REVIEW: Bastian: The Lords of Saytr by Erotic Historical Paranormal Romance Author, Elizabeth Ambers

Title: BASTIAN
Series: Book Six ~
The Lords of Satyr

By Elizabeth Amber

Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Aphrodisia

In Stores: April 26, 2011

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format:  Trade Paperback & eBook

Book Heat: SCORCHER

Read an Excerpt

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Man-gods born to live and love forever, the Lords of Satyr are renowned for their sexual prowess…and unquenchable lust…

Call My Name

The forum excavations in Rome go on, directed by the iron-willed, charismatic Lord Bastian Satyr. Out of nowhere, a mysterious, haunting voice calls out to him…and lures him to the site of a long-vanished temple, where vestal virgins once performed rites of erotic surrender. The temple is the find of his career, but his heart is about to face the unknown…


Michaela is a pure Ephemeral. She can enter the bodies of others—and become any woman a man might wish to possess. His choice is her pleasure. And the commanding and utterly virile Bastian is the only man she desires…

~REVIEW~

A sexy intelligent could-not-put-down to save my life read, Bastian: The Lords of Satyr by award-winning erotic historical paranormal romance author Elizabeth Amber’s sixth spellbinding installment in her beloved The Lords of Satyr which was released by Kensington Aphrodisia on March 26, 2011. From the moment I came across this beguiling enchanted series I found that once I entered the mystic world I was magically transferred into a world I would never want to leave.

BASTIAN is the eldest of four brothers and we were given a great introduction to the charmingly intensely sexual archaeologist in DANE. Credited to running the archaeological dig of The House and Temple of Vesta Bastian is charged into finding the six missing stones of the Vestal Virgins that were taken from Else World centuries earlier. The one thing he never expected was to be haunted by a mystical spirit with a voice that drives him into a sexual frenzy that in its own way is trying to help him…or is it.

I admit it… Bastian is one of my very favorite satyr lords. Bastian is everything you want in an uber sexually potent alpha male. I have been in desperation for Bastian’s story ever since he appeared on the pages of DANE. For me, there was something very unique and tragic with the man-god renowned for his sexual prowess and unquenchable lust and has kept me hooked to this series. Bastian is perfect hero. He has a strong and concise voice that rings clear and true off of every page whether he is being staid and business like in his archaeological dig or showing his vulnerable side.

I adore the fact that even though Bastian is a supernatural being that he is not perfect. Yes, physically the man is drop-dead-gorgeous and can snap his fingers making any woman drop to her knees, but for me it is the fact that Bastian is very venerable and sexy at the same time. Myself, I would not mind trade places with Sylvia for at least twenty four hours. I’m thinking of begging for Moonful night. =)

Bastian: The Lords of Satyr is a cornucopia of sensual charismatic characters. Some we have met in DANE like those lusciously, decadent passionate brothers, Sevin, Lucian, Dane and his beautiful and only Satyr wife, Eva that I was so happy to be reunited with this insatiable family. Another character that stands out is the Ephemeral Companion, Michaela that we were first introduced to in DANE. I kept praying that Michaela would play a major role in Bastian’s story because she was such a strong character. But the character that I absolutely adored and kept me enthralled until the very end was Ephemeral, Sylvia who at first seeing Lord Bastian fell hard for him. Sylvia is the perfect match for Bastian in every way. She is not the typical female who melt’s in the sexy lords presence but is quick witted, strong and gives just as good as she gets. Even though Silvia is a fictional invisible Vesta Virgin I still found myself relating to her. Ms. Amber created a gorgeous, kick-ass and independent heroine was a trip to watch as she ran Bastian in circles. It was so much fun watching this virile intelligent man fall hard for a woman that he couldn’t see but still fell head-over-heals in love with her.

I have been a huge fan of Ms. Amber’s writing ever since I read Nicholas: The Lords of Satyr and was awed by this authors unique prose. But I was struck by the natural talent that this writer exudes as she creates her characters charms readers into turning the next page. Elizabeth Amber writes with so much passion and love for her prose and characters that readers are not surprised to find themselves falling in love with these emotionally charge and endear characters that want their stories written. Elizabeth Amber has true magic in those fingers and I am not surprised that reader gobble up her stories so fast that they are in breathless anticipation for the next one to be released.

I have to mention the cover of BASTIAN. I think it one of the most powerfully potent covers of Elizabeth Amber’s to date. I knew Bastian was perfection personified as God’s gift to women but even I am in awe of the beautiful cover model that does Bastian proud.

As I read Bastian: The Lords of Satyr of course I was intrigued by the many facets of this story bit the one thing that struck me was the deep affection that both protagonist share for the other. I admit that they both are stubborn as the day is long. They both are severely independent but at the heart of it Silvia and Bastian want to be loved for who they are. A theme that was weaved so skillfully through the story was complete and utter acceptance in whom you are. Silvia and Bastian both needed to come to terms with their shortcomings and learn to let go of some of the control and lean on another before they could realize what they truly wanted. Sylvia had to deal with the fact that at a very young age she was abandoned up to the Goddess of Vesta by both her mother and father, leaving her vulnerable and alone. On the other side of the copper coin is Bastian. This strong demanding satyr felt guilty for having his special gifts whose father unsuccessfully tried to hide from Else World making them shift the family into Earth World, inevitably leading to his parents’ death. The more I read the more I noticed that these two protagonists were similar in character to the point that they loved deeply and would do anything for their family and anyone they loved.

One of my favorite scenes comes very close to the end but I have to share it with you.

“Gods!” Bastian gazed down at her and she saw tears on his face.


He folded her close, clutching her to him as if he would never let her go.


She felt the rumble of his words in his chest. “I’m here now, my love. You’re safe. I’m here.”

I loved this scene for so many reasons. First, I was crying write along with Bastian. The chapters leading up to this scene were absolutely perfect. I honestly didn’t think I was going to be so emotionally stripped to the bone by the time I reached this part. But I was drained and whipped into an emotional whirlwind wanting my happily, ever, after for Sylvia and Bastian. Secondly, I believe this scene is perfect to not only show Bastian’s compassionate side but also Sylvia’s acceptance of Bastian’s love. Finally, I just plain straight up loved this scene.

In the end, Bastian: The Lords of Satyr wraps readers in a mystical erotic story with its sensually explicit sexual love scene that whips readers into an emotional frenzy with stunning dialogue that show us characters with flesh and blood flaws and traits that readers can relate to.

Broadway Bound: The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Rennee Heiber

Dorchester Announces its First Foray into Broadway

New York, NY—Dorchester Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of the Broadway musical option agreement for Leanna Renee Hieber’s The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, a haunting tale of love and ghosts in Victorian England.



Mt. Claire Entertainment bought the novel for its musical adaptation, and Hieber, who has innate talent for invoking the Victorian era in her writing, will pen the script. Composing music and lyrics are Kenny Seymour (Broadway credits include music direction for “Memphis” and arrangements for “The Wiz”) and Nicholas Roman Lewis (creative development for “The Alchemist” and “They Call Me La Lupe”), with additional orchestrations and arrangements by Jim Abbott (“Wicked,” “Bombay Dreams,” “Disney’s Tarzan”)



“(Hieber’s) lifelong passions for the Victorian era, classic fairy tales, the paranormal and ancient mythology combined with her professional background as a classically trained theater actress endow this project with the essential ingredients for titanic commercial success,” said Tim DeYoung, Dorchester Senior VP for sales, marketing and distribution.

A September 2009 release from Dorchester imprint Leisure Books, the novel tells a lyrical tale of an eerily beautiful young woman who harbors a special talent for interacting with ghosts. The rich, atmospheric love story employs a brilliant cadre of characters who believe Percy may be the key to an ancient prophecy. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker acquired an impressive fan base, rave reviews, and a slot on the Barnes and Noble Bestseller list.

“Leanna’s book had enthralled me from the moment I first read it,” said Lewis, “I knew this would make a wonderful musical…the characters and epic nature of the story lend themselves to song, and I knew that Kenny shared my desire to incorporate sweeping cinematic themes with traditional musical theater styles.”


For more about Leanna Renee Hieber and The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, visit http://www.leannareneehieber.com/ or http://www.dorchesterpub.com/. The novel’s sequel, The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, is a May 2010 publication.

Giveaway & Interview with Contemporary Romance Author, Gabi Stevens

I'm exctied to bring you paranormal romance author, Gabi Stevens. she's stopped by to talk about and give away a copy of her upcoming release, "THE WISH LIST". to enter, please leave Gabi a comment including email. Like always the contest is open to all and it will run until April 25, 2010. Happy Reading!

TITLE: THE WISH LIST
AUTHOR: Gabi Stevens
PUBLISHER: Tor Books
GENERE: Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost
RELEASE DATE: 4/27/2010
ORDER NOW!

Kristin Montgomery is more than a little shocked when her aunts inform her they’re fairy godmothers. Worse, after dropping that bombshell they hand her a wand and head off on a world cruise. Now Kristin’s uncomplicated life as a CPA in San Diego has disappeared like magic and she not only has to deal with her burgeoning magical powers, but also a reluctant—and distractingly sexy—magical arbiter.


Tennyson Ritter is a historian. A scholar by choice, he is yanked from his studies to act as arbiter for the newly chosen fairy godmother. He doesn’t want to waste his time with a woman who doesn’t know anything about magic or the magical world, but soon the beguiling Kristin draws him away from his books and into her life.


But before Kristin can hone her skills and pass the tests necessary to fully claim her powers, she and Tennyson must work together to defend the world – both magical and human – against those that would claim her powers for their own.

Read first chapter.

Get to know the Author of the Day.


Gabi, please tell us about your recent release, “THE WISH LIST”


The Wish List came about when I asked myself the following question: what happens when suddenly everything you believed about the world isn’t exactly so? Thus was born my heroine, Kristin Montgomery, a CPA in San Diego who discovers her three aunts are fairy godmothers and she’s next in line for the job. Her orderly world disappears like magic. No, not like magic; it is magic. Not only does she have to learn to control her burgeoning powers, she also finds out that someone is threatening both the Arcani and Groundling worlds. With the help of her arbiter, she has to trust her instincts to save herself and the ones she loves.


If you could compare “THE WISH LIST” to your other books, how would you say it is different?


First, this book is contemporary. Second, it’s paranormal. Third, I tried to put more humor into it than any of my other books. It’s not a comedy, but I do hope to elicit a few chuckles as you read.






Which do you think is more important in romance writing, voice or story?


I don’t believe you can extricate one from the other. Voice is story, story is voice. Now some authors have a strong voice, which can make the story compelling, but writing the phone book with your own personal flavor won’t make it any more interesting. Having said that, so many authors have signature voices that are readily identifiable. Bottom line, you need both. Without a strong voice, your story may be flat. Without a strong story, your voice might be singing for no reason.


Who is your favorite author?


Can I answer this in the plural? Julia Quinn, Jodi Thomas, Connie Brockway, Teresa Medeiros, Christina Dodd, and so, so many more. Non-romance: Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Agatha Christie. But I always go back to romance for my favorite reads.




Are you a panster or a plotter?


I am a panster. I sit down with the barest of ideas and just let the story unfold, which means I do many revisions. I’ll be in the middle of my first draft and have a great idea, so I’ll have to go back and revise the whole thing. But I wait until the whole book is done before I do so. Hmmm, not exactly the most efficient way of writing, is it?




Your book covers are amazing. Do you have a say in them?


Well, I told the artists what my characters look like, a brief description of the book, the tone, and what covers on other books I’ve liked. I also said I’m not a real fan of the color blue. I don’t know why, but blue is just not my thing.


Tell us one thing that you think readers would be surprised to know about you.


 I am first generation American, and English was the second language I learned. My parents were both from Hungary, and I still speak Hungarian to this day.


What is next for you and when will readers expect to see it out on bookshelves?


I’m working on books two and three in the Time of Transition series. SPELLBOUND (April 2011) is Reggie’s story. In the space of a few days, she faces new magical powers, a curse, a plot to overthrow the Arcani world, and an entirely too enthusiastic mother. And she doesn’t know which one will cause her the most trouble. TOIL & TROUBLE (March 2012) is Stormy’s tale. A free spirit, Stormy is the final facet of the Power of Three. But can her spirit survive the danger she has to face?


When I was a child I used to pretend I had magic powers. Writing The Wish List let me bring those fantasies to life. Thanks for letting me share my world with you.


I'd like to thank Gabi Stevens for stopping by and spend time hear with us at OTE. Wishing you all the best in everything you do, Gabi

Cozy Contemporary From Bestselling Author, Lori Wilde: True Love Quilting Club

Bestselling author Lori Wilde’s highly anticipated second installment to the Twilight, Texas series is out next week. I want to make sure the copy I sent you has arrived?


The True Love Quilting Club (to be published by Avon, an imprint of HarperCollins, on April 13th, 2010, ISBN # 9780061808906, $7.99) has all the charming elements of a Lori Wilde contemporary. It’s a story of self discovery, and one woman’s struggle—to follow her dreams or follow her heart.


After the success of Sweethearts’ Knitting Club (Nov/09), this book has a lot to live up to. It has certainly delivered!


Some early buzz, and more on plot below.


“(Trixie’s) bubbly character totally steals your heart…I truly enjoyed yet another of Lori Wilde's whimsical but heart-wrenching tales of love and the search for acceptance.”
—FreshFiction


“Wonderfully emotional”
—Romantic Times


“The strong cast makes for a deep, warm contemporary romance.”
--Genre-Go-Round

TRUE LOVE QUILTING CLUB

Abandoned by her mother, and raised by a man who admitted he could never love her, spunky, kind-hearted Trixie Lynn Parks only had one thing to rely on—her dreams of becoming an actress. Trixie Lynn never spent more than a year in one place throughout her childhood, but she always held tight to her fond memories of Twilight, and her best friend there, Sam Cheek. After changing her name to Emma, and spending 10 years pounding the pavement (unsuccessfully) in New York, she’s never quite been able to shake her feelings for Sam, and the pulsing recollection of the only kiss that ever made her truly feel alive.




Sam is a caretaker by nature. He watched out for Trixie Lynn when she was a rambunctious 14-year-old always getting into trouble. As a boy scout, he tried to rescue a wounded mountain lion and wound up forever scarred because of it. He even married his (now deceased) wife so that her child, Charlie, would have a father when she was called to Iraq from the army reserves. His job as a veterinarian keeps him busy, but he’s never gotten over his first love, Trixie Lynn.




When Trixie Lynn hits rock bottom in New York, a surprising opportunity leads her back to Twilight for one last shot at fulfilling her dream. Her heart still leaps at the thought of Sam, but she knows he must be married by now. She soon finds out that not only is Sam single, but the spark between them is as strong as ever. With the help of the delightful women of the True Love Quilting Club, Trixie Lynne must choose between the dream she thought she always wanted, and the man who leapt from her dreams into life.

REVIEW: If You Were My Man by New York Times Bestselling Author, Francis Ray

Have you ever gotten to the end of a book only to find that there is more.  A READERS QUIDE QUESTIONS at the very end. I always wonder what to do with them. Would answering these question really help me have a better understanding of the story?  

Okay, so I came up with this crazy idea of answering the question and then post them up in place of my regular review.  Don't worry I'm still sticking to writing my regular reviews. I just thought this would be a neat thing to try .  I hope you guys enjoy it and please leave me a comment because I would really appreciate your input.  Happy Reading!

TITLE: IF YOU WERE MY MAN
AUTHOR: Francis Ray
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Paperback
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
Format: Mass-market Paperback
Pages: 322
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Nathalyia Fontaine has been the sole proprietor of the restaurant Fontaine since her husband died four years ago. She hasn’t dated anyone in all those years, choosing not to open her heart again, or risk revealing her dark past. That is, until she meets Rafael Dunlap.



Rafael is a hostage negotiator with his own set of problems. Though he loves women, he vows he’ll never marry because his job is just too unpredictable. He can’t imagine leaving a widow and children behind. But his thinking and game plan of loving and leaving changes when he meets Nathalyia. Though she tries to resist him, Rafael sweeps her into a whirlwind romance. When the unexpected happens, and Natalya is forced to keep it a secret, she ends things with Rafael before he can break her heart. But when Rafael is in harms way, will Nathalyia resolve to tell him the truth before it’s too late? Or will past demons keep them apart forever?

Read Excerpt



BOOK RATING:

WATCH BOOK TRAILER!



REVIEW




1.Rafael wanted Nathalyia from their first meeting. Do you think a strong sexual attraction initially draws most couples together?


Initially it’s the law of attraction that pull people together. Sad, but true. People have to feel that chemical reaction for another person or they would just walk on by. I loved the beginning scene when Rafael and Nat meet. Nat is as cool as a cucumber and Rafael isn’t used to someone not melting at his feet, but like he says to his buddies at the table, “I love a challenge.” But isn’t that the male moto…loving a challenge


2.Nathalyia was wealthier than Rafael, yet money was never an issue between them. Would you date a man less successful than you. How important is income in a relationship.


Money is important in the fact that each party coming to the relationship have some. For me I’m not worried if I am more successful than the man I’m with. I feel that my success shows what a strong, independent and steady person. When you get down to it money can only make or break a relationship if the people in the relationship use it as a meter to rate how successful they are.


3.Nahalyia is ashamed of her family and denied their existence. The decision came back to haunt her when her sister showed up at Fontaine. Is there ever a valid reason for turning your back on your family? Can anyone, no matter how dishonest or deceitful, be redeemed? Could Nathalyia’s sister?


Speaking from personal experience yes there can always be a valid reason why a person can turn away from their family. Sometimes it is for the best—for the person who has turned away—to break away from their family. I felt for Nat because growing up with her mother and sister’s who used their body—getting pregnant—to trap a man and living off welfare really played an intricate part into driving Nat to succeed and not being second best. I’m not sure if a person who lies, cheats and deceives people can actually change. A person has to be willing to change and like Nat’s sister, Theresa she didn’t want to change. She wanted to cheat and steal from Nat because she was jealous of the success Nat had become in spite of her family.


4.Clarice had a quick temper, caring heart, and a record for going out with losers. Why do you think some woman have trouble finding good men. Do they settle? Are they impatient and just get tired of being alone, or are some men, especially the no-good ones, very persuasive?


Clarice is very much like a lot of women out there thinking that they have to take what comes there way and never seeing their very own potential. I loved that Jake loved Clarice with her faults and all. I don’t believe in general have a hard time finding a good man or that we are no-good low-down-dirty-dog magnet. I think women draw the type of man they believe they deserve not necessarily the right man they should be with. A woman who has low self esteem will look at a good guy but feel either she could never obtain him or that she doesn’t deserve him. It really is the woman’s perception of her self and what she believes she deserves to have in a man. Once the woman believe in what she deserves to have then that type of man will be drawn to her. Well, at least that’s my perception.


5.Jake loved Clarice, but he didn’t speak up because of the scar on his face and their fifteen-year age difference. Have you ever cared for someone, but were afraid to tell him or her? If you didn’t speak up, do you regret your decision?


Even though I’m a woman I can sympathize with Jake. I’ve always looked and loved from afar. And if I’m really honest, which I will be—I ended up settling which, wasn’t the best thing I ever did. I do regret not telling that person how I felt about him at the time. I have, from time to time, those random moments when driving in my car listening to a song wondering what he’s doing now, if he’s married and happy. But looking back, yeah I should have said something. Like I tell my girls what’s the worse a person can say—No—which might hurt your heart for a while but eventually it will heal…eventually


6.Is there ever a good enough reason to not to tell a man he’s the father of your baby?


Okay, considering that Nathaylia found out she was pregnant and scared to death to tell Rafael in fear that he would think she was trapping him just like her mother and sisters had done…I’m sort of on the fence about the way Nat went about telling him she was pregnant—first by Invitro by her dead husband a week before she met Rafael and then finally breaking down and telling Rafael that he was the father was perfect for the story line. Plus, I believe that Nat’s character would completely do this when you take in everything she’s gone through and how she was raised. But in the real world there really isn’t a good enough reason not to tell a man he is going to be a father. I know, we woman would love to control how a man responds to finding out he is going to be a father. But really we have no control….the only thing we have is telling him he’ll be a father. The rest is left up to him to step up and be a dad.


7.The road to happiness was not a smooth for Nathaylia and Rafael or Clarice and Jake. Lies, secrets, fears and insecurities all played a role in keeping them apart. When do you know you love a person and that the love is worth the risk? Is it a feeling? Something he/she says or does?


I believe it’s all of the above. Feelings and how the person treats you play a major part in risking your love for. I think now a days people want a drive-thru love where it’s a quick fix and once they feel the release they through it away and drive thru again. I yearn for the long love—not lust—but genuine love where a person has got your back no matter what. A love that sees you not only through the bad and good times, but the times your fears, insecurities come to creep in on you. I loved “IF YOU WERE MY MAN” because Francis Ray created strong endearing characters with real flaws and insecurities that every reader could relate to. There were so many moments when I would read and FEEL exactly what Nat was feeling because I had gone through something similar and wondered if I would have handled it better. The intense chemistry of the prose was wrapped and guided by flesh and blood characters that made you laugh and cry a little on this wonderful journey

Giveaway & Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Francis Ray

Please make our special guest, NY Tmes bestsellins author, Francis Ray feel right at home here at Over the Edge. Ms. Ray has stopped by today to chat and give away a copy of her upcoming release, "IT HAD TO BE YOU".  To enter please leave Francis a comment including email.  giveaway is open to all and runs until April 11, 2010.  Happy Reading!

TITLE:   IT HAD TO BE YOU
AUTHOR: Francis Ray
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Paperbacks
GENRE: Romantic Fiction
RELEASE: April 2010
PRE-ORDER

From New York Times bestselling author Francis Ray comes a dazzling new novel of the Grayson family and their friends—a duo destined to make beautiful music together...


IT HAD TO BE HER


Most musicians would do anything to work with the hot, young record producer known as “Rolling Deep.” R.D. can pick and choose any artist he wants—and he wants Laurel Raineau. A classical violinist, Laurel plays soaring music that touches R.D. to his very soul. But the last thing Laurel wants is to work with someone whose exploits with the ladies appear in the tabloids every week.


IT HAD TO BE...WHO?


Not one to take no for an answer, R.D. keeps trying—and failing—to let Laurel know that he’s not the player he’s made out to be. So he introduces himself to her by his real name, Zachary Wilder, hoping to win her over. But it’s Zach who falls under this beauty’s spell. Now it’s only a matter of time before Laurel learns who the man she’s losing her heart to really is—but can she walk away from a passion that feels so right?

Read excerpt.

Get to know the Author of the Day.


CSM: Please help me welcome New York Times Bestselling author,Francis Ray to Over the Edge. Francis, my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!






CSM: Tell us more about yourself.


First, thank you so much for the invitation. I'm thrilled. I'm from Texas, and graduated from Texas Woman's University with a degree in Nursing. I have one daughter who works with me as my research assistant. I love gardening and reading, and wish I had more time to do both.






CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?


I listen to country music while I write. The songs tell a story of love, lost and found, the trials and tribulations of life. It reminds me that you have to live life to the fullest each day. It's a lesson that I have to remind myself of, a lesson that my characters have to embrace.


CSM: How would readers find out more about you?


I warmly invite readers to visit my web site at www.francisray.com. They can also find me on my social networks:


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Francis-Ray-Official/150086851889?ref=ts


http://www.myspace.com/francisray


http://www.francisrayblog.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/readersoffrancisray/


http://twitter.com/Francis_Ray


http://francisray.blogspot.com/






CSM: When did you write your first book?


I wrote my first book, FALLEN ANGEL, in 1991. The book sold on Christmas Eve in 1991, and was published November 1992. Since then my publisher, St. Martin's Press, reissued the book as SOMEONE TO LOVE ME.


CSM: Where and when do you write?


Since I still work as a School Nurse Practitioner, I write in the evenings and on weekends. I'm fortunate that since I work for a large school district, I'm off during the year and in the summer.


I have a home office. When I write, I have lots of research material scattered around me, so the office is seldom neat - which bothers me, but I haven't found a solution yet.


CSM: What is your must-have book for writing?


The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale. I have an application on my computer, but I find more of a selection in The Synonym Finder. The book was a gift from two wonderful friends in my critique groups many years ago.


CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?


My advice would be that they not compare themselves to anyone. Focus on your writing, study the craft, write as much as possible and read widely. It goes without saying that they learn as much about the business of publishing as possible. Ebooks are coming into their own. Before signing a contract make sure someone knowledgeable has advised them.




CSM: What was the best advice someone gave you when you were starting out.


The best advice would probably be to keep writing no matter the obstacle. A rejection is just one person's opinion.




CSM: Tell us one thing that readers would be surprised to learn about you.


I think that one thing would be that I struggle with writing each book. I've finally accepted that the 'struggle' is my process.




CSM: What genre(s) do you write?


I write romance and women's fiction. My current romance is FOREVER YOURS. The current women's fiction is IF YOU WERE MY MAN.


CSM: Among that you've written which is your favorite book and why?


You've asked a very difficult question. Each books is special, because hopefully, each book tells a different story, and the reader learns something new. The mainstream book is THE TURNING POINT / TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS because the book touched on my own scare with blindness, but also the courage of abused women to leave their abuser.


For romance, I'll say FOREVER YOURS. I love the story because besides being a warm and passionate read, it clearly demonstrates it's what on the inside, not the outside that counts.

CSM: Tell us about your recent release, “IF YOU WERE MY MAN”.


IF YOU WERE MY MAN is an emotional story of two people afraid to love for different reasons who find themselves doing just that. The book is set in Myrtle Beach. The hero, Rafael Dunlap, is a hostage negotiator with S.O.R.T., the Special Operations Response Team of the Myrtle Beach Police department. Running from love just as fast as Rafael is Nathalyia Fontaine, a woman with secrets and the owner of Fontaine, an upscale seafood restaurant/bar in Myrtle Beach.











CSM: Tell us more about your upcoming St. Martin’s April 27, 2010 release, “IT HAD TO BE YOU”.


IT HAD TO BE YOU is about Zach "Rolling Deep" Wilder, a LA music producer who wants to produce concert violinist, Laurel Raineau's next album. Unfortunately, the tabloids have unjustly characterized Zach as a womanizer and party animal and Laurel wants nothing to do with him. Refusing to take no for an answer, he follows her incognito to Playa del Carmen. Neither expect the strong sexual attraction. Neither is prepared for what happens when Laurel learns Zach's true identity.


CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?


I'm working on the sequel to I KNOW WHO HOLD TOMORROW. The book takes a hard and emotional look at adoption. But before that book comes out I have two other books out this year. ONLY HERS hit stores August 03, and HEART OF THE FALCON follows December 07.




CSM: I want to take this time to thank Francis Ray for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.




Thank you. It was my pleasure.


Francis

Giveaway & Interview with "ON THE STEAMY SIDE" Author, Louisa Edwards

Joining us today at Over the Edge is St. Martin's Paperbacks rising romance star, author, Louisa Edwards.  She's stopped by to chat and giveaway a copy of her March 2010 release, "ON THE STEAMY SIDE".  To enter, please leave Louisa a comment including email.  Giveaway is open to all and runs until April 6, 2010.  Happy Reading!

TITLE: ON THE STEAMY SIDE
AUTHOR: Louisa Edwards
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Paperbacks; 1 edition
FORMAT: Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
RELEASE: March 2, 2010
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Book Description:
When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses …


Devon’s not sure he can handle one more surprise ingredient in his life—he quit his popular TV show, his culinary reputation is on the line, and now the son he barely knows is back for seconds. Lilah’s Southern sass is supposed to keep the boy in line, but soon enough she’s teaching Devon a thing or two about homespun food…and turning up the heat.

Read excerpt.

Get to know the Author of the Day.


Louisa, please tell us about your recent release, “ON THE STEAMY SIDE”


What would happen if a jaded, cynical celebrity chef had to deal with firing his publicist, taking over a restaurant temporarily for a friend, and the return of his estranged ten-year-old son, all at once? Devon Sparks’s life is officially in turmoil, he’s questioning everything he ever thought he knew about cooking, family, and what he wants out of life—but luckily, he has his son’s new nanny, Lilah Jane Tunkle, to help get him straightened out. She left her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, hoping for adventure and excitement. But what she finds are a father and son desperately in need of her help…and her love.




If you could compare “ON THE STEAMY SIDE” to your other books, how would you say it is different?


All the books in my Recipe for Love series feature chefs, food, and romance; they’re often also about family—relationships between family members as well as the families we create for ourselves through friendship, acceptance, and love. On the Steamy Side explores fatherhood and the ways the faultlines in our own personal histories can break open and endanger our future happiness. It’s about a man who’s made mistakes, made bad choices that ended up hurting his son, and whether or not he can be redeemed. Luckily for him, with love all things are possible!




Which do you think is more important in romance writing, voice or story?


As a reader, I want a balance between voice and story. A book with the most amazing twists and turns won’t hold my attention if it’s boringly written; similarly, a fun voice can’t carry a book where nothing really happens. Although if I had to pick one, I’d go with voice—I’d probably keep reading the book with the good voice longer than the one with the intricate plot. And as a writer, I definitely rely on my voice to help me tell the kinds of stories I want to tell.




Who is your favorite author?


That is an impossible question. Like asking what my favorite food is! There are too many wonderful authors out there, books that have influenced and inspired me, as well as books I’ve yet to read. I will say that the authors who inspired me the most are Suzanne Brockmann, Jennifer Crusie, and Laura Kinsale, because they push the boundaries of mainstream romance and give the rest of us a bigger, more exciting landscape to play in.




Are you a panster or a plotter?


I’m somewhere in between—before sitting down to write, I create a story plan that gives me a loose framework of a plot so I know, generally, where I’m going and what major points I want to hit. But it’s flexible and adaptable, and leaves room for the thrill of discovery while I’m writing and getting to know the characters better.




Your book covers are amazing. Do you have any say in them?


I’ve had an incredible amount of input into the covers, and I’m so grateful for that because I know how unusual it is. And it’s so much fun! I love talking cover art. The new direction they’re going with the On the Steamy Side and Just One Taste covers makes me so happy! Fun, foodie, sexy…I think they capture the books perfectly.


Please tell us one thing that readers would be surprised to learn about you.


During college I made extra money for books by working at a bakery. We made the best scones and pound cakes. Also a pie with raspberries in an orange-flavored filling…good times!


What is next for you and when will readers expect to see it out on bookshelves?


The third Recipe for Love novel, Just One Taste, will be on shelves August 31, 2010! I can’t wait. Here’s the blurb:


HE HAS A HUNGRY MIND.
Bad-boy chef Wes Murphy is dreading his final-semester cooking class—Food Chemistry 101—until he meets the new substitute teacher. Dr. Rosemary Wilkins is a feast for the eyes, though her approach to food is strictly academic. So Wes decides to rattle her test tubes by asking for her hands-on advice—on aphrodisiacs…


SHE’S GOT LOVE DOWN TO A SCIENCE.
Rosemary is a little wary about working with Wes, whose casual flirtations make her hot around the collar. But once they begin testing the love-enhancing power of chocolate, oysters, and strawberries, it becomes scientifically evident that the brainy science nerd and the boyish chef have some major chemistry together—and it’s delicious…