13 November 2014

Jennifer Denys Talks About Her Sexy New Release



Hello!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today! 


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

Funny you should say that…. Because I did dream them up, literally! As I was waking from sleep one morning I thought to myself, “Hey, that would be a great idea for a short story!” I had never written a short story – nor MMM - before ‘Alien Manhunt 1’ so it was a challenge – but fun!

The characters came from the dream – the human, Greg, the elf-like Espoornian, Suva, and the reptilian Cinattran, Taran, and how three very different aliens could fall in love and have a relationship.


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

It was originally intended to be a one off story but I liked the characters so much – and readers said, “What happens next?” so I wrote Alien Manhunt 2 to be the continuing story of these three characters. Each of them are featured on the front covers with a different one in the forefront.

However, it wouldn’t be fair to only feature two of them so there will be an Alien Manhunt 3 with Suva featured on the cover and set on the last of the three aliens’ planets.

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

I often add both real life instances and influences into my stories. It is fun to see where I can incorporate them. In the Alien Manhunt books the three characters are named for three erotic romance writers that I know who all write great gay stories.


Thanks for having me.



Alien Manhunt 2
By Jennifer Denys
MMM/Sci-fi
Approx. 10,000 words (short story for Romance on the Go)

Blurb: Planning to let his mates act out their fantasies, Suva takes them to his home planet of Espoornia and lets submissive Taran chase dominant Greg for a change, with a sneaky scheme to end it all in a marriage ceremony.  But Suva’s plans go awry from the start and one of them is hunted for real. Worried about the one captured being sold or killed, the remaining two have a hard time searching for the other. But then they find themselves in danger, too! Will they escape? Will they ever be free to marry?

Buy links:



Series info

Alien Manhunt 2 is the continuing story of three aliens, Greg – a human – the dominant one in their relationship, Suva an Espoornian – the switch in the threesome, and Taran – a Cinattran – submissive to both of the others.

I liked the characters so much after writing about them for Alien Manhunt 1 (and readers wanted to know ‘What happened next?’) so I decided to write the next stage in their relationship. Like the previous book it is a short story showing an episode in their lives of the characters.

It is intended to finish with Alien Manhunt 3 - that one set on Greg’s planet. 

 Author bio:
Jennifer Denys is a multi-published author of BDSM novellas, sci-fi stories and romantic comedies with more than one publisher. She is also working on werewolf and historical novels.
An Englishwoman through and through, she lives in a beautiful historical city in England with her pet rabbit who is thoroughly spoiled and is the dominant one in her household...

She posts to her blog three times a week to keep readers up-to-date on forthcoming books and writing in general. Do email Jennifer she would love to hear from fans.



Excerpts:

“No way am I running around naked.”
The two others also standing in the immense forest looked at Greg in astonishment. He knew he sounded petulant, however, he hadn’t expected Espoornia, the home of his elf-like alien partner, Suva, would be so damn cold. It was nothing like their home on the space station, Orion One, which served as an administration, communications and military point for the various nations that co-habited that area of the galaxy. Even his birth planet of Earth, which he hadn’t visited for some years, was far warmer. Unless you were at the poles of his home world, of course.
He shivered and resisted the urge to cup his cock. “If I run around with no clothes on my dick will go blue. Jeez, it will do more than that—it will freeze and drop off!”
Suva said something in his own language and stormed off, his long yellow coat flowing behind him as his lengthy strides took him back to their car shuttle. A densely covered planet, it was impossible to fly from one place to another so the only transport was land-based. Even taking this vehicle involved a journey of many hours.
Taran, the third in their relationship, a reptilian from the planet Cinattra, gave a quirky smile, his dark eyes twinkling in amusement at Suva’s outburst as Greg glanced in his direction. The alien looked away, as if he didn’t want to repeat the Espoornian’s words.
Greg huffed. “So what did Suva just say? I am guessing he swore at me, or something?”
On the space station, translations were broadcast immediately if anyone spoke anything other than the galactic language. There were no such facilities in the middle of the cold—but stunningly beautiful—forest where the trees rose to impossibly soaring heights. It made Greg dizzy looking up.
Taran laughed and Greg studied him, amazed that the youngest of the trio could go bare-chested in this temperature. He might be presenting his gorgeous red, muscular chest, as was normal in his culture, the scales on the sides of his body showing above the belt, but Taran was from a hot world, which made it even stranger to Greg. At least Taran wore leather boots to match his black, jewel-encrusted skirt and the band around his neck. The latter was a sign of his submission.
The Cinattran nodded. “Yes. It was something about your manhood being too small to drop off, and even if it did he would stuff it up your soft human backside.”
Greg’s face tightened. But he couldn’t stay angry for long, and a chuckle escaped him. “I’ll show him too small one of these days!” Walking over to Taran, he ruffled his partner’s long red hair, tied back in its customary plait, so different from his own closely cropped hair. Greg was the dominant one in the relationship, having picked up both guys at a bar on the space station. Suva could switch between roles, being submissive with him while dominant with Taran, who was submissive to both of them. Their relationship usually worked well.
Except everything had changed.


