29 July 2018

Q & A with Laura M. Baird!


Hello Laura!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…

Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?

When I first started writing the story, about 3 years ago, I projected some of my early-in-life qualities onto the heroine, Abby… shy, introverted, stays within her comfort zone.  But over the years as I’ve experienced life, I’ve come to find that straying can be a good thing. J The hero she meets gives her plenty of incentive to try new adventures (as does my hubby, for me). 

Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?

This is the first book in a series of three that I plan to write; A New Adventures Series. They’re fun, snarky, and sexy rom-coms. Abby’s story is first, she’s the eldest sibling; I plan to write about the others. Beckham and Claire are twins who stir up plenty of mischief while trying to discover who they really want to be. And then there’s the ‘baby’, Denise, who thinks her life is all planned out at age twenty-four.  But life doesn’t always go according to plan. 

Q) Can you give a fun or interesting fact about your book?

My character is twenty-eight when she first experiences para-gliding.  She’s terrified, but absolutely loved it when she did it.  After wanting to do it myself for years, I first experienced it at age forty-two, when I went to Hawaii for a dental conference! I went in the morning and loved it so much, went back that same afternoon and did it again!

Q) What do you think is your strongest asset as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a writer?

I think my strongest asset is my attention to detail, trying to make sure my facts are correct, my research is thorough… that being said, is can also be my weakest factor, as it will sometimes distract me from my actual writing! I could spend hours on the computer chasing random facts and interesting tidbits, instead of getting my writing down.

Q) Do you have any habits that get you in the writing frame of mind?

I try to picture my writing playing out like a movie in my head; how the characters would act, what they’d say, what’s going on around them… I re-read often to see if it’s flowing well.  I also have plenty of notes on my characters, research about the area I’m writing about (I like to throw in local flavor, such as a restaurant they may visit, or a charitable cause that they support)

Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

I always think I have a plan in mind for my characters, scribbled in my notes, but sometimes an idea comes out of nowhere and I go with it because it turns out surprisingly good.

Q) How much real life do you put into or influences your books?

Quite a bit, actually.  I put a bit of myself into my characters, and imagine them overcoming whatever quirks or oddities they have.  I also project what I’d love to embody at times; someone unafraid, fearless.  There are situations or occurrences from either my life or someone I know that I’ll incorporate into a story.  Of course changing all names to protect the innocent, or, not so innocent. ;)

Q) What are your upcoming projects?

I’m awaiting copy edits for two upcoming releases, one being the start of another series – The Cover Model Series, that I hope to write at least 3 if not 4 stories.  I also want to revise a Christmas story I wrote last year, and get it submitted in the hopes it’ll get picked up and released in time for the holidays.


BLURB

“Unexpected Adventures” A New Adventures Series Book One

Order and routine is introverted Abby’s motto, so when she’s being pushed to step out of her comfort zone, meeting hunky Shaun may be just the catalyst she needs.  

Their swift attraction to one another leads to new adventures that include paragliding, tattooing, and, yeah – Abby relinquishing her virginity. Laugh along with Abby as she discovers how fun it can be to step off her straight line.


EXCERPT  


            Denise shuts off the engine, throws the keys in my direction, and quickly exits the car. I barely have time to react so the keys don’t smack me in the face. Luckily I’m spared that embarrassment. But I fumble with the keys, dropping them onto the floor by Shaun’s feet. I try to stretch over the console and twist around as we both reach for them at the same time, bumping our heads in that classic way. We each draw back, me wincing, him grinning.

“Sorry, my head seems to be harder than yours,” he says.

“No kidding.” I quickly smack my hand over my mouth.

“It’s okay, no need to be embarrassed. Here.” He hands me the keys, which I drop in my bag. “Why don’t we start again?” He extends his hand toward me. “Hi. I’m Shaun Porter.”

I look at his hand, then back to his face. I’m so mesmerized by his eyes, all I can do is stare.

“I promise I won’t bite.”

My nervous laughter causes him to smile. I slide my hand into his and shake it, immediately feeling his warmth. Parts of his skin are rough, parts are smooth. My eyes never leave his as he leans in close, parting his lips to speak again.  But not before I blurt out, “Let me guess, not unless I want you to, right?”

The outburst startles me and I feel flush. Not to mention nauseated. Good Lord, what is wrong with me?

“Not exactly where I was going, but, okay.”

“I’m sorry.” I pull my hand from his, turning to open the door. “I’ll just exit this car and you pretend I never uttered a word.” I finally get out and try dashing toward the house. I hear the car door slam as Shaun gets out, trotting to catch up to me, his flip-flops slapping his heels.

