Friday, March 8, 2019

Featuring: The Secret of Breathing Deeply


Wild Women Authors is pleased to welcome back author Lance Hawvermale and Jessie Alomar from Lance's recent release out of Wild Rose Press, The Secret of Breathing Deeply. First up is Jessie.
Where are you from? I’m a tomboy from Tuscon, raised by my dad.
Tell us a bit about The Secret of Breathing Deeply. My father passed away under mysterious circumstances. I traveled to Costa Rica not only to settle his affairs, but to find a bit of myself I didn’t know was hidden there.
What did you think the first time you saw Rubio Mora? I thought I was in over my head, a stranger in a strange land who wasn’t sure how to respond when a handsome paramedic glanced my way.
Did you feel it was love at first sight? As a deaf woman, I depend heavily on visual clues. I’m not saying it was love, but it was definitely wow-who-is-this guy.
What do you like most about him? Rubio is fearless with his affection. He isn’t embarrassed by the little things.
What made you choose grant-writing as a career? I think I may have left grant-writing behind for good. Costa Rica still holds me in its sway.
What is your biggest fear? When I was a girl, I was afraid of being left behind because I couldn’t hear. I outgrew that and found courage. These days my biggest fear is that my hair will never be the same in all this jungle humidity.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My father taught me that I can be a great listener even if I can’t hear a single word.
Thanks, Jessie. Now we'd like to chat with Lance.
What movies have had an impact on your career as a writer? Though I’m dating myself by mentioning these titles, I’m recommending Her Alibi and Tequila Sunrise along with with Sally Field (my first Hollywood crush) in Murphy's Romance.
A man who appreciates Tequila Sunrise. Who knew. Then, considering the female lead, it makes sense. What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? My wife and I traveled to Costa Rica and experienced first-hand a few of the events in the novel.
Uh huh. We'll leave it at that. Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them? At a writers’ conference in Oklahoma, I overheard a colleague talking about her recent book deal. Shamelessly eavesdropping, I learned the name of the publisher, The Wild Rose Press.
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I’m currently finishing up a quirky Jasper Fforde novel and am looking for next-book suggestions.
Try an oldie but a goodie: anything by William Diehl, particularly the Martin Vail [as in Primal Fear] trilogy. Rich characters; knock your socks off suspense; snappy dialogue. So . . . what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I’m working on a historic romance trilogy. It’s the most fun I’ve had writing in a long time.
To learn more about Lance Hawvermale and the stories he creates, go to: www.lancehawvermale.com.
Twitter: @LanceHawvermale
Facebook: facebook.com/hawvermale
To purchase The Secret of Breathing Deeply, to to:
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Breathing-Deeply-Lance-Hawvermale-ebook/dp/B07NNTY3MB





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Monday, March 4, 2019

Focus: The Co-Parent Project by Sandra Dailey


. . . Parenting style won't matter if they don't all survive.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to focus on The Co-Parent Project, a contemporary mystery with romantic elements, written by Sandra Dailey and released out of The Wild Rose Press.
          Luca Wolff and Joy Sullivan are competing for guardianship of their estranged, teenage nephew, Eric, after his parents are killed in a plane crash. Evidence shows the crash wasn't an accident. Neither was a recent explosion that destroyed Luca's house.
          When a fire is intentionally set in Joy's home, suspicion points to Eric--and that's not the end of their trouble. Eric has been in his share of mischief, but now he has a chance to clean up his reputation. That's hard to do when the only people who believe in you are the ones you're accused of targeting. Just as Luca and Joy give in to romance, new information comes to light that could tear them apart along with Eric's dream for a happy family.
          The three have to set aside their grief, personal issues, and disagreements to figure out who is out to kill them…and why.

Excerpt:
     As soon as he walked through the door the smell of chemicals nearly drove him back outside. The odor was so strong it made his eyes water. He couldn’t take it anymore. “How can you live with the constant stench in this house?”
     “I’m sorry. Mrs. Erving needed a perm today.” Joy walked in through the kitchen door carrying a squeeze bottle of mustard. “I was just making lunch. Would you like a ham and cheese sandwich?”
     “No thanks,” he snarled. “All I’d be able to taste is that nasty smell.” “How can you taste a smell?”
     “You’d know if your olfactory receptors weren’t burned away. That stuff has got to cause brain damage.”
     “Do you plan to claim it as a way to get Eric away from me? I wouldn’t put anything past a Wolff.”

