Kat's Blog

Author Of The Month!

2012-01-01T02:13:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2012. To ring in 2012, I'm doing something new. Every month, for the entire month, I will feature a new author. Every week I'll put up some more stuff about that particular author. And naturally, I have to kick this off with my writing hero, N.J. Walters.

She's kindly taken the time to answer an interview and pick out a few of her favorite covers for her 50 plus books. So, without further ado, here is my interview with the extremely talented N.J. Walters:

First off thanks for being here. I love your books and having you is a thrill. :-)

1: You're very first published book is Annabelle Lee. What's it about and what inspired it?

Thank you so much, Kat. I’m thrilled to be here!

Annabelle Lee is about a shy librarian and the man who sees past her insecurities to the sensual woman beneath.

BLURB:

By day Annabelle Lee is a perfect small town librarian with loose-fitting dresses and hair scrunched up in a tight bun. But at night, lying in her lonely bed, her sensuality emerges in scorching, erotic dreams about Mike Sloan.

Annabelle’s not the only one with a few fantasies, Mike has been dreaming of stripping her out of her prim clothing and into his bed, and when the opportunity arises, he grabs at the chance. Soon they’re heating up the sheets, and each other, with steamy sexual interludes.

While Annabelle is luxuriating in their no-strings, secret affair, Mike is longing for something more permanent—like exploring the exhilarating heights of passion as man and wife.

I started writing Annabelle Lee because of an on-line contest I saw back in late 2003. I only had a few days until the contest closed, so I sent off the first three chapters (which is all they asked for). My story didn’t get chosen to continue on in the competition, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Annabelle and Mike. I fell in love with the characters and finished the book. When it was done, I sent it to Ellora’s Cave and was completely blown away when they accepted it. They published it in October 2004 and I haven’t stopped writing since!

2: The first book of yours I ever read was Christina's Tapestry, which I completely fell in love with. What is that book about?

I’m so glad you enjoyed Christina’s Tapestry. Reader reaction to this book and to the entire series has been tremendously positive. Christina’s Tapestry came about because I’d wanted to try writing a ménage a trois. About the same time I came across a book on Medieval tapestries in a bookstore and the two ideas just clicked.

The book is about a woman—Christina Beaumont—who impulsively buys a tapestry in a small shop. The tapestry is magic and it transports her to the world of Javara and into the arms of two massive warriors—Jarek and Marc. Women are scarce in Javara and brothers must share a woman. Only one brother can marry her, but the other is entitled to one night a week with her.

Christina experiences the lovemaking of both brothers, separately and together and they use all their considerable sexual skills to pleasure her in ways she’s never imagined. They compete sexually for her favor, helping her uncover a sensual woman inside her that she never realized existed.

The brothers only have three days before the tapestry returns to convince Christina to stay in their world with them. But the tapestry also offers another choice. Christina could return to her own world. Jarek and Marc join forces to convince Christina to stay with them even as they fight a rival family for the right to keep her as their very own.

3: The idea of a world where brothers have to share a woman because women are scarce is so unique. How did you come up with the idea?

I’m glad you think the idea is unique. I wanted Javara to be a Medieval-like world with castles, warriors, swords and a complete lack of modern amenities. Christina has more to think about then simply the two men who want her. She also has to consider if she can live in a world that is much more primitive than her own, to give up everything she’s ever known. It’s a scary proposition.

The book is a ménage a trois and I didn’t want to make it easy on any of the characters so I threw in the extra challenge of having only one brother be allowed to claim her as his wife, even though the other brother is allowed a night a week with her. I imagined how a medieval-like world with a lack of women might deal with the problem and the ideas simply grew from there.

4: Many of your books have a paranormal bent to them. You must love paranormal stories. What draws you to them?

I love paranormal books, both reading and writing them. I think it’s the idea that anything can happen in a paranormal. Yes, you have to lay down rules for your world, but there is so much scope to play with, whether you are writing about vampires, ghosts, werewolves, angels, demons or any other mythical creature. There is also a darkness in paranormal romances, which is fascinating to delve into.

5: You also write a lot of ménage stories in different series and single titles. What draws you to those types of tales?

The traditional relationship is between two people, but in a ménage a trois you have the challenge of dealing with three or more personalities. You have to make the relationships real and believable for the story to work. Having multiple characters opens up greater possibilities for conflict, as well as making the love scenes even steamier. There’s a lot more give and take in these stories in order to make the unique relationship work.

6: Your Tapestry series inspired a spin-off series about futuristic advanced warriors. Can you tell us a bit about your Project Alpha books?

Threads of Destiny is the fourth book in the Tapestries series and it’s the one where I really shook things up by changing some of the rules. This time I had one of the men from Javara slip through the space/time continuum (drawn there by the tapestry) and bring back a woman from the future back to Javara. But he not only brings back a woman, but two men—Tienan and Logan—who are protective of her. At the end of Threads of Destiny, the men return to their own world and I simply couldn’t leave them without telling their story. Thus, the Project Alpha trilogy was born.

Tienan and Logan are Alphas—assassins who are genetically and computer enhanced. They have escaped from the lab that created them and the Ruling Council that controlled them. Now they are outside the Gate—a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. They must constantly evade security forces sent to eliminate them and their only goal is to destroy their former masters. The three books in the futuristic trilogy are: Embracing Silence, Have Mercy and Sweet Charity.

7: You have been blessed with beautiful covers. How much input do you have in their design?

The cover gods have indeed blessed me. The art departments of all three of my publishers are phenomenal. Syneca, who is an absolute genius, has done most of my Ellora’s Cave covers. I do have some input in the cover process, for which I am very grateful. I get to fill out a form that enables me to tell the artist about the characters and the book, putting in one or two things I think are key for the cover. They usually capture my vision for the book cover far better than I ever could myself.

8: Your husband is your critique partner while writing. How did that come about and what does he think of your more spicy stories?

My husband is my biggest supporter and the reason I’m a writer at all. He always encouraged me to write and, when I finally did write my first book, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I would show it to him. He’s the first reader for all my work. He’s great at picking out mistakes and pointing out places where I can make the story stronger.

As for the spicy stories…he loves them. And that’s all I have to say about that. :-)

9: What do you do for fun when you're not writing?

LOL Like most writers I love to read. I can’t imagine a day when I don’t read for even a few minutes. We like to go to movies as well. And, when the weather is good, I like to walk. I keep telling myself I need to pick up some of my old hobbies but, right now, the writing and reading takes most of my time.

10: What's a typical day in the life of N.J. Walters?

A typical day…

I roll out of bed and get tea and breakfast started. While I’m waiting for hubby to get himself out of bed I check emails and some of my yahoo groups. After breakfast I write. I do all the work on my WIP (work in progress) early in the morning before my brain becomes cluttered with other things. After lunch, I’ll work on blogs, interviews, edits, emails, etc…—basically whatever else needs to be done. Being a writer is only about 50% about the writing and the rest of the time is spent on writing related activities.

There’s always housework to do, errands to run, and meals to prepare and clean up from. I’m a homebody, so if I have spare time I’ll read, go for a walk or maybe take the occasional nap. I try to treat it like a regular job and take Saturdays and Sundays off when I can. Otherwise it would be too easy to burn out. I’m not one of those writers who can write everyday. I need time off to recharge, especially because I’m in this business for the long haul.

11: What can we expect from you in 2012?

2012 is looking like the year of the Legacy series. Right now, I have Quinn’s Quest releasing from Samhain Publishing in February. Finding Chrissten has been contracted and should be out later in the year. Plus, just before Christmas, I submitted the sixth book in the Legacy series to my editor. So I have my fingers crossed for that one.

Also, I’ll have a new Tapestries book releasing from Ellora’s Cave in 2012. Fabric of Fate is the story of the Dannon brothers, which many readers have asked for.

I’ll be working on a new paranormal quartet as well and am looking forward to digging into this new series in January. There may be a few more releases coming up in 2012, but it’s too early to say anything about those yet. As it becomes available, news will be posted on my website and blog!

N.J. Walters Bio

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel, Annabelle Lee, and life would never be the same.

Visit me at:

Website: http://www.njwalters.com/

Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com/

Newsletter Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Nj-Walters/714113604

N.J. has also chosen some of her favorite covers that I will now display. And check back next Sunday for the next installment of what I have planned for this amazing author.

My Blessings

2011-12-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

2011 is coming to end. For me its been a year of both great things and many health issues. On the great side my first book with my new e-pub house Muse It Up released January 1st, The Lighthouse. It's now out in print too and its my first book ever to go to print.

On the health side I've been plagued with sinus infections up the wahzoo, ended up in the hospital after going septic, and wound up bedridden for weeks. My cat got an eye infection and worst of all, my mom had a small stroke.

But this year has had its fair share of blessings especially by the way of people. I'm only going to name a few because if I mentioned everybody this entry would go on until 2013.:-)

First off I want to tell everyone at Muse, authors and staff how much I appreciate them. Being part of the Muse family means a lot to me. You all rock.

Then there is my next door neighbor Dee who has been a great friend and big help. She's always so sweet and offering to help out. The lady is amazing.

Winnie, another neighbor of mine. She's the most angelic woman I know even though life keeps handing her a raw deal. In spite of living through the blitz, dealing with racial predjudice when she moved here, and burying two children within months of each other, she remains a positive and giving soul.

N.J. Walters, the woman who inspired me to get published in the first place. This woman is my writing hero. And since then she's also become a dear and treasured friend.

Jewish Children's & Family Services. Sound odd? Well this service has helped me and my mom more than I can ever express. This place is a godsend....literally.

Litsa Kamateros, the marketing director for Muse. She's always so encouraging and supportive of my mother and me. She's an absolute gem.

