How It All Started :: 13 First Lines

It's #ThrowbackThursday, so I thought I'd head way back to when I took part in #Thursday13, a meme where you post 13 of anything, with  the first lines of 13 of my books! Wow, that is a crazy long sentence! 

1…. “You’re getting married.” Miranda Rose choked on the words, her throat constricting, stomach twisting, and soul shriveling like a lone grape forgotten on the vine. – Just Married

2…. Five minutes. – Snowed In

3….“You’re late.” – TheBillionaire’s Runaway Fiancée

4….“You need to put some clothes on.” -- For Kicks

5…. “You’re not divorced.” – Anything for a Cowboy

6…. The façade of the coffee shop matched the other businesses in the strip mall – drab, dated, and disappointing. – Private Scandal

7…. “Stolen.” – Drive Me Crazy

8…. “I have half a mind to invite the entire boat of bikini models back to my villa for the night. Show them a true Caribbean good time.” Harmannus Prinsen crossed his arms over his bare chest and glared at his godfather’s approaching sailboat, annoyance pounding through him like rain from a hurricane. – Caribbean Casanova

9…. Scanning the line for the third time, Hannah crossed her legs tighter and tried to concentrate. -- Just One Spark

10…. That's what you get for opening you big mouth, David Strong said to himself as he pulled his baby blue Corvette Stingray in front of Working It Out. – Compromising Positions

11…. I’m going to pretend you came out here looking for me.” – Caribbean Cowboy

12…. Trevor Rock half expected seventies porn stars to come spilling out from behind the filmy red curtains of Auntie O’s Pleasure Parlor. – Satisfaction Guaranteed

13…. Oh, how the mighty had fallen. – Caribbean Crush

Thursday Thirteen Interview :: Liz Everly

1. Latest release?  Like Honey , the third in my SAFFRON NIGHTS series is just out. It’s set in beautiful Scotland with a sexy spy-turned-beekeeper and a young lonely widow. Gray is sent to there to infiltrate her honey business because of illegal goings-on. They are very attracted to one another—but he’s her employee (at least that what she thinks) and she may be a criminal, so Gray can’t act on his impulses. The way they get to know one another better makes up a part of the story. The other part is the suspense element, which includes an international drug ring, along with local rivalries.

2. In the hottest scene...kisses or condoms?  Neither—honey. ;-)

3. What are you working on?  I also do a little publishing on Amazon right now. I’m publishing a series of linked short stories, Eight Lays Around the World . The first one is set in Egypt, the next one will be set in Hong-Kong.  These stories are more erotic than romance. Grin.

In addition, I’ve just signed a contract with Harper Impulse to do and anthology with my group blog, Lady Smut. LADY SMUT’S BOOK OF DARK DESIRES.

4. What have you Googled for research? Oh GAWD, what haven’t I googled? From methods of murder to kinky sex toys and BDSM practices to all kinds of freaky food things. Hah!

5. What do you drink when writing? Water or hot tea. Not very exciting, is it? I’ve tried to write with a glass of wine—it sounds so romantic! But it doesn’t work for me.

6. Do you have a writing uniform? Nope.

7. Where do you write? I write in a room that used to be a sun porch. We’ve turned it into an office.

8. What was the last thing you read? Hmmm. I read something in a genre I don’t usually read and I liked it. The House on Olive Street by Robyn Carr. I liked it a lot.

9. Paper, audio, or ebook? Paper. But I love my Nook!

10. Favorite book in the last few months? Wisp of a Thing: A Novel of the Tufa (Tufa Novels) by Alex Bledsoe

11. Favorite social network? Twitter.

12. Secret super power? Disappearing. Especially when I have a book due. My family can not find me, my house remains untouched, and I am gone, baby!

13. Guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Always!

LIKE HONEY

Saffron Nights, Book 3

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Wanted: A Hot Honey of a Man

Love brought Jennifer D'Amico to Scotland, but it's honey that makes her stay. Her honey farm is all the beautiful widow has left of her brief marriage. All she needs is a master beekeeper to get the flailing business back on track. What she gets is Grayson McGhilly, a boldly sexy stranger who knows his honey--almost as well as he knows how to bring Jennifer to the brink of passion. . ..

