Spending the Day with Toni Noel

It 's a rather cold and dreary day here in the U.P.  The sun keeps trying to peek out, but the clouds get in the way. So, I've lit the fireplace and gathered a few chairs around the fireplace. In honor of our guest, I've brewed some tea. I found a really great scones recipe the other day adn thought I'd try them out on you as well. Stick around and I'll whip up a batch of pasties for lunch. I'm so glad you stopped by today. We have a very special guest. This author is another one of the lovely people I met through MFRW (Marketing For Romance Writers). I feel so blessed to have her here with you. Let me introduce you to Toni Noel!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself- By third grade I knew I wanted to write, but I’m a literal, detail- oriented person, and in college earned a degree in Systems Analysis. None of those classes prepared me to be a writer, so when my employer closed our company and I retired to write romance, I still had no idea what I'd write. I enrolled in a creative writing class at a local community college and on a rainy afternoon two months later the inspiration for my first romance novel, To Feel Again, came to me. I'm delighted to report that much-revised manuscript will be a November 11 release from Desert Breeze, my 7^th eBook release. My daughters and granddaughters read my novels and encourage me. So does my staunchest supporter, my husband of sixty years. He makes it possible for me to write, but is yet to read anything I've written other than the fly fishing scenes I've asked him to proof for two of my books.

Rising Above, the book released today, was inspired by a 1994 photographing expedition to the recently restored ghost town of Cerro Gordo, California. My husband and his BFF bought out the town so we wouldn't be sharing the bunk house with strangers or risking another photographer spoiling a large-format long exposure. I fell in love with the history of the town. Much of the original mining equipment is still on site.

Our hostess and now deceased owner of the town, Jody Stuart, even showed me a wooden crib used by prostitutes who offered their charms for a pittance in the lower part of town. The small circle cut into the wooden door guaranteed little privacy inside the rustic 4x6 foot space. The miners began lining up soon after collecting their weekly pay on Saturday afternoon. Before the next man in line could enter her crib, the lady-of-the-night would stand just inside that door and collect twenty-five cents of the  four-dollar-a-week pay the miner earned from his back-breaking work, loosening rock rich with silver deposits and shoveling it into rail cars.

Rising Above only hints at the prostitutes' activities. Most of the novel is set in the American Hotel where Hal takes Wilda after her hot air balloon crashes and they are forced to spend two nights alone in the cave where they sought shelter from high winds and blowing sand before resuming their journey into Cerro Gordo on horseback.

 

Blurb- When modern-day tomboy Wilda Stone is blown back through time to 1874, her hot air balloon crashes above the Owens Valley. Stoic undercover agent Hal Grantham comes to her rescue, promising to take her to the silver mining town of Cerro Gordo. A severe sand storm keeps him from keeping his promise and forces them to seek overnight shelter in a cave, compromising her reputation and forcing Hal into a marriage of convenience.

Wilda is a misfit in Cerro Gordo, too, where their turbulent marriage is filled with adventures, adjustments, and above all else, love. Then a diphtheria epidemic sweeps through the town. This same disease felled Hal's first wife and young son, so to guarantee Wilda a long life Hal secretly repairs her balloon and sends her back to her own time, shattering Wilda's heart. Is her love for her terse husband strong enough to bring this headstrong former Caltrans flag person safely back to Hal's time?

Excerpt: "My, my, aren't you the pretty one," Dottie said, giving her a tentative smile, but Wilda hadn't missed the worried look her visitors exchanged. "Are you ready for dinner?"

"Oh, yes. I'm quite--"

"Look, Wilda," Hal said, impatiently interrupting her. "There's not much time to explain because we're late for supper. Just remember, whatever happens downstairs, follow my lead. Understand?"

What did he anticipate happening? They were only going to eat a meal. She gave him a puzzled nod.

"Good. You'll be eating at the table with Dottie and me." As if by habit, he touched the gun strapped to his hip. "I guess we're ready, then."

