Thursday, January 25, 2018

She's Baaaaccckkk!

      A demon attack…
     Reeling from a personal tragedy and abandoned by all she loves, the world's newest demon huntress, Gin Crawford, sinks into a deep despair. She’s forced back to reality by news of a large number of people committing suicide, all on the same night. Suspecting demon involvement, Gin must work with her sexy but estranged mentor Aidan Smythe to track who, or what, is behind the deaths.
     Leads to a new discovery…
     As they come closer to finding the culprit, they realize their employer, the Agency, is hiding its own secret, one which threatens Gin's very existence. New discoveries reveal that even those dedicated to eradicating evil can be bought. Can Gin and Smythe forgive each other and work together or will they fall under the demon's thrall?

What better to bring an end to a frigid January [with worse to come in February] than spend a few days with our favorite nurse turned demon huntress, Gin Crawford, who is back in Devil Take Me and her creator, author Karilyn Bentley. Gin's up first.
Where are you from? A suburb of Dallas, Texas.
Tell us a bit about Devil Take Me. This is the fourth book of my adventures as the world's newest demon huntress. This time I'm up against a demon who appeared in my mind trying to get me to come to him. Yeah, right, like that's going to happen. I need my guardian mage, Aidan Smythe, to hunt this demon, but we're on the rocks and he's not returning my calls. Don't worry, I'll make him help me one way or another. We have to stop this demon before it kills again.
What did you think the first time you saw Aidan Smythe? I thought he was a big, scary cop. Come to find out he was a scary mage and my new boss. Frankly he scared me, all big and bad and totally hot. But the longer I worked with him, the more he grew on me.  
Sounds perfectly yummy, Gin.What was your second thought? He's hot. We had an instant attraction but it took us a while, actually several books to get together.
Did you feel it was love at first sight? Nope, not at all!
What do you like most about Smythe? He's loyal and honest to a fault. And he makes a mean breakfast.
Our favorite meal. How would you describe him? Very loyal. Focused on his job. Serious, but at the same time there's a thread of humor running through him. You just have to dig to find it.
How would he describe you? A pain in his butt. He actually believes I don't think before I hop into things. And he's unsure if I can be trusted.
What made you choose nursing as a career? I'm an empath, which means I can touch people and see their emotions or sometimes read their thoughts. I like nursing because I can use my abilities to help others.
What is your biggest fear? Someone learning my deepest, darkest secret.
How do you relax? With a beer in front of the TV. Or reading.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Aargh! I'm not good with this! It's not a particular character, but I do love the Star Wars movies.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Only you have the power to make things happen.
Nice to have you back with us, Gin. Hope things are well in the pill-pushing, suppository inserting game. Now it's time to chat with Kerilyn.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Like Gin, I love Star Wars and the story the movies tell. I also LOVE Game of Thrones, the books and the movies, as well as the Outlander series. There are so many books that have impacted me in one way or another. Just reading and seeing how different authors string their stories together is fascinating to me. If I was to narrow it down to only one author, it would be Sherrilyn Kenyon. I never read romance until I picked up one of her books thinking it was fantasy. I was hooked! Then I thought I should write, too. And the rest is history.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I wouldn't call this an event in my private life, but I do like stories where the character overcomes odds to learn something different about themselves and to grow from that experience.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? My publisher is The Wild Rose Press. Years ago they had a contest, submit a short story for inclusion in an anthology. I was one of the six winners and had my short story in the Got Wolf anthology. Since I was published, I thought I was a hot shot, so I submitted a romance novel to my editor. She hated it but let me resubmit (three times with extensive rewrites) before she accepted it. I've been writing ever since!
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Wow! A BUNCH of books are on my Kindle. Next up is the Dark Fae FBI books by CN Crawford and Alex Rivers. Then there are so many more. I need to sit in a quiet corner for the next couple of months to finish them all!
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? The fifth and final book of the Demon Huntress series should be out late this year. It needs a title and some more edits before I can send it to my editor. Hopefully that will be done by the end of March.

Karilyn brought along an excerpt from Devil Take Me:

     A vision of an auburn-haired man dressed in dark trousers and a gray button-down, appears in my head. He sits on my closed toilet lid, watching me sleep in the full tub, watching as my head slides closer to the waterline.
     It must be a dream. How else can I be asleep and still see the bathroom, my sleeping self and the man? A dream. Only a dream. His voice is nothing more than my imaginings.
And yet I feel the need to answer. To deny his words.
     I’m not listening to you. I make an effort to rebuke the voice, refusing to take what it offers, refusing to admit its enticing pull.
     Oh, but you are. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his gaze firmly affixed to my face. You contemplate my words. You seek the rest only I can give.
     Yeah, right. Not buying it, buster. Although I’m starting to want what he offers. I’ll never admit it to Mystery Man. What can a figment of my imagination really do?
     I am not a figment. He smiles, his lips pulling away from straight, white teeth.
    Despite the warm water, a chill runs down my spine. He holds out his hand.
Come. Take my hand. Rest. Leave your problems behind.