From the moment Gray lays eyes on Jennifer, he's hooked, mind and body. But his mission isn't just to savor every succulent inch of her, but to keep her from harm. For Gray isn't just a beekeeper, but an undercover agent investigating criminal activity at her farm. And now he'll do just about anything to keep the sweet and oh-so-satisfying Jennifer safe in his arms. . ..

 

 

Liz Everly writes, plays, and cooks in a tiny house with a big garden. She writes under a pen name to escape expectations and to embrace all possibilities.

Website: http://www.lizeverly.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LizEverly1

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6858733.Liz_Everly

Thursday 13 :: To-do list

I prefer to write a Done list than a To-do list. So I always sneak a few done things and a few sure things into my list. Because if I'm making a list, I'm completing it :)

1. Burgerville Fundraiser Night (I don't have to make dinner!)
2. Social media check-in (email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Romance Divas)
3. Errands (pharmacy, taekwondo, returns, library)
4. Blog (told ya I like done items)
5. Write blogs for blog tour (coming next week :))
6. Exercise (walk, clean)
7. Figure out why the new Maytag repairman looks so familiar (Colin Ferguson - he's make LOTS of TV movies)
8. Do the family calendar for April
9. Nik & Kristen scene (Caribbean Crush)
10. Janny & Kristen scene (Caribbean Crush)
11. Nik & Janny scene (Caribbean Crush)
12. Name the next four Happily Bedded Bliss titles (I thought I did this already, but I can't find it)
13. Look for another new bridesmaid dress.

Best Book Bloggers & Reviewers Thursday 13 Series

 

Welcome to my Thursday 13 interview series of the Best Book Bloggers & Reviewers :)

 

I love writing, but marketing? Not really my skill set. That's true for most authors I know. Most of us are using the scatter method to get the word out - blog tours, book blasts, review requests, Facebook, Twitter (where I usually wind up talking about food or faux pas, not promo). So I'm asking my favorite industry professionals - no, not editors, agents and publishers - bloggers, reviewers & street team members!

 

Up first is the uber-smart Heather Carver of Carver's Book Cravings.

 

1. Last book you read and LOVED :: Undone by RE Hunter

2. Last book you reviewed :: Undone by RE Hunter 

 

3. Why did you start a book blog? I love reading and I wanted to share my passion with others!

4. How do you discover books? Mainly through emails promoting books with cover reveals, release day blitz or blog tours.  I am in a couple groups on FB that give great book names also.
 

5. What do you think helps build momentum for a book ::  Getting as much exposure for the book within the first couple weeks.  Do blog tours and send out ARC's to bloggers to review.  Have bloggers add to Amazon on release day.

6. Favorite kind of contests :: I like winning anything!  I love paperbacks, but running out of space so I really like ebooks.

7. Series or stand-alone ::  Standalone.  Or a series that each book has a HEA and I can get more of them in the next book.  Like The With Me series by Kristen Proby.

8. Favorite genre :: Romance

9. Paper or e-books :: Ebook

10. What should authors stop (or start) doing immediately? Writing cliff hangers and making me wait ;)  I would say just keep writing your amazing books.  Don't let nasty people discourage you. Try and get in contact with bloggers so we can help get your name out there!!

11. Do you attend reader/blogger events? I have only been to 2!  Loved the Naughty Mafia Signing in Vegas!!

12. How many books do you read a month? I would say between 25-30.

13. Where do you post your reviews?  Goodreads and Amazon

 

Thanks so much, Heather! To see why I'm such a fan of Carver's Book Cravings, check out these links ::
 

Facebook ::  Twitter :: Blog :: Goodreads

 

Thursday 13 :: Jenna Allen

I'm back with another edition of Thursday 13 with lightning interviews of my authorly peeps. Enjoy yourself :)

