Friday, October 30, 2020

This week in The Loft: Author D. S. Dehel!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author D. S. Dehel. A retired teacher, Dawn writes erotic romance and adores literary allusions, writing sex scenes, and British men. Recently, Dawn and I appeared together on a podcast about writing sexy stories (link below) and there, I learned she uses the initials D.S. because her son informed her that "Dawn Dehel" was a stripper name! Dawn lives in Delaware with two of her four children and her husband, as well as a coddled feline, Mr. Darcy, and an equally pampered puppy, Jameson. 

Author D. S. Dehel

S:  Good morning, Dawn. Thanks for joining me today! 

Do you write full or part-time? Do you have another job/other responsibilities?

D:  I like to think of myself as a full-time writer because I'm retired, but I also mentor new teachers and am a long-term substitute for a little bit longer. I guess I should say I'm retired. 

S:  Did you have a mentor when you became a writer?

D:  No, not an official mentor. I did have a teacher in college who saw potential in my work. That stuck with me and helped me move forward.


S:  Complete this sentence:  "When I started writing books, I wish I had known..."

D:  I wish I had known how much work goes on after a book is written, because I would have been more prepared for the odyssey to publication. But maybe it's better not to know. I might not have had the wherewithal to pursue publication had I known.  

S:  (Nodded.) I think many of us were unaware of all the behind-the-scenes activities. Sometimes, it is overwhelming.

Is there anything that you wish you had done differently when you began writing books?

D:  I only wish I had started sooner, or more accurately, kept at it seriously. I let life get in the way. 

S:  What is your writing process?

D:  It usually starts with an image or an idea, a kind of tingle in my mind. I let that stew for a bit, do some research, create Pinterest inspiration boars and Spotify playlists, sometimes a general outline and copious notes on my idea (that are inchoate at best.) Then I sit down and write. I must admit that I am one of those who have to go back and fix errors before I can move on to the next bit. That internal proofreader just won't be quiet. 

S:  (Smiles.) You are much more organized than I am. As a journalist, I never had much prep time. Pre-planning was not an option. You just collected the facts and sat down to write almost immediately. I haven't been able to break away from that.

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

D:  Alas, I don't believe in first sight, but I do think there can be a deep attraction that goes beyond lust. Maybe I've just read "Romeo and Juliet" too many times. The play is actually a condemnation of the concept of love at first sight. Think about it. The ones who claim to be in love are only on stage together alive three times. Their folly leads to six deaths. People just forget that. And, obviously, it's never happened to me.

S:  What attracted you to your current partner?

D:  Aside from being devastatingly handsome, he's completely genuine. He is who he is. I just happen to love geeky guys in general and him in particular. He also puts up with all of my nonsense, which helps, too.

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

D:  I've been told that I come across as super confident, and in some situations, I guess I am. But really, I'm a ball of anxiety and self-doubt.

S:  Why did you write "Moonlight and Magnolia?" What was your inspiration?

D:  For "Moonlight and Magnolia," I visited the house that is the basis for the one in the story. Everything about Belle Grove said, "Write about me." I just didn't know exactly what that story would be. During lockdown, I had the urge to create a character like Caro. It's hard to say more without spoilers. I began writing, and I was fortunate enough to attend a ghost lock-in there once restrictions were loosened, which helped add to the vibe of the story.

S:  So you got to visit the "scene of the crime," so to speak. I imagine that really helped to drive the tale.

Is there anything about this book that makes it special to you? To readers?

D:   I'm really, really pleased with how Caro came out as a main character. She was hard to write, but she was fun also. The fact that my Mom and I went to Belle Grove together adds to how special the story is. The actual house is located near a church we'd driven past hundreds of times on our way to Richmond (VA) to see my grandmother. I would just glimpse a house sitting at the end of a tree-lined drive. As a child, I never thought I'd get to visit, let alone write about it.

"Moonlight and Magnolia" will be released October 30 by eXtasy Books. Here's the blurb--

Secrets hide in the magnolia moonlight.

Caro Talbot loves Belle Grove, but not the people caring for it, and things get worse when they invite Desmond Mason to research the house's history. Yet Dez is different from what she expects, and she becomes determined to help hhim solve the puzzle of the woman in the painting that's hung in the house for years.

