Cozy Mysteries And Regency by Janis/Emma Lane

Meet Janis Lane and Emma Lane: Cosy Mysteries by Janis Lane and Regency by Emma lane

Personal career path:

My writing career started kind of late, No, I won’t say how late. Suffice to say I found it more accommodating to work on a computer than pound away on that fractious typewriter. I’m a big nature gal, so my first attempts were adventure novels on the wilds of Florida. I loved the avenue for research.
Next, I indulged in one of my favorite genres, Regency Romance.

Most of my historical Regencies are available on Amazon; some are presented in paperback. The latest to be released are A Regency Christmas Collection 11 and The Recalcitrant Duke under the pen name of Emma Lane.

          

 I write Cozy Mysteries as Janis Lane. Murder on Blake Hill is the latest entry in The Detective Kevin Fowler series There is also a short story connected to the series,  The Glass Cat, and another set in Hubbard, NY with cameo appearances of the detective in Whispers of Danger and Love, a romantic  mystery.

            I don’t call myself a pantster because I have usually plotted out a vague sketch of the story before I sit down to write. Sometimes, especially if it’s to be a short story or novella, all I have is an idea or a vision of a character in my mind, mostly the characters. They appear and demand to be released. I have wondered if other authors feel lonesome for their characters when the story comes to an end.

            Georgette Heyer is my favorite Regency author. I love her sense of humour. I am a reader of everything so I can’t really say what specifically influences my mystery writing. I find it fascinating that I must write the story backwards from the solution for the story to work. A small town populated by ordinary citizens would react a certain way if a murder took place—I speculate what everyone would think or do.

            https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000338539637

Nature still is a big draw for me and I am indulged by my son who owns a plant nursery. I am employed to create flower arrangements. I share pictures of nature and my flowers on line on Facebook:

Ocassionally I post on my own blog matters pertaining to gardening. Those who indulge may find the archives of interest. https://emmajlane.com/2016/05/31/author-emma-lanes-gardening-tips-annuals-and-perennials/    www.emmajlane.com

The Kevin Fowler Mysteries

The first in the Detective Kevin Fowler series of Cozy Mysteries, Murder in the Neighborhood, is a sort of Agatha Hubbard. As we enter the story, a race is already in progress to capture a serial killer before he wipes out more middle-aged women. A romance has its beginnings as we are introduced to home town princess, Beverly Hampton.   

Christy-type genre rather than say, anything by Lee Childs. We meet the detective, his colleagues, friends, and community members in the small Western New York town of

            The second in the sequence, Murder in the Junkyard, follows the introduction of more home town members and a budding romance between Kevin’s younger brother Ted and local artist Brenda. The lovely blonde Swedish type loves a spring garage sale but is often found prowling a local junkyard. When she stumbles upon the corpse of a man no one likes, she immediately seeks the expert help of Detective Fowler. The mystery grows when a large sum of money is found at the home of the victim. Another romance is kindled, but may be put on hold.

           Murder on Blake Hill, the 3^rd novel in the series and recently released, finds wedding bells finally warming up for the detective and his love, Beverly Hampton. The mysterious death of two septuagenarians and a rash of vandalism in the village are worrisome. Have the teenagers declared an uprising? Night patrols reveal a totally unexpected and shocking situation. Beverly weeps over a long-ago tragedy. The local diner is awash with the fragrance of fresh-baked, cinnamon sticky buns to the eternal gratitude of the local citizens of Hubbard, New York.

Excerpt from Murder on Blake Hill: Detective Kevin Fowler leaned over Beverly’s warm body to reach the nightstand hoping he could avoid waking her. She murmured in her sleep but only threw an arm around his waist as he checked the identity of the caller. He listened intently and knew there would be no more rest for him tonight. Actually, he realized, glancing at the digital clock on the nightstand, it was early morning and close to getting-up time.

