A Beautifully Witchy Holiday Romance- Frosty Relations by Tara Quan

Blurb

Attorney Jack Frost never understood why holidays did weird things to people. His secretary went on vacation, his best friend ditched their annual Aspen trip, and the law firm’s stubborn human resources assistant refuses his clerical support request. What’s a warlock to do on Christmas Eve but go on a 1-Night Stand? But when an oddly familiar empath shows up as his date, this ice mage has a hard time denying the magic of the winter solstice.

Faced with an anemic employment market and financial woes, college graduate and former witch Mina Mao lands an HR assistant job at Frost and Sons. Having spent her day saving Christmas from Frost Junior’s Grinch-like behavior, she accepts the gift of Madame Eve’s service and heads over to the Castillo Capital. When her date turns out to be her childhood crush and workplace nemesis, she braces herself for the sexiest icy ride of her life.


Excerpt

“So the guy seriously had a boner? That’s so messed up.”

Mina rolled her eyes at their joint reflection. “I know, right? And since I’m an empath, I could sense him getting, you know, all hot and bothered. Whoever he was fantasizing about, she turned him on big time. I don’t know how he could think about sex when he’s on the verge of exploding from too much unused magic.”

Sweets snorted. “Men—warlocks or human—they care about one thing.” She picked up a handful of Mina’s hair. “Ready?”

Mina swallowed. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

Using the scissors, Sweets pointed at the set of combs and razors peeking out from a battered leather sleeve. “Can’t you feel the mojo rolling off my grandmother’s enchanted tools? These babies are idiot proof.”

Since not even her cousin could squeeze her in after 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Mina’s options had been limited enough to make her take a gamble. “But you have done this before?”

Patting her shoulder, Sweets bent at the waist and squinted one eye. “I cut Shelley’s hair all the time. She hates leaving the house, remember? Okay, yours is too long. You need to stand so I don’t get a backache.”

This idea seemed worse by the minute. Rising to her feet, Mina made a pinching motion with her index finger and thumb. “All I need is for you to take off the ends—nothing fancy.”

Her friend’s mock salute didn't bolster Mina’s confidence. “Your hair is safe with me. Your head is another story.”

Mina closed her eyes. “Very funny. Do it already, will you? The anticipation is killing me.”

She heard a snip, followed by “Oh, wow.”

Her lids snapped up. “What do you mean, ‘Oh, wow’?”

She saw the answer for herself. Scissors and razors slashed around unguided in the air, slicing off huge chunks of her tresses in the process. Her friend stood several steps away, staring at the spectacle as if seeing the phenomenon for the first time. Since moving risked impact with pointy magical objects, Mina glared at the culprit’s reflection in the mirror. “I thought you said you’d done this before.”

Sweets’s expression lacked any hint of guilt. “Okay, I lied. Shelley’s grandmother is the actual owner of these puppies, and she always uses them on herself in the bathroom. Since her hair turns out fine, I figured they’d work on you, too.”

