Romance Divas

To pump up the action today, Tina’s hosting a scavenger hunt. Here’s what
you do to win!!

Rules: Periodically, throughout the day, Tina will post questions (four in
all) to the comments section here and at her site with the answers found
on her website. Hold onto your answers until all four questions have been
asked, then email the answers to Tina at tina@tinadonahue.com

Prize: The first one to email Tina with all four questions answered
correctly will have her choice of one of Tina’s books, including:

That’s it!! Complete info on her website.

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Be happy to. I’m a multi-published author in contemporary, historical and erotic romance.

To my delight, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times have praised my work. I’ve reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA-sponsored contests. Before I began writing novels, I was the editor of an award-winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in story direction for a Hollywood production company. I like to write what I call “Heat with Heart” – sexy, sensuous stories with a lot of emotional build before, during and after the sex.

Do you have a ritual or writing process?

If putting my butt down in a chair everyday in front of my computer and banging out my stories is a process, then that’s what I do. I write or research my books seven days a week, early in the morning when it’s quiet.

Can you tell us about your newest release DEEP, DARK & DELICIOUS?

Couldn’t wait for you to ask!  J  Here’s a blurb and an excerpt.

Blurb:

Deep, Dark, Delicious – A wickedly sensual feast…

Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel. Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands – naked, wanting, submissive. Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

Excerpt (this scene opens as Rafe arrives at Eden’s house to begin their thirty day agreement):

Eden’s house, a relic from the 1940s, sat back from the street, its spacious front yard carpeted with lush grass and crowded with a variety of palms, some tall and slender, others squat and fat. Rafe lowered his duffel bags to the walkway, pausing to take in the white Spanish-style façade, Cuban barrel tiled roof and forest-green awnings over the arched windows.

As a seven-year-old new to the United States, he’d delivered morning papers to homes like this, his young eyes staring, his heart hoping one day he’d be able to live in such a palace.

His current waterfront estate, purchased after his endorsements reached several million dollars annually, boasted eight-thousand square feet of living space in the main house and two guest houses on the grounds, each the size of this home. His parents lived in one, Victor and his family in the other. Rafe had an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court, wine cellar, gourmet kitchen, dock and yacht, countless bedrooms and more bathrooms than a single man would ever need. His dream had taken him well beyond his wildest aspirations. However, the seven-year-old boy in him couldn’t help but smile. His estate was a showpiece, almost too perfect. This pleasant place felt like home.

To the left, a car door slammed. He looked over. An older man, possibly in his sixties, carried bags of groceries into his house. In the yard next to this one, Rafe saw a very pale young woman partially hidden by a tall palm, her bony hands on the ringed trunk. A floppy straw hat shaded her face. Her eyes jumped from his luggage to him.

It seemed Eden had noisy neighbors. The sight of a man moving into her place probably enlivened an otherwise boring day or was so uncommon it warranted notice. Preferring the latter scenario, Rafe grabbed his things and went to her front door, ringing the bell.

The gentle chimes reminded him again of his paperboy days, waiting on porches for the homes’ owners to give him their payments. Back then, his young heart had beat wildly. He feared making a mistake and angering his customers.

His pulse quickened now at the sound of light footfalls nearing the wooden door, ornately carved in the style of Spanish architecture. The click of metal signaled Eden turning the dead bolt and the beginning of their thirty day adventure.

Even before she’d opened the door fully, Rafe caught her fragrance of cool fruit and sweet flowers with a suggestion of musk that went well with the cinnamon and vanilla aromas coming from the kitchen. Her cheeks glowed with heat…not from the oven, from him. As if she were helpless to stop it, her eyes softened beneath his appraising gaze. She’d changed her nose stud from a topaz to a diamond. The gem winked in the day’s gloomy light. Her stretchy white tank top worked to contain her breasts. White shorts hugged her honeyed thighs. A delicate silver chain circled her left ankle.

Bursts of warmth journeyed from his chest to his crotch, lodging there to feed his swelling cock. Damned near breathless, he looked up.

She murmured, “Welcome.”

Rafe dropped his bags. Hand on her throat he eased her against the door, his chest, belly and thighs molded to hers. Her heightened color said she felt his erection. Her tattered breaths said she liked it. He whispered, “Buenas tardes.”

In synchrony with her parting lips, her lids slipped down. An encouraging reception no sane man could refuse. His tongue touched hers, then pierced deep, compelling her to relax her jaw, to submit.

On a whimper, she obeyed.

