Thursday, May 29, 2014

Taking a break... #RomFantasy

Some of you who are regular users of Facebook may have noticed I’m no longer present there. It’s been one of those weeks that make you wonder if there’s any sanity left in the cyber-world. I’ve been wondering for some time about taking a break from the big blue FB, and events occurred this past week making me consider it more seriously. This morning when I opened my mail to the happy presence of several shit comments left on my blog related to something that happened last week, I figured it was time for that break. I’m past caring to deal with snide, snotty attitudes from people who don’t know how to behave like adults. The lies, the attitudes, and the make believe power games are ridiculous. I have no more tolerance for any of it. When confronted or called on the childish behaviour, people scream whatever issues they have to inspire pity. The truth is, we ALL have serious health issues at the moment, one way or another. It doesn’t excuse ignorance.

I have work I want to get done. I may or may not reactivate my Facebook profile. Right now, I see no point to being the target of petty children who play people against each other. In the real world, adults speak to each other in an intelligent manner, and apologize when they screw up. In make-believe land, that doesn’t happen. I’m suffering a multitude of problems in my life at the moment, and I really don’t have the time or the energy to deal with games like this.

After a flood of inbox messages, my profile has been reactivated, but it will not be used for some time is my guess. However, if it reassure people to see it live - so be it.

Be well, friends, and well blessed... always.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Cursed Awakening - A Slice of Life (extra) @nikkitrueblue

“Lahni what’s with you and Red Cloud?”

Ivy watched as her new sister-in-law scowled at her younger sister Ari before throwing some laundry at her. Nyx had told her there was some bad blood between Lahni and Shiloh, the big clan chieftain of his people. Last night after the first night of the wedding ceremony, Shiloh had offered a small wooden box to Lahni and well if looks could have killed; Ivy knew of one clan that would be looking for a new chieftain. Lahni had refused the gift and grabbed the hands of her sisters and walked away with her chin held high. Tonight was night two.

“Seriously Lahni, the dude is blue balled for you.”  Karma teased.

Lahni groaned, “He comes near me and he’s not going to have any balls at all. Do you two have anything better to do than make me miserable?”

Ari and Karma looked at each other and grinned, “No” they sang together.

Ivy leaned towards Khloe, “I don’t think I have ever seen her this agitated before and I am not sure how to handle castration at my wedding party.”

Khloe, the eldest girl of the Wahpeton family laughed as she folded Cinjin’s Misfits t-shirt. Cinjin was Khloe’s mate and the man was literally the size of a grizzly. Ivy was still a little skittish around him even though Khloe had assured her that he didn’t like being in the dog house so he no longer lifted his leg in public. Ivy had laughed about that until Nyx had come into the house  and shook his head at her.

“Ah Ivy, stick around sister and you’ll learn all sorts of secrets.  Bodhi, for instance, is so desperate for “The One” that he has a secret stash of ‘Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus’ self- help books under his bed under a false board that he thinks none of us know about. Bodhi is a great guy and I love him but the woman who gets him will have to have a P.H.D in tolerance. Our brother Caleb, has a beautiful voice but seldom sings. A wolf has a different sound for different things. Wolves sing, you know, and Caleb’s vocal talent is beyond anything besides my mother, that I have ever heard. Nauru, he seems so quiet and very reserved goes every other weekend to the college and plays football and even does some boxing with some of the boys. Xander has been in love with Jaycee forever but there was a time when he wanted to become a minister. He went so far as to even put in for the priesthood. We were all shocked and our father and grandfather even got up money to send him all the way to Italy so he could make up his mind.”

Ivy was a bit stunned at this, “What happened?”

Khloe smiled as she finished a stack of t-shirts and Looney Toon boxers, “He saw Jaycee and that was all it took. They had known each other most of their lives but it wasn’t until that very moment when he was sixteen, that he recognized his mate and vice versa.” Khloe lifted her chin towards Nyx’s other sisters, “The twins catch glimpses of things and sometimes they can hear things on the wind but they will seldom tell you the strait of things and no one knows why. Lahni on the other hand is a tough nut to crack. She’s always been the wild child that will never change but there was a time when she truly loved Shiloh. I am not sure what happened and sad as it is, I didn’t push. Just one day when she was old enough to leave home she did and the next time I saw her she’d gotten tattoos, an electric guitar, and her hair was blue and purple with bright green streaks.”

