TWOLIPS REVIEWS
3RD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

TwoLips Reviews is having a scavanger hunt for their 3rd Birthday Celebration. Several authors along with myself are joining in on the fun. For a chance to win some great prizes please visit:

http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3455&Itemid=63)to

I'll continue to post reminders for the next four weeks. :-)

Happy hunting and best wishes to all who play.

Wednesday's Witty Words

from Wise Women

There are three ways to get something done.

Do it yourself, employ someone, or forbid your

children to do it.

- Monta Crane

In the Author Spotlight & Contest

Resa Nelson

CONTEST: One commenter will win a free copy of The Dragonslayer’s Sword! Please leave your email address so I can contact you.

AL: Hi Resa! Thanks for being in the “Author Spotlight” this week.

Resa: Thanks very much for inviting me here – I appreciate it!

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Resa: I’m hanging out with friends as much as I can this summer. I live near Boston, and I’m hoping to hit the major museums: I’ve already been to the Museum of Fine Arts, and I’d like to get to the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science (although I might wait until Fall because the new Harry Potter exhibit opens in October, I think). I also have plans to walk the Freedom Trail, a self-guided path through Boston to historical hot spots. So I guess I’m doing a lot of the touristy things that locals usually never get around to doing.

AL: What do you have for us to read?

Resa: My first novel, The Dragonslayer’s Sword. It’s the first in a series, but it works as a standalone novel.

AL: What got you diving into fantasy?

Resa: It started when I was a little girl. As soon as I learned how to read, I was constantly at the public library. The children’s section was in the basement, and I remember spending a lot of time there, exploring to see what kind of books I could find. I loved mythology, folk tales, and fairy tales. I think this resulted in a natural progression to fantasy.

AL: What part of you do you put into your characters?

Resa: It depends on the character. I have to find a way to identify with every character in every novel I write – even the villains. I have to understand every character’s point of view and world view, meaning, how that character views the current situation and what he or she believes about the world and the people who live in it. Sometimes there’s a lot of me in a character and sometimes I really have to search deep to find a way to connect.

AL: When you write do you do a detailed outline before you get started or do you have the idea then just 'fly by the seat of your pants'? :-)

Resa: I’m somewhere in the middle. I have to know the basic story, and I have to know the ending. A lot of times there’s a very specific image I need to be able to see that’s tied to the ending. I have to know exactly what I’m trying to say by writing the novel – what it is I’m doing thematically. And I need to have a basic grasp of my characters. So I’ll do a basic outline and then I tend to block out 100 pages at a time. But even my 100-page outlines are as basic as “In Chapter 1, this needs to happen. In Chapter 2, this needs to happen.” The analogy I always make is that it’s like going on vacation. You decide where to go on vacation, and you’ll probably book a flight or get maps if you’re driving. You might book a hotel in advance. You might have a general idea of what you want to do every day, but you don’t know exactly what each day will be like until you experience it. That’s how I write. I think about the entire novel carefully, but I leave space open for it to breathe and grow as I’m writing it.

AL: Now for some fun questions! Sometimes people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous…tell us what’s the most unglamorous thing you’ve done in the past week?

Resa: My laptop is cranky. I don’t mind heat and humidity, but it does. After my early-morning step aerobics (which involves a lot of sweating), I opted not to take a shower for the sake of my cranky laptop. I had a lot on my plate, and I couldn’t afford for my laptop to shut down after running for 10 minutes, which is what happens when there’s too much humidity. I live in a small condo, and steam from the bathroom or kitchen spreads everywhere quickly. I figured no one would be seeing (or smelling) me today, so I thought, what’s the harm? When I went down to my building’s laundry room to pick up my load from the dryer, two workmen were repairing the floor and had to endure stinky me. The poor guys!

AL: If you could go anywhere in the world and write to your hearts delight, where would you go, what would your story be about and what is the title?

Resa: I’d go to Scandinavia and travel in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to write Book 3 of my series. The Dragonslayer’s Sword is the first book in a four-book series. I’m close to finishing Book 2 (The Iron Maiden), and the working title of Book 3 is The Stone of Darkness. I wish I could tell you more, but all I can say is that it continues the adventures of my main character, Astrid.

AL: What's your favorite music?