His chest bumped hers with his sharp breath, her firm nipples stirring him further. She tasted of mint, toothpaste no doubt, having prepared herself for his arrival. Pleased, Rafe took possession. For thirty days she was his in every way, he wasn’t about to delay a second. His relentless kiss mirrored his savage appetite. With their bodies pushing against it, the door hit the stop, it wood shuddering briefly. His tongue explored her teeth, the silky insides of her cheeks. She suckled hard, pulling him more deeply inside.

Not good enough.

He bunched her top to her breasts, tunneling his hand beneath the cotton, seeking skin. Instead, he reached the edge of her bra. His kiss faltered at the obstruction.

She took over, pushing his tongue aside to plunge hers into his mouth. It won’t be as easy as you expect, her actions warned. I may be yours to take, but if you want my full submission, you’ll have to win me.

Did she have any doubt?

Her determination couldn’t match his. His discipline would be absolute. When the time came, he’d warn her against wearing underwear. While they were together, he wouldn’t have it.

He suckled her tongue, not about to let her end the kiss. Impatient, he pushed the bra’s sheer cup past her left breast, freeing it to rest on his palm, reveling in its feminine weight, flicking the long nipple with his thumb.

Subdued, her body relaxed, its weakness telling him he could do whatever he pleased.

Later, once he made her desperate for it. For now, he’d proven his will and released her breast, settling it back in its cup, easing down her top. She moaned softly as his mouth left hers. The back of her head rested against the door. Her eyes fluttered open.

Holding her gaze, Rafe’s hand slid down her arm to the large socket wrench she held in her fist. “Is this how you greet all of your guests?”

A smile danced in her eyes. She lifted her free hand to cover his on her throat. “Do you greet all of your hosts this way?”

He laughed. “You’re the first.” His lips sought the fine hair at her temple. Damping it with a tender kiss, smelling her melon-scented mane, he whispered, “Why the weapon? Were you expecting someone other than me?”

Her labored breathing didn’t allow her to speak immediately. Her sweet, quick breaths glided past his ear. “The pipe under my kitchen sink is leaking. I thought I could fix it before you arrived.”

He left a path of kisses across her cheek and jaw prior to looking up. “Give me the wrench. I’ll take a look at it.”

What helps get you inspired and what were your writing influences?

Events I see on TV or read about on the Internet often inspire my stories. For example, I got the idea for Deep, Dark, Delicious while I was watching Iron Chef on The Food Network. That night, there was a mega-hot Latin guy in the challenge. I started wondering what would happen if he was one of the judges and a hot Latin lady was a contestant. Then I began to wonder, what would happen if he voted down her dish and she lost but he still wanted her? After that, the story just took off.

My writing was influenced by the classics written by Dickens, the Bronte sisters, etc., and by contemporary writers whose work I enjoy, including Lawrence Sanders, Sol Stein, Hilma Wolitzer, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Dean Koontz -  stop me, please, I could go on and on! 

When you’re not on deadlines, what do you like to read?

Just about anything, though not necessarily in this order: Romantic comedy, thrillers, horror, mainstream, historical romance, contemporary romance, and erotic romance.

What helped you make the decision to become a romance writer? Was it reading a romance book or a nudge from friends?

For me, writing wasn’t a conscious decision. It just came naturally. I’ve been writing since I was nine. When I read Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss, I started getting interested and excited about romance, so I’d say her work convinced me more than anything to try my hand at it.

How many years of writing did you invest before you finally made it?

When I decided to write romance, I wrote my first novel in six months and in less than a week after submitting it to my agent, he sold it to my editor with her asking for two more. However, I had been writing since I was nine, I had been the editor of a newspaper, so I had lots and lots of practice and years of honing my skills before I delved into romance.

Which character(s) or storylines that you are most attached to?

For me, the story I’m currently working on is always the one I like best. If I had to choose the characters or plots I enjoyed the most from my earlier novels, I’d have to say “Lady Love” and “Take A Chance”, contemporary romantic comedies for Kensington – more on the sweet than the sexy side.

What is the biggest misconception about romance authors that you’ve come across?

That they can’t write and aren’t professional. Nothing could be further from the truth. In addition to crafting stories with unique plots, especially in sci-fi and fantasy, they convey the characters’ emotions on the page. Believe me, that isn’t easy. In fact, it may be the hardest thing a writer will ever do. It takes talent to create and sustain emotional build – to make the reader sigh, laugh or cry and to truly care about the characters even after the story has ended.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Read everything you can get your hands on, and not only in the genre you’re targeting. Write, write, write – everyday if you can. Perfect your craft.

Never give up. No matter how many times you’ve been rejected, write again, make it better and submit it. You will succeed.

Any last words for our readers?

Thanks for stopping by today and for your interest in my books. My commitment to you is to provide the best in romantic entertainment. Drop by my website to see what my current releases are and for a chance to win one of my earlier releases. I run contests and scavenger hunts monthly.