The dead could wait, he thought, as he made a pot of coffee in the gracious old kitchen. It was a study in blue, Beverly’s favorite color. Brenda Bryant, a close friend, had worried she might choose orange for her bridesmaids’ dresses, and he knew Beverly had teased her friends by threatening to choose huge bows for their backsides. He chuckled with the memory of the horror on their pretty faces. The wedding date was fast approaching. He was amazed at all the preparations, although he ought not to be. His fiancée was the hometown princess. Personally, he didn’t care how much fuss was made as long as the deed was done and done well. They’d had their ups and downs, but now Kevin openly confessed he could not live without his Cookie. He turned from the refrigerator, where he had found a carton of half-and-half, to pet the warm arms suddenly wrapped around his waist.

“I’m sorry to wake you up, Cookie. Why don’t you go back to bed?” He turned to enfold his treasure. She whispered sleepily into his chest and nuzzled her face against him.

“What, sweetheart? I think you’re still half-asleep.” He snuggled and swayed with her in his arms content to just hold her next to his heart.

She raised her head and smiled up at him. “I said if you aren’t in a big hurry, can I ride with you? It will save me a trip as a reporter for the paper. Is it a murder again? I heard you grumbling.”

“Yes and yes. Both, but we do need to get to it. I thought I’d make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in case lunchtime in the country is a bit sparse. You want one too?” Beverly nodded as she turned away and headed for the stairs. He finished up a Thermos of coffee and two-sandwich lunch bags. Adding a couple of cookies, he folded the tops and sipped a hot cup of coffee as he waited.

Someone had shot two septuagenarians and left them lying side by side out by the old Blake Hill Cemetery. A courtesy call. He could have refused, but apparently one of the bodies had an address in the village. The State Police thought he ought to be in on the case. And so he should. He considered it an honor to serve the citizens of Hubbard, New York, and did his best to live up to their trust in him.

 Thank you for being here Janis/Emma.  Happy reading to all of you.

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Meet Madelyn Hill and her Scottish Historical Romance Highland Hope # Giveaway

Please welcome Madelyn Hill whose new historical romance is now available. Highland Hope is the first book in her Wild Thistle Trilogy and Madelyn is doing a giveaway. Read on, my friends.

Blurb: Highland Hope. 

“Remember, lasses. Through Hope, Faith, and Honor, ye can rule,” were the last words Lady Hope MacAlister’s father spoke before dying. Those very words direct her every action and thought. Sword fighting and leading the men of her clan was second nature to Hope and she has little time for herself or any thoughts of love. Until Aidan MacKerry is captured spying on the clan. 

She is beautiful, strong, and quick to pull a sword. But when he kisses her, all thoughts of the lairdship Aidan MacKerry seeks flee his mind. When the enemy continues to undermine Hope, Aidan is determined to aid her—only he didn’t think he’d lose his heart to the Laird of Wild Thistle Keep. When the enemy reveals Aidan’s secret, he must fight for his right to be laird and prove, despite their differences, he loves Hope. 

The enemy refuses to back down and continues to threaten not only Hope, but the security of the entire clan. Only together will they be able to save the clan and save their love.

Madelyn, please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m an outgoing person who loves to talk and laugh. My husband and I like to cook, workout, and go to the movie theater. I have three children who are nearing adulthood and it is making me crazy as more gray hair pops out!

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

I had hesitated to submit my first novel Wolf’s Castle. I’m not sure why, but when my critique partner, author Misty Simon gently urged me (as in-just do it!) I submitted to Soul Mate Publishing. I was very excited and my family took me out to Hibachi, which is one of my favorite restaurants.

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

Hmmm, it was love at first sight and the kiss sealed the deal! Once we kissed, we saw each other everyday.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

I love anything Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. I’d say Jane Erye is my all-time favorite characters. One of my favorite YA historical authors is Elizabeth George Speare and her novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond with the heroine Kit.