Resa: Show tunes. I’m a huge fan of Broadway musicals and am in awe of how much emotion and information can be conveyed in just one song. Right now my favorite Broadway show CD is Wicked.

AL: You have just won five thousand dollars! But...you have to spend it all today. What will you buy?

Resa: I’d replace my cranky laptop! And then I’d book a trip somewhere. Maybe I could go to Costa Rica for a week or so and explore the rainforest.

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Resa: Every problem has a solution – you just have to figure out what it is.

AL: Thanks so much for sharing with joining us this week, Resa.

Resa: Thanks, Ann! It’s been lovely. (And next time I’ll shower – I promise!)

AL: If you’d like to find out more about Resa please visit:

http://www.resanelson.com/

FEATURED TITLE:

Blurb:

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover--the dragonslayer--disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning.

Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child.

Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

Excerpt:

When Taddeo came for the repaired Magenta, Astrid was prepared. He'd never catch her off guard again.

She glanced at the sword leaning against a nearby tree stump, then smiled. She'd worked long and hard hours on that sword.

Taddeo leered at her, the expression in his eyes assuming more than it should. "You may deliver the Magenta to my camp at noon."

Astrid concentrated on her work. "No."

"Tonight, then?"

"No." Astrid looked evenly at Taddeo. "You can have her now or come back some other time."
Insult edged his voice as he looked at the sword leaning against the tree stump. "Where is the Magenta's stone?"

Instead of the crimson stone, a small rock was imbedded in the hilt.

"Once in my hands, the gem turned to stone." Astrid gauged his reaction: surprise followed by hesitation. Followed by a tolerant but determined smile.

As she'd suspected, he knew such a thing was impossible. Unless one believed in magic and enchantment.

Another sword rested on top of the anvil behind Astrid. She handed the Magenta—with the gemstone replaced—to Taddeo.

He smiled, examining her work. "There are other weapons I would have you forge for me."
Taddeo had failed to lure her into his lair. Now he sought other reasons for contact with her.

"No."

The tone of Taddeo's voice didn't alter. "I would pay, of course." He glanced at her. "Whenever price you desire."

"I'm committed to other work."

"At a later time, then."

"No," Astrid said softly. "I think not."

Taddeo's face changed. A leer etched itself darkly in his eyes as they became narrower and smaller. His nose grew misshapen. The lines that had so beautifully defined his jaw and cheekbones weakened. His posture slackened and his youth faded.

Astrid watched in shocked silence. It was the first time Taddeo's shape had ever changed—she'd thought it was impossible. She'd thought he was too strong to let anyone's opinion of him take hold.

"I know other blacksmiths in other towns," he said. "The quality of their work lacks much. But it may be time to seek a change. Perhaps I have killed enough lizards for Guell." He paused, waiting for Astrid to protest. "Other towns seek my services."

Astrid calmly stood her ground. "It's a decision you alone can make."

His eyes squinted in an unbecoming manner as he searched her face.

Astrid wanted to remember Taddeo as she'd known him, not as he'd become. As hard as she tried, she couldn't remember exactly what he had looked like, only moments ago.

Astrid started at the rumble of thunder. She looked up, but the sky was clear and blue. No storm in sight.

Taddeo raised his head, his nostrils flaring. He sniffed the air like a dog. Then he knelt, laying one ear to the ground.

Astrid cried out as a dragon came crashing through the birch trees. In the distance, someone screamed.

The dragon looked like an enormous, fattened snake with bowed, crab-like legs. Its scales were dark and mottled, like tiny unlit coals spread evenly across the forge table. Long ridges shadowed its eyes on its flat serpent head, and the veined jowls at its throat heaved like a bellows. It lowered its belly to the ground, sizing up its prey.

Its long, forked, yellow tongue flicked as rapidly as new flames.

"Aiy yah!" Taddeo shouted, grasping the hilt of the Magenta. But when he leapt forward, the Magenta held him back. The sword was too heavy for him to wield.

The dragonslayer looked at the Magenta in disbelief, as if his best friend had betrayed him. Then he looked at his arms and his body, no longer large and muscular, but now withered with age. Until this moment, Taddeo hadn't noticed how severely Astrid's perception had changed him.

The dragon inhaled their fear, its tail cracking the birch trunks as it lashed back and forth.

