Wednesday Spotlight with Maureen A. Miller

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! I have a very special treat today for lovers of Romantic Suspense. Maureen A. Miller is in the house! When the doorbell rings, the musical chimes floating through the mansion, Oliver swaggers down the corridor, a bouquet of freshly-cut red roses in hand. Answering the door with an appreciative smile, he presents the flowers and escorts Maureen to the parlor to join Sharon.

Designed with a distinctive New Orleans flair, feather face masks and faded murals accent the walls. From satire and humor to fantasy surrealism, the art decor evokes the essence of the time-worn French Quarter. A cherry wood log snaps in the hearth, the rustic scent permeating the air. Two silk chenille chairs face the fire, the blazing flames taking the chill out of the crisp autumn day. A cornucopia embellished with colorful acorns, pomegranates and gourds decorate the coffee table.

Sharon: Have a seat and make yourself comfortable, Maureen. How are you?

Maureen: Hello Sharon, I’m so happy that you invited me over, and I’m so grateful for the fire…it must have dropped to 40 out there!

Oliver appears, pushing a sterling silver butler’s caddy brimming with coffee, tea and pink party cakes. With a wink and a smile, he takes a sweeping bow. Ladies, refreshments are served. Would you care for anything from the bar?

Maureen:Coffee, Oliver, thank you, and no need to bow.

With a mischievous wink, Oliver pours coffee into two china cups.

Sharon: I am so thrilled to chat with you about my all time favorite genre, romantic suspense. I can’t tell you how excited I was to learn about your blog; in fact, that’s putting it mildly! Stumbling upon JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE was like receiving an unexpected present. Tell us all about it.

Maureen: JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE was born from a random internet search. I am a big fan of the genre. (Don’t roll your eyes, Oliver.) So one day I did a search for romantic suspense authors, and I found so many varied results. Romantic Suspense authors by publishing house, by RWA Chapter, by political party, suspense writers, mystery writers…but I wanted to find just romantic suspense. As a reader, I wouldn’t want to have to search all of these sites for one morsel of information. I would want all that information accessible to me in one location.  And that is my goal with JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE.

Sharon: Kudos to you, Maureen. With the onslaught of  so many cross genres  taking the nation by storm, is it just me or is romantic suspense taking a back seat to the darker, the bolder, the more erotic?

Maureen: I’ve heard rumors to that effect. Perhaps I’m a tad biased when I say the rumors are not true. The bold and the dark will draw attention just by the sheer nature of the beast, but the romantic suspense fans are a strong and resilient crew. Romantic Suspense has not sat idle over the years−with the damsel in distress running along the edge of the cliff. The genre has evolved with women who are strong, smart, and determined. The hero is now gritty and patriotic.

Sharon: Very well put. Tell us what draws you in to a romantic suspense?

Maureen: I am a romantic at heart, as most of us are. It is the complexity of the relationship in Romantic Suspense that draws me in. External forces enhance the interaction of our characters. A kiss is wonderful, and an act that makes us all sigh and feel warm inside. A kiss when your life is on the line is intense and desperate and full of a passion.

Oh dear, I do believe Oliver has turned a tad green in the face.

Sharon: He’ll get over it. LOL You know long before I began writing romantic suspense, I was influenced by many books and movies that fed my addiction. What authors and or actors influenced you?

Maureen: Initially I was riveted by gothic romances. Victoria Howard−even the Brontes. Then I read an Elizabeth Lowell novel and my metamorphosis began.

Sharon: Tell us about WIDOW’S TALE?

Maureen: Would you believe WIDOW’S TALE was an 8 page short story back in high school, a million years ago?  The setting of Victory Cove and the characters stayed with me for all those years until the novel was born. Serena Murphy is a woman who is at her lowest, and in that respect some might feel she is not too strong. Yet, aren’t we all a tad quiet until someone threatens those we love? When that happens, do we not possess superhuman strength?

Sharon: My goodness! A romantic tale that took such a strong hold is one that needed to be told. The thought of Serena standing on the deck of a tavern every night, looking for a sign of her husband’s body gave me chills, drew me right in. As a reader and writer, what elements do you look for in a romantic suspense?

Maureen: Call me strange, but I like the atmosphere of cold and stormy settings. ENDLESS NIGHT is another novel set in Victory Cove, with yet another storm. (chuckles) I wrote JUNGLE OF DECEIT in Guatemala just to warm up!

Sharon: I know exactly what you mean about storms creating atmosphere. Counts in her head. Yes, I do believe there’s a storm in all my books. Smiles at Maureen. Before you go, can you share a blurb and excerpt of WIDOW’S TALE with us along with a buy link and your contact information? Thank you, Maureen, for a delightfully intriguing interview. Chatting with you has been a pleasure. Wishing you and JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE the best of luck.

Certainly…if you let me have one more of those little pink cakes. Thank you so much for having me, Sharon. You have a lovely house.

WIDOW’S TALE (Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble)

Come visit Maureen A. Miller at her website.

Blurb:

Serena Murphy was losing her mind. 

Every night Serena stood on the deck of O'Flanagans Tavern, searching Maine's rugged coast for a sign of her husband's body. Though he was pronounced lost at sea, Alan Murphy still haunted her as only his malevolent spirit could. In the loft above her tavern, Serena hears footsteps pace across her living room floor, yet when she turns, no one is there. 

Alan would not let a little thing like death stop him from tormenting her. If she could just find his body, surely this torture would stop. 

