Monday, July 30, 2018

Featuring Immortal Justice and Faith V. Smith



. . .Over a millennium ago, Highlander Darach MacRath was murdered. . . . Resurrected by the Archangel Michael to fight demons as an Immortal Executioner, Darach now opposes all evil in the mortal world. His life is solitary—but when he rescues a young woman who not only sees demons but battles them herself, he is captivated by her courage and beauty.
. . . Abigail Dupree is not looking for love. But when a tall, dark demon fighter with a sexy brogue intervenes in her hunt, she’s fascinated. She should run away—but then his gentle yet sizzling touch ensnares her heart.
. . . When a demon from Darach’s past sets his sights on Abby, Darach will do anything to protect her—but for Abby, losing him would be worse than death. Together they must fight the demons of past and present, and the possibility that evil could destroy them both, before they find the gift of love.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to welcome an author who is “new” to us, but we're sure will return again and again with her amazing characters: Faith V. Smith, creator of Immortal Justice. She's brought along the charming Darach MacRath. We'll let him speak for himself.
Where are you from, Darach? I was born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland but for the last decade or so I have lived in New Orleans
We see from the blurb above what Immortal Justice is about but what did you think the first time you saw Abigail Dupree. That the mortal woman had lost her mind trying to fight a demon by her wee self. 
What was your second thought? How courageous and beautiful she was.
Did you feel it was love at first sight? I ken I felt something for Abby, and the something grew into so much of a miracle for me.
What do you like most about her? I like how Abby cares about others, albeit sometimes she allows her heart to get her into trouble.
How would you describe her? My Abby is a wee little thing. And her silver-blonde hair can turn a man's head, even an immortal's, but it is the blue of her eyes that caused me to drown with their depths.
How would she describe you? She will tell ye, I am overbearing, chauvinistic, over protective, and others things I am sure.
What made you take Immortal Executioner for a career choice? I dinnae choose it, it chose me, or so the Archangel Michael told me. After being murdered I woke up in Heaven, and was told I would be fighting demons on earth.
What is your biggest fear? Losing Abby. I dinnae ken what I would do without her.
How do you relax? Sitting at home with Abby, and then having a drink of good Scottish whiskey while I am sharpening my sword.
Who is your favorite fictional character? I truly cannae say. I stay too buy fighting demons to think about fictional people.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Michael told me I should learn patience. My wife agrees.

Darach and Faith brought along an excerpt of Immortal Justice:
     “Ye willna be needing a weapon, I will protect ye.”
     His statement irritated Abby, but at the same time a part of her was just a tiny bit thrilled. It seemed immortal or not, a man always had the attitude of protecting the little woman—whether they needed it or not. Of course to be fair, he had saved her butt from the demon, but he needed to know she wasn’t some frightened babe in the woods.
     “I beg to differ. If I’d had a knife I could have done some serious damage, and besides, you can't protect me twenty-four-seven, Darach.”
     “Ye will be protected at all times, Abby.”
     “You’re missing the point. Maybe I don’t need a keeper. I have managed to take care of myself for over…” Abby decided he didn’t really have to know she was over thirty. “And what about when you’re asleep? You do sleep don’t you?”
     Darach frowned, but answered, “Aye, I do sleep, but ’tis usually during the daylight hours. However now I will be sleeping at night in your bed with ye.”

Wonderful. Thank you, Darach for spending a bit of time with us. We'd now like to switch our attention to Faith.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I think watching the Sword and the Sorcerer years ago, had me falling for long-haired, handsome heroes. And Kathleen Woodiweiss' The Wolf and the Dove, which was my first full length historical romance, caused me to plummet even harder into the world of tough, scarred, heroes.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I wrote this book about 4-5 years after my husband died. I could totally relate to losing a loved one.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? Wow, my friend Nicola Martinez told me about The Wild Rose Press. They were so sweet and gave excellent feedback. It made me feel like I was an author, the way they treated me, even though I'd had other books published with them, It is always a wonderful experience.
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I have several suspense novels on my TBR, one which is by author Eliza March, Across a Crowded Room.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I am currently working on the 4th book in my Bound By Blood, the Legends series, as well as Immortal Revenge which features Sean from Immortal Justice.
If our readers are as intrigued as us, where can they purchase your books and/or contact you? All of my books can be found on Amazon, and readers are more than welcome to contact me at faithvsmith@aol.com. Also my website is faithvsmith.com




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Monday, July 23, 2018

Focus: Toni V. Sweeney and Respite

A Brief Stop between Life and Death. . .