Ivy watched Lahni who was lacing up her Demonica boots. She was dressed in perfect Cyber Goth attire. Lahni was probably going to go out before she had to be back for the second night of her wedding ceremony. Tomorrow night would be a full moon and they would officially be wed. There were two nights of feasting, dancing, and rituals and then the final would be tomorrow. Ivy wished it was already done and over with. Not that she didn’t love learning her mate’s culture, but the past two nights Lahni had looked miserable and Xander was still not at a hundred percent. He was still pale and slowly regaining strength. Jaycee never left his side.

***

Lahni sauntered out to her Jeep. She reached for the door when a large hand prevented the door from opening. Her eyes flashed gold for a brief second before she whirled around.

“I’m going to give you three seconds to get the hell away from my Jeep and leave me the hell alone or,” her eyes dropped momentarily, “you’re going to be in for a lot of pain and blood is a give in.”

Shiloh’s expression never changed. He lowered his head so that their faces nearly touched, “Do your worst but you will have your ass back here before nightfall. You don’t want to push me Lahni. I will only go so far.”

“Would hell be far enough because if you need a ride, I can help with that.”

Shiloh straightened up and removed his hand from her door frame with the same intense serious look on his face, “Just be back Lahni. Just be back.”

Lahni smirked as she hopped in and slammed the door and flipped him the bird. Shiloh narrowed his eyes and folded his massive arms across his broad sculpted chest. Lahni turned the key and made sure she kicked up enough dust and rocks to make her point clear-she wanted nothing whatsoever to do with him. As she turned and made her way to the road, Shiloh finally let the ends of his mouth form into that of a smile. This game played both ways but in the end she was going to be his.

Ivy stood on the porch with Khloe as Lahni had peeled out the drive. One thing that went unsaid between the two women was that Lahni’s days of being foot loose and fancy free were about to come to an end because she was Claimed and she didn’t even know it.  Nyx came out and wrapped his arms around his girl and reverently let one hand drift to the small little bump where his child was now growing.

“Night two is almost here baby and then we are almost done.” He whispered into her ear.

Ivy smiled and laid her back against his shoulder. Khloe spotted Cinjin coming out from the tree line and went running to meet him, shifting in mid run.

“She’s so beautiful when she shifts. It’s flawless.” Ivy sighed with longing and admiration of her new sister in law.

Nyx nuzzled her neck, “True but so are you. We’ve been over this baby, you’ll be able to soon enough. It will become like second nature to you in time.” He assured her.

Ivy found her smile again, “It’s early and you still have yet to take me to below the falls. I can make it worth your while.” She teased seductively.

“Well then I guess I will have to take you now, this very minute since you’re offering such an incentive to go.” He pulled her in close and covered her mouth with his.

Ivy didn’t need the falls or anything because the safest place in the world and her happiness was right here in Nyx’s arms. She’d never known love, passion, or desire like this and soon they’d be having a baby that would complete their lives.

Want to read how it all began? Cursed Awakening is available here:


Monday, May 26, 2014

Graphic Arts and NON-professionals... #RomFantasy

When I started to write a blog today, I had a very different topic in mind than the one I’m going to talk about now. Something happened that diverted my attention back to an incident that began on Friday, an incident that incensed me then, and still does.

First off, you have to understand that there aren’t many things that will piss off authors to the point that they go public with their displeasure. And what I’m about to talk about won’t sit well with everyone who reads it, but I’ve never backed down to speaking about things that are, quite simply put, WRONG!

On Friday, a friend and fellow author came to me, her publisher, and her cover artist with a concern she had about a banner that had been made without her consent. The team that made this banner probably did so with the best of intentions, but in the process they cut two covers and put the pieces onto a banner to promote the author. All well and good–except one of those covers is for a book that the author fought for years to get back from the shady publisher who published it – and after a class action suit, the book is no longer in print and is undergoing revisions in hopes it can be sold elsewhere. The second cover was done by an award-winning and very well-known and respected artist.

As all professionals know, when stock art is used to create a book cover, there are certain rights and legalities the artist accepts; the terms of service. If a third party decides to take a cover and do anything to it that doesn’t fall within the user rights the artist has accepted, there can be hell to pay. Copyright violation is a tricky business, and ANYONE who wants to work in graphic arts needs to understand the limitations and terms of use when they use other images. As many people are discovering, taking images off the internet can get you into hot water very quickly if you don’t have permission to use those pictures. (The image on this post, just for the record, was purchased from Canstock for use on my blog.)