Taddeo's gaze lifted toward Astrid. Enraged, he shouted, "Change me back!"

She didn't hear his words. Astrid stared at the dragon, mesmerized by its yellow eyes, as big as saucers.

Primal eyes.

Unwittingly, her breath began to match the rhythm of the dragon's panting.

Its curved and serrated teeth glistened, ivory sharp in its slackened jaw, dripping with spittle.
"Aiy yah!" Taddeo mustered his strength, pulling with all his might on the hilt. Still unable to raise the sword, he dragged it in the dust until the tip lay between him and the dragon.

With the agility of a cat pinning a mouse by the tail, the dragon slapped the sword flat on the ground with one foot.

Taddeo shouted, refusing to release the hilt, falling to the ground with the sword. The dragon's sharp, curved claws sliced Taddeo's cheek. The wound raised a welt, then bled steadily.

Oblivious, Taddeo grimaced, kicking at the dragon's foot to make it let go of the Magenta.

The dragon's jaw dropped slightly, and for a moment it looked like it was smiling.

Taddeo held onto the hilt of the Magenta with both hands, pivoting on his side, pushing with both feet against the dragon's foot, the tendons stretching taut in his face and neck and arms.

With its free front foot, the dragon pinned Taddeo's head to the ground.

"No!" Astrid snapped out of her fog. She reached for the sword leaning against the tree stump.
Astrid faced the dragon. Now knowing what else to do, She gripped the hilt with both hands, holding the sword spear-like above her head. She aimed the point directly at the dragon's yellow eye. "Let him go!"

Deftly, the dragon batted Astrid in the chest, knocking the sword from her hands and the wind from her lungs.

Backing away, she picked up the sword.

The same sword that had felt so much a part of her when she'd forged it felt alien to her now. She knew what to do with a hammer and tongs. But this sword—it felt like a stranger.
Taddeo was willing to give his all. Why shouldn't she?

Hands trembling, Astrid tried pointing the sword at the dragon and running straight toward it. Fear pulled her up short, and she found herself running away instead. It was as if her feet had betrayed her head.

She tightened her grip, focusing on the cool, hard touch of iron. She had to find a way to be just as cool and hard.

Gathering her courage with a quick breath, she ran forward, pointing the sword at the dragon.
The dragon evaded her blow, only getting nicked.

But her attack forced the dragon to let go of the Magenta and Taddeo.

Astrid fell, pulled by the force of her missed blow, landing face first in the dust. She scrambled up to her feet.

The dragon panted loudly behind her.

Spinning to face it, she was struck numb with horror.

She saw herself reflected in the dragon's amber eyes. What she saw on her own face was what she had seen on DiStephan's face the day she saw him kill a dragon, the day he'd frightened her.
Astrid and DiStephan had gone out in the woods on a picnic when DiStephan had smelled dragon in the air. It wasn't an adult dragon that DiStephan had killed. It wasn't even a fledgling.

It was a hatchling, weak and vulnerable.

DiStephan's fighting instinct had kicked in. All he'd known was that it was a dragon, and he fought with full force. He didn't simply kill the hatchling. He'd beaten it into bloody pulp, acting more like an animal than a man.

For the first time, he'd scared her. Instead of feeling safe with him by her side, she'd felt endangered.

That was eight months ago.

Now she saw the desire to kill for the sake of killing on her own face. It was something she never imagined she'd see.

Taddeo's face was covered with blood and dust, and he cried out again as he pulled the Magenta weakly toward the dragon, barely nudging its belly.

The dragon batted Taddeo across the smithery yard, then raised its foot to Astrid.

"No!" Astrid raised her sword steadily. "I don't want to hurt you!"

The dragon snorted, its eyes narrowing.

"I know about you," she said shakily, staring back. "You make people smaller and weaker, and sometimes they're so scared they turn into deer, and the only way you can tell they were ever people is to look in their eyes, because that's all that's left of who they used to be." Astrid shook her head slightly, looking straight into the dragon's eyes. "Don't do that."

The dragon stepped closer, its sideways-angled legs moving in opposition. It stepped on the thick pads of its feet, dragging the back of its paws against the ground. The tips of its claws barely grazed the grass as they lifted with each new step. As the dragon lumbered, it seemed to throw its limbs forward through sheer will.