Wilda's heart gave an anxious flutter, but anticipation far outweighed any worry she entertained as she and Dottie trooped out into the hall. Hal followed. Ace fell in step behind when Hal moved out in front. At the head of the stairs they paused.

From below came the rumble of rowdy voices. Wilda's pulse quickened. To her surprise, she had no difficulty descending the stairs.

Dottie reached the main floor and ducked into a small room furnished as a parlor. The others followed, and all but Wilda engaged in a whispered conference. While waiting for them to finish, she noticed an Inyo County newspaper and a copy of Peterson's Magazine on the lamp table nearby.

Casually, Wilda unfolded and lifted the paper. The headline read "Lone Pine, California Rebuilds Following Disastrous Quake." Dated October 1, 1874, the lead article detailed the devastation that had occurred on March 26, 1872, when an earthquake shook residents of the quiet valley from their beds.

Is this October of 1874?

The corners of the newspaper were dog-eared from frequent handling, but the printed pages showed no sign of age. Wilda estimated the paper couldn't be more than a week old.

A hard knot formed in her stomach. Now she knew the year, she could no longer deny her worrisome suspicions.

Somehow, she had stepped back in time. Her pulse throbbed.

What else had happened in 1874?

The chase for gold in California had slowed to a crawl then and the Civil War had ended.

What else? Was California a state yet?

With all her heart she wished she'd paid more attention to her history lessons.

Why did it matter? Women weren't yet allowed to vote, she was sure.

Without giving Wilda sufficient time to absorb the reality of her predicament, Dottie turned toward the jumble of voices and entered a large paneled room. Wilda had no choice but to drop the newspaper and follow.

Now for some fun:

Ten Tantalizing Teasers-

Plotter or Pantser? I'm a plotter. Like a railroad engineer I have to know where I'm going to wind up before I can get up a head of steam for writing. The Fifty Scenes method of plotting and a story board work best for me. I like to have a firm grasp on all the turning points before I start to write.

Which Goddess best defines you? The Goddess of Love. I want everyone to find a safe haven for their heart.

Favorite Dessert? Creme Brulee

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, hands down.

Favorite scent? Roses and lavender, since Sandalwood is no longer available.

Coffee, tea, soda, or water? Coffee, but my cardiologist insisted I switch to herbal tea, so it's cinnamon-apple for me now.

Do you have to set the mood to write? If so, how? Piano music playing softly in the background is all it takes to engage my muse.

Do you have a favorite character? Why? I've fallen in love with every hero I've ever written, but my current favorite is the hero of my WIP. His name is Luke, the hero of Homeward Bound, a planned August, 2013 release from Desert Breeze Publishing. When Luke smiles that crooked smile of his, or lifts a quirky eyebrow at something the heroine says, I melt.

Morning, afternoon, evening, or late night writer? I do my best writing in the morning or in the evening, but I can write anytime. I was most productive for the twenty years my husband taught college students two nights a week and I was able to devote those six additional hours a week to my writing.

If you weren’t writing, what would be your occupation? A gardener with a book tucked in my gardening apron to read when I sit down to rest.

You can hang out with Toni at the following links: 

http://twitter.com/toninoelwriter     http://www.facebook.com/AuthorToniNoel

http://www.ToniNoelAuthor.com/blog.html     www.ToniNoelAuthor.com

And download her books here:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/Toni%20Noel/Page.bok

Or here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Toni+Noel&x=13&y=20

Or from your favorite eBook store.

Thank you, Toni for stopping by to visit with us today! I've added Rising Above to my TBB list (gotta wait for Yule) and I hope my readers add it to their lists as well! I wish you much success!!

Getting To Know Judi Phillips

Good  morning everyone! It's a bit early here in the U.P. Well, early for me, but I'm off to college. I managed to get enough full-time credits with the 2nd half of the semester, so off to learn I go. I'm leaving you in very good hands though. Judi Phillips will be here to keep you company as the day goes by. 