It had been ten years since Brett Murphy saw his sister in-law, although the separation was by design, to avoid temptation. Now Brett was in Victory Cove, not to declare his feelings for Serena, but to discover the truth about his brother's death. In doing so, he must battle Serena's ghosts, both real and contrived.

Excerpt:

For a moment, time seemed suspended. Brett was lost in the shadows at the far end of the deck, and the ocean stopped its assault long enough to allow her to stand. There was a perverse sense of calm as the screeching gale winds grew faint.

Using the rail for leverage, Serena forced her numb feet to cooperate, and managed a few awkward steps.

Something made her stop. That prickly sensation at the back of her neck—the same paranormal awareness that occurred just before her ghosts arrived.

Under the beacon atop the bordering trawler, Serena traced the arc of light. In horror she watched the surging black wall of water that came straight at them.

Her scream was severed by its impact.

Launched from the deck into the frigid void, suspended in churning darkness for an eternity, Serena surfaced, choking. She squinted against the onslaught of the storm and located the trawlers, shifting shadows several feet away. She struggled to kick her feet, and flailed her arms to keep above the waves.

Cruelly, Serena’s mind flashed to the past. She felt the weight of Alan’s hand on her head. Sputtering for breath, she tilted her neck back so that only her face reached the cold night.

Two kicks.

One.

Serena’s legs ceased moving. With a last twitch of strength, her arms fell still.

BIO:

Maureen's illustrious writing career started in the fourth grade with the blockbuster hit, Super Watermelon Man. Many years later, Maureen evolved into a full-fledged Romantic Suspense author with her first novel, WIDOW'S TALE, which was nominated for a Golden Heart by the Romance Writers of America.

A fan of gothic romance, Maureen enjoys the formula of danger, romance, dark cliffs, and sinister houses-aspects that she probably acquired from watching too much Scooby Doo. All these elements can be found in her latest thriller, ENDLESS NIGHT. Although, there's no accounting for her new novel, JUNGLE OF DECEIT, which is an adventure in Guatemala's humid jungle. :)

Wednesday Spotlight with Rachel Brimble

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! I’m pleased to welcome back Rachel Brimble. Rachel and I are sitting in Oliver’s pub on this lovely fall day, chatting about her latest book. Please come in and join us for a drink.

Standing tall and mighty in a sky of midnight blue velvet, fiery torches gleam like sorcerer’s flames. The interior of Oliver’s Pub gives chase to a marble staircase with an elaborately turned balustrade and high end sculptures behind beveled glass enclosures. Rushing down the corridor to meet Rachel, Sharon fights the urge to kick off her high heels and walk barefoot down the plush, red carpeting.

The beckoning wail of sax drifts out of the piano bar, the bluesy sound of jazz bristling beneath her skin. After spending the better part of the afternoon at a writers conference, unwinding over a chilled chardonnay sounds like utter bliss. Seduced by the sound of sax, she saunters up the three steps leading to the mezzanine and orders up.

As Rachel struts into the pub, She by Elvis Costello softly plays on the piano. Wildly winking, Oliver stands behind the bar, pumping his biceps.

What can I get you, love?

Rachel: Well, hello again, Oliver! You get better looking every time I see you…I’ll have a glass of your best Chenin Blanc, if you don’t mind. Thank you.

Sharon: Hello, Rachel, how are you on this lovely amber day?

Rachel: Absolutely fine, thanks, Sharon. Although I’m sure “fine” is going to up to “great” once I have that glass of wine in my hand, lol!

The glasses clink. Cheers, my friend!

Sharon: While we wait for Oliver to bring out appetizers and cocktails, tell us about the setting of your book. I understand it’s about a pub.

Rachel: The pub is at the center of the story, yes. It is owned by the heroine’s father but was managed by her mother until her untimely death. Upon the mother’s death, her ashes were scattered there. After her funeral, her husband announces he is selling the pub in its entirety. The heroine, their daughter Grace, begs him to give or sell it to her. He refuses. The battle commences…

Oliver materializes, balancing a bottle of Chenin Blanc and a platter of mini bruschettas above his head. Singing along to She, loudly and quite off key, he pours the wine in a glass and sets in front of Rachel, wildly blowing kisses. Plucking up a bite-size bruschetta, he plops it into her mouth, offering a bone-melting smile

Rachel: Mmm…do you want to come home with me, by any chance?

With great ceremony, Oliver arranges cocktail plates and napkins, singing the whole time.

Sharon: Tell us about the hero and heroine

Rachel: Grace Butler is the heroine. She runs one of her father’s many nightclubs and when the story opens she is tough and willing to work for him. However, the shine of the dangerous side of life is tarnishing. Her mother’s death and following argument with him gives her the push she has been waiting for and Grace leaves. And then the hero arrives…

Jimmy Betts is a social worker desperate to re-home four children, with him as their foster father before Christmas. He is racing against the clock or risking these kids being separated. His only option for quick money is to take a job with bad man, Karl Butler. But he actually ends up working for Grace…

Sharon: Ooh do share about these mysterious ashes

Rachel: The mystery is not so much about the ashes but why Grace’s father is so desperate to be rid of the pub that is his wife’s final resting place. And no, I’m not telling you anything. You’ll have to read the book ;)

Sharon: Oh, after such an intriguing build up, it’s a must read! Sounds like a spooky theme for Halloween. I understand there are a few ghostly secrets in this book, do share!

