Monday, August 27, 2018

Wild Women Features: Sunset in Laguna by Claire Marti


. . . . .Returning to Laguna Beach after four tours in the Middle East, Christian Wolfe leaves the military behind and buys a wine bar, vowing to keep his life simple. He fights to keep his devastating PTSD a secret and refuses to burden anyone else with his baggage. When stunning Kelly Prescott and her red stilettos saunter into town, she drives him past the bonds of his self-control.
. . . . .Successful in her father’s stuffy law firm, Kelly’s too compassionate to survive in the cutthroat world of corporate litigation. Leaving behind both family and courtroom drama, she moves to Laguna to become general counsel for a nonprofit veterans’ organization.
. . . . . She didn’t bargain on a gorgeous modern-day Heathcliff, and in Christian, she sees another kind of challenge—one she can’t resist.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author Claire Marti and Kelly Prescott from Sunset in Laguna, a contemporary romance, soon to be released [August 29th!!] by the Wild Rose Press. Welcome, Claire and Kelly. As usual, first up is Kelly.  
Where are you from? I grew up in San Diego, California.
What did you think the first time you saw Christian Wolfe? After I caught my breath I thought, is that Heathcliff?
What was your second thought? Seriously, who is this tall, dark, and mysterious man?
Did you feel it was love at first sight? No, I met him a while ago when my best friend Sophie Barnes and I went to Vines, the wine bar he owns in Laguna. I was still dating my ex, but I definitely thought Christian was gorgeous.
What do you like most about him? At first he seemed aloof. As I’ve gotten to know him, I realized he’s just reserved, but uncovering the layers and finding his dry sense of humor was great. And he is the best kisser.
How would you describe him? Did you know he was a war hero? He was a Major in the Special Forces over in the Middle East, so he’s a leader, he’s brave, he’s a little cocky, but beneath the tough surface, he’s got a heart of gold. And, not to be shallow or anything, but he is really handsome.
How would he describe you? Hmmm…now as opposed to when we first met? I think he assumed I was a snooty attorney because I worked for my father’s corporate law firm before I moved up to Laguna. Now he’s gotten to know me better, I think he’d say I’m actually down-to-earth, smart, kind, and I know he’s kind of obsessed with my red stilettos.
What made you choose law as a career? How long do you have to listen to this one? Seriously though, law wasn’t my first choice, but because of some family issues, I allowed my dad to persuade me to go to law school and then somehow he roped me into his firm. I was miserable in corporate litigation and now I am so happy to be using what I learned for a good cause as General Counsel for Peaceful Warrior, a non-profit veterans organization.
What is your biggest fear? That I won’t be able to make a big enough positive impact on the world.
How do you relax? Spending time with friends or Christian, walking on the beach, yoga, and reading.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Howard Roark, the hero of The Fountainhead.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? You can’t save another person, you can only be supportive, but you’ve got no control over anything except for your emotions and reactions.
          Thanks for allowing us an insider's view of you as a person and as an attorney. We'd like to talk with Claire now.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? So many! Let’s see, I love Nora Roberts and her trilogies inspired me to write romance. I especially love the Gallagher’s of Ardmore trilogy and even traveled to Ardmore, Ireland last year because of the books. Ernest Hemingway, especially A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises, Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, and I’ll admit the Twilight series captured my heart. Team Edward all the way. My movie taste is eclectic––everything from Pulp Fiction and Quentin Tarantino (which don’t inspire my writing, ha ha) and romantic comedies like A Fish Called Wanda, and How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Well, I used to be an attorney and always felt like a fish out of water in the corporate litigation world. Like Kelly, my heart was too soft to handle the cutthroat business. Also, we adopted our dog Josie from an organization that I modeled Pups-4-Vets on. The group rescues dogs from shelters and groups and trains them to be service dogs for returning veterans.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I’m published with The Wild Rose Press. I discovered them through the Romance Writers of America and I submitted because I learned they were open to new writers and that the editors were excellent.
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Oh boy, I’ve got piles in a few rooms and a loaded Kindle. Let’s see, The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory, More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne, to name a few.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Sunset in Laguna releases on August 29th. I’ve got a new book under submission and a few agents are reviewing it now. We’ll see!
To learn more about author Claire Marti, go to:
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: @clairepmarti