Hello, Judi! Welcome to my little corner of the world. The sun is barely peeking over the horizon and the frost is clinging to the grass. I've got coffee perking and bagels warming. Sit down and make yourself at home. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Hi Gemma.  Thanks for inviting me to your blog.

Like many other authors, I have had stories in my head and decided it was time to unleash them on the world rather than hoard them all to myself.  I have three adult children and they support my writing, evening helping at times.  I don't think they've read much of it, though.  Probably TMI from mom--especially my really hot books written by Pepper Goodrich.  My ideas come from everywhere.  News (à la ripped from the headlines), conversations, what if games, subjects I'm interested in.  Everything is grist for my mind mill.

Since I'm celebrating the release of Two Moons Rising, for one lucky commenter, I will give away a very small <grin> moonstone.  When you comment, please include your e-mail in a spam-proof format, i.e.  yourname @ e-mail dot com.  If you are chosen the winner, I will need your snail-mail addy to send your price.  Again, it's very small, but very pretty.

Blurb-

A female Secret Service Agent travels through space and time to fulfill an ancient legend.  An exiled prince, while overcoming mistakes of the past, is fighting to free his people.  Together, can they save his world?

Excerpt-

Now no more than an arm's length away, he got a clear look at her eyes.  They were violet.  He recalled the words of the old teaching poem, and the hairs on his neck prickled.  Every Larian child knew The Ice Maiden by rote.  In all the times he'd heard it, he had never imagined it could refer to anyone like the attractive, desirable woman standing before him.

For a moment he wondered what it would be like to spend a night with her.  When he realized the direction of his thoughts, he immediately stopped.  He was thinking in the ways of his father when he should be figuring out her purpose for coming here.  And how she had penetrated the force field.

"Who do you work for?" he demanded.

She crossed her arms.  "That's classified."

He could not believe her insolent behavior.  Although he didn't stand on a lot of ceremony, the way his father had, he customarily received respect.  He was the Prince, after all.  No one ever acted in such an audacious manner, at least not to his face.

Suspicion came back full force.  He straightened, his spine ramrod stiff.  "Not from me.  I am Prince Tarique cel Sahar yon Kebali, and I have access to all information concerning my subjects.  You will come with me to Zafir.  There, we will resolve this matter."

Now for some fun:

Ten Tantalizing Teasers-

Plotter or Pantser?

A combo.  Would that be a Plotster or a Panter?  I start out as a panster, writing the first three chapters to get to know the characters.  Then I start filling in a plotboard so I know where I'm headed.  I use it as a roadmap.  Keeps me from wandering all over the place and headed in the right direction.

Favorite Dessert?

Crème brûlée.  And I found my favorite place to eat it.  Several years ago I spent a week in Paris.  I stayed in a little hotel, Hotel Henri IV on Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine between the Left and Right Banks.  It was a couple of blocks from Notre Dame, and within walking distance of the Louvre, the Cluny Museum and lots of other wonderful places.  There was a small café around the corner with awesome Crème brûlée with outside tables.  It was the best.

Oh wow! Such a perfect setting to eat a delicious dessert!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate--but not in the morning.  The rest of the day, though, it isn't safe and can't hide from me.

Favorite scent?

Patchouli.  I wear it all the time and people either love it or hate it.  I was at a restaurant one time and a woman sitting in a booth a couple of seats away was complaining loudly about the nasty smell.  That would be me.  And I'd showered.

I thought I was the only one who still wore that! I get the same reaction, but now I don't feel so bad:) I've even made my soap and body butter with patchouli so I can layer the scent. LOL

Coffee, tea, soda, or water?

Coffee--espresso, that is.  Two years ago, a couple of weeks before my birthday, I sent the following e-mail to my kids.

As I know you are ALL aware, my birthday is just around the corner.  And I know you are scratching your heads to try and figure out an awesome present for your mother ;-)

So, I have a suggestion.  When I was at Joe's, he had a nifty espresso machine--can't remember the name--but George Clooney did the ads for it outside of the States.  Maybe you guys could pitch in and get one for me.