Rachel: The secrets are all Karl’s, Grace’s father. Once we find out what the secret is, it gives Grace the understanding and power of empathy and forgiveness. That’s all I’m saying. Sorry, Sharon as much as I love you, you’re not getting me to spill the beans. Well, unless I have another glass of this lovely wine, of course!

Sharon: Of course do indulge in another glass. And I know I speak for all readers, we can’t wait to purchase this intriguing book! I love to hate the villain. Tell us about the bad guy.

Rachel: The bad guy is most definitely Karl. He is mean, tough and violent. He wants things done his way or no way. He is a man who is used to being in charge and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. His communication is dire and often leads to upset and heartbreak.

Sharon: Ooo…make me shiver!

Oliver appears, pushing a caddy with coffee, tea and a decadent strawberry cheese cake. With the pizzazz of a French chef, he slices a huge hunk and feeds a bite to Rachel.

Rachel: Oh, my lordy lord! Did you make this Oliver? It is just divine.

Oliver graciously accepts the compliment with a sweeping bow. Plucks up a copy of Rachel’s book from the stack on the bar. With his most dazzling smile, he asks. If I might so boldly have the honor of your autograph, love?

Rachel: Of course, To my favorite man in the world, Oliver…all my love, Rachel x

Oliver: A keepsake to treasure always, thank you, my sweet.

Sharon: Sadly, Rachel, this brings us to the end of our interview. Before we part, my hobby is collecting legends and superstitions from my guests. Can you share one with me from this book?

Rachel: Hmm…not sure there are any legends or superstitions in the book. How about a lesson? Would that be okay? I think the lesson to be learned from Grace’s story is the importance of honesty. If people are honest, no matter how much courage it takes to be so, it causes less hurt that the lie ever can. Do you know what I mean? Lying hurts…and scars.

Sharon: Absolutely, my friend. Where can readers buy this book and get in touch with you?

Rachel: Love, love, love hearing from readers and you can contact me here:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

rachelbrimble@googlemail.com

Sharon: Thank you, and thank you for a delightful interview. Best of luck with your book. Here’s a teaser

Blurb:

Nightclub manager, Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother’s ashes are scattered – except the vendor wants to sell to anyone but her. And the vendor happens to be her father…with a secret Grace will do anything to uncover.

Social worker and all-round good guy, Jimmy Betts needs cash to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. In a desperate bid for cash, he agrees to a one-time ‘job’ for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl’s beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace.

Their lives are so different except for one unifying thread – they are both trying to escape the binds of their tyrannical fathers. But is the key to their liberty each other?

BIO

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007.  Since then, she’s had several books published with The Wild Rose Press, Eternal Press and Lyrical Press.  She recently acquired a US agent with her second Victorian historical. A member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, Rachel hopes to have a further two novels, one contemporary and one Victorian published in 2012.

When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family.  Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water. And in the evening?  Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

Wednesday Spotlight with Courtney Breazile

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My guest today is Courtney Breazile. Courtney and I are chatting about her novel

GREEN EMBRACE

We’re enjoying a lovely mid-summer day out in the lilac garden where dreams and wishes come true. A cascading water fountain  quietly trickles over rocks of lavendar and  jade into a pond where  a young woman is said to see the reflection of her destiny at midnight. Love doves coo in the lush tropical garden, their melodic singing carrying through the thicket. Sharon sits at a gleaming glass table, the breeze gently rippling through her hair. Wiccan wind chimes ring, and Oliver, looking were wolfishly handsome in black, slinks off to the door.

A moment later, he escorts Courtney into the garden, the birds singing Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks.

Sharon: Welcome, Courtney. How are you on this beautiful mid-summer day?

Courtney: Wonderful, thank you for having me.

Sharon: Tell us about Green Embrace, the genre, the setting, the atmosphere.

Courtney: It is an FF paranormal erotica, number 6 in my Immortal Council Series. It’s set in modern time, United States, where there are many immortal creatures who live around humans, but do not really interact with them. It is an intense and emotional romance between a witch and a half witch half animal elf.

Sharon: Tell readers about Ever, her strengths, her weaknesses, her powers.

Courtney: Ever is half witch and half animal elf. She possesses many powers of both creatures, casting spells, talking with animals and flashing (teleportation). She is not in great control of her powers however and lacks much knowledge because she was raised by her warlock father among humans, hiding from all other immortals. She is destined to be a powerful tool however, if she can learn to use her power.

Oliver appears, a sterling silver plate poised above his head. Casting Courtney a wolfish grin, he places down two goblets of sparkling ice water and a platter of artichoke dip and wafer-thin crackers. Plucking up a wafer generously dipped, he feeds to Courtney.

Courtney: Oh my that is delicious, heaven in my mouth.

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver, that will be all for now. Courtney, tell us about Vincent, his obsession with Ever, his hold over her.

Courtney: Vincent is an ancient Animal Elf and he is the self appointed leader of the opposition. He wants Ever, knows that she is going to play an integral role in the coming clash of species, may very well decide the victor by whose side she is on. He kidnaps her, holds her in his spell and begins teaching her to use her powers, she was destined to be his tool.

Sharon: Selene is a witch. Tell us about her powers, strengths and weaknesses.

Courtney: Selene is leader of a powerful coven, though newly appointed and just barely able to function in her role. She is a death witch which means she is capable of killing even immortals near instantly with a single directed thought. She rarely uses this power though. She is a soft hearted witch and when she first is contacted by Ever she is instantly obsessed.

Sharon: When not writing, what are some other interests?