1. Latest release? Passion Revealed
2. In the hottest scene...kisses or condoms? Since my couples are married...no condoms. But totally condom-worthy if they weren't, you know, married and such. 
3. What are you working on? The next set of Happily Bedded Bliss titles. Received, Reclaimed, Required & Rewarded  
4. What have you Googled for research? Things that could get me in trouble. The usual erotica author fare - sexy texts, porn problems, marriage therapy, date night ideas. Today I had to Google poon to see if I was using the word correctly.   
5. What do you drink when writing? Depends on the time of day. Coffee, tea, or pinot gris.  
6. Do you have a writing uniform? At a writing conference last weekend I was told to never tell readers I write in lounge pants and wool socks because they won't take me seriously.  
7. Where do you write? I am blessed to have an office, and too busy to take advantage of it. I tend to write wherever I can sit down. Or stand. I'm not particular. However, it is difficult to block out a love scene in Chuck E Cheese.
8. What was the last thing you read? Archetypes by Caroline Myss & Lean In by Cheryl Sandburg. Wow, I need to liven up my reading choices!
9. Paper, audio, or ebook? I'm an equal opportunity reader. I always have a book going on each.  
10. Favorite book in the last few months? Bonds of Need (Wicked Play, #2) by Lynda Aicher
11. Favorite social network? Facebook to interact, Tumblr to enjoy. 
12. Secret super power? I can make almost any conversation dirty.  
13. Guilty pleasure? Reality television. Pedicures. Lemon drops.  

Who says a wedding ring puts the freeze on hot sex? Whether making love in a honeymoon suite, a quickie on the kitchen counter, or skinny dipping -  husbands and wives have great sex lives! Jenna Allen is committed to monogamous erotica. For the latest Happily Bedded Bliss news, check out her website, Facebook & Twitter.

Thursday 13 :: Kelly Moran

I'm back with another edition of Thursday 13 with lightning interviews of my authorly peeps. Enjoy yourself :)

 

1. Latest release? The Dysfunctional Test (September 2013)
2. In the hottest scene...kisses or condoms? Oh, definitely condoms!
3. What are you working on? Currently I'm finishing the first book in a 3 book series called: Ghost of a Chance. It's about a team of ghost hunters, who of course, find love along the way. Kind of a blend between quirky and spooky.
4. What have you Googled for research? For The Dysfunctional Test I've Googled proper Serbian translations mostly. In Ghost of a Chance I've been Googling a lot of Revolutionary history and housing styles, as well as investigative equipment.
5. What do you drink when writing? Coffee, coffee, and sometimes… coffee.
6. Do you have a writing uniform? Pajamas. I mean, uh… jeans and t-shirt.
7. Where do you write? We converted our dining room into a little office of sorts. I prefer to be on my PC in there.
8. What was the last thing you read? I review for a few publishers and on Netgalley. By the time this posts, it will be moot.
9. Paper, audio, or ebook? I like eBook or paperback. Can't do the audio thing. The Dysfunctional Test will be available in eBook and paperback.
10. Favorite book in the last few months? The Jill Shalvis 'Lucky Harbor' series or Roxanne St. Claire's 'Barefoot' series. Love!
11. Favorite social network? Facebook, though I am on several social media sites.
12. Secret super power? Sarcasm, though I don't know if it's secret. LOL.
13. Guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Or peace and quiet, though I get the chocolate more often.

Book Blurb: (I'll give away an eBook copy of The Dysfunctional Test to one commenter).

 

Here's the trailer!

 

You are cordially challenged to a test of true love...

Thanks to her large, crazy Serbian family, Camryn Covic is an expert at shutting down her emotions in order to maintain her sanity. But when she loses her apartment, her job and her boyfriend all in one day, she hits her breaking point. Worse, if her family finds out she's single again, her sister's upcoming wedding will be a disaster. The bride-to-be has a plan, though. A plan that involves an old friend, a pretend relationship... and the probability of ending up in a padded cell. Troy Lanske agrees to the crazy plan only because Camryn was once his lifeline as a foster child. But she isn't the idealistic girl he remembers. She's become so jaded that she doesn't even believe in love anymore. He sets out to restore her faith in happily-ever-afters, but his plan backfires when the fake relationship begins to feel all too real. Falling for the one woman he can't have could mean losing more than just his honorary family. He could lose everything.

 

Where to find Kelly: www.authorkellymoran.com

www.facebook.com/authorkellymoran   @AuthorKMoran, www.pinterest.com/authorkmoran, www.myspace.com/authorkellymoran, www.kellymoranauthor.blogspot.com, www.goodreads.com/authorkellymoran, www.youtube.com/authorkellymoran

Thursday 13 :: Fiona Lowe

I'm back with another edition of Thursday 13 with lightning interviews of my authorly peeps. Enjoy yourself :)

1. Latest release?

Saved By The Bride which is book one of the Wedding Fever trilogy and published by Carina Press

2. In the hottest scene...kisses or condoms?

Condoms.