                                          Or if you want a hotter excerpt:

“Show me what else you do with those talons of yours,” Suva requested in a husky voice as he pulled Taran forward. Cupping the Cinattran’s head, he then gave his young partner a passionate kiss, plunging his tongue inside Taran’s mouth. He so wanted to lay him on the floor and take him then and there, using the yellow rubad plant that he could just see through the trees. The plant had marvelous properties, but that was not in his plans—yet.
Taran took him at his word and wrapped his hand around Suva’s cock through his loose trousers. He did not jerk him, although he gripped it tightly. Suva moved his legs apart to give Taran more room, then raising his head, Suva let his tense neck muscles ease up. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to enjoy the sensation as his little lover gently ran the ends of his claws along Suva’s long, long shaft. The frisson of tiny pinpricks caused him to catch his breath.
 

11 November 2014

Jessica Coulter Smith talks about her new Historical Release!



Hello!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today! 

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

Clarissa came to me during a time of extreme pain. I suffer from Lupus and my knee and hip joints were giving me fits, making it next to impossible to walk. As I took a pain pill, the thought popped in my head, “what would I have done in the 1800s?”…so I came with Clarissa, a beautiful woman who was damaged in a carriage accident in her teens who now suffers a limp and severe pain in her leg that keeps her from dancing, and sometimes from walking.

To suffer through something like that in the 1890’s is vastly different from being able to run to the drug store now, or being able to get a pain patch from the doctor, so I knew she was a strong woman. And as a strong woman, she needed an equally strong man.

Robert, being the younger son with many brothers between him and inheriting his father’s title, is in the unique position of marrying for love. His father has set him up well enough that only greed would lead him to marry for anything less. And Robert is far from greedy. He’s tall, dashing, and quite charming…and very determined to win Clarissa for his own, by any means necessary – even if it means ruining her.

Well, I won’t say more or I’ll give away the story, but suffice it to say, they are perfectly matched.


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

Yes, this is book one in the Lords of London series, which was picked up by Coastal Escape Publishing. I’m only planning for there to be three books in this series, but I’ve found that characters have a way of sneaking up on me so who knows what will happen in books two and three that may lead to a longer series. The series is set in America in the 1890’s with English lords on a search for their brides. Tired of the simpering young misses in London, each man (a younger son to a titled lord) has decided their future lies with an unconventional wife. They just don’t realize how unconventional their wives will be until they meet them.


Q) What are your upcoming projects?

Right now I’m working on book two in this series, Loving Lord Pelham, which I hope to finish by the end of the month. I’m also working on a book for my alter ego for a cowboy BDSM series that I write called Grizzly Pines (with Siren-Bookstrand). There’s also an Ashton Grove Werewolves story floating around in my head that I want to write before the end of the year, but the details are still a little hazy right now.

BLURB

 Clarissa Townsend has given up on anyone ever wanting to marry her. It isn't that she's ugly, because she's been told by many that she's quite beautiful. It's her blasted limp. A carriage accident when she was fifteen resulted in ugly scarring on her leg, and left her with a horrible limp that keeps her from dancing, and sometimes walking.

Lord Robert Cresthaven came to America in search of a bride, and the moment he sets eyes on Clarissa, he knows he's found her. With her raven locks and pale complexion, she's the most beautiful creature he's ever seen. Her limp doesn't detract from her beauty in his eyes and he's determined to have her, at any cost.

A scandal. An unwanted marriage of convenience. And a damsel in need of rescue.

When Lord Cresthaven is caught kissing Clarissa at a ball, it's all anyone can talk about. But things don't go according to his plan. He had every intention of marrying her, until her parents locked her away and promised her to another. What's a lord to do when the only woman he's ever wanted to marry is kept out of his reach? Anything necessary.

WHERE TO BUY


 

AUTHOR BIO
 
What happens when you get two artist romantics together? An impulsive marriage proprosal – and a woman who says yes (on the first date)!  While Jessica’s husband may not have intended for the words “marry me” to pop out on their first date, she surprised him even more by saying yes! That was over 14 years ago and they’re hoping for many more years together.

