Today in The Loft: Author Kate Hill!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Kate Hill.  Kate began writing more than 20 years ago. Since then she has published over 100 short stories, novellas, and novels. Kate loves horror and happily ever afters, so her stories combine the two, spinning tales of witches, aliens, vampires, angels, demons, shapeshifters, and more. A vegetarian New Englander, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and watching horror movies. She also writes under the name Saloni Quinby.

Author Kate Hill

S:  Welcome, Kate! 

You have an impressive back list. Why did you become a writer?

K:  I love reading stories and I love telling them. I started writing to tell stories that I wanted to read, but hadn't found.

S:  What attracts you to the romance genre? 

K:  The endless possible settings in which characters, both human and sometimes non-human, can find love.

S:  What is your favorite thing about writing romance? 

K:  Developing the closeness between the main characters, and watching them interact with each other and others as well. I love the underlying friendship and loyalty that accompanies the love between the main characters.

S:  Do you remember your first kiss? 

K:  (Laughs.) What was memorable about it? I remember it because it was terrible. It taught me what I didn't want, which can be valuable.

S:  What was your worst date ever? 

K:  I once dated a person who came into my house and started opening my cabinets. I'm not sure I can call it an actual date, because once that happened, I ended it and didn't bother with the rest of the evening. Needless to say, I never dated that person again.

S:  (Chuckles.) That's pretty awful! Most people limit themselves to the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, with the door closed!

Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to you? 

K:  I never believed in love at first sight until my grandmother said to me, "If you can hate someone on sight, why can't you love someone on sight?" Ever since then, I've believed it can happen, even though I've personally never experienced it.

S:  If you had to do it all over again, would you still write books? 

K:  Definitely. I don't think I could stop myself if I tried.

S:  What are you currently working on? 

K:  Right now I'm working on "Amelia and Orion," the last book in the Wild Witches of Beaver Bay series. They have been secondary characters in other books in the series, but it's time for them to admit that there's far more than friendship between them.

S:  What/who inspires you?

K:  Anyone who has ever pursued their dream inspires me.

S:  Do you ever have a problem ending a book? 

K:  Always. The last line of a book is probably the hardest thing to write, other than blurbs.

S:  Kate, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Kate and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://kate-hill.com/

Blogs:  https://kate-hill.com/blog/; https://kate-hill.com/compellingbeastsblog/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Hill/e/B002BLS7OW

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/katehill.romance;  https://www.twitter.com/compbeastsblog

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/KateH02

This week in The Loft: Author Denise N. Wheatley!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Denise Wheatley! Denise is best known for her 2004 novel, "I Wish I Never Met You," but has written numerous novels and novellas that encompass all aspects of romance, including contemporary, paranormal, sweet, and steamy. She strives to produce characters who are strong, colorful, and relatable. Born and raised in Chicago, Denise remains a resident of the Windy City, where she enjoys visits to movie theatres, tennis, true crime television, and chatting on social media.

Author Denise Wheatley

S:  Welcome, Denise, and congratulations on your Valentine's Day release!

Why write a Valentine's Day tale?

D:  I love holidays as well as romance, so Valentine’s Day gives me the perfect foundation for storytelling. But this year, I decided to do things a little differently. I thought it would be fun to write a sexy, anti-Valentine’s Day fantasy novella, where otherworldly creatures go to war on the love-filled holiday, and one leader bravely steps up to try and end the beloved tradition. 

S:  (Smiles.) That does sound like fun!

What was your best Valentine's Day ever?

D:  My boyfriend once surprised me with a suburban staycation for Valentine’s Day. We spent the weekend pretty close to home but went places and did things that neither of us had ever experienced, but always wanted to try. I loved the thoughtfulness and spontaneity of it. 

S:  Sounds like a gift from the heart, which is what it should be.

Is Valentine's Day your favorite time of the year?

D:  No. I love Christmas day because it's such a warm, cozy, festive holiday filled with friends, family, love, food, and of course, gifts! And yes, I'm that person who decorates my home way too early and watches every single holiday movie.

S:  Christmas is also my favorite holiday. Between  the baking and "A Christmas Story," I am in heaven!

Where do you do your best thinking?

