In the Spotlight: Lizzie T. Leaf

Award winning author, Lizzie T. Leaf, is known for her ‘humor with heat.’  She has numerous e-books in varying lengths and a print book, Dead Done Right, is set to release this fall. Working madly to meet book contract deadlines for the rest of the year, she also writes articles for Women’s Edition Magazine.

 

Since discovering the fun of writing paranormal, that genre is her focus of the moment.  On the planning board for 2008 is additional paranormals and a women’s fiction that falls well outside her usual works.

 

When not chained to the computer keyboard, Lizzie enjoys time with her family, reading other authors and traveling with her husband. 

 

Lizzie’s Links:

www.lizzietleaf.com

http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user

 

For newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LizziesTeaRoom/

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Getting to know Lizzie:

 

Tell us about your upcoming release and what you hope readers will enjoy about it.

Dead Faint released May 23^rd by Aspen Mountain Press, a paranormal with humor that I hope readers will enjoy.

 

An expanded version of Call Me is scheduled to release June, 2008; a re-release of Boy Toy is set for July, 2008.  Hopefully the heat and the humor in both of these will make for fun reads.

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?  Travel, travel and oh yeah, travel.  When not traveling, time with the family, reading, gardening and creating more fantasy worlds.

 

What season is your favorite and why?  Fall.  I love the crisp mornings and warm days.  When I can get back to the east coast during this time of year, I love the crunch of leaves under my feet when wandering through the woods and all the brilliant colors.

 

What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? A real potpourri of books.  Everything from biographies to horror and of course lots of romance.  What is one of your favorite authors?  One!  Only one???  No way. 

 

What was the last book you read (e or print) and did you like it? I just finished a book on marketing.  When I managed to stay awake.

 

What makes a good book?  For me, a good story, characters I enjoy and definitely an interesting story.

 

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?  Hmmm…requiring lots of thinking…man, do I have a headache.  Okay, the winner is getting married in Scotland at the same castle where Mary, Queen of Scots spent her honeymoon after her third marriage.

 

Boxers or briefs?  Have to go with boxers, make for easy access without damage to the jewels.

 

Ben Affleck or Matt Damon to save the world?  Matt Damon.  After all, Jason Bourne can take out a whole bunch of government agents after him and without remembering how he learned those talents.

 

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?  I love my work and am delighted when I hear from readers who have enjoyed one of my books.

 

Where are you published?  Aspen Mountain Press.

 

Thanks for coming! J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Review for Babes in Toyland II!

The Romance Studio has reviewed Babes in Toyland II anthology and gave it a 5 heart review! WOO HOO!

Dee said this about the book as a whole: “Each author has imbued a hint of the magic of the season for us in their tale. This is well worth the read from first page to last.”

Read the full review here: http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/toyland2antho.htm

*Tosses confetti and strikes up the band*

A Note from Destiny Blaine about her contest!

Hi!

 

I tried to post again last night but evidently didn’t have luck. In the past, I’ve had some connectivity problems since I live in a newly developed area but those have been rare now so I was unprepared! I sent a post through but don’t see it and I didn’t want to forget about our contest.

 

I want to thank Raine for having me as her blogging guest. I want to invite everyone who has posted prior to this post to send me an email today at destinyblaine@yahoo.com.

 

I have a free e-book to send all of our posters who stopped by to blog with us. Please send an email for the request (which will confirm you are over 18 and eligible for the adult romance). Everyone is a winner! Include Blog Winner in the subject line.

 

Thanks again to Raine and for everyone who posted or stopped by to read the interview!

 

Tonight, I have a chat at

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Haunt_at_PNR from 6 until 10 PM EST so stop by and claim a prize or read lots of excerpts.

 

Hugs, Destiny  

In the Spotlight: Destiny Blaine and a contest from Destiny!

Tell us about your upcoming release and what you hope readers will enjoy about it.

 

Winning Virgin Love is the second story in the Winning Virgin series. A paranormal/urban fantasy, I hope everyone who reads Winning Virgin Love will want to go back and grab the first book too (Winning Virgin Blood). Books 1 and 2 cover the lives and stories of the Spenser twins (Almonzo and Orlando) and their little sister will have her own book also—Winning Virgin Lust (Coming in October). The ultimate ‘wish’ or hope will be for readers to follow this series through to the end.