The artist and the publisher were both at day jobs when we were informed that the banner contained the artist’s cover, or at least a portion of it. So, knowing all parties, I said I would inform the “company” that they lacked permission to use the images, and it would be a good idea for them to remove the banner from their showcase slideshow. I was polite, professional, and informed them to investigate the legalities of copyright and image use if they wished to continue doing graphic work. At the very least they should contact the author, and ask if she/he would want their work.

WARNING: From this point onward, the Sarcasm Fairy will probably drift by a few times.

What follows is the highly professional reply I received from the people involved, and this is copied word for word from my Facebook inbox (fractured grammar and all):

Conversation started Friday:

23/05/2014 21:54

We will remove it from the vid & will NOT make anything banner wise using THAT Authors or that persons covers AGAIN

We made THAT banner for _____ with her permission & were NOT informed that it wasn't allowed by THAT cover artist.

Denysé Bridger
23/05/2014 21:56

THAT cover artist has a name - and _____ says you did not have permission from her. I suggest you take it up with her. Your attitude is hardly professional, and I'd suggest you learn your business if you expect to have a place in the Graphic Arts arena.

S Squared Productions Graphic Art
23/05/2014 22:03

The vid was REMOVED & we WILL speak to _____ as she was the one the banner was made for

Denysé Bridger
23/05/2014 22:04

Good luck with your business.

We were told afterward that this “company” was run by two role-players, so the journey into LalaLand fantasy is on again. The truth of this fact became apparent with a look at their company page: S Squared Productions is what happens when a Charonte Demon aka SimiDemon Xiamara Parthenopaeus & a Psychic Extraordinare aka Selena Devereaux Laurens comes together ... Making Graphics art banners for Authors & Bloggers, along with book trailers & eventually book covers ...

So, two of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters have started a business–not their real life counterparts. Very professional this is, hiding behind fictional characters to run a creative business you want to have taken seriously.

They list a website: http://strhongerorigins1.com/  You cannot even VIEW samples of their work until you register for use of the site–so they get your info and your email before you can even judge if you want to do business with them. Think about the professional artists you know of if you’re an author, Fiona Jayde, April Martinez, Kayden McLeod, to name a few. Do any of these artists require your information to view their work? Are they so paranoid they won’t allow a casual observer to look for fear something will be stolen? Hardly.

Apart from the fact that I am still seeing red over the ignorance and childish response to a perfectly reasonable request–the repeated references to the artist in question as “THAT artist” are so rude and unprofessional that it makes me want to reach out and touch someone. Seriously, if you want to do book covers and graphic work for authors, learn your business, and above all, learn to behave like adults, not snarking kids. At no time since this began on Friday has it occurred to these two that they owe anyone involved an apology. The appropriate response would have been along the lines of thank you, we’ll speak with the people involved, and are sorry for the inconvenience. At the minimum, that response would have been appropriate. I did inform them via their page email that if an apology was not forthcoming, then I would tell other authors and professionals to avoid them. Maybe that got lost while they were banning me from their page, but three days later there was still no effort to write a simple sentence that would have ended the mess. So, here we are.

To any author out there looking for a cover artist–use this “company” at your own discretion. To S Squared Productions Graphic Art–LEARN a little professionalism, a working knowledge of copyright and usage, and most of all,  some basic manners if you expect to deal with professional people.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Bella Bella Signorina - GIVEAWAY #RomFantasy


Inspired by music…
(A look at where the story was born)

Back in 2006 a young Italian singer by the name of Patrizio Buanne had come onto the international music scene. He was an old style singer, with a powerful and seductive voice, rich in emotion and range. He was in his mid-twenties then, and had just recorded his second album, a collection called Forever Begins Tonight. It was on this CD that a particular song caught my imagination, with the story it told and the romanticism of the tale. Bella Bella Signorina was one of the most popular songs on this CD, and remains a fan favourite. For me, the more I listened to the song, the more certain I was that I wanted to write a story. I met Patrizio after concert in April of 2007, and by then the story had come into being in my mind. I asked for, and was given permission to use a few lines from the lyrics of the song as the framework for the story I wanted.

Later in the summer, I wrote the first draft of Bella Signorina and after getting the properly signed release from the copyright holder, it was submitted to a publisher. The decision was made the “tone down” the sensuality of the story and make it a sweetheart story, so any sexual overtones were removed, leaving the romantic fantasy to play out like a song. The book held the #1 best-seller spot for over six months, but went largely unnoticed, despite good reviews. I revised the story after the contract expired, and it was released again. This time it was largely unnoticed.