As Halloween approaches, Dez pries into secrets she'd rather keep, raising the ghost of her past. Caro has to decide whether to trust a man she hardly knows or run the risk of being eternally lonely.


S: Sounds like a great tale for Halloween! Where can readers buy your book?

D:  It was released today, October 30, and is now available at https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-3087-0-magnolia-and-moonlight/. It will also be available from other major booksellers soon.

S:  Dawn, thanks so much for joining me today and good luck with your latest book! If you would like to learn more about D. S. Dehel and her books, please visit--

Blog:  https://www.dsdehel.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024850654069

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

Twitter: @ddehel https://twitter.com/ddehel

Editor's Note:  Learn more about D. S. Dehel and me, and writing sexy stories, by listening to our recent podcast at--

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/michiganavenuemedia/2020/10/13/writing-sexy-stories-discussion--michigan-avenue-media

Friday, October 23, 2020

This week in The Loft: Author Amelia Danver!

Joining me this week in The Loft is the author who writes under the pen name, Amelia Danver. Once a medical student and science geek, Amelia began her writing career penning fan fiction. Now she writes erotic romance. Amelia is a Certified First Responder and has completed her training in Mental Health First Aid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been isolated at home with her dogs.

The avatar for Amelia Danver

S:  Welcome, Amelia. Thanks for joining me today.

You made quite a leap from attending medical school to writing erotic romance. Why did you become a writer? 

A:  COVID-19 moved my business largely online. So I finally had the time to sit down and write.

S:  (Nods.) I think COVID-19 has changed how all of us work. I find I have less time to write because I don't have as much "alone time." You're lucky to have the extra time to write.

What attracted you to the romance genre?

A:  Since high school, I have been an avid romance reader.

S:  Do you write in other genres?

A:  Mostly romance. I may write an autobiography soon.

S:  The inner workings  of an erotic romance writer's mind. I like that. I imagine your journey would be interesting to many.

What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

A:  I get to do anything I wish to my heroine and hero.

S:  (Laughs.) I have never heard it put that way, but that is definitely true.

Do you have another job/other responsibilities?

A:  I sell medical/health insurance and I also own a pet shop! You cannot make money solely from being an author.


S:  Complete this sentence--"When I started writing books, I wish I had known..."

A:  ...how hard it is to get people to read your books!

S:   I suspect most authors are surprised by the amount of marketing involved in attracting readers. It's very time-consuming.

Is there anything you wish you have done differently when you began writing books?

A:  I would have started writing clean romance first, then erotic romance. Erotic romance is hard to market on certain platforms, including Amazon.

S:  What makes you unique--as a writer and/or person?

A:  I write extensive author's notes. Even when I write romance, I want people to learn something from reading my stories. In my first book, you get plenty of sex advice. In the second, you can learn about Japanese language, culture, people, and the country itself. I wrote from the perspective of a foreigner, of course.



S:  Complete this sentence--"As a writer, my dream is to..."

A:  ...get my books read by people, for people to like my books, and maybe, have one made into a movie.

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

A:   I write fiction, but I always try to seep some reality into my novels. I met a man on the bus who told me that all fiction is nonfiction to a certain extent and vice versa. There is some degree of truth in that. I'm not sure if he was an author, but what he said really resonated with me.

S:  In many cases, we write what we know. I write about lawyers because I was one. Reality does indeed seep in.

Amelia, thanks for joining me today. If you would like to learn more about Amelia and her books, please visit--

Website:  http://www.ameliadanver.com

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adanver16

Friday, October 16, 2020

This Week in The Loft: Author Madison Michael!

Joining me today in The Loft is Madison Michael, who writes steamy contemporary romance. The author of the Beguiling Bachelor and B&B Billionire Bachelor Series, Maddy is also a blogger and indie publisher. A Chicago native, her stories employ the sumptuous backdrop of Chicago's elite society. Although she began her career in the business world, she soon turned to writing books. Maddy writes surrounded by feline assistants and when not writing, she can be found lost in a book, fighting for the rights of the mentally ill, or dining on Chicago's famous cuisine (hot dogs and pizza).

