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A man who can’t forget the past… It was almost a decade ago when Jacob, a horse-shifter, found his mate, a pooka, in Lyndell Falls. Complete happiness eluded him, however, when a prophecy was foretold, ripping his life apart. Now, the one girl he could never forget has moved back to his forest hideout, and he has to find a way to tell her the truth about the past. Because their attraction is too strong for either one of them to fight, and now that he has her again he knows he can never let her go.
Spellbound: Book Two in the Gateway Trilogy A witch with something to prove to the world: Although she comes from a long line of powerful magic makers, Laurel has never shown much promise as a witch. In fact, to their horror, her family has noticed indications that she possesses a darker, more menacing power: necromancy. When a prophesied event approaches -- the opening of the Gateway -- her brother, a powerful sorcerer, decides he does not trust her to participate. Furious, Laurel goes rogue and performs a complex spell to raise a warrior from the dead to help in the coming battle. But things don't go quite as planned -- instead of the warrior, she raises his ghost. Now she is faced with a difficult decision: To make the warrior corporeal, she must embrace the dark power she has denied for so long. Once it is done, she will be an outcast and, worse, she might lose the warrior she loves forever. A warrior with something to prove to himself: The risen warrior, once known as Elsu, knows the folly of choosing the path of blood. Long ago his soul was cursed for bringing dishonor to his tribe – his “sin”: bloodlust on the path to power. When he awakens from his cursed existence as a Wendigo, a monster with a ravenous need for blood, Elsu knows he has been given a second chance. A chance to prove that he has learned the value of life, and that only a monster hungers for the kill. In Laurel, his hunger is sated and his tormented soul finds peace. But while the only craving he has now is for the stunning witch who conjured him, bloodshed is exactly what she needs from him. He faces a crossroads: to save Laurel’s reputation and her life, he must fight in her war, effectively dooming his soul forever.Sneak Peek
HERE!
I know, I know, it's the middle of the summer. Why on earth am I recommending a Christmas story? As I was looking through my ebook folder the other day, I found this book -- I had bought in December but never got around to reading it. I'm a big fan of Tielle St. Clare -- her Dragon books are fantastic -- and she didn't disappoint with this story. It's the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in July. Premise: Marlie is a cranky elf in Santa's workshop. That just won't do, so Santa gives her an ultimatum. To prove she really belongs, she must accept his assignment: Go to the Outside World and teach scrooge, Jacob Triumph, the true meaning of Christmas. What I liked as a reader: This story is so much fun! It succeeds in being silly -- she's an elf, okay? -- without sinking into stupid territory. Marlie is a wonderful character, and while Jacob is a scrooge, you can't help but love him. And, in typical Tielle St. Clare style, it's very steamy. What I liked as a writer: This is the perfect holiday erotic romance -- St. Clare takes the holiday theme, but makes the characters her own. The story is familiar, yet totally new, and I couldn't "put it down" until I got to the last page. Go check it out -- you'll be glad you did. For more of my recommended reads, go HERE. Author Spotlight: Kate Willoughby Back to Top
KW: If I didn’t write, I’d probably be a lot farther along with my scrapbooking. Or I’d take up a musical instrument. I would love to learn to play the violin, but that requires practice time, and I’m not willing to give up writing time for that right now. JL: What was your favorite book when you were 12? KW: It’s impossible to narrow it down to one book! When I was twelve, I read every Nancy Drew mystery I could get my hands on. I’ve always been a sucker for a series of anything, be it recipe card sets, United States quarters, or books. I also really loved Cheaper by the Dozen, by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey and Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume. JL: What's your favorite book now? KW: Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale and A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux are two of my favorites. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn and See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson are right up there, too. JL: If one of your books was made into a movie, who would play the lead characters? KW: Because I just finished Leap of Faith, it’s uppermost in my mind, and to play Amaru, the hero of that story, I can totally picture Antonio Banderas. There’s one scene where Amaru strips down to a loincloth. Ooh, baby! For his love interest, maybe Natalie Portman. I think she’s young and talented enough to make us believe that Kira makes the choice she does. JL: Who has been the most supportive of your decision to write? KW: There is no question in my mind that my various critique partners have been the most supportive. Through the years, Deanne Avner has been a steadfast friend and inspiration. Christine Ashworth is a more recent addition to our weekly critique group and I can always count on her to offer words of encouragement. Also, my sister-in-law Kim Dong deserves a lot of credit. And although she doesn’t meet with us anymore, she is the person who initially encouraged me to write seriously. JL: Tell us something about yourself that very few people know. KW: I boldly entered Johnny Carson’s limousine uninvited when I was a little girl. We were at the Los Angeles International Airport and my mother spotted him and told me to go inside his car to ask for his autograph. I had no idea what an autograph was, or who Johnny Carson was for that matter, but I went ahead and did it. He was very friendly and my mom still has that scrap of paper. JL: What is your favorite place? KW: If you asked my family, they’d answer “in front of the computer.” I suppose they’re right. LOL! JL: Which of your characters would you like to meet, and why? KW: I’d like to meet Lorenzo, Gabby, Paul, and Holly, the four main characters from books I am stuck on. I would love to find out why the heck they refuse to do anything. I love the chapters that I’ve written so far in their stories, but have hit walls I can’t seem to get past. Maybe if I met them, they could explain what the problem is! JL: Which character in your books is closest to your personality? KW: Annie (from Carnal Devotions) and Charlotte (from Losing It) are probably the most like me. I’m a wallflower like them, which is probably