Welcome Beverly Wells and When the Loon Sings

Today First Timers Presents is thrilled to welcome Beverly Wells who brings Morgan Prescott from Only When the Loon Sings, a 01/27/2012 Historical Romance release from the Wild Rose Press.

Where are you from, Morgan? I was born and raised in New York City, right in the very heart of high society, wealth and all the falsehoods that went with it. Oh, do I sound bitter? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I’d just like to put that part of my life behind me.

What is Only When the Sings about? I answered an ad for mail order brides and traveled to Washington Territory hoping for a great adventure and to be accepted for the person I am. But I achieved so much more; I learned acceptance, forgiveness, and against all odds--love conquers all. I also gained a friend, more of a sister really, who suffered from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I grew up.

What did you think the first time you saw Luke Kincaid? Oh my! That he had the physique of Adonis and a face to go with it. But I was petrified that he’d send me packing since I wasn’t the tart he’d originally thought to pair up with.

What was your second thought? I thought he might be trying to kill me. He’d suggested I order water and whiskey versus the bitter beer at the saloon. I really expected my throat to totally burn to a crisp. And he laughed, damn him.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Oh no, far from it. It could have been on my part, but he wasn’t too happy to have the switch in brides.

What do you like most about him? That he values friends and honor so completely. There are a hundred other traits, too, but you asked for the most.

How would you describe him? Strong as an ox, but gentle. Easy going, yet determined.

How would he describe you? Oh that’s easy. He thinks I have a fetish for fire.

What made you choose to become a mail order bride? Again, I won’t expand the reasons as I don’t like to recall my past. But I had to escape my parents who valued prestige, money, and their so called high society friends above all else, yet knew nothing of true friendship, or love for that matter. My sister, the two-timing no-gooder, too.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll never find true friendship, happiness and love.

How do you relax? By sitting by the pond and watching the loons glide, hear their melodious calls. Yet, it also relaxes me to plant flowers and plants, just to feel God’s rich soil sift through my fingers, to await the coming blooms. Both are extremely calming and peaceful.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Golly, that’s hard to say because I love every book I can get my hands on and everyone I read about—I had to read when my parents didn’t know it. At least fiction, that is. So I’d have to say as far as books go, Jane Eyre, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Uncle Tom’s Cabin--oh the list goes on. But fictional characters have to have a spine, a purpose, and a deep down abiding goodness.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Kat’s turn to quiz Beverly:

What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Gosh, like Morgan, the movies or books that have made an impact on me and my writing are too numerous to mention. So, if I had to choose one, I’d have to say Cinderella. I loved it as a child, and I find myself still relishing that down-trodden person or situation and the happy ending. I read constantly whether it’s a romance (mainly is) or main stream and I think everyone of them—if it’s a good read—impacts my writing somehow. But I will say that I like a purpose to a book (or movie), something that can be learned or stirs deep emotions—-even if it’s just a snippet-- while enjoying a good read. And if there’s some humor, that’s a definite plus. I could go on with a hundred names of my favorite authors who have made me want to write as good as I can.

To learn more about Beverly Wells and the stories she creates go to: www.beverlywellsauthor.com

To purchase Only When the Loon Sings, go to: www.thewildrosepress.com

Kat: let’s read a blurb from Only When the Loon Sings

Searching for true happiness, as well as escape from a controlling family, Morgan Prescott answers a Brides Wanted ad and leaves New York City’s high society life for the wilds of Washington Territory. Her spirit and intelligence carries her through the shocks that await her--streets of ankle-deep mud, life in a one-room cabin, the hazards of cooking-—but they are no help when she loses her heart to the one man she can’t have. Private investigator Luke Kincaid, a major stockholder in the Union Pacific Railroad, goes undercover as a logging camp foreman to apprehend the railroad’s saboteurs. All he needs is a mock wife to strengthen his act, but once he agrees to Morgan filling the role, he finds himself longing for much more-—a love he’s forbidden to accept or give.

And now . . . an excerpt:

Damn. Trouble always erupted when women were around a camp.

It came to him in a flash. Missy remained. Yet that couldn’t be. She didn’t fit the description of the woman Hans had chosen on paper two months ago. Hell, he lacked too much sleep to play guessing games. “So spit it out. What happened?”

Luke watched Missy lean against the wagon. Lean? It looked as if she wanted to burrow into the wood.

