IMMORTAL GUARDIANS: ETERNAL FLAME

valerietwombly@gmail.com

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As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

IMMORTAL GUARDIANS: ETERNAL FLAME

Available from Resplendence Publishing

A woman he cannot have, a man who is only a dream.

When guardian Marcus Dagotto, discovers the Gods have gifted him with a mate, he is pissed. He has no room for love and even less for a human who has no idea he exists.

Cassandra Jensen, has a shattered heart and has given up on men. Only one man can set her body on fire, but he is a fantasy that haunts her sleep.

Two worlds, one desire.

When the two collide, fate will rip them apart and test their resolve. Will darkness and evil prevail? Or, will love conquer all?

EXCERPT

She glanced at the clock, it was 1:00 a.m. But the last thing she wanted to do was sleep. She set her glass down and moved off the couch. “I’m not tired.” She reached for his hand and dug for her courage. She had a feeling he didn’t want to leave. “Kiss me.”

He pulled her close and ran his fingers across her cheek. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Gently, he nibbled her bottom lip, coaxing her mouth open with his tongue. She parted her lips, he took full advantage, pressed his way deeper into her mouth, held the kiss before he broke away.

She opened her green eyes and let out a sigh. “You’re a good kisser, Marcus.” She leaned into him and pressed her body against his. Wrapped her arms around his neck, she pulled him to her, their lips came together. Her tongue did a deliberate slow dance across his, making him moan. Her core turned to lava, the heat almost too much to bear.

He pushed her away. “Cassie. I could stand here and kiss you all night, but I’d better go before I make an ass of myself, and you end up hating me.”

She reached for his hand, knew what his aim was. “Why do you think I would end up hating you?” She worried it might be the other way around. Would he think her a wanton woman? She tried to cap her desire, but the need to live what happened in her dreams overruled her common sense.

“I will not lie. I believe in the truth, always. I want you. I want to lay you on the bed and make passionate love to you until neither of us can move.”

“Then what’s stopping you?” She whispered.

“Love, did I hear you correct?” Disbelief written on his face.

She gazed into his stormy eyes. “I will admit, I’m not the type who sleeps with a man on the first date.” She looked down at his chest. “Hell, not even the second or third.” Her eyes moved back up to meet his. “I can’t say what it is, this connection I feel. I just know I need you.”

He pulled her close, his mouth crushed hers. Their tongues glided across each other in a play for dominance. Her nipples hardened and strained against the fabric of her dress. With only the thin layer of material between them, she felt his cock harden.

She pulled away and gasped for air as she led him to the darkened bedroom. Her courage wavered for a moment. She’d come this far, there would be no stopping now. She didn’t want to stop. “Marcus, I don’t know how to explain it. I trust you and to be honest your touch sets me on fire. I need you, but if this isn’t what you want, then I’ll understand.” She held her breath and waited for his reaction.

He traced a finger along her cheek. “There’s no way in hell I’m leaving now, unless of course, you toss me on the street.”

She reached for his shirt, her fingers trembling as she loosened the first button. He grabbed her wrists. “If at any time you want to stop, tell me.”

Her head shook and continued with the buttons until they were completely undone. She pushed the shirt past his shoulders and onto the floor. Breath escaped her lungs when the moonlight filtered in the windows and danced across his chest. He was remarkable, better than her dreams.

He removed the clip that held her hair. Her chestnut curls spilled around her shoulders. He moaned when his fingers ran through the silky mass. The dress became a second skin, and she was ready to be rid of it, but before she could make a move, he reached behind her neck and untied the halter. The dress fell to her waist, exposing her bare breasts. His eyes became drunk with desire. He tipped his head down and ran his tongue over her nipple, causing it to pebble. God, she had almost come undone right there.

“You have too many clothes on,” she said, reaching for the button on his pants.

He moved off her breast, and she cried out from the ache he left behind. “I could say the same for you, love.” He kicked off his boots while she dropped her dress to the floor. She was left standing in a red thong, and black heels. There would be no turning back now.

