Welcome Dominique Eastwick today

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why? Well, I am a wife and mother of two. And in my previous life before children I was a costume designer.  I write Contemporary Erotic Romance, but I am working on a LoTR fantasty romance at the moment.

 

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

Tony's Haven is the second book in the Sherman Family Series and after writing Hunting JC I knew that the readers didn't get to know the real Tony. He wasn't very likable but I knew the real Tony and I knew the readers would like him once they saw who he really was. I also wanted to write a book with a real size woman that most women could relate to.

Did your book require a lot of research? I love research and although I place my stories in places that I know, I still research to make sure.

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be? Food. I love food

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why? Hmmm good question, I think I would want to the maid for Jane Austin, she is my inspiration. To be able to see her as she worked on Pride and Prejudice...now that would have been something.

What do you see for the future of publishing and e-books? I think e-books are the future of publishing. I believe some books will still be printed but with everyone trying to go green it makes sense to buy e books.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why? Hunter will always have a place in my heart, because that was the first book I seriously thought about publishing.  Hunter is also dark and mysterious so I enjoyed pulling the layers back to get to know him. But my true loves are Duncan and Rowena, from a historical I wrote that I am not sure anyone else will ever read :) Its the first novel I ever wrote and is awful. Really it would take more work to fix it then to rewrite it I think, but they are my first real romance.

 

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you? Thalia... she is my muse. Unfortunately her sense of timing isn't mine, she likes to crack the whip when I have too much going on and disappears when I haven't a thing to do.  But to get her to see my way I play music and just start to write even if she isn't there she tends to hate being left out and shows up eventually. She hates to be left out.

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects? I always seem to have ten stories on the burner at one time. I have started book three in the Sherman series. okay I have also started book four too. I though the next book would be about Spencer but Trenton seems to be screaming louder for his story to be told. And I am also finishing up a Fantasy Lord of the Rings/ Dungeon and Dragon story, I hope to have it done before summer. We shall see.

Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind? Not that I can think of but My husband always knows when I am writing a love scene....TMI?

 

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did? I always have chapters upon chapters of stories that never get written or I just cut out. But poor Tony did once get caught by his parents having sex, but I didn't include it in the book. I thought I would leave some of his pride in tact.

 If you had to write yourself as a heroine/hero, what kind of heroine/hero would you be? What would you be named? Ellia and she would be strong and stand up for her rights. I think honestly there is a little of me in most of my heroines. Though I don't see any of me in JC now that I think of it, but then I really wrote her with a friend in mind.

 

If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell? That I am a procrastinator and I like to play World of Warcraft when I should be writing.

 

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why? I think if they don't mind starting with the second book in the series then Tony's Haven is where to start. My writing is so much better in that one. then the first. I grew into my writing between novels.

 

If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?

Jimmy Buffett is always the sound track to a Sherman Novel.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do to just kick back and have fun? I love to take photographs, its my passion.

If we peeked at your bookcase(s)/e-reader, what kind of books/authors would we find there?  In my bookshelf you would find the dark hunter series by Sherrilynn Kenyon, as well as books by Julia Quinn and Stephanie Laurens.  My E reader you will find books by Destiny Blaine, Valerie Mann, Stephanie Beck, Becca Dale, Olivia Starke, Kate Richards the list goes on and on....

 

Where can we find you on the web?

 

www.DominiqueEastwick.com

On Facebook facebook.com/dominique.eastwick

On twitter @DominiEastwick

 Tony's Haven

Aspen Mountain Press

Contemporary Erotic Romance

Available HERE

Tony Sherman may be a modern day Adonis and a well-know ladies man, but hiding beneath his carefree, playboy persona is a man who knows how to be discrete. He keeps his desire to protect all those he loves from being seen by anyone, particularly his family. Fate intervenes when he uses his charm to beg a favor from a co-worker, a women who is unaffected by his charisma as she is by his looks.

Haven Pelletier is anything but the kind of woman usually found on Tony's arm or in his bed. She's mousy and rubenesque, and unmoved by his Adonis appearance. But when circumstances bring them together, she sees right through his tarnished armor—to the true man underneath.

As Haven learns more about Tony, she discovers secrets hidden deep in his past and a Man who might just steal her heart if she lets him. When life throws obstacles in their way, can Tony be the Knight in Shining Armor Haven needs both in and out of the bedroom?