Karen Cote. I met her through Muse but she's become a very close friend since. Knowing her has been one of the greatest blessings.

Sara Durham, another Muse author. Her courage has truly left me awed and inspired.

Delilah K. Stephans, head of the art department. But for me she's become so much more, a best friend and a sister of the heart as her husband Matt has become a brother of the heart. Both of these people are so special and I am so grateful I know them.

Of course I have to add my two kitties, Mamabear and Spatz who make each day fun and filled with joy and lots of cat hair.:-)

And I lastly and most importantly, my Mom, my best friend in the whole universe. She's always there for me and always knows how to make me laugh and feel better when I'm down. She's the best Mom in the whole universe and I thank heaven that she's mine.

And to close I want to mention a few special friends. Kaye Manro, Tanja Cilia, Gail Branan, Penny Ehrenkrantz, Chris Speakman, Greta Gunselman, Carrie RO and Barbara Ehrentreu. And there are so many more.

I'm sorry I can't mention everyone but this would never end. Just know that everyone of you both named here and not have touched my life and filled it. I love each and every one of you and hope that 2012 brings you more joy than ever. Brightest Blessings to you all.

L.J. Holmes is HERE!

2011-12-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

Today I am so lucky to have

L.J. Holmes, multi-published, and award winning author here. It's not often anyone gets a chance to really grill L.J. Holmes, and who better than me...her daughter?

See I can get away with asking her things the rest of you wouldn't know to ask. So let's get started.

L.J. Holmes, why the mysterious name?

Is it mysterious? L.J. happens to be my initials...Linda Jean, so not very mysterious.

I HAD thought about making L.J. a bit more intriguing in the beginning...turning the intials into one name Eljay Holmes, but I'm not all that crazy about the letter "E", so I had to nix that idea. (I grew up in an era when the letter "E" meant your report card was gonna get you into a lot of trouble if "E's" showed up anywhere. Not to mention the list Mother Mary Catherine would have placed me on. E's are like curse words.)

That's right. You attended private school when you were a child.

Not just private school. I attended school back when nuns still wore the complete habit and cracked rulers across the knuckles of those they deemed were misbehaving. So yeah, I have a lot of scary memories that have stayed with me.

How many of those scary memories work their way into your books?

I think every author brings a part of their own history into what they write, and I'm no different. Still I've avoided having any of my heroines rolling sod, or beak-pecked from collecting chicken eggs from deranged hens. Some childhood events just don't translate well into adult tales.

Speaking of tales, you have a very special promotion going on right now. Wanna tell us about it?

Absolutely. During the entirety of this quarter, all the royalties I earn for five of my book titles are going to a woman's shelter here in Burlington County, NJ called THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

People think once you get published, overnight you turn into Danielle Steele or

Stephen King...I wish. The fact is, it takes years to build a fan base. I don't have that fan base yet, but I do have a LOT of books, so I chose the last four of my releases for this year and one I released in May 2011. All my royalties for these five books, during this quarter will be going to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

It is my hope at this time of Holiday giving, enough people will be moved to help me share the holiday spirit with the future of this worthy place.

Why is this place so important to you?

Once upon a time, during my own personal dark ages, I faced the evil control of the monster. THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE gave me the support and encouragement I needed to win my extradition from the monster's domain. I want to make sure they are there to help future victims leave the clutches of their monsters.

THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE relies solely on donations. One day I hope to be another Danielle Steele...but until then, this is my meager way of giving a bit back to thank them for being there when I needed them.

FIVE BOOKS? And you're giving 100% of your royalties for ALL of them?

Yes. It's the least I could do.

Tell us about the books included in your giveaway.

I guess I'll start with the May release. TWILIGHT COMES, is a dark story about major dysfunction inside a family. No happy ending for this one...no joy...but power.

This story makes me uncomfortable, and it should.

Why did you write it if it makes you so uncomfortable?

It needed to be written. Sometimes we have no choice about the story our inner voices send us. This is one such story. Those who have read this story, told me it is powerful and haunting, but also honest to its core.

My next one, BEYOND YESTERDAY released in September, is also a haunting story about family dysfunction...but this one has a happy ending. Our childhoods shape who we are as adults, and sometimes we have to confront the ghosts from those years to find the joy waiting ahead of us. That's the journey the heroine in this story confronts.

Book Three moves from dark into playfully erotic. Even the title is tongue-in-cheek playful...SUC-U.

That sounds REALLY naughty doesn't it? And it sort of is. Suc-U is the name of a service company of succubi entitled Succubus United. Ambreaton Nightshade "man's" the phone when HE, the client all modern day sucs pant over calls to register a complaint. Now's her chance to be his Suc of the night and she's not going to let it slip through her talons.

Book Four...another playful, in a manner of speaking, erotic tale called CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON. What would you do if someone you respect dares you to spend one afternoon in a nudist camp and you never pass up on a dare? You drive to the nearest camp, ignore your shaking knees and all over blush and dive right in.

Book Five...just released. It is book two in The Christmas Miracles Series and a sequel to last year's award winning

SANTA IS A LADY, curiously entitled THE CHRISTMAS WAR.

We met Beck Cavington in book one and Irene Cavington, Beck's mother was also mentioned. It's a year later, and Irene has an agenda. She must get Beck safely married before Beck turns 35...nine days from now. Conniving is Irene's forté, but Beck loathes the pampered rich boys Mom parades before her. She loves running her own successful, to Irene's chagrin, confection store too much to waste time performing like clockwork for Irene's plans.

Happily single, about to be "aunt" to her best friend's soon-to-be-born child, her life is complete...until Reverend Hank Childress enters Northeringale, a town notorious for Christmas Miracles.

Irene is going to hate Hank, but Beck can't keep herself from drooling. Irene needs to win this battle or lose everything she's spent her entire adult life scheming to own, and she's not above any underhanded trick...just ask her ex-husband.

Five books and the royalties from ALL of them are going to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE?

Yes, from September 1, 2011 through the ending of the current quarter all of my royalties for these books will be donated to THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE.

Anything else you want to tell my readers?

It is my dream a day will come when we won't need places like The Providence House, but until then, please help. And thank you.

Thank you L.J.

All of the above books can be purchased via Muse It Up Bookstore, for the largest donation amount.

On behalf of myself and all of my Muse Publishing Family...including my Mom, L.J. Holmes, you all have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Happy Birthday N.J. Walters!

2011-11-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

Today's the birthday of one of my favorite people on the planet. Happy Birthday N.J. Walters. I hope you have nothing but joy and fun today. And of course, lots of cake and presents.:-)

Hades Has A Cover!

2011-11-20T04:30:00.000-05:00

And wow is it ever HOT! Sizzling to be exact. It's my first ever Jimmy Thomas cover and my uber talented CA Delilah K. Stephans knocked this, just like all my covers, out of the solar system. In Death's Arms will release from Muse It Publishing's hot side in January 2012. I love this!

New Feature!

2011-11-10T17:14:00.002-05:00

I've added a new feature to my blog...a monthly poll. This month's poll is up on the right side of the blog. What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day food? Have fun.:-)

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-11-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

People keep asking me, besides cats what are some of your favorite things. So...here are ten things besides kitties that are my favorite things...and in no particular order.

1: Chocolate. Can't get enough.

2: Plums. My favorite fruit.

3: Water scenes. I love the water.

4: Demeter, my all time favorite Greek goddess.

5: Diet Pepsi. I'm addicted I admit.

6: Tulips. My favorite flowers.

7: Blue...my favorite color

8: Lighthouses...heck I made a whole story about them.

9: Winter. My favorite season.

10: Apple Cider...love the stuff.

So that's a bit about things that I like. There are way more...I'm a Scooby fan big time and X-Men, but those and other items will be for the next list I do.:-)

New Look!

2011-11-01T11:27:00.000-04:00

Welcome to November. I've changed the look of my blog. Had the last design for over a year and felt in need of a change. Let me know what you think.:-)

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T05:07:00.001-04:00

May your day be filled with fun, spooks, and lots of candy. And may we all take a moment today to remember someone who's crossed over and to wish them well on their journey to the afterlife. Happy Halloween everyone.

Fun Recipes Tonight!

2011-10-16T07:12:00.001-04:00

Tonight we are having a fun and unique chat in the Muse Writer's Conference chat room. I and 3 other Muse Erotica authors are going to be sharing some of our hot recipes to spice up the cold months.:-) All the details are below. You'll have to create an account to be in the chat room but it's free. I hope to see you all there for all the fun.

OCT 16 7PM EST IN CONFERENCE CHAT ROOM

http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/

Muse Erotica Authors present: SIZZLING RECIPES TO HEAT YOUR FALL COOL NIGHTS

1-Jennifer Brown

2-Kay Dee Royal

3-Kat Holmes

4-Emily Pikkasso

And I hope you'll tune in to my blog tomorrow when I post a Halloween teaser of my upcoming vampire series.:-)

Vampires Really Do Exist!

2011-10-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

I love a good vampire story. Heck, I am writing a vampire series. The first book comes out next year. This is our traditional opinion of the vampire.

The undead being sucking the life force in the form of blood from his or her victim. But, they're really are vampires in this world and they really do suck the life force from you. And I'm not talking blood. I'm referring to real life energy vampires.

We all have come across these people even if we didn't think of them as vampires. But that's what they are. You know these people. They are so negative, so emotionally overpowering, that when they finally leave you feel as if you have no energy left.

Well, guess what. You really don't. They have literally fed off your energy and left you feeling tired, achy, and depressed. Now we all know people who at times are depressed but are fine and perky the next time we speak. It's not those people I refer to. There are some people that EVERY time they come around you are left feeling listless and drained. Those are the energy vampires.