So, when I finally located the file of the original story and had the chance to read this story the way it was originally written, I thought this time it could be released as it was meant to be. Eirelander was willing to give the sexy, sensual version a home at last.

Available in AUDIO Here:

Amazon  |  Audible  |  iTunes


Excerpt:

She looked up, and her smile was radiant in the soft glow of the nearby streetlight. “La Galleria d'arte di Idillio,” she murmured. “I love this place.”

“It’s mine,” he told her as he dug out the key that would unlock the doors to the small gallery.

“Yours?”

There was enough real shock in her voice to make him stop as he held the door for her to go inside. “Why does that surprise you so much?”

“I’ve come here a number of times, and I’ve never seen you,” she replied, once he’d locked the doors and turned on the lights.

“I’ve never seen you,” he noted. “Except at the caffè.”

“I’ve always felt this place was a tribute to love, and romance.”

“It is. My father began the collection for my mother.”

“Your father was a romantic?”

“My father was a gentleman, in the truest sense of that word,” Stefano said with a familiar sense of loneliness and pride combined. “He lived la dolce vita,” he smiled, “with the passion of a man who loved all life had to offer him, good and bad.”

“He’s gone?”

A curt nod was all he could offer without revealing how deeply the loss still affected him. He set his coffee on the reception desk, hung his jacket on a rack then did the same with Bianca’s things. Then he took her arm and led her to a small area that had been his work for the past year.

“This is my latest addition to the collection.”

Bianca wandered the area, studying the beautiful collection of photographs. Each one was in a different area of Italy, and the women smiling and lovely, but each one as unique as her surroundings.

“What do you see?”

“Beauty. Romance.” Bianca stared at the photographs for a few moments longer, considering them with serious thought, then turned to face him. “In every photograph, they are not looking at you, but at the camera. They’re seeing the opportunity, but not your reason for wanting them.”

Something fluttered against Stefano’s chest from the inside, an excitement he hadn’t felt in a very long time. He let his gaze drift, cataloguing the woman in front of him. Standing next to him the top her head was at his chin. She had long, waving hair, dark brown with a distinct tint that caught the glow from the lights and turned her thick mane into a mass of warm, burnished auburn. She had eyes that resembled Chinese jade, and a wide, full mouth that curved upward, as though a secret hid behind her smile. She was curvaceous and feminine, effortlessly graceful, and with minimal makeup, appeared very much without artifice of any kind.

“What is my reason for wanting them?” He forced his tone to calm and curious, sincerely interested in her reply, but also caught in the spell she was exerting. Part of his mind was still watching her, measuring the emotion and internal workings of her mind as she analyzed his photographs with real interest. Her teal-colored dress was simple in design, flared skirt unevenly cut at the hem, swirling around her shapely legs as she walked, pausing often to peer intently at the images on the walls. The upper half of the dress clung to luscious contours, and the silver crucifix, her only jewelry, drew his eyes to the shadow between her breasts. He wanted very much to touch her, and instead stuffed his hands into his pockets and went to join her as she stopped at one of the last photos, then looked at him over her shoulder.

“She loved you.”

“So she said.”

“You didn’t love her?”

“Not the way she thought I should.”

“You wanted love from every woman here, yet not one of them saw who you really are,” she observed softly, sadness evident in her tone.

His eyebrow rose. “Who do you think I am, bella?”

“How honest do you think I should be?”

“I admire honesty, Signorina,” he told her. “I respect the courage it takes to offer it to anyone.”

“But do you respect it if the object of discussion is you?”

“Now you’re beginning to worry me,” he teased with a smile. He was fascinated by her intelligence and her insight. She looked past his appearance and his presence to probe his secrets, and whatever she was seeing made her even more alluring to him.

“You want attention,” she told him, not a shred of question in the observation, only the certainty that she was right. “You enjoy women vying for your favor. It gives you security, even while it makes you lonely. Because you know it’s not you they love, but the image you present to keep the world out of your heart and your head. You’re a complex man, Stefano.” She smiled. “I don’t know your last name.”

“Esposito.”

She nodded. “Marino,” she offered, so that he knew hers, too.

