Blog Swap! - Author Interview - Haley Whitehall

/

Haley and I are double pub buddies at both Liquid Silver Books and Decadent Publishing. We're swapping blogs for the day to promote our new releases. I'm over at her place chatting about one of my favorite authors, and I'm peppering her with questions about her new book.Midnight Heat is Book 2 in Haley's Moonlight Romance series, and it's preceded by Midnight Caller. You can find the most current buy links on her website or check her author page at Liquid Silver Books and Amazon. 

Midnight Heat

1. Okay, since you live in Washington State, the Twilight fan in me (do not judge, dear reader) has to ask: Is it as beautiful as described in the book? Also, is it actually always cloudy/rainy--so much so that a vampire can live there undetected?

I think Washington State is very beautiful. I enjoy all four seasons and find beauty in each. I do not live on the coast which is where Twilight took place. Here is isn’t as cloudy and rainy although we do seem to be having a foggy winter.

2. Now that we've got that decidedly fangirl-ly question out of the way, let's move on to your gorgeous cover art. Who are the lovely couple I see locked in an intimate embrace? (Can you tell I'm a romance junkie?) How do they come to be together in a snowed-in cabin?

I know isn’t the cover art lovely? This book is about George and Allison. George is the younger brother of Frederick from book 1 Midnight Caller. The villain Mr. Coswell is pursing Allison and they flee the steamboat where both of them are working and head to George’s brother’s farm in St. Louis. That is the snowy cabin. In order to get some privacy George sleeps in the barn loft and Allison meets him there in the middle of the night with one thing on her mind…

3. Tell me more about George--and by this I mean his physical attributes. He works as a roustabout which is hard manual labor. I bet he is ripped.

George is an African American hunk! He works on the steamboat the Queen Bee hauling cargo on and off at each port. He is eighteen years old, but all man. I will always have a soft spot for him. He is six-foot one of solid muscle with broad shoulders and strong arms perfect for holding Allison. He has dark brown eyes and short cropped black hair. But the best part about him is not a physical attribute. He is an imposing man with a heart of gold. He is caring and thoughtful and protective—really, any woman’s dream.

4. *cough* May I ask for more details about Allison and George's first kiss? Please don't spare any details...

George has been wanting to kiss Allison for a long time now. Except with the abuse in Allison’s past he knew she wasn’t ready. She has been relaxing around him and he finally feels it is the right time for their first kiss. After a long day of work they are lying together on the deck of the steamboat hidden from prying eyes behinds stacks of crates and other cargo. Here is the excerpt of their first kiss:

“George was flavored by his restrained power and overwhelming care. Equal parts sweetness and spice, he was delicious. She moaned into his mouth, her senses never before stirred so much. Her skin seared where his lips touched. If the kiss lasted any longer she’d develop a fever.”

5. I always end my interviews with this question--How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write historical romance?

I didn’t actually start my writing career writing historical romance. I started by writing straight historical fiction set during the Civil War era which has always been my favorite. I’ve been drawn to the Civil War era ever since I was a child. Perhaps I had a past life then? Who knows. Anyway, the women in my writers group encouraged me to try to write historical romance since they said everyone reads romance. At first I struggled with writing love scenes and now I can’t imagine my historical stories without a lot of heat!

I'm a huge fan of heat in romance--can't seem to get enough of it. Since Haley's a very busy lady this week, I won't keep her. For more information about the book an author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Midnight Heat

Living in St. Louis, Missouri is a nightmare for Allison. It is 1868, but for her slavery never ended. After enduring years of abuse, she reaches her breaking point. She sees a fiery death as her only escape. She did not expect to live through the night, but George came to her rescue and changed her plans. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dream of falling in love and having a normal relationship with a handsome black man. But will he accept her with her baggage and the dark secrets from her past?

At eighteen, George is ready to make his own way in the world. He leaves his brother’s farm and gets a job as a roustabout. Working on the Mississippi River gives him the freedom he craves. Going ashore one night he sees a shack along the waterfront on fire. He never expected to find a beautiful colored woman trapped inside. Protective instincts kicking in, he instantly wants to be her man and take care of her.

Will he be able to gain her trust and love or will the memories of Allison’s painful past burn their relationship to cinders before it has begun?

About Haley

Haley Whitehall

Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historicals set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy. 