Grabbing the waistband of his pants, she yanked them to the floor, his erection sprung free.

Her tongue traced her lips, desperate to savor him. He was much bigger than she had experienced, but that only heightened her arousal. She dropped to her knees and ran her tongue over the tip of his shaft. He tasted of salt and seduction. He wrapped a fist in her hair and groaned. She sucked him in, taking every inch. Drunk by the pleasure she gave him.

He threw his head back. “Oh gods, Cassie, you feel so good. Don’t stop.”

As if she could. No, she was a woman possessed, determined to take him over the edge. At this moment, she wanted nothing more than to make him scream her name.

BEHIND THE SCENES

1. Is there a word or phrase you catch yourself overusing?

My husband tells me I swear like a sailor. I use the word “fuck” often, so needless to say some of my characters are pretty colorful.

2. How do you know you’ve written a good book?

I have critique partners and beta readers. I count on them to tell me if something works or not. I would be truly lost without these wonderful ladies. I can honestly say, they are real ego boosters and if not for them, I’m not sure I would ever think my work good enough to publish.

3. How do you keep your characters and stories organized?

I use Microsoft OneNote. I have a page for each character with their description and a picture. I have pages for general themes and ideas. I can’t tell you how many times I have to refer back to these pages. *I also love looking at the sexy men* Oops, did I say that out loud?

4. Are you a Swooper (write first, edit later,) a Basher (edit each sentence as you go,) or both?

I swoop. I learned early on that editing as I went took the steam out of my writing and caused me to lose my muse. I will go back and read/edit if I get to a point where I’m stuck. This helps me come up with fresh ideas and I can then go back and pick up where I left off.

5. What is the one thing you must have to be able to write?

I need quiet, I am easily distracted.

6. Did you have any bad habits when you began writing? How did you correct those habits?

Lol, are you kidding? I hate commas, I think they are evil little creatures that should be banished. I had to learn to stop and take a breath in my writing. I still find myself rambling from time to time.

7. What are you currently working on? How is it different from other books you’ve written?

I’m actually working on book two of Immortal Guardians right now. However, I did write an erotic paranormal romance that will be published in November, called Amazon Heat. Though Eternal Flame has sex, it was different writing something much steamier.

8. What types of scenes are your favorite to write?

I actually love dialogue. I know many writers hate it, but I find it fun to flesh out a character and bring them to life using their own words. I find I can actually get to know them better through their dialogue.

9. When and where can readers look forward to seeing you this year?

I don’t have any plans this year, but I hope to be attending RT Book Lovers convention in New Orleans next May.

10. Are you always in the driver’s seat? Or do your characters drag you along for the ride?

I’d like to say I’m in control and would never let my characters run the show. With that said, they have made me rewrite entire chapters. They pester me at the worst times and are relentless. Have you ever dealt with a Dragon-shifter before? *rolls eyes* they are demanding to say the least.

11. What is your least favorite part of the writing process?

Edits. I would much rather scrub the toilet with a toothbrush.

October Author Interview with Donna Gallagher

 Twolips Reviews welcomes author Donna Gallagher!

 

 Having been married in the past to a professional sportsman, Donna Gallagher has a unique insight when it comes to her writing projects; you might even say she has a competitive edge.  Her wildly popular League of Love series pits sexy rugby players against their toughest opponents - the women that come to love them, and we love to love these couples!

TLR: Hi Donna, and welcome to TLR - we’re so happy to have you with us!  If you could describe your work in twenty words or less to someone that’s never been exposed to your work before, what would you say?

DG: I should start off by saying G’day but that would be really cheesy! So I’ll just say hello and thank you for having me J

I write contemporary erotic stories set in Australia with true blue Aussie heroes and heroines searching for their happily ever after.

TLR:  Do you see yourself in any of your characters?  If so, would you share what parts?