To purchase The Co-Parent Project, go to:

Wild Rose Press: https://bit.ly/2EmYPGj


Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2IrWA8V

Here's a word from our focus author:
      From childhood I've moved from place to place, from Indiana to Florida, stopping in several places in between. I also moved from job to job; as a waitress, soldier, retail manager, dental assistant, etc… The one thing I never had to leave behind was my imagination. Storytelling has always been my favorite way to pass time. I've often been told I should write a book. Finally, I did. It was so much fun: I felt I must write more, so I have. I've been a student of Long Ridge Writers Group and once won a short story contest with Harlequin. I currently live in North Florida with my husband, whom I torture with crazy story lines and half written manuscripts.

To learn more about Sandra Dailey and the stories she creates, go to:






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Monday, February 25, 2019

Here With You by Marianne Rice


          Hiding behind her high-end fashion and even higher heels, Grace LeBlanc returns home to Crystal Cove, Maine to escape the scandal she’s created in Europe. Her relationship with her sister is rocky at best, and the last thing she wants is for her to learn about the string of stupid mistakes—-intentional and unintentional—-she has floating behind her. It doesn’t seem to matter what decision Grace makes, it always end up being the wrong one.
          Brady Marshall enjoys his simple life tending to his family’s blueberry farm and minding his own business. As the oldest son, it is his duty to keep their farm running after his father’s death. Now at thirty-six, he’s still living in his childhood bedroom in his mother’s house. It never bothered him until the LeBlancs’ wild child returns to town.
When his mother falls ill and Grace comes to their aid, Brady begins to see another side of the superficial pinup girl he’s never respected or cared for. Somewhere behind her false eyelashes and spiky heels, there’s a caring heart. If only he can get her to see her own value and worth.
          As they spend more and more time together, something deeper than friendship forms between them. But when Brady discovers the secrets she’s keeping go against everything he values, he has to decide if Grace is worth giving his heart to.


Wild WomenAuthors is pleased to feature Here With You, a contemporary romance by Marianne Rice. She's brought Brady Marshall with her; he goes first.
Where are you from? Born and raised right here in Crystal Cove, Maine
Tell us a bit about Here With You. This is the fourth book in Marianne's Well Paired series. Each book is a stand alone and features at least one member of a woman’s book club where they talk about books—sometimes—gossip, drink wine, and build relationships.
What did you think the first time you saw Grace Le Blanc? Since she grew up on the vineyard across from my farm, I’ve actually known her all my life, even though we never really talked. The impression that’s been ingrained on me for the past twelve years was finding her naked in my blueberry bushes the morning after her senior prom. She moved away to Europe that summer and I hadn’t seen her again until last fall. 
What was your second thought? She’s always been a snobby, self-absorbed woman. And then when I started seeing more of her around town I started noticing things. Not only her long legs and ridiculous heels, but I saw through her façade and noticed her selflessness. Something I never would have associated with Grace.
Did you feel it was love at first sight? Heck no. I didn’t like her. And then I didn’t want to like her, but I did. And then I fell. Fell hard.
What do you like most about her? Grace puts others before herself. Always. And she’s humble, another characteristic I’d never imagine associating with her.
How would you describe her? Stunning. She lights up the room not only because of her looks and sense of style, but with her laugh. With an air of innocence that’s incongruous to her put-together fashion sense.
How would she describe you? A redneck farm boy who is too loyal to his family and doesn’t really know how to have a good time.
What made you choose farming as a career? Farming is all I’ve ever known. My grandfather started out with a few blueberry bushes, then planted some apple trees. My father then cultivated more plants and grew Marshall Farm into what it is today. There’s nothing like running rich, dark soil between your fingers and planting seeds knowing in a short time fresh fruits and vegetables will spring from the ground. I was born to live and work on this land.
What is your biggest fear? Losing my family. That I won’t be able to make a living on my farm.
How do you relax? I don’t understand the question. Relaxing means you’re not doing anything. I don’t have time not to work.
Who is your favorite fictional character? I don’t watch television, but I read a lot in the winter during slow months. I enjoy Clancy’s Jack Ryan character.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Family first. Always.