Author Madison Michael

S:  Welcome to the Loft, Maddy! Thanks for taking a leap across the border to Wisconsin to chat with me today. I don't often entertain authors from the land of da Bears!

Why did you become an author?

M:  I was already in my 60s when I penned my first novel. In fact, I had no intention of writing a romance novel, although I had wanted to be a writer my entire childhood, and was a journalist through my teens and college. I worked on the high school and college papers, but when it came time to fight for a job on a newspaper, I went to grad school, getting an MBA and moving into the world of finance, banking and eventually, high tech. More than 30 years later, I dusted off my writing tools and took an online class titled, “How to Write a Romance Novel.” Eleven weeks later, I had meat on the bones of my first book and things took off from there. I have just completed the first draft of my ninth novel and I’m doing a complete rewrite of my first novel, "Bedazzled." That sends goosebumps up my arms. The little girl who dreamed of being an author is now a full-time author and CEO of her own company--Madison Michael.

S:  Congratulations! Obviously, your detour into business paid off.

Do you write full or part-time? 

M:  While I am a writer first and foremost, as an independent author, I do so many other tasks. I spend mornings writing, but afternoons are filled with editing, education and training, advertising, promotions, networking, blogging, and the dreaded social media--a time suck if ever I saw one. It takes all of this to launch a book that readers can find and hopefully, love. I am fortunate though. The business of novels excites me as much as the writing of them.

S:  Authors are always surprised when they learn they have to do more than write. They also have to promote. I was surprised at how time-consuming the business of writing is.

What is your writing process?

M:  In the writing world, there are plotters and pantsers. Plotters have the story mapped out before they begin. Perhaps they have completed all their research and know their characters intimately. Many plotters can describe their story chapter by chapter before they write a single word. Yeah, that’s not me. Pantsers fly by the seat of their pants. That’s not me either. My process is to start with characters and to know and love them. I have to understand who they are, what their flaws are, and how love will change them. I start there, along with a very basic outline. But somewhere along the writing process, my characters take over. They morph and in doing so, change my plots and plans. I guess my process is to remind myself that I am not schizophrenic, that the characters are still fictional, but to let them determine the direction of the story. For me, that means revising my plot plans and going with the flow.

S:  My characters always take over. I always know the beginning of the story but I never know the end. 

What attracted you to the romance genre?

M:  I grew up on romance--movies like “My Fair Lady” and “Sound of Music” and novels by Jane Austen and Barbara Cartland. My eldest sister could read a romance a day--she still can. I love modern romcoms, too. I can watch “Sweet Home Alabama” over and over. When I first considered writing, I thought I would tackle mental health topics. I wanted to convey a message, to make a difference. But I quickly discovered that my passion was passion. Life is tough. I want to crawl in bed with a hot book-boyfriend and escape reality for a few hours. That is the difference I have chosen to make in the world.

S:  These days, everyone needs an escape, even if only for a few hours. I think it's so satisfying that as writers, we can provide that.

Do you write in other genres?

M:  I wrote "Broken Time," which is a time-travel romance, and added adventure and suspense to "Bedeviled" and "Besotted" from my Beguiling Bachelor series, but ultimately, I return to contemporary, steamy romance. My characters are in their 30s, they have been dating a while and know what they want. My men are successful and powerful,  and often so are my women. My novels are about escaping into a luxe, sumptuous world of designer dresses, private jets, mountain top retreats, and finding the perfect love.

S:  I worked in Chicago for many years. I often got a glimpse into that world and it has always fascinated me.

What's your definition of romance?

M:  My definition of romance is a relationship that allows both partners to flourish and be happy. In a perfect romance, partners support each other’s dreams and goals, they provide a shoulder when you need to lean, and a leg up when you need to stretch and grow. It is cozy but offers space, full of passion and laughter. For me, a romantic partner offers constant opportunities to discover new things about yourself, the comfort to be lazy together, and the confidence to reach for new heights.

S: Wow, that's a near perfect definition!

What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

M:  I hate to admit it, but the sex scenes are my favorite thing to write. They are also the hardest to complete well. When I finish writing a hot scene that titillates the reader and conveys the passion, the intimacy and the connection of two people in love, I feel great.