After a hilarious series of e-mail exchanges, they got me one--a Nespresso machine.  You can see it at work here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V06LzDV90dQ&feature=plcp

Do you have to set the mood to write? If so, how?

Not especially.  Butt in the chair, fingers on the keyboard and I'm generally ready to go.  I usually have music--no words--playing on iTunes and in the winter I sometimes remember to use some potpourri.

Do you have a favorite character? Why?

Actually, my favorite characters are whichever ones I'm writing about.  Gotta love my heroes and want to be my heroines.

Morning, afternoon, evening, or late night writer?

Morning writer.  When I was working full-time, I got up around 5:00 a.m. and wrote for a couple of hours.  Also frequently wrote during my lunch hour at a food court.  Headphones on and I was in my own world.

If you weren’t writing, what would be your occupation?

I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.  I love the writing process--no matter how difficult it is.  Hanging with my characters is way too much fun to want to do something else.

You and me both, Judi! 

I want to thank you for spending the day with my readers. And readers? Don't forget Judi is giving away an moonstone to one commenter. I'll be back to check the comments between classes:)

Spending the Day with Amber Kallyn

It's a lovely day here in the U.P. The sun is shining through the leaves and the waves are washing gently against the shore. However, it is a little chilly so we've moved this chat inside. I've got a fire in the fireplace, candles are lit, and loads of comfortable chairs and floor pillows. Coffee is brewing and cider is mulling on the stove. Come on in and sit down as we spend the day with Amber Kallyn.

Welcome, Amber!

Hi all. Thanks to Gemma for having me over.

My name is Amber Kallyn, and I’m addicted to writing. It’s fun and interesting, because life is already busy, with four kids and going to school full time (one more year, woot). But writing is the passion that just won’t let go.

Luckily, I don’t want it to. I love living in my imagination, learning about all these people and their lives. I’ve been blessed to be able to write it and have people actually enjoy : )

And even though my family might not ‘get it’, they totally understand mom’s ‘glazed look’.

How on earth do you find time to write? Four kids AND school? I have 5 dogs and I have a hard time writing. The only quiet I get is between classes:)

Blurb-

When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn’t just burn... it bites.

For two hundred years, Niki DeVeraux has been tracking the monster who murdered her family and made her a vampire. She finally catches up to him only to face more than she bargained for in a too-sexy sheriff who makes her remember she’s still a woman. With duties as Keeper of the peace and Sheriff, Shane Spencer must protect humanity and stop the friction between the local Arcaine races before it turns into an all out blood war.

When wolves start turning up dead, the tension between the races grows and suspicion falls on Niki. Shane knows she’s not to blame, and it has nothing to do with the primal urges she stirs within him. Working together, they must stop the hostilities from going over the edge. Trouble is, the desires raging between them might prove more dangerous than the surrounding threats.

Excerpt-

Niki kept to the shadows of the forest as she skirted the parking lot. The only light came from a blue neon sign on the building’s roof, claiming someone called Henry owned the Spitfire bar.

She stopped near a clump of three trees opposite the bar. The center one was marked with a red X. How original. Yet this was where her contact wanted to meet, so who was she to complain?

It was nearly a half-hour later than their appointed time and she wasn’t quite sure why she was still here. Her stomach grumbled lightly. She needed to eat, the blood she’d consumed earlier hadn’t been enough. Without both food and blood her strength would wane. She couldn’t afford that, not now when she was so close to her prey.

She’d give this snitch five more minutes.

Only three passed before the air whispered through the forest at her back. Niki turned, knife in hand, holding it hidden down by her thigh.

“Looking for me?” a husky whisper drifted out of the darkness.

“You Baal?” She tried not to snort. Sometimes vampires tried on grandioseness, as if eternal life made them superman. Which, she guessed, in some ways it did.