Jessica Coulter Smith began writing at an early age, but it wasn’t until 2008 that someone convinced her to have one of her stories published. When she received her acceptance letter in August 2008, it set her on an incredible journey, one she hopes will never end. In 2010, she decided to stay home with the kids and write full-time. It’s a decision she hasn’t regretted, and one that will hopefully result in many more stories to come.

Jessica loves to interact with her readers on Facebook and Twitter! But if you send her a friend request, be prepared for cute kitty pictures and kids getting into mischief, as well as updates on her writing.
Visit her website: http://www.jessicacoultersmith.com
Email her: jessicacoultersmith@yahoo.com

07 November 2014

Welcome to the Amazing Allyson Young!



Hello!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  I must admit, I'm a big fan. 

Thanks so much for having me, Beth! 


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

Years ago I met a woman who married her foster brother despite the judgmental attitudes of others. Yes, they grew up together in the same home, but were in a decidedly different age group, he never used his position in the family to be inappropriate with her, and she fell in love with him because she came to know him first as an individual before feeling the physical attraction. And he felt the same about her. When she aged out of foster care, she asserted herself with him and the rest is history. I heard recently she’d had another baby within their happy marriage, and it inspired me to write a similar story—only as a ménage. In DESTINED, there’s misunderstandings, considerable angst, a chase, and some discipline! Just the way I like things, lol.

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

DESTINED is the first novella in the Marking Time series. The second is FATED, to release in about a month, and features the best friend of Destined’s heroine. And a sexy Sheriff. The third in the series, ALWAYS, is not yet complete, but will showcase the previous five characters as their personal relationships evolve, as do their friendships. It will also answer some threads dangling a trifle in the first two novellas.


Q) What are your upcoming projects?  

I have 28 WIPs. And several more in my head I refuse to let loose. Of the 28, there are two sci fi, a vampire/werewolf /fae novel, and a couple of historical romances included with my usual contemporary romantic erotica. Oh, and a very dark erotic romance that will probably never find a home—self pubbing might be in my future! I’m planning to finish the sci fi capture ms next. 27K in and no sex…my muse was into tantalizing and plot, lol.

 BLURB


DESTINED – Marking Time 1

Craig and Ashton Russell practice ménage. They are honorable men who’d never compromise a woman, especially their foster sister, no matter she is finally home from college. Despite how much they have missed her.

Sinclair Renton grew up behind the brothers, most certainly never regarding them as siblings. And of late she has set out to convince them she’s the one woman they need, being well aware of their sexual predilection.

Fearing how others would judge her, Ashton and Craig refuse to acknowledge any physical attraction for Sinclair. They reject her, and she believes they’ve chosen another woman in her stead.

Devastated, her plan in shambles, Sinclair leaves, unable to imagine the men she loves with another. Shocked into revealing their true feelings, the brothers pick up her trail and capture Sinclair, bringing her home into their love and their hearts, where she belongs. 



 EXCERPT


Dear Ashton and Craig,
First let me tell you how sorry and embarrassed I am to have burdened you with my unreciprocated feelings this morning. I take full responsibility for misinterpreting anything. It will be impossible for me to stay here and complete my practicum, given your future plans—I apologize for eavesdropping, too—so I thought it best to move on.

Thank you for all you have done for me, especially since your parents died. I can never hope to repay you but offer my most sincere wishes and hopes for your future happiness.
Candy is giving me a ride, and I will keep in touch with her. Please do not worry.
All the very best from your foster sister, S

Ash’s fingers folded in on themselves to make a tight fist, the paper crushing with a rustle and crumpling sound. Not bothering to sort out the cacophony of emotions rolling over him—if he could even label any of them—he turned to Craig. “Get in the fucking truck. And find Candy’s number.”

 They shouldered through the front door and across the veranda, the old wooden boards shuddering beneath their feet. Craig tossed the remnants of his sandwich out onto the dirt, and the two yard dogs were on it in a heartbeat, their growls mimicking the ones emanating from his own mouth. His brother shook the car keys, a muted jangle, before stuffing them in his pocket.

Neither one of them spoke as they clambered into the truck and Ash turned the motor over with an unnecessary stomp of the accelerator. With a flourish of spraying dirt and gravel, he wheeled onto the road fronting their property and barreled up it toward town.

“I fucking lived for those holidays when she came home from school. Lived for them. I missed the living shit out of that girl. And those phone calls, having to be careful with what I had to say, hating it when she said goodbye. Each and every fucking time.  Even got up early to check my goddamn email so I could figure out what to write when I replied so she didn’t think I was stepping outside of my brotherly role. Shit!” It was high time he was honest. It was high time he was honest. He didn’t view Sinclair as his sister in any shape or form, and people who viewed ménage as kinky and wrong could go fuck themselves.