About Tina:

Tina Donahue is a multi–published novelist in contemporary, historical and erotic romance. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times have praised her work; she has reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA-sponsored contests. Her most recent work – Deep, Dark, Delicious was nominated for Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Reviews. She was the editor of an award-winning Midwestern newspaper, worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company (with work shown on CBS-TV) and is currently the Managing Editor for a global business document concern. You can email Tina at tina@tinadonhue.com

Romance Divas would like to recognize our members for their good news!
Please congratulate them on their writing achievements and success.

**We’ll post updates as they come in for the month of March.**

♦ Christine d’Abo’s new erotic futuristic, No Quarter, is releasing on March 31st from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Eden Bradley’s e-novella, SPRING EQUINOX, Book Two in her Celestial Seductions series, was released March 5th from Samhain!

♦ Elise Hepner’s Sex Tool is released from Excessica on March 1, College Trouble is released from Excessica March 8th, and Repossession is released from Excessica March 29th.

♦ Jeannie Lin will be presenting her workshop “Page 1, 5, 50 — Keeping Them Hooked” at the NECRWA Let Your Imagination Take Flight conference, March 26-27.

♦ Jenna Bayley-Burke’s latest, Pride & Passion releases March 9 from Samhain Publishing.

♦ Marisa Chenery’s paranormal romance The Goddess’ Girdle, the 3rd book in the Goddess Revealed series, will be released at Ellora’s Cave on March 26th.

♦  MK Mancos’ Immorati from Wild Rose Press/Black Rose and the print edition of Scythe from Samhain Publishing will be released this month.

♦ Nell Dixon’s book, Animal Instincts is a finalist in the UK’s Love Story of the Year Awards.

♦  Paige Tyler’s new erotic romance MR. RIGHT-NOWreleases Mar 3rd from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ RG Alexander’s, MY SHIFTER SHOWMANCE, the first in her Shifting Reality series, releases March 30th from Samhain Publishing.

♦ RG Alexander’s TWILIGHT GUARDIAN, Book 3 of the Children of the Goddess series, will be released in print March 3rd from Samhain Publishing.

♦ Rhonda Stapleton’s teen romance FLIRTING WITH DISASTER (book 2 in the STUPID CUPID trilogy) released March 9 from Simon Pulse.

♦ Stephanie Adkins‘ contemporary erotic romance novella, Enough, debuted from Loose Id on March 2nd.

This month we welcome Shawna McCarthy, Fiction Editor, and Douglas Cohen, Editor, from Realms Of Fantasy magazine.

For those new to Realms Of Fantasy can you give us a little background on the magazine?

DC: Well, Shawna knows a lot more about the magazine’s origins than I do, because was the magazine’s founding editor and is the only person left who has been with the magazine since its first issue.  But I’ll add a few additional tidbits for those unfamiliar with us.  RoF is a full-sized bimonthly color magazine.  Besides the fiction and the nonfiction Shawna mentions, each issue also features interior illustrations accompanying the stories, an artist gallery, and a number of different review columns.  I joined the magazine back in 2005 as Assistant Editor, meaning I was Shawna’s assistant in the fiction department.  Actually, Shawna was the one who hired me.  Thanks, Shawna!  The magazine was cancelled early in 2009, but our current publisher, Warren Lapine of Tir Na Nog Press, stepped in a couple of months later, bought the magazine, and brought me and Shawna back.  I have some additional duties with the magazine thes

e days (thanks, Warren!), so everything I do now gets lumped under the title of Editor.  But in the fiction department, I remain Shawna’s assistant.  I’ll also add that our current issue is February 2010 and is available on newsstands, while subscriptions are available on our website: http://www.rofmag.com.  The April 2010 issue of the magazine is scheduled for release in early February.

SM: The magazine was launched in October 1994 after a series of meetings with Carl Gnam, then the publisher of Science Fiction Age. I had written to him suggesting that since Fantasy outsells Science Fiction by a factor of ten to one (back then—it’s probably a larger number today), that he might want to consider publishing a fantasy magazine. In addition to the fiction, I stopped to consider what sorts of non-fiction might be of interest to the fantasy reader, and I realized that as a fantasy reader I was always curious about the folkoots behind the fantasy tropes. What was Samhain, anyway, and how did you pronounce it? (I’m still not sure!). There was only one person I knew who was qualified to write such a column, and that was the remarkable Terri Windling, who stayed on as our Folkroots editor for nearly 15 years. Thanks, Terry! I also wanted to get a real eminence grise´ for the book review column, and was able to snatch Gahan Wilson (yes, that Gahan Wilson) out from under the hands of George Scithers who was at the time trying to get him as a reviewer for his magazine. Sorry, George! And of course, the fiction was the main reason for the magazine’s existence, so I contacted all of my writer friends and they came through for me. Thanks, Writer Friends. And so Realms of Fantasy was born.