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

When my novel Wolf’s Castle made it to #1 in the Historical Romance category on Amazon. That is an awesome moment!

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

I love to cook. My husband and I watch a lot of Food Network and then run to the grocery store to make the recipe we just watched. I cook everything and love, love, love to bake.

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

I write every day. Even if it is just a few sentences, I write. But, there are times when I struggle to get the words out. At these times, I do research and hope something inspires me. IF that doesn’t work, I re-read my characters GMC and that usually gets me going.

Got a recipe you want to share?

There are too many recipes, but this is one that I make often and my family loves it.

Chicken Pot Pie

Crust

1  box of already made pie crust such as Pillsbury®  pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can (14 oz) chicken broth

1/2 cup milk

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 cup Frozen peas thawed

1 cup sliced fresh carrots

½ cup of sliced celery

1 egg

1/2 cup of milk

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie, using 9-inch glass pie plate. I poke holes all over the bottom crust with a fork to ensure even cooking and a nice crisp crust.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened. 
3. I take the carrots and celery and put them in the microwave with water to pre-cook a bit. Otherwise, they are too al dente.
4. Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables. Remove from heat. Spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust. Be creative or as rustic as you wish with the crust design.
5. For a lovely brown crust, mix the egg and 1/2 cup of milk and brush over crust before baking.
6. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown. During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover edge of crust with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Sounds delicious. Chicken Pot Pie is on of my favorite comfort foods. Brings back childhood with a bang. Speaking ofThanksgivingg, I bet this is good with turkey too.

 Any advice for new writers just starting out?

Read everything, even non-fiction. Sometimes I even read the newspaper because there may be a story that inspires.

What genre or genres do you write?

I am working on a YA series and I’ve dabbled in Contemporary similar to Harlequin Presents

Tell us about Highland Hope, Book 1 Wild Thistle Trilogy (buy link: 

Highland Hope is book 1 in a series about three sisters who are strong, independent, yet tied to each other after the death of their father. Set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1700s, Highland Hope features Hope the eldest of the MacAlister sisters. She’s the laird of the clan and sometimes forgets she needs to let others help her, especially the hero Aidan who has come to take away her lairdship.  

What’s your current WIP?

I am currently working on Highland Honor, Book 3 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy. Honor is the youngest sister, a healer, who at first seems to be shy, but there is an undeniable strength to her character.

And finally, where can we find  you? 

Website:  www.madelynhill.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94

Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/bPejTD

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2919194.Madelyn_Hill
Madelyn, Thank you for being here. Madelyn is giving away one copy of Highland Hope. Enter below. Happy reading. And Happy Thanksgiving holidays to you. I am so grateful to you for reading my blog.
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Ryan Jo Summer's Christian Romance Beside Still Waters

Ryan Jo Summers is an author who writes across genres. She describes Beside Still Waters  as Christian Romance.

Blurb: Top Journalist and corporate climber McKayla Buchanan is sent to a remote California mountain camp for inner-city, at-risk teens. Accustomed to political and high-society assignments, she is suddenly a fish out of water. At Camp In As Much, she meets eight hostile and distrustful teens, assorted volunteers, rescued horses—and Clay.

Clay Michaels is the man who founded Camp In As Much and made it the success it is now. His hope for the highly recommended journalist is to come and write a feature to send seeds out to form other camps like his nationwide one. He never considered the reporter would turn out to be a lovely woman, or for him to have such an attraction to her.

Between McKayla’s worldly experience and Clay’s strong faith, they form a partnership to help with the endless challenges of the kids. 

While McKayla’s assignment is supposed to be temporary, it isn’t long before she and Clay are each wishing it could last longer. A serious situation will force McKayla to decide if she can give up her worldly ways and place her faith in the same higher source that Clay does.

  

I love the blurb. What sparked the inspiration for Beside Still Waters?