Claire brought along an excerpt for us:

          Maybe he just needed a punishing session with the punching bag or a few fingers of Jameson whiskey. Stop being such a damn wuss. Workouts and alcohol weren’t driving the demons away. He stepped forward.
          Something needed to change.
          “Christian?” A husky voice lilted his name.
His head whipped to the right. A beautiful woman dressed in a conservative dark suit and tortoiseshell glasses stared at him. Somewhere in his brain he registered dangerously toned legs encased in red skyscraper-high stilettos.
          Sweat popped onto his brow, and he swallowed, his throat suddenly parched. Recognition flooded his system when he dragged his gaze up from those spiked heels. Her tawny cat eyes captured his—Kelly Prescott. Didn’t she live in San Diego?
          “Um, hey, Kelly.” What the hell was she doing at Peaceful Warrior?
          “What are you—?”

          “Why are you—?”

          “Ladies first.” Distract. Deflect. Damn it to hell.
          “Well, it’s kind of a secret at the moment, but I’m about to interview for the general counsel position here.” The corners of her rosy lips curved up.
          “General counsel?” For some reason he couldn’t seem to utter more than two words at a time.
          “Yes. They’ve needed one for a long time and recently got a grant to fund it. So here I am.” She walked toward him. Hints of cinnamon and some exotic scent assaulted his nostrils.
          He drew in his abs and expanded his chest. Kind of like a rooster. He grunted. “You’re going to commute?”
          “No, if I get the job, I’m actually moving up here.” She shrugged and flashed perfect white teeth, oblivious of his discomfort.
          “Huh.” Over a year ago, her golden beauty had caught his attention when she’d accompanied his buddy Nick and Sophie to Vines. He’d been single at the time—hell, he was always single—and asked Nick about her. She was Sophie’s best friend. His attraction cooled when he’d learned she was a wealthy corporate attorney working for her daddy’s firm and dating another lawyer. Too complicated.
          “So what are you doing here?” She tilted her head up, still about a foot shorter than he was, even with those damn shoes that would be forever burned into his brain.
          “Oh, just taking a break from work, getting some fresh air.” He gestured with palms sweatier than they’d ever been in the searing heat of the Middle East.

To purchase Sunset in Laguna, go to:
B&N https://bit.ly/2NAsbmu:
iBooks: https://apple.co/2O5XDtL

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Sunday, August 19, 2018

UnBound by Kendra Greenwood


Wild Women Authors is pleased to focus on: UnBound
A contemporary romantic suspense, a June 2018 release out of Blushing Books Publishers.

It feels like the end of the world until someone loves you.

. . . You’re not allowed to be a coward and be in love. You must choose one.

        Special Agent Laura Logan had a difficult childhood and that’s putting it mildly. Laura channeled her buried rage into her studies, earned a law degree and joined the FBI. As a member of the new human trafficking task force, Laura wants to impress and she wants to make the perps pay.
        Detective Lieutenant Steve Moretti moonlights at a very exclusive adult club, his reward is a free membership along with other perks. His family is pressuring him to find a nice woman and settle down, but that bridge was burned by his ex. His new view: Marriage is betting half your stuff that you’ll love someone forever.
       A kidnapping shocks Steve’s town and the FBI is called in. Steve and Laura meet at the crime scene, sparks fly, and they work the case together. As passion ignites, their no-love commandment is tested. Can they overcome the heartbreak of betrayal and learn to love before it’s too late? Are they so afraid they refuse to love at all?

Publisher’s Note: This is book two in the Steel and Desire series, but reads as a stand alone.

About our Focus Author:
     Kendra Greenwood has always been a storyteller. She often told stories to her kids at bedtime in lieu of reading to them. A serious daydreamer, she used to think it the complete opposite of her education and work in the sciences, but now realizes scientists are the ultimate daydreamers. Fantasy has always been an escape for Kendra…weaving a thrilling romantic tale around TV and film characters, her favorite way to fall asleep at night. Inspired by authors J.R. Ward, Cherise Sinclair and Sylvia Day, she decided to write her own series: Steel and Desire.