Courtney: I am a sun worshiper when I can be, I love to play with my children. I enjoy sewing and cooking, when I have time and lately been very much enjoying pilates, a great way to relax and meditate.

Sharon: What’s next for Courtney Breazile?

Courtney: I just started the next in this series, hopefully won’t take too long to get out there. But in the meantime I have a couple books coming in September. On the first of September is The Prop, a MFF ménage from Extasy Books and on the nineteenth of September is Temporary Treats from Total-E-Bound.

Oliver materializes with dessert, dishes of daiquiri ice cream from Baskin Robins. Scooping up a spoonful, he feeds to Courtney, eyes gleaming with admiration.

Courtney: Oh you are going to make me never want to leave!

A moment later, a copy of Green Embrace materializes in Oliver’s hand. He winks. Courtney, love, might I so boldly request the honor of your autograph?

Courtney: Of course!

Sharon: You know I adore myths and superstitions. Can you share a favorite with me?

Courtney: I am not a superstitious person but I love myths of all kinds, always have. At the moment I seem to be obsessed with anything and everything immortal.

Sharon: Sadly, that brings us to the end of Wednesday Spotlight. Before you leave, tell readers where they can buy Green Embrace and your other books.

Courtney: http://www.extasybooks.com/ will bring you to my publisher of most my books. http://www.courtneybreazile.com/ is my website and has links to all my books. They can also be found at http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.fictionwise.com/ and many other ebook sites.

Sharon: Thank you for a fascinating interview. Here’s wishing you lots of sales!

BLURB:

Ever is a half witch, half Animal Elf who was raised in the human world. As if that didn’t give her enough issues she is part of a prophecy that has everyone after her and her convinced she is destined to be a weapon for the wrong side.

Selene is a witch who never wanted to be leader of a coven but after being thrown into the position she is looking for a way to escape. When Ever contacts Selene through astral projection and asks for her help in escaping Vincent, Selene jumps on the chance. She becomes obsessed with the beautiful woman who appears to her and would do anything to have her.

Saving her from Vincent is only the beginning. Neither willing to give control of any kind to the other they clash at every turn and their exploding passion isn’t enough to keep them together.

Is their obsession enough to bring them together before Vincent takes back what he claims is his?

EXCERPT:

Ever held her best blank and happy stare in place, which wasn’t easy when sitting across the table from Vincent. She hated looking at him. It always made her lose her appetite, but when she didn’t eat, he fussed and that was worse. She couldn’t stand his wrinkled hands touching her face and arms, his face full of too much concern. She shivered slightly at the memory.

“Oh, my dear, are you chilled? Blaze, close that window,” Vincent ordered.

Blaze’s red Fire Demon eyes flashed fire, but he stood to obey. He wasn’t here because he believed in what Vincent was doing. He was nothing more than hired muscle. Ever had considered trying to get him to help her escape, but she was certain she had nothing to offer in comparison to whatever Vincent was giving him. Men like Blaze worked for the highest bidder, not damsels in distress. Not to mention the looks he sometimes gave her made her skin crawl, as if he would like to devour her. She wasn’t sure if it was her body or her soul he was after. Ever shivered again.

“Thank you,” Ever said with a smile, because that is what Vincent expected her to do. She had quickly discovered that to do anything else was not worth the backpedaling and kissing of his ass she had to do afterward. She couldn’t let him know she had woken up from whatever trance he had put her under.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been here with him, didn’t fully understand how he had made her forget what he had done for so long. When she’d awakened, she’d kept the act up. She’d known she wouldn’t survive any other way. She had to bide her time.

She was determined to make it out of here alive and knew she would be more powerful for what he was teaching her. It was what he wasn’t teaching her that worried her, the secrets she saw in his eyes when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. As if he knew more about what she was than she did. Sometimes she didn’t think she wanted to know.

Vincent was an ancient Animal Elf and his knowledge of the Animal Elf side of her power was great. Her witch half he didn’t know much about, but he loved it, and was extremely happy when she demonstrated it. He was training her to be his weapon against his sister, Payton, and her own mother, Lillian. She didn’t fully understand it, but she knew she didn’t want to be on his team.

“You are quiet this eve, is everything well with you?”

“Oh yes, I’m just tired from all our work is all,” Ever lied.

“Well why don’t you head off to bed, I’m going off the island after dinner anyway. I have meetings with some possible allies.”

“Oh,” Ever tried not to sound too interested by this, but her heart was suddenly beating wildly. He hadn’t left the island since bringing her here, not to her knowledge anyhow. This could prove to be a very good thing.

Vincent’s face changed just the slightest bit, but it was enough to know he was suspicious. She wanted to kick herself, but the shock of his departure was just too much and not being a full Animal Elf, she didn’t have the insane control over her emotions that he did. It didn’t help that her witch half was extremely emotional. Most days, she wavered from one extreme to the other.

“Blaze will be near if you have need of anything while I’m away,” Vincent said with clear warning.

Ever pulled on that space inside of her where her Animal Elf instincts were held and blanked her look. “Lovely, now I think I will go rest.” She stood smoothly and left the room without another word, but she felt both their gazes on her as she went.

She managed to hold it together until she reached her room. With a quick probe of her Animal Elf senses, she found no animals about to spy for Vincent, something she was constantly afraid of. She hopped onto her bed excitedly and clasped her hands. She had an opportunity this night and she was not going to waste it. She knew what she could do with so little time and opportunity, something she had wanted to try for a while now.