D:  In the car and in the shower.

S:  What do you crave?

D:  Chocolate chip cookies, French fries, love, happiness, and books.

S:  (Chuckles.) Chocolate is pretty much on everyone's list.

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

D:  I would have a koala bear, because not only are they adorable, but they live an enviable lifestyle. Koalas don't have to drink much water, they sleep 20 hours a day, and they spend the remaining four hours eating and seeking companionship. (Laughs.) Now that's the life!

S:  They sure have that "cuddly thing" going on!

Tell me about your book, "Valentine's Slay."

D:  It's a steamy Sci-Fi, fantasy romance novella. Here's the blurb--

In the land of Zanalia, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of war. When two of the realm’s fiercest foes go head-to-head over the sacred ritual, sparks unexpectedly fly, igniting an explosion of love, lust, and ultimately, broken traditions.

In a world filled with warriors, Valentine’s Day means war for the creatures of Zanalia. Mina, queen of the disciplinarian tribe, is responsible for spearheading attacks on the land’s worst enemies.

Spike, the son of king Theo and Mina’s biggest adversary, no longer believes in provoking battles on this love-filled holiday. He secretly encourages the Zanalians to put away their weapons and spend time with their loved ones instead. The absurd suggestion goes against the territory’s oldest tradition and is rejected by many, to the point where Spike receives death threats. His father grows worried for his son and orders Mina to stage his kidnapping, then provide him with personal, around-the-clock protection.

Mina is infuriated by the mission as she’s being forced to protect a disloyal traitor. She vows to make Spike’s time with her as torturous as possible until she unwittingly finds pleasure in the pain she inflicts upon him, while he seemingly relishes in her harsh punishments. Emotions run high between the pair, and Mina realizes that Spike’s wish to spread love this Valentine’s Day just may come true after all. 

S:  What a unique take on Valentine's Day! I like it!

Where can readers buy your book?

D:  It is currently available from all major booksellers, including-- 

Publisher:  https://www.extasybooks.com/denise-n-wheatley/978-1-4874-2770-2-valentines-slay/ 
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VVD2YH/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/valentines-slay-denise-n-wheatley/1136467527?ean=2940163842414 

S:  Denise, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Denise and her books, please visit--

Blog:  https://www.denisenwheatley.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/denise_wheatley_writer/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/denisewheatley?lang=en

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KHBZ7E

It's release day!

Blurb:

When politics interferes with love, can love survive?

Getting married isn’t easy when your father’s the President of the United States! After reluctantly agreeing to a White House wedding, Sarah Lee Pearson, the president’s daughter, finds herself swept into a political maelstrom of unimagined proportions.

The White House staff and the first lady see the wedding as a political event, a way to sweep the president into his next term. Congress is complaining about the collateral costs. The media is delightfully rehashing every aspect of Sarah’s life, even those events that have nothing to do with the impending marriage. And the American public? Visions of an American royal wedding have swept them into a frenzy and vendors take advantage, making a quick buck off of everything from limited edition t-shirts to commemorative teacups.

Sarah and her fiancé, Sam, fight hard to ignore the craziness, but after learning a bounty has been put on their heads by an anti-government militia group, they have to decide whether a White House wedding is indeed worth it. And given all the hurtful controversy, perhaps a better solution is to not get married at all.

Excerpt:

“How does my father feel about this?” Sarah asked.

 “Your father wants you to do what makes you happy.”

Jamisen Powell entered his Chief of Staff’s office and nodded coldly at Jeremiah. He added, “He would never ask you to do otherwise.”

Sarah smiled and rose to kiss her father on the cheek. “Thanks, Dad. I knew you wouldn’t ask me to be a political stool pigeon.”

Jamie Powell chuckled. “No. That job apparently falls to staff.” He smiled at Sarah. “Look, hopefully, you only get married once. Make a memory that will mean the most to you and Sam. Nothing else matters.” He shook his head, “Maybe Jeremiah will get lucky and your sister, Melissa, will hook some poor sucker before the next election. She and her mother would be overjoyed planning a White House wedding.”

