Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Author Interview #TNTConfidential with Wren Michael & Bad Apple #NaughtyFairyTale #romance @evernightpub



Happy Tuesday, guys! You all know how much I love fairy tales and today I've got just the read for you, Bad Apple, brought by the lovely Wren Michaels!

 

Welcome to In A Dream Beyond, Wren! Thanks so much for having me!

First of all, you must tell me and the readers, when did you start writing? I started somewhere around five or six years ago. Why?  Because I read Twilight. LOL Truth.

Plotter or Pantser? Complete and utter pantser. I like discovering characters and the story as I write. If I plot, I lose interest. It's like knowing the ending of a book or movie. While it's okay, it's the journey that's the interesting part, but still it loses the intrigue for me knowing what's going to happen.

Tell us a bit about your latest release, what inspired Bad Apple? Well a friend of mine, Evie Knight dared me to write a naughty fairytale for Evernight's Naughty Fairytale line. So I came up with UNBEARABLE, which was the first book in my series. BAD APPLE is book two and is Snow White's story.

This book is part of a series, The Snow Rose series. What’s it about? The SnowRose Series is part of Evernight's Naughty Fairytale line.  I wanted to do something a little lesser known than something like Cinderella. So I found the story of Snow White & Rose Red. UNBEARABLE was book one in the series and was about Rose Red's story. BAD APPLE is the sequel and it's Snow White's story. They're both in each other's books, but each one has their own separate tale to tell. They are not your typical fairytale women. I don't like damsels in distress. I like to write damsels that cause distress.

When will we see the next installment of the series? I'm about to sit down and start writing it shortly LOL So it all depends on how fast I can churn it out. I wrote UNBEARABLE in about four days and the same for BAD APPLE. So hopefully I can do the same for the next one.

Did you have to do any research to write Bad Apple? If yes, tell us about it.  Yes. I'd heard of Snow White & Rose Red, but wasn't familiar enough with the particulars of their story. I tried to stick to the main premise of their fairytale with some sexy spins and artistic liberties. LOL

What was the most difficult thing when putting Bad Apple together? Well, in the actual fairytale of Snow White & Rose Red, Snow White is not the classic Snow White everyone thinks about when they hear the name. She's not the one with the seven dwarves or the apple. But I didn't want it to be too confusing for readers so I spun in a few of the classic sterotypes of the more well known Snow White, like the apple, the mirror and evil Queen. But there's no dwarves. So it was difficult in trying to find a balance to please readers and keeping to the original fairytale to some degree.

March quickie

What’s your idea of a romantic vacation? Somewhere without children. LOL Hubby and I don't get away much. Somewhere we could just have “us” time. Doesn't matter much where. But probably somewhere along the beach.

Best love song  Right now I'm stuck on Katy Perry's Unconditionally. I could listen to it on an endless loop.
What do you find sexiest about a person of the opposite sex? Sense of Humor. You make me laugh, you've got me.
Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 12, line 12. What does it say? “And I'll read the manuscript.” - Tiffany Reisz's THE SIREN

What is the last thing you watched on TV? Vampire Diaries. Trying to catch up! #TeamDamon

This blog is all about dreams: what’s one of yours? Have someone say they laughed, cried, thoroughly enjoyed one of my books.

Thanks for having me on your blog today to announce that book two in the SnowRose Series is live!
And it's an Editor's Pick!

Snow White has always been just that, white as snow. Pure. She's lead a domestic life in the shadow of her outspoken and voluptuous sister, Rose Red. With Rose now marrying Prince Marcus, Snow fears she'll be left with an empty heart and empty cottage.
One night, Snow gives in to her desires, but is caught by Marcus' brother, Prince Darien, as he witnesses her indiscretion. Together they tap into a part of Snow long buried.
But Queen Miriam, once betrayed by Snow's mother, sees the same thing happening again--this time with her son, Darien. She refuses to let her throne be taken from her a second time and sets out to kill Snow White. Darien must believe in the power of true love's kiss or lose his kingdom, and Snow, forever.

