My Chat with Michelle M. Pillow

Hello and welcome!

Today I have the Author of All Things Romance™, Michelle M. Pillow. You might have heard me mention her name a few times. In March I had Sir Aidan, one of the Dragon Lords in Divinity Warriors series, over for a chat. It was hard to choose, because all the warriors in her series are my book boyfriends. Then in April one of her narrators, awesome Rebecca Cook, came for a chat.

As long as she can remember, Michelle has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural and sci-fi. After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She’s glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since. 

Michelle loves to travel and try new things, whether it’s a paranormal investigation of an old Vaudeville Theatre or climbing Mayan temples in Belize. She’s addicted to movies and used to drive her mother crazy while quoting random scenes with her brother. Though it has yet to happen, her dream is to be in a horror movie as 1. A zombie or 2. The expendable screaming chick who gets it in the beginning credits. But for the most part she can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee in pajama pants. 

Michelle is a multi-published, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres including futuristic, paranormal, historical, contemporary, fantasy and dark paranormal.

She is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, has been on the Amazon bestseller list multiple times, nominated for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2011, the winner of the 2006 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, nominated for the 2007 RT Award, a Brava Novella Contest Finalist and a PAN member of RWA.

Michelle is a journalist for Paranormal Underground Magazine. She has a BGS in History/Business with an English Minor, and a Photography degree. In 2009 she and fellow author Mandy M. Roth started their own highly successful self-publishing endeavor named The Raven Books. Michelle is a journalist/photographer for Paranormal Underground Magazine.

Michelle has titles published with The Raven Books, Pocket Books, Random House, Virgin Books, Adam’s Media, Entangled Publishing, Samhain Publishing, Running Press and more.

Welcome Michelle!

Do you have a nickname?
Manfriend calls me Michi. He’s the only one, though.

What is one word best describes you?
Not sure. Hard to say. I would love to say mysterious, or ninja, or kick ass, or RAWR!!…in reality it’s probably “adorable” or “work-a-holic” or something. LOL

What makes you laugh out loud?
Myself. I always laugh at myself. I’m a goof, and I’m always joking around.

What is your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Vanilla. It reminds me of baking.

Favourite place to spend time in.
Kitchen, but only if someone else is cooking and I’m stealing food. I should have probably said something romantic like “in manfriend’s arms”. But really, it’s the kitchen thing.

Is there a genre that you refuse to read?
Not a genre, per se, but anything that promotes hate.

Writing! What started it?
I love telling stories. I used to do it with my camera, and never thought writing would be a career. I’m so very glad it is, and am incredibly grateful for my readers who have supported me all these years.
I am sure your fans would agree with me when I say we are glad you share your wonderful worlds with us.

If you could choose another career what would it be?
Travel Photographer. I still daydream about that sometimes, but really I love my job as an author. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

Audiobooks! What started them?
This was a matter of seizing an opportunity when it arose. ACX and Audible.com came up with a platform for authors to commission talent and producers to make audio books, and gave us a venue to distribute them. I jumped on the chance and haven’t looked back.
I am glad you did, I love audiobooks.

Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
It depends on the book. I have nearly 100 titles now. Hopefully it makes the reader feel something—fear, love, anger, happiness. And most of the time I hope to make the reader laugh, again depending on the book.
From the ones I listened to, I think you succeeded and your books have overall 4 or 5-star reviews.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
My books are romances intended for adults who like romance and drama and laughing and overcoming obstacles—both internally and externally. I really hope anyone who likes a good escape into fictional romance gives one of my books a try. What can I say, I love a happy ending.

What is next in your writing?
I’m currently working on several reader favorite series: Dragon Lord, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, Warlocks MacGregor, and Lords of the Abyss. There are also some anthology collections in the works with some very talented authors that I am thrilled to be working with.
I am looking forward to listen/read to more of your books. I have a lot to catch up.

Thank you for taking the time to come for a chat. I enjoyed the chat a lot.
Thanks for having me!

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Hope you enjoyed the chat and learned a little more about Michelle. If you are new to her books, I urge you to try them, there is a lot of yummy to choose from.