I have a couple such people in my life right now. One, no matter what I can't avoid because of work issues. But the other, I have come to the conclusion that I am better off not spending any time at all with. So, I am forced, even though I truly do care about this person, to sever our ties completely for the sake of my sanity.

You can't reason with these people. You can't point out what they are doing because they truly are masters of turning everything back on you, making it your fault. I read this great article and I will put the link up all about energy vampires and how they think and act at the end of this posting.

In some cases you can mitigate how much damage they do, but in other cases, like the one I just mentioned, the only solution is the most drastic, complete separation. So, our myths and tales really are true; just remember that the way we symbolize it is different from how it really manifests. Happy October and welcome to the month of Halloween.

http://celestinechua.com/blog/dealing-with-energy-vampires/

We're A Year Old!

2011-09-28T04:46:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, October 1st, at 8pm EST, MuseItUp Publishing invites you to join them for a night of celebration.

WHERE: http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com --click on CHAT ROOM. If it's the first time entering the chat room you'll need to REGISTER first.

TIME: 8PM to 10PM EST, Saturday, October 1st

Meet the authors, staff, and publisher, and have a chance to win one of several doorprizes throughout the night.

The Lighthouse Gets 4.5 from Night Owl

2011-09-27T14:02:00.000-04:00

This is so exciting and I am really thrilled. Pauline Michael of Night Owl gave The Lighthouse a 4.5 review. I am jumping for joy here. Click the link to read the review.

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-The-Lighthouse-by-Kat-Holmes.aspx

Jeaniene Frost On Tonight's BTR!

2011-09-26T01:56:00.000-04:00

Jeaniene Frost is my talented guest tonight on my BTR show. And the show is being guest hosted by Delilah K. Stephans. I hope you'll join us all at 6 PM EST. Go to my BTR show to join in the chat room or dial 619-393-6798 to speak to Jeaniene and Delilah in person.

Bundled!

2011-09-23T06:05:00.002-04:00

Hey check out these bundled books. My Mom's book Suc U is included and all her proceeds from the sale are going to Providence House, a local women's shelter. It's a fun little story and your money will go to support a great cause. Suc U releases in October. But all of her books starting with this month's release, Beyond Yesterday and going through December's release, The Christmas War will go to Providence House. Just click on the picture to be taken to the bundle page.

Brand New Cover!

2011-09-20T22:07:00.000-04:00

I have a stunning new cover done the extremely talented Delilah K. Stephans. Dangerous Voice will release from Muse It Hot in November. And this is my first cover with the new Muse logo on it.:-)

Ten Years To The Day

2011-09-11T03:33:00.001-04:00

Like most people alive ten years ago, I remember everything about that horrible day when the twin towers fell. I remember where I was and what I was doing. The images of that day still haunt me, especially the pictures of people jumping from the burning buildings.

It's hard to imagine that it actually has been ten years. The wounds still feel fresh. The worry for my family still feels new and real. I suppose that day will haunt me for as long as I live. I know it haunts others.

It is so hard for me to understand why anyone, no matter what religion or political view they have, can hate anyone else so much that they willingly cause so much pain and suffering. And I don't understand their countrymen, those still living, cheering and applauding so many needless deaths of men, women and children.

Yes children died that day too. And I have to ask, what political gain or religious god is worth murdering the innocent? And yet, still people cheer that day and the misery it brought. It blows my mind.

But what gets me most is the politicians of our own nation who are still blinded by their own ambitions that they forget the message of that day. Still the two parties bicker and fight each other for every single concession. Still they argue about every scrap of funding for programs needed to help the American people. There is no excuse.

Today is the 10th anniversary of the worst day in this nation's history. So I ask everyone, take a moment to stop and think. Remember to tell your friends and family how much you care. And tell your politicians to stop fighting amongst themselves and put the people first if they truly want to honor those who died ten years ago. Let something good rise from amongst the rubble.

Double Release Day!

2011-09-09T01:14:00.000-04:00

This is so exciting for me. I am sharing a release day with my Mom and fellow author L.J. Holmes. This means so much to us. Mom's book is called Beyond Yesterday and all author sales from the book are being donated to Providence House, a local women's abuse shelter.

My book is book two in my Gods At Work series titled Heart Of The Queen. This is Hera's story and I am so proud of it. Both my mother's cover and mine were done by the very talented cover art goddess of Muse It Up Publishing, Delilah K. Stephans.

You can find both our books, Beyond Yesterday and Heart Of The Queen at Muse It Up's bookstore. Woohoo!

My Hero...My Best Friend

2011-09-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life gets so crazy we forget to tell the people we love just how much they mean to us. So, I'm taking a moment to tell my Mom, Lin Holmes, just how vital she is to me.

You are my hero and my best friend. Every day, even when I'm sick, there is joy because you always stand by me and support me. You can make me laugh even when I'm upset and that is no small gift.

You gave me Mamabear, my little angel. She was and is the best gift ever. But most importantly, you give me your unconditional love and friendship. Without you, life would be boring and without sunlight. You are my hero and you always will be. I hope I am even one tenth the woman you are. I love you Mom.

Been Awhile!

2011-08-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

I've been sick for quite some time but I'm back with lots of cool news. First off, book six in my Gods At Work series has been contracted by Muse It Hot Publishing. It will be Artemis's story and is called Under The Huntress Moon.

Book two, Heart Of The Queen which is Hera's story will be releasing in just a couple weeks in September. I am so excited. I can't wait. I love this story. Hera is so cool.

I've finished edits on my upcoming short story Dangerous Voice releasing in November. I'll display the cover as soon as I get it.

I'm also going to be making lots of blog stops in the next few months. In September I'll be at the Muse blog talking about back to school stuff and in October I'll be there helping to celebrate Halloween.

Also I have a couple of awesome guests lined up for my BTR show in the next few weeks. Jeaniene Frost, Linnea Sinclair, and Lauren Dane just to name a few.

I promise to keep you all posted as the dates get closer. And hopefully I will have some more really great news very soon.

THIS TIME FOREVER'S TOWEL SHAKES IT LOOSE

2011-08-14T19:31:00.003-04:00

I'd like to take a moment and introduce myself. I am Kat Holmes, Hostess of

Kat's Writing Pen radio show on the BTR network.

Tonight I am interviewing a very special guest from the newly released (August 12th), and soon to be a Classic by L.J. Holmes,

THIS TIME FOREVER, the very popular and more often than not DISDAINED covering of the male

Centurion Marcus Andronius.

Because of a MODULATION issue, my guest chose this method to meet and greet his many fans instead of trying to

wave at you over the radio.

Let me welcome the unquestioned star of the THIS TIME FOREVER cover, done by the extremely talented and provocative

Muse It Up Publishing, Inc. head Cover Art Goddess,

Delilah K. Stephans, Terrance Kloth.

Mr. Kloth...

Call me Terry.

Like Terry Kloth?

(with a devilish wink) Exactly!

Of course, Terry. Tell us, Terry, after all these

months of feeling the

disdain of viewers over your cover, how has it been since

Friday when you literally dropped your

guard?

Well, it's a

relief actually. All this time you all thought Marcus, the man behind me, was the true star of THIS TIME FOREVER, but the truth is my sheer

elegance,

intricate weave, and may I be so bold as to say,

absorbency, has been grossly

overlooked!

I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Terry.

(scowling) Of course not. You look at me draped over Marcus'...uhm...

treasury and cannot see my own

golden features. It's kind of like those

club chairs in front of Marcus'

powerful bulges on the cover. Until you're told they're there do you notice them? NO! All you see are Marcus' rippling muscles, and his near state of all-togetherness. Never mind that I have

golden threads...no, not threads of what you would think comprise my elegance...MY threads are of genuine

spun gold woven throughout the total me, making me worth far more both on and off Marcus. HE is JUST a Centurion!

I see you're skeptical. Well perhaps I should share my true lineage. My dad was a rich

gold vein and mother, she was as prime a specimen of a

spinning wheel as you are ever likely to come across. Together they made magic...Me!

You're not joking are you?

Hardly. You won't find another specimen like me anywhere in all the worlds of the

Universe!

How did you end up...uh

draped over Marcus Andronius' lower portions?

(shrugging his glittery weave) He's

Roman! They stole everything not nailed down and burned those things that were.

(Shuddering expressively) I suppose I should be glad I fit into the former category. At least I was allowed to continue on. There was this really cute

root cellar...Sad really,

so very sad seeing her brackets light up the sky after the Romans

torched her.

So you don't like Marcus Andronius?

He was okay. Actually I really like

Ariana. I'm a GUY cloth and no, I don't wrap both ways. Oh that sounded bad didn't it?

Marcus was an okay enough chap, but Ariana? Ohhhh Lordy the

hands on that woman got my

fibers standing

at attention every time! Luckily I got to

wrap myself around her body often enough to tolerate Marcus. Mmmm I can still almost feel

her scent sinking into my weave.

How did you manage to evade Marcus and Ariana's fate?

(Terry gave a scant look over his shoulder as if checking for spies.) There's more to me than meets the

eye. Let's just say

my particular weave wound up in things history calls

Magic

Carpets. We all have our talents.

Then you didn't have to

with Marcus after you were

stolen?

I was

asleep when I was stolen. When I woke up the first thing I saw was

Ariana. What towel in control of his faculties would leave that?

But it is Marcus you are almost covering on the THIS TIME FOREVER cover.

Yeah.

(snorting) Even a towel's life isn't always fair.

So what's next for Terry Kloth?

Well I heard through the

Muse

grapevine there this

Native American goddess,

Kira Firebird coming through soon. I might just stick around and see if her

guardian some ridiculously inept wolf-dog called

Boomerang is worthy of the position. Who knows I might just decide to hang around

anyway and see where she takes me.