Hans pulled his hands out of his pockets, gestured with them in front of him. “I chose my bride, and Albert claimed Lila.” Lila. Ah yes, Hans had raved about her. “Tom chose Sarah instead of Roberta, and Peter wanted Roberta.”

Was anything ever simple? After an exhausting day of catastrophes, and this hopscotch of brides, a headache threatened. “And now the last two don’t match, is that it?”

Hans studied his boots, drove his hands back into his pockets then glanced at Missy. “We don’t know if they’ll match. They’ve... just met.”

It took a split second for Hans’ words to register, to become crystal clear. No. Hans knew why Luke had picked Rosie. He wouldn’t intentionally turn the tables on him. But lust and love would, by damn. It made men commit worse crimes.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “You chose Rosie.” His words almost gagged him. He dreaded to hear Hans’ confirmation. Hans nodded.

Acid churned in his stomach, a sour taste spiraled up to his mouth. He’d purposely picked a voluptuous dance hall woman who’d have no problem finding another man after he’d finished here. One who most likely would go along with his scheme and the proposition he offered.

Jesus! He was in a world of shit.

Kat: Beverly, what a great ending hook! Thanks so much for spending time with us today. This looks like a great story. Good luck with sales.

Please Welcome Joya Fields and Garrett Ciavello

Good morning from frigid Western New York!
At last, winter has hit this part of the state. The wind chill factor is right down there and baby we are cold outside!!
Never fear, inside we are toasty warm, especially after meeting Garrett Ciavello from "Beneath the Surface". Remember--Joya is presenting a lot of prizes to several of those who leave a comment, so tell us who was President [of the US] the day you were born, what your day job is, and ask an original question. . .
So now, for for the guy who needs no further introduction . . .

Where are you from, Garrett? Thanks so much for inviting me to visit this great blog today. I’m from Flagler Beach, Florida.

What is Beneath the Surface about? This story takes place during a tough time in my life. My twenty-year-old cousin has been missing for two months and, although I’m a police officer, I’ve been unable to find any trace of her. I’m very protective of people around me. After her friends’ boat explodes, I meet Brooke Richards, an underwater archaeologist who is determined to find out who was trying to hurt her friends. The case might be tied my cousin’s disappearance, and Brooke offers to help.The problem is, my overprotective nature suffocates her. She is a below-the-knee amputee who is determined never to rely on anyone. I need to protect her, but she needs her independence. We clash a lot on this issue.

Kat: Wow! A heroine who's an amputee AND works under water. Takes some guts and a lot of strength to maneuver through water without all four limbs. A true heroine. I can certainly see why you would be over-protective.

What did you think the first time you saw Brooke? Her short blonde hair was spiked in all sorts of directions. I thought she was a punk rocker. Turns out, the saltwater and wind had styled her hair while she was trying to save her friend after the boat explosion.

What was your second thought? My second, third, then ongoing thoughts were that Brooke is a fighter. She’d been through a tough morning the day I met her, and she’s had some bad things happen in her life, but she offered to help me find the person responsible for the explosion.

Did you think it was love at first sight? It was definitely “like” at first sight, but love grew from it. The more I spent time with her, the more I needed to be with her. Do you know what I mean? Being with her made me want her more.

What do you like most about her? I love her smile and the way she steps in to help friends even if she risks her own safety. I’m not too happy about that last part, but there’s no stopping Brooke when she’s determined.

How would you describe her? Brooke is smart, determined, sensual, beautiful and unstoppable.

How would she describe you? That’s a tough one. She’d probably say I'm a control freak.

What made you choose police work as a profession? I've wanted to be a policeman ever since I was a kid. One of my dad’s friends was a policeman and he told the coolest stories.

What is your biggest fear? My biggest fear is that someone I care about will get hurt and there won’t be anything I can do to stop it.

How do you relax? I like to build things from wood. In the evening, I like to sit on the deck I built and relax by looking at my canal view. With Brooke by my side, of course.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Cool Hand Luke is my favorite fictional character. Even though he doesn’t make the smartest decisions, he stays true to who he is and is a daredevil.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? I grew up hearing my mom say, “You can do anything you want to in life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She lives by that rule, and I like to think I live by it, too. If someone tells me something is impossible, I see that as a challenge.

For author Joya: What movies or books have impacted your writing? Growing up, I loved the “Little House on the Prairie” series and “Little Women.” Those books intrigued me and probably planted the seed for my desire to write. Stephen King’s books have been the most recent impact on my writing.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? I heard about The Wild Rose Press through different writing loops I subscribe to.

