A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Getting Published By Dana Delamar

  A Funny Thing Happened 

on the Way to Getting Published

      Why Choosing Your Setting Is Important

My current series, Blood and Honor, is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. Why did I choose that setting, and that Mafia group? It wasn’t a mere whim; the country and the group were both deliberate choices.

First off, I chose Italy because it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I’ve been there twice, and I can’t wait to go again. I love the culture, the people, the food, the language. I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient Romans and the Italian artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. These are the people who literally changed the world and forged so much of what it is today. And talk about one of the most beautiful places on earth! Where better to set a romance than in a place that practically screams it?

Most importantly, Italy is a place that speaks to me, that fires off dreams in me, yearnings, emotions. It’s a place that sparks my imagination. You could say it’s my favorite playground.

My choice of the Calabrian Mafia (the ’Ndrangheta) was likewise deliberate. Everyone has heard of Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia. With the release of the book and film, “Gomorrah,” many have heard of the Camorra, the Neopolitan Mafia. But few have heard of the ’Ndrangheta, despite their being the most powerful and widespread Mafia syndicate in the world today. They operate quite differently than the other Mafias, and they’ve been enormously successful while maintaining a very low profile. Even in Italy, not everyone is as aware of them as they should be. They’ve infiltrated every level of Italian society, and they’re making inroads throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, South America, and even parts of the United States. The economic instability of the last few years has only broadened their reach. You can see this too, in Mexico and South America, where drug cartels have taken over huge swaths of territory. We are rapidly entering a world where criminal syndicates are running the show… and where traditional governments are struggling to assert and maintain control.

When I started researching the ’Ndrangheta, I was fascinated by how they operated and how successful and adaptable they’ve been. Choosing a Mafia group that wasn’t well-known and didn’t work exactly like Cosa Nostra or other better-known groups gave me plenty of fertile ground to develop plots and characters. It also gave me a new world to introduce to my readers. 

At one point, when I was pitching this series to agents and editors, an editor from a Big 6 publisher was interested, but she asked if I could switch the setting and story to focus on the Chicago Mob. I had to decline. Changing the setting, in terms of country and syndicate, would dramatically and radically change the story. Italians, and members of the ’Ndrangheta, don’t think the same way American-born members of the Chicago Mob do. Another factor was that Kate, the American heroine of my first book, REVENGE, is isolated in Italy. Her family is thousands of miles away, and she soon realizes that the husband who swept her off her feet isn’t who she thought he was. She has no one she can trust, nowhere to turn. If she’d been in the United States, the hurdles she would have faced would have been much smaller, and she would have been far less likely to entrust her fate to the man she ends up choosing in REVENGE--a rival Mafia don.

Setting and story go hand in hand. One influences the other. The setting is the cauldron in which a story brews… and it’s integral to the magic that brings the story to life in readers’ minds.

Dana Delamar is the author of the "Blood and Honor" romantic suspense series, which is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. An avid traveler who loves to learn about different peoples and cultures, Dana often sets her books in exotic locales. She grew up in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, and today makes Seattle her home. She's an omnivorous reader with overflowing bookshelves and a passionate love of "Supernatural," "Firefly," "True Blood," "Mad Men," and a zillion other TV shows. Where she finds the time to sleep is a mystery.

When she's not writing, Dana is zipping off to visit new locales, dreaming about her next trip to Italy, or narrowly avoiding car accidents while she conjures up exploits for her characters. You can visit her at http://www.danadelamar.com.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.danadelamar.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaDelamarWriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanaDelamar

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DanaDelamar

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/danadelamar/

What makes C. A. Tibbitts Tick?

First and foremost, it is a pleasure to have you here. 

So, can you tell us what makes C.A. Tibbitts tick?  What got you started on the path to becoming an author?

Growing up, English and Literature were my favorite subjects in school and college. After I got married (almost 18 years ago!), the internet and instant messaging were getting pretty popular. I created a "fan fic" writing group based on the first television version of La Femme Nikita (Peta Wilson version).  It is still active at present!