Ever waited until she was sure Vincent had flashed off the island, a little trick he had conveniently refused to show her how to accomplish. Then she laid back, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was going to find her mother or perhaps Wraith and she was going to help them find her.

She pushed out her witch senses, projecting herself into the universe, and felt around. She called for them, but there was no response. Frustrated, she pushed farther into the universe from deeper within herself. This had to work, she had been thinking about it for so long, planning it. This is what had made it easier to sit around and pretend. Ever took a breath, concentrated on feeling the universe and pushed her frustrations and fears down.

She felt something then, a powerful pull. Ever threw herself at it, not caring who it would take her to. If the universe was answering her call for help, then it had to be where she needed to go. A split second later, she was stunned to find herself looking at the most beautiful creature she had ever seen.

Courtney Breazile

Bio

I am a writer and educator, I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. I have been writing since forever and reading even longer. I’m married with two beautiful daughters and reside in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I spend my days thinking of sexy stories and writing them. It’s a hard life…

As an author of romance and erotica my life is never boring. I am constantly thinking of stories and scenarios and researching anything I am not familiar with firsthand. I write what I love and I love every minute of being a writer.

Find out more about me with my links below. Blogs, free reads, and radio shows. Never a dull moment with Courtney Breazile.

http://www.courtneybreazile.com/

www.twitter.com/cbreazile

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Courtney-Breazile/160551880339?ref=ts

Courtney: Thank you so much for having me, it was a delight.

Wednesday Spotlight with Amber Leigh Williams

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My guest today is multi-published author Amber Leigh Williams. In the spirit of Wayback, we are kicking up our heels in the parlor to discuss Amber’s sizzling hot Western Romance BLUEST HEART. So saddle up and ride in on your favorite horse, footloose and fancy free. You’re in for one hot ride!

With a backdrop of lavendar skies, the sun, a blazing ball of fire, is just rising to meet the horizon. Bluebirds cheerfully chirp from a lush canopy of pines. A slight breeze rustles, gently stirring the sweet fragrance of daisies blooming in the arbor bordering the ponderosa from column to column.

Sharon sits at the bar, donned in red silk blouse, black jeans, beige ankle boots and cowgirl hat, waiting for Amber to arrive. Oliver, looking ruggedly handsome in Western shirt, jeans and Stetson, tends the bar with a wink and a smile. With its hardwood floors, Smokey mirror showcasing whiskey, bourbon, vodka and tequila bottles, rodeo pictures and jukebox, the parlor has a rustic atmosphere.

In the distance, the stampeding of horse hooves galloping through the pine cones rise above Frank Sinatra’s Witchcraft playing on the jukebox. A minute later, the doorbell rings. Oliver, plucking up a bouquet of daisies, swaggers off to answer, snake skin boots clicking on hardwood. He escorts Amber in through the swinging doors, looking hot to trot in her midnight blue blouse, jeans and matching hat. Sharon greets her with a resounding Yee haaa!

Sharon: Howdy, Amber. Belly up to the bar and take a load off. How the heck are you, girlfriend?

Amber: I’m doing just fine, Sharon! Look where we are! Who wouldn’t be able to take a load off in this environment….

Add caption

Oliver sets a perfectly chilled white merlot in front of Amber. Here y’all go, darlin’, and a platter of deviled eggs, just like your grandma made.

Amber: *blushes* Aw, you sure know how to make a girl happy, Oliver, honey!

Sharon taps her long ruby fingernail on the glossy mahogany bar. I’m rather parched, Oliver. I could go for a bit of what Amber’s drinking to wet my whistle.

Oliver, gazing into Amber’s eyes, places the bottle and a glass on the counter. Arching an eyebrow, Sharon pours her own. So, Amber, let’s dish about Bluest Heart. Give me the skinny, girl.

Amber: Bluest Heart is the second book in my Wayback trilogy, the Ridges of Wayback, Texas. He’s the second Ridge brother and the most…well, steady of the brood, lol. (His brother and sister are a bit infamous for their public antics.) Despite the fact that he’s just a good downhome cowboy, he happens to be in love with the so-called “bad girl” of Wayback, Josie Brusky. On the surface, it seems as if Josie wants nothing to do with him – but, as it turns out, she’s been trying and failing to resist his charms for a long time. Readers really get to see him turn on the charm, and let me just say the good boy has never been so sexy!

Sharon: Tell us about the Wayback series, the setting, the guidelines, the overall feel of what readers expect.

Amber: The Wayback, TX series was crafted originally by the editors of The Wild Rose Press’s western romance editors. They created the bones of this small rodeo town in West Texas and put out a call for authors to write stories against that backdrop. I came in a little late, but I loved the setting and characters so much I had to come back to Wayback and write two more books, rounding the Ridges of Wayback, TX into a trilogy and some of my favorite books to date J

When readers come to Wayback, whether with the Ridges or any of the other awesome Wayback stories, they expect a bit of fun, I think, along with a spunky heroine and, of course, those irresistible cowboys! They also expect a strong level of romance and, in a lot of cases, heat. A good deal of Wayback stories are hot and spicy ;)

Sharon: Your hero and heroine, Casey and Josie, despite their obvious feelings, couldn’t make it work the first time around. What obstacles do they have to overcome the second time around?