Haley loves to connect with readers. You can find her here:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HaleyWhitehall
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LightonHistory
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752677.Haley_Whitehall
Blog: http://haleywhitehall.com/blog/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Haley-Whitehall/e/B0078EO6CE/

Author Interview - Krista Ames

/
Harper's Wish
Harper's Wish

Krista Ames is here to chat about her brand new Christmas novella, Harper's Wish. It came out last friday and is now available at most major eBook retailers. Since the internet gods can be a bit finicky when it comes to book releases, the best way to find out the most recent buy links is by going to Krista's website (here). However, here are a few to get you started: Amazon, B&N, and Kobo. 

Since Krista is super busy today, I'll get my questions in while I can.

1. Let's start with the title--Can you give me a hint about what Harper wished for in her letter to Santa this Christmas?

Hmmm…Harper’s big on the fact she never had any family growing up and kind of jealous of all the townsfolk always coming in to the post office so… guess you’ll have to read it to find out more ☺

2. On your cover, I can't help but notice that Harper's lips are only a few inches away from a decidedly attractive chin. May I ask who she's smiling at? What does he do for a living?

Oh yes, I love that chin! That would be Fin Cole…tree expert extraordinaire! He helps his brother run the family tree farm.

3. Tree expert you say? Now I suddenly have all sorts of ideas about his other physical attributes. When it comes to men, I can be quite shallow. What does Fin look like (and there's no need to limit yourself to the driver's license description)?

Well handsome is one description you won’t find on the driver’s license. He’s muscled but has a lean frame. Brown hair and taller than me, which doesn’t say much since I’m only 5’3” so imagine 5’11”. Stubbled chin as you can see in his picture (sexy isn’t it?). Your typical farm guy with a big 4x4. Don’t ya just wonder what he looks like on a tractor in the middle of summer…..might have to stay tuned for that book ☺

4. How would you categorize the bedroom scenes in this novella--is Fin naughty or nice?

He treats Harper nice of course but he definitely knows how to be naughty, just how she likes it ;) Driving her crazy, making her want more.

5. I always end my interviews with this question--How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write contemporary romance?

I got my start a few years ago now by inadvertently friending the owner of a publishing house. We met on a chat group for a completely different publisher that we were both working with. She encouraged me, let me know that if I ever wanted to submit to her, she’d be glad to read what I have. Well I ended up publishing 4 short stories in anthologies with her house. Was a great start!! I think I chose to write contemporary romance because it’s what I like to read. Now, since I’ve read some historical and paranormal, of course my brain is working overtime trying to come up with material to create a few stories ☺ Thanks so much for having me today, I had so much fun answering ☺

As I said, Krista needs to be in quite a few places at once today, so I'll let her run off. For more information about the book and author, just scroll down.

(P.S. Enjoy the holidays everyone. I'm taking a short blogging hiatus but will tune back in after Christmas. In case you haven't noticed, Delicious Delay releases this Friday!)

Harper's Wish

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but for Harper Donaldson it’s just another day. Orphaned at an early age, she doesn’t have a single good memory of Christmas.

But, when a Santa’s Mailbox mysteriously appears in the lobby of the post office where she works as postmistress, Harper wonders what it could hurt to send her own letter to Santa.

Could he bring her the family she’d always wanted?

Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon (UK) | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

About Krista Ames

kristaames.jpg

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan. She is married to a very supportive man who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours. Krista is also a mother of 4 ornery children who keep her plenty busy. With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and a playful kitty, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished. She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world. She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime at krista@kristaames.com.

Author Interview - Shiloh Saddler

/
Click on the Cover to go to Shiloh's Blog!

The lovely Shiloh Saddler and I are pub buddies twice over--we both have books accepted for publication with Liquid Silver Books AND Decadent Publishing. Shiloh is here today to talk about her new release, Saltwater Lover. It's a M/M historical romance and it came out today. You may buy it directly from LSB (which I recommend since more money goes to the author), or through Amazon and other major ebook retailers. 

Now lets progress to the fun-stuff. 

1. I have to admit--the two hunks on your cover are quite delectable. What are their names and how do they come to be on a ship?

Captain Mather is a slaver. His men capture Kojo along the African coast taking him prisoner on board the slaving ship.

2. So it says in your blurb Kojo has a deep connection to spirits. Are there paranormal elements in this story? What kind of spirits are they?

Kojo is like a shaman. He has learned from the elders how to communicate with the spirits beyond the veil. The spirits of those dead and the spirits of those not yet born can give him advice and direction. So I guess you could say there is a bit of a paranormal element because he calls on them at times.

3. As a fellow erotic romance writer, I have to ask--was it lust-at-first-sight or love-at-first-sight? Why are Kojo and Captain Mather drawn to each other?