Her hands fisting, Mina hissed, “How do you turn the darn things off?”

~~~~~~

Buy Links--

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1016&osCsid=r8ci2p4gfrntdqp8hqdspo9el6

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/frosty-relations

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/frosty-relations/id940701244?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

http://www.amazon.com/Frosty-Relations-Witchs-Night-1Night-ebook/dp/B00PCYLPWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416588028&sr=8-1&keywords=frosty+relations+tara

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frosty-relations-tara-quan/1120797884?ean=2940150446106

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-frostyrelations-1683981-143.html

Author Bio/Special Note:

~A Letter From Tara Quan~

    Dear Reader,

    Thank you for picking up the second book in my paranormal series, A Witch’s Night Out. I've always been a huge fan of witches and their feline friends, and I've had loads of fun creating my own. I keep my stories lighthearted, the angst to a minimum, and the sex just hot enough to make your face grow warm. In all my romances, I aim for a few laughs, a handful of clever twists, and a scorching happily ever after.

    After Jack Frost appeared in Flirting with Fire as the hero’s best friend, I couldn't wait to tell his story. This warlock is the quintessential bad boy, whose abrasive personality and command over ice masks a soft spot for his firm’s human resources assistant, cat familiar and empath Mina Mao. To get these two clueless lovers together, Madame Eve works her magic so this modern day prince can sweep his witch off her feet in his white Lamborghini on Christmas Eve.

    If I managed to keep a smile on your face for the past few hours, then my goal as a writer is met. I love hearing from readers, so feel free to drop me a line at taraquan@outlook.com. You can find out more about my other books and various social media haunts at www.taraquan.com.

    Tara Quan

Hunter's Mark; A Shapeshifter Paranormal Erotic M/M Romance by V.S. Morgan.

A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of The Skillful Huntsman

Blurb:

Artist Casey Smith lives a quiet life, under the radar of his enemies, until one fateful night he loses control and the astonishing image of a wolf racing down a suburban street splashes all over social media.

Hunter’s bullet never misses its target. The assassin seeks out and kills his prey with a clear conscience by following two simple rules: 1) Don’t kill innocents. 2) Don’t kill shifters.

Realizing his latest assignment violates those rules, the hunter activates Princess Protocol and the assassin becomes the protector. Red hot attraction flares between the hit man and his former target. Can Hunter resist the sweet shifter in his care?

Excerpt:

He stepped closer to Casey’s stall but stumbled over something small and furry. The toe of one Birkenstock caught on a clump of grass as he attempted not to trample the little beast, and he ass-planted with said beast jumping onto his chest to give him a broad doggie smile.

His buddy laughed piss-your-pants-hard in his ear. Fuck a duck.

“Miss Priscilla!”

The target he’d worked so hard to observe remotely sank to the ground between his sprawled-out legs, peeling the tiny hairball off his chest and setting it on the ground.

“I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

Big blue eyes fringed with long, pale lashes scanned his body while strong yet gentle hands moved over his ankles and legs, searching for an injury. Oh, a toucher. His wolf basked in the tactile attention. His breath hitched as those hands glided past his knees and skimmed his thighs.

Damn, he needed to get laid after this assignment.

“Oh, my, what a li’l sweetie. Look at those freckles! I wonder if he’s got them everywhere. I’d like to lick them,” Rex crowed in his ear.

He growled.

The other man chortled. “Possessive, much?”

He inhaled deeply, only to be slammed with the force of a Mack truck. Strawberries on a warm summer’s day and fresh-cut grass—shit, his target smelled delicious. He took another breath, and his brain reeled. He’s a wolf shifter, too? Fuck.

Casey’s brows furrowed. “Where are you hurt?”

He forced a smile. “I’m fine. No worries.”

Casey returned the smile, his wide and high beam combined with sparkling eyes. Hunter stared as warmth wrapped around him like a blanket. He had no ammo against such a happy, open expression. The guy freaking glowed.

~~~~~

Buy Link:

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=992&osCsid=709eojrkot7ojuaen4gju9g1m1

~A Letter from V.S. Morgan~

Dear Readers,

As soon as I heard about Decadent Publishing’s Beyond Fairytale line, I knew I had to step up and accept the challenge! I’ve always had a soft spot for fairytales and the interesting ways they can be retold. When I received my assigned story, “The Skillful Huntsman,” I had to research it, as I hadn’t heard of this Grimm tale before. However, once I’d read it, Hunter and Casey came alive for me. I hope you enjoy their journey!

You can reach me at vs_morgan@yahoo.com

Best,

V.S. Morgan

Interview of Stacy-Deanne, Author of 'Giving Up the Ghost'

Scribal Love Welcomes Stacy-Deanne


Stacy-Deanne is an award-winning author of Crime fiction/Mystery and Interracial Romance.  Her newest work “Giving up the Ghost” will be available from Peace in the Storm Publishing, April 2011. 

What inspired you to write Giving up the Ghost?


The main characters, Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp came from my last novel, "Melody."  I fell in love with them and so did my fans.  The minute I finished Melody I knew I had more in store for them and I am so excited about this series.  They are a black woman and white man team that also have a romantic past which brings forth the stepping stone to the interracial romance aspect of the series.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Just my own style, LOL.  That’s all I can say.   I don’t know how else to explain it.   I think each author has his or her individual style of course and it comes natural.   With me I’m more of a dialogue, fast-paced writer.   You gotta be quick when you write crime and mysteries. That’s not a genre that takes a lot of mulling around to get to the point.   Plus I like to read quick books so that’s what I write.

Author of 'Giving Up the Ghost,' Stacy-Deanne

How did you come up with the title?


I chose “Giving up the Ghost” because it actually fits the description of what happens in the story. When people read it, they will get why I chose the title.


What is “Giving up the Ghost” about?


Here’s a sneak peek:


Albany Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris is having the year from hell.  A sadistic admirer has been stalking her for months and now her friend Cheyenne Wilson has been beaten and left for dead.


With her ex-lover and faithful partner, Steven Kemp, Bree thrusts herself into the case.  It’s not long before they believe two unrelated British men are connected to the attack.  Michael is a womanizing artist with a ferocious appetite for rough sex.   Simon is a wealthy free spirit looking for love in all the wrong places, but has one too many skeletons in his closet.