DG: Mandy or maybe Laura, it’s hard to decide. Mandy (Mandy’s He-man, book 2) and I have a lot in common, struggling to survive away from home early on in life and maybe not making the best of decisions. Laura (Laura’s Light, book 3) on the other hand is so strong and capable. As a single mother she has worked hard to give her son the best life she could. Having spent a few years as a single mum I can appreciate her efforts.

TLR: Have you developed a favorite among your characters, and if so, which one?

DG: I have to say JT from Mandy’s He-man – otherwise he will never let up. JT is an ever present voice, it doesn’t matter what book I’m writing JT always has something to add. I love his sense of humour, his loyalty and even though he is feared by many opponents for his size, toughness and ability on the sporting field, JT has a soft heart.

TLR: If you were able to switch places with one of your heroines, which one would it be and why?

DG: Mandy – I’ve always had a bit of a crush on JT. I’ve never been able to draw or create anything that resembles art so it would be nice to have that ability and then there is the whole sleeping with JT thing…

TLR: Tell us how you typically work through a story - are you the type to plot it all out and fill in the details, or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

DG: I am ruled by my muse or should that be muses. The voices in my head tell me what to write. Usually it’s the male hero that tells me his story and I just type the words. Often characters from previous books also add their opinions or try and distract me with a new idea. It can be difficult keeping them all under control. I was so relieved to find other authors have the same problem – With all the conversations happening in my head I was starting to think I was losing my sanity ;)

TLR: Do you have any special routines to get you in the mood to write?

DG: I tend to write in the mornings, usually after my shower, that seems to be the time the voices are the loudest. I always have the television on the sports channel in the background.

TLR: What first inspired you to become a writer?

DG: I never had any aspirations to be a writer - that’s my sister’s field (she’s a sports commentator in Australia). Leaving school at such a young age left me feeling insecure when it came to my literacy skills. I struggled trying to write an absentee note for my children, I still remember the principal at my son’s primary school lecturing me on the difference between ‘would you’ and ‘could you’. To be honest I still don’t know which one to use. So it came as a complete shock when Brodie first started talking to me. It nearly drove me crazy I had to write just to get him to be quiet. Luckily for me my Total-E-Bound editor liked my stories and was only too happy to help me with my grammar and punctuation problems. I struggled with the editing process in the beginning the amount of red involved scared me but I’m very happy with the end result.

TLR: Do your family and friends know that your work is on the spicy side?

DG: Yes, my eldest son and sister were the first to read Caitlin’s Hero. If not for their encouragement I would never have submitted to a publisher. It still took me nearly two years to work up the courage. My husband took a little while to warm up to the idea, now he likes to brag to friends that he helps me in my research. He hasn’t read any of my books and that’s probably for the best. He may have questions I wouldn’t like to answer ;)

All my friends and family have been very supportive. Luckily, as I write under my real name, could have been awkward otherwise! My youngest son is fifteen and while I haven’t let him read my books, for obvious reasons, he helps me with computer related issues. Middle son is probably the most embarrassed but he doesn’t hide the fact his mother writes erotic fiction. One of his friends does body building and has supplied me with yummy photos for my Facebook author page.

TLR: Though you have first hand exposure to the world of Rugby, would you consider taking on another competitive sport or another genre in future works?  If so, which one?

DG: I am a massive sports fan and watch all kinds of sport. When my television is on it’s on a sports channel. On a recent trip to the US I went to a baseball game - I’m hooked. The problem for me, with trying to write about a different sport, would be connecting with the characters. I lived the rugby league life so had an insight into some of the problems faced. I have been asked to write an AFL story (another popular type of footy here in the land down under.) Maybe one day.

I did manage to pen a story that doesn’t involve rugby league – I know it’s a bit of a shock to me too!  ‘A Fruitful Intimacy’ is part of the Edible Delights Anthology, Volume 1, published by Secret Cravings Publishing, a contemporary erotic novella about a married couple trying to re-ignite their love life when family and responsibility get in the way. There are three volumes of Edible Delights so far, and all stories are written by Australian authors.

