I want to wish everyone a very happy new year!  I'm especially looking forward to this year because I plan to have more books being released in 2011... So watch for them!

~Phyllis~

There's only one other thing I like as much as a book contract...and that's getting my book cover!  I am totally over the moon with this one from my newest publisher. I believe I have found my home everyone! Dark Castle Lords Publication know my mind and what I want in a book cover. I'm totally in LOVE with my cover!!  Annie Marshall did a WONDERFUL job. THANK YOU!!  And, Jimmy Thomas - the model - made it mouth-watering YUMMY!!! I wish I knew who the woman model was because I'd thank her, too.


Revenge and passion come together as Cecily Lawrence attempts to make right the scandal that ruined her six years ago. Garrett Hastings, Earl of Blackmore, may not have taken her virginity that night they secretly met in the greenhouse, but being caught in an intimate embrace with the rogue definitely ruined her for any other man. Now, on his wedding day, she is determined to kidnap him but make it look like he’s running out on his own marriage to be with his mistress.


Garrett must marry Lady Fairbourne or else his grandmother will cut him out of her will and take away his funds. Although there’s only been one woman who made his heart flutter – Miss Cecily Lawrence – he knows joining the Fairbourne family will secure his trust fund. But when he’s kidnapped and realizes Cecily is the one who abducted him – and discovers the real story behind the scandal six years ago – his plans change drastically.

 
~Phyllis~

I just signed a contract with Dark Castle Lord Publications today for my short story, A Scandal To Remember. I can't wait to get my book cover. This is a great publisher for yummy book covers. (grins)

Here's the blurb to my story:

Revenge and passion come together as Cecily Lawrence attempts to make right the scandal that ruined her six years ago. Garrett Hastings, Earl of Blackmore, may not have taken her virginity that night they secretly met in the greenhouse, but being caught in an intimate embrace with the rogue definitely ruined her for any other man. Now, on his wedding day, she is determined to kidnap him but make it look like he’s running out on his own marriage to be with his mistress.


Garrett must marry Lady Fairbourne or else his grandmother will cut him out of her will and take away his funds. Although there’s only been one woman who made his heart flutter – Miss Cecily Lawrence – he knows joining the Fairbourne family will secure his trust fund. But when he’s kidnapped and realizes Cecily is the one who abducted him – and discovers the real story behind the scandal six years ago – his plans change drastically.

I thought I'd try something different and interview a hero I just met a week ago. Deputy Marshal Richard Bennick made my heart melt from the first time I heard him speak. Now I want you all to experience that. Richard Bennick is from the story, "Lost Hearts" from author Kathy Otten. (available Nov 12th at The Wild Rose Press) 



PC: Richard, can you tell us a little about your childhood? Where did you grow up, and what was your family like?


RB: My parents had a farm in Raymond, New Hampshire. They were good, God-fearing Christian people. My brother, James, and I were happy. We went to school and helped our father on the farm. James is four years older than me, and I followed him everywhere. We were close until the war then James grew distant. Or maybe it was me.


PC: What made you go into law enforcement? Being a Deputy Marshal sounds like a very exciting profession. Do you love your job?


RB: I never planned to be a deputy marshal. The war happened and James enlisted. Then our parents were killed in a wagon accident on their way home from town. I was fifteen and a crack shot, so I lied about my age and joined up with Berdan’s Sharpshooters. After the war, James couldn’t stay; he was too restless. So we sold the farm and headed to Texas. For a while we rounded up cattle scattered because of the war. I wasn’t much good with only one arm so I went back to what I knew. Instead of hunting Rebs, I hunted train robbers for the Texas and Pacific Railway. Seven years later I heard Judge Parker was looking to hire two hundred deputies to patrol Indian Territory. Seemed like a good idea, riding out alone away from people. I don’t love the job, but I know how to do it.


PC: Richard, tell us how you lost your arm.

RB: I was wounded when I was seventeen, during the Battle of the Wilderness in May of sixty-four. I woke up and my arm was gone. Doctors took off arms and legs for three days and nights. God, I hate maggots. And don't ask me anymore about it, cause I don't remember.