Available now at:

EXCERPT:
She spins from my arms and drops her chemise to her ankles. Turning her head, long raven locks drape her bare shoulder as she glances back at me. I stare at her naked flesh. Last night in the tunnel darkness shrouded us. Now, in the bright morning light, I see her for the first time.
Her gorgeous hair stops right before her rounded hips. She clings to the oak bed post and eases herself around. The pink of her breasts stare back at me. I swallow hard over the lump wedged at the back of my throat, blocking my words. My gaze traverses the length of her, stopping on the beautiful patch of hair between her legs. All the air in my lungs lunges out of me in a gasp.
Why are you still clothed?” She tilts her head as a coy smile weaves over her lips.
Because I cannot take my eyes off of you. Words fail me. They would do no good anyway. There are none to describe you, Snow. Gorgeous. Stunning. Beautiful. They pale in comparison to how my eyes see you. How my heart feels for you. But perhaps with actions, I can show you.” I rush her and sweep her into my arms, squashing her breasts against me.
Crushing my lips over hers, I sweep her mouth, telling her things with my tongue that I cannot say. Soft moans fill our kiss, and my feisty Snow works hard to get me out of my clothes. Hating to unlock our lips, I step back to undo the last of my trousers.
I finally get to see all of you, too.” She stalks around me like a tiger eyeing its prey. “I like this part best.” She drags a finger the length of my cock, which stands at attention waiting to pleasure her. “But, I also like this part.” Her hands palm the width of my torso. I fight back a smile itching to curl over my lips at her little game. “I really like these.” Gripping my hands, she pulls my fingertips to her lips and kisses each one. “They do so many good things to me.” She makes one final walk around me. “But I like this part most of all.” Pressing her lips to my chest, she kisses my heart. It fills with sadness and love at the same time.
The lump returns to my throat as I fight back choking emotions attacking my head and heart.
What about my lips?” I ask, forcing a smile over the ache in my heart.
They are not part of you. They are part of me. They breathe life into me. They feed me words that can never be spoken.” She runs her hand up my chest before cupping my cheek. “They unlock true love's kiss.”
I ease her backward onto the bed and hover over her body. Leaning forward, I brush my mouth against hers. Hard nipples graze my chest, sending a lightning bolt of arousal to my cock resting against her hips.
These lips can do so much more.” I look deep into her eyes that swallow me whole.
How so?” she whispers.
Like this,” I say, before kissing my way down her body. Spreading her stunning thighs apart, I ease my face between them.
Darien?” she cries out. “What are you doing?”
Speaking to you in another language.” I pry open her lower lips with my fingers and swipe the length of her pussy with my tongue.



Didn't read book one in the SnowRose Series yet? UNBEARABLE is at $3.99 right now on Amazon!
About Wren Michaels
Wren Michaels hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where beer and cheese are their own food groups. But a cowboy swept her off her feet and carried her away below the Mason-Dixon line, where she promptly lost all tolerance for snow and cold. They decided they'd make beautiful babies together and they got it right on the first try. Now Wren lives happily ever after in the real world and in the worlds of her making, where she creates book boyfriends for the masses to crave.
Stalk her at

Saturday, March 28, 2015

#8Sunday #SexySnippets #WeekendWritingWarriors: Luna #paranormal #romance

Happy Sunday, lovelies!

First of all, apologies to other participants of Weekend Writing Warriors and Sexy Snippets for being so slow in visiting their blogs and their awesome stories. It's been one hell of a busy week. I've had a lot of work and decisions to make which have made my anxiety peak. Luckily, the trimester is over and I'll get a few days of rest :) (Although I still have to make that damn decision which would probably cut down on my writing time *sigh* )
 
Anyhow, enough about me and toward the snippet!
 
Let's recap: Clare (aka Luna), has met a mysterious, yet hunky, alien who's come to take her back to his home. She believes he's Mikelo, the alien boy she'd met twenty years ago... but he's presented himself as Serrik. In shock, Clare doesn't know how to react. Serrik taunts her and asks her why she is not screaming. In the previous snippet he tells her that her destiny is tied with his people. She tries to deny it and that brings us to today's snippet...