Aric kan Ingan’s return to Arcanis means certain death but it’s the only hope he has of regaining the right to life with his beloved Susan. Is it any wonder he’s taking a detour from extinction and accompanying friend Miles to Terra?
Apart from the usual culture clashes, free-wheeling Terran women, and ozone alerts there shouldn’t be any problems. It’s simply a last chance for him to learn about Earth before his ordeal begins.
When Aric meets Miles’ foster mother ,however, his fidelity to Susan will be greatly tested, for Jenny Graves is not only an attractive older woman …she’s a love-starved one.

A few words from our guest author on Respite:

This novel, Respite, is exactly that, a short interval between my hero’s decision to perform a single desperate act that will allow him to marry the woman he loves and his arrival on the planet where he set events in motion that may or may not work out as he hopes.

Aric kan Ingan was accused of a crime he didn’t commit and given a choice between death and exile. Placed in the position of admitting to an even worse crime to clear himself (that of having an affair with his sovereign’s wife), or remaining silent and accepting his fate, he chooses the latter.

After ten years of wandering, he takes a job as a security guard at a Terran mining colony and there he meets the two people who will be so much a part of his life: Miles Sheffield, his mistress’ younger brother, and Susan Moran, the colony’s doctor. Aric falls in love and now all he wants is to have his citizenship restored so he can marry Susan and have that fabled ‘happily ever after.’

Unfortunately, if Aric marries, his sentence will be passed to his wife and children, so there’s only one thing he can do.

Returning to his home and petitioning the Arcanian courts to pardon him is a risk. The judges may let his previous sentence stand and if that happens, he’ll die within moments of the verdict.

In an attempt to blot out thoughts of his coming death, Aric accompanies Miles to Earth before he makes that confrontation on Arcanis.

The Earth of Aric’s time is a very different place from the one we in the 21st century know. Africa is now uninhabited. The entire continent is a game preserve, made into a federation-protected park. Only native Africans and a few government employees legally live there. There are ozone alerts, during which no aircraft or other flying vehicles are allowed in the air while electronics orbiting the planet work to replenish the thinning layer. Coffee and cigarettes are illegal but still enjoyed by those with “sources” who can obtain the proscribed products. The company Aric and Miles work for is one of the most powerful conglomerates on the planet, second only to the United Terran Federation itself.

Aric is dazzled and fascinated by all he sees but if he hopes to forget for a while what’s waiting for him, he sorely mistaken, however, for the free-wheeling Earthwomen continually remind him of his fidelity to Susan…until he meets Jenny Graves, that is. The wife of Miles’ guardian, Jenny is an older woman neglected by her husband and intrigued by the handsome alien her foster son brings into her home. She’s going to be more than a test for Aric, underscoring exactly the kind of person he’s become during his exile, and straining his promises to Susan to their limits.