Astrid stood her ground, but she wanted to run away. In a moment of panic, she drew the sword in close to her body. She held it vertically, unwittingly using it more like a shield than a sword. As the dragon stepped close enough to touch her, she kept the blade between them. One sharp edge touched the dragon's nose, the other, her own skin.

Terrified, Astrid babbled.

"I know you're hungry," she said. "But don't eat people. There are animals in the forest. There are grain fields and wild berries in the south. There's food all around—you don't need anyone in Guell!"

As the dragon leaned forward, Astrid pressed back the pressure with the blade, still not cutting the dragon's skin. "I know you don't understand what I'm saying, but I think you understand what I mean."

The dragon sniffed her hair, then licked the sweat from her arms with the tips of its forked yellow tongue, sending chills down Astrid's back. Before she could blink, the dragon sprang back through the birch trees.

Trembling, Astrid sank to the dirt, both hands still clinging to the hilt of her sword.

With a thud, Taddeo sat next to her. He stared at the birch trees in disbelief. "That," he said, panting, "I have never seen. The beast took you up on your offer."

"Dragons aren't that much different from you or me," Astrid said, shaken. "They just live the best way they know how."

Taddeo looked younger, as if he'd regained most of his strength. "If you were not so compassionate, you could be a dragonslayer." Taddeo shook his head, looking at Astrid with admiration and only a hint of desire.

Astrid stared at the trees, gasping, feeling her heart shake. "I don't want to be a dragonslayer."
She thought about DiStephan. Now she understood the primitive rage he'd felt when he slaughtered the hatchling on a gentle spring day. It was something she never wanted to feel again.

"You realize, of course," Taddeo said, standing and offering her a hand up, "you have now dismissed a week's meal for the town."

Astrid accepted his hand, leaning on her sword as she stood. "There will be others." She looked out toward the birches, then squinted at Taddeo. "I trust you won't let the next one get away."
Taddeo caught his breath, then relaxed into a smile. "No," he said with confidence. "That is the last one to get away."

Realizing her clothes felt loose, Astrid looked down to see that her body had returned to its normal shape and size.

"That happened when you fought the lizard," Taddeo said. "You returned to yourself."

Awkward and hesitant, Astrid gave him a slight smile. "You've returned to yourself, too."

"Yes," Taddeo said, clearing his throat. "As has the Magenta." He bowed slightly. "Thank you for your work."

"You're welcome," she said, watching the dragonslayer walk away with the sword she had forged for him.

REMEMBER: One commenter will win a free copy of The Dragonslayer’s Sword! Please leave your email address so I can contact you.

Wednesday's Witty Words
....from Wise Women

Always be a first-rate version of yourself,

instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

-Judy Garland

In the Author Spotlight

Vivian Arend

AL: Hi Vivian! Thanks for being in the “Author Spotlight” this week.

Vivian: I’ve been having so much fun dropping in on others—thanks for having me!

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Vivian: I’m happy to report I’ve almost managed to complete cleaning out my craft room. While that may seem like a strange thing to be focused on, I have to tell you we’ve moved four times in four years, and the house is up for sale again. I –refuse- to allow myself to haul unneeded supplies on yet another trip.

Besides, I could use the shelf space for more books. :wink:

AL: Wolves, cowboys, Atlantian lovers…oh my! What new release do you have on the bookshelf for us to read.

Vivian: My latest is a twist on the shifter theme- Tidal Wave has merfolk who can live under the water in their human form, plus they can shift to dolphins. Some can even do a St. Elmo’s fire change. It’s a bit on the steamy side; the characters shanghaied me and turned the book into a ménage. I’m not sure I’ve recovered from the surprise yet.

AL: In your bio it says you didn’t start reading romance until 2008. What bug bit you good and hard so that you not only read, but now write such steamy tales?

Vivian: I think the only romance I’d been introduced to before were very vanilla kiss-in-the-sunset closed door varieties. There was something that really bothered me about it all; I mean in Sci-fi they discuss and describe technologies, why shouldn’t romance be about more than ‘Oh Fabio, hold me in your arms’…slam door?

The turning point was discovering eBooks. I met an online friend who mentioned them. Followed her to a publisher and grabbed the first book that caught my eye. :bugeyes: It was a m/m/f werewolf shifter by Tielle St. Clare, and I was intrigued.