S:  When I start blushing, I know I have written a sex scene well! 

Have you ever experienced what you consider the perfect romantic evening?

M:  Perhaps I have softened the memory over time, but years ago I went on a date that I thought was perfect at the time. It was a glorious summer night. We were in a convertible and we did a summer blockbuster movie and burgers. Doesn’t sound very romantic, but the whole evening had the feel of something out of a Sandra Dee movie. It was filled with laughter, an easy camaraderie, and some hot sex to top it all off. Okay, that part wasn’t very Sandra Dee but…

S:  But those are the memories that put the steam in those sex scenes!

Do you remember your first kiss?

M:  Oh my God, I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 13 and kind of skinny. He was 15 and on the swim team--tall and muscular.  He was also very handsome and more than a little cocky. I was hanging out in front of the house, hoping to see him, I imagine. He lived down the street and we had just discovered each other a week or so earlier. Finally he walked by, chatted me up for a few minutes and then kissed me. I felt it to my toes, seriously, and everywhere in between. He bowed me over his arm, holding me just the right amount of tight, using just the right amount of tongue. When he released me, I stood dazed and aroused and wanting more. Instead, he lifted me up and dropped me into a nearby garbage can, butt dangling down, legs draped over the side, and walked away. I wriggled a long time to get out of that can, but the kiss lingered way longer.

S:  I certainly hope you used that scene in one of your books! That's too precious to lock away!  

What was your worst date ever?

M:  I’ve had a few, but the first one to come to mind happened when I was 16. First date, older boy. It was a bitter cold night, winter in Chicago. We tried to get into an NC-17 movie and of course, I was turned away. Then we went to a pizza place that was closed, and finally the car got stuck in a snowdrift and we had to call friends to come dig us out. All in all, a disaster. We dated for several years.

S:  Well, if you kept dating, I'm guessing that was a "no harm, no foul" situation.

What attracted you to your current partner?

M:  I fell for my ex-husband on our first date, and I fell hard. He was in town for one night only and we met at a dinner party. I went home that night and told my family, “If I can contrive to see him again, we’ll get married.” I was right. It took one date to fall for Michael, too. We met online, so he still calls our first date "an interview,” but it was dinner, so I think that counts as a date. He was smart and funny, chattier than most men, and we had so much in common. About halfway through dinner, his phone rang and he apologized but took the call. “It’s my daughter, calling from college,” he told me. “I can’t pass up a chance to talk to her.” I don’t know why, but that touched me--the fact that he was a loving father. He was a good kisser too, which didn’t hurt. We just celebrated eight years together.

S:  You have some wonderful stories. Great inspiration for writing romance.

What would you like people to know about you?

M:  What a broad question. Here are a few things. I love cats and I love dogs. Big dogs. I’m addicted to coffee  and Diet Dr. Pepper. I love people, but I covet my privacy. I write romance, but I’m told I'm not romantic. I'm a junky for news, tons of it, but I love to escape with a good novel. I'm addicted to sugar, yet I am always on a diet. Writing is incredibly hard work, but I do it for the fun. 

S:  Maddy, this has truly been a delightful conversation. Thanks so much for joining me today.

If you'd like to learn about Maddy and her books, please visit--

Website:  www.madisonmichael.net 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/madisonmichaelromance

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/madisonmichaelromance

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/madisonmichaelromance

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/madisonmichael

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

All of my books are 30% off until Halloween!


Check out the Halloween sale at eXtasy Books! These great deals are sure to spook you!

Get great discounts on the following--


Friday, October 9, 2020

Today in The Loft: Romance author Anna Taylor Sweringen!

Joining me today in The Loft is Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen, who writes under the pen names Anna M. Taylor, Anna Taylor, and Michal Scott. She offers a diverse range of romance tales, from sweet, gothic, and inspirational to erotica and erotic romance. She uses her stories to provide insight into the African American experience, and as a bridge between the sacred and the secular. A retired United Church of Christ and Presbyterian USA minister, Anna recently relocated from New York to the southwest, where she resides with her husband of 30 years and her rescue cat, Scully.

Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen

S:  Good morning, Anna. Thanks for joining me today!