The inspiration for this novel is rooted in a single catalogue photo. I work for a high fashion clothing retailer. A few years ago I was browsing through the latest style guide and one image caught my attention—and imagination. A handsome guy reclined comfortably in a high-back chair, modeling corduroy pants. He was holding a tome of literature, pretending to be reading, while soft light spilled out over him from the vintage lamp on the table. Literary classics are piled around him. The scene was peaceful and provocative, stirring something within me.

And the scene is replicated in “Beside Still Waters”. The hero, Clay Michaels, retreats to his den after a precarious  situation with the kids at the camp. The heroine, McKayla Buchanan, finds him, and the camp dog, there. Clay is reading  a copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress”, looking for insight to the circumstances. Her heart melts at the tenderness of the picture he makes. They chat a bit and then they go out to the labyrinth. With the full moon watching, they begin a walk that will bring them closer together. 

Writing process, pantser or plotter? 

Mostly a plotter, at least at first. It starts with an idea, which could have come from just about anywhere. I start plotting-- creating an outline with a few key scenes in beginning middle, and end. Setting, tone, genre, and similar details are formed. I bulk up the characters. Once I have a pretty decent outline, I start letting things grow. Ideas get discarded for better ones, I write myself into corners and have get out of them, new inspiration strikes in new directions, characters grow more than expected or don't as much as expected. Sometimes I get surprised by the turn...where did that come from? 

 You have no idea how much I wish I was a plotter. #StuckinNanoWriMo

Characters having other ideas, any place where they took a left turn?

Oh yeah. I knew McKayla would evolve and change direction, that was the plan for In "Beside Still Waters". I had thought, and expected, Cori Sue to be more of a character, to have more impact. She just didn't live up to it. That's okay, she still fills a smaller need this way. She got surpassed by others who just took over. Jesse, Will, and Sydney grew up a lot and earned their places on the pages. That's the pantser part I guess.

 Here's an Excerpt from Beside Still Waters

Clay pulled closer. “So how was your morning? Sorry I missed seeing you before I left, but I wanted to get over there and get back.”

McKayla shook her head. “Hey, you have responsibilities other than looking after me.”

“But I like looking after you.” Reaching across the short distance between them, he held her hands in his, thumbs stroking circles on her wrists.

She hesitated, breath caught. Mesmerized by the movement, she could only stare for a moment, lifting her eyes to his. “I feel like I’m sinking,” she admitted softly.

“We’ll go back now,” he announced suddenly, pulling his hand back. Seeing the mixed emotions going through her eyes, he was man enough to pull back. And enough man that it hurt him.
     “Clay?” His name was laced with confusion. He met her gaze, wincing at the honest vulnerability he saw reflected.

“Maybe coming out here wasn’t such a good idea after all,” he decided. He’d just wanted to convince her how nice In As Much was, he hadn’t bargained on the sucker punch her confession gave him. Once more reaching out, closing the distance between them, he brought her to the edge of her saddle, arm wrapped firmly around her waist. Keeping her safe. Memories of her words at the movie rushed back at him.

Their lips touched and he felt exploding heat going off like firecrackers. He edged his tongue past her teeth, sparing with her tongue. Her eyes flew wide open in surprise as she met his move with moves of her own. He felt her tremble and heard a whimper escape her as her eyes slid shut. His lips molded to hers, tasting her fruity lip-gloss and the mint of her toothpaste. Her braid tipped forward, brushing his arm and sending tingles racing through, matching his racing heartbeat.

Unlike their previous kisses and pecks, this went deeper. Both physically and emotionally. They were each offering a part of themselves, a mutual agreement that they wanted to act upon this mutual attraction. He felt the pulse thumping along her wrist where his finger rested and knew it matched her heartbeat. Hot need poured on him with all the finesse of a dump truck full of rocks. And so did reality. She was leaving. With supreme effort, he pulled away.

“Clay?” she whispered. Good thing they were both sitting down. She looked as wobbly as he felt. He’d just gotten a whole lot more than he’d expected.

