Vivian Vincent : Spotlight Author

Author Bio:
Ms. Vincent was born and raised in the great state of Michigan, where she’s remained a resident for her entire life and has worked in a local assembly plant for the past 15 years. She also enjoys reading, movies and listening to 80s tunes on her mp3 player when she’s not working or writing her next story.

Her work in erotic fiction only began a few years ago, but she’s always been a writer through works of poetry, blogging, fiction and as far back as the high school newspaper. She gets her inspiration from the people in her life, songs she hears on the radio or just her wild imagination.

She holds a distinction in the world of erotic romance as being one of the few authors who remains happily single. Her style comes from the passion, hunger and variety of always being able to call the shots on her own.

Blurb:
Taylor Stone, the former lead singer of a popular 80's rock band still carries a flame for her first love, Tommy. When she's attacked one night after a solo performance at a local bar, a stranger comes to her aid.

Tommy can't believe after nearly 20 years, he still feels such intense love for Taylor. Unable to hold a steady relationship, he's resolved to spend his life alone, that is until Taylor comes back into his life.

Can they pick up where they left off or has too much time passed between them?

Excerpt:
Flashback to 1989...

Taylor and the band arrived in New York City six days before their three concert dates at Madison Square Garden. Exhausted from a string of twelve cities in twelve days, they were all happy to have a few days to rest. Unknown to any of them, Lethal Weapon's first appearance at Madison Square Garden would be the last time the band appeared anywhere publicly again.

Leo, their manager, put them up in suites at The Plaza hotel. Taylor declined when the band asked if she wanted to do some sight-seeing. She opted instead for a long hot bubble bath and an early night.

After her bath she called her mother to let her know they'd made it to New York safely. When she finished the call, she crawled into the large bed and immediately drifted off to sleep.

When she woke the next morning, she felt rested and relaxed. Getting up to go to the window, she saw it was going to be a beautiful, sunny day. She dressed quickly and left a message for the other band members telling them she was going to go check out the city.

With Lethal Weapon still being relatively new to the concert circuit, not many people recognized her which suited Taylor just fine. She wanted to be a normal girl visiting New York City, taking in the sites. A few people had approached her asking for autographs and she was happy to oblige, but other than that, she went virtually unnoticed in the bustling city.

As she headed into Central Park, she spotted a hotdog vendor. Walking quickly, she reached in her pocket to count out money so she could grab herself a quick breakfast. She dropped a few of the bills on the ground in front of the vendor and bent to pick them up. At the same time, another hand came down to pick up the money also.

Snatching the bills up quickly, she brought herself upright and looked into the eyes of the man who she thought was trying to steal her money. She froze, unable to look away from the piercing blue eyes looking down into her brown ones.

"I--I--you--" she stammered. What the hell is happening to me? Taylor had never been tongue tied a day in her life.

"I'm Tommy," he said, reaching out his hand to her.

Her eyes still locked with his, she reached out to shake his hand. The simple touch of his hand caused her to blush profusely and a jolt of awareness to course through her veins.

"Taylor," she answered. Her heart was beating so loud, it felt as if it would pound right out of her chest. Tommy broke eye contact, ordered a dog for both of them, then handed her one.

"Nice to meet you," he said.

She was still staring up at him. What a hunk! He stood about six foot one with short, almost spiked, sandy blond hair and the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. She nodded at him, agreeing silently it was nice to meet him also.

"Let's sit over there." Tommy motioned to a bench behind her.

Taylor followed, unable to think or do much else. She sat on the bench looking down at the hotdog in her hand. She brought it to her lips and felt his gaze on her again. Taking a bite, she turned to look at him.

"What?" she asked.

"You're Taylor Stone." He flashed a wickedly sexy smile at her.

"Yeah. That's me." She broke eye contact with him and took a few more bites of her hotdog before she spoke again. "You know me, huh?"

"Oh yeah. I've been trying for months to get tickets to one of your shows at the Garden. They sold out pretty quick." Reaching up with his thumb, he wiped a blotch of mustard from the corner of her mouth. "Your first show's not 'til Thursday, you guys get here early to take in some sights?" He smiled devilishly at the rosy color in her cheeks when he put his finger in his mouth and licked the mustard off.