Thanks for taking time away from the farm to chat with us, Brady. It's Marianne's turn now. 
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Like Brady, I don’t watch a lot of TV or have time to see many movies, but I do try to read, though not as much as I’d like. I love research books; the Emotional Thesaurus and Save the Cat are two resources I keep handy.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Nothing personal goes into my books, but I spent some time researching wineries for this series! It was tough work but I managed it all.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I’m a hybrid author. I have the rights back to my McKay-Tucker series, and my Wilde Sisters and Rocky Harbor series are both with Limitless. They’re a wonderful press. I love working with them. However, last year I took the plunge and tried my hand at self-publishing my Well Paired series. It’s been a fun experience!
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Oh, geesh! What books aren’t? Working full time, keeping up with my three children, and writing three books a year doesn’t give me much time to read. However, it doesn’t stop me from adding to it. I don’t read much during the “school year” and try to make up for it during my summer vacations.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Here With You comes out soon---February 28th! The fifth book in my Well Paired series will be out in early summer, and the sixth this fall. I hope to have my next Christmas novella out in November as well. See? This is why I don’t have time to read. Ugh.


To purchase Here With You, go to: http://smarturl.it/herewithyoumrice


To learn more about Marianne Rice and the stories she creates, go to:




















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Thursday, February 21, 2019

Featuring A Hundred Breaths


. . . Can she heal his heart…with her last breath? Blade meets healing hand in this historical romance laced with Norse warriors, a merciless Scot, and a mystical Silver Veil. . .

Wild Women Authors welcomes Jean M. Grant and Simon MacCoinneach from A Hundred Breaths, Jean's latest release out of the Wild Rose Press. First up is Simon.
Where are you from? Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Scottish Highlands.
Tell us a bit about A Hundred Breaths: [In] 1263 Scotland, Simon MacCoinneach's vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen's reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother . . . and his heart.
What did you think the first time you saw Gwyn of Varteig? Since she is a "healer", I thought I might kidnap her to be my bride to heal my ailing mother. Oh, and stealing her would rile that Norse betrothed of hers. 
Did you feel it was love at first sight? No. Yes. Ask me again later. She is quite the fetching woman though. But like I said, mercy is for the weak.
What do you like most about Gwyn? She unsettles me, but in a good way. I used to believe in mercy, before it had been robbed me of my family. She has a magical touch and a compassionate heart.
How would you describe her? Protective of her brother, idealistic, spiritual, persuasive…but also a bit impetuous and confrontational. Och, maybe I like those traits, too.
How would she describe you? Cautious, vengeful, resolute…and evasive and withdrawn. But I have my reasons! Honor and the fate of our clan are at stake. I don’t have time for Ancient Healers.
What made you choose revenge as a career? That’s a long story and painful memory I’d rather not discuss. All Nordmen should die. They’ve destroyed my family’s life. Meanwhile, my father, the steward to the castle, has hopes this union will cause the king to bestow lairdship of Glen Shiel upon our kin. I’m not too keen on it but I go along with what he says.
What is your biggest fear? Losing my mother, not killing the man who ruined my family.
How do you relax? The blade helps. Hunting, though the stags have been hiding from me lately.
Simon brought an excerpt of A Hundred Breaths with him:
“I’m your wife, and still I am guarded?”
Simon shrugged though she couldn’t see. He’d given up on excuses. “What must I do to prove I won’t flee? I signed your marriage contract. I said my vows.” Her voice broke on those words.
Was she crying? He laid the tray of food on her table and approached. He didn’t touch her, as much as he wanted to link his arm within hers as they’d done during their walks. He reached inside his ganache and withdrew her small, simple dagger. Unadorned with jewels or carvings, it possessed a bone hilt and a blade worn from use. Likely from tree limbs, flowers, and household use. His smith had sharpened it and cleaned the hilt.
“Here,” he said, placing it in her lap. Gildy had retrieved the sheath from Gwyn’s laundered gown.
Gwyn stared at it, her fingertips dancing butterfly wings hovering over the hilt. After a moment, she drew her hand around it and pulled it from its leather sheath. She rose and whirled on him, the dagger pointed out before her, barely pressing into his chest.
He didn’t retreat as he met her fiery, misty gaze.
She made no move to remove the dagger’s tip.
“A smidge to the center, Gwyn, and you’ll be square over my blackened heart.” He held her glower. The heat blazed in her entrancing blue eyes like the devil. He fought a smile.
Thank you, Simon. We'd like to speak with Jean for a moment.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Outlander series, Braveheart (even if quite inaccurate), The Princess Bride, Robin Hood, and Judy Garwood’s books. I love HEA and anything medieval or Scottish.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I lost my mother when I was 25, so I weave the ill and deceased mother trope into this book (along with the other book in the trilogy, as a daughter who as questions for a mother taken too soon). I also believe in compassion, redemption, and overcoming emotional wounds (a bit of those in my own life).
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? My books are all published through The Wild Rose Press, a smaller traditional press that publishes e-books and paperbacks, as well as audio books. I queried with agents for years, with four different books. Ultimately, I decided to try a smaller press with book four (while shelfing books 1-3, chalking them up to being my “practice novels”). Bingo! Like any story, it just needed to find the right cheerleader and home. I’ve been very satisfied.
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I just finished the novella Virgins (Diana Gabaldon) on audio book, almost done with The Suicide Gene (CJ Zahner), and next I’m digging into The Sea Archer (Jeny Heckman) and the ARC for A Thousand Years to Wait (L.Ryan Storms). I read e-book, print, and listen to audio.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? A Hundred Breaths releases February 18th. Hopefully followed by its audio version later this year. Two more books are waiting spring release dates: Soul of the Storm (part of the Deerbourne Inn novella series), and Will Rise from Ashes (women’s fiction). I can’t wait! I’m writing the third installment in the “hundred” trilogy right now. I will also have another magazine article out this spring with Outdoor Families Magazine.

