your next holiday destination. Don’t forget to spend some time in the winterless north – it’s seriously beautiful country!

Links:

www.facebook.com/CABrungarAuthor

www.goodreads.com/book/show/23534777-a-tide-too-high

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GLaS9P

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1K1pHVT

A Word From Merlin by Aubrey Wynne

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Merlin—yes, the Merlin of Arthurian legend. In Rolf’s Quest, Aubrey Wynne’s first historical fantasy, you won’t find me at my height of popularity. I am trapped in a Hawthorne tree and getting desperate. You see the tree Vivien encased me in is dying. And when it does, I die. Hence, my distress.

My egotistical, self-seeking descendants have done little to aid my predicament. They either used magic to trick the woman (and by the gods, I know that doesn’t work) or did not see love staring them in the face until it was too late.

When I was down to one live branch, I decided to take matters into my own hands, er limbs. I told the latest failure I would take his first born under my own tutelage. His father ranted and then gave up, of course. God’s Blood, I raised a King. I can certainly educate a baron’s son.

Rolf was an excellent student. He grew to respect me and I feel there is a strong affection between the two of us. He is a natural sorcerer though and his shape-shifting abilities are tremendous. He is a champion on the battlefield and is favored by the King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

But it ends with this boy. He has found the woman that is the key to our future. This is the last opportunity to end this curse. If he is not successful, I perish. Our future generations will never have the chance to find happiness. Rolf will take the defeat badly.

Wish us luck. I hope the next time we speak, you are able to shake my hand. And then the search for Vivien begins…

Rolf’s Quest Blurb:

Baron Rolf Arbrec, the royal wizard for King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, is burdened with a centuries-old quest to break the spell cast on his descendant, Merlin. To lift the enchantment, he must find true love without the use of magic or deceit, something that has eluded the men generations before him.

Finding genuine love is no easy task, even for a wizard, and time is running out not only to complete his Quest, but to give future generations a chance at happiness. When Melissa steps from his dreams and into his arms, he realizes his need for her love runs deeper than just a way to free Merlin.

Lady Melissa Garrick travels to London to meet her betrothed. Along the way, she encounters a man who haunts her dreams and makes her reconsider her destiny. Torn between loyalty to her family and her intense attraction to Rolf, she struggles to remain an obedient daughter. Though she desires him, will she defy her family and turn her back on her betrothed? Or will time run out and Rolf be doomed to a life of discontent and bitterness like his ancestors before him?

Rolf’s Quest Excerpt:

The surrounding mist climbed Melissa’s boots and swirled in and around her legs like an affectionate cat. Gentle but firm, it pushed her inside the magical forest. The stillness of the place struck her. The kind of hush that fell over a room when something significant was about to happen. Her heart raced in anticipation. In front of her towered a massive Hawthorne tree with charred branches that seemed to welcome her. Between the gnarled limbs was a large blackened hole that filled the center of the trunk.

“I have been waiting for you.” She jumped at the sound of an old man’s voice. She screamed as a face appeared in the tree. “I do not mean to frighten you, child. I admire your courage. It’s a quality essential to your future.”

“Why am I here?” Melissa asked.

“To meet your Fate,” answered the raspy voice. The distant sound of hoof beats distracted the ghost-like image. “And he has arrived.”

Melissa turned toward the forest opening in confusion. “The mist . . .”

“Yes, it conceals our home from trespassers on the outside but does not impede our view from within.” The elderly man chuckled. “Rolf did not exaggerate your beauty.”

“Rolf?”

The pounding of hooves grew nearer.

“Ah.” The old man shook his head, regret in his eyes. “I must go.”

Horse and rider burst through the tree line. The great beast halted before her, and the stranger dismounted. In one fluid motion, he wrapped a powerful arm around her waist and pulled her hard against his chest.

He spoke only one word. “Melissa.”

The blood pumping through her veins throbbed in her ears. “Rolf?” she whispered, clinging to him, afraid to raise her eyes.

His fingers lightly stroked her cheek and sent a shudder through her body. He lifted her chin, bent his head, and then paused. Uncertain, she looked up, her mouth half-open in a silent question. The intensity and passion in his eyes told her he now claimed her as his own. Their breath mingled for a moment before his lips brushed hers. Then she threw back her head, surrendered to the sheer pleasure of his kiss, and her world shattered.

The soft touch of his mouth sent a shiver through her that made her knees buckle. His chest was hard beneath her palms. He buried his fingers in her hair and forced her head back, demanding more. She clutched at his tunic to hold herself up.