When I quit my last 'outside of home' job (a paralegal for a District Attorney), I decided to write a short story and publish it, just to see if anybody besides me would read it.  That short story is Shifted For Love, and it is the first book in my current series Pepper Valley Shifters!

This current book, Shifter Under Cover, uses my 'sweet spot' for writing, as it has a lot of elements I use in my writing group.  It is my favorite book I've written so far!

What are you currently working on?  Would you care to share a snippet?

Currently working on a short story for the next Mystical Box Set Babes anthology that will publish May 1, 2015.  Tentatively titled "Ghost Of A Chance", here is a small excerpt:

On her way to the front desk, she tried in vain to shift away the strand of hair that kept falling over her left eye.  A large shadow fell over the desk.  "Hello, and welcome to the…"  She finally looked up.  Oh, this day just keeps getting better and better!  Sarcasm, her dearest friend.

Grant Harrison flashed that hundred-watt grin at her, and though it had been almost fifteen years since she'd last saw him, her panties dampened and her nipples hardened to the point of cutting glass.

"Hi, Ness."

"What are you doing here?"  Harsh, maybe, but he was the one that left.  She often daydreamed about what might have been if her high school sweetheart, her first for everything, hadn't left to play football at the University of Oklahoma.  Never mind that he had begged her to come with him.  Missouri was her home, and she was content to live her life in the only home she'd ever known.

His smile faltered and a sadness crept into his features.  "Momma died last night."

Tell us a little more about yourself?

Born, raised, and still live in Oklahoma, USA.  Married almost 18 years now.  We have one parakeet, and were previously foster parents (with one failed adoption).  I used to be a travel agent, and also a paralegal.  My husband and I have traveled the USA extensively, with only a few remaining states left to visit.  I have also been to Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands.  Our favorite place to go is Alaska, and we love to go on cruises!

Quickly, tell us about your upcoming releases?

Shifter Under Cover is my latest book.  I have numerous anthologies upcoming with Mystical Box Set Babes, and at least one more anthology with Full Moon Series in April.  And, of course, I will begin a new Pepper Valley Shifters very soon!

Do you have any specific inspiring incident that turned you out as an author?

Yes, a very by-chance happening!  I had been thinking on writing a book.  I attended a Facebook party in Summer 2014, and somehow (I don't remember entering for this!) won a guest hosting at this event for 1 hour!  Extremely nervous, I plotted out the entire hosting hour and used it to plot out names and the genre I would write!  I left it all to chance, using random.org to choose from the list of names - turned out to be Jace (which is the romantic lead of book 1), and specifically 'shifters' as the genre. Voila!  How's that for a strange beginning?!

Who designed your cover art? How did you choose the image?

My first two books were designed by Shaded Gems & Designs.  I provided her with pictures of the people I had in mind as my characters, and she did a fantastic job of finding images, etc. to make the covers.

With Shifter Under Cover , I wanted to go a different direction.  I found an image of a couple, but for various reasons, I decided not to use it.  So, I wound up designing the current cover myself.  I think it represents the danger and location well, and I love it!

Do you outline your work before you write?

No!  With my second book, Healing A Shifter, I did make an outline (or tried to).  I found that I just can't stick to it.  I write by the seat of my pants and go where the story takes me.

How do you like spending your leisure hours?

Reading, tv, social media, some cooking, swimming, traveling.

Which genre is far more appealing to you as a reader?

Paranormal is the first thing I look for, then cowboys. J

What inspires you to write? Is there any level of similarity with the events or characters in your book and real life?

I am visual, so I find pics to represent my characters, and I will watch quick interviews online or movies/shows.

No, the events or characters are made up - though I do tend to make stubborn and sarcastic females (which somewhat resemble me).

Which is your current read?