Author Links/Purchase Link:

Purchase link:
http://excessica.com/index.php/books/lost-and-found-by-vivian-vincent/

Vivian Vincent's website:
http://www.vivianvincent.2ya.com

Vivian Vincent at excessica:http://excessica.com/index.php/search-by-author/vivian-vincent/

Author Interview: DANA LITTLEJOHN

Author Interview by A.J. Llewellyn

1. Hi Dana and welcome to the Divas’ dark den…first of all I’d like to ask you about your Dioni Chronicles series. How did the idea come to you for this series and how many books do you envision being in it? I also believe it’s coming out in print soon. Is this correct?
Yes, The Dioni Chronicles will be in print later this year. It didn’t really start as a series. I came up with the idea from the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. I asked one of my friends if all the creatures did was fight and conquer to get to the next level. When he answered yes that kind of bugged me (don’t know why). So I decided if my nocturnal creatures had to fight they would have something to fight for. And, since there is nothing worth fighting for more than love, I turned it into a romance. After the first one was done people started asking me if I would write a story for other vampires in the pack.

2. You seem to enjoy writing contemporary romances as well as fantasy/paranormals…which are your favorite?
I like contemporaries best. The rules in the real world are already locked in place. When I do fantasy it becomes complicated trying to keep the rules of the world you create in order and kinda sorta realistic.

3. With such a prolific output, do you write every day? What is your writing routine like?
Oh yes, every day, without fail. Even if I only get an hour I still take that hour and put pen to paper…well, fingers to keyboard. My schedule is erratic at best. Some days I have more time to write than others because of my nine to five, but I am never too busy to improve on my craft or do what I love.

4. I read on your website that you were something of a poet when you were a small child. Can you share with us a sample of your youthful work?
Oh no! I left that hickory dickory dock stuff back there in the 80’s. LOL

5. Is it true you wrote your first sensual romance at the age of 7? LOL and what was the story about?
No, not 7! LOL Seventh grade! Geesh! I wasn’t thinking like that at 7, I shouldn’t have been thinking like that in the seventh grade! I can’t believe I’m telling you this. Keep this between us, AJ. I had a major crush on Zorro and had a dream that a mask man was running around kissing making love to all the girls in the neighborhood. I later found out what I thought was sex was not, at best it was something similar to dry humping, but what did I know? I was 12!

6. You’ve collaborated with our mutual friend Kendra Mei Chaiylin on the Cupid’s Arrow anthology. I was very intrigued by the time-travel theme of these stories. Did you enjoy the collaboration? How did you do the actual writing together?
I love doing that book. It was a lot of fun to write off another and collaborate on ideas. The concept was Kendra’s and she asked if I wanted to do two stories for it. I read the stories that she did to get an idea of what she wanted and wrote my own to complement hers.

7. What can we expect to see from the two of you coming up? And will there be any other pairings coming up for you?
We have been talking about doing a cop series for a while. It will be contemporary, but it will touch several sub genres…if it comes to past. It is up in the air.

8. You have some new books coming out this year, including The House through Whiskey Creek Press-Torrid, To Have and To Hold with Red Rose Publishing and Happy Feet coming at the end of the year with Phaze, I noticed. Congrats! Please tell me what is coming soon and a little about your forthcoming projects.
I did a story for Take Over Publishing for their version of the seven deadly sins called Street Vices. My story was for anger. I called it Blaze’s Black Widow. I am working on a Halloween, too, but it may be too late to send it somewhere to be published except Red Eclipse Writers.

9. I know you have a public appearance coming up with a book signing for the Street Vices anthology in Indianapolis during Black Expo weekend (July 17-19) at Circle Centre mall. Do you enjoy these public experiences and how have they been for you so far?
Unfortunately, the book signing at Circle Center is cancelled because I had to move to Kansas City, Missouri this summer. But on the up side, I am working on a book signing there for the end of the summer. I have done only two other signings and they have been really cool.

10. What is your greatest fear?
I really, really don’t like the water. Up to my waist is as far as I go.

11. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I may be a little too trusting. It has cost me to have a lot of pain and to make a few bad decisions.

12. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
When people don’t say what they mean and mean what they say.

13. Which living person do you most admire?
I really like Oprah. She has all this money and power and yet she makes it her business and thinks it’s really important to give back. I think that is awesome.