“I must have you.” His teeth nipped her earlobe; the whispered words tickled and teased her neck. One hand roamed the length of her back, sending waves of heat through the core of her body. His manhood pushed against her skirt. She struggled against this desire; her betrothed waited beyond the trees. Her mind told her to run, yet her heart begged to remain. She stopped resisting, leaned into him and gave way to pure passion.

Her mouth opened to return the kiss, only to feel him slip away. Her eyes flew open, and his image wavered then faded into the darkness. “Come back to me. Do not leave me like this.”

Melissa awoke, tears wet upon her cheeks. Emptiness burned in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around herself and curled into a tight ball to shield her body from the pain. She should not have hesitated.

About the Author

Aubrey Wynne’s first love is historical romance. Her current story, Rolf’s Quest, is set in the chivalrous 12^th century court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane. Though she is an avid reader of historical fiction, her own works usually involve some level of fantasy.

Aubrey resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. She is a proud member of the Coffee Talk Writers. Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Editors and Predators Reader’s Choice of 2013. Her humorous shorts, Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies (Goodreads Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List) and To Cast A Cliché are published with AlfieFiction.com Rolf’s Quest, a historical fantasy, will be published in the anthology Love Least Expected February 2015.

Hook up with Aubrey

http://aubreywynneauthor.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/aubrey.wynne.7

https://twitter.com/Aubreywynne51

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17695894-aubrey-wynne

http://www.amazon.com/Aubrey-Wynne/e/B00II8QD6G/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1430264313&sr=8-1

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AubreyWynne

aubreywynneauthor@gmail.com

Love Least Expected: A romance anthology

When love drops in unexpected, the strangest things can happen. Nine short stories of romance, magic and love from award winning and USA Today recommended authors.

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00PMOM9NA

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-least-expected-meredith-bond/1120790265?ean=2940046296808

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/love-least-expected

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-least-expected/id942101190?mt=11&uo=4

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meredith_Bond_Love_Least_Expected?id=CT9pBQAAQBAJ&hl=en

All Romance Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-loveleastexpected-1681062-166.html

An Interview with Ruth Kaufman

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Cindy Woolf

What is your typical day like?

Since I have two day jobs, writing/self-publishing and acting, every day is different. If I have an audition, I get assigned a specific time slot and can’t ask for another time so I can finish a chapter or whatever. If I have an on-camera or voiceover booking, that comes first. Some on-camera days can be 12 hours or more, so no writing-related work may get done, though I might be able to respond to emails during breaks. I like schedules, so some days I work on writing in the morning and acting in the afternoon instead of bopping between the two. I think next I’ll divide days into three: self-publishing/promo, actual writing, and acting (including submitting and/or preparing for auditions, self-marketing).

There are so many hats to wear with self-publishing that if I’m getting ready to release something new, I’ll probably have to move forward a bit each day or so. And there’s always more promo/connecting with readers I could do. I don’t necessarily take weekends off because I love my work (well, except some of the administrative s-p stuff).

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

I started offering a workshop called Taming the Octopus: how I tackled self-publishing without getting squeezed and now consulting because a) there’s such a huge learning curve and so much to absorb b) people started asking for advice.

Overall, budget more time than you think you need. Understand your own skill level for all of the major tasks. For example, can you really design a competitive cover? Know that you will need an editor and probably a proofreader, the questions are what kind and how many passes. Do your best to have a plan of what kind of product you’ll release and how often. The main advice I keep hearing is that it can take multiple books before you see a lot of sales.

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization? Which one? Have the helped you with your writing? How?

I actually dedicated my current release, FOLLOW YOUR HEART, to Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, Chicago-North RWA. Without the knowledge, networking, friendships and so much more that I’ve gained via RWA, I wouldn’t be where I am know and would’ve given up long ago.

My chapter does verbal critiques. Many of our published authors credit that experience as something that helped them publish. Also, conferences offer great workshops and the opportunity to meet industry professionals and other authors.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Write regularly. I meet so many people who say, “Someday I’ll write a book.” What are you waiting for? If you want to write, write. Take a class. Join an author group. Decide whether you want to pursue traditional publishing and how long you’ll give that, or s-p or both. Keep moving forward. If you write one page a day, you can have a book or a few novellas in a year.

What did you want to be as a child? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I knew since kindergarten I wanted to be an actress. I wrote my first “novel,” a middle grade, when I was in high school. I wish I had a copy of it! But I didn’t really pursue writing until the late 80s, when I started my first book by hand. I let it languish until the mid-90s when I got my first laptop and finished it.

Tell us about your current series.

