Resolutions, resolutions, and more resolutions. It's that time of year again when people go crazy and make resolutions they don't really want to or know how to keep. For about 10 years my resolutions was to lose weight. It never, ever worked until a good friend and I decided to join weight watchers. This isn't a plug for ww but it certainly worked for me. I hope everyone out there who makes a new years resolution figures out a way for it to come true.

My resolution this year should be about writing, but it isn't. I just want to make it through the next 5 and 1/2 months of teaching with no complications. I'm hoping to stay relaxed and try to enjoy the good kids and perhaps finding a way to help a few of the more challenging students without ripping my hair out.

And then on to retirement. I can't wait.

Welcome to the world of electronics. I know I have been avoiding many new and wonderful things. But I took a giant leap this Christmas with an mp3 player and a Kindle. I have downloaded music, but if I don't do some everyday for a while, I'm sure I will forget how to do it. I haven't bought a book yet or downloaded any of the ebooks I have on my computer. (My husband has been very busy) And I'm sure I will get too frustrated to do it myself. With the first question I'm sure I will stop, throw my hands in the air and walk from the room.

Sunday morning found the Young family with mixed emotions. My youngest daughter discovered her flight to New York was cancelled. Yeah! my fondest dream, have her home for a few more days. Guilt, I knew her husband wanted to get back so he could work. Little did he realize, no one was going to work. So, happily and a bit guiltily, I have her home for a few more days. We don't know when she will be able to afford to come back to Salem, but we do know we will going to New York in the early fall. Thank you blizzard of 2010 for arriving at the most appropriate time. May every one on the East coast be fortunate and safe in these upcoming days.

Christmas 2010 has found the Young family truly blessed with two editions to our family. We have a son-in-law and a wonderful baby girl born in June. Now with two granddaughters my husband and I have found wonder and delight in watching the children grow. Their smiles light up my heart and their wonderful spirits give new meaning to my life. Their pictures near my computer never cease to make me smile even when the day is not going as planned. I’m looking forward to a new beginning as I retire in five and a half months. I will, I hope, once again have time to write. However, my fellow angels on the Rogue’s angels blog are looking forward to the release of St.Patty’s Day Tales. A wonderful work of elves and faeries and gnomes and time machines and the list goes on.

Hope everyone out there has a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Welcome Tiamoon! It is wonderful to hear from you. I've enjoyed your part in the stories.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Tiamoon, gnome warrior

You’ve appeared in two anthologies so far. Do you like the way your story has been presented?

I’ve no complaint with the presentation. I was, after all, just doing my job to protect my valley and friends.

Have you always lived in the valley outside Eugene?

No my original people were from Ireland but famine and overpopulation drove us to the new world. We discovered the glen a couple generations ago.

Most gnomes are protectors of the land. Why did you choose the warrior life?

It’s the calling of my family. We chose the honorable warrior path when no others stood up. There was a need; we fulfilled it.

You seem to have a love/hate relationship with the faeries. Why is that?

Faeries are such nefarious creatures. They only live to have fun. Personally, I don’t care how they choose to live. The truth is most people don’t realize how powerful they are. They’ve taught all others how to use magic. When they mess things up… they really mess things up.
The one thing they don’t know how to do is stay out of trouble.
That’s where I come in. They get offended and act as if they can do things for themselves but they just make it worse.
I guess we agree to disagree.

Do you think you’ll be around for another anthology?

It’s a possibility. I’ll have to talk to C.L. Kraemer when she gets back from associating with the dragons.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_056.htm

Welcome Gitty! Hope you enjoy your interview on my blog.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Gitty Saun – female night elf

As a night elf, how do you view your role in the Lending Library and Meadows of Gold?

Everyone knows night elves are better at, well everything, than everyone else but I didn’t think the writer was very empathic to me.

Didn’t you try and start a war?

No. We, uh, we were exercising our right to own property. America really is a terrific country, you know.

I understand your brother was involved in a duel.

He is the exception to the rule regarding night elves. Most days I think he wears his brain in his trousers.

What was the reason for the duel?

All this talk about Morgan is tedious. I’m more intelligent and all around smarter but I may as well tell you. Everyone in the valley knows anyway. The story I heard was Morgan was with one of his human girlfriends and some outsider with an accent insulted her. Morgan was standing up for her honor; more like making sure he had a steady supply of mead. I heard the new guy wasn’t inclined to apologize to Morgan issued a challenge for a duel.

In Meadows of Gold, it looks as though you have a love interest. How did you two originally meet?

I, [small cough], won’t talk about… Blade. That was a long time and different life ago.

Will you be appearing in another story?