What is your favorite aspect of working on the magazine?

DC: For me it’s two things.  One is finding publishable manuscripts in our general submissions pile.  I pass what I like along to Shawna and she makes the final call on what we’re taking.  It’s always fun finding the proverbial needle in the haystack, and the genuine appreciation from the authors is always a wonderful thing.  Also, I love seeing the final artwork when it’s handed in.  It’s always interesting to see a story brought to life visually.  Also, it’s fun to see the finished product before just about everyone else!

SM: I love presenting high quality fantasy fiction to an audience that appreciates it. I also love finding new writers and watching them grow into major talents.

I understand you’re starting a paranormal romance column. How did that come about? What sorts of topics will you be covering? Are you looking for contributors to that column?

DC: That came about through a conversation with Warren.  There was a book up for potential review, something in the vein of romantic fantasy.  Warren wanted to know which columnist was best suited to review the book.  We swapped a few emails about this, and then Warren made the suggestion that we create a book column dedicated to reviewing paranormal romance/urban fantasy/romantic fantasy/related areas.  I didn’t have to think about this long to realize it was a great idea.  So after figuring out the particulars to how we would handle this new column, I put out a call on my blog for interested reviewers (I would have put out a call on our website too, but it was still under construction).  Some amazing candidates applied for the position, making it a very difficult choice for me.  I suppose I should stop and explain that, with few exceptions, RoF tends to use the same group of nonfiction columnists from issue to issue.  So I would be choosing just one reviewer.  Ultimately I selected Elizabeth Bear.  She is a very talented, prolific, and respected author who has also done reviews for such venues as Washington Post Online.  She has a deep appreciation for these areas of the fantastic and her ability to deconstruct and review a story is absolutely amazing.  I have every confidence that she is going to do an amazing job.  The column will be premiering in our June 2010 issue.  We’re also planning to concurrently run some of the magazine’s nonfiction columns on our website from time to time.  Right now, there’s a very good chance we’ll be posting Elizabeth’s reviews in the June 2010 issue on the website as well.  We would of course encourage everyone to buy an issue of the magazine and give us a shot, but I know the majority of the readers on this site are big romance fans.  So if you fall into this category and you’re not sure if the magazine is for you, reading this column to help you decide might be a good starting place.

The upcoming Women of Fantasy issue has already created some buzz. Why this theme now? And I know it’s listed on the website, but can you run down submission guidelines for that issue here?

SM: I don’t think there’s ever a wrong time to present the work of talented women writers. Why now? Why not? I’ve always wanted to do themed issues but the timing never worked out in the past. Doug will provide you with the exact guidelines.

DC: Well, I think Shawna answered the question of why rather well. As to our guidelines, here is the abridged version: we’re putting out a women in fantasy issue in August 2011. This issue will address the aforementioned topic through the magazine’s fiction, art, and nonfiction. We’re currently accepting fiction submissions for this issue, which is open to women only.  Stories dealing with gender, sexism, and other topics important to feminist speculative fiction are particularly welcome, but are not required.  The stories do not necessarily need to feature a female protagonist.  Stories must be postmarked no later than November 15^th, 2010.  The full guidelines can be found here:  http://www.rofmag.com/2010/01/12/women-in-fantasy-take-two/ The magazine’s general submission guidelines can be found here: http://www.rofmag.com/contact-us/

What’s the last book you read or what are you reading now?

DC: The last book I read was THE GOLDEN COMPASS by Phillip Pullman. It’s the first book in a YA (or middle-grade—I’ve seen it shelved in both areas at the bookstores!) fantasy trilogy called HIS DARK MATERIALS. People who haven’t heard of the book still might recognize the title, since there was a movie made about this one a couple of years back. Despite the fact that it was marketed to reach younger readers, the content is handled in a very mature manner and the author’s imagination is quite impressive. Adults should be able to enjoy this without a problem. And the young heroine is without a doubt the spunkiest protagonist I have ever encountered. You can’t help but root for her.

As to what I’m reading now, I’m about to pick up PARABLE OF THE TALENTS by Octavia E. Butler, one of the most talented writers science fiction has ever known.  Everything I’ve read by her to date has wowed me. PARABLE OF THE TALENTS is the sequel to PARABLE OF THE SOWER, one of the better novels I’ve read in some time. I have every expectation this too will be amazing. After this, I imagine I’ll read something entirely different. You wouldn’t know it based on my answers, but I do read outside of speculative fiction!