I’d really like to try writing a paranormal. I love a good werewolf or vampire tale but seriously there are so many great authors already doing that, I’m not sure I’d come up with anything that would come close to being good enough.

TLR: What authors or titles do you consider “classics”?

DG: My “classics” would have to include everything written by my favorite author N.J. Walters. My favorite Aussie authors are Jess Dee and Lexxie Couper. I just love reading, any genre. Wuthering Heights, Little Women and The Time Traveler’s Wife all have to rate high on my list and the first book that gave me nightmares was Stephen King’s The Shining. (TLR/Leanna: I have to say, Lexxie and Jess are definitely on my “go to” list of favorite authors as well!)

TLR: Would you ever consider a collaborative work with a partner?  If it could be anyone you chose, who would it be?

DG: If I could pick anyone it would be N.J. Walters, although I have such a crush on her that I probably couldn’t concentrate long enough to write anything. There would be lots of squealing involved though.

TLR: What do you do keep the erotic elements in your stories fresh?

DG: Hmm! I probably should answer that question with some reference to my husband…

TLR:  I’d like to do what I like to call, rapid fire responses - are you ready?

DG:  I’m always ready…

TLR: O.K. , here we go!

TLR: What is your favorite color?

DG: Black – my youngest always hates this answer because black is not a color!

TLR: What is your favorite food?

DG: Pasta.

TLR: What do you prefer on a man - boxers, briefs, or the "suit" he was born with?

DG: It really depends on the man. Hubby wears boxer briefs, a bit tighter than the usual boxers – I ‘m sure he won’t mind me telling you all.

TLR: Do you own any pets?

DG: I have two turtles and just recently we added a mini dachshund to our family. It’s just like having a new baby in the house and considering I just turned fifty I have to admit I’m struggling, but she is a little princess.

TLR: What is your favorite way to enjoy a rainy day?

DG: Watch sports or read. Not really much of a surprise there! (TLR/Leanna: Again...I am right with you, Donna!!)

TLR: Last, but certainly not least, what do you have coming up on the horizon?  Is there any exciting news or releases you can tell us about?

DG: I do have a new release coming up, Cassie’s Choice, book 7 in my League of Love series will be released in January 2014. I can give you a sneak peak at the tag.

One night had haunted Cassie for over two years. Agreeing to something she didn’t feel sure about, all for the sake of a man – or more correctly, her fear of losing him.

And, I’ve just booked my flights for another trip to the US in May. I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans and decided the time was right. I hear there is a convention on around that time J I can’t wait to stalk some authors!

TLR: Donna, on behalf of the staff at TwoLips Reviews, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions - we look forward to seeing where your career takes you!

If you're looking to keep up to date with Donna Gallagher’s news and releases, you can find her here:

Website: http://www.donnagallagherromance.com/home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnagallagherauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnag63

Alanea Alder

alaneaalder@yahoo.com

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Alanea loves reading almost as much as she loves writing and can be found at any given moment either in front of the computer lost in her own world or on the couch with her iPad reading some of her favorite authors. She believes that love truly conquers all and that everyone no matter what, deserves a chance at that love and a place they can call home.

KINDRED OF ARKADIA 3: FATED FOR FOREVER

Now Available From BookStrand!

Ashby Fairfax has always looked for love in the wrong places, his last attempt left him running from an abusive boyfriend. Since coming to Arkadia life has been great, he finally has the family he has always craved. Only one thing is missing, his mate. But how can a small town, fox shifter be mated to a vampire prince?

Prince Gabriel has led his people through the ages and into the 21st century. He is on the verge of losing his soul when he catches the scent of what may be his mate. Once Ashby is confirmed as his, it seems their troubles begin.