     Kendra grew up on the beaches of Long Island’s bucolic east end, but recently relocated to Virginia. When she’s not writing you can find her in the kitchen whipping up something scrumptious or in the studio painting, or fusing glass into decorative dishes.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2NYHZ3i






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Friday, August 17, 2018

Focus: Return by Toni V. Sweeney

Wild Women Authors Focus on: Return (Book 4 of the kan Ingan Archives, Part 2 of the Arcanian Chronicles) by Toni V Sweeney

. . . . .In an attempt to clear himself of the charges causing his exile, Aric kan Ingan returns to Arcanis and immediate arrest. Saved from execution by his cousin Pallas, he finds himself owing her a debt for which she expects more than his gratitude.
. . . . .Marrying Pallas means giving up Susan but it also will regain Aric what he desires—the Throne of Arcanis, and revenge against TAS. More is at stake than just Aric's vengeance, however, for former best friend Eby is not only TAS' right-hand man but a rival for Pallas' affections.
. . . . .Will Aric give up his happiness to protect his sovereign…or will he return to Susan, again become an exile, and leave his cousin a victim of rebel vengeance?
. . . . .Whichever choice he makes, it will affect the entire planet as well as the lives of Arcanians as yet unborn.

EXCERPT:

“He’s safely locked in the Tower but he invoked the margrave’s name.” Eby stood looking down at Kozlu Lowen. “How are you going to handle that?”
“Calling on the margrave complicates things a little,” the elder agreed. “It’s a precedence, since His Majesty’s dead. We’ll have to make a show of convening the Council and discussing it, but the result’ll be the same. The sentence’ll stand and he’ll be executed.”
“Does Her Majesty know?” Eby tried to keep the concern out of his voice. He knew it was going to upset Pallas when she learned her beloved cousin, whom she’d built into a hero, had been killed.
“Not yet.” Kozlu looked up at the Lord Comaundur with a frown. “There’s no reason for her to know. She’ll simply cause more trouble if she finds out. Afterward, when it’s too late, she’ll be told.”
“Isn’t that a little cruel?” Eby protested. “After all, he’s her kinsman, her only close relative.”
“The girl’s enough trouble as it is, Eby. She’s getting worse as she gets older. I’m beginning to wonder if we made the right choice when we agreed to let her live. It’s not too late to rescind that order.”
“You promised she wouldn’t be hurt.”
If there was one thing that could frighten Eby, it was a threat to Pallas.
This old bastard knows it, damn it.
He hated it as he heard that slight tremble in his voice, knowing Kozlu heard it, too. It might make the elder wonder if he’d weaken in his allegiance to the Council because of his love for the girl.
“Yes, we did. That was when she was still grief-stricken and confused after her father’s...unfortunate...death.” His words were ironic as he fixed the Lord Comaundur with a hard gaze. “We thought marrying her to someone of Old Arcanian blood, someone she trusts. To you, my dear Comaundur. That it would subdue her enough for us to take over completely, but…” He let the sentence die, the words deciding Pallas’ fate unspoken.
“Then let me marry her straightaway.” Eby tried not to sound as if he were begging. In spite of that, a bare twinge of desperation entered his voice. “As soon as she’s told he’s dead. While she’s still in shock. She’ll turn to me as she did when her mother and father died, and I’ll—”
“You truly love the girl, don’t you?” Kozlu looked at him as if he were just discovering the fact and was astonished by it, and also pitied his Chief of Security.
“I’m fond of her, my lord.” Eby met the elder’s gaze straight on.
Fond? A mild way of saying my body screams for her to be in my bed. Damn it, lust would be a better description.
“However, I care more for my planet.” He had to add that, hoping to hide his true concern. “Let me marry her now, counselor. She’s still easily led. I’ll supplant her will with mine, and...” His next words barely missed becoming wheedling in their desperation. “I’ll get her pregnant as soon as possible. She’ll be so busy caring for her brat she won’t have time to worry the Council.”
There was a brief silence as Kozlu mulled over his words.
“If you sired a child on our beloved margravine,” the old man said, musingly. “It’ll have more Arcanian than Terran blood in its veins, Old Arcanian blood, too, and that would be a good thing. However, close association with its mother might make it also a threat.” He shook his head. “It always comes back to the same point, Eby. Pallas has too much Terran in her and that’s the problem.”
Eby didn’t answer. He had no argument for that fact and he knew it.
Kozlu studied the desktop, drumming fingers against it in a rapid tattoo, then looked up.
“All right. The moment Aric kan Ingan’s body is hung over Aljansur’s seawall, the Lady Pallas’ marriage to you will be announced.”