Creative editing has taken place to keep to the guidelines.

 
You can read the older snippets here:  

I hope you're all having a great weekend!  
XOXO,
Elyzabeth

*creative editing to keep to the guidelines has taken place* 
#SexySnippets and #8Sunday Sentences  


 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Serrik towered over her, his breath hot on her face. The pressure of his fingertips on her cheek increased until she flinched. 

 "Now, before you think of running, kicking me or whatever absurd notion crosses your mind, allow me to make myself clear: there is no escape. I will not hesitate to fulfill my orders. " His pupils dilated until the blue of his irises all but vanished. Clare whimpered. The white in his eyes glowed a dim red. "If you run, I will hunt you down. Understood?" 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So, what do you think?




More Weekend Writing Warriors? Click Here  || Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

More Sexy Snippets? Click Here  || Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Author Spotlight #TNTConfidential on Kacey Hammell and Guarding Midnight #music #romance @Evernightpub



Happy Thursday, guys! How about some music? Author Kacey Hammell is popping in with the setlist that helped inspire her recent release, Guarding Midnight.



A Writer’s Triggers & Habits: Top 10 Playlist for Guarding Midnight

Music is one of my favorite forms of art – outside of writing of course. Classical music can calm the soul, bass can drive the need to let loose, and country music and make someone cry – sometimes. LOL

More times than not, I’ll write in silence. There are many times where silence is golden, then there are times when the silence is too foreboding and I need noise. And a lot of it!!

With the attitude and gruffness of Gavin and the occupation of Midnight, there was a lot of music playing while I wrote Guarding Midnight. And one of those songs inspired the story from the first time I heard it.

Here’s the top 10 that could be heard in my house for months (the story was revised three times until I was happy with beginning, middle & end.)


Midnight Queen – Nickelback
Trying Not to Love You – Nickelback
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
Thunderstruck – AC/DC
For the Nights I Can’t Remember – Hedley
She Will be Loved – Maroon 5
We Are the Outsiders – Eric Church
Outta My Head – Daughtry
Burlesque – Christina Aguilera
Mustang Sally – The Commitments

Watch Thunderstruck by AC/DC
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v2AC41dglnM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Get ready to grab your copy of Guarding Midnight on April 1st!!



Being the hired muscle just got a whole lot harder.....

No one knows sacrifice better than former Army Sergeant Gavin Bennett. He’s witnessed firsthand the emotional, physical and mental toll of being caught in the crossfire. Being a bouncer-slash-bodyguard may not be Gavin’s dream job, but he’s willing to do just about anything to help out family. When Gavin reports for his first day of work, he quickly discovers a woman who threatens to crack his legendary cool.

Shree Walker is on the run from a dark past she tried to shut away. Battered and broken, a happily ever after doesn’t exist for her. Ready to start fresh with a new life in a new city, she is happy dancing at the Vixen Club. She’d be even happier without the presence of the prickly new bouncer who won’t let anyone or anything get past his carefully guarded defenses. He’s a distraction she doesn’t need. And a temptation she can’t resist. 

When Shree is kidnapped by the criminal mastermind hell-bent on taking the club at any cost, Gavin has to make a decision. Hold tight and continue to keep Shree at arm’s length. Or break down his walls and take a chance on something more powerful than them both: Love.