On behalf of Dark Diva Reviews, I’d like to thank Dana Littlejohn for stopping by today. To learn more about this awesome author, please check out the following links:
websites: http://www.danalittlejohn.net/
and http://www.liljohndana.webs.com/
My blog: http://www.danalittlejohn.blogspot.com/
My videos trailers: http://youtube.com/shantemaria

Nicole North in the Spotlight

Author Bio:

Nicole North writes sensual and erotic romance novels and novellas. She is the author of paranormal erotic romance novellas Devil in a Kilt, Red Sage Secrets Volume 27 Untamed Pleasures, July 2009; Beast in a Kilt, Red Sage Secrets Volume 29; and (contemporary) Kilted Lover. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but wishes she lived in the Scottish Highlands at least half the year. Though she holds a degree in psychology, writing romance is her first love. Visit her at www.nicolenorth.com

Blurb:
Devil in a Kilt: A trip to the Highland Games turns into a trip to the past when modern day psychology professor Shauna MacRae touches Gavin MacTavish’s four-hundred-year-old claymore. What she finds is a Devil In a Kilt she’s had erotic fantasies about for months. Can Shauna break the curse imprisoning this shape shifting laird and his clan before an evil witch sends Shauna back to her time?

Author Links:
http://www.nicolenorth.com
http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/

Available for preorder from Barnes and Noble and Amazon!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Secrets-Volume-27/Leigh-Court/e/9781603100076/?itm=1

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-27-Pleasures-Leigh-Court/dp/1603100075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241557838&sr=8-1

Devil in a Kilt, Red Sage Secrets Vol. 27 Untamed Pleasures 7/09
Beast in a Kilt, Red Sage Secrets Vol. 29
http://www.nicolenorth.com
http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/

Author Interview: T.D. McKINNEY

Author Interview by A.J. Llewellyn

1. Hi T.D. and welcome to the Divas’ Den! So nice to have you here. First of all I’d like to ask you about your southern influences. I know you have said that the history of the south has influenced you as an author and you experienced your first New Orleans mardi gras at the age of three. What do you remember of it and how much have they differed over the years?
Thank you, A.J. It’s great to be here. Thank you for inviting me. Ah, Mardi Gras – My favorite holiday. I will admit I remember very little of that one in 1963-64 (LOL – yeah, go ahead, do the the math). A man who in my admittedly fragmented memory had a nice smile and dark hair caught a bracelet and gave it to me. Just flat plastic bead strung on two strands of elastic but I thought it was wonderful. I suppose I should insert something here about relying on “the kindness of strangers.” At least with my accent it sounds right.

2. You wrote the well-acclaimed historical romance My Secret Yankee with Aimee Masion about a Union officer falling in love with a Confederate lady and set during occupied New Orleans. Your research was extraordinary with this book. Will we be seeing historic New Orleans as a backdrop again?

Thank you. I think authenticity adds to a book. As for revisiting occupied New Orleans, well, I might. It sort just depends on how the mood strikes. I do now have quite a few books on the War and lots of URLs I can delve into. New Orleans has marvelous history. The whole of the American Gulf Coast does. It’s an old, old land with all sorts of fascinating, interesting bits unique from the rest of the country.

I’d love to do something in Alabama with the Casket Girls in Mobile or with the massacre at Fort Mims or the yellow fever in Blakeley. It’s really easy for me to fall into something so lush and exotic. Well, exotic to the rest of the world. I grew up hearing stories going back over a hundred years. Fascinating ones about cursed love, hidden children, murderous duels, forbidden love, Indian battles where the natives weren’t the bad guys. I might actually do something based on my own great-great-grandmother who was disowned by her wealthy father for marrying a moneyless Scots-Irishman. There’s so much to tempt.

3. I am impressed that you received a sparkling review from my all-time number one hero, John Douglas, one of the pioneers of criminal profiling for the FBI. How did you get him to read Dancing in the Dark? Is he a big vampire fan?
John is my number one hero as well. I’m am tremendously proud to say he is also my friend and mentor. I adore the man. When I wrote Dancing, that research geek who demands authenticity rose up again and possessed me. I figured if I was going to write about profilers I better be damned sure I got it right. I contacted a dear friend who I knew was into the whole forensics thing (now remember this was before the CSI craze). She directed me to MindHunter by John Douglas.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with the least interest in profiling. I was completely fascinated and more than a little freaked at how close my fictional profiler, Jack Niemczyk, was to John (though John’s much nicer). I visited the forum attached to John’s website and found everyone there very helpful. John was fairly active on the site at that time. When all the final tweaks were done, I got brave or crazy enough to send him an email asking if he’d be kind enough to look it over. I firmly expected him to say no. Instead, I got a phone call from him in the middle of the day! We talked for an hour – well, mostly he talked and I listened!