To learn more about Jean Grant, to go:
Website https://www.jeanmgrant.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/JeanGrant05
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeanmgrantauthor/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16582543.Jean_M_Grant
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jean-m-grant
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Jean-M.-Grant/e/B0728KFXP9/

To purchase A Hundred Breaths, go to:
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-hundred-breaths

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jean_M_Grant_A_Hundred_Breaths?id=3WGHDwAAQBAJ&hl=en

Amazon
Or https://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Breaths-Jean-M-Grant-ebook/dp/B07MHWKVKL

The Wild Rose Press
Or https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/paperback-books/6541-a-hundred-breaths-paperback.html

Barnes and Noble
Or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-hundred-breaths-jean-m-grant/1130195745

iTunes
Or https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-hundred-breaths/id1449022252?mt=11

Walmart
Kobo
Google Play



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Monday, February 18, 2019

About Those Golden Angels . . .


Forgiven or Forsaken? A dark angel's quest to soar once again on Gylded Wings.

. . . . Angels in slavery? Brit Montgomery cannot believe it, until she is sent on a rescue mission to another dimension and witnesses the cruel practice first hand. The angel, Gyldan, is the most beautiful being she’s ever seen. She is drawn to him but sometimes beauty disguises wicked secrets. This man who rocks her world seems more demon than angel.
Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature Gylded Wings, a 2018 romantic fantasy by Linda Nightingale and released by the Wild Rose Press, We'll begin with Gyldan, a fallen angel. 
Where are you from? I began my life as a slave on the planet Anachrys. You ask how this could be, but I cannot answer. I was born December 31, in the Year of the Gods 1520 in the southern province of Angallach.
Tell us a bit about Gylded Wings. Basically, it is the story of a man finding himself. An Earthwoman Brit Montgomery was sent to Anachrys to rescue my sister, my brother, and me—four winged slaves. In the end, she only took one ‘angel’, as she called us, to her home planet. We embarked on a dangerous trek and along the way, we fell in love. When I arrived on Earth, I was to meet a new me. I found myself on a journey of self-discovery quite unlike anything I’d ever imagined.
What did you think the first time you saw Brit? I thought her the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. She was spell-binding.
Was it love at first sight? It wasn’t exactly love. I was captivated. Love came later, in gradual steps along the journey, but I never dreamed she’d love me.
What do you like most about her? Brit is brave and a fighter. She is also an optimist.
How would you describe her? Feisty.
How would she describe you? Probably a pain in the arse.
What is your biggest fear? Having to return to the humiliation and hard life on Anachrys.
How do you relax? Wine with music.
Who is your favorite fictional character? I suppose my favorite is probably Legolas in Lord of the Rings. He is brave and dedicated to his cause, leaving behind his birthright to fight a war against evil.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? [When we were still on Anachrys], Brit told me to trust in myself and to believe in freedom. It has been a long journey, and often I doubted this advice.
Before he leaves the table, Gyldan brought an excerpt:


