My Chat with Morgan Ashbury aka Cara Covington

Hello and welcome!

Today I am happy to introduce to you a wonderful lady and author whose books I discovered a few years ago and fell in love with her world of Lusty, Texas. I had the honour of meeting her in person a year ago, looking at the calendar, two days shy of THE day 😀 I still remember fondly the few hours we spent talking and looking at the pictures taken that day, I grin like a kid. It was an experience that I will cherish for life.

Please welcome Morgan Ashbury!

Morgan has been a writer since she was first able to pick up a pen. In the beginning it was a hobby, a way to create a world of her own, and who could resist the allure of that? Then as she grew and matured, life got in the way, as life often does. She got married and had three children, and worked in the field of accounting, for that was the practical thing to do and the children did need to be fed. And all the time she was being practical, she would squirrel herself away on quiet Sunday afternoons, and write.
Most children are raised knowing the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. Morgan’s children also learned the Paper Rule: thou shalt not throw out any paper that has thy mother’s words upon it.
Believing in tradition, Morgan ensured that her children’s children learned this rule, too.
Life threw Morgan a curve when, in 2002, she underwent emergency triple by-pass surgery. Second chances are to be cherished, and with the encouragement and support of her husband, Morgan decided to use hers to do what she’d always dreamed of doing: writing full time.
Morgan has always loved writing romance. It is the one genre that can incorporate every other genre within its pulsating heart. Romance showcases all that human kind can aspire to be. And, she admits, she’s a sucker for a happy ending.
Morgan’s favorite hobbies are reading, cooking, and traveling – though she would rather you didn’t mention that last one to her husband. She has too much fun teasing him about having become a “Traveling Fool” of late.
Morgan lives in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, with a mysterious cat that just showed up one day, a dog that still has no dignity, and her husband of thirty-nine years, David.

Cara Covington is the pen name of Morgan Ashbury and she has many published books under both names. I love all the books I read so far and I totally recommend her books, the wonderful world she created where life happens, but love always wins.

To get in touch, keep up to date check out the website • blog , also Cara Covington Facebook • Morgan Ashbury Facebook and say hello from me.
Here are the links where you can check out the books:
• Cara Covington – Bookstrand • Amazon • Goodreads
• Morgan Ashbury –  Bookstrand • Amazon • Goodreads

Read on and find out what we chatted about this time around.

Do you have a nickname?
Well, when I was very young, about 4, my daddy called me “tootie cake.” But since then? I have just one nickname, and it’s very recent. It’s G.G. That stands for great-grandmother, because I am one.

What is one word best describes you?
Anal-scatterbrained. Yes, it’s not a real word but when I was in grade 9 my English teacher said if I ever got published I could make up my own words. So that is what I do sometimes. And that is what I am—I’m anal about some things, and scatterbrained about others.

What makes you laugh out loud?
Funny things. Not the stupid funny you see on some sitcoms. But funny funny. Usually, the unexpected funny, like when you see a meme on Facebook and you’re reading it and wham: it ends with something totally outrageous.

Mr. Tuffy – Ms. Morgan’s sidekick

Also, Mr. Tuffy makes me laugh out loud, especially when he decides to run laps around the house. For no apparent reason. Except perhaps, just for the joy of running.

What is your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
There’s a soap called Cashmere Bouquet, and the first time I smelled it as an adult I was overcome with a sense of peace and well-being. I later found out it was the soap that my mom used on me when I was a baby.
I’ll have to find that soap, sounds like it has a great smell.

I also love the smell of fresh baked bread, and lilies of the valley. Um, not necessarily together or in that order.
You make me laugh Morgan!

Favourite place to spend time in.
I love my bed. I’m not kidding. I have feather pillows, 3 inches of memory foam, a wonderful feather duvet—and 1500 thread count sheets. Well, one set is 1500. The other 3 sets are 800, 800, and 1000. I take my bed and my sleep very seriously. But where you’ll find me, mostly? At my keyboard.

Is there a genre that you refuse to read?
You know how there are those people who LOVE to be frightened by scary movies and books? Well, that’s not me. I refuse to read scary stuff. I’ve a young, impressionable mind. I get nightmares. So, no horror books for me. That covers supernatural horror, and blood and guts stalker-killer stories kind of horror.
I am of the same mind, I watched 2 horror movies in my life and only because a friend begged me to see them with her, she ended up with a bruised arm, I was holding on so hard and I had nightmares for months after that.