You've had an illustrious career as a minister. Why did you become a writer?

A:  I was a storyteller from a young age. I remember creating stores around my spelling words to help me prepare for spelling tests. Being an avid reader, I naturally began to pen stories of my own right through college. However, it took my mother-in-law to set me on the road to becoming a published author. When she learned I wrote X-Files fan fiction, she asked, "Why aren't you writing stories about characters of your own?"

S:  Did you undergo any sort of education or other preparation/training to become a writer?

A:  Yes, I have been taking craft and industry courses since I joined Romance Writers of America (RWA) in 2003.

S:  Did you have a mentor when you became a romance writer?

A:  Yes, Mary Buckham. I attended my first writing class with Mary early in my association with RWA. I never miss a chance to take classes with her or one-on-one opportunities. It was Mary who got me to think of myself seriously as an author. She asked me to be on a panel for a possible workshop at the RWA national conference. When I said, "But I'm not published," she answered, "You're a writer whether you're published or not." She meant that being published had nothing to do with whether or not I had something to say and share through my writing. I will be forever in her debt for that bit of counsel.

S:  (Nods.) That's so true. While publishing provides validation, everyone who pens a story is a writer. That's important to remember.

Complete this sentence--"When I started writing books, I wish I had known..."

A:  When I started writing books, I wish I had known to take classes that dealt with writing as a career and the business ins and outs of the industry. I started writing with an understanding of the industry colored by tales of Edmund Wilson at Scribner's and Sons. 

S:  I think the business end of the industry is the most difficult part of writing as a career. Learning the legal, marketing, and business implications is so important.

What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

A:  In my day job as a minister, I was continually reminding people that they are loved, that they deserved to be loved and to share love in healthy ways. Once I started learning about writing romance, I became hooked by the concept of the emotional justice that every story, no matter its subgenre, seeks to deliver.

S:  (Smiles.) It all comes down to love. 

Why did you write, "A Little in Love With Death?" What was your inspiration?

A:  "A Little in Love With Death" (Haunted Harlem, Book 2) was inspired by a line from Eugene O'Neill's, "A Long Day's Journey Into Night." In that play, Edmund, the younger son, describes how he belonged nowhere until he had a metaphysical experience that left him a little in love with death. I also wanted to try my hand at a dual time to slip time story, a story told using two parallel plots. The result is this tale of two women--one set in the present, the other in the past--dealing with issues of guilt, and the need for belonging and acceptance. 

Here's the blurb--

Ten years ago, no one--not even the man who said he loved her--believed Sankofa Lawford's story of being attacked by a ghost. Ten years later, a new ghostly assault brings her back home to a mother going mad, a brother dangling at his wit's end, and a former love wanting a second chance. She's at a loss what to do because the pain created by memories of her own attack prove stronger than her desire to heal her family and find love again.

Mitchell Emerson believes science and reason can account for the ghostly happenings at Umoja House. He seeks a rational explanation to prove him right and regain Sankofa's trust and love. Instead, what he learns leaves his belief system shattered.

Now reluctant allies, Mitchell and Sankofa uncover years of lies that threaten to pull them apart until help comes from an unexpected ally: the ghost itself.

S:  Wow, a spooky love story. Perfect for Halloween!

Where can readers buy your book?

A:  It's available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Little-Love-Death-Haunted-Harlem-ebook/dp/B08JD5FD16.

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

Website:  https://annamtaylor.webs.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Revannable

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Anna-M.-Taylor/e/B0894LFCTV

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Congratulations to Lisabet Sarai on her re-release!


Blurb: 

Bitter and alone, Etienne de Rémorcy haunts the forest around the ruined plantation of Fin d'Espoir. He has sworn to never again taste human blood. Then a fierce storm and a runaway horse bring a slender, raven-haired beauty to his lair. When she begs him to take her, he cannot resist. 

Madeleine and Troy hope that a carefree vacation in tropical Jamaica will reignite their faded passion. On a mountain trail ride, Maddy's horse bolts, carrying her deep into the jungle. Injured and lost, she is saved by a giant of a man whose mere presence kindles unbearable desire. By the time she understands his dark nature, it is far too late for her to escape. 