“Abby, wait.”

I hurry my pace but he has no problem catching up to me.

“Wait, I’ll walk with you.”

I remain quiet although he’s determined to engage in conversation as he speaks again.

“So how long are you visiting your sister?”

“Monday.”

“Through Monday, or are you returning Monday?”

“Uh huh.” I’m not really paying attention to his words, I’m just trying to make it into the house without making a fool of myself any more than I already have. Evidently that’s not going to happen as I stumble in the grass and Shaun bursts forward, reaching out to save me from a face plant. He hauls me up, our chests touching, his hands cupping my elbows. I pull back as if he’s on fire, which he is, because my god, he’s hot…

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yes, thank you.” I side-step him to continue walking, then stop and turn back. “Um, no, actually I’m not. Look, I’m just going to say it. You’re gorgeous.”

He looks surprised but continues to grin. So cute.

“I’m sure you get that all the time.” I feel my face flame. “And I’m awkward and making a fool of myself.”

“Abby…”

“So, to avoid any further embarrassment, would you just please stand here and count to ten, giving me a head start? Okay? Great.” I quickly turn again toward the house, thinking I’m finally going to get inside without further incident. Nope. Shaun speed-counts to ten––out loud, mind you––in about four seconds before rushing to catch up to me again.

“You didn’t say I had to count slowly.”

I can’t help but giggle.

“Look, I find you attractive and intriguing.”

I snort and don’t even mind. I think I’m beyond trying to be smooth.

He chuckles. “We really can start again.”

I look at him out of the corner of my eye. “How many doovers are you going to give me?”

“As many as it takes.”

I stop to face him, almost reluctant to accept what he’s saying. He seems sincere, and he’s just so dang sexy. Here goes nothing…

“Okay.” I extend my hand. “Abby Carter.”

He takes my hand. “Shaun Porter. Pleased to meet you.”

BUY LINKS  





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura M Baird, Romance Author... After writing for many years, my publishing dreams came true only a year ago, and now I’m excited to say I have eight stories out, with two more upcoming releases with Evernight Publishing.  I also enjoy poetry and prose, and have two pieces published at spillwords.com.  I grew up on the East Coast, and after joining the U. S. Army, met and married my husband (of nearly 28 years), and migrated to the West Coast.  While raising two sons, I went through dental hygiene school, which I’ve been doing for the past eighteen years.  Soon I hope to transition out of that profession and concentrate solely on writing.  Hubby and I enjoy walks (we really do!), drag racing, hockey, and Boise State Football.  When not writing or reading, I love engaging on social media.  Readers can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.



https://twitter.com/LauraMBaird

20 July 2018

Paige Warren Visits with her NEW MC Romance Release! ...Pre-order NOW!!!


Hello Paige!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…


Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?

My husband was a HUGE Sons of Anarchy fan, but I just couldn’t get into the show that much. I hated the way they treated the women they supposedly loved. So I wanted a biker who, while not an angel by any means, was willing to pay the ultimate price for doing the right thing. And of course he falls in love along the way. Adalia was little harder. She’d suffered this horrible trauma, then lost the only family she knew. And yet, she still landed on her feet and thrived in her new environment. And despite their big age gap, she fell in love with her rescuer.

Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?

Badger is part of a multi-authors series called Roosters, but the books don’t have a connecting storyline, more like a connecting genre and theme. All of the Roosters books are Contemporary Romance with arrogant, alpha heroes who are used to getting what they want. I’ve talked a little with my publisher about making Badger a lead into a new MC series, but there’s nothing concrete just yet.


Q) What do you think is your strongest factor as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a writer?

My strongest factor is probably also my weakest. I’m a perfectionist. While that means I don’t really have a “rough” draft, it means it sometimes takes me too long to write a scene because it has to be just right before I can move on. That being said, when everything has clicked into place in my head, I type really fast (around 120+wpm) so I can write 1,000 words in about 10-15 minutes when I know exactly where the story is taking me. I don’t plot though, so I pretty much just wing it.


Q) Do you have any habits that get you in the writing frame of mind?

I usually get a mocha from either McDonald’s or Starbucks, and then I either listen to one of my playlists on Amazon, or I pick a movie that I’ve seen so many times it just becomes background noise. Although, I’ve been told I sometimes sing when I listen to my music. The weird part is that I can manage to sing a song I’m listening to, and still type whatever is supposed to go on the page. My brain is apparently not quite right LOL


Q) How much real life do you put into or influences your books?

Sometimes the little things work their way in (maybe something I witness while I’m out with my family), and other times a piece of my past will show up, or at least inspire a scene or two.