For my book blog (Romance Readers Book Blog), I am reading and reviewing The Sweet Taste Of Whiskey by Charlene M. Martin.  I will say it is something I would probably not have picked up on my own, but I am really enjoying it!  It never hurts to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

What, in your opinion is the toughest part while carving your book?

I tend to struggle with the length the most.  I know where the story goes, and try to pace it appropriately, and sometimes wish I was as long-winded as some other authors.  My stories wind up novella length (35k-45k words). 

Share a word of advice with our readers and authors, if any?

Authors:  find a critique partner.  One that will tell it to you honestly without hurt feelings.  I have the MOST awesome one (You can't have her! Lol), that edits, and comments, and tells her favorite parts, and says when she hates certain parts. You NEED honesty, because readers/reviewers are going to sometimes be brutal!

Readers:  I, and other authors, BEG of you to leave reviews!  It is the most important way that a story gets noticed.  It does not have to be an essay, and certainly don't spoil the plot points - just honesty.

Share one of your favorites from your music band collection, if any?

I honestly don't listen to a lot of music now.  I can sing you almost every song from my childhood/teen years though.

If you’re a foodie, tell us about your favorite dish?

I could eat Mexican food any/all day!  Chinese, Italian…….okay, anything!

List any giveaways or surprises in near future?

I frequently run giveaways and rafflecopters on my Facebook page.  In fact, there is one associated with this blog tour!  Check it out!

Where can we find your books?

Currently, I am exclusively on Amazon.  I am slowly making headway for printed books as well.  Shifter Under Cover will be the first in print, and should be available during this blog tour!

The Mystical Box Set Babes anthologies are everywhere online!

We would love to reach out to you, please share your social media active platform.

https://www.catibbitts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/C.A.Tibbitts

https://twitter.com/catibbitts

https://www.tsu.co/C_A_Tibbitts

Romance Readers Book Blog

https://romancereadersbb.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/romancereadersbb

https://twitter.com/RomanceRBB

Thank you so much for joining me here today. Good luck on all your future books. 

Where can we find your books?

Currently, I am exclusively on Amazon.  I am slowly making headway for printed books as well.  Shifter Under Cover will be the first in print, and should be available during this blog tour!

The Mystical Box Set Babes anthologies are everywhere online!

We would love to reach out to you, please share your social media active platform.

https://www.catibbitts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/C.A.Tibbitts

https://twitter.com/catibbitts

https://www.tsu.co/C_A_Tibbitts

Romance Readers Book Blog

https://romancereadersbb.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/romancereadersbb

https://twitter.com/RomanceRBB

C.A. Tibbitts

Other 

Books!

Enter 

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Bittersweet Dreams, An Incredible Journey Of Love, Surrender, and Passions! Secret Sexy Passions Series Book 2

New Release!!

Sean is an amazing confident young man that knows what he wants. He works hard to become a Navy SEAL! And, of course, he falls for a young beautiful girl, Sofia!

Sofia has been through several foster homes and is now in his home! She has locked up her heart and erected a wall. Will he be able to knock it down and touch her soul?

Life throws lots of curves and knocks them off the tracks. Will their love survive the obstacles blocking the road to HEA?

Small little excerpt!!

Sean walks down to the last apartment in the corner. He knocks on the door, listening for any noise inside or outside.

Oh, wow! Someone is knocking and I have to finish getting ready to go to work. Shit! I wish Carol was here. Where did she go?

Sofia pulls on the sundress that’s across her chair. She slips her feet into her slippers and walks out of her room. She looks through the peephole and sees a black shirt, wide shoulders, and she looks up his neck to his face. Hell, I know that’s Sean. The shades don’t disguise his jawline. It’s him! Her jaw drops open, surprised. Wow, omg. He’s here. It’s Sean. What does he want now after all of this time? She pulls back, and leans on the door, chewing her lower lip.

I know I heard some steps. It has to be my Sofia. Sean leans forward and knocks again on the door, looking at the peephole. He slowly smiles at her.