SM: Right now I’m reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Vergese. It’s not fantasy or science fiction but it hold in common with those areas a very realized sense of place for a part of the world that’s utterly alien to most Americans. It makes Ethiopia sound like a sort of paradise!

Book you’re most looking forward to?

DC: Ha!  That’s an easy one for me!  The book I’m most looking forward to is A DANCE WITH DRAGONS by George R. R. Martin (yup, another fantasy).  It’s the fifth book in Martin’s epic fantasy series, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.  I can’t even begin to describe how much I love this series, or to even describe the series itself.  I would fail to do it any sort of justice.  I really put it on a pedestal above all other stories.  Epic fantasy is my favorite form of literature when done right.  I’ve read a lot of good epics over the years, but nothing quite like Mr. Martin’s works.  That story fills me with awe.

SM: Too many to enumerate, and too little time to read them!

What else is in store for Realms Of Fantasy’s future?

DC: Well, our website is very new, because we launched it about a month ago.  We’re still planning to do a lot more with it.  Beyond that, well, we can’t give away all of our secrets, now can we?

SM: I’m looking forward to a robust future for the magazine—we’ve got a new publisher who’s totally energized and who’s working proactively to get us back into the marketplace. I’m excited!

Don’t miss this month’s SPOTLIGHT ON guest CELESTE BRADLEY. She’s giving away three autographed books!

For your chance to win, go read her interview and either post your comments here or email romancedivas@gmail.com with the subject like Celeste Bradley Contest and I’ll add your name to the drawing. Winners will be picked at random. Deadline for entry is February 28th and winners will be announced March 1st.

Romance Divas would like to recognize our members for their good news!
Please congratulate them on their writing achievements and success.

**We’ll post updates as they come in for the month of February.**

♦ Annie Nicholas’ first space opera, Red Dawn, will be released Feb. 5 from Eirelander Publishing.

♦ Bernadette Gardner’s paranormal erotic romance Slither will be released by Ellora’s Cave on February 17th 2010.

♦ Charlotte McClain recently sold her short, Traveling Violations, to Wild Rose Press.

♦ Crista McHugh’s red hot paranormal romance novella, Heart of a Huntress, releases on February 23rd from Samhain Publishing.

♦ Crista McHugh also finalled in the OVRWA Enchanted Words Contest.

♦ Dara England’s short piece of romantic Irish mythology was released this month in the anthology The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance from Running Press.

♦ Elise Hepner’s erotica short-short Check Out comes out from Excessica Publishing February 8th in e-book and kindle forms.

♦ Elise Logan’s hot contemporary Trusting Destiny releases February 9 from Freya’s Bower.

♦ Emily Ryan-Davis’ “naughty nooner” INTERLUDE IN PEARL will be available for free download at Ellora’s Cave February 22.

♦ Gail Roarke’s paranormal erotic short ONE KNIGHT STAND will be released on February 12th by Cobblestone Press.

♦ Kate Pearce’s first contemporary erotic novella for Kensington Aphrodisia comes out in the anthology SOME LIKE IT ROUGH, with Susan Lyons and Anne Rainey on February 23rd.

♦ Kelly Jamieson’s erotic romance novella 2 Hot 2 Handle with Samhain Publishing came out February 2. The print version of her contemporary romance Friends With Benefits came out February 2 as well.

♦ Kristen Painter’s free read from Samhain, Her Viking Valentine, will be available for download starting Feb 5th on the Samhellion.

♦ K.S. Manning’s (debut) contemporary/suspense e-book novella A Valentine to Remember releases February 4, 2010 from Red Rose Publishing.

♦ The Casino Caper, a mystery/suspense novella by K.S. Manning, releases February 25, 2010 from Red Rose Publishing.

♦ Marisa Chenery’s werewolf romance Jinx and Her Werewolf, and her first book in Liquid Silver Book’s Strange Hollow series, releases February 8th. Her second book in her Goddess Revealed series, Love’s Fiery Arrow, releases at Ellora’s Cave on Feburary 17th.

♦ Melisse Aires’ sexy scifi romance Cybot Awakens releases Feb 25th from Red Rose Publishing.

Melisse has also signed a contract with Aspen Mountain Press for Del Fantasma: Demonade, her second in the Del Fantasma paranormal series.

♦ Paige Tyler’s paranormal erotic romance JUST RIGHT, the sexy tale of Goldie and the Three Werebears comes out Feb 3 from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Rebecca Leigh’s M/M short story Tight End was released this month as part of Ravenous Romance’s M/M football anthology Tightends.