When Maddy returns, Troy finds her greatly changed : ravenous in bed, restless and disturbed otherwise. The elegant stranger he meets on the beach holds the key to her transformation - and soon has seduced Troy as well. 

Tortured by his conscience, Etienne is determined to set the young couple free. But their love may be his last hope for redemption. 

Note: This book was previously published by Totally Bound under the title Fire in the Blood. It has been edited and updated for this release. 

Excerpt: 

She must have loosened her grip. Lightning arced through the sky, followed by a crack of thunder that rattled her bones. The stallion froze, screaming its terror to the freshening wind. It rose on its hind legs, beating the air with its front hooves and dashing Maddy to the ground. 

Lightning snaked across the clouds. Like its twin, fiery pain forked in Maddy’s ankle. The horse reared above her prone body, ready in its mad fear to crush her into the muddy earth. Grimacing with the effort, she tried to roll out of the way, though she knew she was too late. 

“Whoa now, my pretty. Du calme, du calme.” 

A man’s voice, deep and resonant, full of power. The stallion responded immediately, dropping back to all fours and hanging its head. A tall figure stepped out from behind a tree and grasped the bridle. “Good boy,” he murmured in the horse’s ear, gently stroking its muzzle all the while. “No need to fear now. Calm down.” 

The transformation from a crazed beast to a docile pet was close to instantaneous. The man’s voice had a similar effect on Maddy, slowing her racing heart, even easing the throbbing in her ankle. 

The stranger loomed over her, a huge man-shaped shadow. Full night had arrived, and Maddy could see nothing of the man’s features. She shivered and felt her heartbeat quicken once again. She was lost and alone, crippled by an ankle that was sprained if not broken. What could she do to protect herself? 

He sank on his haunches next to her aching, muddy body. “Are you hurt, Miss?” he asked, his vowels rounded by the traces of French. Maddy’s fear melted in the warmth of that rich voice. The scent of roses tickled her nostrils. The pain in her ankle dwindled to an occasional annoying twinge. 

The man’s skin reminded her of the Blue Mountain coffee she and Troy had enjoyed at breakfast, a brown so dark it was almost black. Raindrops gleamed on his smooth cheeks and pooled in the hollow of his throat. Looking at him made her thirsty. He was powerfully built, with massive shoulders swelling out from his worn denim vest. Underneath, his muscled chest was bare. A tight frizz of black hair grew in the furrow between his breasts. 

As he crouched at her side, his jeans stretched taut over his thighs but hung loosely around his narrow hips. Another line of kinky curls ran down from his navel to disappear under his waistband. 

His face was the visage of a Nubian king, prominent cheekbones and a fleshy nose with elegant, flared nostrils. His liquid-brown eyes were set wide apart, in deep sockets protected by the fine arch of his brows. His proud forehead rose above them, up to the tight-knit black frizz that covered his skull. 

And his mouth… Maddy couldn’t stop herself from staring at those full lips, mahogany-red against his rosewood-dark face. They were parted in a half-smile that revealed the pearly white of perfect teeth. 

Buy Links: 

Kinky Literature:  https://kinkyliterature.com/book/8227-fin-despoir-a-bisexual-vampire-romance/ 

Amazon  US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K55W8QD 

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08K55W8QD 

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1045343 

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fin-despoir-lisabet-sarai/1137780673?ean=2940164262006 

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/th/en/ebook/fin-d-espoir-a-bisexual-vampire-romance

Friday, October 2, 2020

The week in The Loft: Author Christina Lynn Lambert!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Christina Lynn Lambert. Christina writes dark, suspenseful, and sexy  paranormal romance, science fiction, and poetry. Her favorite themes revolve around love, courage, hope, and second chances. When not writing, Christina enjoys spending time outdoors and finding ways to avoid cooking. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two daughters, and a sweet, hairy monster of a dog.

Author Christina Lynn Lambert

S:  Good morning, Christina! Thanks so much for joining me today!

Why did you become a writer?