Writing! What started it?
My daddy died when I was 7-1/2 . Being the baby of the family, I was lonely. Life sucked. My sister picked on me, and my brother, being ten years older, had no time for me and my mother worked and was deep in her grief. So I sat down and made my own world, with words. And the more I wrote, the better I felt. Then, my mother told me that my dad had written when he was younger. So then, writing was a way to keep him front and center in my heart. And that really was the beginning of it all.
I think many of your readers would agree with me when I say I am glad that you decided to write.

If you could choose another career what would it be?
Why would I want to do that? I love what I do. But if given the opportunity, I might teach. One course. But not as a full out career because I have the best career in the world already. Or maybe I could become an actress. As long as I didn’t have to dance. 😀

Audiobooks! Any plans to have any of your books in audio format?
I’m not self-published. I have a publisher, who is wholly in charge of formats and marketing and everything else to do with making my books available to the public.

That said, Love Under Two Masters is available at Audible. 😉 I have not heard of any other of my books going that route as of yet.

Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
Every single book I have written has a specific “theme” or message. My series, over all, presents the best of what family and community is all about—what love is all about. They’re stories about women and men finding their best destinies, and learning to love themselves as well as each other.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
My audience is primarily women from age 21 to 121. My heroines are to a one, kick ass. They may not be the most beautiful women in the world, but they are the most beautiful to their heroes. I seek to show women the power they already own. When Ginny Rose “got so mad” that she pulled her abuser out of his car and took him down, she was taking back control of her emotions, of her spirit, and of her life.

If a woman wants to spend a couple of hours escaping from her own life—the trials and tribulations we all face, then she should pick up one of my books. She’ll get drawn in, entertained, find her second wind, and feel good when she’s finished reading.

What is next in your writing?
I’m just going to keep on writing the Lusty Texas series for the foreseeable future. Why? Because I told my readers I would, and I always keep my word.
I hope you do Morgan! I love Lusty, Texas! I hope one day you relent and give me the map to get there 😀

Thank you for coming to my little corner of the blogging world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed the chat and thank you for stopping by. If you have not read any of Morgan Ashbury or Cara Covington‘s books, I hope you do. I have a few to catch up still, but what I read so far, they all got 5 stars from me.

Here is my review for the last one I read, A Very Lusty New Year :

An outstanding book. I love the feeling Ms. Covington’s books leave me with, happy and satisfied, and this one is no different. The love and devotion between Anna and her men, Craig and Jackson, is amazing. The whole combined family of Lusty is so loving and accepting, caring and humble despite their wealth. The women are strong, protective and a good match for their husbands, as Ana showed when her husbands were in danger. Loved the story to the last word. Thank you Ms. Covington for another great read.

A new release just happened, Love Under Two Extroverts, I downloaded today! Guess what I will be reading tonight? 😀

Jacqui doesn’t want to fall for New York City slicks Will and Norm Kendall. But their cheesy pick-up lines are stealing her resolve. They remind her of her dad—a natural salesman whose business has always been more important than his only child.

Will and Norm come to Lusty to decompress from their high-stress careers. They expect to relax, read, and more or less zone out. They don’t expect to be drawn to prickly Jacqui Bethune. The more they see her, the more they want to get to know her better.

But a problem arises in the form of a former client of theirs, a man who’s now wanted by the law. And he blames Will and Norm for his problems.

And the closer this miscreant gets to Lusty, the more stressed out Jacqui becomes—and the more Will and Norm learn about family—Lusty Style.

Click on the title above, the link will take you to Bookstrand website where you can read an excerpt.

To start you on your reading journey, Ms. Ashbury is giving away an ebook copy, winner’s choice from her backlists.

One lucky commenter, chosen by Sexy Mr. Random, will be announced after 3pm, EST, Monday, March 30, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Sir Talbot

Hello and welcome!

My guest today is a knight that I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for a while… ahem… I mean to read his story… you know what I mean 😉

have your drool rags handy…. I give you Sir Talbot!

told you 😀

What is your full name?
Sir Talbot St. Claire

Do you have a nickname?
My wife calls me St. Claire.

What is one word best describes you?
Relentless.

Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
I am safe in my home, so I am wearing a white surcoat with gold embroidery, belted with a leather belt. I wear a leather wristband on each arm.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Aye, she knows me well.

What makes you laugh out loud?
I remember once, when my wife was chasing a goat that had stolen a peasant girl’s wedding dress. That made me laugh.

What is your favourite dessert?
Raisin pudding.