As far as I’m concerned, no. Not unless the writer is willing to be nicer to me. I’m done.

Buy now at: Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]

Welcome CL Kraermer and Cyre Drake. The second interview--wow--I can't wait to meet all the characters of Dragons.

Dragons Among Us by CL Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Cyre Drake is a very young full blooded European dragon living in Mt. St. Helens.

I understand you first appeared back in 1999. Can you tell us about that?

My introduction to the world was in a story bearing my name. It’s where I first met [cheeks turning a deep green gray] Aleda. She’s really pretty and has beautiful… eyes.

The August release of Dragons Among Us seems to pick up the thread of your story.

Yes. You get to see how Aleda and I met in more detail and how things happened after our first meeting.

You blush every time Aleda’s name is mentioned. Is she someone special to you?

Uh, uh, I guess you could say so. I’ve never had any friends so it was nice to meet someone near my age who didn’t scream and faint every time I talked to her.

You and Aleda attended a conference tackling problems in the shifter/dragon world. Do you think you’ll be able to offer some solutions?

I think between the two of us we’ll be able to brainstorm some usable possibilities. There are many others working on solutions, too. The problems involve all the world.

Will we be seeing you again soon?

I’m set to appear in Dragons Among the Eagles. I think it might be released summer of 2011. You’d have to ask my writer.

Buy at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Meet Aleda and some of the other wonderful characters created by C.L. Kraemer. In the next week I will post interviews of Cyre Drake from Dragons then Gitty and Tiamoom from the Valentine and upcoming St. Paty's Day Anthology. Please join me in welcoming C.L. Kraemer and her characters.

Dragons Among Us by C.L. Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Aleda Sable is a young black woman working on her master’s degree in Portland, Oregon as she works to pay her bills at Portland’s Choice, a less than reputable newspaper. On her annual vacation to the area around Mt. St. Helens, she uncovers her identity.

You made a recent discovery that changed your life. Can you tell us about that?

Wow! What a shocker. I have an – unusual background. I remember bits and piece of a childhood where stepping outside the lines resulted in extreme punitive measures. Vague recollections of running through hallways pretending to be a dragon littered my memory as well as an incident of fire breathing I put down to a magic trick I’d learned from a childhood friend.
My first shifting changed my life. I’m still learning how to fit into the human and dragon world.

What do you think of the young dragon you met?

Cyre? He’s so much fun! I like that he’s innocent and doesn’t have any ulterior motives. He was very thoughtful, and helpful, when I was learning in dragon form. I guess you could say he’s my mentor. I’m still getting the hang of the dragon world and he’s helping me through the pitfalls.

How are you going to combine both worlds?

This has been the real challenge. Learning my lifespan has just gone from the 80 years of most humans to 750 years as a shapeshifter has my brain in a spin. All those hold Highlander television shows flashed through my mind.
I’m trying to decide if I want to live as a human, dragon or both. I think it’s going to take awhile but I’m not worried. Time is now something of which I have plenty.

You seem to have been thrust into a position as a representative.

Yeah, that was spur of the moment. Cyre’s sister, Brittany, felt I would be a good candidate to represent the shapeshifters who are facing the sudden shifting problems.

Are we going to hear more of your story?

Yes. I’ll be back in Dragons Among the Eagles, which will, hopefully, be published in the summer of 2011. By that time I hope to have a better handle on which lifestyle I’ll decide to live.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Interview: Velvet LeBon

Tell us a little about yourself--Velvet--or is it Constance?

I much prefer Velvet. It has such a rich texture, don't you think? But one can't rely on any of my answers, you know I was never very good at telling the truth. This is the truth. I love my work…and men…and controlling them. I have untold power and I love to use it to make them squirm.

Uh, that sounded pretty honest for someone who doesn't like to tell the truth. How did you come to this profession the owner of a brothel in Denver no less?

I enjoy the finer things in life. I can buy whatever I want and I don't have to ask for handouts from a man. A woman has to enjoy what she does…doesn't she? I mean…I could never be a school marm.

Velvet, you didn't answer the question.

Oh, I didn't did I? Well, one affair led to another…I just couldn't say no. And it became more and more apparent that I was very good at what I did. So…I decided I should be paid for my…a services. After awhile other girls were asking for my advice and help int the business. One year led to another and before I knew it, I owned my own house.

What did Wild-Cat-Who-Stalks-the-Night mean to you?

Dakota? He is soooo sexy. And what a man…wow! I would have enjoyed keeping that one on a short leash but he was too proud. I had to cut him loose.

What do you think of the Senator?

Ah, Lawrence, he risks too much over his infatuation with Emma. I'm afraid his little house of cards will collapse around him. Otherwise we are like two peas in a pod. We think a like.