Sneak Peek Excerpt:

Her breath caught as Tony pushed her forward toward the glass window. A full moon lit the snow white landscape giving it an angelic feel. The white mountain shimmered dreamlike as if waiting for the sun to crest over them to awaken the skiers and bring it once more the joyful life. But at the moment nothing moved. No wind, animal, or person disturbed the quiet slumber of the mountain.

"It’s beautiful."

"I know. I come here, to this spot every time I come up here. My favorite time is now, like tonight, under a full moon. When a thousand crystals are sparkling at us. It's almost magical, isn’t it?"

"Magical," she agreed.

"May I ask you something?"

"I guess so."

"Would it be okay if ... That is, may I...can I kiss you?"

Haven took a step back. "Why are you asking?"

"What do you mean, why am I asking?"

"Why ask? Would you have asked any other girl you were with?"

Tony looked at her stunned, here he was trying to be a gentlemen and she wanted to know why. "I don’t know, because maybe I didn’t want to get slapped or worse have you accuse me of sexual harassment when we got back to the office on Tuesday. Or perhaps I was just trying to treat you like a lady. How the hell do I know? I just thought..."

Whatever he thought to say was thrown to the wind. Her lips met his and he couldn’t have formed a complete sentence even if he tried. Snaking his arms around her waist, he pulled her into him, forcing her to rise up on tip toes. She was soft where a woman should be soft. She made him feel strong and masculine. His lips wanted to devour every full inch of her mouth. She tasted like the strawberries from her Daiquiri and smelled just as sweet.

His mouth demanded hers open, not that he was receiving any resistance. She opened for him and met his tongue eagerly welcoming and stroked him in. Her left hand moved over his shoulder, up his neck and now her long fingers intertwined into his locks. He didn’t know, didn’t care who was driving the kiss deeper. He just knew that he wanted it, needed it, like no other kiss in his life. He wanted this moment to last.

This moment of beauty, its purity and its fire.

Guest Author Day with Sloane Taylor/Excerpt

Hi Dawn, thanks for having me out to chat with everyone.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

CLAIRE DE LUNE is my newest release and is co-authored with the amazing Robert Appleton http://www.freewebs.com/sevenmercury7/. Rob is a brilliant sci-fi author. His passion is infectious and I was thrilled when he invited me to join him in this project.

Here’s the blurb to entice everyone:

You’re invited to the galaxy’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

Clothing optional. 

Romance and danger…fully provided…

Cocky young detectives Gerry Rappeneau and Sebastian Thorpe-Campbell arrive at the premier lunar resort expecting a week of eye candy and long massages. With a half-billion-credit purse up for grabs, this year’s pageant is the focus of a hundred worlds. And beauty isn’t the only thing in the eye of the beholder.

One contestant, Evelyn Lyons, is attacked and her assailant killed. Surely a simple case of a stalker gone mad, as nothing bad ever happens at the Selene contest. So the brochure says.

The closer Gerry gets to Evelyn, the more he is convinced she’s hiding something. His meticulous character sparks with her wild, sassy nature, and they embark on a torrid affair. Their forbidden romance isn’t the only thing set to ignite in Pont de Reves.

Sebastian’s infatuation with demure Claire Villiers, another contestant, threatens to put all four of them in harm’s way.

A deadly trail of corporate conspiracy, monstrous assassins and hot bikini wax is more than anyone bargained for in this incendiary erotic mystery. Get ready for some serious heat on the dark side of the moon.

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?

It has to be two, smoking and drinking. If I knew for sure I’d never get cancer or turn into a lush, I’d belly up to the bar with a lit one in my hand. Now how’s that for a yucky image? lol

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

Wow, I’d never thought about this before. Since my heritage has a little Russian in it, my grandfather played a French horn in the Tsar’s orchestra, I’d choose Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. Their reign has always intrigued me, including the annihilation of the family. It would have been interesting to see how Rasputin, an illiterate Serbian, wormed his way into the household and gained power over the family. Now there’s fodder for a new book.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I absolutely detest Marco Van der Sands from Claire De Lune. He’s so smug and vile that he turns my stomach. Problem is, I love to write disgusting villains. The more evil they are, the more I get into them. Kind of scary what lurks in my mind.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her/it/him when she refuses to inspire you?

I’m not sure I have a muse. If I do, the little devil is one lazy creature. He rarely, if ever, feels the urge to come forward and work for his keep.