3. What are you working on?

Runaway Groom, the final novel in the Wedding Fever trilogy.

4. What have you Googled for research?

Thermography, wedding invitations, Wisconsin , north woods lakes and old wooden boats.

5. What do you drink when writing?

Tea. Copious cups of tea!

6. Do you have a writing uniform?

Winter: sweat pants and long sleeved T. Summer Happy pants and a short sleeved T.

7. Where do you write?

In my office with the view of the sea although in the heat of summer I retreat to the cool of the kitchen.

8. What was the last thing you read?

Jonathon Franzen’s “Freedom” and Alison Stuart’s “Gather The Bones”, a ‘Downton Abbey-esque’ novel.

9. Paper, audio, or ebook?

All of them! A book is a book. Paper or eBook in bed and audio in the car or when cooking dinner

10. Favorite book in the last few months?

Oh, dear, I don’t do faves cos I have so many books I love. I did enjoy Laura Kinsale’s The Prince of Midnight along with Shannon Stacey’s ‘All He Ever Needed”.

11. Favorite social network?

Easy! Hands down Twitter

12. Secret super power?

Able to read the men in my life’s minds when they’re guilty.

13. Guilty pleasure?

Ice cream
 

Website http://www/fionalowe.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FionaLoweRomanceAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/fionalowe

Thanks, doll! But please tell me...what are Happy Pants?

 

Thursday 13 :: Joy Daniels

I'm back with another edition of Thursday 13 with lightning interviews of my authorly peeps. Enjoy yourself :)

 

1. Latest release?  "Revving Her Up" (Samhain Publishing), my debut novella about a New York lawyer who gets more than her car fixed when she runs into a stock car mechanic in a small town in Virginia.

 

On February 12, a short story called "Lights Out" for the Riverdale Avenue Books' "We Love New York" anthology to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief.

 

2. In the hottest scene...kisses or condoms?  Condoms for sure - my sex scenes are steamy but safe. :-)

3. What are you working on?   An MMF menage called Nashville Threesome - my first novel-length work and my first menage story. Sexy, fun and very hot.

4. What have you Googled for research?  For Revving Her Up I learned all about stock cars and drivers by spending A LOT of tie on the NASCAR.com site. For Nashville Threesome I've Googled famous Nashville bars, the country music industry, types of guitars and classic Harleys.

5. What do you drink when writing?   Herbal tea - often rooibos with steamed almond or coconut milk.

 

6. Do you have a writing uniform?  Yoga pants, long-sleeved shirt and T-shirt or sweater. If it's really chilly I'll wear a T-shirt dress so my legs are warm too. But always comfy yoga pants.

7. Where do you write?  I had a separate office but it was too cluttered and small. I've since moved into the upstairs office/library where my husband also has a desk and I'm much happier.

8. What was the last thing you read?  Fiction: Darkest Mercy, the final book in Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. (GREAT!)  Non-fiction: The Wild Life of Our Bodies by Rob Dunn

9. Paper, audio, or ebook?   Paper because I get most of my reading material from the library and used bookstores. I am getting more into e-books for the convenience - love having so much reading material at my fingertips!

10. Favorite book in the last few months?  Impossible to say. I'm a huge fantasy/ urban fantasy fan. Recent loves include: Iced (Karen Marie Moning), the Farseer trilogy (Robin Hobb), and the latest books in series by Jenna Black, Laura Resnick, Christina Henry, and Diana Rowland.

11. Favorite social network?  Facebook - it feels like real socializing, it's a fun way to keep up with people's lives and I love posting pics.

12. Secret super power?  I can grow veggies throughout the winter in my Maryland garden and turn almost any grown thing into yummy pickles/kimchi in a week :-)

13. Guilty pleasure?  Staying up late on a Saturday night to finish a book even thought I KNOW I'll be exhausted when the kids wake me the next morning.

 

Joy Daniels, Author
Erotic Romance that is Smart, Sexy & Down-to-Earth

Website: www.authorjoydaniels.com

Twitter: @authorjdaniels

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/joydaniels/