BLURB

Badger – I went to prison for ten years after beating a man to death. He deserved it, and then some. I only wish he’d suffered more. Now I’m free, but things aren’t the same as when I left. The little girl I once saved is now a tempting young woman with curves in all the right places. I should stay away, far away, but I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame. The Pres of my club adopted her, so she’s definitely a no-fly zone, but fuck if I don’t want her with every breath I take. A little sample wouldn’t hurt anyone, right? As long as Griz doesn’t find out, I’ll keep breathing. Sneaking around should be easy enough. I never counted on falling for her, or finding out she was carrying my kid. Now what the fuck am I supposed to do? I’m a long-time repeat offender. I can’t walk the straight and narrow. Can I?

Adalia – I’ve worshiped Badger ever since the night he saved me. But what started as a young girl’s infatuation has grown into something more. I know he’ll never see me that way, or at least I thought he wouldn’t. When we’re together, it’s like we just can’t keep our hands off each other. It’s probably against his parole for us to be together, but he doesn’t seem to care. The heat between us is undeniable. He didn’t promise me forever, just right now. But neither of us counted on me getting pregnant, something that wasn’t supposed to happen too easily, and I have no freakin’ clue what to do. I’m scared Badger will run for the hills. He never asked for this, but then neither did I. One thing is for certain. If he doesn’t man up and my daddy finds out, there will be hell to pay. 

No one can hide from the President of the Devil’s Fury MC.





Pre-Order for August 3rd at AmazonB&NiTunes, and Kobo

Roosters is a multi-author series of stand-alone stories released by Changeling Press. Each book contains an arrogant, alpha hero in a contemporary romance setting. While Badger is an MC romance, not all of the Roosters books fall under this theme. You can find the other Roosters books by clicking here.

This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience.


EXCERPT

The trip back to Blackwood Falls took too fucking long, and I was feeling anxious. It had been a long damn time since I’d been in a vehicle, and I’d much rather have spent the hour-long ride on my Harley. Soon enough, I’d take it out on the open road, and just let the tension melt away. The only thing sweeter than a ride on my bike was being between a woman’s thighs.

As Demon stopped outside the clubhouse, he tensed and turned to face me. I had no idea what was going to come out of his mouth, but something told me it wasn’t anything I wanted to hear.

“There’s something you need to know,” Demon said.

“Anyone die while I was gone?”

“No. It’s about Adalia.”

My breath froze in my lungs as I pictured her wide blue eyes as they’d stared at me in terror. I’d found her in an alley, her clothes torn, and some asshole raping her. I’d seen her around town, knew she was only thirteen, just a kid. Something inside me had snapped, and I’d beat the fuck out of that asshole. Beat him to death. I didn’t regret what I’d done, only wished I’d gotten there sooner. Adalia had watched as I killed that man, and she hadn’t uttered a word the entire time. Not even when I took her to the hospital to be checked out. I’d known it wouldn’t end well for me, but my first priority had been the girl. Anyone else might have gotten off with a lighter sentence, seeing as how I’d been protecting her. But a guy like me with priors? I hadn’t had a prayer. Ten years to give her the peace of mind that the asshole who had touched her was six feet under? Yeah, it was a trade I’d been willing to make. I’d made it then, and even knowing I’d get time, I’d do it again in a second.

I might be an asshole biker with a rap sheet, but there were some things that even I wouldn’t tolerate. Rape was one of them. Anyone harming a kid was another, and that dickweed had done both. As far as I was concerned, the world was a better place without him in it.

“What about her?” I asked.

She’d be twenty-three now. Probably had a steady job, a nice boyfriend. At least, I hoped that’s how her life had turned out. But the way Demon had said her name… had something happened to her while I was gone? Had some other asshole tried to hurt her, and I hadn’t been around to save her this time? My gut clenched just thinking anything bad had happened to her. She’d been such a sweetheart the few times I’d been around her, always a little on the quiet side.

“She’s here,” Demon said quietly.

My heart started pounding, and I flung open the truck door, then reached for my cut and shrugged it on. I slammed the door shut and stomped up the clubhouse steps before going inside. There were balloons and shit everywhere, and the roar of welcome as I stepped inside was near deafening. But as I scanned the crowd, it wasn’t my brothers I was taking in… No, I was looking for her. I didn’t know what she looked like anymore, only remembered her as a teenage girl. She’d been terrified the last time I’d seen her. I didn’t know why she was here, but I had to see her, to know that she was okay. I’d thought about her every fucking day that I was inside, hoping she’d been able to get past what happened to her, had gone on to live a good life. I’d thought about writing her once, just to check on her, but had decided it was best if I kept away. She didn’t need any reminders from me about what had happened to her.