What is your favourite drink?
Ale.

What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that I will not find peace.

What is your favourite colour?
Red, the color of my wife’s hair.

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
If my wife is with me, I wear nothing.

What is the perfect romantic date?
What would a humble knight such as myself know of romance? I am a fighting man. I know nothing more than protecting what is mine.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
No man would dare tickle me.

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
The smells of hearth and home. Fresh rushes, boar roasting on the spit, freshly baked bread. Anything that reminds me I am home.

When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
The fire in her eyes.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
Yes, the woman my king has betrothed to me. Lady Rhoslyn Harper.

What one word best describes her?
Tenacious.

Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
That is a good question. The author intended our story to be told in this one book. But when she met all those involved in my life she realized that was impossible. I have yet to prove to my wife that I will not allow our kings to tear us apart.

I can’t wait to read more of your story. Thank you for coming for a chat Sir Talbot!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed this chat.

Sir Talbot hails from the wonderful (and intense) world of “Claimed”, created by one of my favourite authors, Tarah Scott, to be released on March 27, 2015. This story will get 5 stars from me, review to follow.

Sometimes, the hero must be the villain…
Fourteen months ago, Lady Rhoslyn lost her husband and infant son to a fever. Now, by order of King Edward I, she is yanked from the healing tranquility of a convent to marry the king’s favored bastard knight. Rhoslyn has no intention of returning to the home where her husband and child died. Neither does she intend to hand over her fortune to the ‘Dragon’—no matter his sweet promises and warm kisses.

Talbot St. Claire tires of war. Seventeen years is enough. King Edward will never release him from service, but the king promises Talbot will find some peace in front of his own hearth. Talbot expects to find a horse-faced, hostile woman in the Scottish heiress Edward commands him to marry. Instead, he discovers a fiery Highland beauty worthy of a man’s respect…and love. Talbot determines to do anything to win his new bride’s acceptance. Anything except the one thing she demands: betray his king and embrace his Scottish heritage.

Links to pre-order: Amazon US • Amazon UK • It will be available at the other stores after release day.

Read a snippet here.

There is also a Facebook release party on release day, March 27, 2015, from 5:30pm – 10:30pm EST. Along with many readers, some great authors will be joining in the celebration: Carmen Caine, Erica Ridley, Barbara Longley, Catherine Kean, Lily Baldwin, Amy Jarecki, Laurel O’Donnell, Kathryn Le Veque, Sue-Ellen Welfonder aka Allie Mackay. Hope you can join in!

Check out Ms. Scott’s other wonderful stories: Website • Goodreads • Amazon • B&N • Kobo
You can connect with her on Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest and say hello from me.

She also writes as T. C. Archer: website • website • Goodreads • Amazon • B&N • Kobo
You can find her on Facebook • Twitter

And now onto the QUESTION!
Do you like villains turned heroes ?

One lucky commenter, chosen by Sexy Mr. Random, will win an ebook copy of Sir Talbot and Lady Rhoslyn’s story, to be announced after 3pm, EST, Friday, March 27, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Anson… mmmmm

Hello and welcome!

Today I have a yummy hunk that if you are a fan of Marie Harte’s books, you’ve met before.

Here is Anson! …. mmmmmm

website

What is your full name?
Anson Black

Do you have a nickname?
“The Great” ha. Kidding… mostly

What is one word best describes you?
Driven

Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
A pair of understated khakis, a red button-down shirt over a comfortable white tee, and leather boots. It’s my winter business casual. Later I’ll be wearing skis, boots, snow pants, a jacket and goggles as I race down the slopes.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Mostly. I’m a bit smarter than I’ve been portrayed, actually. And I wouldn’t say I’m that arrogant. The truth is I’m brilliant, sexy, and successful. I just can’t help being me.

What makes you laugh out loud?
My cousin trying to pretend he’s smarter than me.

What is your favourite dessert?
White chocolate cheesecake. I have a sweet tooth.

What is your favourite drink?
Beer, in particular, Apocalypse IPA by 10 Barrel. Let’s hope their sale to Anheuser-Busch doesn’t tank the label.

What is your greatest fear?
You know, I don’t feel comfortable disclosing that. But I will say if Riley doesn’t stop avoiding me, I might grow desperate enough to do something stupid.

What is your favourite colour?
Green. I’m partial to mermaids.

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Nothing in the summer, but flannel pants in the winter. It’s cold out here!

What is the perfect romantic date?
A candlelit dinner at one of my restaurants.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
I’m not ticklish. And if I was, I’d never admit it.