My reviews are up on Audible, here and here and here.

She loves talking with readers on social media. Check the links where you can find out more about her books, chat (say hello from me, if you do 😉 ) and keep up to date of what is coming next.

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

You can join Michelle’s Pillow Fighters Fan Club to get news before anybody else and chat with Michelle and the other Pillow Fighters 😉

QUESTION
Would you apply to Galaxy Bride Corporation?

Me? In a heartbeat 😉 I love dragon shifters.

To start you on the journey into her book world, Ms. Pillows is giving away “Dragon Lords: Perfect Prince” audiobook (I love this book, 5 stars from me) to a lucky reader chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from the comments after 3pm EST Monday, August 31, 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!

Surrounded by the Light beginning to show up for pre-order

Upcoming novella in the Elven Chronicles by M. A. Abraham, releasing November 17, 2015.

Source: Surrounded by the Light beginning to show up for pre-order

Integration beginning to show up for pre-order

“Integration”, Book 2 of Tantalus series, beginning to show up for pre-order! Releasing October 6, 2015!

Source: Integration beginning to show up for pre-order

My Chat with Sean and Randy *thud*

Hello and welcome!

Today I have not one but two yummies…

DAYUM Melissa! I want some of that 😀
I am all prepared… bucket of ice, check!… ice cappuccino, check!… drool bib, check!

Clearing my throat…

Welcome! Welcome!

What are your full names?
Sean Michael Kaheaku and Randall Samuel Young

Do you have a nickname?
Sean: Nope, just plain Sean.
Randy: There’s nothing plain about Sean, so don’t let him fool you. And me, Randy of course.

What is one word best describes you?
Sean: Hmm, one word, that’s kind of difficult.
Randy: And we have the word!
Sean slants Randy a dirty look
Sean: And just say your name and we have yours.
Randy chuckles
Randy: I haven’t heard any complaints out of you or Jaime. And you still haven’t answered the lady’s question.
Sean: I would say thorough.
Randy: I have to agree with that. Sean knows just how to get the job done.
Sean: And you?
Randy: Most people would say my nickname, but I would say easy going.
Sean: That’s two words.
Randy shrugs
Randy: One word isn’t enough to describe me.

Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
Sean: Black board shorts with orange fire. That’s it. We’re about to head out to the beach.
Randy: Same here, but mine are dark blue with pink flamingos.
I like the view mmmmm

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Sean: Mel might have made me a bit grumpy in this book.
Randy: Before we got here, you weren’t getting any, so there was a reason. And, she made me look like a stud, so I am okay with that. You know, because it’s true.

What is your favourite dessert?

source

Randy: Boston Cream Pie.

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Sean: Chocolate Haupia Cream pie. And especially if it is from Ted’s. But then, I like Liliha Bakery’s Coco Puffs too.
You are making my mouth water, I have to try those desserts!

What is your favourite drink?
Randy: Whiskey, neat, although I am not that big of a fan of more than one drink.
Sean: Not much of a drinker because I make an ass out of myself when I do.
Randy: Yeah, that’s true. Last time you ended up getting kicked out of Rough ’n Ready.

What is your greatest fear?
Randy: Hmm, I think it would be not being able to live my life the way I wanted to. I was a Navy SEAL and while I enjoyed it, taking orders so not my thing. So, now I get to do what I want, who I want, whenever.
Sean: Really, that’s your answer?
Randy: Since you are one of the ones I like to do, you would think you would be happy about the answer. So, what’s your answer.
Sean: Protecting my loved ones. I hate when any one I care about is hurt.
Randy: Okay, now you made me look like a dick.
Sean laughs
Sean: Well, you do think with yours often, so that makes sense.

What is your favourite colour?
Sean: Blue
Randy: Red

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Randy: Wait, we’re supposed to wear something?
Sean shakes his head.
Sean: We both prefer nothing, unless we are back in Randy’s home state of Washington. It can be damned cold there.
Randy: That’s because you’re a Hawaiian with thin blood.
Sean: But like I said, we both prefer nude.