Then we will keep our eye out for a

return

from one Terry Kloth in the not too

distant future. I hope you'll

and tell us about Boomerang and Kira if you do stick around.

(graciously)

I'd like to

Terry Kloth for joining me today. The cover of his book

THIS TIME FOREVER can be found over at

Muse It Up Publishing Inc.'s bookstore where for a small price, $2.50 you can find out what happens when Terry Kloth lets his guard down and Marcus Andronius is exposed for all to enjoy.

This is Kat Holmes and my Head Mistress Mama Bear signing off. Be sure to come on over to my

BTR show on

for the weekly

FIRESIDE CHAT

with THIS TIME FOREVER author

L.J. Holmes and well me, Kat Holmes.

Welcome Debora Dennis!

2011-08-09T02:51:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to have Debora Dennis as my guest today. I'm going to turn this right over to her.

Kat, it was really nice of you to invite me over to your place today. Along with my guest of honor, Kandace Parker of The Kandy Shoppe, I wanted to bring some coffee and bagels (since I'm a NY girl, isn't that what you'd expect?) Kandy wouldn't hear of it though, she forced me to bring some ice cream instead. Enjoy.

DD: Why did we have to bring pistachio ice cream?

KP: I always bring the standard chocolate and vanilla, but pistachio is my favorite. It's always been my favorite since I was a little girl. Grandpa Karl used to make it just for me. Lots of good memories there! And there's just something about ice cream with nuts.

Kandy winks at me, it's making me nervous.

DD: No candy bars and lollipops for you? I mean you own "The Kandy Shoppe?"

KP: Ha. No! Just ice cream. Which makes it pretty damn hard to run an ice cream business when my freezer keeps breaking!

DD: Speaking of hard…

Now, it's my turn to make Kandy nervous, notice the way she inches to the edge of her chair and runs her fingers through her bangs

DD: Okay, I didn't want to bring him up, but isn't there a teeny, tiny part of you that gets excited when Jason come to fix your freezer?

Kandy scoops up some of the pistachio ice cream and eats a few spoonfuls before she looks at me again…

KP: I thought we discussed this in the car over here, but if you insist…

DD: Yes, I'm afraid I must.

KP: Jason Chapman has turned my insides into mush since high school.

DD: And…

KP: And ever since. That swagger of his, the self-assured way he struts across my shop with those jeans hugging is perfect behind. Leaves a girl breathless.

DD: I think I understand.

KP: Don't get me wrong. Jason is bad news. He's a huge flirt and has dated more than half the girls in town. He's hard to resist and believe me, I should know!

Hooked on all things romantic for as long as she can remember, Debora Dennis has never stopped believing in the fairy tale dream of a Happily Ever After. Since picking up her first Barbara Cartland novel from the middle school library so many years ago, she’s rarely been without a romance, either in her bag or on her nightstand (and now on her Nook!)

A firm believer in happy endings, she writes romance sprinkled with spice and adventure.

Debora and her own hero live in New York and spend their days raising their three kids along with Godzilla the lizard and two spoiled cats named Oreo and Rocky. She can usually be found at her computer early in the morning and late at night with a mug of coffee and a bag of Lindt chocolate truffles keeping her sane.

To learn more, please visit her at http://www.deboradennis.com/

Sara Reinke Is In The House

2011-07-24T01:20:00.002-04:00

Sara Reinke is touring and I'd like to welcome her here today. She's also giving us a view of a day in her life. So without further ado I'm turning this over to Sara.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

I wish I could say that my life as a romance author begins each morning with a fresh cup of coffee as I sit in front of my computer, readying for another day of blissful, uninterrupted writing, with no distractions or stress and only the boundless realm of my imagination for company. Unfortunately, real life isn't quite that ideal. At least in terms of writing. I'm a wife and mother of two; I work a day job full time and go to nursing school in the evenings. Somewhere in between homework, office responsibilities, deadlines, laundry, grocery shopping, yardwork, house cleaning and scraping out the cat box, I try to make time for writing. Oh, yeah, and running my own business -- Bloodhorse Press, LLC. Thank God for Facebook, otherwise I'd probably never get to talk to my friends.

Sometimes I'm able to write every day. Sometimes not so often. More than just my ordinary hectic schedule, my enthusiasm for what I'm writing -- and my level of "burn out" from promotional efforts -- affects when and how often I'm able to work. But it's been that way for years now, ever since I had children and my life, along with all of my previous priorities, completely changed. I've had a long time to adjust to this "catch as catch can" writing schedule - so much so that it feels perfectly normal to me, and I imagine having a day like the one I described above -- uninterrupted in front of my computer -- would be anything but enjoyable or productive for me. I still feel like I'm able to grow, develop and entertain as an author, despite my lack of predictable scheduling.

My latest book is a great example. In Forsaken (Book One in The Netherworlde series), Jason Sullivan has everything he could have wanted in life -- his own business, the perfect girlfriend and the perfect opportunity to ask her to marry him. Then, in one violent, unexpected moment, he loses it all. Murdered in cold blood, wrongly condemned and enslaved to a sadistic demon, Jason must fight to reclaim not only the life and love he'd once known, but also his soul.

Forsaken started off as a glimmer of an idea that nagged in my head until at last, I started working on it in between my kids' naps, on my lunch breaks, late at night and on the weekends. I'm a night owl and do some of my best writing post-midnight, and there's a sort of atmospheric darkness throughout Forsaken that I think is the result of it.

Forsaken is available in multiple ebook formats, as well as trade paperback. You'll find more information about Forsaken -- including excerpts, the promotional video and links to a mini-site for The Netherworlde Series -- on my website: http://www.sarareinke.com/

Not Posting Much!

2011-07-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

I know and i'm sorry. But thanks to a direct hit by lightning my desktop got fried. Surge protector couldn't handle the overload from a direct hit to my roof. And until my new desktop arrives I'm using a netbook. It has a small keyboard that is hard to type on clearly. So please be patient. I promise some major updates when my new computer arrives.

The Night Belongs To Kitty

2011-07-15T16:32:00.000-04:00

I am a cat. It's what I do.

I patrol the streets while others remain securely within the pampered walls of their luxury.

I'm a cat moving from lampost to lampost, my elegance blending with the darkness of the night.

I'm a cat, dark as midnight...

no eyes save mine, strong enough to discern my outline against the long stretch of time assigned to the

unlit sky.

I'm a cat. Not even the moon can illuminate all that I am.

I am a cat, wise enough to know a good lick should always be followed

by another.

I'm a cat. My identity a carefully positioned mystery. I must always blend in.

I am a cat, stretching one moment,

diving upon my prey in the next.

But when the night gives way to the break of dawn...this noir kind of kitty, reports to

my queen, who

morphs into my

Goddess Kat, but you know her as...

Kitty-Kat Holmes, stealthiest of all authors today.

Bow before my queen, my goddess Kat Holmes and her stately familiar, Mama Bear.

Sometime's Life Is So Unfair!

2011-07-08T05:41:00.000-04:00

Let me say off the bat that I hate cancer. It's a hideous disease that shows no mercy. The lives it destroys, both those it infects and those who love them are too numerous. We can guarantee a man can have an erection no matter what but we can't cure this devastating killer? Something is truly wrong with this picture!

Having said that, now I'd like to get to the point. My dear friend, one of the sweetest people on this earth is at the end of her battle with the disease. And it's not the end we all hoped for. Karen McGrath is in the final stages and my heart is breaking. She's the kindest soul you'd ever want to meet and it's just not fair. I'm going to miss her no end.

There is nothing more that can be done for Karen in this life. So if you could all say a prayer for her for an easy and peaceful passing, and a prayer for comfort to her family as they deal with the loss, I'd truly appreciate it. Thank you. And may you rest in peace Karen. You will never be forgotten.

What Makes An Author?

2011-06-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of talk lately, people saying that e-writers aren't real authors cause we could cut the mustard with the big print houses. So tonight on my BTR show we e-people are going to talk about it. Join me and my guests, e-publisher Lea Schizas, e-editor and author Nancy Bell and e-author L.J. Holmes as we discuss the things being said and what we think about it. And feel free to add your own opinions as well. The show starts at 6 pm EDT. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/katholmes1212 to join in the chat room or dial 619-393-6798 to talk to us directly. I hope you'll join us.

TIMP RETURNS WITH FELINE WISDOM AND METAPHORIC RODENT GIFTS

2011-06-22T18:34:00.001-04:00

Welcome back

Timp. I really wanted to have you come back and spend more time with us.

I shouldn't tell you how pleased I am to have you visiting on my blog again, but I don't do the

NON-GUSH stuff too well, do I?

No need to

worry. It's my pleasure,

Kat. Mari likes me to keep

my paw on the

pulse point of all this, and naturally I cannot help but agree with her choice of representation.

(Timp's beautiful pink tinged chest swells up most impressively, and her eyes take on a

humorous twinkle.)

Indeed.

When you visited last time, you told us a lot about your relationship with Mari, but little about you and your previous lives. Would you think me rude if I asked you which of your

nine lives you are currently living?

Hmmm. That's a really good question. Normally we cats don't bother with

linear time. For us time is marked by

naps...what happens in between, naps. We're really good at perfecting the art of

napping, so anything else in our lives falls into line behind that, but we DO have a way of

deciphering which life we are on.

Timp extends the long graceful length of her right paw, lifting it high enough for my eyes to see.

See my long toes...yes the one's that are pink? And the one on the non-pinked front paw? That tells us all I am on my

third life now. Most humans don't realize our toes are the equivalent of

tree rings. Which by the way means those of you that declaw us, are stealing our calendars.