 

If you could have one special super or magical power, what would it be?

 

The power to heal. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to possess healing powers? I think so. Imagine how it would feel to mend broken hearts and wounded souls one minute and a torn ligament or someone’s life-threatening disease, the next. 

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

 

Write. I’m paying my dues right now so most of the time I am writing but on the rare occasion when I’m not writing, I’m generally doing something with my teenagers and husband. We’re an active sports-oriented family so we’re usually on the go between ballgames and sports complex centers! Then there’s always the adult playgrounds—casinos! I love poker and craps so whenever I have a few days to run, I’m typically casino-bound!

 

Bad boy/girl or perfect gentleman/woman to write about?

 

LOL! Well, I grew up on a cattle ranch/farm so you know I have to love a southern gentleman but the truth is—I prefer the bad boys! From cowboys to vampires, I want my heroes downright naughty!

 

If you could visit any time and place, where and when would it be and why?

 

I’ve been working on a western series (Branded—eXtasy) so I have to say right now, my heart (not to mention current thoughts) tends to stray to the Old West. I think it would’ve been wonderful to live around Stockton, California during the Gold Rush. Between the excitement and the handsome cowboys, a cowgirl sure had a lot of inspiration.  

 

If you could be a shapeshifter, what form would you take and why?

 

Ah, that’s easy—a bird. I could fly away whenever I wanted to go explore new worlds.

Where are you published?

 

 

Currently, I’m published with some of the best of the best and I know I’m one of the lucky ones. I feel very fortunate to be published by very reputable small and mid-size publishing houses in our industry. My new and upcoming releases are with Siren/BookStrand, Whispers Publishing, eXtasy Books, Resplendence Publishing, and Excessica Publishing. I also have some of my short stories with Amira Press.

 

Where can readers reach you?

 

The best way to keep in touch with me is through Just Another Paranormal Monday or by visiting my blog. I’ve included the information below.

 

In fact, stop by at any of the following places to post today, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Winning Virgin Blood (Book One in the Winning Virgin Series). A PDF file will be sent to one lucky winner later today (August 5, 2008). Just click on the links below and post a comment. It’s that easy to enter and one lucky person will win!

 

www.destinyblaine.com

http://www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com/

www.myspace.com/destinyblaine

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/destinyblaine_romance

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday

 

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?

 

I love to write in all genres. I’m fickle when it comes to writing and it’s one of the things I love about this career. A writer can explore topics and worlds they typically wouldn’t visit any other way. Through writing for small presses and e-book publishers, an author has such a wide range of options and there are few ‘taboos’ to confine a writer. It’s a tough business but I wouldn’t change a thing now. I’ve met some wonderful people and made some lasting friendships. Plus, I’ve learned so much about myself and the rest of the world by researching various book topics. I have the best career in the world and thanks to the readers who read me, I get to do what I love—write!  

 

Thank you for allowing me to visit with you today. Since day one, you’ve been one of my favorite people and I’m lucky to count you as one of my friends in the business.

 

Hugs!
Destiny

 

A sneak look into Book 1, Winning Virgin Blood by Destiny Blaine and Siren Publishing:

“Mother, Father! There you are!” Constance ran in and interrupted the meeting they were about to have. “Mother, look at the jewelry Orlando bought me from this woman called Tiffany. Isn’t it beautiful? And guess what, Father?” She turned with a gaze full of life ready to spill her so-called truths as she believed them.

“What, my dear?” Her father played along. His voice matched her enthusiasm as he bent down to allow Constance a knee to perch upon as she told her story.

“Orlando paid more for it than most people pay for a Jaguar car!” Her lips pursed at just the right places. Then, they fell open precisely the same way to make sure everyone gained a real understanding of its value.

Almonzo rubbed the back of his neck, releasing a sigh. “I warned you last night.” He chuckled. “By the second.”

Evidently unconcerned with her brother, she continued. Eyes grew larger with each bigger tale. “Oh and do you know what, Mother?”

“What?” Marion shot her husband a look of astonishment, eyeing the diamonds gleaming within their setting.