What is the perfect romantic date?
Sean: When I was younger, I liked to go out but now, I like to stay in. Of course, in this house waves his hand around who would want to go out?

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Randy: Very true. Not many people get to live on Kailua beach. I particularly like for the three of us to have an evening in, maybe a walk on the beach.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Sean: Very. My feet especially.
Randy: Yeah, his feet. I am not ticklish at all.
Sean slants him a look.
Randy: What?
Sean smiles
Sean: Nothing. Just thought about an activity for Jaime and me.

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Sean: Ocean air. It always reminds me of Hawaii which is home.
Randy: Hmm, I would have to say I have two. I like the smell of wood burning. I love a good fire on a cool night. And then rose water.
Sean looks at him
Sean: Yeah, rose water. That’s Jaime.
Randy nods
Randy: Yep, every inch of her skin.

When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
Sean: Her smile. A sexy, confident smile draws me in every time.
Randy: Her eyes. Always.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
Randy: Well, we have each other. Then we have Jaime.

What is one word best describes her?
Sean: There is no one word that can describe her. She’s…
They both get that heated gleam in their eyes and I understand… lucky Jaime … sigh

Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Sean: Yes, Mel’s Harmless Series. I made my first appearance in A Little Harmless Ride and I was also in A Little Harmless Secret. She hasn’t been too forthcoming with what is coming next although I know Danny Aiona has his own book in the series. He’s a younger Dom who really likes older women, but not sure if that is next.
Randy: And there is a spinoff coming next with Del and Emma who are in A Little Harmless Rumor.
Sean: Why do you say it like that? Like they are together?
Randy: No comment. All I know that it comes next. They both play big roles in our book so it should be good.

Thank you both for taking the time to chat with me, hugs to Jamie!

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Thanks for dropping by and I hope you enjoyed the chat as much as I did.

Sean and Randy hail from “A Little Harmless Rumor” to be released August 25, 2015, part of the Harmless series by one of my fave authors, Melissa Schroeder.

Rumors are swirling about the fall of Sean Kaheaku, but he’s ignoring them. Six months earlier, he had his entire world turned upside down and he still doesn’t know what to do about it. He retreated to his home in Hawaii to recover and reassess what he wants to do now that he’s been burned as a security agent.

Now lovers, Randy and Jamie arrive in Honolulu to find the lover they once knew is now even more secretive and belligerent. He refuses their help, but they are both too stubborn to leave—especially since they sense something dangerous is stalking Sean.

As the three lovers spend more time together, old feelings float to the surface and the twosome becomes a threesome. Nights are even hotter than the Hawaiian sun, and all three lovers find the connection exciting and overwhelming. But, the trouble is still out there and arrives intent on destroying Sean and everything he loves—including Randy and Jaime.

Warning: This book contains three spies who like to play games in and out of the bedroom, hot m/m loving, more m/m/f loving, dangerous games, lies, a few misdemeanors, and love scenes so hot, even most Addicts will be shocked. There is also a group of Alpha males with badges who will have their own series, a heroine who knows how to handle her two men, and two men who know exactly what she likes. As usual, ice and towels should be handy to help you through the book.

Read an excerpt here.

There are 2 preludes to this book, the first one, “Prelude to a Rumor, Part 1”, is where we get to know how Sean and Jamie meet, the second one, “Prelude to a Rumor, Part 2” is Sean and Randy meet. Both are very short and have a happy for now endings. It is NOT a serial and not required to read these books to understand the relationships in the final book, but by reading them, I got a better insight to their dynamics and their past.

Links are below to keep in touch with Ms. Schroeder and discover her books, give her a like and if you chat with her, say hello from me.

website • blog • Facebook • Twitter • Amazon • B&N • Kobo • iBooks • youtube • Pinterest • Goodreads
Nerwsletter sign-up is at the bottom part of MS’ website.

You can join the Harmless Addicts group where you get news before anybody else and chat with Melissa and other Harmless Addicts.