Amber: As always, it’s Josie’s past and the negative perception of everyone else in Wayback toward her that are the main obstacles. Her father was a real villain and a lot of people think more than a few of his traits have rubbed off on her despite the fact that she’s a successful businesswoman. Casey learned to look past the gossip a long ago. It’s Josie, though, who doesn’t want to sully him with her family’s reputation. There’s also the complication of Casey’s sister, Stella, who has some harsh feelings for Josie. That might lead to one of those public antics I mentioned above….

Sharon: Bluest Heart is available on audio. Fabulous, my kind of format. What makes a book a candidate for that particular format, and where is it available as an audio read?

Amber: The Wild Rose Press chose Bluest Heart as well as the two other books in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy to be published in audio through AudioLark. I’m not sure how it was chosen. Bluest Heart, though, is the bestselling book in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy and all three of the books have been very well-reviewed.

AudioLark designed new covers for each of the Ridge books! To see them and purchase Blackest Heart, Bluest Heart, or Bet it on my Heart in audio, visit AudioLark here: http://www.audiolark.com/books/bluest-heart/. 

Sharon: Do you incorporate any of your own personality traits into Josie’s character, and if so, do share.

Amber: Oh boy, I wish I was more like Josie. She came out of a horrible upbringing a strong and resilient woman, despite the fact that others in Wayback don’t take the time to notice that fact. The only thing Josie and I have in common is that we’re both short on fuses, which of course always makes things interesting, lol

Sharon: What about Casey. Tell us about him, his best, his worst, what makes him irresistible to women?

Amber: What doesn’t make Casey irresistible? That would take less time to explain. No character is perfect, but Casey Ridge is a fine member of the male species, both in looks and heart. The thing I love most about him is that when he knows what he wants, he goes after it – no questions, no hesitation. In this book, that thing he wants most happens to be Josie ;)

Casey’s biggest flaw is that same single-mindedness, however, because it can get him, and his heart, into a great deal of trouble.

Oliver winks at Amber. In his husky voice, sings the lyrics of Witchcraft as he plucks her off the bar stool. May I have this dance, darlin’?

Amber: Hahaha, well… Oliver, honey, I’d be honored!

After the Dancing With the Stars couple  take a sweeping bow, Oliver refills Amber’s wine glass, sloshes some into Sharon’s as an after thought. Casting Amber a wildly wicked wink, produces a hot off the press copy of BLUEST HEART. Might I have your autograph, sweet darlin’?

Amber: You are just too much…and yes, of course, you may!

Sharon: What’s next for Amber Leigh Williams?

Amber: I’m pleased to say that my agent is now circulating my new contemporary romance. It takes place in my hometown on the Gulf Coast. I’m more attached to this story than the Ridges. And that’s saying a lot because I LOVE those Ridges of Wayback, TX!

Sharon: Congratulations! As you probably know, collecting legends and superstitions is a passion of mine. Do you have one for me?

Amber: Oh, I have plenty. Mostly involving the number thirteen. It’s ridiculous, but since I was a little girl, when I read to chapter thirteen in a book I have to rush through it because some crazy part of my brain thinks something will horrible to happen to me or my loved ones if I linger. Silly, right? Also a few years ago I had to go to the emergency room on Friday the 13^th so that day always comes with a great deal of trepidation. I get my superstitions honestly, however, so that’s something….

Sharon: I feel the same way about that number, see I can’t even say it. LOL Sadly, Amber, this brings us to the end of our interview. Thank you for a delightful time, what fun it’s been dishing with you! Before Oliver serves dessert, do tell where readers can buy BLUEST HEART and where they can find you.

Amber: Readers, BLUEST HEART is now available in ebook from The Wild Rose Press: http://www.audiolark.com/books/bluest-heart/.

And it just recently became available for Kindle users as well: http://www.amazon.com/Bluest-Heart-ebook/dp/B0054GQC5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1308601852&sr=1-1.

Readers, you can also visit my website for bonus material from the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy: http://www.amberleighwilliams.com/!

Oliver appears with a decadent strawberry shortcake brimming with whipped cream and huge succulent berries. With great ceremony, slices a huge piece and feeds to Amber, gazing into her eyes the whole time.

Amber: *simpers* I think I’ll stay here awhile…. Thank you so much, Sharon, for the lovely interview! And, Oliver, bring on those strawberries, honey ;)

Sharon: We’ll leave readers with a teaser from BLUEST HEART. So long, and thanks for saddlin’ up!

BLURB :

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn't stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie's Treasures doesn't believe in commitment much less marriage.

Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey's charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.

Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

EXCERPT

"You remember that night behind the stable?"

She let out a small, throaty laugh. "Seems like forever ago, but yeah. Your hair was a lot longer then."

"Yours, too." He could remember it curtaining their faces, the tips of silky, red curls tickling his cheeks. Tracing the line of pearly buttons from the hem of her midnight blue blouse to the open neck-line, he touched the teardrop-shaped pearl on the thin gold chain around her neck which reminded him of the moon that night. "You were my first."

She lifted her gaze to his. Tenderness warred with uncertainty in the whiskey-colored depths. "Me, too."

His heart pattered at the memory. "I always liked that about us."

She nodded, frowning. "I was crazy about you."

The tip of his thumb traced the bottom edge of her lip. "So why didn’t it last?"

She looked beyond him, remembering. "Because however much I wanted to be with you, I knew I would be leaving the first chance I got. I wasn’t go-ing to let anything or anyone stand in my way."

"You figured I would?"

"Casey, we were so young," she told him. "Who knows what you or I would’ve done?"