“Why are you asking me to analyze you?” She had started walking around the showroom again, stopping to look at the various displays. She halted at one of the cases that housed a collection of love letters. “These are beautiful. Do you know who wrote them?”

“A friend of my father’s,” he answered. “To my mother. When he was killed, they drew comfort from each other, and it became a love affair that lasted forty years.”

“The love affair that you seek in your own life now.”

He smiled but remained silent on the matter, and she moved to another display case, one dedicated to his family’s past.

“This ring is exquisite,” she noted. “I’ve never seen another one like it.” It was an antique, but beautifully wrought. The gold base shone as though it had been forged and shaped the day before. The design was unique, a horizontal figure eight—the symbol of infinity, with a perfect emerald balanced in the centre and outlined in tiny, sparkling diamonds.

“My grandmother’s engagement ring,” he informed her. “She wanted me to have it, and I wanted it to be here, where many people could see it.”

“Is she still alive?”

“Yes. She has a small villa in Amalfi. I see her often.”

“Has she seen this, Stefano?” Bianca smiled as she glanced around. “Everything here fills the heart with peace, and hope, and joy. It’s overwhelming some days when I’ve come here.”

“Grazie.”

“Will you add your history to this place one day, or leave it to your children to show the world their papa’s romantic heart?”

“Only time will answer that, Signorina,” he laughed. Before she could speak again, he touched her lip with the tip of his finger and shook his head.

Her mood curious, she followed him when he led her to a beautiful open area, with a gleaming, polished hardwood floor. He punched a few buttons on a wall console and seconds later music filled the air, soft and rhythmic. Bianca laughed quietly and walked into his arms.

“You’re avoiding me with this distraction,” she said.

“I’m indulging myself,” he admitted with a smile. “Do you mind?”

She stared at him for a few moments then shook her head.

“Why this song?”

He didn’t answer, merely looked at her as the sultry music of Alta Marea, by Patrizio Buanne filled the air and settled over them like a cloak.

“This is the sexiest piece of music I’ve heard in years,” she whispered. “I love it.”

“So do I.”

As the seductive sound of the singer’s smooth voice enveloped them, Stefano permitted himself the luxury of simply enjoying the moment he was in, and the feel of the beautiful woman in his arms as she nestled close and moved in perfect attunement with him.

* * *

Want to know more? The dance is only beginning for Bianca and Stefano, drop by Eirelander Publishing and indulge the fantasy more…


GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment, and you will be entered to win a set of three Eirelander AUDIO books, including Bella Signorina! Winner will be announced on May 26th! Good luck!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Inspirations along the way... #RomFantasy

I suppose for some people, they draw inspiration from very distinct sources, and from life experiences, etc. For me, every aspect of life is inspiring in some way, the scents, sounds, images, and essence of life inspires my dreams and my stories. Mostly, each day and the possibilities it presents is the greatest inspiration to continue when sane people would throw in and find a new path.

My inspirations have always come to me through emotion, and my response to certain people I encounter along the way. Whether these are the instinctive bonding reactions I have for fictional creations, or the performers who give them life, they each etch a story into my soul that never leaves me.

I’ve been writing most of my life, but I became an active fiction writer in an odd way. I’ve told this story before, but for those who have never heard it, let me give you a quick version. Back in 1984 I used to love television, IF there was a show that caught my imagination. Not many did, I admit. But, my mom had begun watching this action adventure show called AIRWOLF, and loved it. I was a huge fan of Ernest Borgnine, and he was one of the actors starring in this series. Along with Jan Michael Vincent, and a very charming and enigmatic man named Alex Cord. I started watching with my mother, very casually, and after a few weeks, I was looking forward to each new episode, and totally intrigued with Mr. Cord’s character, Michael Coldsmith Briggs III, code name Archangel. Many of you know that this series has since gone on to be something of a cult classic, and most people admit that it was very underrated at the time of its original airing. Where is this leading? Well, simply put, I got inspired by this series, and in particular Mr. Cord’s character, who was a man of many layers and nuances. An idea came to me, a full-blown “episode” for the show, and I decided to try my hand at writing it down as a story.