Sofia looks into the peephole again and sees him smiling. Hell, he knows I’m home. She bites her lower lip.

Sofia opens the door and looks at him. She crosses her arms and waits for him to talk.

Sean grins at her and looks her over. Oh yeah, my Sofia looks the same, if not better. “Baby Girl, I’m home.”

Sofia glares at him and turns away. She walks into the living room. She stops at the sofa, and rests her hands on her hips. “Really, you're home? That means what?” She raises her eyebrow at him. She clenches her hands on her hips to control her rampant emotions of joy, anger, and hurt.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N7WXXWK

Darlin Storm, Tequila 10 by P.T. Macias Paranormal New Series

Darlin Storm, Tequila 10 by P.T. Macias

Storm, Sophia Davis, is working on Tequila 10 special operative team for the government. The team has special abilities.

The notorious half century old prophesy hasn't been fulfilled. Storm is waiting for her Chosen to show up to bond her soul and heart.

Phantom is oblivious of his true nature or his destiny. He lives life staying in the dark, silently observing the world turn. He feels that he’s never truly fit or felt at home anywhere. He feels his life is a phantom of what life should be.

Storm and Phantom are on a mission to gather intel. They’re destined to cross paths and are immediately thrown into a tornado of love, truths, and passions. Are they destined to merge as one?

Excerpt - Adult Content

Storm walks into the building looking for the apartment number. Ok I’m taking the stairs because I’m too anxious to wait for the elevator. I need to get inside the apartment, she thinks.

Storm races up the stairs in no time. She strides down the hallway to the end and stops at number 310. She inserts the key and walks in.

Storm turns to close the door and locks it. She inhales deeply; she instantly smells the steaks as she walks inside the apartment. I wonder if Phantom is here. Ok, it smells delicious in here. My entire body is on fire, omg. This heat is getting worse.

She pulls up her hair, fanning herself with her hand. I wonder if I’m going to be able to work. Hmm, it smells like steak and something very, very delicious, she thinks.

Storm looks around the living room and walks further in. She turns to look at the furniture. She throws her bag on the sofa, nodding.

Hell yes, it’s nice for being small. I think that Phantom is here and cooking. Damn, what a wonderful boyfriend I have, she thinks, grinning.

She pulls up her hair, fanning herself. Oh gawd, I’m dying. She opens up her shirt a little more.

“Babe, I’m home,” yells Storm. She walks to the kitchen, smiling.

Huh, Babe? Yeah, she’s insane, he thinks. He shakes his head and turns off the water. He turns to greet her. Hell! She’s beautiful and insanely sexy. Oh wow, she totally turns me on, he thinks.

He blinks with surprise. Damn, I don’t usually react instantly and with this intensity to women.

He shifts to relieve his aching cock. He leans against the counter. His button up shirt, last two buttons are unbuttoned, the shirt flaps open as he crosses his arms.

Storm stops dead in her tracks. Her smile turns to surprise and pleasure. Omg, omg the scent is him. My Chosen! Oh yeah, it’s him! I love his scent and I’m so ready for him, she thinks. She closes her eyes and inhales deeply, with pleasure.

Yep, he’s my mate and he’s simply scrumptious. I’ve never smelled anything like his scent. Yep, he’s made for me, only me. He’s totally mine. I’m thrilled that finally I found him. I thought he wasn’t here on earth, she thinks.

Storm is mystified and she reads him. Omg, he doesn’t have a clue about being a were-wolf, being the Chosen, and about me. Damn, Fierce did this. He’s known all along. No wonder he winked this morning. He’s never winked at me before, she thinks, irritated.

Phantom runs his eyes down her beautiful tone body and then back up to her exquisite face. Oh wow, she’s pissed? She was happy a few minutes ago. What’s up, he thinks. Phantom blinks, he observes her facial expressions.

Damn it, what am I going to do? Oh yeah, I see that Phantom’s body will revive. His scrumptious body has started to revive to its true form. Oh damn, but he doesn’t know he’s a were-wolf. Damn it, she thinks.