Before we hung up, he gave me his address and told me to send the manuscript to him. Believe me, I was then and am now completely aware of how rare something like that is from him.
To have him tell me “you got it right, kid” about the profiling means more than I can explain. I was lucky enough to attend an 8 hour class he taught on profiling a couple years ago at the American College of Forensic Examiners. We had the chance to talk a good bit and he introduced me to fellow profiler Greg Cooper and some other L.E. people. It was great! I hope to get to see John in September when he’s here in DFW as keynote speaker at a conference.
LMAO!! As far as I know, John isn’t into vampires in general, but he likes mine. And boy, does that put a grin on my face.

4. I am so jealous. I met him at the signing for his book Journey into Darkness....but..sob! You really know him! Ahem...I see that Dancing is the first book for a slated Shield and the Darkness series. When will be seeing more of this fascinating character, Jack Niemczyk?
The next book, Walking After Midnight will be released by Amber Quill Press early this fall – probably September-ish. It’s about a year and a half after Dancing and Jack’s life has gone to hell. Baby’s left him to go to Europe with the Master and even though Jack still has the mansion, the car, and the money, he’d trade it all to have her back. Now, just to add to the misery, some wacko is killing Chosen – humans who are the bonded lovers of vampires. And it’s very personal, the killer is leaving notes at each scene addressed to Jack. Shall we just say that Jackie is not pleased!
I’m working on the third book, Going Down in Flames, between other projects. I love this series but it takes a lot of effort and planning. Writing it is a very emotional experience. I love the characters and I love being in Jack’s head. But I do dig about in some very dark psyches. Of course, I may be getting really good at that. I’ve been asked to co-author an authorized non-fiction exploration of the BTK killer in Kansas. I’m a tad conflicted on how I feel about crawling about in Denis Rader’s mind. But I have a wonderful co-author and John Douglas’s support, so I should be okay.

5. You have strong and vibrant tastes in writing - from sci fi, to historical – even gay historical with Paxton’s Winter, to crime, paranormals, contemporary romance. Which is your favorite genre to write?
LOL This is the question everyone always asks me because I do have books listed in so many different genres, sometimes the same one simultaneously. And I’m going to give you the answer I give everyone else – I don’t write genres; I write stories.
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite genre. See, I don’t worry about “oh I have to do this because this is a ROMANCE” or “all mysteries must have this” or “the rules say I need to do this in a gay romance.” that! I expend that energy on making 3-dimensional characters with real emotions and reactions. I work on atmosphere and settings. I’ll visit the places I write about so I can convey that sensory experience to the reader. I love a smooshie gay romance, I love an adventurous one, too. I love vampires and profilers and mucking about in a serial killer’s head. I had a blast doing Paxton’s Winter. Sort of my tribute to all those Louis L’Amour books I read as a teen. Gunfights are so cool. But it wasn’t about the genre stuff – it was about the Colorado mountains I remember living in for 6 weeks at age 16 and about all the westerns I watched as a kid and actually meeting Mr. L’Amour at a book signing 35 years ago. It was about the good memories.
I sit down to each story pretty much the same. A mystery or historical may need more research and plotting than a romance but some of the romances take just as much. I get some idea in my head (usually from listening to a song) and I need to write it. So I do.

6. You had a wonderful collaboration with Trixie Stilletto in Eight is never Enough. Can we expect to see more of these humorous contemporary romances from you and Trixie?
I love working with Trixie. She is a great person and a wonderful author. Such an amazing sense of humor. I’d love to do something else with her and we’ve batted around a few ideas. It’s sort of hard for Trixie to work with me when we’re at opposite ends of the country, though. So I’m not sure when you’ll see something from us.
I’ve been really lucky with having such wonderful co-authors. T.L. Lawrence/Terry Wylis and I practically think with the same brain. We’re working on a gay romance set in Maine right now.

7. I know you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas and you and your husband share a love of vampires, sword collecting and Japanese. Do you have a lot of swords? And do you know any dirty words in Japanese?
No, but I can cuss in Cajun. :)
Yes, we have swords. I don’t know what you’d consider a lot. There’s a bit over a dozen. One day I’ll have to tell you the story of getting a very expensive tashi and an equally expensive autographed Highlander katana back to DFW from Denver on Continental Airlines… in a rifle case… in the cabin of the plane… with a switchover in Houston…

8. I know you juggle marriage, motherhood, writing and other careers. What is your writing routine like? Do you write every day?
Yes, I write every day. It’s very rare when I don’t write something. It may just be play. It may just be something for me (there’s an epic fanfic going that will only ever be seen by a handful of people) or for a friend. But I write. I have to. I’ll go nuts if I don’t.
I gave up sleep. Seriously. I used to sleep 8-10 hours a night. Now I sleep 4 or 5. I use the extra hours for writing. I often start writing for the day after 9 or 10 pm.