The first story I wrote for Airwolf took me less than a week to write, by hand, then type into a manuscript. By the time I was done, a sequel had evolved, and I then set out to write it, as well. Once I was done hammering away at my typewriter, I was very pleased with myself. My first story as an adult had been born. Experiment over, right? Not quite. I had never heard of fan fiction, but through various newsletters and things, I had met a lady named Barbara Fister-Liltz. She and her husband were well known in fan circles, for creating stunning art and wonderful fan zines. I’d never heard of such things. I told her about my story, and she asked me to send it to her. So, I took the plunge and sent it to her, and to Mr. Cord, who had inspired the tale. Imagine my utter surprise and delight 13 days later when the phone rang late one night and it was Alex Cord calling me to tell me how much he had enjoyed reading my story for him. He encouraged me to continue writing, and later I had a note from Mr. Borgnine telling me to script the story and send it to the producer. As things happened, Airwolf was cancelled before I could get an agent to put the script on the right desk. BUT, I had been inspired to continue writing.


A few years after this, my next experience with “inspiration” occurred via another television series, this one a British import that was redefining the legend of Robin Hood. I’d long been a lover of the legend of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, and had studied this era of British history with the only real enthusiasm I’d ever shown for history at that point. In Richard Carpenter’s Robin of Sherwood, many new spins brought an old legend to life in amazing ways. In the third year of the series, the original Robin, played by actor Michael Praed, was being replaced by a new Robin Hood–and the actor who would bring Robert of Huntingdon (Robin Hood) to life was Jason Connery. (Yes, only son of actor Sean Connery.) I was immediately drawn to the “new” Robin in creative ways, and thoroughly enjoyed Jason’s portrayal, and the aura he gave his character.

I began to write again… There was also a new addition to the legend creation, a mysterious Saracen called Nasir, played by actor Mark Ryan. These men and their presence opened up a new world for me, and the dream of writing grew stronger.


By the late 90s I’d established a pretty solid presence as a fan writer, won some awards, and was generally having a great time and wondering if I might seriously consider writing for “real” as a career. I had doubts, lots of them. A late night drama hit the air, and the third bolt of lightning struck–the series was a kick-ass action series called Soldier of Fortune, Inc. Almost overnight, I began writing what would become one of my first novels, and the entire team of characters in this show was terrific.

The casting included Brad Johnson, and Tim Abell as the most awesome sniper to hit the airwaves ever, in my opinion. Benny Ray Riddle and Major Matthew


Shepherd created sparks in my imagination, and being enthusiastic, if not particularly bright, I sent my writing to Brad, as a token of my admiration. (Tim himself asked for those stories a couple of years ago when we got chatting one night on Facebook, and I was wowed!!) Once again, the phone rang, and I found myself talking to Brad Johnson, and he told me “you should keep writing, it’s obvious you have a gift for it” – and yes, those are the words he used. I was overwhelmed. Determination grew.



As you can see, I’ve had some pretty impressive encouragement to propel me toward a writing career. There were other shows and directions, and music has always been a part of the mix, but these are the gentlemen who really made me believe it might be possible to write professionally. I adore them all, and thank them often, even though they don’t know about it.

In 2004, on a whim, I entered a contest with Amber Quill Press, and a few weeks later was informed that I’d won my first professional writing contract. The dream had arrived. I haven’t looked back since then, just driven forward, writing and releasing books with some pretty awesome publishing houses along the way.

The past years have been so busy, I don’t even watch television anymore, and couldn’t tell one actor from another. I’ve discovered that creating my own worlds is often a lot more fun than playing in someone else’s garden, but I do still go back to these special shows, and to this day, I feel the affinity and lure that made them part of my creative soul. These actors hold a place in my heart that will never fade.

In recent years, I’ve also discovered a couple of just amazing ladies who inspire through their art, too. Oddly, or perhaps not, they are both Italian, both beautiful, creative, warm and loving. They inspire through their wisdom, laughter, and the beauty of their spirits. One is singer Giada Valenti–a lady I have known for the past 8 years or so, and who I hope one day to meet. She is elegant, has the voice of an angel, and is one of the classiest ladies in the world.

The other lady is Barbara Conelli. Barb has a fabulous website called Wild and Free Creativity. It’s a great site, and Barbara’s wonderful passion for life and adventure is infectious. She in an inspiration always because, like Giada, she is always positive, and has an energy around her that touches hearts, and renews faith and hope. ALL of these people, and so many, many more who have touched my life and my heart, are the ones who have brought me to a place where I know all of you and have the opportunity to entertain you with my stories. THAT is a privilege, and I would like to thank each and every one of you for the pleasure of having you be part of my journey. I hope you’ll stay around for the rest of the adventure, I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful!!!