I’m trying something a little different. Most series involve, say, families, or people in a small town. I’m doing a time-based series where each book is a standalone. So the first is set in 1453, the next in 1460, and the third in 1463. This way the couples change without overlap, but the historical figures and some settings continue where each book left off. I call it Wars of the Roses Brides.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

I should be releasing my next medieval, the third in the Wars of the Roses Brides series, over the summer. I also have something else that should release in July I’m not quite ready to share because details are being finalized (hope you’ll stay tuned via www.ruthkaufman.com!), and haven’t yet decided what timing is preferable for releasing more than one thing at a time.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

I actually released two versions of AT HIS COMMAND. One is mild/sweet and inspirational, and won RWA’s Golden Heart® award. The other, which I call Historical Romance Version doesn’t have a faith element and opens the bedroom door.

Could she defy her king for love?

The king sends Sir Nicholas Gray to protect the recently widowed Lady Amice Winfield from undesirable suitors. Though Nicholas intrigues her, she yearns to run Castle Rising without a man’s control.

At court, the king and queen choose a husband for her. How can she follow the king’s command when she’s a scribe for his rival? Can she marry another man when she’s falling in love with Nicholas?

Excerpt: AT HIS COMMAND

Chapter 1

Sir Nicholas Grey’s scout leaned forward in his saddle, holding up two fingers to let the others know two horses approached. Nicholas heard only the slight jangling of harnesses blended with wind rattling through the trees, but relied on his scout’s uncanny ability to hear what no one else could.

He and his eight men sat alert, deep enough in the forest to avoid being seen while maintaining a clear view of the road through leafless branches. Nine armed men could frighten travelers. ‘Twas best to let them pass.

Each man watched, each horse sinking deeper into chilling mire as a mud-covered, black palfrey plodded over the rise in the road, its long mane whipping in the frigid winds.

“No rider,” Martin, the scout, murmured.

“Look again,” Nicholas replied. At first he too had thought the horse was riderless. Now he could see a woman collapsed on the animal’s back. Her dark hair draped down its flank, mingling with the horse’s mane. The palfrey placed each step as if trying not to jostle its burden.

Another horse, this one a brown rouncey ridden by a thin, balding man, galloped after the palfrey. A look of triumph brightened the man’s face as he spotted the horse ahead of him. He bent forward, extending his hand. Fingers like talons grasped the woman’s tangled hair.

“Mine!” he cried.

* * *

Amice Winfield jerked awake. Agony forced her head back, allowing her to see the man who gripped her hair as though he’d perish if he let go.

Harry Winfield.

She screamed. Arrows of fear pierced her as she clawed at his fingers. Her horse bolted, leaving her dangling from Harry’s hand by a small clump of hair. The long strands held for a few seconds, then tore from her head.

Pain seared her scalp. She dropped into a puddle. Stunned by her fall and her stinging head, Amice could only stare at her tormentor while freezing water soaked her clothes. How she hated him. How she regretted her desperate flight from home. But what other choice did she have?

Harry gaped at the dark tresses hanging from his hand. He threw them to the ground as she struggled to rise. Panic gripped her as his hostile glare changed to a slow, confident smile.

“There’s nowhere to run. I’ll catch you if it’s the last thing I do,” he vowed. He leapt off his horse.

Amice tugged her sodden skirts, trying to haul them out of the puddle. Where was her mount? Too far away to reach without being caught, weighted down as she was. Sprays of water flew as she heaved her skirts over her arm. Heart racing, she ran for the trees. A branch snagged her. With a cry of frustration, she pulled the wet wool until it wrenched free.

Ignoring twigs tearing at her skin and icy mud that sucked away one of her shoes, she forged ahead. She gasped for air as she plunged into a tiny clearing, then came to an abrupt halt at the sight of a group of mounted men.

Bio:

Ruth Kaufman is a Chicago author, on-camera and voiceover talent and freelance editor and speaker with a J.D. and a Master’s in Radio/TV. She loves peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes, singing in a symphony chorus and going to the theatre.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART, the standalone second book in her Wars of the Roses Brides series, released in April. Writing accolades include Romance Writers of America® 2011 Golden Heart® winner and runner up in RT Book Reviews’ national American Title II contest.

Learn more at www.ruthkaufman.com and www.ruthtalks.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RuthKaufman or Facebook: Ruth Kaufman Author & Actress.

Links:

Buy:

AT HIS COMMAND:

Historical Romance Version: http://amzn.com/B00QPG52A6

Inspirational Version: http://amzn.com/B00QPG561Q

FOLLOW YOUR HEART: http://amzn.com/B00TYM7XBE

Online:

Website www.ruthkaufman.com

Blog http://www.rjkaufman.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthKaufman

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