What influenced your decision to submit to them? A few my writing friends got published with TWRP and had a good experience. That gave me confidence in the publisher to know others had used them with success.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? I submitted Beneath the Surface in October. About a month later, I received a “revise and resubmit” request. I resent the revised manuscript in February, and got a contract offer on April 11^th (yes, I remember the exact date ).

Thanks very much for having Garrett and me to visit your blog today, Kat! We appreciate the opportunity to connect with new people. Here’s a blurb from Beneath the Surface:

After surviving an earthquake that killed her parents and left her an amputee, Brooke Richards needs time to regroup. She heads to Florida for a state-of-the-art prosthesis and a visit with her best friend. When her friend is seriously injured in a boat explosion, and the police determine the blast was intentional, Brooke knows her expertise in underwater archeology can aid the investigation. She decides to stay.

After his fiancé is killed, Garrett Ciavello, A local policeman, becomes overprotective of everyone around him. His cousin is missing and he thinks it's his fault. When a boat explosion leads to a possible clue about his cousin's body, Garrett turns to Brooke for help, unwittingly putting her in harm's way.

She is fighting to be independent, he needs to protect those around him. In spite of their differences they are drawn to each other. They need to heal each other's wounds and find a killer...before it's too late.

To learn more about Joya and the stories she creates go to: http://www.joyafields.com/

Follow Joya on Twitter @joyafields

Purchase links for Beneath the Surface

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Surface-Joya-Fields/dp/1612170048/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325702490&sr=8-2

The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4738

And the winner is . . .

Many thanks to Lisa Scott for her support of Mad Dog and the Archangel.
Lisa wins a Jelly Tote in her choice of color from my tote bag business Kat's Kustom Karry Alls.
I hope she likes it.
Kat

Mad Dog and the Archangel have arrived at the reunion!

At last, Rafe Archangeli and Gracie Dunavan, aka Mad Dog, have arrived at the reunion.
It's been a long time coming. We hope you like them.

Here's an excerpt:
Safety First. A personal motto that served Grace Dunavan well for the past thirty-something years. She never picked up strange men. In fact, she rarely dated men, strange or otherwise. And wasn't she the first to preach the wisdom of obtaining a detailed history—family, medical and sexual before contemplating a walk on the wild side? With any man, including the brother of her best friend.

Especially one whose thick mop of jet colored hair, hooded black eyes and razor-sharp cheekbones, all of which held undeniable appeal for a good girl who always did what the nuns and her parents dictated. With a name like Archangeli he should be a protector, not a walking advertisement that proclaimed: I've Been There, Done That; Let Me Tell You All About It.

As he helped her into her coat, Grace heard Gaby murmur something about an attorney who was trying to track down Rafe. None of it made sense. What woman in her right mind could think straight when faced with a man who redefined potency?

It was a night of firsts for Grace: leaving a party with a man she'd never met before; admitting how and where she'd learned to drive; breaking the land speed record for contemplating her first one night stand.

We hope you enjoy it!
Slainte
Kat

Welcome Jennifer Jakes

Good morning from First Timers Presents! Today we are pleased to welcome Jennifer Jakes who brings Twice in a Lifetime, an erotic Time Travel/Pirate Historical to us.

What is Twice in a Lifetime about? It’s a Time Travel Historical set in 1768 aboard a pirate ship. It’s different because the hero and heroine are on the verge of divorce in 2011, but in 1768, the hero doesn’t remember the heroine at all.

What did you think the first time you saw the hero and heroine in your head? I’m a sucker for tall, dark and handsome. Because of that I usually start with my hero’s image, but this time, Isabella came to mind first. She looked totally different than any other heroine I’ve ever written. Since I write historical, my heroines have beautiful, long hair. Izzy is from 2011 and goes back in time, so she has a cute short – bleached blonde – hairstyle!

What was your second thought? How much fun I was going to have with this modern heroine going up against a historical (pirate) hero – who just happens to be the very image her husband.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Oh, Izzy definitely fell for Ian on sight.

What do you like most about them? I like her spunkiness and I like his yumminess.

How would you describe Izzy? She’s stubborn, sometimes to the point of making bad decisions.

How would she describe you? Izzy could say the same about me, but I’m getting better about that with age 

What made you choose Writing as a profession? It chose me. I had way too many ideas and plots and characters talking to me to be a normal person.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll write crap.