“Come on, let’s go back,” he said. Before she took him over an edge he couldn’t come back from. Licking his lips, he shook his head as he turned Bismark around.

Turning her mount, she copied him, falling into step alongside. The ride was a faster clip back. Soon they were leaving the forest and the camp came into view.

“My boss called me,” she said suddenly, as if to delay the end of their ride. “He wanted to know when I planned on returning.”

He felt the lines form around his eyes and mouth. His thumbs stilled over the reins. “What did you tell him?”

About to answer, they were interrupted as Davey burst into view, waving frantically, his eyes wide in horror. “C-C-Come q-q-quick!” Getting it out, he wheeled and bolted.

The horses jumped. Clay spurred Bismark after him, heart in his throat. This was going to be bad, very bad indeed.

I love the excerpt. What are you working on now?

 Another Christian romance. It's called "Rainbows in the Moonlight" and a completely different storyline than "Still Waters". I'm just a tad over half done with the rough draft. Once it's done, I will let it rest, and outline a time travel romance that I am just itching to write. When I reach either a comfortable point or impasse with the time travel, I'll revise the rough draft of the Christian "Rainbows". Once I get that sent off, and feel solid on the time travel, I have another time travel idea that is bulging out of the file with notes. Those three should keep me busy through 2017 at least. If I get bored, I have a couple thousand word short story I want to flesh out and either take it to a 50,000 novella or maybe a full-fledged novel if it has enough substance to do that far. It seems I have no shortage of ideas, just time to get them all written.

Who are your go-to authors to read?

Perhaps it's my age, but I find my reading taste is evolving. I still love a great romance but I am branching out into other genres. I recently discovered Robert Crais and loved "Suspect.". I have "The Promise" on order. I thoroughly enjoyed Patrick Lee's "The Runner". I like local authors Sara Greun and Sarah Addison Allen. You had me at Sara Addison Allen. I adore her.

I would really want to meet them for lunch in town one day.  Recently I found Julia Quinn and while I am not much of a historical fan, I appreciate her voice. Yes, I like time travels, enjoyed history in school, but don't get into historicals much. Go figure, right?  I like non-fiction as well, mostly inspirational and medical based. And the tried and true fiction of Nora Roberts, Linda Laurel Miller and Maggie Shayne. I also enjoy Canadian YA/ NA author Christine Hart.

Here is a little more about Ryan Jo.  

 Ryan Jo Summers writes romance across the genres. Her books contain love stories blended with any combination of mystery, paranormal, time travel, shape shifting, Christian and humor elements. She comes from a family of wordsmiths. Her dad is a songwriter and his aunt wrote

poetry. Ryan Jo dabbles in poetry, short stories and non-fiction articles.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, spending time with friends, growing plants, playing chess, mah jongg, and wiggly word find puzzles and exploring the great outdoors. She lives in the heart of Appalachia in Western North Carolina in a charming old

cottage with a menagerie of rescue pets

Media and Buy Links:

Website: http://www.ryanjosummers.com/ 

blog: http://www.summersrye.wordpress.com/ 

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Jo-Summers-author-page/312875648810797            

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanJoSummers

Amazon buy link: http://amzn.to/2dvkUEe

Thank you for being here, Ryan Jo. Ryan Jo is giving away one signed copy of her paperback When Clouds Gather, a suspenseful romance. 

enter below. I wish you all peace in your hearts and minds, and happy reading

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LS Young's A Woman So Bold. Set in 1890's Rural Florida # Giveaway

I haven't read LS Young's debut historical novel, A Woman So Bold.  When Lauri agreed to be on my blog, the first thing I did was check it out on Amazon. 

And I was very surprised.  From the reviews, it sounds like this is not just historical fiction, but women's fiction.

All nine reviews (eight are five-star, one is four-star) mention that the setting, rural Florida in 1890, is as important and engaging as the characters. And two of the reviews were by men. Intriguing? Absolutely. 