“I think this was probably more expensive than a Rolls Royce.” The comparison just rolled off her tongue almost as elegantly as the car itself, and again her mouth formed a tight line in a matter-of-fact gesture.

Almonzo leaned on the dresser behind him, crossing his arms as he did. “Here we go.”

“You do?” Her father’s amusement gave the young beauty fuel to continue.

“Yes, indeed. I think maybe even more than a Bentley, and if I was in a betting mood, I’d bet that this necklace was more expensive than a Bugatti.” She nodded and placed her hands on her tiny little hips. She loved to be the center of attention.

“Constance?” Samuel Spenser was ready to move on to the next topic after he saw his daughter’s extreme exaggeration.

“Yes, Father?” Her eyelids batted quickly.

“The Bugatti is the most expensive car, or one of the more expensive cars in the world.”

Never indicating that she thought any different, the young girl danced as she screamed excitedly. “I know, Daddy! I know! Isn’t it wonderful?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sneak peek at Devon Falls: Haunting Magic

The next Devon Falls book is coming so get ready for Damien’s twin brother, Rodrick’s story as he finds that the one woman he has snarled, fought and just plain aggravated is the one that knocks him on his ass! Let me know what youthought and as it gets closer to release date, a few other sneak peeks coming.

Here is a sneak peek at Haunting Magic (Unedited yet so please beaware it will be cleaned up at editing):

Devon Falls: Haunting Magic

Raine Delight

Paranormal/Shapeshifter

Coming to Aspen Mountain Press

Rod watched Jax, the bane of his existence or so it was until a few months ago when he noticed the way her eyes flared with laughter, or the way her legs seemed to go on for miles in those short skirts she wore when she was at the Dirty Diamond. He didn’t know what changed between them but he was definitely feeling something for this pain in the ass female that seemed to call to him. “Yeah, seems everyone is getting ready for the Halloween costume dance tomorrow. What are you up to tonight? Dinner date?” Rod fairly growled the last part though he was surprised that the thought of Jax with another man had the wolf in him wanting to beat the man into submission.

“Was going to have dinner with Grady but he got short staffed and had to cover tonight. Just seeing if I can grab a take out from your mom.” Jax said as she marveled at how normal it was between them. Though she thought the hair on his arms bristled at the thought of her on a date though it probably was her imagination. Rod wasn’t interested in her, just the ones who wanted a good time.

Rod felt relieved that she wasn’t meeting anyone but was surprised all the same at the thought of her being alone tonight made him want to cuddle with her. Her eyes held faint purple shadows underneath and she looked like she hadn’t had a good nights rest in ages. “I am sure my mom would love to give you something since everyone knows you can burn water without trying.” The smile that tugged at his lips surprised him as he watched her eyes go a little wide then narrow in annoyance.

“What the hell would you know about cooking, you jackass? I bet you couldn’t make something if your life depended on it.” Jax said as her lips practically snarled at him. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought there was a smile lingering on his smug face.

“Oh are you challenging me Jax? Can’t take the fact that I may actually know something you don’t? Want to take that to a test?” Rod felt a quickening in his blood that had him wondering if he was absolutely flaming insane. Why the thought of making dinner for her had him wanting something more and though if he had to say, he was enjoying the play of emotions on her face; it was fun to watch and damn it, he wanted to prove to her that he could actually do something besides what she thought he was: a playboy that flitted from woman to woman, though he was unsure why it mattered what Jax really thought of him. Needling her a little more, Rod leaned forward and stroked a finger down her nose and smirked a little as he said softly, “Afraid Jax that maybe I can do something that will make you readjust your opinion of me?”

In the Spotlight: New Publisher Lyrical Press

Lyrical Press, Inc. opened on May 5th. It’s owned by the husband and wife team of Frank and Renee Rocco. Their goal is to provide authors with a friendly, fun and safe home for their books and offer readers an eclectic mix of quality titles to chose from. We offer books in both electronic format and Print On Demand on all titles over 70,000 words. A full service publishing house, Lyrical Press, Inc. is actively seeking all genres. From tender romances to gothic paranormal horrors, we welcome all submissions. Their motto is: If you dare to write it, we dare to consider it.