To purchase Devil Take Me, go to:
Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/B078JZXJX1

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/devil-take-me/id1331765136

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devil-take-me-karilyn-bentley/1127750684

TWRP: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5535-devil-take-me.html

To learn more about Karilyn and the stories she creates, go to:

Website: www.karilynbentley.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ba_0Rf


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


Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1


Blog: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051943.Karilyn_Bentley


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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karilyn-bentley


Friday, January 19, 2018

Time Travel Back to the Swing Era

Wild Women Authors welcomes Madison Michael and Matthew Harrington from Madison's latest release Our Love is Here to Stay. First up is Matthew.
Where are you from? San Francisco, CA – one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world.
Tell us a bit about Our Love is Here to Stay. This is not your typical romance. For one thing, the story spans more than fifty years and time has a certain fluidity throughout the story. I am a software security consultant who is sick of living out of a suitcase. I have befriended the hotel concierge and I assume he is scraping the bottom of the barrel of things to do in Chicago when he sends me to The Green Mill for Swing Night. I couldn't be more wrong. The place is jumping, the music is hot, authentic jazz and I meet the woman destined to be the love of my life, Patty Dennisen.
What did you think the first time you saw Patty? This woman was unlike anyone I knew, fresh faced, wholesome and sexy as hell all at the same time. She was dressed in 1950's garb, complete with a ponytail bouncing when she moved. She was not typical of the women I worked with or dated. Patty was softer, more open and trusting. She drew me in.
What was your second thought? My second thought was horrifying. If I wanted to spend time with Patty, I had to dance with her. Swing dance. I don't know how to swing, but I there I was making a fool of myself on the dance floor. I was definitely in over my head.
Did you feel it was love at first sight? I can't say for sure that it was love at first sight, but it was certainly intriguing at first sight. I wanted to know this woman better – all of her. I wanted to know what she did, what she liked, who she spent time with. I wanted to understand what made her happy. Hell, I wanted to make her happy.
That is so sweet! What do you like most about Patty? Her eyes. I finally understand the expression that "eyes are the windows to the soul". When I looked into Patty's eyes. they were a pale, silvery blue that captured my attention and never let it go. They were so expressive and full of laughter.
How would you describe her? Patty is full of life and excitement, and curiosity about the world around her. When we met, she wanted to know all about California and my work and my life. Patty grew up sheltered but I could tell she wanted more. She grabs life with both hands and I love that about her. It doesn't hurt that she's smart, sexy and beautiful too.
How would she describe you? Patty thinks I am the most exotic man she has ever seen, taller than most, more handsome than most. I love how she sees me. She believes in everything I do. She supports my dreams and so she makes me dream big. Patty thinks I talk California slang and live a very exciting life traveling the world.
What made you choose security consulting as a career? I was always interested in computers so I knew that I would choose something in the tech field. It was the articles about computer hacking that drove me to computer security and the idea of traveling the world that led me to consulting. It didn't hurt that I was good at it. 
What is your biggest fear? I would say I most fear being made to look like a fool. I deal with clients every day who expect me to solve their problems. I hate when I fail, but understand I can't always get everything right the first time. However, when I fail and look like an idiot, I hate it.
How do you relax? I listen to music, any music, but especially jazz and blues. The smooth sounds wrap around the problems in my life and just carry them away.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Iron Man. He is flawed but I relate to his arrogance and his ability to solve all problems using technology. Besides that, he has a really cool house and some great cars.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Believe. Patty always said I needed to believe and now I do.
Thanks for spending time with us, Matthew. We’d like to chat with Madison and ask her what movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Pride and Prejudice in every form was an early influence on me. So was the movie My Fair Lady and the book Pygmalion. I was raised on a constant diet of Barbara Cartland books, and I aspire to write historical fiction some day. I love the costumes, the settings, the history and the manners. I am heavily influenced by the rules of etiquette and manner.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I gave Matthew the reaction to The Green Mill that I had when I went there for swing night. I was transported to another era, and so is Matthew. Like for me, when Matthew leaves the club, reality returns.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I am my own publisher. I have never attempted to submit my books to a traditional publisher because I have heard stories that turned me off to the idea and because I don't like the idea of complying with their submission guidelines. Fellow authors have recommended certain publishers and perhaps I will look at them more closely down the road.
What books currently rests on your TBR pile? The third book in The Walsh Series by Kate Canterbary, Necessary Restorations. The books in this series push all my buttons, and I cannot put them down once I start them. I can only read these novels when I have 3-4 uninterrupted hours. The Boston settings remind me of my very happy days living in the South End. I love the architecture references, clearly well researched. Most of all I adore these flawed characters and their family interactions and of course, the romance, which is way beyond steamy. Also on the pile is A Marriage of Opposites, by Alice Hoffman. I love everything she writes. Period.
Sadly, I also have a huge stack of ebooks and paperbacks devoted to my craft topped by Authorprenuer by Jesse Keiger and Create by Meera Kothand. Expertise from books like these is my salvation.
Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Next up is the final book in my Beguiling Bachelor series. I wrote about fifty percent of the book but then I decided to put it down. I want to take it in a slightly different direction, so I took a break from it. Now, my wonderful fans have been asking for this last installment in the saga of four best friends, sexy and successful men born with silver spoons in the mouths. The Beguiling Bachelors come up against something they cannot buy – sassy, smart women who must be wooed and won. I have dropped hints about the last book, Besotted, throughout the three earlier books, Bedazzled, Beholden and Bedeviled, and now it's time to bring it home. Readers can expect Besotted this spring, followed by my new B&B Billionaire Series later this year.