Jeremiah scowled. “I am only thinking about your re-election, Mr. President. Your first term has been a bit rocky. You need a solidifying factor, something that will grab the hearts and minds of the American public and provide a clear path into the next term. Your story, a daughter lost and found after twenty-five years, especially a daughter who just happens to be a stellar human being and a successful international law attorney, won their hearts in the first election.

“Walking that same daughter down the aisle, something you had never dreamed was possible? The ratings alone will rival a royal wedding. No offense, but Melissa’s marriage—if it ever happens—could never have the same impact. People don’t view her in the same light as Sarah. Melissa is a flighty socialite. Her deep-seated sense of entitlement offends. The ratings for her wedding would be nonexistent. But Sarah? She’s the golden child. The American public loves her.”

The president’s sapphire blue eyes, which mirrored Sarah’s, flashed with annoyance. “Be that as it may, I am not about to force either of my daughters into something they don’t want. Sarah has declined your request, and as far as I am concerned, that’s the end of it. You will have to find another solidifying factor, Jer. Surely I have done something that’s re-election worthy!”

Buy links:

Publisher: https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2796-2-the-white-house-wedding/

This week in The Loft, author Jessica James!

Joining me today is award-winning author Jessica James. Jessica writes in a broad array of genres, including military suspense, thrillers, historical romance, Christian fiction, and small-town Southern women's fiction. She has won numerous awards for her books, including the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction and the Hold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. Jessica currently resides in Gettysburg, PA, where she works part-time as stagehand, assisting with everything from country bands to stage plays, operas, and the ballet. 

Author Jessica James

S:  Good morning, Jessica and Happy Valentine's Day!

Tell me, what attracts you to the romance genre?

J:  The fact that love can conquer anything! I never set out to write romance in my early novels, but they always ended up with a love story woven into the plot. No matter how great the conflict, love always seems to save the day!

S:  (Nods.) You don't really notice how big of a role romance plays in our lives until you start writing. It seems to pop up everywhere. 

What other genres do you write in? 

J:  I started as a historical fiction writer, but one day at the beach, a contemporary love story idea popped into my head. I fought it, telling myself that I can’t write contemporary, but a string of happenstance meetings and strange events convinced me that the universe wanted me to write this book. It became "Meant To Be," because it was, and is a multi-award-winning novel in the romantic military suspense genre. I have since written three thrillers-- "Deadline," "Fine Line," and "Front Line"--and now, women’s fiction, "Lacewood."

S:  Do you believe in love at first sight? 

J:  I don’t think I ever really believed in it, until I wrote "Meant To Be," which features two characters who meet by chance on the beach and then again, halfway around the world.

S:  If you had to do it over again, would you still chose to write books? 

J:  Absolutely! I could never figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Through my writing I can be anything I want —from a spy in the Civil War to a CIA agent fighting the War on Terror. Another plus for this profession is the research that has to be done. I’ve had the opportunity to target shoot from a fast-moving helicopter and to attend the Special Operations Forces International Conference in Tampa. I enjoy submersing myself in whatever I’m writing about.

S:  We tend to live through our characters, don't we? Many of mine have done things I would never have the courage to do!

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

J:   When I was very young I was told to “think like man, act like a lady, and work like a dog.” It has served me well.

S:  (Smiles.) That is great advice. My mother gave me similar advice. 

Tell me about your book, "Lacewood."

J:  It is a love story that spans centuries. Here's the blurb--

MOVING TO A SMALL TOWN in Virginia is a big change for New York socialite Katie McCain. But when she stumbles across an abandoned 200-year-old mansion, she’s enthralled by the enduring beauty of the neglected estate—and captivated by the haunting portrait of a woman in mourning.

Purchasing the property on a whim, Katie attempts to fit in with the colorful characters in the town of New Hope, while trying to unravel the mystery of the “widow of Lacewood.” As she pieces together the previous owner’s heartrending story, Katie uncovers secrets the house has held for centuries, and discovers the key to coming to terms with her own sense of loss.

The past and present converge when hometown hero Will Durham returns and begins his own healing process by helping restore the place that holds so many memories. As the mystic web of destiny is woven, a love story that might have been lost forever is exposed, and a destiny that has been waiting in the shadows for centuries is fulfilled.  