I am a Harmless Addict 😀

One lucky commenter will win an ARC of A Little Harmless Rumor, courtesy of Ms. Schroeder. The winner will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random after 3pm EST on Monday, August 24, 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 Thorn

Hello and welcome!

Today I have another of my old book boyfriends who came for a chat last year on the other site! And he came alone this time yessssss *fistpump*

Welcome! Welcome!
oh my! I forgot how handsome he is *sigh*

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Have a seat here in this comfortable chair. I prepared some iced coffee, perfect for this heat, would you like some?

What is your full name?
Lord Thorn of Rathhaven

Do you have a nickname?
No, they just call me Thorn, or Lord Thorn

What is one word best describes you?
One word?  M’Lady, you jest.  There is no one word that describes me.  I am the Lord Thorn, and I am many things to many people.

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Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
I am relaxing, so the chainmaille is off.  I only have on my leather trousers, with a stout pair of boots, my tunic and sword.  Never know when you are going to need your sword.
I love leather…

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Personally I think she talks too much, told too much about me, and that can be bad.  It lets the enemy become too familiar with your character and they can take advantage of the situation.  The less the enemy knows, the better.

What makes you laugh out loud?
Watching M’Lady blush, she does do that well.
he smiles that wicked smile of his *sigh*

What is your favourite dessert?
Aura makes something she calls apple pie.  I love it, can’t get enough.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing Aura again.  I never want to live through something like that again.

What is your favourite colour?
I know this will make me sound unmanly, but I like pink.  I have learned to like many different hues since I met Aura, but that is the one that suits her the best.
I don’t think pink is unmanly. I love a man who is not afraid to show his softer side.

What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Don’t we all wear the same thing?  A smile.
I would if I would be next to you… did I say that out loud? No! Phew…

Ahem…
What is the perfect romantic date?
Date?  I am unsure what you are talking about, but I will try my best to answer.  How does skinny-dipping in a secluded stream sound?
Oh! I do love skinny-dipping.

How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Warriors aren’t ticklish.

source

What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
The smell of fresh baked apple pie.  I am a man of simple tastes and it reminds me of my love because she bakes them just for me.

When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
What catches any man’s eye, a pretty face, and the sway a shapely set of hips?  I have been a man with a healthy appetite, but that is in the past. I do have eyes with perfect vision yet, but I know how to use them selectively.

Do you have somebody in your life now?
I keep telling you, M’Lady Aura.
Yes, I do know, she is very lovely, but some of our readers don’t.

What is one word best describes her?
In the beginning she was waspish and elusive, but I have taught her that it is better to be loving and sweet.  So for now I would have to say she could be described by saying she is mine.
His eyes are showing so much love, he makes my heart melt.

Is your book part of a series?
No, it is a stand-alone book.
Well… it was worth a try, I keep telling the author that I would love to read more about you two.

Just for curiosity sake… Do you know how Aura’s pet snake got out of the fortress in the middle of winter?

Thorn grins, gives a wink shaking his head.

Thank you Lord Thorn for chatting with me! Give my love to Lady Aura!

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Thank you for coming by and hope you enjoyed the chat with Lord Thorn of Rathhaven, please ask any questions you may have and will make sure to get the answers for you.

Lord Thorn hails from Aura, a great time travel romance by M. A. Abraham, one of my top fave authors. I love the cover created by Becca Abraham.

Aura is her mother’s love child, a living memory of the biggest mistake she ever made, and she never lets Aura forget it. Shunned by her mother, dismissed by her stepsisters, Aura drifts through life. She has little to sustain her miserable existence but her dreams. Until fate takes a hand and tosses her far into the past, a past she must learn to survive in. Alone with nothing but a couple of pets Aura learns what it is like to be on her own. She learns how to make a life for herself in a time where she does not belong. Or maybe she does.

Thorn is the right hand man of the Duke Vernon. He is a warlord, a great warrior and leader. He also has a belief that somewhere in the world his soul mate waits for him. Each day he prays for the guidance that will bring her to his attention, but when it does, will he know her? Will he accept that she is the one who is meant for him?