 
PC: Richard, I have to tell you, the more I get to know you, and because of what I've read about you in "Lost Hearts", I have an image of Goran Visnjic in my mind. Do you think you look like this?

RB: Goran is better looking than me - he looks more like my brother. And Goran looks like he sleeps better than me.


PC: Oh, now Richard, don't be modest. I happen to think you and Goran could be twins!  So tell me, when you first met Johnny, what did you think of the little bugger?


RB: Those eyes—they sucked me in from the first. She has this amazing ability to accept what can’t be changed—even me. She’s never once judged me or tried to fix me, or tried to rationalize away my moments of...crazy. And she’s so feisty she makes me laugh, when I never thought I could.


PC: What was it like being attracted to an outlaw? I bet you were one confused man.


RB: Johnny doesn’t confuse me, she scares me. She’s an outlaw accused of robbery and murder. I have a warrant and a sworn duty to see her brought to justice. But when I’m with her the lines are so blurred I can’t tell right from wrong, sanity from insanity. I’m terrified I’ll cross over one of those lines and not even know.


PC: Is there something about you that most people don’t know?


RB: I’m not close to anyone. I try to keep my distance, but I see the people watching me, judging me—that crazy deputy with one arm. They know nothing about me. They don’t want to know, not really. They’re just waiting for me to fall apart, and I don’t want to be their entertainment.


PC: What is your greatest strength?


RB: Johnny


PC: What is your greatest weakness?


RB: That black hole inside me. The dark abyss of insanity which sucks up time and memory. I can see it at the bottom of a slope so slippery I know that one day I’ll slide into and just disappear.


PC: So Richard, tell me – have you been lucky in love?

RB: Lucky? I’ve never been too lucky. My parents were happy together, and James found someone. But I figure I need a good woman. A church going woman, who is innocent and pure, someone who can balance out the… Well, that evil inside me.


PC: Are you a family man, Richard? Do you see a wife and family in your future?


RB: Once upon a time when I was a boy, I thought that’s how my life would be. Maybe sometime I’ll marry that perfect woman, but for now, making it through today is enough.


But Johnny, now she deserves that--a family for her to love and to be loved by. If somehow I can give her that, then I’ll be happy.


Richard, Kathy Otten, and I hope you run to The Wild Rose Press and order her book. It's definitely a great read!


~Phyllis~

Margaret Tanner wants to thank everyone who popped in and left a comment. Margaret said she used her husband's bowl hat (one he hasn't taken off his head since they won the finals) put everyone's name in and she picked a winner. The winner of the free download of her story - Reluctant Father - is.... (drum roll)....

Llona Fridl!!!  Congrats!

Thanks again, Margaret for being my guest!

I want to give a big welcome to my friend, Margaret Tanner!  Margaret, welcome to my blog and thanks for agreeing to let me interview you.


Hi Phyllis, thank you for inviting me to your blog, it has been a pleasure visiting with you. I will award an e-copy of Reluctant Father to one lucky person who leaves a comment.




 Tell us about Margaret Tanner and how you first started writing.

I think have always been a writer. I must have been born with a pen in my hand. The first thing I can remember writing is poetry when I was seven or eight. Sad pathetic little ditties they were too. Then I graduated to short stories and won quite a few competitions. I remember one short story competition I won where the first prize was a stack of singlets and underpants. My Dad and brother were very happy.


After having a few short stories published in newspapers and magazines, a friend introduced me to romance novels. Well, I was hooked. Absolutely addicted. My husband worked nightshift and I spent a lot of time alone, so I read and read. Then I had a light bulb moment. I can write this kind of stuff and I did.

Took me about twenty years of rejection, heartache and revisions to refine my craft enough to get published. My 10th novel, Reluctant Father was recently released by The Wild Rose Press.

Twenty years? Well, I'm glad to know there is someone like me out there. It took me fifteen years. lol  Is there a book that changed your life or made you want to become a writer?

The book or books that stick in my mind was a series of books by an Australian author Mary Grant Bruce. They are known as the Billabong books and were set from the 1890’s through to about 1916. There must have been about 10 books in all. They were about the trials and tribulations of a brother and sister who lived on a cattle station/ranch. Starting out when they were children until they grew up and the brother went off to fight in the 1st World War.