Love, blessings, and all the best to each of you!

Wild and Free Creativity

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Shades of Rose Fetching Love Spotlight @TamaraHoffa #RomFantasy



Fetching Love by Tamara Hoffa

Genre: Western Contemporary Romance

As a fourteen year old, Megan Malone thought Chad Ryan hung the moon, but the boy of her dreams was already a man. Chad left town for seven years. Now he’s back. He’s the new veterinarian in town and he’s working for her dad, in the Animal clinic that she manages. Never mate a dog from your own kennel, so the saying goes, but…


Chad Ryan is a dog. The skinny little girl who used to trail after him like a lost puppy, is now a beautiful woman. He has no business even noticing. On the heels of a failed relationship, and the beginning of his career, there is no time for love in his life.

A matchmaking mom and dad, a boisterous yellow lab and fate have different plans. When it’s dropped in their path, no dog can resist Fetching Love.

~Excerpt~

The back door swung open and Chase sauntered in. “Hi, Ma. It smells great in here.” He snatched a slice of tomato from the board in front of her and she slapped at his hand. “Get out of that, you. The tomatoes are for the sauce.”

“You’re making sauce and Sam and I didn’t get an invite for dinner?” He gave her his best puppy dog face.

“We’re having Megan and Doc over for dinner,” Chad interjected before his mother could speak.


“I’m making plenty. I’ll send some home with you and you can make my Samantha some nice spaghetti for dinner.”

Chase looked crestfallen. “Aww, come on Ma. You know I hate to cook.”

“Yes, I know, but Sam has been working too hard and she is big as a house. It’s the least you can do for her. All you have to do is boil up some noodles.”

“I’m telling her you said she was big as a house,” he teased.

Wiping her hands on her apron she placed her hands on her hips and gave her middle son the stare. Chad turned back to his tomatoes so he didn’t get caught in the crossfire. “I beg your pardon, young man. Did you just threaten your mother?”

Chad struggled to keep a straight face, laughing now would earn him a smack in the head, but it was so funny to see his itty bitty mother squaring off with her six foot plus son. Watching out of the corner of his eye he saw Chase drop his head and mutter, “No, ma’am. I was only teasing.”

Chad bit his cheek and continued to peel tomatoes.

“Shoo, you two. Get out of my kitchen. Go eat your lunch in the living room.” She took the knife from Chad’s hand and pushed him toward the door.

He grabbed the bag of food from the table. “Grab us a couple beers, Chase,” he tossed over his shoulder as he exited the room.

They settled themselves on the sofa and Chad pulled the sandwiches and chips from the bag, along with some napkins. “I got you roast beef. That okay?”

“It’s great. So, how’s the new job going?”

They made small talk while they ate. Catching up on the goings on of the ranch and local gossip. When they had finished their sandwiches Chase sat back on the couch, took a long sip of his beer and leveled his gaze on Chad. “Okay, spill. I can tell you have something on your mind, so quit pussy footing around and let me have it.”

“I never could get away with anything around here. I swear, between you, Chance and Ma, a man doesn’t stand a chance.”


“Quit stalling.”

“Okay, okay. Well, you remember Doc’s daughter, Megan?”

“How could I forget? That poor girl had such a crush on you. She followed you around like a little puppy. Oh, no. She’s not still trailing after you, is she?”

“I wish,” Chad muttered.

Chase stuck a finger in his ear and wiggled it. “Did I just hear you right? You want little Megs following you around?”

“Obviously you haven’t seen little Megs in a while. She’s not so little anymore. In fact, she’s a stone fox.”

“Seriously? So, what’s the problem?”

“I don’t know what to do. She runs the All About Animals office now, we work together. I know I shouldn’t pursue her, but I can’t get her out of my mind.”

“Is she still stuck on you?”

“I really don’t know. She always acts very professionally, but every once in a while I think I catch her watching me.”

“So, ask her out. The worst she can do is say ‘no’”

“No, that’s not the worst she could do. We work together. What if it doesn’t work out?”


“What if it does? Are you really such a chicken shit that you’re willing to ignore your feelings for this girl because of a maybe?”

“I don’t know. Julie really—”

Chase interrupted. “Screw Julie.”

“Been there. Done that. Got the broken heart to prove it.”



~About the Author~

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 4 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is an author, a reviewer, an editor, a professional reader and runs the SSLY blog with her best friend of thirty years, Beverly Ovalle. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

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