Bree struggles to determine fact from fiction when it comes to Michael and Simon but her attempts are blurred by Michael's manipulation and her sexual attraction to Simon, who Steven’s convinced cannot be trusted.


Meanwhile the stalker does everything in his power to get close to Bree and his obsession evokes a spiral of violence.


Bree must trust her heart to find answers but her heart leads her to the most dangerous man of all.


What books have most influenced your life most?


Anything by Edgar Allan Poe but one that’s always stood out to me more than others is 'The Portrait of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde.   I think the entire story is genius and it’s the perfect example of good vs. evil.   That’s the foundation for crime fiction and mysteries, the good vs. evil aspect.  This is one of the most brilliant suspense novels I’ve ever read and the creepiest too.   I’ve never read another novel; except for maybe 'The Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' that shows a character having an inner struggle with themselves so powerfully.


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


My influences are Edgar Allan Poe and Hitchcock so those would be mentors to me.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Honestly nope. I am very happy with it. I worked with it long enough, LOL.   Maybe when it comes out for sale and I start getting public feedback that might change but no I am pretty happy with it. I think it’s the perfect start to my new series.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


As a child I always liked to read and I wrote a bit then.  Becoming a professional writer hit me one day.  It’s simple as that.  I got my first computer at nineteen and I just started writing a story.  From that moment I knew I wanted to pursue publication.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Not in writing so much as being a published author.  You go up an entire new level when you’re published in the way that your writing is no longer just yours, you got tons of people who depend on your or expect things from you.  You got fans and others you always think about when you write.  I never write a story now without thinking about readers in the back of my head. Used to not be that way but it is now.   When you become published you gotta remember you’re writing for an audience as well as yourself.  You always have to think of them.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned that sometimes we’re the villain or bad guy and don’t even realize it.  Once folks read the book, they will get what this means.   LOL. 


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Be realistic, research and learn as much as you can about the publishing business and how it works if you intend to make it a career.


Thanks for dropping by Stacy!


Thanks so much for the opportunity!  For more information, everyone can stop by my web site to keep up with what I am doing: http://www.stacy-deanne.net


Also, if you’re on Facebook, add me as a friend.  I’d also like for people to check out the other fabulous authors and titles from my publisher:


http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Author of Color of the Flame-- Ileana Holder

Scribal Love Welcomes Ilena Holder

Ilena Holder is an author of IR romance and Contemporary romance.  Her newest work “Color of The Flame” is available from Red Rose Publishing.

What inspired you to write this book?

Quite frankly, I write for the market.  Wendi Felter contacted me about a manuscript submission (not this one) and I asked her what did Red Rose specifically want?  She told me IR romance was hot and I took that idea and ran with it.  I had some success with contemporary romance and thought I would attempt IR.  I was of course pleased and thrilled when she accepted my finished manuscript a few months later.  I think a writer should always challenge themselves to investigate new avenues.  

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I keep my style simple and to the point.  I do try to put in symbolism even if no one catches it!  I try to create believable dialogue.   My one problem is with voice.  It is difficult for me to make each character sound different. I feel that I am finally understanding the concept of voice after six novels. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

I don’t let out much information about current works in progress.  Somebody is always out there stealing ideas, believe me!  These same people steal baby names also!  I will say that it is another IR romance set in Panama City, Spain, Morocco, and Michigan.  I am from Michigan and like to promote my home state when possible.  It has the word “Sand” in the title. 

What is Color of the Flame about?

It is about an African-American woman with a mixed-race son.  She is newly widowed and finds love again with a former Mob bodyguard.  It is one of those romances where you find love in an unlikely place, like a U-pick Michigan blueberry farm.  I tried to put in some different elements so the story wouldn’t have such a cookie cutter style.

What books have most influenced your life most?

You know, when I was a child, I never visited the town library since I was a country kid.  I only checked out books from the school library and the selections were very censored and limited.  I think book censorship is a real shame in America.  I get hooked on certain authors and then read their entire back list.  I’ve done this with James Herriott and Dr. Joyce Brothers.  Currently I am on a Stephen Benatar kick.  I’ve just finished “The Man on the Bridge” and am working on “When I was Otherwise.”  I am going to write him a fan letter soon!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Louis L’Amour, James Michener or Robert E. Howard. .  Might as well pick some big ones!  Also Zetta Brown from LL-Publications in Scotland, she’s a bold woman. .

What book are you reading now? 