He paused, running a hand over her hair. "Just for the record," he murmured, lips brushing her cheek, "I would’ve let you go."

She sighed, reaching up to clutch his upper arm. The muscle under her hand and his sleeve warmed. "Why hasn’t anyone snatched you up yet?"

"Because you’re the only one I ever wanted, Josie," he told her, cupping her chin in his hand to look her in the eyes as he said it. "The only one."

BLUEST HEART © Amber Leigh Williams

Title: Bluest Heart

Author: Amber Leigh Williams

Genre: Western Romance

Length: Novella

Heat Rating: Hot

Price: $3.75 

Bio: Amber Leigh Williams is a multi-published romance author, a member of Romance Writers of America, former Secretary of the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA, and a weekly contributor to The Roses of Prose. Her first western romance, Blackest Heart, was the 1^st Place More Than Magic Novella in 2009 and her historical romance, Forever Amore, was nominated for Best Book of 2009 by Long & Short Reviews. She is represented by D4EO Literary Agency and lives on the Gulf Coast with her husband, Jacob, and their three labs. Visit her on the web at http://www.amberleighwilliams.com/!

Wednesday Spotlight with Rachel Brimble

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight!

My guest today is Rachel Brimble. Rachel and I are sitting in the lily garden on this lovely summer day, chatting about her book

GETTING IT RIGHT THIS TIME

Sipping on a glass of perfectly chilled chardonnay at the umbrella table where Oliver has arranged a lovely vase of lilies,
Sharon waits for Rachel on the teakwood patio. Surrounded by a geometric sunken pool, cascading waterfall, lily pond and English rock garden, it’s a garden of paradise. Chaise longues with splashy colorful cushions encompassed the pool, and just beyond, fragrant eucalyptus trees landscape the lily arbor. Shrouded by lush evergreens, a Javanese bench offers a shady respite from the heat.  She by Elvis Costello softly plays in the background.

Oliver escorts Rachel onto the patio. Sharon hugs her guest and they make themselves comfortable while Oliver struts off to get refreshments, pumping his biceps.

Sharon: Hello, Rachel, how are you on this lovely summer day?

Rachel: Absolutely wonderful! Especially to be sitting in such a beautiful setting. I don’t know how you manage it.

Sharon: Thank you. While we wait for Oliver to bring out appetizers and cocktails, tell us about the setting of your book. I understand it’s in the UK.

Rachel: It is. Even though I write for the American market, I am British and have lived in South West England my entire life so all my books are set in the UK – which my readers seem to really like. This book is set in the fictional city of Foxton which is loosely based around my birthplace of Bristol. I tend to use real British places in my mind, but always give them fictional names to keep me out of trouble, lol! ; )

Oliver materializes, balancing a bottle of chardonnay and a platter of mini bruschettas above his head. Singing along to She, loudly and quite off key, he pours the wine in a glass and sets in front of Rachel, wildly winking. Plucking up a bite-size bruschetta, he plops it into her mouth, offering a bone-melting smile.

Rachel: Well, aren’t you just the charmer, Oliver? She smiles after savoring the tongue-tingling flavors of the bruschetta. Is he always this attentive to your guests, Sharon? Laughs.

Sharon: He kills himself trying.

With great ceremony, Oliver arranges cocktail plates and napkins.  Frowning, Sharon glares at her empty glass. Ignoring her, Oliver refills Rachel’s glass, madly winking the whole time.

Sharon: Do you have something in your eye, Oliver? Never mind, I’ll just pour my own wine. Run along, I’m sure you have things to do.  So, Rachel, do tell how the hero and heroine get it right this time.

Rachel: With a lot of problems in between! They overcome their own personal issues to make their relationship work but also find a way for both of them to be happy bearing in mind their totally different lives before they were reunited.

Kate is a widow, dedicated to the happiness of her child – Mark is a theatrical agent travelling all over the world for his rich and successful clients. But when love is the ultimate goal, anything is possible and these two work it out in a wonderfully united way.

Sharon As most of our fair ladies, I’m  dying to know what makes Mark Johnston, rumored by UK tabloids to be  one of their most eligible bachelors, Mr. Right for Kate?

Rachel: He’s always wanted her but when they knew each other before he was not the man he is today. Once laid-back, shy and happy to watch from afar, when his best friend disappeared half way around the world with Kate, the woman he loved, Mark changed. Now confident, determined and driven, he is exciting and masculine yet incredibly caring and considerate. It is a lethal combination and for Kate whose child looks at Mark like he’s the world, it is pretty damn hard not to accept he is her destiny.

Sharon: Sounds fabulous. Do you read tabloids, and if so, are you apt to believe it or not?

Rachel: I very rarely read tabloids or newspapers in general – there have been so many stories proven wrong over the years, so much unnecessary destruction to people and their families, that I tend to avoid them. Which is why I enjoyed writing the tabloid journalist so much in Getting It Right This Time. He’s a nasty, nasty piece of work!

Sharon: Good for you. Aside from drop dead gorgeous and a bod brimming with raw sexual energy, cause that’s a give in, grin, what character trait would be most attractive to you?

Rachel: I love vulnerability in a man, an easy way that they are able to laugh at themselves. I don’t like the serious, macho type at all. A man with an easy smile and easy laughter will get to me every time!

Oliver appears, pushing a caddy with coffee, mint ice tea and a decadent strawberry cheese cake. With the pizzazz of a French chef, he slices a huge hunk and feeds a bite to Rachel. As an after thought, he cuts a tiny smidgen for Sharon, muttering something about her putting on a few. Sharon shoots him a look to kill, turns to Rachel, beaming ever so brilliantly. Good help is so hard to find.