Here’s an excerpt from Respite:

“I thought I heard a crash. Did you fall?”
She ignored his obvious discomfort and that angered him even more, that she could be so unconscious of the awkwardness she’d barged in on. She simply came inside, shutting the bedroom door quietly behind her.
“Yes, I did.” Aric’s answer was rueful as he attempted to enunciate carefully. “I’m afraid I’m a little drunk.”
It was evidence exactly how drunk he was that he admitted it.
“I figured as much,” she said mildly as if she really wasn’t surprised. She walked over to the bed. “Did Miles come back with you?”
“No, he…”
I can’t tell her Miles went off with two women he picked up in a bar. Can I?
“He was…detained.”
“I see. Found himself a girl, didn’t he?”
Aric didn’t answer, didn’t correct her.
Not a girl, Jenny. Girls, plural.
“Boys will be boys, I suppose.” She sighed. “Sometimes I wish Miles had been a girl. I think he might’ve been easier to raise…”
Aric didn’t reply to that, either. He was busy trying to arrange the sheet across his hips without being obvious about it. He fumbled with the sheet, bent his knees and sat up, twisting to plump the pillows behind him.
As he did that, Jenny said, “I don’t know how you can stand having that window open.” She shivered. “You certainly must be warm-blooded.” She brushed one hand against the other arm, the movement slow and sensuous. “Brrr. It’s cold to me and I’m wearing a nightgown. How can you stand it against bare skin?”
Her gaze flicked from Aric’s chest to the window and back.
What the hell am I supposed to say to that? Once more, Aric kept judiciously quiet.
To his surprise, she sat on the edge of the bed, so close her hip touched his. Aric struggled to wriggle away and the sheet, held down by Jenny’s weight, slid from his waist to a point past his navel. Not bothering to be subtle, he caught at it and jerked it upward again.
“You’re definitely going to need that blanket tonight.” Jenny was still oblivious to the embarrassment she was causing.
Or was she?
Aric was now certain her actions were deliberate. She might even be enjoying his discomfort.
She leaned toward him, placing a hand on his bare shoulder. Before he could recover, Aric shivered, visibly and obviously, from the warmth of her touch.
“You skin… it’s like ice. You’re going to catch cold.”
The hand slid downward, brushing the coppery mass of curls on his chest.
“Or perhaps not.” She made a sound suspiciously like a coquettish giggle.
Taking a deep breath, Aric decided he had to do something. He was just drunk enough to let his loneliness, his previous thoughts, and his still eager cock guide him in what he was going to do, even if it wasn’t what he should do. He’d already admitted Jenny was an attractive woman…and obviously a willing one…while he…
I’m damned deprived and hungry. He shook off that last struggling bit of moral reserve. Oh, what the hell!
“I imagine there’s a way you can make certain I don’t get cold.”
“Of course. I’ll activate the heating system. Each room has its own thermostat.”
Jenny half-rose.
Placing his hand over hers, Aric pulled her back onto the bed.
“That’s not the kind of heat I want.”
“What do you mean?” She looked startled, whether by his touch or his statement, he couldn’t tell.
She attempted to pull her hand from his but he pressed it against his chest so her fingers splayed over one breast. She moved her hand slightly, realized her fingertips brushed against his nipple, and stopped.
Aric drew in a sudden deep breath.
“I think you know.”
He didn’t raise his voice, keeping it barely above a whisper. That level of sound spoke of intimacy, sending another kind of chill skittering along his skin. He slid his hand down Jenny’s, loosening his hold on her fingers, touching her wrist and feeling an equal reaction.
“Isn’t that why you came in here?”
“Aric…” She whispered his name. It echoed through the room before being blown away by the breeze trickling through the window.


To purchase Respite (Book 3 of the kan Ingan Archives, Part 2 of the Arcanian Chronicles), go to:

Respite is available in paperback from the publisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/cat-romance/respite-8842018-04-14-05-17-51-detail


About Our Guest:

Toni V. Sweeney has lived 30 years in the South, a score in the Middle West, and a decade on the Pacific Coast and now she’s trying for her second 30 on the Great Plains.