9. Now for a tough question. How old were you when you learned to tie your shoe laces?
OMG – that was the hardest thing! My first grade teacher thought she’d never get me to understand the concept! I always wore slip-on or buckle shoes. Poor Mrs. McGowen. But I had mastered it by the end of first grade. I still hate tie shoes though. I think I only own one pair and I keep them loose enough I don’t have to tie and untie them.

10. Another toughie. Are you a snoop? Ever looked anyone’s medicine cabinet? Found anything scary?
I’m not a snoop. I have enough weird shit just appear in my life. I have absolutely no need to go looking for any. LOL – my day-to-day life can occasionally turn fairly terrifying so I just let it go.
11. Who is the sexiest vampire of all time?
Ooooo – tough questions! There’s been so many. And I collected them all up until about 1985 or so. St. Germaine…Langella’s Dracula…Saberhagen’s Dracula… So many choices!
The sexiest vampire of all time – Jean Claude DuValliere… until I turn Jack.

12. Please tell me about your upcoming projects.
I think I’ve already worked them in! Look for the 2nd in my vampire and FBI profiler series, Walking After Midnight, this fall. Keep an eye out for Sea Glass & Solitude, my next gay romance written with the wonderful Terry Wylis. A reclusive former child actor sheltered in abject loneliness on an island off the coast of Maine falls for a vibrant, altruistic young man with a beautiful Appalachian accent and a fearless heart. At some point there will be a true crime exploration of Denis Rader, the BTK, told with full access to Rader and with the blessing and cooperation of the families of his victims.

On behalf of Dark Diva Reviews, I’d like to thank the awesome T.D. McKinney for stopping by today. To learn more about her work, please check out her links:
http://www.tdmckinney.com/ - website
http://twitter.com/Ebony_Silvers - twitter
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=783300628&ref=name – Face Book: Theresa D. McKinney
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Terry-Wylis-TD-McKinney/44450105669?ref=s – Face Book: Terry Wylis & T D McKinney

Mila Ramos in the Spotlight

Bio:


Studying Chemistry in Texas, and always on the go, whether writing or trying to finish her master’s degree July 2009, Mila credits her passion for writing to her family and third-grade teacher.

With an environment rich in paranormal and sci-fi, thanks to her brothers, she always had a quick response, a quicker story, and lightning speed imagination. It first started with the show The Misfits of Science, roared with her first ‘big book’ as a child A Gift of Magic by Lois Duncan and then skyrocketed into various genres of reading when she discovered her first romance Pride and Prejudice, shortly thereafter. With that much fuel no wonder she was writing stories by the fourth grade.

Staying true to her roots, Mila writes paranormal, fantasy and contemporary stories without fearing of delving into other genres of writing. Currently as a chemist, she mixes Organic Chemistry with a good story line and sometimes writes her thoughts on her own exams.

As eclectic as her books, music and taste, her life is the best book she has written thus far. She has traveled all over the US and outside as well, taught high school, met a couple Nobel Laureates, was a competitive swimmer, and is proud to say she bungee jumped once (with the intention to never do it again). Further chapters and sub-chapters are still being written. Though her fiance calls her a gypsy, she says it’s her childlike, curious Aries spirit that makes her multi-interested. That debate will never be settled.

Juggling school work and writing, her publishing debut came in December of 2006. As of December 2007, she has is adding her list and a billion ideas written to life with her home publishers and many more contracted. Described as having sassy characters and great plot lines, Mila loves getting deep into the worlds she creates. She wants her readers to love the worlds she creates as much as she loves to write about them and believes that anything can happen or exist.

For more information on Mila, her new releases and to chat, visit her blog at http://jademystique.blogspot.com or myspace http://www.myspace.com/jademystique


Blurb:


Smoldering Ember
Five years after their divorce, Cassandra and Ethan Vance still have an estranged relationship. In a single conversation with her ex-husband, Cassandra discovers why Ethan had to give up everything in his life, including their marriage. Coming to terms with secrets and truths, both Cassandra and Ethan learn that there are some fires that can never be extinguished.



Touch of Fire
Katherine (Kat) O'Brien has moved on after a terrible, life-threatening relationship. Relocated with a new life, she learns her ex-boyfriend, Jared, has escaped from jail. She's now the target of revenge, and the one man she has pushed out of her heart is the one she needs to help her survive. Will Kat touch the fire she once knew, even if it means revisiting a painful memory?

Excerpt:

Touch of Fire

Several Years Later…


Thud.