How do you relax? Either [listening to] music or [watching] TV. I love this time of year because of all the romantic holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel. Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? The answer is always the one(s) I’m writing right now. Because they are so “alive” in my mind and I get to create their story.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Never give up. So see, that stubborn thing has come in handy.

Jennifer, what movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Westerns such as “The Outlaw Josey Wales” or “Pale Rider”, then epic sagas like “Dances With Wolves” or “Open Range”. This Fall I’ve been watching the new AMC Western, “Hell on Wheels”. Oh, and of course, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Can’t forget Cap’t Jack Sparrow.

Before we go farther, let's read a blurb for Twice in a Lifetime:

Be careful what you wish for. . .

No-nonsense stunt woman Isabella Douglas will do anything to stop an unwanted divorce and reclaim the happy life she had, even allow her old friend to concoct a magical spell to turn back time. But when the spell goes awry, Izzy finds herself trapped aboard a 1768 Caribbean pirate ship with a captain who’s a dead ringer for her sexy as sin husband, Ian. Convinced he’s playing a cruel joke, she’s furious – until she realizes he doesn’t know her or believe they’re married.

Captain Ian Douglas does not have time to deal with an insane woman who claims to be his wife; he has to save his kidnapped sister. But as Izzy haunts his dreams and fills him with erotic memories he can’t explain, he’s forced to admit he feels more than lust.

Trapped in a vicious cycle of past mirroring present, Izzy knows they only have days to find Ian’s sister and prevent disaster from striking a second time. If she doesn’t, their marriage will be destroyed again – along with the man she loves.

And to follow that, let's see an excerpt:

Her fingers threaded in his thick hair as she traced his mouth with the tip of her tongue. “Kiss me.”

He hesitated, then groaned and covered her lips in a breath stealing kiss. Hot, wet, silky. Her nipples hardened, ached for his touch, the tug of his fingers, the pull of his mouth. “Touch me.” She pressed a kiss to his throat, then licked his collarbone. “I need your hands on me.”

He grunted and slid his hands down her back. Rough palms gripped her cheeks, grinding her against his erection. His gaze burned through her as he moved his thigh between her legs.

“Yes. Please.” She tilted her hips, rubbing, needing release more than air. “Oh, God, yes.” Desire roared through her, the ache building. Building. The orgasm so damned. . .close.

A sharp knock sounded at the door. “Captain? The men are ready to go ashore.”

Ian pulled back and swallowed hard, his expression hungry, his heart thumping against her breast.

“Captain?”

“Yes. Yes, I’ll be right there.” His heavy lidded gaze skimmed her body. Possessive. Aroused. Regretful as he set her aside.

Her mind crawled to process what was happening while her body was doused with disappointment. “You’re still going?”

He raked through his hair, then nodded. “We need provisions before sailing for Jamaica. I’ll only be a few hours.” He stepped to the door, but turned and pinned her with a hard stare. “But when I return . . .”

“Yes?” Her heart thumped in anticipation of some explicit description of what he would do to her. Oh, but his tongue was naughty in all the right ways.

“. . . I expect an explanation.”

Izzy drooped against the door, her thoughts racing even though her legs collapsed. This was going to be the shortest second chance in history.

We'll talk about that gorgeous cover in a sec, but first tell us why you elected to go the self published route. I’m sure my publisher for Rafe's Redemption, the Wild Rose Press, would have looked at it, but I wanted to try my hand at self-publishing and thought a novella would be a great place to start. My decision had several layers to it: First, as fast as the publishing world is changing, I think having your eggs in one basket might not be smart. Second, it’s tempting to keep more money for yourself. That’s not to say I just slapped something on the screen and pubbed it. I had my critique partners help edit; I paid someone to format it for me because I’m totally un-techy.

And of course I paid Hot Damn Designs to do the cover because if you don’t have quality work – and I mean from the outside in – then you’re going to get horrible reviews and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself. Once you have the final version formatted and ready, you can upload it and expect it to go “live” within 12 to 48 hrs.

Thanks so much, Jennifer, for honoring us with a visit. Much good luck to you in your dream of writing that best seller. Kat

To learn more about Jennifer Jakes and the stories she creates go to: http://www.jenniferjakes.com

To purchase TWICE IN A LIFETIME, go to Amazon http://tinyurl.com/7gvanj6

Or SmashWords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/108621

Also available at ARe and BookStrand.

for all things Scots--here's the blog for you!