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Freshly baked bread. It reminds me of a certain baker who’s constantly on my mind.

When you look at a woman, what catches your interest?
Her intelligence. I look deeply into her eyes, then peruse the rest of her body. In my experience, large breasts do not automatically equate to large intelligence.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
I’m hoping. Or I should say, I’m confident I can win her over. I think.

What is one word that best describes her?
Stubborn

Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
The author saved the best for last with me. Really!

My cousin Dex starred in book two (Served Hot), and our friend Jack had book one (Served Cold). But my showdown with Riley has been building for years. Finally, it’s my turn to show everyone why I’m so taken with one stubborn pastry artist.

Thank you Anson for coming for a chat. You are just delightful … and yummy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed the chat with Anson.

He hails from “Served Sweet”, book 3 of the BEST REVENGE series by awesome Marie Harte. The book is scheduled to release on March 24th, 2015.

Childhood rivals since grade school, Riley Hewitt and Anson Black have always tried to one-up the other. She’s pretty, smart, and focused. He’s arrogant, handsome and unbeaten. When Anson leaves town right after high school, Riley focuses instead on her grand passion—baking.
Fast forward a few years and she’s thinking of expanding her profitable business when her nemesis returns and decides to build his own restaurant—right next door to hers.
With the help of a large bottle of wine and her two best friends, Riley decides to get even with Anson. He’s still smug and annoying. But worse, he’s drop-dead sexy to boot.
A competition will prove who’s best, once and for all. But spending time together means getting to really know each other. Before long, Riley’s falling for the handsome entrepreneur, and her plans for revenge pale in comparison to how she feels about him.
But if she tells him she loves him, will that put the win in his column? If he doesn’t feel the same, she’s definitely going to lose. And she’s not sure she can afford to have her heart trampled on. Second place won’t cut it this time around.

Read an excerpt by following this link, where where you will find all the ‘buy’ links also.

Here is my review: “Such a good finish to the series, Riley and Anson’s story is sweet and hot. They are the third couple of this trilogy who will get their HEA and the journey there is hard at times, hilarious scenes mixed with some fan-your-face-so-hot ones makes a great mix under the pen of Marie Harte, one of my fave authors who I can say that I haven’t read a book from that I didn’t like. Loved the way we get to know Anson better, whom we met in the previous two books where he came across as arrogant and know-it-all, who loved to be a thorn in Riley’s side… or that was the impression he gave. Riley is as competitive as ever and thru a last competition to show who is best, Anson gets her and she gets to see the man beyond the facade he shows to the world. They had me laughing at their bickering and my heart melted when they finally told each other that they are in love. *sigh*” 5 stars

To keep in touch with Marie Harte and check out all her yummy books, follow these links:

website • newsletter • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon • B&N • iTunes • Kobo • ARe • Samhain Publishing

And now onto the QUESTION!
What is your favourite book cover from the Best Revenge series?

One lucky commenter, chosen by Sexy Mr. Random, will win their choice of ebook from Marie Harte’s back list (excluding Served Sweet). Comments will stay open until 3pm, EST, Monday, March 23, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Brad Wills

Hello and welcome!

Today I have the owner of a voice I fell in love with from the first word. His Scottish brogue is just plain sexy.

Welcome Brad Wills! Thanks for coming to my little corner of the blogging world!

Do you have a nickname?
Nope, I’ve always been “Brad”, but over the years many of my friends have spontaneously started called me “Bradley”.

There is one, an alias, that you have not mentioned, that I’ve seen on FB … Mr. Sexy 😀

What is one word best describes you?
Only one?! I don’t think there’s anyone in this world who can be best described by only one word. So lets say ‘multifaceted’. Wait … that’s one word, isn’t it?
Yes, indeed it is! Double checked it.

What makes you laugh out loud?
I laugh a lot, and loudly. From the crude to the keenly witty, and everything in between.

What is your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Bread baking, bacon frying, salt in the ocean air…I can’t pick one. They all trigger some sense memory. However, I LOATHE the smell of tar, and just about any perfume or cologne. My sense of smell is very acute, and those things will give me a two-day headache.

Favourite place to spend time in.
Solitude. I’ve always been kind of a loner, ever since I can remember. I love my friends and family, but I find it necessary to have a lot of alone time. I can listen to music, read, walk, a have my own thoughts for company.
I know what you mean. I find myself the best company too 😉

Is there a genre that you refuse to read?
No serial killers, no abuse of children, no porn.