Ooh good question! It was lust at first sight for both of them. Kojo has had stirrings for men for many years and does not understand these feelings as his people do not believe a man should love another man. Captain Mather hasn’t had a lover in months. When the two men realize they share the same urges it is only a matter of time before they heat up the pages.

4. Since I decided to make this blog 18+ [*cough* adult content warning *cough*], I might as well take advantage. How steamy are the bedroom (ship cabin?) scenes and how much sex are we talking?

LOL. I’d say four out of five flames. Mather teaches Kojo about his sexuality and there are a lot of lessons! The longer I spent with these men and edited this story the hotter it became. I’ll give you a short excerpt and you can decide for yourself.

Excerpt:

Mather smiled. The heat emanating from him made Kojo shiver, made him want to be closer to this man, to feel him. If he could make himself valuable to him, maybe he’d have an easier life. Maybe he’d be able to spend more time with him. Maybe he’d be able to feel the man’s hands roaming his body again.

The captain pushed his chair back from the table. “Reward,” he said, “Stand.”

Kojo’s pulse stammered. It felt like a bird was caged in his chest, flapping his wings to break free. He had no idea what the reward would be, only that it could not be his freedom.

Mather offered his hand and Kojo grasped it, letting the captain pull him to his feet. He inhaled deeply. The man’s blond hair smelled clean and salty with a hint of fish. This close to him, it was impossible for him not to be stirred by the man’s scent. The captain came closer.

Mather ran his fingertips lightly from the base of Kojo’s shaft to his softly swollen tip. His eyes were gentle, uncertain. As though afraid to hurt him.

He inhaled sharply, undone by the simple caress. This was his reward? He’d never expected something like this. Dizzy from shock, he reached out with his one free hand to grab the man’s shoulder. Mather felt solid under his clothes. He longed to feel the captain’s bare skin against his, though the thought scared him—had scared him since the first day on the beach. He’d always imagined fear and desire were two very different things. Now he knew otherwise.

Mather gripped his member tightly, but not enough to hurt. “Do you like this? Hmmm?”

All he could do was moan. He hoped Mather would understand he enjoyed his touch. He certainly didn’t want him to stop. Oh yes, this was what he had been building up to before. His body trembled. Senses overwhelmed, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back, awash in the first pleasure he’d ever experienced. His cock grew in Mather’s hand, showing him in action what he could not tell him in words. He wanted this.

Mather slid his hand down the length of it, squeezing it, testing its firmness. He continued to play and fondle, watching Kojo’s face. “I want to watch you come. Come for me, Kojo.” Mather took his balls in one hand while pumping slowly with the other.

Kojo didn’t know what the captain had said. He just wanted time to stand still so this moment would last. The spirits had never told him this type of fulfillment existed.

Incredible pulses of pleasure raced through Kojo’s body. He panted loudly and his enthusiasm spurred Mather to pump his cock faster and faster, at just the rhythm he needed. His toes curled against the wood floor. His breaths came in little pants. Mather ate them all up with his gaze, his smile.

Kojo continued to brace himself with his hand on Mather’s shoulder. Tipping his head back, he let out a long low moan, his body shaking itself to pieces with ecstasy.

5. *fans face* I think I just lost my train of thought. Where were we? Okay, one last question before you go (I always end my interviews thus for consistency's sake)--How did you get your start as an author? Why did you choose to write historical romance?

History was my favorite subject in school, and I’ve always read historical romance. Since I gravitate toward the genre I think it was only natural I decided to write historical romance.

I know Shiloh's a very busy lady today, so I won't keep her. For more information about the book and author (as well as a picture of Shiloh in a cowboy hat), just scroll down. If you get the chance, please leave a comment!

Blurb - Saltwater Lover

In 1800, Kojo is a native African with deep connections to the spirits—but those spirits choose not to save him from the slaving ship. He’s captured and taken aboard, where he meets Captain Mather. During the long journey to America, not even the spirits can save him from their growing attraction. Love blooms. A doomed love. For when they land, Kojo’s fate is to be sold.

Captain Mather can’t imagine Kojo being treated as a slave. Desperate to spare him from that life, the captain hides him, taking him to his home. When he’s blackmailed by a mutinous former crewmember, there seems little choice but to sell his ship and pay. Anything to save the man he loves.

About the Author

Shiloh Saddler likes to do research for her steamy romances first hand. She has invented a time machine and travels back to the 19th century on a regular basis. There are experimental settings on her time machine which could propel her into the future and even other worlds. She believes love and a good book makes anything possible.