First Timers Presents is pleased to welcome, all the way from Scotland, Nancy Jardine who brings Luke Salieri, from Monogamy Twist, a recent release out of the Champagne Rose line of the Wild Rose Press.

First, let's learn a bit about Nancy, former teacher of middle-school age children and, like me, loves spending time with her new granddaughter:

I’m from Scotland, where I’ve lived all my life save 3 years in Holland, and a couple of months in Norway. I currently live in the ‘Castle Country’ in Aberdeenshire, which is in the north-east part of Scotland.

Before we get into meeting the hero of Monogamy Twist, here's a short blurb:

Luke Salieri thought he'd seen everything. But when he inherits a dilapidated English estate from a woman he's never heard of—and with quirky conditions besides—it’s a mystery he wants resolved immediately. There must be a woman out there who can meet his needs. But how far will he have to go to persuade her?

Lucrative employment for a whole year? The job of researching the old house and its fantastic contents is enticing – but Rhia Ashton can’t see herself living with gorgeous Luke Salieri and not wanting his body as well. Can she live and sleep with him for a whole year and then walk away? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while.

And an excerpt:

…But his craving probably wouldn’t last. He’d had her twice already. He’d get bored with her soon.

Moving up from the long mahogany table he couldn’t resist looking out into the garden to watch her approach. She was wearing a short skirt; her top shimmered around her breasts as she jogged across the grass, and Thor bounded around her. A surge of recognition flooded him; the tiny spark of libido he’d tamped down for the afternoon flared up again. She was just a woman and Thor was just a dog, so why was he so happy to have them disturb him?

Usually he was so focused that very little would break his concentration, but he was honest enough with himself to acknowledge it had been shot to hell that afternoon. The tension that still beset him had nothing to do with the complexities of the new project of restoring Greywood Hall, and everything to do with concentrating on blocking out the thoughts of Rhia’s delightful body. She was right down below the window now, playing the fetching games Thor loved.

Luke had again lost track of what the assembled group were discussing. “We’ve done enough for today guys,” he declared as he turned back to the table. “It’s already well past eight o’clock. We’ll resume our findings tomorrow morning.”

Well, gee, how do we follow that—other than talking to the man himself. Luke, where are you from? I’m a born and bred Brisbane Aussie, son of an Italian father but the last 5 years, or so, I’ve lived mostly in England- zipping back to Oz to keep a check on my businesses over there.

What is Monogamy Twist about? In a nutshell, you could say I was pretty miffed that a completely unexpected inheritance had just been dumped on me with friggin’ stupid conditions attached. Sure, I could have walked away from it, except that’s just not me-so that left me time-strapped to find a female who’d take me on…err…help me out a bit, you know? For a while…Well, more like…a year. (A first cheeky smile appears) Rhia stepped into the breach, but I tell you, that woman sure had some conditions of her own.

What did you think the first time you saw Rhia? -My first thought? (deep throat clearing here) Mmm. Very, very, nice. Absolutely gorgeous. A lust worthy little pixie of a woman who’d just burst out of the woods with her bl**dy err…excuse me…ruddy huge Irish Wolfhound. She cast a magic spell on me down there on the lawn as she bounced around playing with Thor, breasts a-jiggle under a tight little yellow T-shirt. Never ever going to forget that.

What was your second thought? What the bl**dy hell had Rhia Ashton just done? Can you believe she called the cops and had me arrested? (Hearty laugh here) She thought I was a damned burglar! Me? A burglar? My Rhia can be such a snippy little cat!

Did you think it was love at first sight? - Love? No way! Remember I was using the woman to get me out of a bind. She was just temporary. Even if she needed to be physically around for a year, I didn’t need to bother if the initial lust wore off. Yet, I lusted after her gorgeous body for weeks and weeks, couldn’t keep my hands off her, but it still didn’t occur to me it could be anything long-term.

What do you like most about Rhia? I knew right from the start she was smart…but just not how smart. She’s a genius at winding me up, at winding me around the proverbial finger…and she’s incredible at getting me to compromise. Absolutely nobody else in this whole world can make me do what she can! I’m still talking decisions here…of course. But I love her enthusiasm; she’s a glass is half full kind of person…except when she’s mad at me…and that can be pretty often.