“Aw sh— That’s gonna leave a mark.”


Jumping on one foot, Kat saw the culprit. The deep mahogany oak table, known to take its aggressions out on her, had managed to sneak from its current location and move to a new one. This elusive plot was executed through a long, drawn-out process, and resulted in another stubbed toe. That wasn’t the surprising part. Not only did this table do the stealth operation with fast and efficient ease, but managed to get Murphy’s Law to call her at that exact moment, especially when the phone was located fifty feet away in the receptionist area and didn’t have an answering machine attached to it.


“Kat, are you going to get the phone?” her business and dancing partner, Adrian Jackson, yelled from the back of the studio.


She rolled her eyes and hobbled closer to the phone. “No, I’m going to wait for you to do it, Adrian!”


As she made her way to the receptionist area, the pain doubled. “Thank you for calling Dancing Spirits; how may I help you?” The voice of her long-time friend and confidant distracted her from the swelling toe. “Hi, Cassandra, what’s up?”


“Kat, sweetie, are you busy?”


“Yeah, Cass. Remember, I have that benefit performance?”


“That’s why I’m asking; Noah wanted to bring you food before the performance.”


“That’s so sweet. Tell that angel of course he can.” Her godson, Noah, was too precious for words. “I’ll be here for a few more hours before heading out.”


“Okay, we’ll be down soon.”


“Bye, Cass.”


Kat placed the phone on its receiver and hopped up on the counter to better examine the site of pain. Focused on her task, she didn’t notice Adrian entering.


“My goodness, woman, I’m amazed you have feet.” Adrian chuckled as he filed the papers in his hand. “We should get beepers on your toes—ear-piercing shrills any time you come close to a corner. Then again, knowing you, you’d actually hit those walls with the intent of destroying those shoes.”


Kat stuck out her tongue and continued checking her foot. “At least I don’t walk into walls.” Wiggling her toes, she flexed and pointed her foot in various degrees.


“Okay, I was drunk those times and you know that, Katherine!”


Well over six feet, with russet-colored hair and soft chocolate eyes, Adrian’s good looks, combined with a sarcastic and quirky sense of humor, made rough times bearable and years of friendship special. In this case, though, his complaining made her laugh.


“Tell me again how you met Evelyn.”


Adrian rolled his eyes. “Dammit, you always bring that up.”


Kat grinned from ear to ear, waiting for the story. “C’mon, Adrian, tell me.”


Adrian shook his head and moved to the back office. Kat followed with a slight limp that gradually improved with each step. “No, Kat. I’m not telling for the umpteenth time how I met Evie.”


“C’mon, Adrian, please!” she begged.


“You already know! She’s your twin sister for goodness sake!”


“Please!” she continued, hands clasped with a huge smile on her face.


“I don’t know what the hell fascinates you about that damn story so much,” Adrian muttered under his breath.


Kat leaned in closer, her fingers bringing her ear forward. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear. You were muttering.”


Adrian glared at her and let out a deep breath. “I said that I was trying to pull a prank on you and confused you and Evelyn. I walked up to Evie instead and asked what it felt like to have a god in her presence, and then she punched me and I hit the wall.”


Laughter broke out even before Adrian finished his sentence. Kat leaned forward, holding her sides. Adrian playfully swatted at her. “Shut up, Kat. When it’s your turn, I’ll make sure your humiliation is broadcast on national TV.”


“You say that with such tender conviction, Adrian.” Wiping the tears from her eyes as the door chimed indicating a visitor, Kat scanned the two gentlemen waiting in the receptionist area. Both men, dressed in dark business suits, casually perused the area and admiringly observed the photos on the walls.


“Hello, gentlemen, welcome to Dancing Spirit Studios. How many I help you?”


The man who had stared at the photos approached and flashed three letters of his identification, and with them years of peace vanished.


“I’m Agent Donald Wyatt of the F.B.I. We are looking for a Katherine O’Brien.”


Kat nervously tucked the strands of her curls behind her ears. “I’m Katherine O’Brien. May I ask what this is about?”


The second agent, who idly drummed his fingers on the countertop, stepped forward and lowered his sunglasses. “Agent Clive Bloch, Miss O’Brien. Are you the same Katherine O’Brien who testified against Jared Malloy, drug mule for the Roman family?”


Kat locked her jaw. Her stomach rolled and turned. The soft pastel colors welcoming visitors to the comforts and professionalism of Dancing Spirit disappeared. The two federal agents, who moments before stepped through unheard by her, stripped the joy she had made out of her life with three letters. Those important yet powerful letters sent her spiraling back to the bleak and cold day she decided to regain control of her life.