Not nice!

I personally am on my third life, which I suppose makes me a

baby, or would had my original life not been lived at the very paws of my

Egyptian Mother, Bast.

Bast? You're a descendant of the

Egyptian Cat Goddess?

You don't need to say that like I'm claiming celebrity status I am not entitled to. I don't do

Paris nor will I serenade at

any Hiltons, so I keep my star-power below the rim, so to speak...

Many of today's

kitties were first formed during the reign of our

Goddess so we're ALL celebrities.

You must have witnessed some pretty incredible things back then. What was the most exciting thing about being an Egyptian kitty?

Riding shotgun on chariots! The feel of the wind in our fur...nothing finer...well except for Mari's overall body rubs, but we're not talking about today. I did have to hold on

pretty tightly though. When the pharaoh came to a ripping stop an unprepared kitty

could go sailing way into the desert screeching all the way.

The deserts...not pleasant places for

kitties to land unprotected. Sand fleas, you know...nasty little creatures!

We're not allowed to remember everything, though. It's kind of like you humans. Do you remember details from YOUR past lives? Admittedly I do retain MORE than humans, but I am a most

superior kitty. Meow!

Throughout our lifetimes we are spiritual

tranquilizers. Our purrs and meows bring joy and comfort to your humans in ways

Valium and

lorazepam just cannot duplicate. Calming

pharaohs in one life is no different than me

calming Mari in this life.

Cat's can also be arrogant, right? Unlike dogs you don't come when called.

If we did come when you all call us, wouldn't that make us little more than

mini-robots trained by our human pets? "Here Rover!

Roll over! Shake Paws, Rover.

Bark.

Fetch"

We have far more important roles to play. We're highly developed conduits between spirit and flesh.

Dogs slobber,

we preen.

You claim cats are wiser than humans. Give us an example.

Evolution!

Humans worked very hard to become upright, lose their body fur just so they could pay a fortune to wear the fur of other creatures. We, on the other hand, are quite proud of the skin we're in and have no desire to shed our

luxuriance for some misguided concept of esthetics's.

We are perfect just the way we are. Humans are never content with their own skin. Look at how many rush to get

plastic surgery.

There are some who might think my three pink toes are signs of imperfection, or the coloring

of my nose that makes me look like I have a permanently skinned nose is off, but they are just further examples of my unique

perfection.

If you had one piece of advice to give to humans, what would it be?

You have a saying

"An Apple a Day Keeps The Doctor Away". I say, a good deep

body rub every four hours keeps ALL maladies away. You can't be sick when your

purring.

Fantastic advice Timp and I am sure my readers will be in agreement.

Thank you for stopping by again. I hope you know you're welcome here anytime.

It's been a pleasure and I am sure Mari will send me your way again

soon. (I think she wants the cabin to herself for a bit,

can you imagine? Of course the body rub I'll get when I go back will make this excursion outside the mountain well worth it.)

Meow!

Timp has

launched herself from the building...

until next time check out

IN FROM THE COLD by

L.J. Holmes a

Muse It Hot Author starring

Timp, and yes, a few humans too.

Click here to go directly to the Buy Page for Timp's saga at Muse and keep checking back. One never knows when Timp will land on all four of her

Bast designed

paws here again.

Please Remember Me Tour!

2011-06-17T14:16:00.000-04:00

I am so pleased to welcome Wendi Zwaduk to my blog today. Her book, Please Remember Me is touring. And she's giving away prizes. Find out about that at the end. But for now, I turn the stage over to her.

I want to thank Kat for having me on the blog and hosting my tour. Very cool. Love being here.

Now to get down to answering the question...when I saw the topic idea, the first thing that came to mind was those essays we all had to write in grade school that started something like this: What I did over summer vacation was...

Yeah, it made me laugh and was certainly a jog down memory lane. I won’t turn this into some sort of high school project, but the summer vacation trip I remember from that time was a trip to Disney down in sunny Florida. Actually, we went over spring break and I didn’t go with my folks. Before you wonder, it was for a school trip. Yup. I was one of those band geeks. Not the guess what I did with my flute kids. I played the clarinet, thank you very much. And no, I never got quite that creative with it. I was too busy perfecting my Benny Goodman imitation.

So we took a trip as the high school marching band to band days in Disney. 1995. Real thrilling. It was hot, muggy, and there was an ever present invasion of fire ants. Somehow no one told the ants we didn’t want them around. Oh well. We marched through the park, got incredibly hot—oh yeah, polyester band uniforms are not fun in 88 degree weather—and had a good time.

The one thing I’ll remember the most was getting to explore the park on my own. I was one of those kids who knew everyone and everyone knew me, but I was far from popular and far from friendless. Just so happened that on that trip all the kids sort of paired off, into boyfriend/girlfriend (oh yeah, that was some major trauma/drama I didn’t have to deal with) or besties. Since I didn’t have a bestie at that point, just a circle of closer friends, and since they’d gone their own way, I got to wander on my own.

I don’t regret it.

Now I can’t say my wanderings were that thrilling. I mean, I was...what...16? So not a whole lot of trouble I could get into, but I won’t forget Splash Mountain. It’s not nearly as romantic as I’d like to think it was, but it was my first real, up close interaction with the Brits. He was probably around my age, maybe a tad older, blonde hair, green eyes, tall, smiled a lot. Can you say melting at the sound of his voice? So imagine if you will, he’s just asked me to sit next to him on the ride.

“Looks like I don’t have a seat mate. Join me?”

Oh my dog....I melted. Yes, just about into a puddle on the loading dock. Of course I said yes. Who wouldn’t? I was too naïve at the time to realize something bad could happen. I mean it was the Magic Kingdom. I’d be fine.

I was. When we went down the big hill, I grabbed his hand (get your mind out of the gutter—I was 16). At the end of the ride, his parents beckoned him, we went our separate ways, and I, as cliché as it sounds, never got his name. Doesn’t matter to me. I had a great time that I’d never have had with my pals there.

I enjoyed the rest of the park, but didn’t see him. My friends didn’t believe it happened. Oh well. I have the memories. Anyone have a great memory like that? Want to share yours? I’m listening!!!

Blurb:

Sometimes the hardest role in life is being true to yourself.

Jade Weir did the social scene. She played the ditzy Hollywood socialite and ran with the requisite fast crowds. Until one night. One night and a shooting changed everything. How? She met Deputy Marlon Cross.

Now she’s ready to go toe to toe with the handsome sheriff’s deputy. Toe to toe or kiss for kiss, whichever comes first. She’s not that celebutante from television and she’ll do whatever it takes to prove it.

But is he ready for her?

Marlon liked his quiet and simple existence. No ties so no one gets hurt. And then came Jade. She’s a hurricane in high heels and totally trouble for him. She has the power to raise the ghosts in his past, but his heart won’t let him walk away.

Can they find a way to make the lust simmering between them work or will they part the closest of friends?

Contains anal play, sex on the dining room table and a hero bound and determined to get his way.

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry. I’ll get out of your w—Marlon?”

Despite his common sense not to touch her, he tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear. Sizzles went straight to his groin. Dear God, what if they really did become lovers? He’d never survive, and yet he liked the odds. Dying in her arms sounded rather pleasant. Satisfying.

When she licked her bottom lip, he came close to coming unglued. Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”

“Getting my boss’s order. I should be angry since you avoided me, but I can deal.” When her gaze raked over his body, he fisted his hand to keep from wrapping her in an embrace. “I see you’re checking out the want-ads. Which flyer caught your attention?”

She held her palm open. Three slips of paper lay crumpled in her hand. “One’s for a babysitter, one’s for a dog walker and the third is for a companion.”

Companion? His throat constricted. “Which one?”

“Which one what?”

“Who wants a companion?”

She pointed to a pink flyer. Elder in the community seeks companion. Must be able to lift a hundred pounds and willing to work nights and weekends. 555-0089 Ask for Dan. Dan Denoon, local businessman and suspected pimp. Hell, no. She didn’t know his story, but she wasn’t going to fall into his trap. Having a former celebrity would boost his popularity and get Jaden into a world she could probably handle but didn’t deserve.

“You don’t want to be his companion. He’s not looking for someone to care for his Gramma.” Despite his trust in her decisions, he sighed. “He wants an escort-slash-plaything. It’s bad news.”

Shrinking away from him, she handed him the paper. “Oh. Sorry.”

Her sweet nature would be the death of his sanity, but shit if she wasn’t cute when she was out of her element. Wriggling in his polo shirt, he shifted. When did the air get so damned hot in the little foyer? It was late October for crying out loud. “You didn’t know. Which one is for the dog walker?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t tell you. You shot my other option down.” The hint of a frown marred her coral lips. “Oh, what the hell? You’re a cop. I should trust you.” She pointed to a simple handwritten flyer. “This one. For a lady named Judi Pennywood. Know her? Does she run some sort of prostitution ring, too?” She put her hands up. “I can see it now. Granny’s Girlie Show. Come one, come all...or don’t come at all. No refunds.”

Gritting his teeth, he groaned and chuckled. “Jaden, honey, I didn’t mean that. I just—”

Before he could finish his answer, she clamped a hand over his mouth. “I’m giving you grief. I know how to do that without any training.” She scrunched her nose and winked. “So what’s the skinny on this Pennywood character?”

Wrapping his fingers around hers, he removed her hand from his mouth. Being with her felt so natural, so right. He wanted to do it some more—every day. If she’d let him. “I work with her great niece, Carol Ann. She’s a nice lady. Around eighty-six-ish. I believe she still owns a Basset hound.”

Jaden cringed. “Do they drool? I hear they make a mess.”

Rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, he considered her questions. As far as he knew, Saint Bernards drooled. Did Bassets? “I guess you’ll have to call her and find out. Carol Ann loves to tell me stories. I’d say you, Judi, and Carol Ann would get along great.”

Slowly, her gaze met his. Eyes the colour of sea glass with twinges of azure mixed in for good measure, framed by dark lashes. A man could lose himself in those eyes. “You really think this is a good deal? I don’t want taken for a ride, but I can do this, Marlon.”

“Never said you couldn’t.” He nodded to the diner. “Although I’d love to stay here and talk, I need to take the order back to the department. Want to come along?”

Author Bio:

I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I tend to write books with titles taken from songs because music is one of my many muses.

I earned a BA in education at Kent State university and as well as a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. I've tried my hand at teaching, waitressing, and retail sales, but writing holds my heart.

I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I have eleven books under contract and more than my brain can handle percolating. I can't wait to share them with you!

Links:

http://www.wendizwaduk.com/

http://wendizwaduk.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/racegirlrwz

Friend me on FaceBook and Follow me on Twitter!

Buy link for book: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1220

Remember I said there are goodies? Well there are. Wendi is giving one lucky commentor along the tour a $10 gift certificate to Amazon or B&N. Just leave a comment for your chance. The more comments you leave, the better your odds. And once again, thank you for being here Wendi.

Lily Harlem Is In The Spotlight

2011-06-13T02:50:00.000-04:00

I am so pleased to spotlight a really awesome friend of mine today here on my blog. Lily Harlem is celebrating a new release. Book two in her Hot Ice series from Ellora's Cave.

Slapshot, book three has a cover but no blurb or buy link yet. However, here's the info on all three books thus far.

HIRED - buy link - http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8939-hired.aspx

Blurb -

Book one in the Hot Ice series.

One hundred grand to babysit bad boy Logan “Phoenix” Taylor on a paradise island—seriously, how bad could he be?

Frankly, it didn’t matter. Not when it would make my dreams of going to nursing school possible. I wasn’t even expected to talk to him, just hang out in a luxurious villa on a private beach and study. Simple, right?

But I hadn’t counted on Logan being so deliciously bad that he was oh so good. And when the temperature cranked to boiling point, he knew just how to satisfy the deepest, darkest part of my soul and give my body exactly what it needed. Amongst the sand and waves, we transported each other to an exquisite world of pleasure where only we existed, only we mattered.

But the heady mix of emotions and lust couldn’t keep things from spiraling out of control back in reality, where I had to keep the secret that I’d been hired to entertain him…even if it shattered my delicate heart. Even if it cost my destiny.

CROSS-CHECKED – buy link http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9317-cross-checked.aspx

Blurb

Book two in the Hot Ice series.

Okay, I’ll admit it, I have a crazy, lust-infused crush. Brick, the sexy right-winger of the Orlando Vipers, is the star of all my erotic fantasies. Just a glimpse of him has me panting. So when the chance to actually work with this hot hockey player comes along, of course I say yes!

Being a world-class athlete myself, I have a strategic plan to have him all tied up with lust and desperate for me too. The thing is, plans never go smoothly. Especially when my heart pedals right into the vulnerable game of love again—completely unprotected.

Luckily this sinfully delicious superstar is just as hooked on me—phone sex, bondage, anal sex and rude piercings abound. Despite my tactical errors, Brick catches me when I fall, holds me when I cry and pleases me when I need it most. He’s hard on the outside, soft on the inside and plays one hell of determined game when it comes to finding the ultimate satisfaction.

As I said, no info yet for book three, Slapshot, but here is the cover.

All are encouraged to click on the banner to go to Lily's website and sign up for her newsletter. Every 50th person who signs up wins a free copy of her latest release.

In Her Closet By T. Harrison Tour Stop!

2011-06-06T02:30:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to have T. Harrison here today as a stop on her tour. She's interviewing her character Yves Santiago. I'm going to let her take over the show for now and I'll be back at the end to tell you how you can win a Kindle of your own.

Character interview with Yves Santiago

Hi, Kat and thanks for letting us have the run of your place for this interview today. Right now I’m sitting across from Yves Santiago of In Her Closet fame. Yves and I know each other fairly well but, I wanted to give everyone else an opportunity to get to know her.

YS: *waves* Hi everyone!

TH: Let’s start off with the one question everyone wants to ask: Why do you consider yourself a “self-proclaimed slut?”

YS: Well, it’s simple really. Our culture is so screwed up about sex. Women can’t seem to claim their sexuality--the one and only thing we truly own--without being painted with the slut brush. I decided to own the word and by owning it, turn into to something positive.

TH: *nodding* That’s all very noble but, do you really believe it?

YS: *laughing* Most of the time. But I’ve gotten pretty good at faking it.

TH: So would you consider yourself a feminist?

YS: Of course. I mean, I’m no man-hater but, I find something liberating in exploring my sexuality in this way. Sure it’s a bit aggressive and I’m a bit cruel at times but, it’s no different than what men have been doing since the dawn of time.

TH: So it’s a competition of sorts? An anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better sort of thing?

YS: Not really. I just want to live my life in the way that I want and not according to someone else’s expectations. Do what makes me happy.

TH: And you don’t think you can be happy in love?

YS: Eventually but, this is working for me right now.

TH: Don’t you think that will be a bit off-putting for people who are just getting to know you?

YS: I’m sure it is. I’m acquired taste. I don’t trust people easily and it might take a while for me to let people in but, if they are someone worth knowing, they will make it through my tough exterior.

TH: What Elijah calls your hard candy shell.

YS: *blushing* Yes.

TH: Tell us about Elijah.

YS: *a bright smile spreads across her face* Well, Elijah’s a dreamboat.

TH: And is he someone that you could fall in love with?

YS: *laughing* No comment.

TH: Well, is he someone you would consider--

YS: No. Comment.

TH: Well, thank you so much for answering these questions for me.

YS: No problem, T. I hope that it will help your readers understand me a bit better.

TH: I hope so, too.

The Yves Santiago Story, In Her Closet is available at Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes and Noble. Visit www.dirtyscribbler.com to read excerpts and don’t forget to comment to enter the drawing for a Kindle!

Blurb:

Fresh off of a night of anonymous sex we join Yves Santiago on the curb for a cigarette. Yves is a self-proclaimed slut who vows to live her life as carelessly as a man and make no apologies for any of it--though her meddling mother and ex-fiancé seem intent on making it difficult for her to do so. She’s determined to avoid anything that looks even remotely like love and escapes most encounters with her heart and her pride intact.

Then she meets Elijah Weinstein…

Elijah saunters in like a dream proclaiming to be the next great love of her life--a declaration that Yves finds ridiculous, though it doesn't make him any less enticing. With his mossy green eyes, broad, sun-kissed shoulders and a mouth so sensual that it should have an NC-17 rating, Elijah Weinstein is damn near irresistible. She willingly accepts his challenge, certain she will be able to get what she wants without relinquishing her heart.

Excerpt:

I dress casually for my evening at the Erotic Literary Salon. I’m excited about this meeting with Elijah Weinstein but, I don’t want to make too big a deal of it. I don’t believe in fairy tales, romantic or otherwise, so I’m always careful not to get my hopes too high. So in my favorite Bob Marley t-shirt and yummy ripped jeans, I sit down at my usual table and settle in to listen to the poets and wordsmiths until it’s my turn to take the stage.

I have no idea what Elijah Weinstein looks like. He told me that he would be wearing a green polo shirt. I scan the room but, I don’t see a Jewish guy in a green polo shirt. He’s late or maybe he just changed his mind all together.

“Now calling the poet Yves Santiago.”

I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans and make my way to the stage. Reading my poetry in front of a crowd still makes me nervous even though I’ve been doing it for years.

“Good evening,” My voice bounces off the back wall and I hate the way it sounds when it makes its way back to me. Any other time I fancy that it sounds deep and sultry but, up here it sounds high and nervous.

“This is more of a ramble than a poem. I call it ‘Sleek and Tawny’.”

I clear my throat, close my eyes and take a deep cleansing breath.

“She’s lost all the parts of her that were pretty.

Her shine and nubile beauty wore off long ago.

Rubbed off--rubbed raw by men.

She’s nothing sweet anymore.

She’s something feral,

something wild.

Sleek and tawny, un animal.

Something constantly in search of something--

someone to devour.

She sees her prey and when he passes her way

the scent of him enlivens her.

She pursues him because in this moment, he

is what she needs.

What she hungers for.

That tender morsel she draws across her teeth

hungrily…

But when her passion is spent

she remains discontent

until a hint of some other succulent scent

rattles her cage.”

I open my eyes. A wave of satisfaction washes over me from the appreciative smiles of the crowd. “Thank you,” I murmur, backing away from the microphone to a chorus of whoops and applause.

A man approaches me as I walk back to my table. Mmm, tasty, I think as he offers me a smile.

“Yves Santiago?”

“Yes?”

“I’m Elijah Weinstein.”

I can barely able to keep my mouth from dropping open. This is Elijah Weinstein? Elijah Weinstein is gorgeous. Fuck gorgeous. He is damn fine. He reaches for my hand and shakes it, holding on for far longer than is necessary for a greeting. Our hands sway gently between us--a frizzle of friction forming between our palms.

“Nice to meet you,” I sigh, trying my best to keep from licking my lips.

Author Bio:

T. Harrison is an erotic romance author currently living in the south with her impish husband, two smallish men and one smallish boxer pup. She can often be found with her nose pressed to the screen of her Kindle, reading red hot erotica, nail biting thrillers or bone chilling horror and paranormals by the small halo of illumination created by her book light. She writes stave off the boredom of living in a small town. Her stories generally fluctuate from urban/contemporary to paranormal romance but, are always dirty.