Then the obsessive-compulsive behavior took over and I started writing!

AL: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

Vivian: I would like to be able to write for a living. Is it possible? Not sure, but in the meantime I’m having too much fun to worry about all the details.

Goals? I would love to get into an anthology with other writers—I think that would be enormously entertaining.

AL: Of all your heroines which one is most like you?

Vivian: Ummm…I can be stubborn like Robyn in Wolf Signs. I could live on a farm and deal with the household like Jaxi.

I don’t plan my stories, they happen, so finding out details about a character is like meeting a new friend. In some ways we might get along and have similarities, and in others, they are all on their own.

AL: Now it’s time to kick our shoes off and get personal….If you had to write yourself as a heroine, what kind of heroine would you be? What would you be named?

Vivian: Oh, I would have to be a shifter. Dragon!! J I had the elvish name of Sirwyn back when I played D&D, but I don’t know if ‘River Maid’ works for a dragon.

AL: Now, as heroine part of the story is you have to kiss a frog. Who or what would he turn into?
Vivian: See, the dragon theme is still working for me. Hmm, a dragon shifter who looks like Ryan Reynolds. Yup, that would be fine…

AL: Do you have a favorite sport, &/or team that you follow?

Vivian: Oops. I love to watch the Olympics, but on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, no sports teams. I hike and kayak and ski myself. That’s more fun to my way of thinking.

AL: An American Werewolf in Paris or Wolf?

Vivian: Wolf, all the way. There is something so beautiful about a wolf pack singing when you’re in the mountains.

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Vivian: “Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire.” W. B. Yeats. I think we can all learn things if we put our minds to it. Enthusiasm counts for a lot.

AL: Thanks so much once again for joining us, Vivian.

Vivian: So glad I could drop in. And I hope that if any of your readers have questions for me they give me a shout!

AL: If you’d like to find out more about Vivian please visit:

http://vivarend.blogspot.com/
http://vivianarend.com/

http://internationalheat.wordpress.com/

FEATURED TITLE:

Blurb:

Slippery when wet…

Forces of Nature, Book 1

From her first kiss to her first sight of dolphins dancing on the waves, Alexia Colten has always held a special place in her heart for Jaffrey’s Cove. Now that she’s back to help her grandmother settle into a home, she discovers this place has lost none of its remembered magic. In fact, it seems more magical than before—and more erotic.

After she’s gifted with a beautiful, dolphin-etched medallion, she finds herself surrounded by the golden boys of summers past. Her body is filled with longings she can’t explain and dreams of blue lights that turn into lovers.

Joshua Marley and his cousin Anthony are merfolk, a people capable of living beneath the waves as either dolphin or human. Alexia holds the medallion that marks her as the next in line to lead their people—if she can prove she can transform. Working in tandem, they’re sure they can arouse her passion and protect her from those who would use her simply to gain power.

But their strength alone may not be enough to help her face the challenge of her new position…

Warning: This title contains a conniving granny, naked men in the surf and shifters who take fun in the water to new depths. Snorkels not required.

Excerpt:

The click as the door shut behind Michael echoed in the room, Anthony’s agitated breathing loud in the silence. Joshua swept a hand through his hair and took a calming breath himself. He’d never thought Michael would resort to violence to try and claim the Keeper.

Delicate fingers slipped into his hand and his heartbeat doubled. Alexia was here, he was here.

Anthony was still here.

His cousin’s expression held a mix of anger and awe, and Joshua empathized deeply. With Michael’s departure, the sexual tension returned, a heady sensation that tangled Joshua’s limbs and clouded his mind. In her every move and glance, Alexia sent a clear message of arousal and need, one he wished nothing more than to answer immediately.

Completely. Forcefully.

He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it lightly, tonguing the tender flesh between her knuckles.

“You have a good right hook, my lady,” Joshua said, soft and low, his voice gravelly as lust raced through his body.

Alexia’s eyes were huge in her pale face. She moistened her bottom lip with her tongue and a flush covered her skin.

“Now what, Joshua? Now what do we do?” He had to strain to hear her quiet voice, embarrassment coloring her prettily.

He raised a brow, his fingers stroking hers. “Anthony explained. You are the one who must decide what you need. We will do whatever you ask, whether it’s a walk on the beach or a game of cards. We could sit by the fire and tell you stories about what it’s like to travel underwater.”