C:  Being a writer wasn’t my original career plan. I have written poetry and essays for fun ever since I was a kid, but I had no intention of ever becoming a writer. Before I had the crazy idea to write a book, I worked in a few different fields. I was in sales, I worked with adults with special needs, and then, when my children were little, I worked as a personal training and running coach. I started writing stories when I was supposed to be studying for a fitness training certification. Finally, I gave in and acknowledged that writing is what I'm meant to do. 

S:  Did you undergo any sort of educational preparation or training to become a writer?

C:  I didn’t study literature in college. My undergraduate major was psychology. During my senior year, I took a creative writing class as a fun elective course. During the class, I wrote a short story about a self-involved, workaholic woman whose life got turned upside down by a terrible accident. I saved the story and it ended up being the inspiration for Shayla’s character in "Bear’s Edge," Book 2 of my Stranger Creatures series.

S:  Complete this sentence-- “As a writer, my dream is to…”

C:  ...create stories that bring readers joy and give them strength when they need it most.

S:  What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

C:  With the idea of love, there is hope, and hope is what carries us from one day and into the next. I enjoy writing steamy paranormal romance because I like bending reality to create something extraordinary. I thought at first that I would stick with only writing paranormal romance, but when I got an idea for a suspense series, I decided to follow up on that. What I realized is that I can still bend reality to create an element of strange on the pages even when the story I’m writing is not outright science fiction or paranormal.

S:  What attracted you to your current partner?

C:  I met my husband almost 20 years ago at a neighborhood barbecue. I was impressed by his cooking skills. I hate cooking and he told me he’d be happy to cook for me any time. Then, I found out he loves animals and had raised several orphaned kittens. We were married three years later.

S:  (Sighs.) A man who cooks. You are so lucky!

Why did you write "Tiger's Last Chance?" What was your inspiration?

C:  I was inspired by Sean’s character in the book. He had a rough childhood and endured a brutal interrogation that tore apart his life and career, but he survived. In spite of everything, he endured. His empathy for others never faltered.

S:  Is there anything about this book that makes it special to you? To readers?

C:  Sean is a recovering alcoholic and music is his lifeline when things get too intense for him to bear. The song, "Ball and Chain" by Social Distortion is playing in Sean's truck in the first chapter of the story becayse that song kept popping up in my head as I wrote his character. For Sean, music is the temporary armor that gave him strength and peace while he healed. I think music is a temporary armor for many people. The rhythm and sound gives us joy and comfort in the darkest times.

S:  Tell me more about "Tiger's Last Chance."

C:  Here's the blurb--

While working a case, Sean Whitman is tortured for information, drugged, and bitten against his will by a shape shifter. The fallout leaves him jobless, friendless, and dumped by his girlfriend. Needing a fresh start, he leaves town and opens a private investigation business. Learning to live life sober isn’t easy, but he makes it to the two year mark.

When Detective Nikki Jackson with the Great Oaks, Virginia Police Department calls him, accusing him of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, Sean can’t help but like the sound of her voice, despite her ridiculous accusations. He’s shocked when she calls him back with an apology then asks for his help as a consultant on a case. On the phone, her sweet, slightly Southern voice captivates him. In person, she's unlike any other woman he's encountered, and nearly impossible to resist. But could the sexy detective ever want a man like him?

After Nikki’s last dating disaster, the mountain lion shifter has sworn off men. Then she meets Sean, and with every second she spends around the tall, dark-eyed man, her resolve crumbles. But for some reason, despite the undeniable attraction between them, Sean seems determined to push her away.

An investigation into missing refugees leaves Nikki with more questions than answers. Her refusal to let the matter drop leads her to the discovery of a radical political group’s horrifying plot for dominance. Traitors are embedded within the very organizations meant to keep shifters safe. As the list of people she can trust dwindles, Nikki calls on Sean to help her unravel a web of deceit.

As Nikki and Sean fight for survival, his fear of losing her could become a reality. Will he get one last chance to show her he loves her?

S:  The sounds very suspenseful! Where can readers buy your book?

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

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/b088p6mydb

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tigers-last-chance-christina-lynn-lambert/1137033221

iTunes:  https://books.apple.com/us/book/tigers-last-chance/id1513644203

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tiger-s-last-chance

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1022227 

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

Website:  https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Lynn-Lambert/e/B01MCYK0K7

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

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/chris4lamb

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