The lady flipped her hood back, and I stopped breathing. In her olive wool cape, she looked like a wood nymph, at once young and innocent but wise. Dark hair curled around an oval face. Without a trace of fear, big, beautiful eyes held my gaze. She didn’t belong to this dim, cruel world, and I ached merely to touch her.
Her lips parted on a soft exhalation. “You’re an ang—Malak.”
If only I could return her smile, but Ragnor would slice me in half. I was forbidden to glance at her, but couldn’t take my eyes off a vision so perfect I might have conjured her, even to the scent of the forest and rain. A memory of Miriam assaulted me, but I was helpless to control my feelings. Never had a woman affected me as this one did. I felt awkward, terribly aware of my worn clothes and the wings arched behind me, yet giddy and aroused.
My eyes offered the smile my lips were forbidden. “Yes, My Lady.”
She tilted her head to look up at me. Her gaze drifted over my wings, my face, flicked lower. “In the North, we have heard of the Malak singers. What’s your name?”
I was too shocked to answer. Like an addle-pated fool, I gaped at her, and she laughed.
“Stand aside, Gyldan.” The giant slammed his paw against my shoulder, throwing the weight of my wings to the left, and I lost my balance.
The lady’s hand shot out to steady me. Ragnor wedged his body between us. I stumbled into the wall. As I righted myself, I glimpsed an angry expression on Lady Hamlin’s face.
She stepped past Ragnor and touched my arm. “Are you all right?”
Excitement trembled over my entire body. “Yes, My Lady.”
“You’ll see the freaks perform tonight.” Ragnor shot me a dark frown, gesturing for her to follow. “Come, Lady Hamlin, I’ll guide you to your chambers.”
“Gyldan.” The sprite grinned as she smoothed a dark curl back from her face. “Do you know the way?”
“No, My Lady.” I was forced to lie to save my hide. “I have never been in this part of the castle before.”
“Off with you then.” A graceful hand shooed me along. “Be about your business, and I shall go about mine.”
She had brushed me off like an insect on her sleeve. What had I expected? That she would feel the same overwhelming attraction I felt?

Gylded Wings is available in eBook, Print and Audiobook on Amazon and other on-line sellers.
BOOK VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LuVl93b_BE0

Now for a few questions for our feature author, Linda Nightingale.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Lestat by Anne Rice. I read the book, thought I can do that, and I now have eight books published, four in audio, including Gylded Wings.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Way, way back in high school, I wasn’t much of an athlete, and one of the girls who was tried to humiliate me into playing. I went to bat, but to this day, I remember her—very unkindly to say the least. So, I understood Gyldan’s shame and his rebellion at being made to do something he hated, as a slave must.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? The Wild Rose Press has been named Best Publisher for years in the Preditors & Editors Poll. I found them at a conference, but it was sometime until I submitted. A friend, a fellow TWRP author, encouraged me to do so. I plucked up my courage and sent Black Swan, a vampire short story to Callie Wolfe, Senior Editor of the Black Rose line. She took it!
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? A Terry Brooks novel, “Knight of the Word”. In my iPad is a book by Josie Riviera titled “Seeking Catherine”.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?
I am currently working on Sinners’ Waltz, the prequel to Sinners’ Opera which will be released by The Wild Rose Press sometime this Spring.
More about Linda: Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta and Houston.  She’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for many years.
She’s won several writing awards, including the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award and the SARA Merritt. She is the mother of two wonderful sons, a retired legal assistant, and member of the Houston BMW Club. In a former life, she must have had to walk everywhere because today she is into transportation: loving horses and hot cars! She likes to dress up and host formal dinner parties.
To learn more about Linda Nightingale and the books she's created, to to:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog –
Goodreads
Pinterest
Amazon


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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Spirited Quest by Julie Howard


Wild Women Authors Focus Is On: Spirited Quest,
the latest release from the Deerbourne Inn Series and the Wild Rose Press

She’s chasing a ghost, but who is chasing her?

          Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery.
          Certain the handsome Aussi is behind the unexplained disturbances, Paige warns her niece to steer clear. Meantime, Jillian comes to know the otherwordly Lady of the Deerbourne who foretells an encounter with "two men". 
          Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart?   