Audiobooks! What started them?
A friend and fellow narrator, Teresa Willis, got me started. She had recorded a few titles, and thought I might be good at it. She introduced me to her engineer, and he and I hit it off immediately. We worked tirelessly, sometimes for no money at all, making contacts and beefing up our product. Once we fell in with Suzan Tisdale, it really picked up.
I will have to send a thank you note to Ms. Willis 😀

Is there a genre that you would not narrate?
See above. Ha!

If you could choose another career what would it be?
I wish that I had the talent to write. I fairly good at crafting my prose, but unfortunately I’m not an “idea” person.

Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
I hope so. I try to infuse the narration with as much truth and passion as possible. Whether or not I’m successful is entirely subjective on the part of the listener.
I think many of your fans would say that you are successful!

Who is your intended audience and why should they listen to your audiobooks?
I don’t personally have an intended audience; that’s mostly dictated by the genre which I’m narrating. But I enjoy narrating Romances, and also Gothic thrillers and epic adventure, although my output in both categories is relatively small. I only hope that whomever may be listening will be engaged in the story as I’m telling it, and that I’ve done justice to the authors’ words.

What is next in your narrating work?
SERPENT by Kathryn Le Veque and THE HIGHLAND HENCHMAN by Amy Jarecki are both in the final stages of post-production (I’ve been sidelined by some nasty weather here!). Next week, I’ll start recording DEVIL’S DOMINION followed by BEAST, both for Ms. Le Veque, then FREDERICK’S QUEEN and CAELEN’S WIFE for Suzan Tisdale.
Looking forward to listening to more audiobooks narrated by you! I have not listened to yet (or read) the The Forest Knights by J. K. Swift, so I think I will check those out too.

Thank you for chatting with me today, Brad!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed this chat and you will give a chance to Mr. Wills’ audiobooks. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Here is my review on my fave audiobook narrated by him:

“unforgettable, the best one yet”

Overall 5 stars • Performance 5 stars • Story 5 stars

Would you listen to Wee William’s Woman again? Why?
Oh I definitely would! Wee William is my fave character in the whole series and I waited for his audio for seems like forever LOL I think this is the best performance of Brad Wills yet of any I heard so far.

What other book might you compare Wee William’s Woman to and why?
There is no comparison, each book/audio has a charm and story that keeps it unique, and this one is definitely unique.

What about Brad Wills’s performance did you like?
Where do I start? Loved the deep voice, the flexibility of switching from character to character, be that woman, man, child, old or young, English or Scottish accents, I wondered sometimes if there is really only his voice. The passion with which he tells the tale is incredible, pulled me in and didn’t let go.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, it was, alas real life interferes sometimes, I also wanted to drag it out so it will last longer.

Any additional comments?
I loved the book when I read it, but now having listened to it narrated by the incredible voice of Brad Wills, Wee William is burrowed in my heart for good. There will be more times where I will be listening to this audio. Thank you Ms. Tisdale for a great story and Mr. Wills for telling it in such a wonderful and unforgettable way.

To keep in touch with Brad Wills and check out his amazing work, click on the links below.

Facebook • Facebook Fan Page • Audible • SoundCloud

QUESTION

What is the last audiobook you listened to?

To start you on your listening journey, Mr. Will is giving away audiobooks, winners choice from his backlist, to 3 lucky commenters who will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random after 3pm EST on March 20, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Sir Nicholas

Hello and welcome!

Today I have somebody who I met recently and at first I didn’t know what to think of him, but then… *sigh*… I fell in love.

Time to open a bottle of wine and have a glass while reading this. Cheers!

Please welcome the castellan.

What is your full name?
Sir Nicholas Beringar, castellan of Ravenmoor Castle.

Do you have a nickname?
No.

What is one word best describes you?
Trustworthy.

Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
I’m wearing full gear as I’m out riding on the borders as there has been an increase in reiving on my land.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
I believe she did an excellent job of showing the care and concern I have for those whom I protect.

What makes you laugh out loud?
A good joke.

What is your favourite dessert?
I love fresh strawberries.

What is your favourite drink?
A tankard of ale.

What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that I will fail to protect those whom I am sworn to protect.

What is your favourite colour?
Purple.

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Nothing.

What is the perfect romantic date?
A bottle of wine, a basket of fresh strawberries to feed whom I am with, and to spend time alone with that person on a secluded beach.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
A little ticklish.

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
I love the smell of pine. It reminds me of my time growing up spent with my brother in the woods.