 Craig was fussing with his phone, but Ash could feel the waves of emotion coming off him, not to mention the muttering under his breath that spoke to finding a certain little hoyden and teaching her what was what. His brother was obviously way ahead of him. Then a feminine voice filled the cab. Speakerphone.

“Hello! Candy here.”

“It’s Craig Russell. Where is Sinclair?”

After a short pause, Candy replied, “Why, Craig, honey. Did you misplace someone? Someone of importance, perhaps?” The sweet venom in the woman’s voice sent a chill down Ash’s spine. Women were so good at innuendo, although Sinclair didn’t play games.

“Candy, I’m asking this once, and then we’re coming to your shop and making you wish we hadn’t.”

“And you think my daddy and my brothers would appreciate that, Mr. Russell?”

The cab echoed with Craig’s breath as it gusted forth, and he sucked another one in. 

“Candy, I don’t give a shit if the army appreciates it or not. Sinclair is not running away from us. Where is she?”

Now with a hint of amusement coloring her tone, Candy said, “You figured it out?”

“I did. We did.” Craig’s jaw was set hard, and Ash knew it mirrored his own.

“Almost there,” he murmured.

“Don’t bother, Ashton.” Candy spoke quietly. “You keep straight on and follow that Greyhound. Sinclair will be transferring at the next town if she’s gonna make Canada.”

“Canada!” Ash shouted, despite himself. “What the fuck’s in Canada?”

“Don’t know, other than it’s away from you two. Who broke her heart and then ground her pride into the dust. And with Melinda Roberts of all things.”

Ash didn’t think calling Melinda a thing was a grammatical error on Candy’s part, but he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he indulged in a quick connect-the-dots moment and recalled the earlier conversation and Sinclair’s penchant for eavesdropping. Their little wench thought he and Craig were going to take up with the bitch again. He groaned.

“Melinda has nothing to do with this—or us,” his brother interjected, clearly having put two and two together as well.

“On your honor?”

“Honor,” they chorused.

“Then good luck. I won’t call her to warn her. And you make it good or I’ll have lost my best friend, snitching on her. You understand me?” Candy’s voice cracked, and despite his fury with her for aiding and abetting, Ash reassured her.

“You don’t have to worry, Candy. Swear.” Whoever ended up with that little blonde spitfire was going to be led a merry dance, and Ash hoped he could help out with some of the steps.

She clicked off on what sounded suspiciously like a sob, and he risked a quick glance at Craig, who shook his head. “Don’t know, Ash. I’ll never understand women. Except in the bedroom. Now there I excel, if I don’t sound immodest.”

Knowing the direction to Sinclair, Ash’s spirits lifted a tad, and he forced a brotherly response. “You learned from the best.”

“Not everything.”

Sobering, Ash said, “It’s gonna take us both to convince Sinclair.”

WHERE TO BUY



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Allyson lives in cottage country, Manitoba, Canada with her husband of many years and numerous pets. She has written for many years and after reading an erotic romance, quite by mistake, decided to try her hand at penning one.

 

She has now published three series and several stand alones in contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy and suspense genres. 


 

Allyson will write until whatever is inside is satisfied, until the heroes man up and the heroines get what they deserves. Love isn't always sweet, and Allyson favours the darker side of romance.


 

A note from Ally- 


 

I write whenever the mood strikes me, sometimes in the middle of the night when I'm awake and thinking in the dark. I hear others speak about their lives and relationships, and am inspired to recreate their dreams and passions in my characters. I can write for hours at a time, quite lost in the story. I haul out the little book I carry with me at all times to jot down ideas whether in the grocery store or when I'm out walking with my dogs.  


 

There is always the flavour of the dominant male in everything I write but the women are ultimately loved and cherished, no matter that love is sometimes quite blind.  I so enjoy hearing from readers and an email to will always get a response: allysonyoung45@gmail.com

 

http://www.allysonyoung.com/



 

06 November 2014

The Bound Series by J.R. Gray



Hi J.R.!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly!  

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

I don’t so much dream them up as they come easily to me. I make a character outline based on their history and then they start to become so real when they interact with each other it flows and I don’t have to think about it much. They take on a mind of their own.

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

I use tons of real life in my books. I use character traits and little quirks I see in people and even bits of conversations. Jesse’s famous OCD and graph paper usage come from a real person I know. I always get comments about him. 

Q) What are your upcoming projects?