She looks at Phantom's gorgeous face and runs her eyes down his huge body. Damn, I love his beautiful blue eyes. He’s wearing a nice trimmed goatee.

She reads him. Oh, he’s trying to hide his dimple. I can’t wait to see it. Oh yeah, he’s gorgeous everywhere. Hmmm, he looks like he’s ready for me and I’m not going to be able to keep off him for long, she thinks.

Storm bites her lower lip, moaning with need. She rests her hands on her hips. She squeezes her hips, trying to keep her hands under control.

“Hello Storm, I’ve made us an early lunch,” says Phantom. He narrows his eyes to look at her.

Her thin silk shirt clings to every curve. She has full firm breasts and a small waist with nice hips. Damn I can see her breasts swell. Hell, her nipples are nice and tight. Damn, her smell is exquisite. Uh, she’s driving me insane, he thinks.

Storm takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, nodding with pleasure. “It smells delicious and I’m starving. I could really devour you right now,” says Storm.

Hmmm, she can anytime she wants, thinks Phantom, grinning. I wonder if she’s aware of what she said.

“Darlin Storm, I don’t have any issues with that. I’m ready when you are,” replies Phantom.

His body is wakening up to his true nature. Phantom closes his eyes. He takes a swift deep breath and breaths in her scent.

His cock instantly gets harder and weeps. Oh hell, I can smell her arousal, her need. Her scent is driving me insane. I’ve never reacted to any women scent like this. I’m so aware of her delicious sweet scent, he thinks. Damn, I have to control myself. I don’t want to cause any issues here with my work associate.

Phantom takes a deep breath, trying to take control of his body. He quickly regrets it as he feels out of control and crazy with need.

Oh yes, he’s smells my scent. He’s smells my heat, my arousal. He’s fighting this, she thinks.

Storm observes Phantom’s face. She sees him struggle with these intense emotions. She looks down at his crotch.

Hmmm, his cock looks delicious peeking out of his waist. I wonder if he’s aware of this. Oh damn, I can’t wait to love him and feel his cock deep inside my aching pussy, she thinks, moaning.

She bites her lower lip, trying to control her moans. She pulls her hair up and with her hand she fans herself. “Uh, Phantom the steaks are burning,” whispers Storm. “So am I.”

Phantom swears and turns around to take the pan off the burner. He quickly takes the tongs and places the steaks on each plate.

He shakes his head with frustration. I need to take a shower, I’m burning up. I just met her and I don’t see how she would agree to make love. Huh, make love? Oh yeah, sweet intense love, he thinks, nodding.

Phantom turns to get some water from the sink to splash it on his face. Uh, did I hear her correctly? She’s burning up? Oh gawd, I’m going crazy. I’m hearing wrong.

US-  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG7REEU

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Darlin-Storm-Tequila-P-T-Macias-ebook/dp/B00HG7REEU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1387648534&sr=8-14&keywords=p.t.+macias

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/390390

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darlin-storm-tequila-10-pt-macias/1117908397?ean=2940045535984&itm=1&usri=p.+t.+macias

Thunder, Razer 8 by P.T. Macias Hot News!

Thunder, Razer 8

William Davis, Thunder, is a Razer 8 Delta Force operative. He enjoys a dangerous carefree lifestyle along with his identical twin. He’s oblivious to the fact that his mate is close real close.

Cassandra Johnson, Dawn, is a special operative on Tequila 10. Dawn is cute, happy, and full of dreams. She dreams of her mate and wedding day. Dawn is extremely close to Thunder and his siblings.

Thunder’s new mission hauls him into the arms of his mate. Their natural mating is inevitable. The mission keeps them apart.

 

US  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J687HAI

UK  http://ow.ly/uRhsv

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/thunder-razer-8/id847661047?mt=11

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thunder-razer-8-pt-macias/1118970851?ean=2940045784092

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/421637

Storm Warnings By Terri Hubbard Carle

I'm introducing to you this 

awesome love story! 