When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
Her genuineness.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
At the beginning of my story, no. I have no time for a woman in my life with a new castle to rebuild as well as reivers to quell.

Is your book part of a series?
Yes, An Oath Taken is book #1 in The Oath Trilogy.

What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Book #2 in The Oath Trilogy, “An Oath Broken”, will be out 22 June, and book #3, “An Oath Sworn”, will be released 23 December!

I am looking forward to reading the next ones too. Thank you for joining me and answering my questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for joining me today and I hope you enjoyed this chat.

Sir Nicholas hails from An Oath Taken, book 1 in The Oath Trilogy by sweet Diana Cosby.

As the new castellan, Sir Nicholas Beringar has the daunting task of rebuilding Ravenmoor Castle on the Scottish border and gaining the trust of the locals—one of whom wastes no time in trying to rob him. Instead of punishing the boy, Nicholas decides to make him his squire. Little does he know the thieving young lad is really…a lady.

Lady Elizabet Armstrong had donned a disguise in an attempt to free her brother from Ravenmoor’s dungeons. Although intimidated by the confident Englishman with his well-honed muscles and beguiling eyes, she cannot refuse his offer.

Nicholas senses that his new squire is not what he seems. His gentle attempts to break through the boy’s defenses leave Elizabet powerless to stem the desire that engulfs her. And when the truth is exposed, she’ll have to trust in Nicholas’s honor to help her people—and to surrender to his touch…

Read an excerpt by following this link, where you will find all the buy links also.

Here is my review: “Wow! My heart is still galloping, the story is so intense. Love Nicholas, he is a fair, honourable man, charged by his King to put right the wrongs done by his predecessor. Except Elizabet turns his world upside down, in more ways than one and then she steals his heart. Loved how the story unfolds, the unexpected twists, the chemistry between Nicholas and Elizabet. You got to read this book!!! I am looking forward to the next one.” 5 stars

To keep in touch with Diana Cosby and check out her other books, follow these links:

website • Facebook • Newsletter • Amazon • B&N • Kobo • Goodreads

I hope you check out Ms. Cosby’s Facebook page… say hello from me! She is also an amazing photographer and she shares her photos with her readers. My favourite pictures are of Liam. Isn’t he adorable? He just makes me smile.

Ms. Cosby asked Liam to pick a book for a giveaway and he picked a signed print book of His Captive, book 1 in the MacGruder Brothers series going to one lucky reader, chosen by Sexy Mr. Random. Comments will stay open until 3pm EST, Monday, March 16, 2015.  GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Howard Shapiro

Hello and welcome!

Today I have an amazing author of children’s books. But not any kind of books, they are relevant to today’s struggles school-aged children face and their triumphs in difficult times. Personally, I think they would appeal to readers of any age.

Please welcome Howard Shapiro!

He lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and two sons. The Controller for the Pittsburgh-based Visual Effects firm, Animal Inc., he has also written four children’s books and The Stereotypical Freaks is his debut Graphic Novel. His 2008 book, Hockey Player for Life, has been the #1 downloaded children’s hockey e-book on Amazon’s Kindle chart since its arrival as an e-book in November of 2011. His Hockey Days book was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children. Through a corporate sponsorship program he set up and maintains, since the 2010-11 season, both of his children’s hockey books have been given to NHL teams, over 2,500 copies to date, for use in their community and educational initiatives. Since 2006 his annual charity raffle, which he matches dollar for dollar donated, has raised funds for several hockey-related charities including the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Hockey Fights Cancer and the Keith and Lisa Primeau Scholarship Fund.

Here is my review for “Stereotypical Freaks“: “I bought this book for my son in the hope that will help me give him the ‘reading bug’. He doesn’t like reading, but he loves comics and as this is written as a comic book he actually reads it … YAY ME!!! It has a very good topic, being different which as we know is a big thing for the school-aged kids. I of course read it already and I recommend this book to any child or adult.” 5 stars

And now onto the chat, pull up a chair and read on.

Do you have a nickname?
No, I haven’t had a nickname since I was a teenager. Back when I played baseball and was the first baseman my teammates used to call me Stretch Armstrong cause of my long legs and arms. If the ball was thrown anywhere near first base I could usually catch it.

What is one word best describes you?
Dedicated

What makes you laugh out loud?
Lately my teenaged son has been watching “Angry Grandpa” videos on youtube and when he shows them to me we both laugh hysterically. They are pretty dumb and vulgar but that’s what makes them so funny, I guess!