As he spoke Alexia pulled away from him to stare out the window at the ocean. Her body sagged and she hugged her arms around her body tightly. Her head dropped to the cool glass for a moment and Joshua hesitated. Perhaps it was all too much too fast.

She knew what she needed to demand of them. It was a part of who she was, the heritage in belonging to the line of the matriarch. Now that the medallion had begun to awaken her body to the change, there was no turning back. Her longing for transformation would drive her need for sex higher and higher to the point of overwhelming lust.

Every inch of Joshua’s body urged him to step forward and take her into his arms, but he held back. He had to let her be the one to decide. “We could say good night, and let you sleep and think about things until the morning,” he said, attempting to keep the reluctance out of his voice.
Anthony cleared his throat. “We could…” His gaze flicked to Joshua as if asking permission. “We could…”

“Hold me?” Alexia whispered. She turned her back to the windows and squared her shoulders.

“Ummm, yes.”

“Kiss me?” she breathed as her head tilted to the side.

Anthony swallowed hard before nodding.

Alexia smiled, a mischievous expression crossing her face. She stepped closer to Anthony but looked at Joshua. “Make love to me?” she purred.

Groans tore from both their throats as she reached for them. Joshua stayed back, letting Anthony take Alexia into his arms first.

The anger he expected to flare at seeing anyone touch Alexia arrived, but far more tempered than he’d believed possible. Anthony’s tender adoration for her was so clear in his every movement Joshua felt a tentative peace as he watched their lips meet. He didn’t want it to happen. He’d give anything to be all she needed.

But he wasn’t. Not yet. Perhaps not ever.

Anthony kissed her again, a hesitant caress. Joshua watched a trickle of blue shoot from his cousin to brush Alexia’s skin. The magic of St. Elmo’s fire would make her strong. Along with the chemicals from both of them, she would able to transform and survive underwater and lead their people.

What Joshua could give alone wasn’t enough.

This night had to happen. He would share, for her sake, this one time.

Please let it be only this one time.

Joshua moved to stoke the fire higher, pull cushions to the floor and open the curtains to let the ocean witness their lovemaking.

In the Author Spotlight & Contest

Shiela Stewart

CONTEST: One commenter will receive a free ecopy of Until Death Do Us Part. Make sure to leave your email address so Shiela can contact you if you win.

AL: Hi Shiela! Thanks for joining us once again.

Shiela: Thank you so much, Ann for having me.

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Shiela: Well, as I sit here doing this interview I watch the rain pouring outside and I wonder when will summer arrive. I love working outside in my yard and haven’t had much opportunity to do so this summer, it’s been raining and cool so much. But I have managed to get out and plant some flowers and start a small vegetable garden that is beginning to flourish. Aside from that, I’ve been remodeling my home, adding in some French doors to a room that was wide open.

I along with my husband and three grown children managed to spend two days at the lake, despite the rain and cool weather. One of my sisters is in from Ontario and on the weekend we plan on meeting two of my brothers a well as nieces, nephews, aunts and my mother at a campground for some fun. The last time we all gathered was a somber time, at my father’s funeral last August. Though it had been a solemn time, we did manage to have some fun and I in turn ended up wearing several cups of water. I am told to be prepared for similar events on the weekend. I’ll be prepared and bring extra clothes. LOL

Aside from that, I’ve been busy dragging my youngest daughter (14) out of bed every morning to attend summer school. Had she not failed math she would have her summer off, and so would I.

AL: What do you currently have for us to read? More sexy vamps to sink our teeth into…

Shiela: LOL, well, yes and no. My current project is a non-paranormal romance. I know, you along with my fans are in shock. “Me, write a non-paranormal” Though it is rare, I have done so on occasion and this next release of mine, Until Death Do Us Part is a romantic suspense that though no biting is involved, there is a great deal of emotion, suspense and love. Until Death will be released on July 15th.

As for sexy vamps… Check the next question.

AL: You have a lot of changes getting ready to take place…care to share with Blog Bites readers?