“Maybe. Depends. You got the money?”

“Sure. If you have the information you promised.”

“Lemme see the cash first, lady.”

Niki reached slowly into her front pocket and pulled out two one-hundred dollar bills. The snitch tried to grab it, but she held tight. “Information first.”

He stepped into a bit of moonlight and grinned, eyes flushed with red. His thin lips drew back, revealing long fangs as he chuckled. “I got something else for you.”

She sighed. “Let me guess. You’re not going to give me the information, assuming a creep like you even knows anything.”

“Got that right.” Confusion twisted his pale features, as if he didn’t quite follow. Then he grinned again. “But you sure gonna give me something. Ain’t just money.”

Never trust a snitch. “Let’s get on with it then.” She tucked the bills back in her pocket.

His grin twitched, eyes flickered, following the money. He shook himself, confidence coming back.

She tightened her grip on the dagger. He lunged.

Niki used his momentum to fling him against the trunk of the tree. His head slammed in to the painted red X.

“Damn it,” he yelled, quickly recovering and charging her again.

She waited until he was close, then rammed her knee into his groin. Not even vampires were immune to that pain.

The snitch dropped, screaming obscenities on the way down.

Slamming her boot onto his shoulder, she pushed him onto the leaf-strewn ground only a bit harder than necessary. Bending over, she let the dagger wink in the moonlight.

“You know, it puts me in a bad mood when someone tries to screw with me. Now, here are your choices. You want to live, or die?” She smiled. “Permanently.”

Niki and her story in Bloodstorm (Heart of a Vampire, Book 1) is currently Free at all E-Tailers, so you can check it out today :) Find your format at: http://amberkallyn.com/books/heart-of-a-vampire-series-prn/

This sounds like such a great read. I love vampires, I just haven't tackled that particular supernatural character yet.

Now for some fun:

Ten Tantalizing Teasers-

Plotter or Pantser? Plotter, but a bit of both. I need a mini-guide to get me through, even if the finished book doesn’t look anything like the road map at the end.

Which Goddess best defines you? Athena, goddess and protector of the people, and of heroes. She has a strong, warrior spirit that I try to live by -- don’t take crap from anyone, and if you want something, go get it.

Favorite Dessert? Pumpkin cheesecake, all year round

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate anything!

Favorite scent? Cinnamon apple

Coffee, tea, soda, or water? Coffee. I drink it all day long, and beg for more.

Do you have to set the mood to write? If so, how? Nope. Easy or hard, whether I’m in the mood or not, I have to write. I try for every day of the week.

Do you have a favorite character? Why? The one I’m currently writing ;)

Morning, afternoon, evening, or late night writer? I write in the morning after the kids are at school by necessity, but I’m really a night owl.

If you weren’t writing, what would be your occupation? Well, when I was in high school I wanted to be a BioChemist. I love science. Now, I’d try to be a video game tester. It just sounds so fun : )

Thank you, Amber, for stopping in to spend the day with my readers! It has been a delight having you here. Amber will be back in December to celebrate her birthday, so be sure to keep an eye on the website calendar.

Here are Amber's contact links:

Blog: www.AmberKallyn.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmberKallyn
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmberKallyn

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/AmberKallyn#!/pages/Amber-Kallyn/119605398111010

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/amberkallyn

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/amberkallyn/

Sign up for my newsletter for fun & freebies: http://bit.ly/H04jPF

             

Bio:

One of those rare breeds, Amber Kallyn is an Arizona native who can trace her family's history through six generations in the state. She lives with her husband, and their four very active children. Included in the menagerie are four cats (though there's always room for more), one snake, and two dogs. We won't count all the fish.

Amber loves the paranormal, from dragons to werewolves to vampires. She's currently at work on her next book, probably running around the house acting out a fight scene with her collection of swords and daggers. Or maybe, wishing she had claws to practice the other fight scenes.