What is your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
I have to say the smell that you get in any bakery. Whether it’s the bread or the cookies, I can’t think of a better smell. I think that maybe that reminds me of the times when I was young and my dad would take me into this bakery near where he grew up.

Favourite place to spend time in.
Actually, it’s the office I work in. I really enjoy my time here. We have a great office and where I sit is very quiet and its very conducive to writing, especially after 6:00 PM and mostly everyone is gone.

Is there a genre that you refuse to read?
No, not really. There’s certain genre’s that I don’t read a lot of (children’s and chick lit) but that’s not because I have anything against those genres. Mostly, I read graphic novels but I think anyone who writes should be constantly reading and reading anything and everything that you come across. It’s almost like a musician, the best musicians are the one who are influenced, and listen, to many styles of music not just one type. The only way to learn and grow is to be open and have your eyes and ears open at all times!

Writing! What started it?
I loved, I mean LOVED, the Encyclopedia Brown books when I was young and ever since reading those I wanted to write. I kind of took a bit of a detour in my teens and wanted to be a sports writer but that came and went. But, the Encyclopedia Brown books were the biggest influence on me.

If you could choose another career what would it be?
It would definitely be being a drummer in a great rock and roll band. I played back in my earlier years but never in a band or even jamming with friends. But one day, maybe I’ll get back behind the drums and see if I could improve enough to be a decent player!

Audiobooks! Any plans to have any of your books in audio format?
Actually, my publisher is looking into that possibility whether it is through a audio book publisher or doing them on their and then selling and distributing them on their own. I really hopes this comes to fruition!

Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
That’s a good question! I would like to think that the reader will get really into the story and feel like they the characters. I usually try to elicit a certain emotion like I did with “The Stereotypical Freaks” and also with “The Hockey Saint.” So, the goal is always to move the reader and have them invest in the story and hopefully get the emotions and feelings and message that you as the writer are trying to put forth.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
Because I’ve done two graphic novels, I think that people kind of think that they are just for kids but I really feel that they are for anyone ages 10+. I think adults can get just as much out of them as the life lessons I convey are pretty universal. Hopefully, adults take away as much from my books as do kids!

What is next in your writing?
Thanks for asking!! I am, as we speak, writing the final book in my “Forever Friends” Trilogy. It will take place 10 years after the end of “The Hockey Saint” and have a nice thread to that book as well as part one, “The Stereotypical Freaks”. The writing is coming along and I have a great team lined up to illustrate and letter the book as well. I’ll be doing a cover and title reveal event on my Facebook page on my 50th birthday on September 10th. Also, we’re looking to have the book done and out in the summer of 2016.

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, Eniko!! It was a lot of fun to do!!

Thank you Howard for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend in my chat room!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed the chat and you will give Mr. Shapiro’s books a try. These books make great gifts for any age.

To keep in touch with Howard Shapiro and check out his other books, follow these links:

website • Animal Media Group • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • YouTube • Amazon • B&N • Kobo

Here is a chance to get you started, as Mr. Shapiro is graciously offering a signed copy of “The Hockey Saint“ along with one promo t-shirt. Winner will be picked by random.org from those who comment before 3pm EST, Friday March 13, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

My Chat with Sir Aidan!

Hello and welcome!

Today I have somebody from a series I adore. It was hard to choose, because all the warriors in the series are my book boyfriends, but this one stood out more to me.

Get yourself a coffee, a glass of wine, (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?) and read on.

What is your full name?
Sir Aidan of Fallenrock

Do you have a nickname?
Dandan. But only Leenie, my friends four year old daughter, is allowed to call me that for female children are a rare blessing and she may have whatever she wants. You may call me Sir Aidan.
Aidan! One of my fave names *sigh*

What is one word best describes you?
Honor.

Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
Paige took my clothes. We were not expecting company.
I don’t mind, not at all 😀

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Yes, but she did not do my Paige’s beauty justice. There are no words for such things.

What makes you laugh out loud?
When my bride tried to tell me I’d have to wait a month before I could touch her. They have amusing customs on her home plane. Luckily, on Staria, we do not have such nonsense in order to marry. All I had to do was claim her as my wife.

What is your favourite dessert?
Paige.

What is your favourite drink?
Ale brewed at the Axe Hitter Tavern.

What is your greatest fear?
Why would I tell you that? Are you sure you’re not a spy for the Caniba?

What is your favourite colour?
The green of Paige’s eyes.