Links:

Website: www.dirtyscribbler.com

Twitter: @dirtyscribbler

Now how can you win a kindle? The author is kindly giving one away. Simply leave a comment and one person will get a kindle. Easy. Oh, and the more you comment here and along the other stops of the tour the better your chances of winning. Good luck. And thank you T. Harrison for being here today.

Goddess Fish Promotions

It's Out!

2011-06-03T03:51:00.000-04:00

I am so totally thrilled. I have been waiting and waiting for this day when Working Under Covers would release fro Muse It Hot Publishing and it's here. It's out today. I'm dancing over here. Here's a brief blurb:

Due to the economy, the Gods of Olympus are now forced to work among mortals. Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty decides to open her own Internet dating service in Los Angeles. Taking on the name Ariel Schell to hide her true identity, she opens Venus Connections.

Jordan Cade is a retired cop turned PI. But when several women go missing, his former boss drags him back for one last assignment. The only thing the women have in common is a dating service.

All Aphrodite wants is to earn a living. All Jordan wants is to find the missing women. But Fate has other plans and a little under covers work may be needed.

Click here to get your copy now. Woohoo!

I'm On My Knees Here!

2011-06-01T05:04:00.000-04:00

I admit it. I'm not above begging shamelessly. I'm up for author of the month for April and I have tough competition. Gena Showalter for example. So if you could please...pretty please...please please please vote for me, I'll love you forever. Please!

http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/p/author-of-month-award.html?m=1

Lacey's Lamp Serial

2011-05-26T14:40:00.000-04:00

Starting next year, Muse It Hot Publishing will be putting out a serial called Lacey's Lamp. From January to December a different author will give us a tale of Lacey's Lamp, a mystical bar that appears and disappears at will and is run by real life genie Lacey.

January 2012 is when the first book, called Let It Rain by Arlene Webb, the genuis behind the book Ashes, will release. She just got her cover for it and I have to share it. It's stunning and is done by Muse cover artist Suzannah Safi who will do all the covers in the serial. Isn't it beautiful?

I will have a contribution to this serial but it doesn't come out till November 2012 so it will be a while before I can display my cover. It's called Hannah's Wish. But in the meantime, enjoy this cover and I hope you'll read Let It Rain by Arlene Webb when it releases in January.:-)

Hear Ye Hear Ye!

2011-05-20T03:51:00.000-04:00

Tonight my guest on my BTR show is author Karen Cote, who is also the mastermind behind those cute avatars! Join us at 6 pm EDT for a half hour of fun. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/katholmes1212 to join in the chat room or to speak to Karen directly dial 619-393-6798.

I am also so psyched to announce that this week's releases from MuseIt Publishing are now up and available. Just go to http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/ to see what's new and to check out this week's specials!

Virtual Tour: Obsessed

2011-05-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

Please help me welcome Obsessed to my blog today. Without further ado here it is and its very talented author, Lisa Sanchez!

First off, I’d like to thank Kat for having me on her blog. I’m tickled to be here!

I have to admit, I let out a squeal of excitement when she asked me to blog about my plans for the upcoming spring and summer months. I’m very much a warm weather person, and have been waiting very impatiently I might add, for the cooler weather and rain to vacate.

When my girls are out of school (I have three daughters) I don’t get a ton of writing done. This holds especially true for the summer. That being said, the lazy summer days spent by the pool, those crazy days spent at Pinecrest Lake with friends and family provide the right amount of relaxation and general bliss that fire my creative muse. I generally get a ton of story ideas during the summer months, and struggle to get them all on paper so I won’t forget them.

There’s never a dull moment in the Sanchez family, nor is there a dull moment when we’re hangin’ with our friends. One of my girls or their friends will inevitably start some type of war with the adults resulting in vicious and might I add, hilarious consequences. We’ve endured all out whipped topping wars, cupcakes to the face, Nerf Gun wars where ammo has been stuffed down the mom’s shirts to avoid reuse (this particular situation ended up in Obsessed!) And, of course, someone always gets thrown into our pool or whatever lake we are at, fully clothed. There’s nothing like a full body soak and some subsequent chafing to highlight your summer days. These special moments fuel my creativity, and I find I’m doubly blessed to be able to tweak and use them in my writing, as well as hold onto the precious memories.

As far as specific plans for Summer 2011…well, the hubby has already purchased a large, circular flotation device from our local Costco, complete with a small ladder (the thing is huge) and cup holders for his beer. I’m already envisioning my hubby, or one of our friends (myself not included because…well, ahem, I’m nimble and super-coordinated) falling ass-over-tea-kettle into the water because he or she can’t manage to climb in. Good times! We’re planning several trips to our favorite Alpine destination, Pinecrest Lake, a few day trips to the beach, and maybe, if we’re lucky, a small trip to Lake Tahoe. I can’t wait to find out what will end up in my next book!

Blurb:

The victim of both a brutal attempted rape and now a serial stalking, Halley Davis is broken, and desperate to glue the shattered pieces of her life back together. Tormented by a psychopath and battling a heavy dose of anxiety, sex and dating are the last things on Halley’s anxiety-ridden mind. That is, until she meets the man who rescued her from the hands of a would-be rapist. With a body made for sin, a wicked, sexy tattoo and an aura that screams “badass,” her rescuer not only calms the storm of terror raging inside her mind, he ignites a passion within her she’s never known before.

Tired of using meaningless sex to drown out the horrors of his past, Nick Ackart has sworn off women. In fact, if women were classified as meat, his ass is Vegan. Despite his determination to remain unattached, Nick is unable to stay away from the emerald-eyed beauty he rescued from a sadistic pervert. Immersed in a tangled web of sexual desire and deep emotion he was certain was long dead, he vows to protect Halley from the monster hounding her, even though he stands to lose his heart in the process.

Excerpt:

Kaiti let out a frustrated sigh and yanked her cell out of her bag. “This crap isn’t gonna fly. I need to call the city and find out why our water isn’t turned on. I’ll be right back.” She stormed out the back entrance of the future bakery, her black heels clacking against the floor, her cell phone plastered to her ear.

Alone, Halley inhaled a slow, steady breath. She stood in the center of the large empty space, just breathing in the possibilities. Closing her eyes, she let her imagination run wild. She may have been standing amidst the dusty remnants of what was once a clothing boutique, but her mind pictured a bustling café. A top-notch pâtisserie, pushing out the finest cassata, pasticciotti, and cannoli money could buy. Located on Columbus, in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach, Zeppoli’s Bakery would be the place to go to get your sugar on. In just a handful of weeks, the dream she’d been holding on to for so long would finally become a reality. And oh yeah, baby, she was giddy with excitement.

The corners of her lips pulled up into a smile as she pictured a large refrigerated display case full of pastries, cakes, and desserts. The image of a shiny new commercial-grade convection oven filled with biscotti sent her mouth watering and her mind racing with possibilities. Most women got excited about new shoes, expensive designer purses. Not her. Throw a commercial-grade mixer in front of her, and she’d salivate all over the thing. The name KitchenAid was an aphrodisiac.

“Daydreaming, are we?”

Halley jumped, her high-pitched yelp bouncing off the dust-covered walls. She wheeled around, her hands automatically reaching for her injured neck and chest as she backed away from -- Mr. Blue Eyes?

LINKS:

author website- http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/

blog- http://www.calicheermom.com/

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/LisaSanchez3

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4028407.Lisa_Sanchez

Celebrate Good Times

2011-05-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

Woohoo! I just signed my 10th contract with MuseItHot Publishing for a contemporary erotic romance called Dangerous Voice. It will release November of this year. I am so excited. Here's a brief blurb.

Phaia Mykos is a 47 year old librarian. To most she is a quiet, proper woman. But, to put her daughter through college, Phaia creates an alter-ego called Sasha who titillates men at night as a voice on the phone.

When women in her line of work start to fall prey to a madman, the police decide to send Derek Hoffman to her home to set up a trap. For Phaia who has long desired after much younger man, this provides the perfect opportunity to get what she has wanted, hopefully before the one stalking her catches up to her.

Release Day For Mom!

2011-05-06T08:15:00.003-04:00

My mom's dark fiction tale, Twilight Comes is now available from Muse It Up Publishing. I am so proud of her.

Twilight Comes released today. I hope you will all enjoy it.:-)

It's a typical day in Mick's life. A successful stockbroker, he battles the morning traffic, the zip of numbers across the exchange banner while making fortunes grow her his clients, and the number pounding after-images continue to haunt his brain as he drives home.This is his well ordered life.

Home. His work life is numbers, routine, and rational. His home life? Secrets percolate behind closed doors...dangerous secrets...secrets that are about to tip over.

Will Mick survive the explosion about to blow the lid off his private, seemingly perfect world? Will any of them outlast the approaching turmoil and the world finally looking in and seeing the truth behind their closed doors? Or will death and destruction be the ultimate penalty for their secrets revealed?

N.J. Walters Is Celebrating 50!

2011-05-02T03:08:00.001-04:00

This is so huge. My writing hero is celebrating her 50th release tomorrow. Wow. And I am so exciting that she's celebrating it here. Congrats on number 50! So without further ado, here's N.J. Walters!

Milestones!

N. J. Walters

This week represents a milestone in my writing career, which “officially” began back in late October 2004 with the release of Annabelle Lee by Ellora’s Cave. This week Samhain Publishing is releasing my fiftieth book—Legacy Found—and I couldn’t be happier.

It’s been a long road with a lot of ups and downs but, thankfully, more ups than downs. I’ve met so many amazing readers and authors who have been nothing but kind and supportive. It’s such a gift and a privilege to be able to do something I love for a living. I count my blessings every day.