BUY LINKS:



About Our Focus Author:
     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. In 2016, she was named a Professional Reader by netgalley.com.
     In 2015 and 2016 Toni 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 learn more about Toni, go to:

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BLQBB8
Twitter: @ToniVSweeney
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Monday, August 13, 2018

Wild Women Focus: A Singing In The Blood

A Singing in the Blood, Book 4 of the Narrative of Riven the Heretic, Part 1 of the Arcanian Chronicles, by author Toni V. Sweeney

Life is good to a former soldier to the margrave. Riven kan Ingan is settling into his middle years, a country giarl. He’s still struggling with his less than congenial relationship with son and heir Val and the fact that second son Ilke wants to become a priest, but the other children are still under control, and his beloved Barbara is as loving and fiesty as ever.
Through his efforts, a treaty with the barbarian Ghermians brings peace to Francovia, , with the barbarians have settled qeacefully within the kingdom. Too soon, however, the little bubble of contentment bursts.
With the ascension of Meraud’s son Morling to the throne, the new king enacts severe laws and restrictions against his foreign-born citizens. Soon civil war is imminent, and Riven must choose between swearing loyalty to a madman or becoming a traitor to the country he loves.


EXCERPT:

“Why this secrecy, Llanfir?” Riven didn’t bother with a greeting. “Come inside.” He gestured to the manor. “Barbara will be glad to see her brother.”
“Nay, Riven.” Llanfir glanced at the open gate and back at him. “I don’t wish my sister to know I’m here.”
“Why not?”
“My men and I travel to Aljansur, Riven. I won’t come inside because I don’t wish Llanginfiar to know.” Llanfir had never accepted the name Barbara for his sister. Other than her husband, he was the only one who ever called her by her true name.
“What do you mean? Why are you going to Aljansur?” As soon as he asked that, Riven knew it came out wrong. He’d meant to say Why are you going now?
“Surely you’ve heard what’s happening? Ghermian-held lands are being seized by our new king.” Llanfir hesitated a moment, then burst out angrily, “I was uncertain of making that treaty. I thought it a mistake to trust civilized men—now you see why.”
He shook his head, silver braids swinging.
“You mustn’t blame Leontilf for what’s happening now, Llanfir,” Riven argued.
“I admit Leontilf was honorable, as was his son, but this Morling…”
The wind begun to blow, and the two men moved into the shelter of the gate, Llanfir limping slightly as he favored the leg injured in a long-ago battle. The pony stamped its hooves impatiently.
“I’m riding now to register my protest,” he continued. “If Morling has any honor at all, surely he’ll hold valid this treaty…” He tapped the scroll tucked into his belt, which both he and Leontilf had signed on the day they met, with Riven and Hraeth san Gene as witnesses. “…made with his grandfather. It must be, otherwise…”
He didn’t finish.
“Wait, I’ll saddle a horse and go with you.” Riven offered. He put a hand to his mouth, cupping it so his voice would carry to one of the guards.
“Don’t.” Llanfir put out a hand, pulling his arm down. “When I first came here, I asked you to act as intermediary for me, Riven, but this time I have to speak for myself and my people.” He allowed himself a slight ironic smile. “Besides, from all I hear, your presence would be a detriment rather than an asset.”
“I wish I could take offense at that.” Riven’s answer was as rueful. “Unfortunately, it’s most likely true. Take care then,” he cautioned. “It’s being kind to say Morling’s unstable. Take great care. Seeing you may topple him over the brink of his madness.”
“I’ll do nothing untoward,” Llanfir promised. “I’m carrying no weapons, and neither are my men.”
Looking around, Riven realized he saw no swords at anyone’s saddle, no arms at all, not even a longbow. A twinge of uneasiness stabbed through him. “I hope that’s not a foolish gesture.”
“It’s a necessary one. He has to see we come in peace.”
He sounded so assured Riven allowed himself the hope the problem might be easily solved, though he feared Morling’s hatred of the foreigners in their midst couldn’t readily be turned aside with reason. With his blue eyes and snow-white hair, Llanfir, though now Francovian in his life-style and dress, would represent exactly what the margrave hated.
“It might be prudent for some of your men to be armed. You may be walking into a viper’s den, Llanfir, so be cautious,” Riven urged.
“I’ll be as careful as I can without provoking him,”
With those words, his friend caught up the reins and swung into the saddle. With a call to his men, he rode away, leaving Riven standing in a flurry of snowflakes rapidly falling.