I have a free Christmas story that will be out in December which takes place right at the end of Breach of Contract. Legally Bound Three: Damages Incurred, which I’ll be writing this month, and Ever So Madly which is different for me as it’s a straight Sci-Fi book. I am finishing that up now. 


Breach of Contract

Bound, 2
With the legal trouble behind them, Daniel Caplin and Rafael Argon are ready to settle into a low-key D/s relationship, but life is unrelenting, when blackmail shatters their illusion of happily ever after. Pictures from one of the Rafael’s public scenes instill fear into his new submissive, Daniel, acting as a wedge driving the new couple apart. 

The building peril in George’s community weighs heavy on his shoulders as he struggles to find the culprit—all while hiding his feelings for his new house guest. Jesse is torn between ending his marriage, picking up a rebound he should have left fifteen years in the past, and the dangling carrot of a possible relationship with a man. He is forced to fight for what he wants most, a leap he may be too chicken to take. 

In the sequel to Legally Bound, George battles to take down an unknown enemy, while watching helplessly as those he cares for are broken beyond repair. Can Rafael and Daniel rebuild their trust after it's broken with lies? Can George hold it together as Jesse is ripped from his life? 
Be Warned: BDSM, m/m sex, paddling, caning, cock cages, public exhibition

 Excerpt:
The back elevator dinged as he approached, and the doors slid back to reveal Jesse's face. He had circles under his eyes and worry lines in his forehead. Two fingers held a garment bag over one shoulder and a duffle over his other.

“Is it still okay if I stay?” He put a smile on his lips that George knew was fake.

“But of course. Let me help you.” George approached him and tried to take the bag, but Jesse didn’t move to hand it over.

“I’ve got it.”

“Don’t be absurd. I would have a slave do it, but he’s rather tied up at the moment.”

The statement earned a chuckle out of Jesse, and he gave up the bag. Even hurt Jesse had a light in his blue eyes and his heart on his sleeve, a trait that made him wholly unique compared to the masks most wore to impress George. “I can stay on the sofa or something if the slaves use the guest rooms.”

George laughed and turned his back to stalk down the hall. When he didn’t hear Jesse following, he cast a glance over his shoulder. “Slaves in bed … how naive you really are, handsome.”

Jesse started after him, brow creased. “Where do they sleep then?” He caught up and followed George to the other side of the penthouse.

He realized Jesse was serious, and he laughed throatily again. “I have cages for them.” 



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Bound, 1
The last thing Daniel, a hard-working public defender, expected to see the morning after a one night stand was his hook-up staring back at him from the wrong side of the law. Assigned to work his case, Daniel vows to keep things professional with Rafael but has a hard time controlling his craving for dominance, the control, and the connection they shared. Rafael, a paid Dominant in the Chicago underworld, has been dealing with a cop problem for far too long. Used to sex with no emotion, he’s entranced with Daniel’s submission, his innocence, and…could there be something more? Can Daniel clear Rafael's name, keeping him out of jail and in his life, with the odds, a cop, and the mounting evidence against them? 
Be Warned: m/m sex, BDSM, branding, flogging, caning, whipping

Excerpt:
“Oh shit,” he said too loudly, drawing the attention of the bailiff. He waved her off, muttering, “Nothing.”

“What?” Jesse hissed.

“I fucked one of our cases last night,” Daniel admitted, knowing he would get it out of him one way or another. There was no point fighting his partner’s excellent extraction skills.

“Which one?” Jesse asked, looking over his shoulder, way too amused.

He tried to nod subtly to one of the prisoners.

“You have to give me more than that.” Jesse stood up and blatantly turned around to study the men sitting in the rows behind them.

Stiffening in his seat, Daniel tried to keep his back to the man he had seen every naked inch of, as well as had his tongue buried inside of, till the early hours of the morning.

“Dark hair, six feet plus, green eyes.” He tried to speak out of the corner of his mouth so no one could read his lips.

“The one with the sleeve tattoo and the huge arms?” Jesse asked.

“Yeah,” he answered in a low, sheepish voice.

“I knew it was that one. You so have a type.” Jesse flipped back around to take his seat once more. He instantly went for the files, lifting up folders and setting the large stack right in front of him.

“What are you doing?” Daniel kept looking over his shoulder to see if the guy showed any signs of recognition.

“What’s his name?” He didn’t look up from the stack of files as he spoke.

“Rafael,” he whispered as his face flushed just saying his name. “What are you doing?”

“Figuring out what your lay did,” Jesse said, positively glowing by now.

“I really hate you,” he responded, pulling at his tie and trying to loosen it.

“You’ll thank me later.” Jesse hummed, plucking out the file and flipping it open. “Oh, hot damn, you picked a good one.”