I always have a big TBR shelf.  I’ve recently purchased “Teach Me” by R. A. Nelson.  Then “The 2^nd Lie” by Tara Taylor Quinn.  I’ve got “The Covenent” by Michener on order, it hasn’t arrived yet.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I am thinking of starting the “Sookie Stackhouse” series by Charlaine Harris.  I just finished watching Seasons one and two on DVD this summer. 

What are your current projects?

Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Fade To Grey” a time travel romance set in 1865 Michigan and Chicago.  It will be a re-release for a New Zealand publisher.  Then I have started an outline for another IR romance which will be set in Michigan. You always have to keep two or three projects on the burner at any time I feel.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Red Rose Publishing as far as selling my current romance, not to forget their great editing, cover artists, and promotion.  I also belong to ROMVETS, which is an Internet-based group of female military veterans who write romance.  Lastly I belong to EPIC AUTHORS.  I encourage any ebook writer to join them.  They have world-class reputation, plus fantastic yearly conventions. I also lead a professional writing group in my community.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes!  Hopefully it will be a long career.  I was first epublished in 2005 and haven’t looked back since.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would say no.  But my first book, yes.  I put that one down as a learning experience.  Everyone needs to finish that first book and move on from that.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I always loved the creative writing assignments in school.  And book reports were my favorite.  I wish we had been given skills tests to see where our real interests were. We all need life experience to be good writers.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

First off is completing the initial outline.  Then it is all downhill from there.  Oh wait!  Point of View is difficult!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

You had better create believable dialogue or the editor will call you to task.  And grammar and punctuation are still important in this day of texting and chat rooms.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write one page a day and by December 31, you will have an epic length manuscript. Don't bother with agents and huge New York publishing houses—at first.  Start out small and work your way up.  Epublishing is a fine way to break into the market and get established.  Dream up a creative pen name, please!

Where can we find you on the web?

http://www.Xanga.com/IlenaHolder


Facebook and Myspace I am under the name
ColorOf Ilena and The Flame Holder.



Thanks for dropping by!


You are welcome.  :-)

Author of "Sacrifice in the Name of Love" Vanessa Johnson

Can you tell us about your latest release?


Yes, Sacrifices In The Name of Love is about interracial relations between two teens, Trey Martin and Tessa Phillips who get more than they bargain for when Tessa ends up pregnant, and out of fear of facing her self-professed racist father, she concocts a plan to conceal the baby’s paternity. Tessa is faced with making the most painful sacrifices she’s ever had to make. When she can no longer hide the truth about her baby’s paternity, she opts to leave town, thus leaving the baby and the love of her life behind. A few years later, she returns to find life has changed, but despite the obstacles, she’s determined to right her wrongs, but she must first face her demons and the demons of her parents.

Where do you take your inspiration from?


Life, people, places. Either can spark an idea for a story at any time. 


Do you like to work with music playing in the background? And if so, do you listen to a specific type to evoke certain moods?


Sometimes. If I’m writing a love scene, love songs are very helpful. Classical music makes my creative juices flow when I need my story to move forward.


What was it that gave you the final push to submit your first story? And how did you feel when your work was accepted?


I imagined the book making it to the top bestsellers list and so I submitted in order to make reach that goal. I can’t do that if I don’t submit.


Can you describe to us a typical day in your life as an author?


I’m retired, so I don’t have a typical routine. I write when I feel inspired to write. I may write in the morning, or it may be late at night after the house is quiet and peaceful.


What is the best thing about being a writer?


I can let my imagination run wild and write about the things some of us have only dreamed about.


What does your work space look like? Neat as a new pin? Or area of mass destruction?


Right now, an area of mass destruction. I have so many books, I’m out of shelf space, so some are on the floor around my desk. I’ve kept every rejection letter I’ve received, and believe me there are many, and I keep them on my desk as inspiration and use that inspiration to persevere in spite of them.


Which, if any of your stories, has been the most emotionally difficult for you to write?


The only emotionally difficult thing for me to write thus far was my first nonfiction book that I self published. It was about my journey through grief after the loss of my mom and son a month apart in 1994. I’ve had fun writing all of my fiction work.


Most authors that I've spoken with have at least one finished or nearly finished project that they've held onto for a number of years. Do you have any such work? And if so, what has stopped you from submitting it? 


No, I don’t. I have plans for having all of my work published.


Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?


I multi-task especially if I’m not feeling a particular work. I try not to force my writing. 


Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about?


 I’m most excited about, and to date I’d say it’s my favorite piece, and that is my next book that I’m doing the rewrites on. It’s titled, Tempted By Love, and it was inspired by small bits and pieces of my life, mingled with a lot of fiction.