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?

Robert Appleton and I are co-authoring another book titled Dark Side of the Moon. It’s a prequel to Clair De Lune, featuring our favorite secondary character from CDL—the pageant doctor, Grace Peters. It’s risky and quip-laden and there will be much sci-fi sauciness. After that’s finished, I need to complete the two remaining books for my Melt the Ice series. These will all come out through Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat.

What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?

The most challenging is to keep that horrid saggy middle pumped up and moving forward. Almost every author will admit it’s tough to do. The most rewarding is when a reader emails me and gives me their honest opinion of my work. Feedback is imperative to grow as a writer.

You write about Europe a lot. Is there a place overseas you haven't written about but want to?

St. Petersburg, Russia tops the list. The city is an architectural joy with its massive buildings painted sky blue, goldenrod or soft rose are trimmed in white. It lends itself to romance and mystery. Hmm, Dawn, I think you’ve inspired me to work up a new book.

If someone hasn't read any of your books, what do you recommend they start with?

French Tart is a snappy romp placed in Nice, France. The characters are lively and the plot is delicious. It takes place in a cooking school. Oh, the things one can do with honey. lol

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

Easy question. Teddi Howard from Teddi Turns On is based in part on my own life. It was hard to write, but necessary. I do wish my life had taken all the same sexy turns as Teddi.:)

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

Claudette, the heroine in French Twist, is an agent for the French Secret Service. After I’d written myself into an irresolvable corner, I wanted her to swan dive off the Eiffel Tower. Her splattered image was not conducive to a romantic ending. lol

How do you keep track of your world building?

 It’s really easy since all my work is contemporary except for the books with Robert Appleton. With Rob, I take the easy way out and let him build the worlds. Bad Sloane.:)

What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader to the environment?

Beyond saving trees and money and landfills, I think the new technology allows people more freedom in reading. Hopefully, young people will read more because they think it’s cool to have a digital device.

Have you ever experienced weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?

Other than writing scenes so hot I wish Studs was home? LOL No, Dawn, I never experienced any.

Where can readers find you on the ‘net?

My website which also has my main blog is http://www.sloanetaylor.com. I’m on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sloane-Taylor/130811866964428?v=info&edit_info=all#!/ and a Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sloane-Taylor/130811866964428?v=info&edit_info=all#!/pages/Sloane-Taylor/130811866964428?v=wall.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to chat. I enjoyed it.

CLAIRE DE LUNE

Robert Appleton & Sloane Taylor

ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-011-5 (Electronic)

ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-995-8 (Paperback)

Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat

Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Voyeurism

Heat Level: HOT

Length: Novel (70k words)

Buy Link E-book http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/ClaireDeLune.html

Buy Link Paperback http://www.amazon.com/Claire-Lune-Robert-Appleton/dp/1611249953/ref=sr_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292945266&sr=1-3

EXCERPT:

Evelyn’s self-esteem soared like a rocket as she gazed into Gerry’s eyes. All the need and desire that filled him shone through. She liked him, maybe more if she were honest, and had wanted him from the moment his pompous ass walked into her hotel room. Being with him and initiating sex tonight was the right thing for her to do.
Gerry wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Damn, his hard chest felt good against her achy boobs, but not as good as his rigid cock nestling into her belly.
“Evie—"
“Don’t talk.”
He nodded and traced his index finger along her bottom lip. She nipped the tip, then sucked it in, tonguing the pad until he groaned.
“Ah, Ev—” He caught her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that ignited her.
His tongue toyed against the seam of her mouth, then delved in, a beautiful taste of wine and herbs, lapping and swirling until her knees trembled. With a regretful sigh, she pulled away.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No talking. It’s my little quirk.” She tapped his mouth, then took his hand and led him to the sand. After she stooped, she patted the ground, inviting him to join her.
Evelyn rose up on her knees and combed her hands down his chest, flicking his nipples until they sprang to life. Intrigued, she swiped her tongue over her dry lips and leaned into him, licking and sucking the copper-colored discs.
She continued lower to the blond tuft cradling his cock. Gently, she glided her thumb over his swollen head, teasing the drops of pre-cum from the slit to the sensitive underside. Her other hand cupped his balls, rolling the tight sacs with her fingers, taking pleasure in her teasing.
His hips jerked with each touch. Through hooded eyes, he watched, but did as she had requested and maintained silence.
On a rush of air, she gave his lips a quick peck and eased over him, holding her thighs tight against his frame. Heat emanated from his body, soothing and stimulating, a new awareness she longed to experience more than once.
Her breasts swayed close to his mouth. He stretched up and tweaked her pebbled nipples with his thumbs and index fingers. Cuddling them together, he licked and suckled the sensitive tips, first one, then the other. A deep shiver rocketed through her, increasing the ache low in her belly.
She teased his cock along her nether lips, loving the feel of his hot flesh grazing against her clit. In slow motion, she edged onto his shaft, savoring the inches that penetrated her wet vagina.
He rocked into her, clutching her hips, holding her in place. She locked her hands around his wrists and pulled them away, the need to set the pace paramount.
“This is so sexy I don’t want to come,” he bit out through clenched teeth.
“I do.” She slapped his hip. “Again and again.”