But how does a person write fifty books. I’ve done it and I’m still not quite sure. There are days when every writer wants to do anything but park their butt in the chair and write. But, if you’re a writer and you’re waiting for divine inspiration you may be waiting a very long time. See, writing isn’t just about being inspired. Yes, that helps, but it’s also about hard work. It’s about sitting in the desk chair day after day when you really don’t feel like writing. It’s about taking something you think is crap and revising and rewriting it until it feels like something wonderful. It’s about having to tell stories that no one else can. It’s about being rejected and pulling up your bootstraps and writing anyway. It’s about good reviews and bad reviews. It’s promotion and paperwork and edits and emails. It’s crazy and it’s fun and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

I know one of the questions I get asked the most is: Where do your ideas come from? My answer is always the same: Everywhere. And that’s the truth. Everyone has a story and it’s interesting and unique. I think that’s why I write so many series. My books have secondary characters who demand their stories be told.

Which leads me to book number fifty—Legacy Found. The hero is James LeVeau Riley, who just happens to be the father of the heroine in Alexandra’s Legacy, the first book in the Legacy series. He is such a fascinating man, aside from the fact he’s a 160-year-old werewolf, that I just had to tell his story. Of course, this alpha male would need a very special woman to attract his attention…

BLURB: LEGACY FOUND

She outran her memories. She couldn’t outrun her past.

Legacy, Book 3

Shelley is a killer. Never mind that her “crime” freed her from thirty-five years of brutal captivity—the bounty hunters on her trail don’t care. For the first time in her life, she is on her own, free to put the past behind her and explore what it means to be a werewolf.

James Riley is dead tired. After a week untangling legal and financial affairs his brother’s death left behind, he’s feeling every ounce of his new responsibility as Wolf Creek pack alpha. He’s not too tired, though, to notice his sexy waitress is a werewolf—one that strangely doesn’t recognize him as one of her own kind.

After his questions rattle her composure and get her fired, Shelley figures the least James can do is drive her to the next town, but he wants more. He wants to take her home. And despite her fear, something inside her is irresistibly drawn to his commanding yet gentle presence.

James is willing to give Shelley all the time she needs to embrace her heritage, her sexuality, and eventually his love. But her past will not be denied...and her secrets demand a price paid in blood.

Warning: This book contains a hunky werewolf, a woman with a secret past, a lost family found, nasty bounty hunters, and lots of steamy hot sex!

N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Check out all my books at http://www.njwalters.com/

http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-30T09:26:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful wedding. Prince William looked quite dashing in his uniform and of course Kate Middleton was positively stunning in her wedding dress. I was 5 years old when Charles married Diana and I remember how magical that day was. Of course, no one knew just how tragically that fairytale would end.

William and Kate's wedding was just as full of magic and romance as his parents wedding so long ago. But, I hope and pray that their marriage has a far happier ending. They do have a few things going for them that his parents didn't. He and Kate have been together as a couple for 9 years and have lived together for several of those years so they already know many of their bad habits and yet are still together.

Also, Kate is ten years older than Diana was when she married Charles. Kate has a university background and more experience with life. She's not as young and innocent as Diana. I think this will work in William and Kate's favor. Also, having seen what happened to his mother first hand, William will be less likely to make the same mistakes his father made.

I have high hopes for both of them. And I wish them nothing but years of happiness together.

Like My New Banner?

2011-04-28T23:03:00.000-04:00

My fellow author and dear friend Jim Hartley made it for me? Isn't it stunning? Thanks Jim.:-)

Heroes Night

2011-04-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

Tonight is a very special episode of my BTR show. No guests, no interviews, just me and my mom, fellow Muse author L.J. Holmes talking about our writing heroes and how they've impacted our lives. Mine is N.J. Walters and my mom's is Glenn Kleier. I hope you'll join us tonight at 6 pm EST for a half hour of writing inspiration. Go to my BTR website for details and to join in the chat or dial 619-393-6798 to talk to us directly. See you tonight.

Welcome Desiree Holt

2011-04-20T03:00:00.003-04:00

It boggles the mind but with Downstroke, Desiree Holt is celebrating her 100th release! Wow. What can I say. That is amazing. First up, here's an interview with Dallas Creed:

Today Desiree Holt will interview country rock star Dallas Creed, the hero of Downstroke, to find out how he got where he is and what drives him.

Desiree: Thanks for doing this, Dallas I know readers will be very interested to learn all about your life and how you got to be…well…Dallas Creed.

Dallas: Hope I don’t bore them to death.

Desiree: Oh, I don’t think there’s much chance of that. Good looking sexy guy with a voice that seduces all the women who hear it? They’ll love anything you say. So. Let’s get started. What made you get into the music industry to begin with? Everyone knows it’s a tough life and can chew you up and spit you out before you blink.”

Dallas: The music. I was writing music in secret from the time I was fifteen. And it seemed that the more I wrote, the more I wanted to.

Desiree: But your family has a big cattle ranch, right?

Dallas: Yes, and they expected me to run it with my brother, Morgan, when we both graduated college.

Desiree: Who’s older?

Dallas: Morgan by two years.

Desiree: So how did you get from ranching to the music business.

Dallas: (looking sad) Good and bad decisions. Dropped out of college and began playing ratty bars with my band. But it cost me my fiancée and my relationship with my brother.

Desiree: Even after you hit it big?

Dallas: (sighing) I hit it big because Sawyer Black, a flashy, clever promoter, discovered me in one of those ratty bars and took me to the top. But by that time neither Morgan nor Charley would have anything to do with me. They felt I’d sacrificed personal relationships for success.

Desiree: And do you feel that way?

Dallas: Unfortunately, yes. I missed both of them so much, especially Charley who I loved more than anything.

Desiree: But not more than the music.

Dallas: A hard lesson learned.

Desiree: You had a major accident three years ago and fell right off the top of the world, didn’t you?

Dallas: (nodding) Nearly killed myself. High on booze and drugs trying to fill the empty place inside me. About destroyed my leg. But one good thing came out of it.

Desiree: What’s that?

Dallas: Everyone else left me high and dry, sure my career was over. But Morgan showed up out of the blue, took me back to the ranch to heal and we repaired our relationship at the same time.

Desiree: It must be nice to be back on top again. And I understand Morgan’s on the tour with you. Is that right?

Dallas: It is. He seems to think Sawyer Black made light with a lot of my money before so he’s keeping an eye on the store.

Desiree: And did I see Charley Roper, your former love, backstage last night? Does that mean you two are back together?

Dallas: We’re trying to work through all the accumulated pain. I’m praying it works out.

Desiree: So how does she happen to be with you?

Dallas: (tight look on face) Believe it or not, someone’s trying to kill me. Charley runs a top security and protection agency. My brother hired her.

Desiree: Oh! Well, are you happy about that?

Dallas: Anything that brings Charley ands me together is a positive in my book. (chuckle) I just hope I live to see it work.

Desiree: So do I and all of your fans. I know Charley will take good care of you. Thanks for taking the time to for this interview. See you onstage tonight.

Here's a blurb about the book:

It’s been twenty years since Charley Roper and Dallas Creed parted with great bitterness. In that time she’s made a career for herself with the FBI and private security and he’s been a country rock music icon…tumbled to the bottom and risen again. Now someone’s trying to kill him and Morgan Creed wants Charley to protect his brother and find out who’s after him. When they meet again after all this time it’s obvious the chemistry is still there, stronger than ever. They’re older but are they wiser? Caught up in the bitter wash of memories and the tension of a killer in stalking mode, Charley and Dallas begin a roller coaster ride that is emotional erotic and suspenseful. Is their love strong enough after twenty years to pull them back together?

Twenty years ago Dallas Creed and Charley Roper were lovers with their entire future ahead of them. Until they split. Badly. Now he’s a country rock icon who made it to the top, hit bottom but is back at the top of his game. And Charley’s the private security specialist hired to protect him from an unknown killer in stalking mode. Caught up in the bitter wash of memories they begin a roller coaster ride that is suspenseful, emotional and erotic. Is their love strong enough to erase the past and bring them back together before the killer strikes again?

And here's an excerpt:

He’d dreamed about this moment, fantasized about it. With every new hit tune, every sold-out concert appearance, he wanted her there so he could show her what she’d missed. Wanted to make her eat her words. Wanted her to see the success he’d become. The success they could have shared.

The accident had changed all that. Made him take a good hard look at his life, at what he wanted and where he’d been going. With death flirting with him, he’d finally had to admit to himself everything was hollow without her. Years ago he’d tried to make a point with her but who had he proven it to? Certainly not himself.

He studied her as she moved fluidly into the trailer and stood to the side, next to Morgan.

Charley Roper had aged much better than he had. Her body was still slim although rounded in all the appropriate places, but now it was highly toned. Jeans hugged her legs and the soft material of her blouse draped over high breasts. Her rich, thick brown hair was still the same rich sable color pulled back into a no-nonsense ponytail. Her face certainly didn’t show the wear that his did, but her clear blue eyes reflected a bitter wisdom that bothered him. And she still gave off the same go-to-hell attitude with her walk and the way she stood almost defiantly in front of him, hands stuffed into the front pockets of her jeans.

Her familiar scent teased at his nostrils, giving rise to a wealth of memories. He remembered how that body felt beneath his, all soft and pliant. How those full lips felt on his mouth or wrapped around his cock.

His hands curled as he fought the urge to reach out and touch her. After all these years she still had the power to steal his breath. He knew if the two of them were alone in this room he’d have her naked and under him in seconds. His muscles tightened, his cock hardened even more and he was back to that last defining night.

You can get your own copy of Downstroke from Ellora's Cave.