♦ Rhonda Stapleton is now officially an editor at Carina Press.

♦ Savannah Stuart’s erotic paranormal romance WORTH THE RISK will release February 24 from Ellora’s Cave. It’s the second story in her Miami Scorcher series.

♦ Savannah Stuart sold her erotic paranormal, POWER UNLEASHED, to Ellora’s Cave. It’s the third in her Miami Scorcher series. Release date to be announced.

♦ Stephanie Adkin’s contemporary erotic romance short story, Seducing Reagan, will debut from Ellora’s Cave on February 10th.

Romance Divas would like to recognize our members for their good news!
Please congratulate them on their writing achievements and success.

**We’ll post updates as they come in for the month of January.**

♦ Annie Nicholas’ suspensful paranormal romance, BAIT released Jan. 4 from Liquid Silver Books.

Also her paranormal erotic romance, The Omegas released on Jan. 18 from Lyrical Press.

♦ Charlotte McClain’s Spark of Desire, the second Arden FD book, came out January 4th from Lyrical Press.

♦ Gail Roarke’s latest paranormal erotic menage, Three On A Rooftop released January 15th from Cobblestone Press.

♦ Haven Rich, owner of Enchanted Web Style, took 11th place in the Preditors & Editors Poll.

♦ Jax Cassidy won the Ariana Award for her book cover design of CRICKET’S MOON for Awe-Struck Publishing.

♦ Jenna Bayley-Burke’s contemporary romance Compromising Positions was released January 4 from Samhain Publishing.

♦ Julia Knight’s second book in her fantasy series, Love is My Sin, released from Samhain on January 12th

♦ Kim Knox’s erotic fantasy menage HER DARK SOUL releases 29 January 2010 from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Kissa Starling’s short story, Cracker Cowgirl, will be released January 21st at Red Rose Publishing.

♦ Kissa Starling has a short story, Vegas Vixens 4 Ever, releasing in ebook and print formats as part of the To Love and To Cherish, lesbian love anthology at Love You Divine Publishing on February 14th. The proceeds will go to Marriage Equality.

♦ RFLong’s The Wolf’s Mate: a Tale of the Holtlands releases from Samhain Publisheing on 23rd January 2010 – This sequel to The Wolf’s Sister has been described as “It’s well written, fast paced and filled with interesting and unique characters…I’m very curious to see what happens to these two mates with the next and last release.” 4 Nymphs, Mystical Nymph, Literary Nymphs Reviews

♦ Kim Knox’s FREE Erotic SF Romance Hunting Evander releases 18 January 2010 from Ellora’s Cave

♦ Lainey Bancroft’s sweet contemporary novella, Bridesmaid Blues released January 13th as part of The Wild Rose Press Flower Basket series.

♦ Madelynne Ellis sold her erotic contemporary novel ENTICEMENT to Samhain. Release date to be announced.

♦ Nell Dixon’s third title for Little Black Dress, Crystal Clear was released on January 7th.

♦ Erotic Exposure, Paige Tyler’s first book with Ellora’s Cave was released on Dec 31st.

♦ Just Right, The Sexy Tale of Goldie and the Three Werebears, an erotic romance by Paige Tyler releases from Ellora’s Cave on Feb 3rd.

♦ Paige Tyler also signed with Ellora’s Cave for two erotic romance, Good Cop, Bad Girl and Mr. Right-Now.

♦ Seeley deBorn was accepted into the Faculty of Engineering with a major in Environmental Engineering.

♦ Stephanie Adkins signed with Ellora’s Cave for her erotic romance story, Seducing Reagan. She also signed with Liquid Silver Books for her erotic romance story, Driving Miss Devin. Release dates to be announced.

Rhonda Stapleton started writing a few years ago to appease the voices in her head. She has a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. In the twelve minutes of free time she has each day, Rhonda enjoys reading, photography, writing poetry, singing in the shower (and in the car, at work, or basically anywhere that provides oxygen), drinking chai tea, and playing on the Internet (AKA, connecting to the “mother ship”). Rhonda lives in northeast Ohio with her two kids, her manpanion, and their lazy dog. Visit her website at: http://www.rhondastapleton.com for more information about her and her books.

1. Tell us about yourself?

Well, I’m an author, mother, teacher, editor, and amateur photographer. I also hate blue food, love chinese and sushi, and hope to visit Japan in the near future.

2. How long have you been writing, and how did you get your start?

I’ve been writing since 2004. Stupid Cupid is actually the third novel I wrote. My first novel was a chick lit, and my second a YA (this is the one that got my agent). I’d originally written Stupid Cupid as one book, but my agent sent it to my editor who thought it would make a good trilogy.