My brothers hugged me, slapped me on the back, and slowly they all parted. At the back of the room stood a pixie of a woman, long blonde hair curling over her shoulders, and a body made for sinning. It was her eyes that nailed my feet to the floor. Blue. And achingly familiar. My gaze traced her features, trying to find the little girl I’d tried to save. I didn’t see even a hint of the terrified teen I’d carried out of that alley. Her features were delicate, much like the rest of her. She had curves in all the right places, and would likely be more than a handful for some men, but I’d be willing to bet she wouldn’t even reach my shoulder. Tiny. Almost like a little fairy. Slowly, Adalia walked toward me, her hips swaying with every step. Yeah, she’d grown up while I was gone, and I’d be willing to bet men fell to their knees to worship at her feet. She looked like one of those plus-sized models, but in a shorter package.

She didn’t even hesitate when she reached me, just put her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. My arms closed around her, pulling her curves against me, and I breathed in her honeysuckle scent. Closing my eyes, I just drank in the moment. She was here. She was safe. And she felt a little too damn good pressed against me. The way my jeans tightened made me want to put some distance between us. I tried like hell to keep the image of her as a thirteen-year-old girl in my mind, hoping my body would stop reacting to the woman she’d grown into, but no such luck. The breasts pressing against me were more than a handful and far too fucking tempting, as was the rest of her.

“I’m glad you’re home,” she said, her voice soft and husky.

“It’s good to see you, pretty girl. Not a day went by that I didn’t think about you.”

“I tried to come see you a few times, but they always said you weren’t allowed visitors.”

I pulled away and smiled down at her. “I had a tendency to get into trouble inside. But now I’m glad you didn’t get any farther than the gates. Prison is no place for an angel like you.”

Her cheeks flushed and she smiled a little. “Welcome home, Badger.”



ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Paige Warren

Award-winning author Paige Warren spends her days weaving tales about alpha males and the women who love them. There's nothing hotter than a man in tight Wranglers, dog tags (especially if he’s ONLY wearing dog tags!), or bad boys covered in ink. When Paige isn’t creating romantic tales, she enjoys reading and watching movies – romances, of course. If you see her out in the wild, you’ll most likely find her at Starbucks, sipping a white mocha with a distant look in her eyes as she figures out the right wording for the next scene in her latest book.


Harley Wylde

Short. Erotic. Sweet. Harley's other half would probably say those words describe her, but they also describe her books. When Harley is writing, her motto is the hotter the better. Off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place.

Harley is the bestselling author of the Dixie Reapers MC series. You can find her at harleywylde.com!



Badger (Roosters series) by Paige Warren & Harley Wylde


Keywords: MC Romance, Biker Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, New Adult, Older Hero, ExCon Romance

17 July 2018

Q & A with Allyson Young!

Hello!  Allyson! Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?

I’m a huge fan of strong, feisty women who, despite their flaws power ahead and also admit to being wrong. And I equally like strong, flawed men who figure it out when they drop the ball with their women and make amends, lol.

Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?

Shelter the beginning is book one in a three part series that features a young woman making her way in a world nearly 100 percent devastated by plague. She does have a love interest in the form of a captain in the military whose mission is at odds with her vision of how the rebirth of civilization might play out. There’s action and adventure and suspense—the book ends on a cliffhangers, something I normally never do, but the next one is available within two weeks so I hope readers don’t hate me!

Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

I usually have the main characters in my head but the secondary ones get fleshed out as I go along and that’s actually an interesting experience. They do take on a life of their own and I envision a spinoff of this series in which I’ll focus on at least one of them. I truly had no idea he’d appeal to me so much!

Q) How much real life do you put into or influences your books?

I worked in the human services field for a long time and hope my experience with the human dynamic—and seeing what people bring to the table—is reflected in my characters. They taught me a great deal about strengths and weaknesses and ultimate decency of most.

Q) What are your upcoming projects?

I’m torn between another book in my unique Blue Star Shifters series or answering an anthology call. And then there’s another sci fi or the vampire book that keeps calling to me… If I had a dollar for all those WIPs!!   


BLURB

Addison Longwood survived the plague that struck down almost everyone around her. She survived the hazardous trek into the countryside to find shelter within a group of like-minded individuals led by a man she can actually respect. Settled and contributing, she allows herself a sense of hope.

From the remaining military, Captain Jesse Forbes is charged with locating survivors in order to rebuild the country. His initial impression of Addison’s band isn’t positive and he sets his sights on the young woman in order to infiltrate, and assess her leader—the end justifying the means, or so he assures himself.