How would you describe her? Compared to me, Rhia’s knee high to a grasshopper, but she makes me feel like the happiest giant ever, even if the top of her head barely reaches my chin. She has the cutest little pixie face with shiny darkest black hair that curves down to her chin and always makes me want to tuck it behind her cute little ears. Her eyes are the deepest chocolate brown that get me hot as a furnace every time they flick my way. And her dinky button of a nose is a magnet I’m always popping kisses on.

How would she describe you? It would go something like: an arrogant sod, mad, stark raving bonkers, unpredictable wretch, a workaholic, a manipulator… (Another hearty laugh) She even called me ‘a big oaf’ when we first met. And I’m a liar, as well, by the way. Of course she’d definitely also call me a sex-maniac…and the love of her life.

What made you choose Chartered Surveying as a profession? That was a no-brainer really since my mother had a construction business going on in Brisbane, back in Oz. I couldn’t get out of my parents pushing me to do a stint at university, so I made sure it would benefit me in the long run and got me a Chartered Surveying Degree. The restoration of old estates just sort-of happened when I arrived in England and a buddy of mine nudged me in that direction.

What is your biggest fear? That would have to be if anything happened to Rhia. She burst into my life and I never, ever, want her to burst out of it.

How do you relax? You talking about that would be legal on this spot? I’ll leave it to your imagination…but let’s say relaxing time is always short so put some champagne, a few other intriguing knick-knacks into the picture along with…Madre di Dio!...my very hot Rhia…and you’ve got it.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? It’s got to be Scooby Doo. I used to love watching it as a kid…thought that huge dog was really dopey. Now, of course, I’ve got my very own version of dopey-dog in Thor. And that clever Rhia, love of my life, sometimes makes Velma look like an amateur.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? That’s a good one, a very good one. How about ‘put your back into it and never give up.’ Tailor made for me really, for I never do—give up, I mean.

Kat's turn: Let's hear a bit from Nancy: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I love paperback romances, and classics-especially romantic ones. Colin Firth’s 1990s TV/film version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is my favorite. While ‘tidying up’ my book collection of literally thousands of paperback romances and hardback books a couple of years ago, it was re-reading Charles Dickens Great Expectations which gave me the impetus to write Monogamy Twist.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. My publisher is the Wild Rose Press.

How did you hear about them? In 2010 I wrote my first contemporary romance Monogamy Twist, having only written one other full length historical romance. I searched the internet for a publisher who would read an un-agented submission and found the Wild Rose Press.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? I sent Monogamy Twist to the Champagne Rose line Dec. 2010 and by 1^st March 2011, after some re-writing, I signed my first ever contract for it. I can truly say I was stunned since by the end of July the print version was available, and on 24^th August 2011 the digital version was released. The experience was excellent; my editor was absolutely marvelous at helping and encouraging and always responded quickly. I’ve just recently signed my second contemporary contract with the Wild Rose Press.

Kat: this is very encouraging to new authors, those who are just testing the waters on the road to publication. Thanks, Nancy, this has been fun and Luke sounds like someone to behold—and hold onto!

A huge thank you from me, Kat, for having me on your blog today. Luke enjoyed getting an ‘airing’. So from all of us at Monogamy Twist, Slainthe! Nancy Jardine

To learn more about Nancy Jardine and the stories she creates go to: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com

http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Jardine/257979237559223

For viewing the Monogamy Twist book trailer go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJVzbrkJQzA

To purchase Monogamy Twist, go to:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4613

http://www.amazon.com/Monogamy-Twist-Nancy-Jardine/dp/1601549652/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313524579&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monogamy-twist-nancy-jardine/1105052518?ean=2940013040922&itm=1&usri=monogamy%2btwist

Welcome First Timer--Callie Hutton

Today, First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome Callie Hutton and Tori Henderson, heroine of A Run For Love, a November 23rd release from Soul Mate Publishing.

First, to get a flavor of A Run For Love, let's take a look at the tag line and excerpt:

The Oklahoma Land Run gives TORI HENDERSON a fresh start, and the arrogant JESSE COCHRAN for a neighbor. To right a wrong he corrals her into marriage, but she won’t ever give him her independence!

EXCERPT:

Annoyance stalled her steps when she saw the man from the woods yesterday washing dishes in the creek. With the hundreds of people getting ready for the race at noon, the only empty space remained next to him. Tori knelt and wet her washcloth, averting her gaze. Her heart thudded, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.

“Still here, are you?”

She clenched her jaw at the sound of that voice. He stood over her, a grin on his face. Now that she saw him without shadows, it irritated her when her heart sped up.