Those stories sound VERY interesting!! If you can go back in time, where would you go?

The American Wild West. I have been a sucker for Cowboys and Westerns for years.

I'm a sucker right along with you, then! (grins) What is your favorite thing about yourself?

My honesty.

I love that answer!! You have so many books out, which is a huge accomplishment, but do you have a favorite? If so, why.

I love all my books, but my favourite would be, Holly And The Millionaire, my one and only published contemporary romance. It might seem strange because I call myself an historical writer, but somehow Holly got under my skin and stayed there. She was a gutsy little fighter whose soldier husband was killed in Iraq and left her with a toddler to support. She didn’t let being dealt a bum hand in the game of life defeat her.


Once again, Margaret, we are a lot a like. I love historical, but some of my favorites are my Contemporaries as well. So what inspired you to write RELUCTANT FATHER?

I really don’t know, it just came to me. It started out as a contemporary romance, but the situations in the story seemed to fit the 1960’s better. And, at the risk of revealing my age, that was my time. The Vietnam War, anti-war demonstrations, mini-skirts (I had good legs in those days), stilettos (and I have the bunions to prove it). They always say you should write what you know. Well, I knew the sixties very well.

This sounds very different from what I've read. Please, tell us about your story.

The heroine in Reluctant Father is Sarah Watson. She is the daughter of an elderly Minister of Religion and loves her bay side home with a passion. She longs to fall in love and have lots of babies, but time is running out for her as she has gynaecological problems that could eventually stop her from conceiving children.


The hero is Jordan Stamford, who owns a building and construction empire. He doesn’t believe in love and lives by the motto “money can buy anything, and everyone has their price.” He comes to Sarah’s bay side home intent on redeveloping it. But Jordan has a dark secret. Because of his tragic childhood he believes he is allergic to children and would reject any that he sired.

Sarah and Jordan are good people but they are so diametrically opposed to each other’s lifestyles, it is an exciting and sometimes traumatic journey for them to get together and live happily ever after.

Margaret, where can readers contact you?

My website: http://www.margarettanner.com/

My publishers are:


The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/margaret-tanner-m-281.html

Whiskey Creek Press http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/

SEXY EXCERPT:


Outside, the black velvet night sky was dotted with millions of twinkling stars, and a fat moon dangled over the ragged coastline. Taking Jordan’s hand, Sarah led him down into the deepest, darkest depth of their garden, where an old trellis walkway had partially collapsed under the weight of honeysuckle and jasmine. Her father hadn’t bothered pruning down here in years. Situated near the back fence, they could hear the waves pounding against the rocks below.

“A little love nest for us,” she whispered, catching hold of his hand, and using her shoulder to clear a path for them. Spreading the blanket on the ground, she sank to her knees, bringing him down with her.


“God, Sarah,” Jordan groaned, burying his face in her throat before taking her lips with a desperate, wanting kiss. They had been deprived of each other for too long, but now their exile was broken. Like a torrent, passion flowed between them as uncontrollable as the wild surf dashing against the cliffs.

His tongue explored her mouth, wanting, taking, tasting all her sweetness but still not satisfied. They knelt on the blanket, clasped together so closely it proved almost impossible to breathe. Jordan feathered kisses on her eyelids, along her jaw, and his tongue started exploring her ear with exquisite darting flicks. He withdrew a little so he could pull her T-shirt over her head, and then his hands worked frantically at her bra.


He groaned, cupping her breasts together so he could suckle both nipples at once. With shaking fingers she undid the buttons on his shirt, eagerly pulling it away from his waistband. She needed to feel his bare skin against hers.


Together they swayed from side to side in a euphoric dance of love. His hard arousal thrust into her thigh, and it thrilled her to know she held such power over him. Perfume from the jasmine wafted on the warm night air, seducing them. It was so dark in their little love nest they could not see each other, relying merely on touch and smell.