Exclusive Excerpt:
Shree flipped the page of the medical textbook laid out on top of the treadmill ledge so she could study while she walked. Thank heavens she knew how to multitask.
Studying and working out at the same time took practice, and she’d mastered how to get the most out of the hours she was awake in a day. Four years working nights would pay off within the next few months. She’d worked hard toward becoming a nurse, and the bountiful amounts of money had definitely helped.
The move to Vancouver hadn’t been just to dance at the Vixen Club. She loved dancing and the people she encountered for the most part, but she didn’t want to be fifty years old and still be a Burlesque dancer.  She had about five months left of school, and had secured a spot at Simon Fraser University for the chance to work with one of the most renowned surgeons in Canada.
Her dreams were so close to coming true. Not bad for a thirty-two-year-old woman who decided her career path late and was putting herself through school.
Tonight would be the first time she performed at this club. Normally, butterflies in her stomach were minor flutters, but she could barely keep down the early dinner she had a couple hours ago.
After wiping her brow, she hit the incline button on the treadmill to get a better burn. There was no time to worry about nerves or anything but getting in the zone for tonight. She’d have to forget about studying for the next fifteen minutes. Silently thanking the club owner for having the accommodating workout area in the building, she let her mind drift as she kept pace.
The last forty-five minutes had been a blessing. She’d squeezed a lot of study time in and her workout had been bliss. She chuckled. Most people would think her crazy for enjoying workouts. But if there was no enjoyment in it, then why bother?
It was a mantra she lived by.
Humming, she picked up her pace and tried recalling different medications, temperatures, and syringe types in her mind. Deep in study mode, her eyes flew open as a dinging sound filled the room.
She glanced to the right.
Men came in all shapes and sizes with various builds, physiques, and widths, and she understood that. But this man, whom she was sure could barely fit through the doorway, was one unlike anything she’d ever seen before.
Tall, at least six-six. Herculean shoulders, biceps that the short sleeves of his white t-shirt had no hope of getting over, and hard thighs that were easy to determine even beneath the sweats he wore, which probably got their workout from just carrying this man around every day. Hell, even her long arms wouldn’t be able to get around his midsection.
Damn if she didn’t want to try, though.
But it was her most favorite feature on a man that captured her attention completely.
His head—bald, tanned—she had a weakness for his kind. To her there was a wildness, a stronger soul to a man who kept things clean and crisp.
His attention zoomed in on her as the door shut behind him.
The amber hue of his eyes reminded her of fine cognac—clear, luminous, and golden like honey.
It was the alcoholic drink she was most partial to. Oh yes, she could get drunk on him for sure. She was going to hell from lusting after this stranger. There was no time in her life for tangling with the opposite sex.
No matter how damn sexy and sinful he was.
“Sorry, I didn’t know anyone was in here,” he rasped, his voice gravelly and rough.
“Oh, umm.” Her feet nearly stumbled over each other as she turned back and hit the off button. Her workout was done for the day, as was her studying. Her focus was shot now.
How was a woman to concentrate on anything with Mr. Hot Hulk around?
“I’m just finishing up. The room will be yours in a second.” She grabbed up her belongings from the treadmill and crossed to the table on the other side of the room.
“Don’t leave on my account. Hell, the room is big enough for twenty people.”
Shree laughed and curled a towel around the back of her neck. She turned and hooked her duffel over her shoulder. “I was done anyway. I have to get ready for tonight.”
He nodded and suddenly bent over.
Shree gasped when he touched the floor with his palms. Rarely had she ever seen a man even close to his size do that. She frowned, noticing he kept one leg bent a bit. A man of his obvious athletic ability had no doubt injured it at some point or another, and it seemed as if it hindered him some.
Not your business.
“You’re the star of the show, I hear.”
She blinked. “Pardon?”
He straightened, lifted his arms high, and twisted at the waist. His muscles bulged with every movement, drawing her gaze. Sweat broke out on her upper lip that had nothing to do with her working out.
He needs to stop moving like that in front of me.
Afraid she’d do something stupid—like faint just so he could administer some mouth-to-mouth life-saving techniques—she strode to the door. “Never mind. I’ll see you later.”
“At least let me introduce myself, especially since I’ll be keeping an eye on you for a while.”
She spun fast. “What the hell does that mean?”
“Sorry, that came out wrong. I mean I’m the security around here for now.

Book Page (for all buy links on April 1st)


Avid Reader. Romance Author. Redhead…
Canadian-born author Kacey Hammell is definitely a book-a-holic. A romance reader from a young age, she fell in love with happily ever afters.  These days, as a multi-published erotic romance author, she enjoys adding a lot of heat, sass, and emotion to the many genres she writes.

A mom of three, Kacey has made certain each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right. She lives her own happily ever after with her perfect hero in Ontario, Canada, and is a true romantic at heart.


Connect with Kacey…