Lauri is giving away a copy to one lucky reader, so please read on.

Lauri, please tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in rural north Florida and attended college in Lakeland (near Disney, for non-Floridians). I visited Europe in my teens but didn’t get to see the UK and I’m still longing to go there! I love going for walks and being outside in beautiful places—the ocean, the mountains, state parks, you name it. But I also like to shop and read. I love fantasy, Jane Austen, and 19th-century literature in equal measures. My favorite novel of all time is Jane Eyre.  When I was growing up I knew all I wanted from life was to be a writer and a stay-at-home mom, and for now I am both! I adore dreams that come true

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

Bear in mind that this happened in my early twenties. We’d been dating about a week and were watching a weird fantasy movie called The Dark Crystal. As the credits were rolling he took my hand and I had written these lyrics on my wrist at work that day: “I wish we were there now.” He asked me about it and I told him the rest of the line which is: We were just kids when I first kissed you, in the attic of my parent’s house, and I wish were there now. Convenient, right? We segued pretty easily into our first kiss after that. It’s a treasured memory but also quite nerdy! 

In my book nerdy is romantic. My older son met his wife on a Star Wars Message board. I love your story.

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

Aside from signing my contract with Soul Mate, I think it was seeing my first five-star review posted on Amazon.

 What genre or genres do you write?

I blogged for several years, but I’ve been writing historical romance the longest and that’s where I’ve put down roots. I love historical, but having read and enjoyed a lot of fantasy I would be interested to try my hand at it one day.

Tell us about A Woman So Bold.  

I spent four years writing this novel in my spare time. I wanted to write a story about where I grew up and was inspired in part by my mom’s family who farmed in north Florida and South Georgia in the late 19th and early 20^th centuries. The heroine, Landra Andrews, is a farmer’s daughter in 1890 who falls for a man who inherits a neighboring estate that has been abandoned since the Civil War. She’s a brash, outspoken woman who was ward to a wealthy family when she was in her teens, so she is educated and has high expectations for herself, but feels she is trapped by past mistakes.  Her hero, William, is a kind and loving gentleman who would do anything to defend her honor. Her former childhood sweetheart Henry, who shows up to create conflict, is a mischievous good ol’ boy who married into money.

 Blurb: 

Landra Andrews once dreamt of a life far from sweltering, sandy Florida, where she works on her father’s farm and cares for her stepmother’s many children. She thinks she has found love and freedom at last in the gentle and forgiving William Cavendish, a man who seems her peer in every way, but when a dark secret and a past lover intertwine to threaten their relationship, will their love, and her life, be ruined forever?

Excerpt

A moment later, Mr. Cavendish was at my elbow. “I believe I’ve engaged you for the next waltz,” he said.

I gasped, inspecting my dance card. “Oh, dear! It seems you have. I always seem to forget these things.”

He smiled, holding out his hand. “No matter. Shall we?”

I felt Ida pushing me. “Go! It’s beginning!” she hissed.

A moment later, I was dancing with him again. The waltz was far more intimate than the quadrille. A woman was face to face with her partner, looking into his eyes, clasped in his arms. For the first time in some years, I felt the exhilaration of mutual attraction blended with physical contact. It was a heady sensation, and I basked in it.

Then I fainted.

One moment, I was whirling around in blissful oblivion, and the next I was hot all over, watching the room fade into darkness. I came to on the balcony. Someone was slapping my wrists and cheeks, and Mr. Cavendish was fanning me. I tried to sit up.

“Stay put!” admonished Letty Hamilton in her nasal tones. She was the one slapping me. “I fainted an hour ago, and believe me, you’ll feel better if you lie still in the cool air.”

I closed my eyes and obeyed her. It was rather nice to lie there in the dark with the breeze blowing my hair away from my sweaty neck, if I didn’t dwell on the fact that I’d fainted in front of a man I found appealing. Eventually, Mr. Cavendish brought me a glass of water, and Letty found the decency to give me some air and move to the other side of the balcony with the gentleman she’d been speaking to when I was brought out.