It marked the beginning of legal action, court appearances, and convictions spanning state lines that directly connected an influential drug family on the upper eastern coast. When Jared was placed on death row, she thought she could live again. She thought she had left that life of danger, that time, behind her. Adjustment didn’t come without its problems, manifested in the form of nightmares and various fears. She hadn’t been able to forget, but it was Jared’s promised retribution which she had somehow forgotten over time.


“Yes, I am the same Katherine O’Brien. May I ask what this is about?”


Agent Bloch stepped forward. “Ms. O’Brien, I regret to inform you that Jared Malloy has escaped prison.”

Thank you to Ms. Ramos for being featured, and don't forget to follow her links below!

Mila Ramos, Paranormal & Contemporary Romance
Blog: http://jademystique.blogspot.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jademystique
Website: http://www.milaramos.net/

Author Interview: ADRIANNE BRENNAN

Author Interview by A. J. Llewellyn

1. Hi Adrianne, and welcome to the Divas' dark den. You are one of my favorite people on our group Midnight Seductions Authors. Your paranormal/vampire Dark Moon series books Blood of the Dark Moon and Blood and Mint Chocolates have done very well and received rave reviews. I know there are a slew of sequels and even a prequel coming out soon. Can you please tell me where you got the inspiration for the series?

Mostly from dreams and my crazy Muse. My Muse and I go waaayy back. Ah, good times. First he introduced me to the wide, wonderful world of writing, then he got me addicted to things like LARPs (Live Action Role Play) and RPGs.
I just have to send him offerings of wine and chocolate, and he does so much for me. :)
What are the titles and release dates for the upcoming books?
Due to my recent unemployment, my life got a little crazy. I have no release dates for anything right now because I've been focused on trying to make sure I can continue paying my mortgage, and interviews and studying for tech interviews have eaten up my life.
I can, however, refer people to the following page: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html

It contains previews for upcoming books with blurbs and in some cases, cover images.
Examples include books 3-5 in The Oath Series: Broken, Anointed, and Union plus the sequel to Blood and Mint Chocolates which is Blood and Spice, and Book 2 in the series which is Shadows of the Dark Moon.

2. Blood and Mint Chocolates is a fascinating F/F novella in the series, but will soon have its own sequel. What can you tell me about Blood and Spice, and when is it coming out?
Blood and Spice picks up some months after Blood and Mint Chocolates left off with Merideth visiting Kalia and the rest of Clan Corvus in New Orleans. Their relationship continues to grow, but political issues within the Order of the Dragon and the Rose may tear them apart. A new character will finally be introduced, and I'm doing my best to prevent this individual from taking over the story. Needless to say, there's already been some intrigue about this person and I'm looking forward to seeing people's reactions!

3. I am fascinated that you own a big car called The Tardis. You are a Doctor Who fan! Who, in your mind is the best Doctor and why?
Only bigger on the inside! *laughs* That's actually how the name came about. People kept telling me that the car was bigger on the inside and I thought to myself, "Hm...where have I heard this before?" It's even the right color of the police box he travels in, so even better!
Honestly, I'd have to say that it's David Tennant who's pulled off the best Doctor. He's clearly watched the show and has incorporated bits and pieces of all of the Doctors into his personality, and it makes for splendid viewing. I will miss him when he goes, and feel that he's leaving way too soon. :(

4. Speaking of cars…I am excited to know more about your upcoming series My Other Car is a Broom. What can you tell me about it? Obviously it's about a witch, right?
It's about a witch named Samantha living in Salem. Aside from the obvious bad luck she'll have with that name, it's not your typical tale about witchcraft. In this book I'll be covering love triangles, alternate realities, and the fae. It's going to be very interesting when I'm done and I hope people will enjoy it!

5. I know you live in Boston and you juggle your prolific writing schedule with the dreaded day job. How do you balance the two? What is your writing routine like?
Well, the dreaded day job is sadly gone. You'd think this would be mean I would have more free time, but in reality I probably have a bit less. The stress is keeping my Muse at bay and I'm trying to get that back.
My writing routine...well, isn't. I usually am the most awake during the evenings and hence my Muse is out in full force during then. I can't tell you how many times I've sat at a computer, started to type, looked up and suddenly...daylight. I can get like that. :)
I still struggle with the balance. I have a lot going on in my life, and if I don't take care of me then my Muse will withdraw until I do. He's a harsh taskmaster but doesn't like working with me when I'm less than optimal. I recommend long walks, music, trips to the spa, and treating yourself to your favorite meal and beverage.