Since the publication of her first novel in 1989, Toni divides her time between writing SF/Fantasy under her own name and romances under her pseudonym Icy Snow Blackstone. In March, 2013, she became publicity manager for Class Act Books (US). She is also on the review staff of the New York Journal of Books and the Paranormal Romance Guild. In 2016, she was named a Professional Reader by netgalley.com.
She is an Amazon reviewer, is in the 1% of reviewers for Goodreads, and in 2015 and 2016 was voted one of the Top 10 authors of those years by Preditors & Editors Readers Poll. In 2013, the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Reviewer’s Choice voted The kan Ingan Archives (Part Two of the Arcanian Chronicles) a Special Mention, and the following year, named the individual novels The Man from Cymene, and Space Studs, from the same series two of the Top 8 SF/fantasy novels of 2014.
As of 2018, Toni currently has 55 novels in print, including 3 series, and 3 trilogies.

To find out more about Toni, go to:

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BLQBB8
Twitter: @ToniVSweeney







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Sunday, July 8, 2018

Focus on: Bloodcurse by Toni V. Sweeney

Wild Women Authors welcomes back author Toni V. Sweeney and. . .
Bloodcurse (Book 3 of the Narrative of Riven the Heretic, Part 1 of the Arcanian Chronicles)

At last married to the woman he has desired for so long, Riven kan Ingan discovers old hatreds and long ago grudges aren’t absolved by wedding vows. In an attempt to protect his young wife from his enemies, he accepts a title from the Margrave, taking her to lead the dull life of a country noble. Married life may have made Riven kan Ingan a love-struck fool, but he refuses to be a cuckold when he returns from battle to discover his beloved Barbara pregnant with a child he couldn’t have sired. In fury at her supposed unfaithfulness, he risks the wrath of the gods and sends her to her death, only to find himself driven from his domain by a deadly curse. Haunted by Barbara’s memory, Riven begins a quest to find the one who cursed him. In the years that follow, his journey will take him to the land of his birth, where he’ll discover long-hidden family secrets and himself dependent upon a barbarian’s woman gentle mercy to help him rid himself of the remnants of the Bloodcurse.

Excerpt:
“If the wind chills you,” he said, “There’s a cloak of marten furs in my saddlebag.”
Rising, she walked to where the bags lay next to his saddle, knelt and unbuckled one pouch, reaching inside.
“Oh, Riven…” The sadness in her voice made him look up in concern.
In her hand she held, not the expected cloak, but a short, slender sword. The firelight flickered and glanced off the blade. It was little more than an over-long knife, made from a stone fallen from the sky, star metal fashioned into a weapon purchased for a barbarian child by a young soldier, long ago.
“Where did that come from?”
“Mikil.” Barbara whispered. She touched the blade gently, as if she once more caressed the man who had been her husband. She looked as if she were about to burst into tears.
Riven remembered Mikil handing him the saddlebags. The boy must have hidden the sword inside while his back was turned.
“Keep it,” he said curtly, startled by that first faint stirring of the jealousy that would stay with him for the rest of his life. “You may need it.”
“For protection, my lord?” She swung around to look at him, brows raised. “From whom? Not you?”
He didn’t answer, but turned away, staring into the fire.
Read the flames for me, woman, as you did when we first met. Tell me if our life together will be all I want it to be.
Returning the sword to the pouch, Barbara rummaged inside the saddlebag. In a moment, her cry of delight told him she’d found the cloak. He smiled slightly as she swung it around her shoulders, rubbing her cheek against the dark, thick fur trimming its edges.
It was an expensive garment. He’d spent the last of his back-pay on it, what he hadn’t squandered on women and ale and payment for damages incurred during the drinking bouts he put himself through trying to forget her. Shortly before leaving for the southern lands, he purchased it from a furrier, cheap, because summer was setting in.
“Where did you find it?”
“In Jestey, before I left. Cost me half a month’s wages.”
And worth it, to see that look on your face.
“Before you left?” In the midst of her delight, her hand stopped stroking the fur, one golden brow arching upward. “Certain of yourself, weren’t you? What if I hadn’t come with you? What if Mikil had taken a hayfork and driven you away? What would you do with this, then?”
“I wouldn’t worry.” Riven shrugged indifferently and ate the last morsel. “There’s a black-haired wench at a tavern in Jestey who’d be very grateful for such a gift.” He swallowed and nodded. “Several of them, as a matter of fact.”
He got up and moved closer to the fire, his back to her. Though he expected it, he was still startled as small fists pounded his shoulder. Spinning around, he caught her wrists, laughing.
Then, he kissed her. His mouth sought and demanded hers. At last, he held in his arms the woman he’d hungered for these five years.
When he released her, Barbara didn’t speak. She simply stood on tiptoe, put both hands on his face, and pulled his head down, pressing her lips once more against his. Gently, her fingers caressed the scar on his cheek.
As her small body brushed his, he could feel her breasts, nipples hard as little rounded stones through the thin gauze gown, the dress he’d given her to wear to her wedding with Mikil.
Gods, how I want you.
Bending, he slipped an arm under her knees, lifting her off her feet. Just this once, he wished he had the eloquence of the men at Court, to be able to say exactly what he was feeling.
You’re my woman now, Barbara, he wanted to tell her, and the love I’ll give you will make you forget that Izhmiri farmer…but he couldn’t say it, not yet. His present love still held enough lust that he knew he couldn’t be gentle.
He’d wait. He had to.
With a sigh, he set her down.
He had to take three deep breaths before he could speak. All that time, she waited patiently, looking up at him with those disturbing storm-blue eyes.
“I’ve made many vows and I’ve broken most of them, woman, but you’ll not make me break this one.” he announced. Kissing her forehead, he took a step away from her. “I’ll not touch you until we’re wed. In Aljansur.”
“What of the black-haired wench in Jestey?” she wanted to know.
He didn’t miss the tiny dæmon-light twinkling in her eyes.
“Or the several others?”
“I think I’ll have no reason ever to see any of them, again,” he declared, knowing in his heart he wanted no other but the little woman standing before him.
“No wenching, Riven...ever,” she murmured. She held out her arms and his own went around her without his thinking about it.
“Never, sweetling. Only you…from now on.” Gods…I sound like some moonstruck stripling.
Why shouldn’t he? He loved her, had always loved her. Perhaps at his age, after a life of whoring and heart-stealing, his foolishness could be allowed, for he was experiencing true love for the first time in his life. What a sweet and painful feeling it was.