Lord save me from another handsome face and charming smile.

“Yes, I’m still here.” Her voice rose. “And I plan to spend tonight camped on my own lot.”

“Easy honey, I’m not the enemy.” He put his hands up in surrender.

“Don’t call me honey!”

“Sorry.” His smile contradicted his apology. “A woman alone dragging a wagon and a passel of kids will most likely spend the night right outside Arkansas City pushing on her horse’s rump.”

This man had all the nerve in the world. “I will get my lot in town, sir. And I will make a life for myself and my family. Believe it or not, I’ll even do it without anyone’s help.” She raised one eyebrow and flicked her fingers at him. “Now I’ll thank you to leave me in peace and mind your own business.” She turned back and mumbled, “And your manners.” She splashed her face with such vigor that water went up her nose, causing her to cough and choke.

Now, let's meet Tori Henderson:

Where are you from, Tori? Kentucky/Kansas/Oklahoma

Tell us about A Run For Love. In 1889, I’ve just become the sole parent to my four nieces and nephews. Bad enough I’ve never met them before, and the oldest is already sixteen, but the bank just notified me we’ll be homeless in two weeks.

I made a daring and difficult decision to enter the Oklahoma Territory Land Run. Thousands of would-be land owners will be racing on horse, in wagon, by train, by bicycle, even on foot to secure a dream. Dressed as a man to avoid unwanted attention, I will be among them.

Before I made the run, I clashed with arrogant Attorney at Law, Jesse Cochran, who dismissed my ability to be successful. He sure sets my teeth on edge with his condescending attitude. I took the train and succeeded in obtaining a town lot! The children were on their way in the wagon to meet me, and everything was wonderful. That is, until I discovered Jesse Cochran was my new neighbor in Oklahoma.

When one of my nieces decides she’s had it, and runs back to Kansas, Jesse and I hit the road to bring her back. The sparks that had been building between us exploded and not too long after our return, I discovered I was pregnant. Jesse forced me into marriage, something I was not at all interested in, but the contest to see who can be the most stubborn came to a halt when a tragedy devastated me. Jesse says he wants me, needs me, but I just want to call it quits. I don’t know who will win this latest battle of wills.

What did you think the first time you saw Jesse? That he was an arrogant, know-it-all, condescending man.

And your second thought? He may be annoying, but he wasn’t too hard on the eyes. He also had this way of smiling that did strange things to my stomach.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Heavens, no!

What do you like most about Jesse? His strength, determination, willingness to fight for what he wants.

How would you describe him? Tall, dark hair, broad shouldered, piercing blue eyes. And he has this way of smiling…

How would he describe you? Besides cantankerous? Slightly overweight (I think), spectacle-wearing, pretty face, freckles scattered over my nose. And, he does say ‘curvy.’

What made you choose teaching as a profession? I loved school, was good at it, and I enjoy seeing children learn something they’d never known before.

What is your biggest fear? That something terrible will happen to one of the many people I love.

How do you relax? Hmm. Well, Jesse and I go into the bedroom…

Who's your favorite fictional character and why? The Queen from Through the Looking Glass, because everyone had to do what she said without argument.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Never give up.

Kat's turn to ask author Callie: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Gone With the Wind probably got me interested in Historical novels. I also enjoy books and movies that are funny. Even though my stories have serious elements, they also have a bit of comedy. I love any book or movie that makes me smile at the end, and say “aww.” I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? What influenced your decision to submit to them. Soul Mate publishing is a new e-book publisher. I heard about them on the RWA Pro Loop. Debby Gilbert was seeking submissions to get her publishing company up and running. What attracted me to them was the information on her website that indicated she liked stories that crossed genres. Since I’d been told by other publishers that A Run For Love didn’t fit in the ‘exact’ guidelines for romance, I thought it might be a book she would consider.

How long did it take from query to release? I queried Debby, and within hours had a request for a full. I sent it in, and had a contract within ten days.

Kat: Whoa, baby! That is quick. I understand A Run for Love has a sequel. Can you confirm or deny? A Wife By Christmas will be released on December 1^st

Kat: Two novels released inside two months? That's great! Soul Mate Publishing will certainly have some hits on their website after hearing your success story, Callie. Thanks for joining First Timers Presents today—and much luck in your writer's journey.

To learn more about Callie and the stories she creates go to: www.calliehutton.com

To purchase A Run For Love, go to www.soulmatepublishing.com

For the trailer, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kCfE1_F4g