A powerful and poignant tale that vividly conveys the heartache of war, the tragedy of loss, and the fulfillment of destiny…even when souls are separated by centuries. Lacewood takes readers on a journey that connects the past with the present--and the present with eternity.

S:  That's sounds like a fascinating tale! Where can readers buy your book?

J:  It's available at all major booksellers, including--

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PW8BQJ4 
Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lacewood-jessica-james/1130997159?ean=9781
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1447749646
Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/880176?ref=jessicajames

Draft2Digital:  https://books2read.com/u/mYoj2P

S:  Jessica, thanks so much for joining me today. If you would like to learn more about Jessica and her books, please visit--

Website: https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/author/jessicajames

BookBub : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-james

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/southernromance/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/586216.Jessica_James

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicajames/

This week in The Loft: Author Jan Selbourne!

With me today in The Loft is Australian author Jan Selbourne. Jan writes historical romance, tales of arranged marriages, the aristocracy, spies, war, and unfortunate circumstances. Born and educated in Melbourne, Jan's career in accounting took her to Queensland and the United Kingdom. Now retired, she lives near Maitland, New South Wales.

Author Jan Selbourne

S:  Welcome, Jan! I am always pleased to chat with someone from "down under." While we are suffering the effccts of winter, you are enjoying summer! 

Why did you become a writer?

J:  I’ve loved books and wanted to write since I learned to read and hold a pen. However, something always seemed to push the writing urge onto the back burner.  Career, a working holiday in the UK, marriage and children, then back to work again. When I retired it was finally "me time" and I began to write.

S:  (Nods.) I suspect many authors began writing books as a second career.

What attracts you to the romance genre?

J:  We are all romantics at heart, and the romance genre lets us escape to our hero and heroine’s world, be with them through their difficulties and then, happiness. It makes us feel good and we all need that.

S:  (Smiles.) There is a reason romance is the best-selling genre in the world. People like happy endings. It gives them hope.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books

J:  Definitely. To write a book is a labor of love and a great achievement.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

J:  Bringing two wonderful daughters into the world.

S:  What are you currently working on?

J:  My book in progress is set in the 1770s, where arranged marriages were considered normal and acceptable, except for Sarah Forsythe, who is betrothed to a man twice her age. Repulsed but scared of her father, Sarah runs away from her privileged life with the son of a Methodist minister. Not to Gretna Green, but the New World. A new world of broken promises, abandonment, and a downward spiral into degradation. The American colonies are rebelling against British rule, the siege of Boston worsens, and at her lowest point, Sarah finds a hidden box. Desperate for money, she steals it only to discover a bundle of documents. Bank of England documents. Sarah manages to join General Howe’s evacuation to Nova Scotia and by lying through her teeth, secures passage back to England, unaware two men are following intent on claiming ownership of those documents at any price.

S:  Wow. That's an intense, but action-packed, story line!

Tell me about "Behind the Clouds."

J:  "Behind the Clouds" is set in England and Belgium during the early days of World War One. Here's the blurb--

Barely tolerating each other, Adrian and Gabrielle Bryce are trapped in Belgium as the clouds of war loom over Europe. Plunged into a nightmare of lies and betrayal they flee for their lives as the German forces cross the border. Narrowly avoiding capture, witnessing death and atrocities, they reach safety as two very different people who’ve found deep love – only to face charges of treason and a woman who’ll stop at nothing to see Adrian dead.

S:  Great cover!  That sounds like an intriguing tale. Where can readers buy your book?

J:  It's available from the following vendors-

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Clouds-Jan-Selbourne-ebook/dp/B017NSKITO/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/behind-the-clouds-jan-selbourne/1122916686?ean=9780992821593

S:  Jan, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Jan and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JanSelbourne

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Selbourne/e/B0184OSZ6E

A Valentine's Day Special!

Buy one book, get a second free!

Purchase a copy of The White House Wedding on release day, February 14, and get a free copy of its predecessor, The President’s Daughter!

1. Order The White House Wedding from eXtasy Books: https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2796-2-the-white-house-wedding/

2. Send your receipt to seeliekay@gmail.com.

3. Designate the preferred format (ePub, .mobi, or Adobe Acrobat).

4. You’ll receive the book the next day!

Two love stories for one great price!