To purchase Bloodcurse, go to:  

Bloodcurse is available in paperback from the publisher at Class Act Books: http://www.classactbooks.com/component/virtuemart/fantasy/bloodcurse-8422017-09-14-01-50-25-detail?Itemid=0






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Monday, July 2, 2018

Focus on Rachel Brimble's The Mistress of Pennington's

Wild Women Authors is pleased to welcome back our friend and author from the UK, Rachel Brimble who is celebrating the release of: The Mistress of Pennington’s
     Set in the United Kingdom in 1910 – this is a compelling tale of female empowerment in Bath's leading department store. Perfect for the fans of the TV series Mr Selfridge and The Paradise.
     Elizabeth Pennington should be the rightful heir of Bath's premier department store through her enterprising schemes and dogged hard work. Her father, Edward Pennington, believes his daughter lacks the business acumen to run his empire and is resolute a man will succeed him.
     Determined to break from her father's iron-clad hold and prove she is worthy of inheriting the store, Elizabeth forms an unlikely alliance with ambitious and charismatic master glove-maker Joseph Carter. United they forge forward to bring Pennington's into a new decade, embracing woman's equality and progression whilst trying not to mix business and pleasure.
     Can this dream team thwart Edward Pennington's plans for the store? Or will Edward prove himself an unshakeable force who will ultimately ruin both Elizabeth and Joseph?

Buy Links:



A bit about Rachel:

     Rachel Brimble lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. Since 2007, she has had several novels published by small US presses, eight books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical.
     In January 2018, she signed a four-book deal with Aria Fiction for a brand new Edwardian series set in Bath’s finest department store. The first book, The Mistress of Pennington’s releases in July 2018.
     Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest.      When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.
She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:





Amazon Author Page:

Goodreads:




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