3. How long have you been a member of Romance Divas? What does this site mean to you?

I’ve been a die-hard member since 2005, and it’s like crack. I love it. It’s a fantastic source for all things writing. I’m also the YA liaison, and I love it!

4. What should we know about the STUPID CUPID trilogy.

Ummmmmm it’s super goofy and light and there aren’t any vamps and werewolves in it. haha

5. How did you make this sale?

My agent sent it to my editor, who loved it enough to buy a trilogy!

6. I understand you had a booksigning in Canada? How does it feel to be an international superstar?

OMG it was so much fun. And sooo scary. But what a great first signing–I sold several copies, and some people even brought theirs in from home for me to sign. Talk about the ultimate flattery!

7. What will you be doing to help promote the trilogy?

Other than pimping the crap out of my stuff online? I’m doing group signings, podcasts, and blog tours and contests. And I have a few things up my sleeves…mwahahahaaaaa…

8. Tell us about a typical writing day For Rhonda Stapleton.

When I’m in drafting mode, I write at least 1 hour a day (which is around 3 pages for me), 5 days a week. My writing is typically done later in the evening.

9. Where do you get your inspiration?

It’s all around–my family and friends provide a lot of help, because they’re all crazy. hahaha

Interviewed by Amanda Brice

Rhonda Stapleton’s Website: www.rhondastapleton.com

WORKSHOP: JANUARY 27 – 29

WRITING THE YA ROMANTIC COMEDY

Wanna learn how to make teens fall in love with your characters and have a good laugh or two (or hopefully more)? Check out Rhonda Stapleton’s YA romantic comedy workshop and find out tips on writing funny, as well as how to keep the romantic tension building in a satisfying manner.

Workshop includes: Day 1–tips about writing comedy. Day 2–how to build a realistic teen romance. Day 3–bringing it all together.

**Workshop is featured in our FORUM. Required registration. Become a member and participate for free.**

I’ve been a published author for approximately seven years. Since I started to write, I’ve exploring subjects that intrigue, puzzle or upset me. Circles of Love was a book that examined a painful topic. For years I pondered the idea of having no clue as to  “where you came from”. The heroine in Circles of Love went in search of her mother after realizing she couldn’t marry the hero until she knew who she was. The story earned me a 4-1/2 Gold review from Romantic Times Book Club.

While negotiating my latest contract my editor suggested that I write connected books. I didn’t want to write about another large or extended family so I opted for stories connected by a large company. Living in the Detroit area, ideas swirled around the automobile companies since Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporations headquarters are all located in metro Detroit.

French-owned and operated Gautier’s International Motors was born after I rejected the ideas of the Detroit based companies. I had no idea that the auto industry would stall, fail or file for bankruptcy protection to stay in business and start new. Chrysler would offer the hand of partnership to Fiat and my little story would follow some of the events that marked the news in the Detroit area.

As an undergraduate student at Wayne State University ,I worked as a nursery aide at a day care center. Many of the parents also put in several hours a week of work to lower their tuition costs. One mother in particular stayed in my thoughts for years. Kim was the parent of two little girls, Heather and Sarah. Both girls were under the age of three.

I soon learned Kim was going through a bitter divorce with her husband, Bill. As part of their separation agreement, Bill had visitation rights for the girls every other weekend. One weekend Bill didn’t return and I later learned that he disappeared with Heather and Sarah and was never seen again.

Today, things are very different. We have laws and options that weren’t in place at that time. Amber alerts and the procedures used by the police to handle these cases are different. There is a great chance of a parent having their children returned to them.

That idea has haunted me over the years. The concept of losing your children for life seemed so painful and cruel. Never knowing if they were alive or dead was beyond anything I could comprehend.

When I became an author/writer this kidnapping was a topic that I wanted to explore and try to make sense of. Hence, I Can Make You Love Me began to take shape.

Let me know your thoughts on the subject. E-mail me at karenwowens@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. Remember, don’t be a stranger.

You can find me on facebook and myspace, or check me out at my website: www.karenwhiteowens.com.

Romance Divas would like to recognize our members for their good news!
Please congratulate them on their writing achievements and success.

**We’ll post updates as they come in for the month of November.**

♦ On November 19th, Adelle Laudan’s book TRIAD OF HOPE will be available from Red Rose Publishing.

♦ Angela James has joined Carina Press as the Executive Editor. She brings with her seven years of experience in the digital arena, after working for various digital publishers (most recently Samhain Publishing). Carina Press, an extension of Harlequin Enterprise, is a digital-only publishing house that will operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses.

♦ Belle McClain’s menage TRIO was released on Nov 2 from Liquid Silver.