Someone is after Ashby. Gabriel’s entire coven rallies around their new prince and for the first time in his existence Gabriel experiences bone numbing fear. Can he find the strength to send Ashby to Arkadia to ensure his safety? And will he be able to eliminate the threat before he loses his reason for living?

STORY EXCERPT

Rebecca frowned and swung her head back to Ashby.

“Did he hurt you, Ashers?” She said, making sure she made eye contact. He looked away and shrugged. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and manhandled it up over his head. It got stuck around his ears, but she had somehow managed to get his bruised arm free.

“Kate! Look at this. That asshole Marcus Evans has hurt Ashby, we need to arrest him!” She said, waving Ashby’s arm around. Ashby got his arm free and managed to pull his shirt down from where it had been lodged around his head and put his arms through the sleeves.

“It’s ok, Moe ran him off. Even Marcus isn’t stupid enough to mess around with Moe.” Ashby said grinning.

“No kidding, Moe would eat him for breakfast before coming to you for his banana split,” Nic said, laughing. Kate snorted.

“Mojo,” She chortled.

“Kate, it can’t still be funny,” Bran said from across the diner, where he and Caleb waited for their order holding the trio’s twin sons, Landon and Lucas.

“Mojo, Jojo,” Kate giggled. Rebecca, whose anger was fading, smiled.

“Ok, it is kinda funny,” Rebecca said.

“As long as it doesn’t hurt his feelings, it could hurt him to hear something like that all the time,” Ashby said quietly. Rebecca nodded. Kate grinned.

“Ashby you’re so sweet,” Rebecca said hugging Ashby’s arm. He blushed.

“He’s ok with it because I told him that he was totally hot and that’s why it was so funny, because it was completely opposite to how he looked. The man is downright fuckable,” Kate said and two ominous growls were heard from the counter. She blew kisses to her mates. Rebecca nodded.

“I’d totally do him,” She said without thought, and a long low rumble echoed from the door. Rebecca turned in her chair and her eyes brightened.

“Hi, baby, how was work?” she asked, turning her face up for a kiss.

“Do who?” Aleks demanded and he stalked over to where his tiny mate sat and kissed her lovingly.

“Moe Jones. Kate and I agreed the man is fuckable,” Rebecca said.

“Girls, language!” Ma yelled from the kitchen.

“Yes Ma!” both women called out and then grinned at each other.

Aleks looked down at his mate frowning.

“You don’t need to think about doing anyone but me,” Aleks said bending down to stare his mate in the eyes. She looked up impishly.

“Aleks, Marcus Evans went into Ashby’s shop and hurt him today. He has bruises on his arms. I’m getting a bad feeling about him.” Rebecca said as Aleks easily lifted her up, sat down in her chair, and settled her in his lap.

“Ashby, do you want to press charges?” Aleks asked, concern on his face. Ashby shook his head.

“No. He has never done anything more than harass me. I have a feeling if I press charges it would only escalate the issue. As long as he keeps his hands to himself then I don’t want to press charges,” Ashby said.

“If he hurts you again, I’ll shoot him!” Rebecca said and Aleks looked down at her panicked.

“Becca, baby, did you bring your gun?” he asked gently as if approaching a wild animal. All of the shifters at the table picked up on his edginess and subconsciously scooted back a bit.

“Of course! It’s not going to do me much good in a box under the bed is it? The next time hyenas come to town it’s open season,” she said, patting her purse.

“Is the safety on this time?” Aleks asked, inventing new shades of pale. The purse had shifted down between their bodies and was resting in his lap.

“Of course it is,” Rebecca said, picking up the purse and patting it. She dropped it to the floor and a loud bang echoed throughout the diner.

“What in the hell!” Connor demanded coming out of the kitchen. Rebecca stared down at her purse and then looked up at Aleks.

“Ok, I swear the safety was on.” She tilted her head the way she normally did when she was thinking.

“Maybe...” She looked around the table and Nic and Kate were trying not to laugh. Ashby was trying to get his heart to stop beating out of his chest. Aleks began to shake.

“Aleks, are you ok?” Rebecca asked. At the sound of her calm and rational voice Aleks snapped.

“That’s it! That. Is. It! No more gun for you. That is the second time you have almost killed someone, the first time was when you tried to show me your cowboy stance. I can’t do this! I can’t think knowing you have a weapon!” Aleks roared and bellowed. Rebecca sat on his lap calmly petting his chest as he ranted.

“Don’t worry, I’m getting better, see this time I wasn’t holding the gun when it went off, so technically I didn’t shoot it,” she said as if that made all the difference in the world.

Ashby watched the interaction between the mated pair. He could see Aleks’s hands shaking, he didn’t know if it was from fear or from the effort it took not to shake some sense into his tiny mate.

“Connor!” Aleks yelled.

“I’m here,” Connor said, walking over to the table and picking up the purse. He opened it up and pulled out the gun, he slid open the chamber, checked the barrel, put the safety on and tucked it into the back of his pants.

“Hey that’s my gun!” Rebecca protested.

“We’re going home!” Aleks said standing and swung his mate up in his arms.

“When we get home we’re going over gun safety, again. And this time the lesson will stick. You hear me?” Aleks demanded. Rebecca got a dreamy look on her face.

“Yes, Sir,” she said as Aleks carried her out of the diner.

“Oh my God did you see the look on his face?” Connor said doubling over laughing. That set off the entire diner. Kate wiped her eyes laughing.

ADULT EXCERPT

“Mon Dieu you are a vision. Tonight I will make you mine forever.” Gabriel stood and he gently picked Ashby up and laid him down on the bed. He took a moment to look down at the picture of perfection before him. His Ashby looked like a fallen angel. His innocent eyes contradicted his love swollen lips and flushed cheeks.

“What do you mean forever?” Ashby asked. Gabriel looked over to Ashby and smiled gently. He then removed his suit jacket and placed it on the bench at the end of the bed. Slowly he removed his designer silk shirt and tossed it next to the jacket. He saw Ashby lick his lips.

“What is your ultimate fantasy my angel? You have given me so much pleasure already tonight so selflessly, what can I do for you?” Gabriel asked his voice deepening. He saw a shiver run through Ashby and he felt ten feet tall.

“Can you make love to me? No one has ever just loved me.” Ashby said so quietly that even with his vampiric hearing he had to strain to catch the words. When he heard Ashby’s soft request his heart broke in two. The gorgeous creature before him should have only known gentle caresses and tender words. From the little his dainty mate had told him about his ex-boyfriend he knew that Ashby had experienced hell at the hands of a man who should have protected him at all costs. He tried to keep the anger he felt from showing on his face.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want,” Ashby said quickly and rolled over to his hands and knees putting his head down.

Gabriel felt like someone punched him in the stomach. He quickly removed his slacks, throwing them across the bench and went to the night stand and pulled out a packet of lube. He eased himself behind Ashby running his hands over the crease gently massaging the dark hole winking at him.

“My angel as much as I want love to bury my face in your sweet ass and bring you to the brink of pleasure over and over again with my mouth, I need to see your face and kiss those exquisite lips of yours as we make love.” Gabriel placed both hands on Ashby’s hips and pulled him backward until he was sitting back on his knees his back flush against his chest. Ashby’s face turned up and he looked at him with surprise in his eyes.

Gabriel ran a hand down Ashby’s chest and tweaked the tiny pale pink disk. Ashby moaned and rested the back of his head on Gabriel’s breast bone.

“Does my bebe like that?” Gabriel whispered the words against Ashby’s neck, causing goose bumps to run down his mate’s body.

“Y-y-yes,” Ashby squeaked.

“Good, you will know nothing but pleasure by my hands.” Gabriel ran his tongue up Ashby’s neck and bit gently on his ear. Ashby groaned and pushed his ass back against Gabriel’s hard dick.