Excerpt:

     He nodded a friendly greeting to her, his gaze grazing past to include others on the porch. “G’day, ma’am. G’day all.”
     An Australian. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh, to be twenty-five, even thirty-five, again. His gaze settled on her niece, and as always happened to men where this girl was concerned, his jaw slackened, then tightened.
     Next to her, Jillian grew still, lifting wide blue eyes to the newcomer. The moment passed. He was through the front door and into the lobby, and the door closed behind him.
     “You’re in for some nice company this week,” Paige commented with a smile.
     A frown flickered across her niece’s face. “I’ve seen him before.”
     “You’ve met?”
     “Not exactly. He appeared to me in a dream.” Jillian’s blue eyes were troubled as she gazed at the Inn’s front door. She lifted one hand and rubbed the back of her head, then gave a shiver. “There was blood and I was afraid.”

About our focus author:
Julie Howard is the author of “Crime and Paradise” and “Crime Times Two.” She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry.
To learn more about Julie, go to:





To purchase Spirited Quest, go to:




The Wild Rose Press: https://bit.ly/2FM4nLA







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Monday, February 11, 2019

Lyrical Embrace


          Out-of-work violinist Erica Timberly decides enough is enough. She leaves her abusive boyfriend and flees the big city, but then her car breaks down in the middle of the night. Though wary of men, she accepts help from Dylan Haynes, a stranger driving by on the road, and soon recognizes him as the sexy former drummer of her favorite indie rock band. Maybe, just maybe, her run of bad luck is finally turning around.
          Music teacher Dylan Haynes knows Erica is in trouble, and her black eye is only the first clue. The stubborn yet vulnerable woman needs a friend, but he’s determined to give her everything she deserves.
          Will Erica listen to the music in her heart and trust Dylan, or will her past always threaten her future? 
     
     Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature, Lyrical Embrace, a contemporary novella-length romance, part of the Deerbourne Inn series out of the Wild Rose Press, and it's creator author Amber Daulton. Along for the ride, is Dylan Haynes. We'll start with him.
Where are you from? There’s only one place I call home, and that’s Willow Springs, Vermont. I’ve lived there all my life, except for the five years I spent in New York City and touring up and down the eastern seaboard with my band, Fortune’s Glory. Only about three thousand people live and work in Willow Springs, but tourists come from all over the world in the winter to ski and snowboard in the Green Mountain National Forest. During the summer, the Fourth of July festival draws in a big crowd. Even though I love New York, it doesn’t compare to my hometown.
Tell us a bit about Lyrical Embrace. It’s about making mistakes, learning from them, and moving on with your life. You see, I joined an indie rock band a few years ago, and I lost myself to the partying lifestyle. After I quit Fortune’s Glory, I moved back home, joined a volunteer firefighter crew, and got a job at Haynes Music Academy, my parents’ music school. I love teaching kids how to play instruments.
     I grew up around music, so it’s a big part of my life, but I didn’t realize what I truly needed until I met Erica. Her car had broken down at night in the middle of a rainstorm, and I stopped to help her out. I could tell right away she would be nothing but trouble for me, but hell, I couldn’t just leave her out there in the cold. Turns out, she was a big fan of my band. We connected over music and hard times, but our relationship wasn’t smooth sailing. Erica was on the run from an abusive prick, which put both of our lives in danger.
What did you think the first time you saw Erica? She was soaking wet and bending over the engine of her car, so I didn’t see how pretty she was at first. I only saw a woman in need of help, so that’s all I cared about. 
And your second thought? That I wanted to get out of the damn rain. Erica is just standing there, trying to decide if she could trust me. She was asking me questions, thinking I might be a psycho or something. The rain is slamming down on us, and I’m doing my best to keep calm and not freak her out.
Was it love at first sight? No way. I definitely liked her, and I wanted to get to know her better, but I didn’t fall head over heels right away. Still, our relationship bloomed fast, and I was smitten within a few weeks.
What do you like most about Erica? Her strength and desire to never give up. She went through hell with her last boyfriend and that bad relationship threatened the sour my relationship with her. Luckily for both of us, Erica pushed aside her reservations and seized the chance to fight for us. I couldn’t be prouder of her.
How would you describe her? Blonde, green-eyed, and tall. She’s strong and stubborn, a hard worker, an excellent violinist, and an all around decent person.
How would Erica describe you? That’s a two-fold question. Back when I was still drumming for Fortune’s Glory, Erica attended the concerts at the clubs and crushed hard on me, but I didn’t even know she existed. I just never saw her in the crowd of screaming, dancing fans. I was nothing but an arrogant, sexist hound dog back then, and Erica knew it. After I stopped drinking and left the band, I headed back home to get my life together. Then Erica and I finally met. I’m not proud of the way I acted before, and I’ve since proved to Erica I’m a changed man. I think she would describe me as levelheaded and giving. That’s the man I want to be. Hopefully, I’ve succeeded.
What made you choose music for a career? As I said earlier, my parents own and operate a music school. I spent my childhood listening to music, writing songs, and learning how to play several instruments. Music is my life, so much that I dropped out of college to join Fortune’s Glory when I was eighteen years old. I’m now twenty-five and retired from performing, but I love teaching a new generation of music-lovers how to rock out on a set of drums or how to strum an electric guitar. Besides that, I’m also a fireman and a certified EMT. After acting like a jackass with my band for five years, I felt like I needed to give something back to my community.
What is your biggest fear? I’d say it’s the same fear everyone has. Losing the person you love. Erica’s ex-boyfriend found her a while back, and I could’ve lost her so easily. I don’t think I’ll ever really get over that moment, and I cherish each day I have with her.
How do you relax? I play the drums. Hitting the hard notes in a difficult song always sends me spiraling to the moon and feeling good about myself.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Not sure I have one. Most of the books I read are biographies or autobiographies of musicians I respect and admire.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My older brother, Birley, once told me I can’t change the past and that I have to move on from my mistakes. He’s right. The past is just that—the past. The man I am today is the one I choose to be. The life I want is the one I strive for everyday. And I gotta say, I’m pretty happy with the way things turned out. 
Dylan brought along an excerpt of Lyrical Embrace. . .
Erica checked her watch. “It’s almost nine o’clock. What do you want to do now?”
“I have something in mind, but I’d like to surprise you.”
“Ooooh, interesting.” She braced her elbows on the table, weaving her fingers together, and braced her chin on her linked hands. “The movie theater in Montpelier?”
“Nah, it’s too late to go there tonight. The back-to-back movie marathons will have already started by now.”
“You’ve piqued my interest. C’mon, let’s go.” Erica handled the check, to Dylan’s irritation—she asked him to dinner, after all—but he took care of the tip.
After they left the tavern, Dylan pulled her close and circled his strong arms around her waist. Heat radiated from his body as he kissed her in the parking lot.
The shock of his lips on hers stilled Erica’s heart, but then the organ jump-started like an engine. Erica kissed back, desperate to taste him, and she savored the hint of spice on his tongue. She moaned and gripped the soft fabric of his shirt, almost ready to tear his clothes off.