I Owe You An Apology

As you can see my world is alight with colors. I wish I could say I have been spending my time taking in the fall colors and smells, but I haven't. I wish I could tell you I have been writing until my fingers are bleeding, but I'd be lying. 

In fact, I'm trying to get my schedule straightened around so I can be more organized. It KILLS me to NOT be organized. If you could see the inside of my mind, you would be appalled at the mess that is there. It's cluttered and messy and dark. By getting more organized. I am hoping to find more time for the important things in life.

I had made the decision to not return to college this fall, but Life interfered and made me decide I NEED to get a degree of some sort. I'm leaning toward software/web design. We'll see where this journey leads since this wasn't finished yet.

By returning to college, I'm taking an intern class with a possible internship to come. Fingers crossed that it works out. Yes, that means I will have the job as Contest Coordinator for CTR, Social Media Director for LOF, the internship, college classes, my writing, my homework plus wife/mom. I, honestly, feel this is going to work out for the best.

I just want to apologize in advance for the times I may be absent. Natural Born Enemies will be out this fall so I'll be promoting the heck out of it. I also have guest authors coming by to blog about their new books so the blog will be up and running, it just may not be me here.

Please remember to sign up for my newsletter, if you haven't already. It will keep you up-to-date on my life and on life in Cedar River. You can also stop by and like my Facebook page or the Cedar River page for all the news.

I appreciate all of your support as I try to figure out where I'm going and how to budget my time better. Life gets messy sometimes. I'm just trying to keep it from spinning out of control.

I, honestly, wish I could plant my toes in the water and my ass in the sand. I need some downtime, but Life is calling and I have to answer. If you stick with me, I promise it will all be worth it in the end!

Hanging Out With Fellow LOF Author, Natalie Nicole Bates

Being published with Leap of Faith was a dream come true. Then, LOF began signing new authors and I met some new people. Natalie Nicole Bates is one of those new people. When the opportunity came to introduce her to you, I was very excited. 

Readers, meet Natalie Nicole Bates. Natalie, meet my readers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was first a book reviewer for several years before deciding to give writing a try. I first wrote contemporary romance, my first sale being in the summer of 2011, which was Change of Address. I always had a keen interest in the paranormal, but wasn’t sure I could develop a character that was new and interesting. As a reviewer, I have seen it all—vamps, zombies, shifters, weres…finding something new would be a challenge.

I then turned to my own personal interest—Victorian photographs. This is where the inspiration for my first published story, Antique Charming, came from. Sometimes just looking into what you already know can get you half-way to your goal.

I walked that same route, Natalie, from reader to reviewer to author. 

Tell us about your new book, See Me.

      Blurb- Carly Anders  is hearing voices in her head. Another one of her kind is trying to contact her. She knows of the malevolent freaks—others who are eternal like her and seek out the weak to inflict pain upon. For years, Carly has held up huge protective walls to keep herself and her secrets safe. Now, physically and mentally exhausted, Carly needs protection and rest.

She accepts the invitation to visit an internet friend who needs help appraising a collection of antique photographs.  The situation is not ideal, but Carly hopes a male presence in her life will deter the determined suitor who haunts her thoughts and dreams.

Daniel Tremont is not what Carly is expecting.

The former funeral director has a secret of his own. Not only is he eternal like Carly, he is her creation from all those years before—her abomination she thought she killed.

Daniel has been searching for Carly for years. He knows she is the piece of his life that he has been missing for so long. Now that he has found her, he has no intentions of letting her go. 

EXCERPT-      He waved a hand in front of her face, but she didn’t blink. The lights are on, but no one’s home.

     “Carly, my angel,” he whispered and cupped her cheek into his palm. He revealed in the silkiness and warmth of her skin. Still, she didn’t react. She was almost…a zombie.

     His own body jerked in reaction to the fear she was emanating. She was clearly sleepwalking and in the throes of one hell of a nightmare, yet she didn’t cry out any longer. It was all now playing out inside her mind.

     “Charlotte, see me,” he implored.