Shiela: Do I ever. LOL It has been a crazy few months for me. I am no longer with Linden Bay Romance and therefore my books are currently not available but fear not. Beginning in August, my Darkness series will be re-released with the first two Darkness books, Seducing and Desiring the Darkness, and two never before released novels, Consuming the Darkness and Surviving the Darkness. But if you think you know everything there is to know about my released Darkness books already, then you’re in for a big surprise. In moving to Absolute, I’ve added some content to my Darkness series that I’m sure the readers won’t want to miss. Also, there are brand new covers and I must say, they are divine!

AL: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

Shiela: As long as I can keep piping out great novels that readers enjoy, I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

AL: What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?

Shiela: If you think you know it all…you’re in for a big surprise. LOL Things are always changing and just because one genre is popular now it doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow so don’t give up if you don’t write in that genre. And remember, just because one editor doesn’t like what you sent in, it doesn’t mean it’s not good. Send it to someone else and who knows, it could be the next great novel.

AL: Now it’s time to get personal…If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell?

Shiela: LOL, well…my muse would say I’m a very shy person until I feel comfortable in my surroundings. I’m also vulnerable, sensitive and emotional. But never, never piss me off because there will be hell to pay. LOL As for secrets. If she knows what’s good for her she’ll keep her mouth shut. LOL

AL: Summer is here! What is your favorite part about the season?

Shiela: As noted above, what season? I’ve yet to see summer. LOL

Actually, Fall is my favorite season. I love the vibrant colors of the leaves as they change from green to yellow and orange. Also, it’s the season when I met my husband, my love of my life.

AL: If you could go anywhere in the world and write to your hearts delight, where would you go, what would your story be about and what is the title?

Shiela: Anywhere I am is perfect for writing. I’m really not a traveler. I’m a home body but there are a few places I would love to visit. One is Scotland. I have a strong desire to see a castle. I’ve always had a fascination with castles. I also want to see Niagara Falls and walk around the bright lights of Vegas. I’m sure while I’m at any one of these places a story will creep into my mind and beg to be given a voice.

AL: You’re the actress in a must see blockbuster movie that everyone’s been waiting all summer for.1) What’s the movie about? 2) Who’s your character? 3) And who’s your leading man?

Shiela: Well, this is an interesting question, one I’ve never had before. Good one!

The Movie would be a thriller/suspense. Maybe about a woman who is tormented by demons and has struggled her entire life to be rid of them and keep them hidden only to have a traumatic event bring them forward. Now that they’re free they want to take her down but wait…in walks the hero to help me fight them off. Who the leading man would be…Hmm….Hugh Jackman or Johnny Depp. Yummy, yummy, yummy. J And now that you got my brain going the story is beginning to formulate. LOL

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Shiela: “It’s a dog eat dog world and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.” Quote from Norm on the eighties series Cheers.

AL: Thanks so much for coming back and sharing with joining us once again, Shiela.

Shiela: Thank you so much, Ann, for having me again. I always love coming here and being your guest.

AL: If you’d like to find out more about Shiela please visit:

www.shielasbooks.ca

http://www.absolute-x-press.blogspot.com/

FEATURED TITLE:

Blurb:

Beautiful, wealthy, a luxurious home and a handsome and devoted husband, Victoria Brentwood has it all. Until a sudden explosion takes the life of the man she loves. Alone and grieving Victoria knows she has to go on for her unborn child’s sake and the multi-million dollar hotel empire her husband left her.

Struggling to raise her daughter and make it alone, Victoria continues with life haunted by one question. Who killed her husband? Victoria begins to rebuild her life and has it all turned around when her dead husband Christian, walks back into her life.

Under the Witness Relocation Program, Christian has spent the past year and a half of his life in hiding while the police search for the man who wants him dead. When he’s told to come out of hiding to lure the killer out, Christian has no idea what’s in store for him. Upon his return he is faced with a wife who refuses to take him back and a child he knows nothing of. Wanting both back in his life, Christian expects Victoria to take him back. She on the other hand, isn’t quite so ready.

With a killer on their trail, will they be able to mend the broken fence that is their marriage before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

Today marked their one year anniversary as husband and wife, and it wouldn’t be just that they would celebrate tonight. Something very special would be announced at dinner, and it had her heart racing with excitement of the fact.

“Victoria my love, you are truly a vision.” He held his hand out to her as she moved towards him.