LINKS:

Robert Appleton www.robertappleton.co.uk

Sloane Taylor www.sloanetaylor.com

Sneak Peek Excerpt from Destiny Blaine~Steam Toys (Hot excerpt)

Steam Toys by Destiny Blaine

Available January 7^th, 2011

AspenMountainPress

Contemporary Paranormal/Steam punk Erotic Romance

Buy at www.aspenmountainpress.com

A dead woman plots revenge against the man who two-timed her.

Revenge is a hot, bitter dish when served up enthusiastically by someone empowered by extra steam.

Heidi Labeidi, a successful Nevada brothel owner, had the world by its tail until her deceptive lover Stan Graves disposed of her. Lost somewhere between life and the afterlife, Heidi materializes in her former home thirty years after her death. She has a second chance and she’s hell bent on solving her own murder.

 

With a knack for creating pleasure-inducing trinkets and furniture, Edward Brady is an eccentric mad scientist on the verge of greatness. He’s also in desperate need of an assistant and his problems are solved when he discovers a sensual ghost enjoying his sex toys.

 

Heidi has something to offer Edward but her assistance comes at a price. And when Edward becomes an assassin’s mark, only Heidi can help him. Will Edward barter with a ghost who can save him and if he does, will the former madam become the one woman Edward is unable to resist?

ADULT EXCERPT:

They rode down the Las Vegas Strip hand in hand. Heidi sat on one side of the car and Edward practically clung to the other.

“You haven’t slept with a lot of women, have you Edward?” she asked, unbuttoning her jacket and sliding her arms free at the same time.

He moistened his lips. “I don’t have time for a woman.”

“Hmm,” she whispered, propping her head on the leather seat and wiggling out of her dress pants.

“What are you doing?” he squealed, eying the driver now looking in his rearview mirror.

“Everything all right back there, Mr. Brady?”

“Yes,” he snapped, hitting the button for the partition glass. The divider window separated him from the driver. “Thanks to you, everyone will think I’m crazy!”

She grabbed his belt and immediately pulled free the leather strap. A wave of her hand and she had his snap popped and zipper down. “I’m not making anyone think anything.”

“Yes, you are,” he said, moaning when she tugged him free of his shorts.

“No,” she retorted. “You’re doing a fine job of that all on your own, Edward. You didn’t need my help.”

“Stop,” he said, grabbing her hands and holding her.

“Why?” she asked. “We don’t have an audience now. Seems a shame we should waste the drive back to the loft, don’t you think?”

“Why are you doing this?”

She lowered her head and licked the top of his cock. “Because I can and because I’m damn good at it.”

Edward leaned back and let her have him. Her hot mouth enveloped his cock and his hips shot off the seat.

“Relax,” she mumbled, tapping his balls. “I’ve given head a few times in my life.”

She raked her fingers across his thigh and in a matter of seconds, she was bobbing over his cock. “Damn,” he crooned. “I thought you might have been out of practice.”

She stopped and looked at him. For a few unspoken moments, they were held captive by one another’s eyes. She crawled up his belly and gave him a hot kiss, leading the way with her inspiring little tongue. When she finished delivering quite possibly the most sensual kiss Edward recalled, she reached down the length of his body and pumped his cock, staring into his eyes as she fondled him.

A few seconds after the hand-job, she tucked him in his pants and redressed quietly. He stared at her in disbelief. “You are most definitely a tease.”