Liz never dreamed she would see him again. If she did, she just knew she would never tell him about their baby. If he had never wanted the baby back when she was pregnant, he didn’t need to know. 
Life has a way of coming back around, when it is meant to be, and no matter what we do, we cannot stop destiny. What is meant to be will be.
Tom is devastated by the loss of all he knows and loves. He eventually learns that not everything is as it seems to be. Life is not always black and white, there is plenty of grey you miss if that is all you see. When the two see each other again, it is under the worst of circumstances, and definitely nothing like either had ever imagined before. Somehow, the truth sets them both free.

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Warnings-Terri-Hubbard-Carle-ebook/dp/B00JIHV9FG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398628240&sr=1-1&keywords=terri+hubbard+carle

The Unknown by Lara Henley

 

Book Info-

Title-The Unknown

By-Lara Henley

Genre- Romance

Expected Publication Date- November 7, 2013

Blurb-

Misty found out early in life that things just don't come easy. She has learned to trust no one, and that you can't depend on anyone but yourself when the chips fall. Finally free of the states clutches she sets out on a whirlwind adventure called LIFE....

But she never expected Drake....

Drake... is use to being in the limelight just graduated from college. Wondering what's next? Misty is a welcome surprise. So different from his everyday mundane experiences..

Can two completely different people share a journey that could change both of their lives forever? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Escape to The UnKnown

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18368349-the-unknown?from_search=true

About the Author-

Lara Henley was born in the Midwest. She holds a degree in Fashion Marketing and loves all things creative. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her first love is writing and hopes to make it her full-time career. She first began her career as a writer with children's books and has since transitioned into writing young adult and adult romance.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7092327.Lara_Henley

Blog- http://www.larahenley.blogspot.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/laraisadiva

Facebook- www.facebook.com/larahenl

Enchanted Waves, The Forsaken Series Book 6 by Ciara Lake

Enchanted Waves by Ciara Lake

Tabitha Lock's mundane life changes when her future walks out of the sea into her arms.

Attorney Tabitha Lock has put her career before everything, including her love life. Exhausted from too many late nights, early mornings, and endless days spent in court, Tabitha is at the end of her rope. Add to that the sensual dreams and voices that haunt her sleep, and she's driven to the edge of her sanity.

Jax Aquila, Mer prince and son of Poseidon, is ordered to locate a mortal female in the twenty-first century. Although this woman is unaware of it, she has vampire heritage, but her immortality was forsaken to her due to the sins of her ancestor. Old hatred and prejudice toward vampires push Jax toward pursing his own agenda and avoiding his assigned task.

When Jax meets Tabitha, he has no idea this enticing woman is the one he was sent to find. The magic of their attraction drives him to pursue the beautiful woman. When he discovers the truth, can he accept Tabitha for what she is? And can Tabitha accept herself? As they struggle with the issues at hand, an ancient evil stirs, waiting in the darkness to reclaim their lost position among the immortals. When the evil ones make their move and Tabitha's life hangs in the balance can Jax find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

Excerpt: 

A wisp of air blew Tabitha's curls around her face. The urge to scream boiled up within her. "Leave me alone. Don't talk to me while I'm wide awake too. Give it a rest." She gritted her teeth. "This is only my imagination." She watched her lips say the words.

Unexpectedly, a buzzing rang out, and she jumped, her heart fluttering.

"I'm going to faint from fright." She leaned against the counter top, breathing heavily. She pointed at herself in the mirror. "Get a hold of yourself. The buzz is only my cellphone alarm." Tabitha shook her head, tossing her hair all over her head. "I look like a mad woman. Oh yeah, I am one." She laughed almost hysterically.

Going back to her nightstand, she checked the time on her cellphone.

"Oh no, it's after eight AM already. Damn, I didn't hear the first alarm." I'm going to be late, again.