♦ Crista McHugh was a double finalist in the On the Far Side contest and won the paranormal category of the Emerald City Opener. She also sold her second paranormal romance novella, ANGELIC SURRENDER, to Samhain for publication in 2010.

♦ Jax Cassidy sold her erotic contemporary BRUSH STROKES to Amber Heat, an imprint of Amber Quill Press. This story will be available January 2010.

♦ Jennifer Leeland released MARKED FOR PLEASURE November 3rd from Loose-Id LCC.

♦ Jerri Drennen’s romantic suspense Grace Under Fire will be available November 18 from The Wild Rose Press.

♦ Kelly Jamieson’s erotic romance SEXPRESSO NIGHT, will be available 17 November 2009 from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Jeannie Lin sold a historical short tentatively titled WARRIOR BRIDE to Harlequin Undone.

♦ Jennifer Colgan’s[/url]paranormal vampire novella, LA VIDA MUERTA will be available November 15th from Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat.

♦ Kim Knox’s SF erotic romance novella, WARFLESH, will be available 13 November 2009 from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Marisa Chenery’s Paranormal/Cat Shifter Quickie, Goddess Revealed-BAST’S PERFUME, will be released at Ellora’s Cave on November 18th.

♦ MG Braden released LOVE’S BLESSINGS on November 5 from Red Rose Publishing.

♦ Natasha Mooore’s erotic fairy tale remix, THE BETTER TO EAT YOU WITH, released from Red Sage November 1st.

♦ Nell Dixon has HIS DARLING NURSE releasing from Freya’s Bower on 17th of November.

♦ Portia Da Costa’s erotic novel SHADOWPLAY will be reprinted in a new cover on 10th November – her last ever Black Lace release.

♦ Rhiannon Leith sold erotic sf novella WITH A TOUCH and erotic paranormal novel EDGE OF HEAVEN to Samhain Publishing for publication in 2010.

♦ Rowan Larke’s debut, a dark, paranormal, erotic romance, A LOVE NEVERENDING, releases November 17th from Loose Id.

♦ Seeley deBorn got an A on her Computer Programming midterm and her vehicle for Engineering Design got the highest performance score in the class.

♦ Shelley Munro’s contemporary novella, Soldier of Fortune will be available November 18th from Ellora’s Cave.

♦ Stephanie Adkin’s contemporary erotic romance suspense novella, Between Heaven and Hell, will debut from Liquid Silver Books on November 16th.

♦ The French translation of The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover by Victoria Janssen, Lecons de plaisir, is available beginning November 2009 at Amazon France and Harlequin France.

Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia, October 2009
Genre: Historical Romance (Erotic)
Rating: 4.5 Kisses
Reviewed by Voirey Linger

In Simply Wicked, Kate Pearce once again takes us to the House of Pleasure where we meet Anthony, a young man whose history of abuse has skewed his perception of sexuality into something dark and damaging. Determined to put the violence he’s craved for so long behind him, he leaves his lover and the world of bondage and dominance behind him. When he is asked to act as social escort to Marguerite, a young widow with secrets of her own, he sees an opportunity to distance himself from the pull of submission and a much needed distraction from a lifestyle that is destroying him.

Marguerite isn’t sure what to think about the intriguing and sensual man her family has procured as escort. He brings to life desires which have laid dormant since her husband’s death and she quickly acts on them. But Anthony’s past may be more than she can handle, and when his former lover refuses to let him go, Marguerite is pulled into a bitter man’s vicious game of revenge.

Ms. Pearce has penned a story of sensual elegance so lush and appealing, I didn’t want to put it down. The two lovers battle their private demons, trying to lay the past to rest and move on with their lives. However, they discover their pasts aren’t as separate and private as they believe and must work together to set things right before they can move on.

I was drawn to Anthony early in the book because of his vulnerability, his desperation to leave behind a lifestyle which left him filled with shame and degradation. He didn’t know what he wanted besides change, and this lost quality left him floundering, searching for some elusive sense of happiness. Anthony’s attitudes were frustrating, though. He ranged from one who seemed to enjoy wallowing in victim mode to sulky bratty-ness early in the book, however as he learned to stand up for himself and make his own decisions he matured.

I was not as attracted to the character of Marguerite. While she was a very sensual character, I was never sure what drove her or why she made some choices. She was, however, very sensual and surprisingly open to new sexual experiences. Sexually, she was the perfect match for Anthony, firm and demanding, yet still the picture of soft, feminine sensuality. This fourth book in the House of Pleasure series left me wanting more. Ms. Pearce’s luxurious writing is a decadent delight and I cannot wait for book five and its unexpected hero.