Daniel snatched the file out of his partner’s hands, his eyes going wide. Life just got a little more interesting.
All through the arraignment hearing, he found it hard to keep his mind off the previous night spent at Rafael’s apartment. They’d had an instant connection. He groaned to himself as it became increasingly hard to focus.

“Do you think he did it?”
 
“Who knows, but how many innocent men do we represent?”Daniel’s stomach knotted. He didn’t want the allegations to be true.

WHERE TO BUY:   http://www.evernightpublishing.com/legally-bound-by-j-r-gray/

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Author Bio/Links:
When not staying up all night writing, J.R Gray can be found basking in the warm glow of the Miami sun, or at the gym where it's half assumed Gray is a permanent resident. A dominant, pilot, and sword fighting enthusiast, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. Gray frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns, to jot down nonsense. The bane of Gray's existence are commas, and even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder.

If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The build up of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave or possibly a mental institution where the tales would end up on the walls in crayon and finger paint.

JRGrayBooks.com

twitter.com/theoriginalgray

twitter.com/booksbygray

facebook.com/GrayBooks

booksbygray.tumblr.com
 

05 November 2014

Jessica Coulter Smith & "His Perfect Match"


Hello Jessica!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today! What a beautiful cover!


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

Kate’s character is based a little off me, actually. In the story, she’s so blind that she can barely see, to the point that glasses wouldn’t have helped her any. My vision, without my glasses, is exactly the same as Kate’s. Unless someone practically sticks their nose to mine, I can’t see their facial features if I’m not wearing my glasses. So I just imagined what it would be like to be in the 1890’s without a pair of glasses, left alone in a male dominated world where a woman’s only option was marriage.

Alec’s character kind of grew as the story progressed. I didn’t know much about him when I started out, other than he was an English lord visiting America with his family. I knew I needed to put him in a difficult position, between choosing his duty or choosing love, but the details didn’t really fall into place until I started writing.

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

I brew a pot of coffee, figure out which song (or songs) are speaking to me and loop them, then settle into my favorite corner of the sofa with my laptop. Usually Binx, my cat, is either sleeping on my chest (which makes typing interesting) or he’s stretched out beside me with his head in my lap. If I can’t find a song that’s talking to me, I’ll put on a romantic comedy to listen to in the background while I write. Although, I’ve found the TV to be rather distracting so I try not to do that too often.

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

Bits and pieces of either myself or the people around me, certain character traits mostly, find their way into my characters. Sometimes, I’ll overhear a story that’s hilarious or gets me thinking and it sparks an idea for a story, but so far none of my stories have been based off real life events. Just the people in my life.

BLURB 

 
Kate Witten has never believed in love at first sight, or in Kate’s case, love at first touch. But from the moment they touch, Kate Witten knows there's no other man for her than Alec Westbrooke, Earl of Lynox. How can she help but succumb to moment's passion when faced with such a man? But there are consequences for their one night of bliss, and Kate is determined to handle things on her own. When she disappears from Charlotte, NC, Alec tears the city apart, searching for the only woman to ever hold his heart. When he finds her, he finds more than he bargained for. Will his responsibilities to his family weigh heavy on him? Or will he give everything up for the woman he loves?