Sarah felt Jordan’s breath on her throat as he groaned, “Yes, babe, yes,” when she fumbled with the buckle on his belt. She slid his zipper down and her excitement escalated when she felt the extent of his arousal. Gently she removed his velvet shaft. Cradling it between her fingers, she stroked it with the flat of her thumb so that it hardened even more.


Jordan gasped and groaned with pleasure. “Yes. Oh, God, yes.” He tugged at her jeans, rolling them down over her thighs so she could wriggle out of them, and then he slid her panties down, and his hand slipped between her thighs. His fingers parted the soft, quivering folds of flesh so he could work her until she was ready for him.


It was Sarah’s turn to moan with delight as he stroked her until she felt hot and moist, burning with a need only he could assuage.


“You like that, babe?”

“Yes, yes.” Her senses exploded with heat, her passion spiralling out of control.


“You’ll like this even better.” He rolled on top of her and thrust hard and deep, his shaft slipping easily into her deepest recesses. Her muscles contracted, holding him tight as they rocked together. Jordan brought her to the brink over and over again, until she reached the dizziest heights, the absolute pinnacle of desire and ecstasy. The shattering release when it came left his body slicked with perspiration.


“Jordan, I love you, love you.” Once again tears of emotion sprang to her eyes and flowed down her cheeks.




DAMN!! That was certainly a yummy excerpt! Thanks again Maragret for sharing yourself with us. I've gotten to know you better!

~Phyllis~

I want everyone to give a big hello to K.R. Bailey. I've known her for many years since we met at my RWA Chapter here in Utah. She's a wonderful person and such a good friend.  I've interviewed her, so take a minute and learn more about this awesome writer!




Phyllis: Tell us about yourself.


K.R.: I’m married to my best friend. We live in a rural area near Ogden, Utah, with our yellow lab, Max. I’m grandma to four wonderful grandchildren and another one is expected in August. It’s a little girl, and I’m really excited about the new baby.

I love the mountains and outdoors and every chance we get, we head to our cabin nestled in the shade of the tall aspen trees. My husband calls our mountain retreat, Evening Shade, because it’s shaded every afternoon and evening. We have hummingbirds galore, and I so enjoy watching the little birds flit about. Moose and elk wander in now and then, and we have a small deer that lives under our deck. It’s a wonderful place for us to get away. While my husband works outdoors around our cabin, I can spend my time writing. In fact, I’m at our cabin right now!

When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I’ve always been an avid reader. I love romance and suspense, but I’ll often pick up a western historical too.


Phyllis: Dang, woman! You married the kind of guy most romance writers want. (grins) What/who inspired you to become a writer?

K.R.: I can’t remember when I didn’t love writing. I started doing my own biography years ago. I used to do genealogy with my mother and wrote up historical information about my grandparents and parents. I’ve always kept a journal whenever I’ve traveled describing where I was, what I saw, and how I felt. For years I told my sister someday these journals would come in handy. I started my first novel over twenty-five years ago, but I never finished it. Instead, I got married and let my writing go. When I retired six years ago, I saw an ad for the Utah Chapter Romance Writers of America and told my husband I wanted to join. That got the writing fires going and I love it!


Phyllis: You're right there, K.R. Our RWA Chapter rocks! Describe the perfect day in your world.

K.R.: I start out my day slow as I’m not a morning person. I’ll read the newspaper and sit on our patio and visit with my husband as we enjoy the cool morning air. When he goes to do his chores, I retreat to my office and write. Perfection would be no interruptions for an entire afternoon, just me and my computer and chocolate! And to top it off, it’s always wonderful to be able to put the finishing touches on my last chapter and type “The End”. To make my day perfect, I’d not have to worry about cooking -- yuk! I hate to cook.


Phyllis: K.R. We are more alike than I first expected. I'm not a morning person, either. lol  You have two stories published …Can you tell us a little bit about them?

K.R.: I actually have three stories published. My first story, An Afternoon Tryst, is an erotic short story written under the penname Modeska Rose, and is available through http://www.thewilderroses.com/. My editor says it’s a wickedly naughty story but has a surprisingly delightful ending.

Sensual reads said: An Afternoon Tryst…Marissa and Norm are having problems in their marriage. Unsure how to fix it, Marissa begins an exciting affair with the handsome Cole. With a surprising twist, it actually does a lot to save the marriage. An Afternoon Tryst was a fantastic story. This was truly an enjoyable read.