But there are far greater dangers lurking, threatening the very existence of the survivors. Alliances are forged—and tested. Betrayal cuts deep, lives are lost and others changed forever.
Who are the good guys anyhow?



BUY LINKS


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3FXJ8W                                                   



EXCERPT


Wrapped in an old piece of toweling—another item to add to the shopping list—she was squeezing the moisture out of her mane when Jesse Forbes came through the door. One of her guys lingered just outside, guarding the man, but every molecule of her being told her to run, far and fast before she put some steel in her spine and managed a nod.
“Morning. I see you’re up ahead of most everyone else too,” he said.
Making small talk in the showers, with him fully clothed and her … not, sucked. To his credit, aside from one sweeping glance down her body, he looked at her face.
“Seems like it.” She edged around him, catching his amused stare and grabbed up her clothes. “Excuse me.”
“I wondered how long your hair was.”
She blinked, and despite herself, her hand rose to finger the wet tangles. Not particularly vain, she’d left her hair to grow, finding it easier to tie up and out of the way instead of fighting with the unruly curls. Especially now she could keep it clean and avoid the critters that tended to infiltrate dirty hair, particularly among close quarters. It had been carefully secured and out of the way on the mountain that day so he couldn’t have known.
Deciding not to answer, she ducked into the tacked-on separate room, no more than a tent, thank goodness for the temperate climate. She rubbed furiously at the dampness still on her skin and then yanked on her jeans under the cover of her towel. She pulled on her shirt, only then using the toweling to wring more moisture from her hair.
“Sorry. Again. I seem to put my foot in my mouth around you. And I’m not yet privy to the rules around here.” His smooth baritone sounded too damn close and she wheeled around, cursing the fact she’d turned her back on him. And he was between her and her rifle.
She hadn’t been mistaken about his size and breadth, although refused to feel intimated—or anything else. Besides, his guard was close by. Her brain processed his educated comment. Sometimes he sounded like an average Joe, then next, a college professor. Privy? Her obsession with books allowed for the interpretation, but still…
Forcing herself to project calm, or whatever felt close to that, she said, “Are you asking about segregation? Of the sexes?” And why had she used the word sex in his vicinity?
“That, among other things.”
“Mitchell, I mean, the Colonel, will apprise you.” She thought she saw a glimmer of intrigue in those strangely colored eyes but it passed too quickly to be certain.
“He said he’d assign someone. As a guide. Aside from my armed escort.”
“Then you’ll be set. Excuse me.”
“Is there a time that’s better for me—and the guys—to shower?” His hands went to the collar of his T-shirt and he tugged it over his head.
Addy had seen enough torsos—and other man parts—in her life. How could she not, given her history and where she now slept? So Jesse’s cut chest and chiseled abs shouldn’t have had any effect on her. And they didn’t, her excellent self-control surging to the fore. They. Did. Not.
“No set times,” she said, infusing her voice with casualness. “This shower is communal for the fighters. The camp defenders, I’d guess you’d call us. There’s another, larger one for the rest of the camp. The guys make allowances for us four women—me, Marcia, Denise, and Laura—first thing. I woke up earlier today.”
“Couldn’t sleep?”
Was that a knowing look? She fought a blush. He was getting under her skin and she had no doubt he knew it. Probably knew women inside and out, had lots of experience with them. Well, she had lots of experience with men, too, and none of it positive.
“I slept fine,” she lied. “I woke early, is all. So if you hurry, you won’t be disturbed by the other women when they arrive. Unless it won’t bother you.” For sure it wouldn’t bother Denise and probably not the other two.
“I’ll just be quick then.” His long fingers reached for the button on his khakis. It didn’t escape her notice he didn’t remark on being disturbed by the women.
Refusing to look as though she was fleeing, Addy folded her towel before turning on her heel and stalking out, dipping to snatch up her rifle. The glimpse of his naked, sculpted butt and strong legs was emblazoned on her retinas, but she blinked the vision away. Add arrogance to his confidence. Not necessarily a nice mix.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Allyson Young aka Peri Elizabeth Scott lives in cottage country, Manitoba, Canada, where she and her husband pretend to work well together in their seasonal business.
She has always enjoyed the written word, and after reading an erotic romance quite by mistake, decided to try her hand at penning one. That was followed by a mix of spicy (Ally) and sweet (Peribeth) romances in various genres as well as a  post apocalyptic adventure without a lick of romance.


A best selling Amazon author, a hybrid and coauthor, as of April 2018 she has published seven series and several standalones, with others in the works.
allysonyoung.com