Rachel: He is certainly a character, isn’t he? He must really enjoy the attention of all the female romance writers you have come visit, lol!

Sharon: He’s one in a million.

A few minutes later, Oliver  struts out in his lime green Speedos and sunglasses, grinning broadly as he makes a beeline to the pool, James Bond martini in one hand, a hot off the press copy of Getting It Right This Time in the other.  Winks at Sharon." I’m through working for the day, boss lady, time to work on my tan whilst sitting poolside. I can’t wait to read Rachel’s book." Graces her with his most dazzling smile. "If I might so boldly have the honor of your autograph, love?"

Rachel: Laughs. Well, of course, Oliver. Why don’t you dive in and have a few lengths while I get to it. You look as though you need to cool off…

Sharon: Sadly, Rachel, this brings us to the end of our interview. Before we change into our bathing suits, my hobby is collecting legends and superstitions from my guests. Can you share one with me?

Rachel: There is a legend that back in the eighteenth century, an area not far from where I live called Cherill, was prone to highwaymen…with a difference. They would surprise their intended victims absolutely naked! They would approach the carriage and take as much as they could carry, with the knowledge that they would be harder to recognize with no clothing to speak of.

Not that I’m entirely convinced, they couldn’t have been identified in other ways…

Sharon: I love it! Where can readers buy this book and get in touch with you?

Rachel: Here is the buy link and all my links – I LOVE hearing from readers so please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=296

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

Sharon: Thank you, and thank you for a delightful interview. Best of luck with Getting It Right This Time, m’dear. While we take a dip in the pool, we’ll leave readers with a teaser, shall we.

Blurb

She's back, but this time she’s a mother…intent on protecting her young.

Two years after her husband’s death, Kate Marshall returns home seeking security and stability for her three-year-old daughter. But when her path crosses with ‘the one who got away’…her husband’s best friend, she has to fight the desire to be with him for the sake of further heartbreak for her and her daughter.

A tough, straight talking theatrical agent, Mark Johnston is dangerously handsome, exceedingly rich, irresistibly charming – and branded by the tabloids as one of the UK’s most eligible bachelors. So even though Mark lost the girl of his dreams to his best friend, he finds no hardship in being single. Or so he thought.

Determined not to lose her a second time, Mark has to find a way to convince her they can work.  But can Kate cope with the media interest and ruthless, money-hungry clients surrounding him, being anywhere near her daughter?  Or accept that Mark Johnston is really the family man he claims to be?

Excerpt

Kate pushed open the door on the salon and cursed the jingling bell announcing her arrival. No doubt Jo was ready to kill her. She took three steps inside when Jo shot out the back room, lunged forward with the panache of an Olympic gymnast and grabbed Kate’s upper arms.

“He came back!” she cried.

“What? Who?” Kate stared at her, completely bewildered by the look of pure ecstasy on her assistant’s face.

“Sexy Mark Johnston.”

A rush of heat surged over Kate’s body--only to be replaced with ice-cold perspiration bursting onto her upper lip. “What? Why?”

Jo squealed and clapped her hands together. “He brought you something.”

“He…”

Kate’s echo died on her lips when Jo dragged her over to the payment counter. “Look!”

Pale pink ribbons were tied around the handles of the biscuit-colored picnic basket and a wide pink and white gingham ribbon circled its center. Both of the dual lids were ajar, one revealing a dozen pink carnations, the other a bottle of white wine so chilled the perspiration slid in occasional rivulets down its neck.

“Why would he do this?” Kate whispered, taking another step closer as a smile tugged at her lips.

She smoothed her hand over the surface of one of the handles and inhaled the aroma of freshly baked bread seeping from inside. Her stolen Weightwatcher lunch groaned inside her stomach.

“Open it. Open it,” Jo said, bouncing from one foot to the other.

“Oh, for goodness sake,” Kate huffed, yet dismally failing to curb her stupidly insistent grin.

Sighing theatrically, she lifted one of the lids and her breath caught. He’d bought her favorite granary bread, along with delicate slices of Parma ham and a thick wedge of creamy brie. Tears stung at her eyes, and she swallowed the ball of emotion in her throat.

“Oh, Mark.” She said the words on an exhalation as she carefully lifted a crisp white napkin to reveal two of the most delectable mini strawberry and fresh cream tarts she’d ever seen. Her absolute weakness.

She slowly closed the lid and re-arranged her expression into what she hoped was careless nonchalance before turning around. “When did he leave?”

“About ten minutes ago,” Jo said breathlessly. “Can you believe this? Isn’t it lovely?”

“What did he say?”

Her assistant frowned. “Aren’t you happy? Don’t you think it’s romantic?”

“Jo, focus. What did he say?”

Her blue eyes clouded, clearly displaying her disproval of Kate’s seemingly unappreciative response to such a thoughtful gesture. Kate smiled inwardly, knowing full well she’d be the topic of conversation between Jo and her friends at the wine bar later. Finally averting her gaze, Jo feigned interest in the bottles of lotion lining the shelves behind the counter.

“He said he was sorry he’d missed you and put that basket on the counter and then asked if he could borrow a pen and some paper.”

Kate stared at her turned back. “What for?”

She swiveled round. “To write you a note. The guy is obviously love-struck and you’re standing there as though he looks like Shrek after a mud-bath.”