To purchase A Singing in the Blood, go to:



About the Author:

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. In 2016, she was named a Professional Reader by netgalley.com.
In 2015 and 2016 Toni was voted one of the Top 10 authors of those years by Predators & 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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Monday, August 6, 2018

Focus on: Par for Cinderella

         . . . Billionaire Aidan Cross longs to escape his life of celebrity and become a regular guy, if only for a brief time. His chance comes when his yacht breaks down near quaint Cypress Key, Florida--the site of his planned five-star golf resort. The golf resort no one in town wants.
          . . . Casey Stuart has given up her dream of escaping to the big city. She refuses to desert her uncle, even when he hires the new stranger int own to replace her at their golf course. Casey vows to steer clear of the stranger called Aidan and the danger their inescapable chemistry provokes. Aidan's stay is temporary and falling for him promises only heartbreak.
          . . . When Casey discovers Cypress Key's mayor is making underhanded business deals, she ends up on the wrong side of the powerful autocrat. Aidan steps in to rescue her, but secrets from his past threaten to bogey their new-found relationship.

Here's an excerpt for this delightful story:

     Silhouetted in the outside light, he looked big . . . and dangerous. Over six feet of pure sin. Too much for her to handle, and Casey officially changed her mind. Turned chicken.
Aidan must have sensed her decision to flee, like a timber wolf senses his prey. “What are you doing down here?”
     The deep sensual timbre of his voice vibrated along her spine and created tiny pinpoints of desire along its length. Her mouth had that dry feeling she got at the end of her tour spiel—dry and raspy.
     “I-I was just going up to bed.”
     “No, you weren’t.”
     “I-I was too.”
     His sexy chuckle rumbled in the darkness, and her skin prickled with anticipation. She couldn’t fool Aidan or herself.
     Her brain taunted, Flight or fight, make up your mind.
     She suddenly recalled her earlier decision following Janie’s call—to grant herself the month with Aidan. Better her have him than let Deedee steal him away. Casey had fully intended to enjoy every single minute of that month with Aidan before she’d chickened out just now. Instead of running away, she could enjoy the feel of those broad shoulders and muscled arms filling up the doorway right here. She could also allow herself a good long stare at that perfect butt when he turned, and maybe even enjoy that kissable mouth with those please-never-take-them-off-me lips.
     “Stop looking at my mouth,” Aidan growled, “or you’ll be sorry.”
     Her heart ended her dilemma. Go for it.
     She could feel his unseen eyes track the movement of her chest, rising and falling with each hard-won breath. Time to force the issue for them both.
     “K-Kiss me,” she whispered. Frozen in place, she left the outcome up to Aidan.

A bit about our Focus Author, Petie McCarty:

     Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World -- "The Most Magical Place on Earth" -- where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-elements-of-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.
     She shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband, a spoiled-rotten English Springer spaniel addicted to pimento-stuffed green olives, and a noisy Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Angel to the Rescue. 

Visit Petie's web site online at http://www.petiemccarty.com
or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty.

Other places to find Petie:
https://www.pinterest.com/petiemccarty







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