“No, Edward. I’m not,” she assured him, adjusting her simple sleeves.

‘Then do you mind telling me why you didn’t finish what you started?”

“Of course not,” she said, crossing one long leg over the other. “Lesson number one is just for you, Edward. You may have a whore in your lap, with your cock in her cheek, but you never, ever make the implication you believe she’s old, used and cheap.”

He shook his head. “I made you feel that way?”

She tilted her head down and with wide eyes, she confirmed it. “Yes you did, Edward.”

“You’re the one that said you’d given head a few times. Not me.”

She smiled, placed her hands in her lap and looked straight ahead. When they pulled into the parking lot of the towers where Edward lived, she said, “And you suggested I may have been out of practice which was a direct slam to my age.”

“It wasn’t.”

“It was, Edward,” she said, pushing her hair over her shoulders. She tilted her head toward the driver approaching them. “Try not to act like a scorned lover when you get out of the car. Remember, he can’t see me. I’ve learned from experience those employees closest to you are the first to run their mouths when things begin to spiral out of control. The last thing you need is your driver telling a reporter you’ve lost it.”

The limousine driver opened the door. Edward stepped out. He was brewing. Not only did he have a hard-on, he had a complicated woman to credit and blame. Not only did he have someone to blame, he couldn’t publicly point an accusing finger her way.

“Did you have a nice dinner, sir?” the driver asked, trying to make small talk while Edward retrieved his wallet.

“We did,” he reported. “Thank you.”

The driver accepted his tip and arched a brow. “Did you meet friends while you were out?”

Heidi studied her fingernails. “You didn’t listen.”

“How the hell was I supposed to listen when I’m standing here with blue balls?”

“I beg your pardon, sir?” the driver fired back.

Heidi yawned. “Since your dick seems to be the only thing you can think with, see if it can help you worm your way out of this. I’m waiting upstairs.”

She was gone in a flash and Edward wished he could disappear just as rapidly.

“Sir, are you feeling okay?”

“No, Truman,” Edward replied. “I’m not. I apologize for the outburst. I’m hearing voices tonight.”

Truman frowned. “Sir, I’d strongly advise against telling anyone else about voices. You know how people like to talk.”

Check out Destiny Baline's Newest Release: Steam Toys

Steam Toys
Destiny Blaine
Aspen Mountain Press
Available TODAY
Buy HERE
A contemporary paranormal steampunk romance

A dead woman plots revenge against the man who two-timed her.

Revenge is a hot, bitter dish when served up enthusiastically by someone empowered by extra steam.

Heidi Labeidi, a successful Nevada brothel owner, had the world by its tail until her deceptive lover Stan Graves disposed of her. Lost somewhere between life and the afterlife, Heidi materializes in her former home thirty years after her death. She has a second chance and she’s hell bent on solving her own murder.

 

With a knack for creating pleasure-inducing trinkets and furniture, Edward Brady is an eccentric mad scientist on the verge of greatness. He’s also in desperate need of an assistant and his problems are solved when he discovers a sensual ghost enjoying his sex toys.

 

Heidi has something to offer Edward but her assistance comes at a price. And when Edward becomes an assassin’s mark, only Heidi can help him. Will Edward barter with a ghost who can save him and if he does, will the former madam become the one woman Edward is unable to resist?

PG 13 Excerpt (Language and implications)

“They think you’re crazy now, don’t they?” Heidi asked, using her long fingernails to rake breadcrumbs off the blue linen tablecloth. 

Edward couldn’t take his eyes off her. In fact, he’d barely heard what she said until the waiter returned. “Is everything all right, Mr. Brady?”

“Yes, fine. Thank you,” he replied, hoping to dismiss the young man right away.

The waiter made a pointed indication toward the untouched plate directly across from Edward’s. “Will your guest be joining you later for dinner?”

Edward met her gaze. Heidi shrugged. “Up to you, sugar. I spent my entire life being every man’s dirty little secret. No reason for you to be the exception. As a reminder, no one else can see me.”

“That will be all,” Edward deadpanned, reaching across the table.

The waiter took a moment to stare down at the open space separating the dinner plates. Edward watched Heidi, faintly aware of the man towering over them. “Yes?” he asked, looking up abruptly. 

The waiter studied the empty chair across from Edward and then shrugged. He walked away moments later shaking his hand and mumbling, “Money and madness go hand in hand in Las Vegas.” 