She tossed the phone toward the bed. It bounced off. She moved to catch it, but missed. It nearly hit the floor then without her touching it, it stopped, moved midair, and landed on the bed.

Tabitha stared at it for several seconds. "No way. That didn't happen. I prayed for these crazy things to end." She buried her face in her hands and sat on the edge of the bed.

I've got to get to work. Pulling her nightgown over her head, she tossed it to the floor. Her energy drained, she plopped back down on the bed.

"I've gotta focus on work. I must be strong." She stared at a painting on the wall. "Not again. I won't go through this stuff again." She allowed her mind to relax, and as she studied the beautiful colors of the painting, her eyes shut.

A cool breeze blew across her heated skin. "My child, all is not forsaken to you."

"Shut up! Do you hear me?" Tabitha put her hands over her ears and shook her head wildly. "Just shut up." The thunder rumbled again as if to emphasis her words.

I have to get up now, I'm late. Tabitha rushed to the shower. The glass door slammed behind her. She turned the water on then leaned against the tile wall and closed her eyes.

The hot water and steam was soothing—it felt wonderful. As the water washed over her, she thought of the reoccurring voice and the dreams which felt too real. The voice had spoken to her on and off all throughout her life, but for the last three years, it had been silent. The dreams, however, had continued throughout the years, and as of late they'd been more intense, more sensual. The dreams were far more disquieting than the voice.

Suddenly, her shower stopped, and her world went into a spin. She was falling, hurtling to the ground. She reached out, desperate to grab hold of something to stop her. There was nothing to catch onto before she hit bottom.

Complete darkness made her blind. The smell of the damp earth surrounded her, filling her lungs. No longer was she in her bathroom. "Help me, let me out of here. Help me, dear God help me," Tabitha screamed. She pushed at the ground above her, the walls next to her. "No, this can't be happening."

She hit the hard, damp ground. It hurt her hands but she continued to slam against the hard earth. I hate dark, cold places. Her fingers bled, the coppery smell filling her prison. This place could be her grave. Am I dead?

Then an overpowering smell of salt water mixed with her blood took over her senses, making her gag. "What's happening?" In a flash, she was back in her shower, on the floor with the hot water running over her. Stunned, she got up and sat on the shower's bench. Her legs were wobbly. "God help me." She moaned, rocking back and forth to soothe herself.

Reluctantly, she stood to rinse herself off. Shaking, she stepped out of the shower as if in a trance. What am I going to do? I can't tell anyone this is happening to me. I'd be committed. She picked up a towel and dried herself. Again, her world went dark, and she fell, hitting the tile floor. Her head slammed into something hard.

Silky sheets entwined between her legs. A fire crackled nearby. Warm, strong arms embraced her, pulling her tight. Wake up, I've got to wake up. Her mind grasped for reality.

"What troubles you, my love?" A man kissed her shoulder. "I need you, my mate, you make me whole." The man whispered soothing words to her. His voice, his words, made her tingle to her very core. Her womb ached with the need to have him fill her. He spoke to her with such love it made her yearn for more of him.

Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press

About the Author:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

  Author Links:     Site      Facebook

Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace

Book Info-

Title- Rumor Has It

Series- Limelight #1

By- Elisabeth Grace

Expected Publication Date- November 2013

Blurb-

All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one liiittle problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason's celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18517591-rumor-has-it

About the Author-

El grew up creating characters and alternate realities in her own mind. There's nothing she loves more than curling up with a good romance novel full of hope, possibility and alpha male. She loves anything with carbs or sugar in it, rock concerts and is a self-confessed 'Gandy Girl'. She lives outside Toronto with her husband, two small children, and killer cat.

Links-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elisabeth-Grace-Author/637982532897100?ref=hl

Website: http://Elisabeth-Grace.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276641.Elisabeth_Grace

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1ElisabethGrace

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authoregrace/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/108888055733327082222/posts