We’re looking for all genres, but are actively seeking paranormal romance, specifically ghost stories. Scare us. We dare you! Check out their submissions page for more information.You can find our site at: http://www.lyricalpress.com/ and our bookstore at: http://www.onceuponabookstore.com/

Book available now are (May and June’s books): Prey For Mercy: AE Rought, The Arrangement: Cat Grant, New Ickford Manor: Anthony Stevens, Unholy Night: Candice Gilmer, Daughters of Change: Teressa Wilde, Taming the Beast: Jinx Williams, Frozen: Morgan Q. O’Reilly, Banking on Love: Nancy Linquist, The Red Period: Dalton.
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Note from Raine: This a new publisher that looks to have some wonderful authors and I would suggest to check out their site. it looks phenominal. I know I wanted a few of their books. *smiles*

In the Spotlight: Jey Mykles

Jet’s been writing sex stories back as far as junior high. Back then, the stories involved her favorite pop icons of the time but she soon extended beyond that realm into making up characters of her own. To this day, she hasn’t stopped writing sex, although her knowledge on the subject has vastly improved.

 

An ardent fan of fantasy and science fiction sagas, Jet prefers to live in a world of imagination where dragons are real, elves are commonplace, vampires are just people with special diets and lycanthropes live next door. In her own mind, she’s the spunky heroine who gets the best of everyone and always attracts the lean, muscular lads. She aids this fantasy with visuals created through her other obsession: 3D graphic art. In this area, as in writing, Jet’s self-taught and thoroughly entranced, and now occasionally uses this art to illustrate her stories or her stories to expand upon her art.

 

In real life, Jet is a self-proclaimed hermit, living in southern California with her life partner. She has a bachelor’s degree in acting, but her loathing of auditions has kept her out of the limelight. So she turned to computers and currently works in product management for a software company, because even in real life, she can’t help but want to create something out of nothing.

 

 

LINKS:

Main website: http://www.jetmykles.com

http://www.fictionwithfriction.com

http://www.leagueofamazingwriters.com

http://jetm.livejournal.com/

http://www.myspace.com/jetmykles

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetmykles_group/

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Getting to know Jet:

Tell us about your upcoming release and what you hope readers will enjoy about it.

My June release is a story called One For The Team. It’s about a girl with four friends, all male, who set about showing her that she is, in fact, female. Jen’s a bit of a tomboy, you see, and she just got dumped by her first real boyfriend.

I hope readers will just find this one plain fun. That’s what it’s meant to be. Nothing too deep.

 

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Usually, my artwork. Lately, however, with effectively three jobs, I don’t have a heck of a lot of non-work time. Mostly, my “free” time has been filled with writing and promotion.

 

 

What season is your favorite and why?

Spring. I like rain but I’m not too big on biting cold. Spring’s cool because you’re getting out of winter and into summer so it’s got that in-between temperature. Plus things are usually lush and green with that luster of “new” all about.

 

 

What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? What is one of your favorite authors?

At the moment, not much. We’ve been renovating the house so most of my books are in boxes. My favorite authors? Oh boy. Laurell K Hamilton, Angela Knight, Morgan Hawke, Mercedes Lackey, Jacqueline Carey, Mickey Zuker Richert (sp?), Melanie Rawn, Laura Baumbach. My crit partners—JL Langley, Ally Blue, Willa Okati, Anne Cain, Luisa Prieto, Kimberly Gardner. There are more authors but that’s a good start.

 

 

What was the last book you read (e or print) and did you like it?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a full book. It was probably the last Laurell K. Hamilton or Angela Knight book.

 

 

What makes a good book?

Characters. It’s all about the characters. I want to read a book about people I can follow and enjoy, whether I understand them or agree with them or not. I can read almost any genre as long as the character aspect is there.

 

  

Boxers or briefs?

On me or on men? Hmm, guess the answer’s the same in both cases. Boxers. Nice ones. Not big huge bulky ones.

 

 

Ben Affleck or Matt Damon to save the world?

Matt Damon

 

  

Where are you published?

Most of my books are at Loose Id, with the print versions available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I’m now in two anthologies at MLR Press and I hope to have more stories with them in the future.

 

 

Thanks for coming! J