“I’m afraid I’ve humiliated myself,” I said.

“Nonsense. You’re not the first woman to faint tonight. Nor the first to faint in my arms.”

“How debonair,” I said ruefully.

He smiled. “I’m afraid my charm has nothing to do with it. Women compress their lungs with whalebone and prance around a crowded room all night in heavy silks, then wonder why they drop like flies.”

“However did I get out here?”

“I carried you, of course.”

 Fascinating. It's not often you see a historical novel in first person. 

What’s your current WIP?

I am working on a western romance called Montana Burning (working title). It’s about a young woman who moves to Montana territory to work in her widowed sister’s boardinghouse in 1878. Soon after arriving she clashes with the handsome, prickly U.S. Marshal who boards there. It has horseback riding, a gorgeous setting, banter and tension between the two leads, and a nasty villain. And while my first novel is gritty and somewhat tragic, this one has levity and a sparkling love story. I’m excited and can’t wait to share it. I love levity. I look forward to reading it.

And finally, where can we find you?

Purchase Links:

Amazon

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/

Author Links:

 Website: http://lsauthor.wixsite.com/lsyoung

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lsyoungauthor/

Twitter: @LSYoungAuthor

Thank you for being here, Lauri is giving away a copy of A Woman So Bold to one lucky reader. Lauri asks that you answer this question in comments. What’s your favorite type of romance to read or watch: A tearjerker, a light-hearted romantic comedy, a sweeping epic, or other?  I use Rafflecopter for this because then I have an email address for the winner. I have never used an email address in any other way. (Although it is possible that someday in the distant future I may send out a brief newsletter. Hasn't happened yet.) Happy reading.

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Vampire VS Shapeshifter. Win, Lose, or Love?

Meet the debut writing team Jane Ederlyn. Their first book is Reborn, a vampire/shapeshifter romance that looks so good that I am giving away a copy to one lucky reader.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Jane: Hi this is Jane, one half of the writing team Jane Ederlyn. Our debut book, Reborn, was just released October, 19^th.

Yes, a writing duo— it’s not as easy as one would think, but we make it work. Together we build the story and characters then divvy up who is responsible for which character. I’m usually the one that wants to kill someone off and Ederlyn insists on a happily ever after. If something good happens, it’s her doing.J

Both of us have phenomenal but stressful day jobs. I work in healthcare and Ederlyn in the cruising industry! And we’re both single, so feel free to forward to Luke Evans.

Ederlyn: Waving hello.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

Jane: I was speechless for several minutes with my mouth actually wide open when Ederlyn called me to give me the news. Then I did my happy dance.

Ederlyn: When I saw the email from Soul Mate I didn’t want to open it. When I finally summoned the courage, I read it twice to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

Jane: I love to decorate cakes and tending to my orchids. Ederlyn loves swimming and watching movies. How many times can one person see “Pride & Prejudice”? Oh the lure of Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen. LOL. And of course, we both love reading.

Other than your own, who are your favorite writers in your genre?

Jane: Some of my favorite characters growing up were Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s Saint-Germain and Anne Rice’s Lestat, Louie, and Armand. These days, I prefer to read outside my genre. I especially like suspense and I’m a big fan of Laura Griffin, who I was fortunate to meet at a writer’s conference.

Ederlyn: I grew up devouring romances and the classics. I imagined myself one day writing about a heroine on a misty moor. Then I discovered Anne Rice’s Witching Hour and Vampire Chronicles. Now I read everything, especially paranormal. Heather Graham and Charlaine Harris are favorites for both of us. Other auto-buys for me include Diana Gabaldon and Kresley Cole.