EXCERPT

“I wanted you to myself for a while,” he said.
“Alec, I… I can’t imagine why you would want to spend time with me. There’s nothing special about me.”
He urged her to sit and then sat beside her. “I beg to differ. The moment I saw you, I knew you were special. Can’t you feel it? There’s something between us.”
“Please don’t say things like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because… you’re a lord and I’m…”
“My being a lord has nothing to do with this,” he interrupted. “There’s an attraction between us. You can’t deny it.”
“No,” she said softly. “I can’t deny it.”
He reached out and caressed her cheek. “How close does someone have to be before you can see them?”
Her lips tipped up in a smile. “Our noses would practically have to touch before I could see you clearly and, even then, I couldn’t make out as much detail as most people.”
He slowly moved closer, giving her time to pull away, but she didn’t want to. She knew that she should, but she found that she was fascinated by him. He came closer, close enough that she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin. Small details came into focus. She noticed his eyes were blue, laugh lines crinkling the corners. Lines bracketed his mouth, telling her that he smiled frequently. His lips were full and she wondered what they would feel like pressed against hers. A blush heated her cheeks as she stared into his eyes.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.
“No, I’m not. I’m plain, ordinary.”
His thumb smoothed over her cheekbone. “Darling, you could never be plain.”
“Alec…” Before she could finish her sentence, he kissed her, his lips gently pressing against hers. It was the first time she’d ever been kissed, and it was everything she’d ever dreamed of. Her heart was racing as she slid her palms over his chest. Even through his shirt and jacket, she could feel his heart beating, nearly as fast as hers.
He placed his other hand at her waist and pulled her closer. Their bodies pressed together, she’d never felt so close to someone before. His lips moved softly against hers and she responded. It felt strange and yet so very right. Her body was warming from the inside out. She didn’t understand what she was feeling, but she wasn’t ready to stop kissing Alec.
“What is going on?” a voice demanded from the doorway.
She gasped and tried to pull away, but Alec held her tight.
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with, Charles,” Alec responded.
“Damn it, Alec. We talked about this.”
Alec kissed her forehead and rose. He walked across the room and faced his brother. “No, brother. You talked about this. I listened, but it doesn’t mean I agree with it. I’ll not marry someone just to line my pockets.”
So that was it, then. He had to marry for money. She had a decent monthly stipend, and her parents had set aside a small dowry for her, but it wouldn’t be near enough for a man who needed money. She’d known from the start not to look at any of Charles’s brothers, but she had hoped—the moment Alec’s lips had touched hers, she’d hoped that maybe things could work between them. But now it seemed that wasn’t to be.
She stood on shaky legs and walked toward them. “Please, don’t fight. Not over me. It… it won’t happen again, Charles. I’m sorry.”
Charles placed a hand on her shoulder. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I blame my brother, not you. He needs to find a wife with a hefty dowry, and well he knows it, and yet I find him toying with you.”
“I wasn’t toying with her!”
Kate slipped past them as they began to argue again. Hurrying down the hall, she escaped out the side door into the garden. Once outside, she breathed deeply, taking in the scents of roses, jasmine, and lilacs. The air was cleansing and made her feel a little better. Her senses were still reeling from the kiss she’d shared with Alec, but her thoughts were clouded by the argument he’d had with Charles. If he truly needed someone wealthy for a wife, then that left her out, no matter how magical their kiss might have been.
If she didn’t know better, she’d say that she was already falling for Alec, but that was ridiculous. They’d just met! But hadn’t that been how her parents had fallen in love? Her mother had once told her that she’d known the moment she saw Kate’s father that they were meant to be together. Kate didn’t have the benefit of sight, but she’d known from that first touch that there was something special about Alec.
She sat on a stone bench near a flowering bush and tilted her face toward the sun.



 WHERE TO BUY

 http://www.bookstrand.com/his-perfect-match

 

AUTHOR BIO
What happens when you get two artist romantics together? An impulsive marriage proprosal – and a woman who says yes (on the first date)!  While Jessica’s husband may not have intended for the words “marry me” to pop out on their first date, she surprised him even more by saying yes! That was over 14 years ago and they’re hoping for many more years together.

Jessica Coulter Smith began writing at an early age, but it wasn’t until 2008 that someone convinced her to have one of her stories published. When she received her acceptance letter in August 2008, it set her on an incredible journey, one she hopes will never end. In 2010, she decided to stay home with the kids and write full-time. It’s a decision she hasn’t regretted, and one that will hopefully result in many more stories to come.

Jessica loves to interact with her readers on Facebook and Twitter! But if you send her a friend request, be prepared for cute kitty pictures and kids getting into mischief, as well as updates on her writing.
Visit her website: http://www.jessicacoultersmith.com
Email her: jessicacoultersmith@yahoo.com

02 November 2014

L.D. Blakeley Visits with her Two Hunky Heroes!



Hello! Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today! 

Thanks so much for having me (and the boys, of course) over for a chat!

Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
I liked the idea of two men who were not only polar opposites to each other but who were, deep down, quite different from how the public saw them. For me, personally, I find timid nervousness absolutely endearing. And, at the same time, I’ve totally been attracted to a take-charge, almost cocky personality. So, in my mind, if I could be attracted to two men like this, then I figured they'd totally hit it off if I were to put them together! 

Q) Do you have any habits that get you in the writing frame of mind?
Coffee helps. But, then, coffee helps pretty much everything, doesn’t it? I used to have a 9 to 5 where the bulk of my routine involved editing, so there are also times where a cheeky glass of red helps me turn off that editor’s voice and lets me just write… errors be damned!