Our Love is Here to Stay, is available now at books2read.com/u/bpWAkW or Amazon

I love to hear from my fans. Contact me, sign up to join my insider's group or follow my blog at maddy@madisonmichael.net,. On Facebook or Pinterest, follow me at MadisonMichaelRomance.









Monday, January 15, 2018

Focus on: Northstar Security Series

YIKES!!!
We just looked at the date of our last posting and see it's been way too long since we were active. Time does fly . . . and all that stuff.
We are back and as good--we hope--before as we focus on 

Stanalei Fletcher's January Blowout Sale Blog Tour
All 5 Northstar Security Series books are on sale for only
$.99 during the tour only!

GiveAway: Stanalei is offering some fabulous prizes during this tour. One Lucky winner will have the chance to choose an ebook from her backlist, another lucky winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate, and one lucky winner will have the chance to choose a print book from Stanalei's backlist. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember to follow along with the tour to increase your chances of winning. You may find the other tour locations here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Northstar Security Firm is an elite private security agency whose mission statement: GUIDED BY THE TRUTH, is the guiding principle to provide justice for those who have been wronged. Founded by former CIA agents Byron O’Neal, Katherine O’Neal, and Sean Malone, Northstar Security has a ninety-nine percent success rate. That one percent is a still open case involving Katherine’s murder and Sean Malone’s career-ending gunshot wound. Nothing is a hundred percent guaranteed, and angst over one unsolved case doesn’t stop good men and women from fulfilling their duty.

Proving Ground
Northstar Security Series Book #1

Caitlin Malone believes screw-ups don’t get second chances. When she returns to Oregon after failing her first Northstar Security assignment and stumbles across a plot to steal deadly pathogens, she sees a chance at redemption.
For USDA Forest Ranger, John ‘Mac’ MacAlistair, having Caitlin home again brings up feelings that are better left buried.
When Caitlin is trapped by the wildfire, started by the terrorists, her only hope of rescue is pinned on Mac, the man she's tried two years to forget.
Buy Links:

Northstar Security Series Book #2

Byron O’Neal, Northstar Security Firm’s director didn’t always run an elite private investigation firm. His early CIA years were spent chasing Soviet spies. Now his past is catching up, and Kellee, Bryon’s daughter is caught in the middle of a game of Russian Roulette. Northstar agent and former Navy SEAL, Egan Maddox, is tasked to save Kellee from the Russian mafia before it’s too late, a task that puts not only his life, but his heart on the line.

Buy Links:

Northstar Security Series Book #3

When Northstar Security Firm investigates the blackmail of a U.S. Senator, agents Riley O'Neal and Mary "Chip" Anderson don the unwelcome cover of newlyweds to find two kidnapped women and stop the blackmail - and posing as newlyweds to avert a national security crisis is a lot harder than it seems.
Buy Links:


Northstar Security Series Book #4

Reformed playboy Sloan Cartland doesn’t work that hard to live down his reputation, especially when it gives him an advantage as Northstar’s profiler. But when the company’s network is hacked, he puts on his game face and joins forces with the firm’s cyber queen, Allison Richards, to track down the cyberterrorist.

Sparks fly between the total opposites as Sloan moves past Allison’s geeky-persona. The passion is unexpected but pleasurable, until Sloan receives evidence that implicates Allison as the hacker, compelling him to question her loyalty and his feelings.
Allison must choose between her heart and honor and find a way to use her formidable skills to turn the tables on her enemies before Sloan decides she’s a traitor.
Buy Links:


Tell It Like It Is
Northstar Security Series Book #5

FBI agent, Nelson Kane's Aunt Rosalee has a story to tell. Someone wants her stopped. When Northstar Security's unconventional bodyguard, Justine Shelby, is assigned as Aunt Rosalee's protection, Shelby learns she's as welcome as a wiretap at the annual J. Edgar Hoover Christmas party. Ornaments start to fly when Shelby informs by-the-book, Agent Kane to stay out of the way while she helps his aunt complete her tell-all memoirs.

Buy Links:


Stanalei’s Fletcher's love of writing romance stems from reading favorites such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Barbara Cartland, and Alistair MacLean. She has over twenty years of training in the martial arts and holds the rank of Sandan, a third-degree black belt, in Aikido.

After a taste of life on both U.S. coasts, she now resides near the beautiful Wasatch Mountain Range with her hero, who just happens to be her best friend and husband. Together they enjoy backcountry dirt trails on a RZR, visiting our National Parks, or exploring museums and ghost towns. 

You may visit Stanalei at: