It's release day for Seizing Hope!

Blurb:

Former Northwestern Law School classmates Dina Willoughby, Miranda Mena, Leah Fraser, and Melody Harris are living the dream. Each had fantasized about the perfect husband while in law school and happily—for a time—that dream became a reality.

Until Dina’s husband kicks her out two weeks before her prenuptial agreement kicks in, Miranda’s husband is arrested for securities fraud and flees the country with all of their money, Leah discovers that her royal husband misrepresented his feelings for her in order to get his hands on her money, and newly-pregnant Melody finally admits her artist husband is a sadistic, manipulative, jerk.

Facing the loss of their husbands and stripped of any financial support, the four women band together to fight back. Drawing on their unique legal skills and with the help of a few friends, including a hunky private investigator, a sexy law school professor, a determined cyber-security billionaire, and the Queen of England, these four women not only take what’s theirs, they build the path to a new future—one filled with hope.

Buy link:  https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2349-0-seizing-hope/

This week in The Loft: Author Leona Bushman!

Today in The Loft, I am joined by USA Today bestselling author Leona Bushman, otherwise known as the Dragon Queen of the North.  Leona writes thrillers, horror, science fiction, and fantasy, delving into the paranormal with a deft pen. Also an artist, her works are sold at her Esty store. Leona is the mother of five children and one grandchild

Author Leona Bushman

S:  Welcome, Leona! You certainly live an interesting life! What's the best advice you've ever been given?

L:  To stay alive. Seems silly, maybe, but I was going through a really dark time, and just knowing the person wanted me to stay alive meant a lot. Also, he meant more than surviving. He meant live. Write, paint, etc. Everyone needs a friend who inspires their creative souls to just live.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

L:  Being a mom. That sounds pedantic on the surface of it, but given what I have been through, what I am still going through, that I have managed to not have to give up my kids, or even to have any, has been a miracle. And it is a great joy to me. Second to that, I'd have to say getting my General Studies AA. I had cancer, miscarriages, health issues, working, moving, kids... It took me 13 years from start to finish because I kept having to stop when I got laid up on bed rest or was fighting caner, but I finished it. Changed majors from Criminal Justice to Art and that didn't help the time factor. (Laughs.) 

S:  Complete this sentence: "When one of my books is released, I..."  

L:  Alternately panic, have super high happies, and refresh sales stats a gazillion times.

S:  What is your favorite day of the year and why?

L:  Ohhhh, Christmas, probably. Halloween, maybe. (Grins.) I love the holidays. I love to craft and paint and do fun things with my kids. And bake. Oh, the baking I do! (Laughs.) My kids are becoming quite good cooks.

S:  What do you crave? 

L:  Security and safety. A big portion of that means money. Unfortunately.

S:  If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?

L:  A jaguar. I love cats and big cats especially. Just the idea of laying in the grass with a jaguar, writing, painting, sleeping, then running and frisking around with them--though don't tell that to the dog I am dog sitting. (Laughs.) I love all animals. My second choice would be a wolf.

S:  Tell me about your book, "Darkest Valentine."

L:  Sure. Here's the blurb--

Left unchaperoned and stranded, Lady Lillian Lancaster has no choice but to find her way home, and quickly before her reputation is ruined. Betrayed those closest, she's forced to trust the daring rogue who rushes to her rescue.

When the Dark Duke reveals his identity and proposes a false engagement in exchange for further protection, Lillian is concerned and intrigued--yet enamored by the shadows which haunt his eyes and fuel the horrid whispers behind his back.

Clarence, Duke of Canterbury, knows his father's death was no suicide and will stop at nothing to clear the family's shame.

He can't believe his good fortune when he stumbles upon the niece of the very man he suspects is responsible. Not only does she hold the connections he needs to uncover explicit proof, but the very means to seeking revenge. However, the more time he spends wooing Lillian's trust, the more he begins to doubt his ability to enact the plan.

Can their fake engagement stand up to dark family secrets? Or will revenge win out and shatter both their lives?

S:  Wow. That sounds like a heart-wrenching story! Where can readers find your book?

L:  It's available free on Kindle Unlimited and for $4.99 on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/Darkest-Valentine-Leona-Bushman-ebook/dp/B0788LD9Y1/. 

It's also available in paperback at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JT2z6RNKNEKwjU92vJ1RBWZXET9z3O2Bekrx9ldyj-k/edit.

Next week in The Loft! Author Sean Kerr!

Today in The Loft: Author Caroline Clemmons!

Joining me in The Loft today is western romance author Caroline Clemmons. The author of  eight series, including The Kincaids, Surprise Brides, Widows of Wildcat Ridge, and The Men of Stone Mountain, Texas, Caroline is an Amazon bestselling author and the recipient of numerous awards.  She writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains, though she is quick to point out that she was not born on a Texas ranch. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country, where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. 

Author Caroline Clemmons

S:  Good morning, Caroline! Thanks so much for joining me today and thanks for bringing some Texas kolaches! The Texas version is more of a breakfast sandwich than a pastry--something my Slovak grandma made--but they are still delicious! (Seelie takes a big bite.)

Tell me, why do you write romance?

C:  Romance not only entertains, it offers hope. Romance teaches the importance of family and friends. Romance teaches us that even in the face of terrible roadblocks, we can rise above our challenges and accomplish worthwhile goals.

S:  (Nods.) No doubt that's one of the reasons  romance is the bestselling book genre. 

How do you define romance?

C:  When the happiness of the other person is more important than yours and when the plans you make together are more important than your own.

S:  (Nibbles on a kolache.) That's actually a very good definition. Unless you're willing to put someone else's needs before your own, you're not ready for romance or love.

What, for you, is the perfect romantic evening?

C:  Being with the person you love makes any evening romantic—you don’t have to go anywhere or do anything in particular.

S:  Do you believe you only fall in love once?

C:  I think the human heart is capable of loving many times, but I believe we only have one soul mate. I’m grateful to have found mine in my sweet husband, who I call Hero.

 Some of Caroline Clemmons' most recent books

S:  Where do you do your best thinking?

C:  In my office or in bed.

S:  What would you like people to know about you?

C:  That I do the best I can do.

S:  If someone wrote a song about you, what would be the title?

C:  "Still Crazy After All These Years." (Laughs.) 

S:  (Grins.) I think that's a good thing!

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

C:  Don’t let anyone steal your dream!

S:  Complete this sentence:  “Writing is….”

C:  Writing is an inseparable part of me.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

C:  My daughters.

S:  If you could live in any period of time, when would it be and why? 

C:  While history fascinates me, I am fond of my air conditioning, car, washing machine and dryer, and other creature comforts. There’s no time like the present as far as I’m concerned.

S:  (Nods.) I'm always amused when people yearn for a simpler time. They don't seem to realize that means they wouldn't have a cell phone, a microwave, cars that prevent you from backing into others...

If a paranormal invited you to host a dinner with five guests, all prominent figures in history who are now deceased. Who would you invite and why

C:  Oooh, what a lovely question but narrowing the list to five is difficult. I’d start with Mother Theresa and then invite Thomas Jefferson, Queen Victoria, Louis L’Amour, and Tony Hillerman. For different reasons, I admire each of those people.  

S:  Sounds like an interesting and lively dinner conversation!

A genie grants you one wish. What is it?

C:  Good health for my family.

S:  What is your favorite day of the year?

C:  December 23. Christmas is almost here and the plans are made, decorations are up, and presents wrapped and under the tree. There’s the anticipation of impending joy. After the gifts are opened Christmas Eve, the Christmas service attended, and the stockings opened Christmas morning, I’m always a little sad it’s over.

S:  (Smiles.) That's why I keep my tree up all year long and turn on the lights occasionally. It's a good reminder of all the joy that season brings.

What do you crave?

C:  Chocolate and Cherry Dr. Pepper, then chips and Cherry Dr. Pepper, then chocolate… you get the picture.

S:  (Laughs.) I certainly get the chocolate part!

If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?

C:  A golden lab/German shepherd mix, which we had before in our dog Molly. She was such a sweet dog and I miss her.

S:  You are offered one of the following gifts: a day back in time, a glimpse into heaven, or perfect health. Which would you take and why?

C:  Perfect health. Through faith, I know what heaven will be, through research I can learn what a day back in time would be, but I have been in poor health my entire life and would welcome perfect health.

S:  As an MS Warrior, I can certainly understand valuing perfect health. Most people have no idea what it's like to have a a chronic illness or health problems. 

More books by Caroline Clemons

Caroline, thanks so much for joining me today. And thanks for the kolaches! If you would like to learn more about Caroline and her books, please visit--

Website:  http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

Blog:  http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

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

Twitter:  @CarolineClemmons

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/

Next week in The Loft:  Leona Bushman!

Available for preorder!

Blurb:

Former Northwestern Law School classmates Dina Willoughby, Miranda Mena, Leah Fraser, and Melody Harris are living the dream. Each had fantasized about the perfect husband while in law school and happily—for a time—that dream became a reality.

Until Dina’s husband kicks her out two weeks before her prenuptial agreement kicks in, Miranda’s husband is arrested for securities fraud and flees the country with all of their money, Leah discovers that her royal husband misrepresented his feelings for her in order to get his hands on her money, and newly-pregnant Melody finally admits her artist husband is a sadistic, manipulative, jerk.

Facing the loss of their husbands and stripped of any financial support, the four women band together to fight back. Drawing on their unique legal skills and with the help of a few friends, including a hunky private investigator, a sexy law school professor, a determined cyber-security billionaire, and the Queen of England, these four women not only take what’s theirs, they build the path to a new future—one filled with hope.

Excerpt:

“As he droned on about his golf game or the newest addition to his car collection or some gossipy tidbit among his fellow shallows, Dina was forced to drive her nails into her thighs just to stay awake. There she sat, the perfect debutante, a smile pasted onto her face, nodding in all the right places, nary a word embedding itself in her brain.

Oh, she wanted out. She needed to get out. Before George Donovan Willoughby the Third bored her to death. She squelched a sigh. Only two more weeks and she could be free. Sure, it wouldn’t be the many millions she had dreamed of, but it would still be seven figures, adequate compensation for five years of boredom.

Wearily, she t uned into his latest prattle. “And as I told my attorneys, there is no reason why we can’t end this amicably. After all, you must agree that this marriage was a mistake, and since our prenup settles a sufficient sum upon you should I pull the plug, you will continue to live comfortably, so what do you say? Let’s end this quickly and get on with our lives.”

Dina blinked, then she became outraged. Did George Donovan Willoughby the Third, the most boring man on the planet, just dump her? “Wait a minute. You want a divorce? From me?” She glared at George. “Surely you jest, darling.”

George gazed at her, his smile condescending. “As I said, darling, I am finding life with you rather boring. I need more stimulating companionship, and I have found it in Mimi Morrison.” His eyes brightened. “That woman is sweet, sassy, and sexy, and quite the firecracker in bed.” He sighed. “I married you because you were hot between the sheets, but once you had that ring on your finger, it rapidly became clear that we weren’t well-suited in other ways. It’s time to admit that marrying you was a mistake. Mother was right. Never marry beneath you.

“So, I think a quick and dirty divorce is for the best, don’t you? After all, we are adults and quite capable of civility. Perhaps Mexico on the ‘morrow?”

Dina stood, picked up her glass and dumped the well-aged bourbon onto George’s head. “This isn’t over until I say it’s over, dear George. Your timing sucks. In two more weeks, my property settlement increases by millions. I can’t believe you want to pull the plug and deprive me of the monies I am due. Being married to you was hard work, and I earned every penny of that settlement.

Buy links:

eXtasy Books:  https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2349-0-seizing-hope/

Today in The Loft: Extasy author Maggie Blackbird!

Joining me today in The Loft is Canadian author Maggie Blackbird. Maggie writes contemporary and historical romance about Canada's Indigenous People. She is the author of the Matawapit Family Series. Book One of that series, "Blessed" was recently released by eXtasy Books. Book Two, "Redeemed," is a work in progress. Raised on a reservation, Maggie is a member of the Ojibway Tribe and resides in Northwestern Ontario. The Ojibways are the second largest tribe in North America and are spread out among five American states, including Wisconsin, and three Canadian provinces.

In honor of her late Alaskan Malamute, Zeus,

Maggie uses this as her author photo

S:  Good morning, Maggie! Thanks so much for joining me for coffee today. It's cold today in Wisconsin, but I imagine it's much colder in Ontario! 

Let's begin with one of my favorite questions--Where do you do your best thinking? 

M:  Outside while walking the Mals before the sun and birds rise. It’s very peaceful and quiet. A time to reacquaint myself with nature. Once I’ve done my meditation, I like to let my thoughts wander, and wandering always pays off.

S:  (Nods.) I think meditation does much to clear the way for the creative process. For a writer, that kind of mental peace is so important. So what inspires your flights of fantasy?

M:  Flights of fantasy? You mean daydreaming? Anything can make me dream up new characters. I’d say right now, music. Saliva’s "Black Sheep" is the tune for me. It goes well with my character, Adam, from Book Two, "Redeemed," in the Matawapit Family Series.

S:  Why do you write romance?

M:  Because I love reading romance. Seriously, I fell in love with romance a long time ago when my older sister loaned me her Johanna Lindsey novel. Right then I thought, “This is the best thing ever.” From there, I wanted to create characters who struggle to overcome internal and external battles while finding love.

S:  There is nothing more enthralling than the process of falling in love. That's probably why romance is the bestselling genre in publishing. Love comes in all shapes and sizes. That fascinates most people. Complete this sentence:  “Writing is….”

M:  My passion. I love writing. Everything about it.

"Blessed" is Maggie's first book

 S:  Isn't it wonderful to be able to do what you love?

If you could live in any period of time, when would it be and why?

M:  I’d live in the here and now. I’m grateful for this time period because the technology available helps a lot of people who are ill. If not for this time period, people I love wouldn’t be alive if we were living, say, 20 years ago.

S:  As an MS Warrior, I can certainly understand that! 

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, what would you like to return to earth as and why?

M:  I’d like to come back as a spoiled rotten house dog. I mean, what a life! (Laughs.) Food. Playtime. Walks. Loafing. Sleeping. Lots of love. Woot! That’d be the life!

S:  (Smiles.) Since my sister asks her dog what he wants for dinner, I have to agree. As a house dog, life is good!

If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?

M:  A gorilla. I love them. They’re beautiful. Majestic. Smart. There is something about them that stops me in my tracks. I always gaze in awe at them. Especially the silverbacks.

S:  (Nods.) Have you ever looked one in the eye? There is such intelligence there. I always get the sense they want to tell us humans that we're getting it all wrong and they should be running things! (Chuckles.) They might be right.

If a paranormal invited you to host a dinner with five guests, all prominent figures in history who are now deceased, who would you invite and why?

M:  I’d telephone Jesus and ask him to be the guest of honour. I’d love to listen to his wisdom. Then I’d send Crazy Horse a smoke signal, because he was a very courageous man I admire, although he was Lakota and I’m Ojibway. I’d send out a canoe party to track down Jean-Baptiste Gaultier de la Vérendrye. He explored this area where I live and I’d love to hear what the rivers, lakes, and land looked like during that time period. I’d text Dennis Banks, an Ojibway activist and founder of AIM, who passed on a few years ago. I read his autobiography and loved it. I have many questions I wish he could answer.  And last but certainly not least, I’d write Jane Austen. Imagine picking the mind of such a prominent author who inspired many romance writers.

And best of all, imagine the dinner conversation with these five people present.

S:  I am trying to imagine Jane Austen among that group. Would she be the simpering female, overwhelmed by the men in her presence? Or would she seize the opportunity to learn and grow? I guess that's a question for another day...

Tell me, Maggie, what do you crave?

M:  Popcorn and chips. Chips are a special treat. I don’t eat them as often as I’d like to, but I do love my bowl of popcorn while watching golf.

S:  (Winks.) Unfortunately, I watch golf on TV for the eye candy and it takes more than popcorn to get me through that! There are some hotties!

You are offered one of the following gifts: A day back in time, a glimpse into heaven, or perfect health. Which would you choose and why?

M:  Perfect health. Easily. Then I’d be Sjogren’s Syndrome free. I could resume my old activities. Go anywhere I wish. Work anywhere I want. 

S:  (Nods.) I'm with you there. Until I was diagnosed with MS, I did not understand the value of good health. 

Maggie, thanks so much for joining me today. I really enjoyed our conversation! 

If you would like to learn more about Maggie and her books, please visit--

Web Site:  https://maggieblackbird.com/

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/maggieblackbirdauthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BlackbirdMaggie/

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-blackbird

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Blackbird/e/B07KQP1FFG

Next week in The Loft:  Author Caroline Clemmons!

It's release day for Infamy!

My latest book, "Infamy," is now on sale!

Here's the blurb:

Infamy. An evil or wicked act. Terrorists bent on revenge have found a way to make planes disappear from the sky, without a trace. And when one winds up buried in a Wisconsin cornfield, it’s a race against time to rescue the passengers from certain death.

When international law attorney Sheikh Harun Ali is lured to the Amazon and warned of a frightening plot against the United States, he and his wife, Marianne Benson, enlist the assistance of their neighbors, covert agent Cade Matthews and his wife, Constitutional Law Professor Janet MacLachlan. Ultimately, these feisty lawyers are pushed to the wall, desperate to find a plane that has been buried in an unknown cornfield, the passengers still on board. The terrorists’ hatred for the Alis is absolute—the Alis once left their organization bankrupt and broken—but they hate America more. And their fiendish games are just beginning. They are seeking a much bigger prize, one that could destroy a nation and possibly the world. An act that will live in infamy.

Excerpt:

Cade grasped his water bottle with both hands. “Before his brother died, he said eight words.” 

Harun nodded. “They are going to make American planes disappear.”

Dianna’s eyes grew wide.

Anders rubbed a hand over his face, then through his long dark hair. His deep green eyes stared up at the ceiling of the plane. “Fucking hell. Nine-eleven all over again.”

“That is our fear,” Harun said. “However, so many precautionary measures are in place in this country, simply hijacking planes and flying them into buildings is no longer easy. They must have a different plan.”

Cade emitted a heavy sigh. “And that is what we need to figure out. What exactly do those eight words mean? For example, he did not specify that the planes would disappear in America, which could mean that they will disappear abroad or over oceans.”

Anders sat up straight. “And disappear could mean many things. Crash. Hijack. Pull a Malaysia. How many ways can you make a plane disappear?”

Buy links:

Publisher: http://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2291-2-infamy/

Coming soon to all major booksellers!