Q) How much real life do you put into or influences your books?
Much to everyone’s chagrin, I’m constantly jotting things down that happen in real life –mainly because I have a memory like a sieve. I have notes on my phone and in a tattered book in my purse with descriptions of charming places, entertaining events, and even just faces I find particularly appealing. People are fascinating and, often, the things we say and do in real life are far and beyond anything you could try making up. And sometimes things just happen that you couldn’t have written if you tried… those are the best things to take note of for later use ;-)




BLURB

Agonizingly shy Emory North has his life mapped out for him: finish his business degree, go to work for his father, and one day take over as CEO of North Star Publishing. More at home amongst stacks of books, Emory has little to no interest in his lot as ‘North Jr.’, but has never had the courage to follow his true passion—writing.
 
Brash and ballsy Bryce Palmer, editor-in-chief of ECLIPSE magazine is known for bedding and discarding PAs like yesterday’s newspaper. He’s up against a serious deadline and down two staff members. And the last thing he has time for is babysitting the spoiled rich son of a CEO. But when Pierce Barclay North insists now is the time for his heir apparent to get his feet wet in the company waters, Palmer's hands are tied.

But looks can be deceiving. And, sometimes, passion can spark in the most unlikely of places...



EXCERPT

By 6:30 Monday morning, Emory sat at his desk nursing a steaming hot cup of strong, black coffee. It was far earlier than he should rightfully be at the office. But his internal monologue was making him crazy and he’d hoped work might, at least, distract him from the situation. Torn between anger — at Bryce for his wrongful intrusion — and mortification — also directed at Bryce (but more at himself) for that stolen kiss — Emory was fit to be tied. Did he confront Bryce about the email and risk his ire? Or should he avoid both subjects entirely? Emory knew his father would give him some variation of the I Assumed As Much speech, if Bryce were to fire him. Would he, though? Would Bryce fire him for last night’s indiscretion? He’d seemed well enough into it at first. So maybe Emory could call him out on the manuscript without risk of being upbraided like a child for the kiss — or worse, fired.

Before he had time to become completely unhinged with his thoughts, they were interrupted with the arrival of their main source of strife.

“Morning,” was all Bryce muttered as he breezed past Emory’s desk and into his office.

Seriously? That’s it? Emory was at a complete loss. Now what? Act like nothing out of the ordinary happened Friday and he hadn’t spent the entire weekend fretting? March into Bryce’s office and demand an explanation for the email? Before he was able to decide one way or the other, his phone lit up — Bryce’s extension.

“Emory speaking,” he finally managed after picking up the phone and hesitantly clearing his throat.

“I should hope so — I did dial your number.”

“Oh, um.”

Bryce sighed and Emory was positive there had been an accompanying eye roll. “Are we back to nervous monosyllables again?”

“No, I…” Emory heard Bryce chuckle before he could manage to spit out the rest of his sentence.

“Would you please come into my office, Emory?” This was it. He was about to be tossed out on his ass and onto a pile of jilted former PAs… and he hadn’t even managed more than a drunken kiss!

“You wanted to see me?” Emory stood in the doorway of Bryce’s office, not entirely sure what to do or say. A million things came to mind: curse the man out for taking his story; apologize for his behaviour after the gala; kiss him one more time just to see if it was as scorching hot as he remembered. He chose none of the above and timidly avoided eye contact.

“Would you please come in?” Bryce appeared to be finishing up an email, his fingers flying across his keyboard. “Shut the door behind you and have a seat.”

Emory did as he was told and sat facing Bryce. Before he could change his mind, he managed to muster up more temerity than he’d ever thought possible, and spat out “I’msorryaboutFridaynight,” as though it were all one single word.

“Sorry about… what, exactly?” Emory was surprised to see a smile on Bryce’s handsome face.

“The wine?” Emory started worrying at his thumbnail once again.

“I didn’t mind the wine, to be quite honest. Made you much more… conversational.” And didn’t that sound laced with… undertones. Emory could feel his face burning.

“But that wasn’t what I wanted to discuss.” And there it was. Emory braced himself. 





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A pragmatist with a romantic soul & a dirty mind, L.D. is a fan of horror movies, hot sex, and Happily Ever Afters. Easily distracted by shiny things, she’s a slightly neurotic, highly ambitious dreamer who enjoys dabbling in photography & pretending she can carry a tune. 

In another life, L.D. was a newspaper reporter, an entertainment & music writer, travel writer, website content editor, and a marketing shill. Now she prefers to spend her time writing hot, steamy fiction (with a healthy dose of romance) about intriguing, sexy men. Of course, whether these pretty boys end up between the sheets with other gorgeous lads or up against a wall with a spicy and spirited heroine, all depends on which direction her imagination takes her on any given day.

Although she dreams of living some place isolated with an endless supply of wine and an infinite number of titles on her eReader, she currently lives in down-town Toronto with her husband and their rock star cat.
You can find her online pretty much everywhere: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Goodreads, her blog, and her official website.