Thanks, Dylan. We'd like to chat with Amber now.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I love action/adventure movies and romance books of most sub-genres, but I don’t have a certain movie or book that has ever influenced me.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novella? I wasn’t able to bring in any of my real-life experiences into this story, so I just pulled ideas straight from my imagination. I love music, but I can’t play an instrument and I find song writing difficult. I really respect people who can do that. I love reading and writing stories about people who have had a hard life or have gone through some kind of trauma, and I want to give them a happy ending. That’s what I did for Dylan and Erica.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? The Wild Rose Press is a small press publisher, but also one of the longest running and well-respected publishers in the field. Last year, TWRP sent out a submission call for in-house authors only to write for the Deerbourne Inn, a new multi-author series spanning several sub-genres of romance. I’ve already published one novel with them and was pleased with both my editor’s and the publisher’s professionalism, so I was happy to submit a second manuscript.
What books currently rest on your TBR pile? I can’t possibly answer that question in full. I have almost one thousand ebooks on my Kindle and a few hundred print books in my office. I’ve read a lot of them, but I keep one clicking books on Amazon, so my TBR pile keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?Arresting Mason, book one in the Arresting Onyx series, came out last year, and I hope the second installment in the series will come out sometime in late 2019. Arresting Jeremiah follows hard nosed parole officer Jim Borden and his obsession Calista Barlow as they stick their noses where they don’t belong and fall deep into the trouble with the criminal organization known as Onyx. This series is a set of five romantic suspense books with a standalone HEA for each rough-and-tumble hero and their spunky heroines.

To purchase Lyrical Embrace, go to:
Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2ChIhgR
Kobo – TBA
Google Play – TBA
The Wild Rose Press store – https://bit.ly/2AIkSFk

A bit about our feature author:
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and four demanding cats. Feel free to visit her at http://www.amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com.

Or go to:
Facebook Author Page – www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author




Amazon Author Page – http://amzn.to/14JoZff









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