Aura finds a knight beaten and left for dead and she nurses him back to health. It is the first time Thorn meets her, but not the last. A year later they meet again, by then she is a favorite of the Duke Vernon because of her knowledge. Vernon wants to keep her close because of what she knows. Thorn wants to keep her closer but for other reasons. Here is the woman he has searched for, his soul mate. Can he hold on to her, or does fate have other plans?

And here is a small excerpt:

“Is the food not to your liking my lady?”  Thorn asked, noting that Aura had eaten nothing of what she had been given.

Aura looked at him, then lowered her lashes as she answered.  “I fear I have no appetite your lordship.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, as her color rose and he knew she lied.  She would not be pleased at his pointing it out, and for some reason that was just what he was going to do.  “You should never tell a lie, my lady.  You have no talent for it.”

She took a deep breath, but refused to rise to the bait, though she felt sorely tempted.  His smile widened as he watched her and sought other ways to goad her, for some unknown reason he hoped she would react to his badgering in a fit of temper.  He remembered with extreme clarity how beautiful she looked when she was angry.  The picture of her heightened coloring, coupled with her dressed in the clothing she now wore, made her even more appealing.

“Surely you will eat something, if for no other reason than to please me, your future love?”  Thorn taunted.

It was too much.  No matter what anyone else thought of him, she still agreed with her initial impression of the man.  He was an absolute boor.  Her eyes flashed with suppressed anger and she answered him from between clenched teeth.  “As I have no talent for lies, perhaps I should tell you the truth of the matter.  I am of the full belief that if I ate now I could not hold down my food, for I find the present company more than my stomach can handle.”

“Really?”  Thorn smoothly continued to taunt in a purring fashion.  “I shall have to be wary of the state of your being then, especially after we are wed, as I hold you in my arms throughout the night.”

“It will never happen.”  Aura hissed at him, embarrassed by the picture his words brought to mind.  His manner irritated her.   Her reaction to his taunting dissolved her resolve to placate him in a fashion that he might listen to her pleas to release her.  

“Of course it will happen my lady and I am especially looking forward to it.”  Thorn continued to goad her.  He could barely help himself, she looked about ready to spit fire at him, and her temper-heightened color lent her a vibrancy he had never seen in her before.  It made her look incredibly beautiful, and his hands itched to touch her.  He wondered how long he could refrain from making claiming her in every sense.  He leaned over towards her, as if to give her a light kiss on the cheek, but instead moved his mouth to her ear, which he traced with his tongue.

For Aura it was just too much to accept, the ultimate insult and embarrassment.  To have any man touch her, in public, in such a manner could not and would not be tolerated.  Her hand flashed and struck his cheek with a resounding crack, just as he had begun to back off.

“Never touch me like that again!”  Her outraged voice echoed throughout the hall as she rose and stormed off.

Check out some great reviews from various bloggers, including mine, here.

Available for purchase in ebook and print format from: Smashwords • Amazon • B&N • Kobo • signed print books.

To keep up with the news and check out the awesome books by M. A. Abraham, check the links below.

• website • Facebook Author Page • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads • blog •

One lucky commenter will win an ebook copy of Aura, courtesy of Ms. Abraham. The winner will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random after 3pm EST on Monday, August 10, 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!

Lessons Learned

A joint blog with Mary Ann while visiting her and the gorgeous bratz 😀

M. A. Abraham

So this is the weekend that Eniko has come for a visit, and it has been interesting.   The first lesson learned is, never leave an open purse where the cats can get to it.  Yes, that means tables, beds, or any other flat surfaces.  Second lesson, cats will make a nest in an open suitcase, especially Thena cat…  … Tath cat knows how to hide and likes to play games.  He wants to be held, knows you want to hold him, but won’t let you near.  He will, however, pout because you are holding Thena.  Thena isn’t above sticking out her tongue at him, and same goes in reverse.

On Thursday we went out, kicking about for a while, and then met up with members of the family at Boston Pizza, where I am hoping everyone had a good time.  When we got home, Eniko banned me from…

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