When not writing, how do you relax?


Participate in online writing groups and on social sites. I love to read, baking and spending time with my family.


How do your friends and family feel about your work and do you let any of them read your stories?


My family thinks it’s great that I’m a writer, especially when my work if published and they have the finished product in their hands. I have let my husband read some of my work.


Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Not too much. I write a column for my local paper, so I’m recognized more when I go out.


Where do you see yourself in three years time, as far as your writing is concerned?


I would love to be on somebody’s bestseller’s list. I see myself as continuing to write because I have more stories to tell.


If you weren't a writer, what else would you be doing? 


I’m retired after spending 30 years on my job. If I weren’t writing, I can’t see my life being any different.


Which of your books would you love to see turned into a movie?


(Laughter) Hell, I’d love to see all of them turned into a movie. I do envision my characters on a screen as I’m writing scenes.











What sacrifices could you make under the guise of love?  


Trey Martin, a Black teenager and Tessa Phillips, a white teenager are about to find out in Sacrifices In The Name of Love. They are neighbors in a small Louisiana town where race mixing is still taboo in the 21st century. Despite the objections and beliefs of their parents, the two give in to the desires for each other. Tessa becomes pregnant and creates a web of lies to conceal the baby’s paternity because she fears the wrath of her self-professed racist father. 


No longer able to hide the truth, Tessa will make some tough and painful sacrifices, all under the guise of love. Will she be able to live with those sacrifices? Journey with Tessa and Trey as they face challenges that include sex, death, lies, family secrets and forgiveness. Despite those challenges, Tessa is determined to right her wrongs.  


Will those challenges make or break her as she faces her demons and those of her love ones, too?

Sacrifices In 'The Name of Love Blurb:

Can you let the readers know where to find you on the web?

My website is www.vanessaajohnson.com. I’m also on Facebook, Myspace, and many online writing groups. If you google my name, you’ll find me.

Vanessa Johnson

vanessaajohnson@hughes.net

www.vanessaajohnson.com

www.facebook.com/vanessaajohnson

www.twitter.com/vanessaajohnson

Author, Sacrifices In the Name of Love

Ebook Available: RedRosePublishing.com & Amazon.com

About the Author

    Vanessa A. Johnson, a life-long Louisianan began writing in 1994 after the untimely deaths of her mother and son. Her first book is titled, When Death Comes a Knockin’ a self-help, inspirational book about loss and grief. (Lulu Press, March 2005, ISBN 1-4116-2470-X)

    Johnson is included in numerous fiction, non-fiction and poetry anthologies: Help, I’ve Turned Into My Mother, Strebor Books, 2005; The Purple Pen Anthology of Short Stories, AuthorHouse, 2005; BlackExpressions’ Songs of Hope Poetry Anthology, 2005; Living by Faith, Obadiah Press, 2004; Down the Cereal Aisle, Daniel’s House Publications, 2003; and the Celebrations Anthologies, Notes To My Mother, Notes to My Grandmother, Notes to My Father, Adassa Prendergast Publishers, 2006; with inclusion in three more books in the 35-book series. Johnson will also be included in the Second Chance Anthology of Short Stores and Gumbo for the Soul Anthology: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community.

    Johnson first novel, Sacrifices In The Name of Love was published 06032010 by Red Rose Publishing in eBook format (ISBN: 978-1-60435-712-7). She is doing rewrites on book number three, Tempted By Love and has begun book number four titled, Black Sheep of The Family. She is available through her web site:  www.vanessaajohnson.com, Email: vanessaajohnson@hughes.net and on Facebook and Myspace.

Sacrifices In 'The Name of Love Blurb:

What sacrifices could you make under the guise of love?

Trey Martin, a Black teenager and Tessa Phillips, a white teenager are about to find out in Sacrifices In The Name of Love. They are neighbors in a small Louisiana town where race mixing is still taboo in the 21st century. Despite the objections and beliefs of their parents, the two give in to the desires for each other. Tessa becomes pregnant and creates a web of lies to conceal the baby’s paternity because she fears the wrath of her self-professed racist father.

No longer able to hide the truth, Tessa will make some tough and painful sacrifices, all under the guise of love. Will she be able to live with those sacrifices? Journey with Tessa and Trey as they face challenges that include sex, death, lies, family secrets and forgiveness. Despite those challenges, Tessa is determined to right her wrongs.

Will those challenges make or break her as she faces her demons and those of her love ones, too?

Buy Link: http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=612

Thank You Vanessa!