why my stories are so often about women who fly under men’s radar. JL: Why did you choose to write erotic romance? KW: It wasn’t a conscious choice. I just write sexy. I can tone down the sensuality if I have to. My Woman’s World stories are a perfect example of that, but to me, love scenes and romance go together like Oreos and milk. Neither is quite as satisfying without the other. JL: What do you enjoy most about writing? The least? KW: The very best part of writing is when someone (not family or friend) tells me that they liked what I wrote. Also, this is silly, but it’s also a lot of fun when someone tells me, “I’m reading your book right now and am on chapter four.” I immediately have to go to chapter four to see what they’re experiencing and then I have to read on to see what they’re in for. The thing I like least about writing is when it’s not flowing. When I get stuck with a story, I get incredibly grumpy. I pity my poor family when I hit a block. I should get a t-shirt that says, “Beware. I’ve got writer’s block. Approach at your own risk.” JL: Carnal Devotions is a serious paranormal while Losing It is a light contemporary. Do you see yourself continuing to write both in the future, or are you more drawn to one sub-genre? KW: Looking at the manuscripts I’ve completed, I seem to bounce equally between the two. I hope that doesn’t confuse or frustrate my readers. Hopefully, it will be clear from the backcover copy and/or excerpts of future books which authorial hat I’m wearing. JL: Do you have a favorite motto or quotation that you read when things get tough or to help keep you motivated? KW: Not really. I just know that persistence pays off and I’m here for the long haul. When the going gets tough, I keep bashing my head against that wall until something breaks. Once in a while, usually every other book, if I don’t get past that block, I may switch projects or work on a Woman’s World story. JL: What is your favorite bit of feedback you've received about your writing so far? KW: P. Grant of JERR (Just Erotic Romance Reviews) said, “This book...requires a second reading because you just don't want to leave Nathan and Annie.” That is so gratifying, because when finish an excellent book, that’s exactly how I feel and probably why I love epilogues so much. I’m a big epilogue lover. I’ve never read an epilogue I didn’t like!Here's an excerpt from Kate's newest release, Losing It: Back to Top
“How much pain is there when you lose your virginity?” In the bathroom where he was laying tile, Ben Hayden fumbled. With a wild juggling motion, he caught the float just before it clattered into the tub. The splattered grout dribbled down the unfinished wall, but Ben just stood there, frozen, listening hard. Although he knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, he hadn’t bothered to remind his client, Charlotte that he was still working in the bathroom. After all, she and her sister Kerrie were only discussing seating arrangements for Kerrie’s wedding. He’d expected to hear them chatter about cake toppers or menu choices. Unfortunately, the bride-to-be had something less mundane on her mind. “I mean, what if it hurts so bad I cry or something?” Kerrie asked. “You know how bad I am with pain. If I cry it could ruin everything.” Despite the risk and his disapproving conscience, Ben leaned toward the open doorway. He was curious to hear what Charlotte had to say, because on and off over the past couple of months, he’d often considered crossing the line between contractor and client. Something about the way she used her hands seriously turned him on. She had this graceful way of manipulating things that mesmerized him, whether it be turning the pages of a book or buttoning a sweater. It didn’t matter what she was doing, her hands drew his attention and had him thinking sexy thoughts in no time flat. Thoughts about what those hands would feel like splayed over his back as he kissed her, or clutching his butt as he thrust into her. Ben blew out a silent breath and glanced at his watch. Today he’d lasted forty-five minutes before fantasizing. Sometimes he didn’t even get past the front door before his imagination dove into the gutter. Good thing he always wore loose canvas pants to work. “You won’t cry,” Charlotte assured her sister. “It’ll be wonderful. Now, let’s get back to business. We have a wedding reception to plan.” “On a scale from one to ten, then,” Kerrie insisted. “One being a paper cut and ten being ... oh, I don’t know ... decapitation.” Ben smothered a laugh, but Charlotte’s reply sounded strangely off-hand. “Oh, somewhere in between, as I recall.” “Well, is there anything I can do to alleviate it? Any certain position? Should he go in slow or just push real fast and get it over with?” Crap. That did it. Glancing at the door, Ben decided to make a run for it. “Kerrie, please!” Charlotte said, clearly exasperated. “I really don’t want to discuss the thrusting velocity of your future husband!” “I can’t help it!” Kerrie sobbed, and to Ben’s great discomfort, she started crying. “Please, I love Michael so much. I don’t want him to be disappointed.” With the utmost care, Ben set the float down and took a slow-motion step out of the tub. If he made it to the hall, the front door was only a couple of yards away. “Look,” Charlotte said, “the truth is, I can’t help you because...” He took another cautious step toward the door “...because I’m a virgin, too.” Ben stopped, mid-stride. Charlotte was a virgin? A smile dawned on his face as his mind did a half-gainer back into the gutter for an erotic free-for-all, celebrating the idea of introducing Charlotte to the wild, wet, and wonderful world of sex. He was busy imagining her panting under him, shuddering through her first man-induced orgasm, when he realized something wasn’t quite right. The delicious sexual scenarios he’d been imagining scattered as he listened and noticed that--Jesus Christ--there was now a chorus of crying: Charlotte and Kerrie, both of them in tears, two virgins whimpering together over their chastity. Could things get any worse? Yes, he thought, they could. Because if they found out he’d been listening, they were going to rip his ears off.© Kate Willoughby, 2006. *
* * Visit Kate's beautiful website HERE, and her blog HERE. Newsletter Contest: Back to Top Congratulations to the July Contest Winners!!
moonblob2000 wins the "Disgruntled
Dames" magnet set! Please contact me at gateway@jeannelaws.com to claim your prizes! Take a look at the prizes for my September Contest:
Only newsletter subscribers can win. To subscribe to The Laws of Attraction, go HERE. That's All! Happy Reading! Back to Top Contact Jeanne:
gateway@jeannelaws.com Jeanne is a panelist for the
Romance Junkies Writing Contest.
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