6. I know you went to Salem and visited some of the “witchy” type stores. What were they like? Did you get a sense of history there and which ones are your favorites?
My favorite stores are Nu Aeon, Artemisia Botanicals, New England Magic, and Magic Parlor. All of them have "the real deal" in regards to their products and are run by the same. I try to avoid the places that sell the colored glitter as "fairy dust" as it's cute, but it's not my thing. :)
There's definitely huge amounts of history. Just wander around in the graveyards and look at the dates of some of the homes. If you're up for it, stay at the Salem Inn--rumor has it that it's haunted. I did once for a weekend getaway and while I didn't spot any ghosts, I did have a wonderful stay.

7. You took a deep dive into the BDSM community for your Oath series. How did you research this genre? Also I have to ask you, why of all erotic genres does BDSM seem to engender such fierce and diverse opinions by practitioners of it?
I'll be blunt--I didn't really have to. I've been in and out of the BDSM community for the past decade or so and have friends who are heavily into the scene and dated a few who were as well. As a result, I've attended certain clubs, play parties, events, and workshops. I'm also a member of a few local groups who do their best to educate and provide resources to others.
If you're ever in Boston, I highly recommend attending the Fetish Flea. :)
Like any subculture that specializes in a particular field of choice for their study/practice/what-have-you, people guard that information jealously and with every five people you'll get twelve opinions. It's a passionate group of passionate people. I'm sure some will read my works and love them. Some may read and dislike certain aspects.
We alt types are an opinionated lot. I think that this comes from being so used to hiding out among the mainstream. We keep it all in, then we explode when we're around each other. I see the same syndrome among fellow pagans, occultists, even gamers.

8. I know you are a fan of the ancient philosopher Iamblichus. What is so alluring about him? Will we see him pop up in your erotic fantasy novels any time soon?
Iamblichus was the one who coined the term "theurgy" which literally means "god work". In essence, it's mysticism and/or magic for spiritual purposes. This term is used heavily within many modern secret esoteric societies, traditions, and religions. I'm also quite fond of his work as not much of ancient Greek mystical thought has survived.
I don't think he'll pop up, but I'm sure you'll find references to other characters in history who will be found just as alluring to others of similar backgrounds. The original 007, John Dee, may make such an "appearance". :)

9. Do you read much fiction or do you prefer non fiction? What are your must-keep books?
I snack, devour, and hoard both. Recent purchases include the latest Charlaine Harris novel, Crowley's Book 4, a book on Reiki, and a huge book on ASP.NET and C#. As you can see, I'm a little diverse in my reading interests. :D
Must keep books include anything by Madeleine L'Engle, Neil Gaiman, Karl Kerenyi, Peter Kingsley, Charlaine Harris, LA Banks, and Yasmine Galenorn. They're among my favorite authors. :)

10. Now for a completely off the wall question. You get to invite six people alive or dead to dinner. Who would you invite and what would you serve?
Jim Morrison, Madeleine L'Engle, Neil Gaiman, Peter Kingsley, Robert Anton Wilson, and Jack Parsons.
I'd make sure an excellent vegan gourmet meal was served. :D Good wine, too.

On behalf of Dark Diva Reviews, I'd like to thank the amazing and wonderful Adrianne Brennan nfor stopping by today. To learn more about this awesome author, please check out her links:

~ "Where love and magic meet" ~http://www.adriannebrennan.com/Experience the magic of Blood of the Dark Moon: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/botdm.htmlTake a bite out of Blood and Mint Chocolates: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/bamc.htmlDare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath

A Hint Of Wicked: Jennifer Haymore in the Lights

Author Bio:
Jennifer Haymore grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she surfed, learned how to fly airplanes, raced bicycles, and developed a love for sailing. She was an avid reader and completely destroyed her eyesight by sneaking a flashlight under her covers and reading far into the nights — making her mother wonder why on earth she couldn’t get up for school in the mornings…Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Education from UCLA. Before she became a full-time writer she held various jobs from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to playing bit roles in soap operas. You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel. Author links: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/
Blurb:
CAUGHT BETWEEN DUTY AND DESIRE…Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his best friend and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul…until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands—and his wife.
TORN BETWEEN TWO HUSBANDS…Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game—where the stakes are not only love…but life and death.
Excerpt: here is the link to one: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/bookshelf/
Thank You to Ms. Haymore for being in the Spotlight! ~ Ava James