Heidi squeezed his fingers. “You’re a thoughtful man, Edward, but trust me when I tell you: I’ve ruined many a man’s reputation. You’re considered a genius in this town. You don’t want this city to turn its back on you right now. You’re on the verge of something great and I want to come along for the ride.” She slid her arm under the table and touched his knee. “And I want a lot of rides with you, Edward.”

His damn prick was ready to negotiate the terms.

“You do?” Edward asked, engaging himself in what must’ve looked like an odd one-sided conversation. By the time he realized what he was doing, half the restaurant’s customers were now turning around, staring at him with marked curiosity.  

Heidi tilted her head toward some of the patrons. “You’re seated at a table for two. You requested a couple of wine glasses. Two meals have been served. This seat is vacant and you’re holding a hand that doesn’t exist.” She looked down at their entwined fingers. “Your thumb is jerking as if you’re massaging my wrist. You don’t think this is newsworthy for the Las Vegas Lifestyle Magazine?”

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Edward admitted. “If I can see you, then they must.”

“No, Edward,” she said, standing.

He stood too as a polite gesture.

“I don’t exist in your world. You’re the only one who can see me.”

“Then I’m one lucky guy.”

Heidi held her shoulders back. A quick tilt of her head sent ringlets tumbling across her shoulders. “That depends on who you ask at the moment. In public situations like this, I recommend that you listen and let me do the talking. Some here are ruthless snakes when it comes to tearing down a man’s reputation, especially one like yours, and they’ll be anxious to poke fun at the crazy man, the man who inevitably will catch the eye of their woman because of his deep pockets.”

“What’s that mean, exactly?”

“You’re about to make millions, the kind of money this city hasn’t seen since the days of Howard Hughes, and you’re acting as crazy as Hughes himself.”  

“I’m not hungry,” he told her, feeling like he’d known her at another point and time in his life. “I want to take you home and—”

“And what, Edward? Get to know me?”

“Yes.”

She took a deep breath. “Oh for heaven’s sake, sit down and finish your meal and then meet me at the curb. As long as you’re looking at me like I’m dessert, there’s no way you’ll enjoy your dinner. Besides, you’re drawing too much attention.”

“I would think someone in your line of work craves center stage.” he pointed out, snapping at her.

Heidi leaned forward. “Careful, Edward, everyone is staring now.”

12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour with Destiny Blaine

Thank you for joining us on the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour. It's nice to be here.

Of all of your wonderful novels, which has been the easiest to write?

Lying Eyes

Why?

I’ve spent a lot of time in casinos so I can write from personal experience. With Lying Eyes, I wrote the kind of book I’d want to read—with plenty of poker and romance—plus I love the hero, Max. He was created from a very vivid imagination and inspired by someone I know well.

Which book was the most difficult to write and why?

Winning Virgin Devotion was the most difficult to write. There were too many paranormal creatures ‘talking to me’ all at one time.

What’s one day in the life of Destiny Blaine like?

I have an office down the street now so by the time I make it there,  it’s generally 9:00. The day is always full of writing, edits, answering email, preparing promo, working on advertising campaigns, and reviewing contracts. I try to wind it down by 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening but that’s not always possible, especially right now when I have so much already sold for 2011.

Did you have a hard time when you first started sending out your manuscripts for publication?

No, but the rules didn’t apply to me then, thank goodness. I began as a ghost writer so I didn’t have to wait by the in-box or phone for an acceptance or rejection—someone else did that prior to hiring me. However, those rejections eventually found their place in my in-box just like they find their place in every writer’s mailbox. I just didn’t experience them in the beginning, which was nice.

Do you have a favorite couple, character from your books?

Writing as Destiny Blaine—Gabriel and Constance from the Winning Virgin books remain a favorite but Kane and Peyton are my all-time favorite couple from Sex Party (writing as Natalie Acres).

Are you your worst critic?

Absolutely. I’m not in competition with anyone except maybe myself. I don’t care what Joe Blow down the street is selling, writing, or achieving.  I wish him well. However, I’m vested in what I’m writing, how it’s selling, and how well it outsold what I released last. That’s just me.