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
What I’m wearing now.

What is the perfect romantic date?
Hunting with Paige in the forest. Or, hunting Paige in the forest. I like that second one better.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Not at all. After a lifetime at war I have nerves of steel.

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
The flowers in Paige’s hair. It means my wife is close.

When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
When I first saw Paige she was drunk on ambrosia so there wasn’t much time to look before she began to… I’m sorry, my wife is waving her arms behind your head. I’m not sure why.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
Lady Paige. She keeps my senses sharp. It’s not easy handling a strong-willed woman, but I do enjoy it. Being constantly at war, Starian warriors don’t think of marriage as love, but rather seizing what moments we can before death. Paige taught me the true meaning of love. In this her ways are better than ours.

What is one word best describes her?
Heart.

Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Unfortunately, no other Starian warrior will find a woman like mine. She is truly a rare gift from the gods.

I suppose the others will continue to go to battle until King Wilhelm orders them to Battlewar Castle to attend a breeding ceremony. I’m not sure they’ll have much luck, though, considering those brides are all bartered for from parallel planes. What if these otherworlders are misshapen or strange in the head? Or worse, cowards? I do not trust this Divinity Corporation to choose women who are right for Starian men. Those Divinity man-aliens are weak and simpering and endlessly talking. They depend on their technologies more than duty and responsibility and the power of a full day’s work. They do not earn a trip through the fairy rings with the gods’ blessings, they build contraptions to force their way where they do not belong. The gods would never bless such overstepping people. Here in Staria we know what is important—duty in battle, meeting your responsibilities as a warrior, as a husband, and as a man.

My love happened by the gods’ will when they ordered fairies to throw her into my arms through a fairy ring. That is how love should happen.

Thank you Sir Aidan for taking the time to answer my questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed the chat.

Sir Aidan hails from “Keeping Paige”, book 3 of Divinity Warriors series by Michelle M. Pillow.

Series One of the Divinity Universe
Alternate Reality Romance / Parallel Universe

An outcast because of her psychic abilities, Paige doesn’t expect her people to rescue her when a zealous sect of Faerians sacrifices her to their gods. Thrown through a fairy ring to a new dimensional plane, drugged on ambrosia, she is compelled to seduce the first man she meets. Only when the effects wear off and she’s left with an insatiable husband expecting more than she’s willing to give, does Paige discover the true extent of what the fairies have done.

Ordered by the king to marry, Sir Aidan of Fallenrock is dead set against taking a bartered bride. He believes his people should be patient and wait for the gods to bless them. When the beautiful Lady Paige comes through the sacred rings, kissing and touching him like she knows their joined fate, Aidan’s sure he’s being rewarded–until his new bride tries to back out of their marriage.

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence. This novel contains adult content. Must be 18 years or older to read.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Rebecca Cook, I reallyreallyreally like her voice.

Check out the book trailer

My review on Audible: “I think this would be my fave story in the series. I love Aidan, the way he deals with Paige, with patience, acceptance and ardent love. I adore Paige, she is a strong woman, knows her own mind and is not afraid to speak up, deals with everything thrown her way, she is funny at times. I am so happy that they came to form a solid relationship that she has foreseen to last well into their old age.
A great choice in narrators, I LOVE Rebecca Cook’s voice, so versatile, full of emotion and passion. Thank you for the hours of pure enjoyment.” 5 stars

Give the series a try.

Divinity Warriors
In a land forever at war, the Starian men are so busy fighting that their marriage ceremony has been reduced to a “will of the gods” event where they simply pick a woman out of a lineup and claim her as a wife. With women becoming scarce, it’s necessary to trade the offworld Divinity Corporation for brides.

They live a very Medieval-like existence. Instead of medical advancement and technology, all of their focus has been on developing weaponry and battle strategy. With places named for war, such as Spearhead and Battlewar, these men have been left in charge way too long. They are in desperate need of a woman’s touch.

To have a man so devoted as all of them in this series… *sigh*

To keep in touch with Michelle M. Pillow and check out her other books, follow these links:

website • Pillow Fighter Fan Club • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter • Pinterest • Amazon • B&N • Kobo • Audible • YouTube

And now for the QUESTION

What was your first audiobook you ever listened to?

I will gift, Sir Aidan’s audiobook to one lucky reader, chosen by Sexy Mr. Random. Comments will stay open until 3pm EST, Monday, March 9, 2015.  GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

Awesome interview with M.A. Abraham!

Here is my interview with M.A. Abraham.