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

Jane: Brush up on your writing skills and join national and local writing organizations. We are members of Romance Writers of America, the genre chapter Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal, as well as our local chapter Florida Romance Writers. F.R.W. is an amazing group of writers that provide networking, skill building, craft honing, biz information, and most importantly…friendship and support.

Ederlyn: Don’t give up. Save those rejection letters and turn them into motivation. Stephen King, Stephanie Meyer, and J.K. Rowling were all rejected before finding the right publisher for them. NEVER QUIT.

What genre or genres do you write?

Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy. We also dabble in Contemporary and YA.

And finally, where can we find you?

Please visit us at www.janeederlyn.com or join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Goodreads.

What’s your current WIP?

We are currently working on Return, the sequel to Reborn. As well as a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen.

Tell us about Reborn.

Reborn is a paranormal romance and the first in our series, Princess of the Blood.

Our heroine, Marie, has dedicated her life to her family, before and after becoming a vampire. She never expected a second chance at love and then she meets, Odin, who is stubborn, charming, gorgeous, and immortal. It’s a win-win right!?!

Blurb:

Marie Josette d’Orgemont, cousin to Louis XVI, watched in horror, as a rogue creature took her husband’s life before turning on her. A powerful vampire swept in and spared her life, but she never suspected that surviving meant immortality or the price she’d have to pay to protect her surviving son.

Centuries later in Miami, with her family on the verge of extinction, Marie is preoccupied with the continuation of her human bloodline. When she meets sexy and persistent, Odin Ulfsson, his icy-blue gaze and burning touch are hard to resist. Will a forbidden romance with the Nordic werewolf be the key to her happiness or will it set in motion a wrath that endangers not only her last human heir but her entire existence?

Any parting comments?

Are you a biter or howler? 

 Personally, I am more of a cackler. I'll take witches every time. But this looks like a wonderful read.Take a look at the excerpt. These ladies can write!

Excerpt:

Marie Josette d’Orgemont maneuvered her black Bentley out of the South Beach traffic and onto the hedge-encased driveway of the Delano Hotel. Sliding in behind a glossy red Carrera, she killed the engine and turned in her seat to study her great-granddaughter, eight generations removed. “Are you ready?”

Abby nodded, but didn’t move. “I have something to tell you.”

Marie tensed. She knew of course. She’d known for days. But she clamped down on her emotions, so Abby didn’t read disappointment on her face.

“What is it, ma chérie?”

Abby took a deep breath and blurted, “I’m not pregnant.”

“I know.”

“Yes, of course you do.” With her confession in the open, Abby’s shoulders sagged.

Marie leaned over the gearshift and cupped her chin. “You are tired. You should be home with your books and not out with me all evening.”

“But you miss me when you go out alone.”

Abby was so protective you’d think she was the vampire and not the other way around. Marie smiled and brushed a light kiss on her forehead. “True. I always miss you. Let’s go then.”

They exited the Bentley and, after tipping the valet, ascended short steps past the porch with its beckoning white sofa. Indoors, the lobby stretched from end to end, dotted with massive white columns, flickering lights, and floor-to-ceiling curtains that reminded Marie of Versailles.

The white gossamer wisps billowed like ghosts as she glided past. She closed her eyes, giving in to the pull of her childhood home, of being reprimanded for chasing her cousin Louis down empty hallways. Princesses needed to appear as if their feet never touched the ground, as if they floated rather than walked. And they never, ever, ran. That was a long time ago.

Her hand went to the jeweled, cross pendant hanging between her breasts. It had been her mother’s and against her chest, it felt like the heartbeat she didn’t have.

Wow. great description. Love it.

Think you for being here Jane and Ederlyn, Readers, if you like what you read, enter below to win a Kindle copy, Happy reading. 

(On a side note - My other persona is actor, Currently I am being terrifying on American Horror Story Roanoke. I play the Real Butcher, I don't say a word, but I do awful things. I came into the story fifty-three minutes into episode 7. And I am in the next three. I can't watch the show. Too scary for me.)

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