 All authors compete for those top spots on best selling lists. I’ve been there.  I’ve achieved that and hope to see my name there again, but I’m not focused on best selling lists now. I’m focused on becoming a better writer, writing tighter stories, delivering what my readers want and expect, and achieving other goals. There’s more to life than hitting the best seller lists and thanks to my readers, I’ve been there more than I ever expected.  My main career focus is writing my next book and working on a few other writing projects. That’s all.

Who do you consider the perfect writer?

I don’t know a perfect writer. Every writer possesses flaws.  None of us are perfect. We’re all writers on a journey. We’re writers in progress. I guess the ‘perfect’ writer is the writer who knows he or she isn’t the greatest writer of all time and even if he or she is pretty damn close, they recognize there’s always room for improvement. 

Do you still get a thrill when you see your book being published on bookstore shelves?

I don’t think so. That part is gone. I don’t enjoy my job any less but I’m not biting nails until my e-book is released or another print book hits the shelves.  Then again, I’ve been fortunate and with about two new book releases a month,  under one pen name or another, there’s not a lot of time to celebrate. There’s always another book to write. 

 A Sneak Peek into Cowboys For Christmas

Available at Aspen Mountain Press December 16th, 2010

Julie Kensworth opens her door to more than a blizzard and greets two wayward cowboys. She realizes right away she’s headed straight for the eye of the storm. 

Brandon Blake and Quinn Stewart are a long way from home. They’re looking for a warm place to hang their hats while they try to wait out the snow and ice, which continues to gain momentum.

 Julie is an author and she’s not just the average writer, she’s one of the most notorious writers in the world. When Quinn and Blake figure out Julie is an erotic romance author, well, needless to say, their minds churn with all sorts of ideas, most of them geared toward how they can heat up the cold winter nights ahead.

Sneak Peek Excerpt:

“I don’t know why you’re pouting,” Brandon spat a few minutes later, noticing Quinn’s frown. “She didn’t tell us to hit the road. She just told us to wait out here until she dressed.”

“I guess I was hoping for an explicit expression of gratitude.”

Brandon pointed toward the mantle. “Don’t forget. She probably has a boyfriend.”

 “The boyfriend isn’t what I’ve been thinking about. What I’m wondering is why she has so many of those Carla Carrington books.”

Julie strolled into the kitchen like a breath of fresh air. She lit up the place with an easy smile and a refreshing stroke of confidence. “Carla Carrington is my pseudonym.”

“Do huh?” Brandon asked, chin dropping.

“Your pseudonym?” Quinn asked for clarification.

“Yeah,” Julie said. “I’m a writer.”

Brandon felt like something was stuck in his chest. She wasn’t just a writer. She was the best selling, award-winning author of scorching hot books often made into explicit after-dark television movies. He’d never admit the truth, but he’d watched a few of those movies. Carla Carrington’s name had been on the lips of quite a few talk show hosts who openly criticized the demise of morals in today’s world. Carla wrote the kind of books that Brandon wouldn’t have let his daughter read—assuming he had a daughter, which he didn’t. On the other hand, if he had a wife, Carla’s books would’ve been mandatory reading.

“You said you’re a writer.” Brandon cleared his throat. “But Carla Carrington is—”

“I’m Carla,” she interrupted. “I write under a couple of pseudonyms.”

Quinn looked around the small cottage. He was probably thinking the same thing Brandon was. Why did she live in such a small house? Wouldn’t Carla Carrington reside in an oceanfront mansion with a full crew doting on her, bringing her chocolate-covered mints and arranging social events?

The woman behind the world’s most scandalous writing should not have been dressed in hide-tight blue jeans with a low-cut fitted sweater and her hair tossed up in a clumsy ponytail. A woman writing explicit scenes like the one Brandon had read earlier should not have looked like an adorable barely legal girl!

Brandon  shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-six, why?”

“Just curious. That’s all.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Quinn blurted out.

Way to fucking go! Brandon set his jaw. As he watched the color drain from Julie’s cheeks, he shot Quinn a cold stare. “You can quit foaming at the mouth any time now.”

Quinn didn’t say anything. Brandon braced for fighting words, maybe even a good swift kick in the ass.

What the hell! Quinn started this. “Do you have a boyfriend?” Brandon would die right there if she said she had a husband.

 “No, I do not.” She marched across the kitchen, opened the pantry and retrieved two jars of her homemade soup, setting the large containers on the small island in the kitchen’s center. “Anyone hungry?”

Brandon grinned, staring at her ass. “Honey, I’m practically starving.”