     Her lips twitched at the mention of her real name.

     “See me,” he repeated.

     Suddenly, her body gave way and she collapsed. Catching her, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. As he laid her down, her breathing became ragged. He placed a hand over her heart as it raced, and passed healing calmness through his hand, feeling the energy pulsate against her skin. Beneath his hand, he would feel her heartbeat slow to a normal rhythm.

     “Daniel?” Her voice was mere caress.

     “I’m here, my angel. You’re having a nightmare. You’re frightened. It’s okay now, I’m here, and I will never leave you,” he promised.

     “Everyone leaves, Daniel. You can’t understand, you can’t…” Her body started to tremble.

     He climbed onto the bed and straddled her body. Leaning close to her face, he said, “Carly, let go of your fear. I can take it. Let go and see me,” he commanded.

     Her breath came out in a whoosh, and a wall of fear and resistance hit him like a blow from above. It wasn’t exactly painful, more startling than anything else.

     His vision flip-flopped, and he could see an image from inside her mind of two souls forever entwined as the result of one act. It made perfect sense. She was reliving the day their souls became one. The day of the fire.

     He then saw black, suffocating water. She was reliving her own death, as well.

     As the visions left him, he was consumed with the mishmash of fear, loneliness, and resistance within her.

     He had to make her understand that it was over. “I will never leave you, Carly. That is my promise to you,” he insisted.

     A flicker of life ignited in her eyes. Her hands came up to his face, and to Daniel’s surprise, tears bubbled from his own eyes. He was releasing the pain and fear he had absorbed from his beloved.

     “I’m so sorry, Daniel, so sorry,” she murmured.

     “There’s nothing to be sorry for, my love. It’s over. It’s time to move forward now.”

     “You don’t understand what I am, Daniel.”

     “I do understand, Carly. I am what you are. See me for what I am.”

     In his mind, he could see the moving clockwork gears of her thoughts once again as she tried to process what he was telling her to be true.

     “Just accept it, and let’s move forward.”

     She drew his face to hers and her lips parted beneath his. Time blurred and he drank in the essence of his Carly. Her soft, barely covered curves molded themselves against his the hard planes of his body. Her hands were under his t-shirt, her fingers stroking him.

     If he pressed on, he knew she wouldn’t refuse him. But in her vulnerable state, he wouldn’t let anything progress further that night. Carly needed time to process everything that happened. There was plenty of time to pursue a physical relationship. They weren’t going any where…he hoped.

As someone who love old photographs, I'm not sure I'll ever look at them the same again. What a GREAT idea for a story!

Available here: Leap of Faith, Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Now for some fun:

Ten Tantalizing Teasers-

Plotter or Pantser? Plotter—I plot, plot again, and then plot some more

Which Goddess best defines you? Hecate-she is most associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, fire, light, the Moon, magic, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery.

Favorite Dessert? Vanilla cupcakes

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla

Favorite scent? Rose

Coffee, tea, soda, or water? Blackberry tea

Do you have to set the mood to write? If so, how? Not necessarily a mood, but I need to be totally alone to write, I don’t like distraction or noise.

Do you have a favorite character? Why?

When I’m writing, my favorite character is who I’m writing about at that moment. Although I’ve used a few repetitive characters such as Caleb Smith, the detective who turns up in both Change of Address and Back To You, I’ve learned not to dwell on my past characters. I simply love them at the time and then let them go when I am finished with the story.

Morning, afternoon, evening, or late night writer? Afternoon.

If you weren’t writing, what would be your occupation? A lawyer. I’m currently in law school.

Want to know more about Natalie Nicole Bates?

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19^th century post-mortem photos.

Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com

I want to thank Natalie Nicole for stopping by share See Me with us! It has been a pleasure having her here. I hope you all enjoyed her visit as much as I did.

You can find Natalie online here:

Twitter: BatesNatalie

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/natalienicole.bates

Blog: www.natalienicolebates.com