"I never tire of hearing that.” Taking his hand she waited for his usual brush of lips against her knuckles and wasn’t disappointed.

“I was growing a little impatient waiting for you, but now I see it was well worth the wait.” His lips grazed over her knuckles just as she’d predicted and it sent her pulse soaring.

“I am always worth the wait.” She placed a hand to his cheek and smiled with light amusement twinkling in her blue eyes.

“No truer words have been said my love.” Still holding her hand, he pulled her closer and slipped a soft and gentle kiss to her lips. “Shall we go?”

His emerald eyes looked down into hers and she sensed something in his eyes she couldn’t explain. “Yes, let’s.” She couldn’t wait to tell him her good news.

“I’ll just get the car.”

“No driver tonight?” Slowly he released her and turned to the door and she felt an odd sensation run down her spine. Shaking it loose, she checked her hand bag to make sure she had everything she needed.

“Not tonight.” He opened the door and held it while she stepped through. “Victoria?”

She paused to turn to him. “Yes, Christian?”

He took a slow steadying breath and pulled her into his arms. “I love you, always and forever, remember that.”

Her smile was a glitter of emotion. “I know that my love, as do I.” But that odd sensation wouldn’t leave her.

Cupping her face gently in his hands he pulled her in and sunk his lips into hers. It wasn’t a kiss filled with passion, but solely of need.

There was the usual tingling throughout her body, the racing heart and quickening pulse she felt when he touched her with his lips.

Releasing her, he gave his trade mark dimpled smile, and then turned to leave.

Victoria ran a delicate finger along her swollen lips and smiled. She loved him with all she had, heart, body and soul. And as she stepped out into the star studded evening, she couldn’t wait to tell him he was to be a father.

The blast had her ears ringing and echoing in her head. Turning, she saw the flames shoot high into the dark night sky, and she screamed.

“Christian.” Dropping her evening bag, lifting her gown she ran in her heels towards the garage that was fully engulfed in flames. “Christian,” she cried out again and prayed he would answer her. The closer she got the more she could feel the heat from the flames. She would have run into the fire if she hadn’t been stopped.

“Mrs. Brentwood, you can’t go in there.” Driscoll, their chauffeur, held her by the waist and struggled to keep her away from the fire.

“Christian is in there, I have to get him out.” She tried to break free but he held her so firmly. Her love, her life, was in that fire and she would do anything to get him out.

“You can’t save him now, ma’am.” He turned her towards the house.

“Driscoll stop it, let me go.” She could hear the snapping of wood and the pop of plastic but all she could think was, he’s in there and he needs me.

“No, ma’am he’s gone.” He grabbed hold of her shoulders and gave her a hard shake. “He’s gone.”

She looked from the fire to Driscoll, her eyes shimmering with tears from the fire, but now the recognition set in and the tears turned to pain. “No Driscoll, he’s alive, I know he is.” She could still feel him inside of her heart.

“Mrs. Brentwood, look at the place, nothing could survive that.”

Her tears fell hot and heavy as she looked back to the building that was barely standing, and fully engulfed in flames. “No, Christian, dear God no!”The darkness swirled around her, flames that had been so bright moments earlier suddenly dimmed. She felt her knees go weak then it all went black.

REMEMBER: One commenter will receive a free ecopy of Until Death Do Us Part. Make sure to leave your email address so Shiela can contact you if you win.

Wednesday's Witty Words from Wise Women

A woman at peace has stopped looking for
someone to blame.

- Barbara Jenkins

Summer Movies

I don't believe we'll be having an "Author Spotlight" this week...

So, this summer seems to have a lot of fun movies on the market. Since having my daughter I forgot that you can't just go to the movies anymore at the drop of a hat. My son is going to be 11 in a couple months and hubby and I got used to just being able to go either with him, or if the movie wasn't appropriate he'd stay the night with a friend, or at grandma's.

With that being said I've missed just about every movie I've wanted to see this summer so I'll be buying lots of DVD's come fall.

BUT I am making arrangements to see the new Harry Potter movie when it comes out this month.

What has everyone seen? Any movie buffs out there? Fill me in on what movies you've seen this summer, or what you're waiting for so you can run and be the first in line. :-D

Wednesday Witty Words from Wise Women

We had a lot in common.
I loved him and
he loved him.

- Shelley Winters