My second story, My Guardian Angel, is a sweet romance and my first published under the name of K. R. Bailey. It’s available through http://www.thewildrosepress.com/. We lost my mom about eight years ago and I watched my Dad struggle with going on with his life after being married for over sixty years. When he met a lady friend and they started doing things together, they become my inspiration for the hero and heroine in My Guardian Angel. This is a sweet and touching romance where a widow and a widower find love, demonstrating that you are never too old for romance.

Long an Short Reviews said: My Guardian Angel is a touching story that definitely pulls at the heartstrings while entertaining the reader.

My story, Can You Trust A Cowboy? is a sensual story published with Bookstrand Publishing, and was just released in June. The story is based on a lady truck driver. My daughter is a truck driver and her boss says she’s one of the best. When she’d talk about driving, a story started dancing in my head, and she became my inspiration for Tricia Beaumont, the heroine in Can You Trust A Cowboy? She’s always been intrigued with cowboys and who isn’t? So my hero is a cowboy in tight jeans and a Stetson hat. We’ve always teased my daughter about taking over her father’s trucking business so I thought why not make Tricia a business owner as well.



Can You Trust A Cowboy? is my first try at writing romantic suspense. It’s full of spicy love scenes, a strong heroine, a handsome sexy hero, and a unique twist. Can Tricia learn to trust the man in the black Stetson amidst deception and half-truths when violence threatens to destroy her world?


Romance at Heart Magazine said: Can you Trust a Cowboy? has it all …Ms Bailey raises the stakes in Can You Trust A Cowboy? and ups the ante on love. This sassy, sexy tale is rife with suspense, innuendo and danger. If you love romantic suspense, this is a read you won’t want to miss.


Phyllis: Your stories sound awesome!  If you were stranded on an island for a week … which hero would you like to be stranded with?


K.R.: Gosh, I’d hate to have to pick just one. I’d be happy to be stranded with any one of them.


Norman Cole from An Afternoon Tryst is a kind, tender man who is willing to go outside of his comfort zone to keep the love of his woman. Wouldn’t we all love a man like that?


Joe Bailey from My Guardian Angel is a handsome older man with graying sideburns, a deep love for his family, and the desire to help and protect Emma as she struggles to get through the pain of losing her husband of over twenty years. My kind of hero.


Cowboy Wes from Can You Trust A Cowboy? is cocky and sexy, rich and handsome, and owns his own company. He’s part Sioux and his own man, willing to take a stand for what he wants in life. But he is also tender and loving, the kind of man who would make most any woman swoon.


Phyllis: Okay, so you got me there.  I wouldn't know which one to pick, either.  Does your family support your writing?


K.R.:  For the most part, my family has been supportive. I have to make sure I give my husband plenty of time in my life as we’ve always done most things together. If I get really involved in a story, he tends to feel a bit slighted, but he’s come to accept it’s something I want to do and in fact bought my mini computer just so I can take it with us camping, fishing, and to the cabin. That way, we go together, and he can do what he wants while I write. When I sold my first story, he was so cute about it. It was on my birthday and on my birthday cake he had them put congratulations on your book sale and made a point of letting everyone know how excited he was for me. My sister is probably my most avid fan. She reads everything (somethings more than once), gives me feedback, and is always encouraging me to keep writing. My daughter-in-law is always anxious to read anything I write and is probably my most active marketing person, taking fliers to work and letting everyone know when I have a new story out.



Phyllis: You are such a lucky girl to have that kind of support!  How can readers find your books and contact you?


K.R.: I have a web site: http://krbailey.com/

My blog is: http://krbailey.blogspot.com/

Both have links to where you can find my stories as well as contact information.

My e-mail is: AuthorKRBailey@live.com

My Guardian Angel is available through http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Can You Trust A Cowboy? is available at http://www.bookstrand.com/can-you-trust-a-cowboy

An Afternoon Tryst is available at http://www.thewilderroses.com/

　
Kathy Rochell

writing as K. R. Bailey