Who came up with the idea for an auction?

That was the senators…again it's that damn infatuation of his. He's going to ruin both of us if he doesn't pay attention.

How did you meet Christine?

She has this great relationship with villains. And since I'm the best villain of all time we sort of connected.

Anything else you might like to add:

Oh, yes, you can read more about me:

Buy now at Rogue Phoenix press:

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_025.htm

Excerpt:

Emma stepped into the main cavern, and a shadow rose along the wall then to the ceiling. Her hand flew to her mouth and she tried desperately to stifle the scream that rose to her throat. Terror, vivid and savage, rushed through her. She battled a growing sense of panic, biting down on her knuckles.

Someone was in the cavern with her, someone who had entered boldly and without rancor.

From the narrow opening she could see him standing there, swaying, as if he could barely keep upright. He was very tall, and when she recognized him, he looked good to her even though she could make out little of his features.

"Dakota," she whispered.

"Emma..."

His voice was weak and thready. She could see the blood covering his shirt now. He slid down the rocks until he sat on the floor of the cavern, his head falling to rest upon his knees.

"You're hurt," she said.

He nodded, a strange smile playing across his lips. "You noticed, did you?"

Don't panic, she warned herself. He's hurt, but he made it back from wherever he went. After a moment's hesitation, Emma rushed forward, not knowing what she must do for him, realizing only that she must do something.

She bent down to his level, his hand touching her cheek, then falling away. Her gasp escaped her as his hand lay motionless on the cold, wet rocks. His eyes closed tight.

Then, as if he guessed her thoughts, he said, "Stop it, damn you, Emma, I'm not dying. There is nothing for you to worry about."

"I'll worry if I want to. Now let me have a look."

"No. Give me a minute to rest here, and I'll tell you everything that happened."

His voice was deep, rich, and it seemed that by sitting instead of standing, he'd regained much of his strength. As usual, his words were touched with an arrogant authority, a harshness, even a ruthlessness. But the knowledge he was more himself than she'd imagined gave her courage.

But his face…

His skin was pale, and as she touched his cheek and his neck to find his pulse, she was struck by the heat and the dampness, the contrast vivid and terrifying.

Despite the raging fever consuming his body, he watched her with eyes as sharp and brilliant as a wildcat's beneath his imperious, high-arched brows.

"You've been shot," Emma whispered, finding breath at last. Her fingers brushed over the wound and came away bloodied.

She looked up into his eyes.

They were haggard with pain and exhaustion. They stared at her, challenging and with a determined purpose.

"Bounty hunters?" she asked, furious with him for ven­turing out, angry because he'd hurt himself, and she didn't know what to do for him. She had been afraid of this ever since they set off on what he'd called a dangerous mission, one he'd been loath to be part of. Now he was hurt and in pain.

"They didn't follow me." One hand rested on her arm.

"I'm going for a doctor."

"No!" His grip tightened, then relaxed. "It's only a flesh wound."

She stood up abruptly and walked away from him, deter­mined to gather supplies and slip from the cave.

"You need a doctor."

The determination in her voice unsettled her. She could get lost out there, but she had no choice. Dakota wouldn't live without professional help.

"You can't go out there." He was upon her before she knew it, his hands planted firmly on her arms as his fingers formed steel bands around her. She opened her mouth to argue with him.

"I won't hear of it." His finger moved to touch her lips and stop whatever she planned to say.

She was forced to gaze into his endlessly brown eyes and see the determination and stubbornness that was Dakota. He'd made up his mind and that was that.

Well, she'd made up her mind too. "I won't let you die."

"Listen to me, Emma. Stone Pony will see that you get the right medicines. I don't need a doc--"

He stopped short, inhaling deeply. Emma knew he strug­gled to stand, that this last effort had stolen his strength.

"I... do... not... need... a..." he said, each word separate and distinct.

He swallowed hard, his throat moving convulsively. A wild fear filled Emma along with her realization he might not survive the night. She tried to support his weight, but she couldn't.

They fell to their knees.

And then he keeled over.

Buy now at:

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_057.htm

Her life was at stake... ...And so was her heart.

When Emma St. John received her brother's letter imploring her to escape her stepfather's vengeful scheme and to trust Dakota Barringer with her life, she was willing to chance it. But the handsome, brooding riverboat owner Emma found in Natchez was a danger of another kind. For Emma soon found herself surrendering to an unrelenting desire.

Tell me a little about yourself Emma.
I grew up in a loving family but my father died when I was young and my mother married the senator. My brother Jacob detested the man and left to find adventure in the west. I have a little sister by the name of Claire. I adore her even though the senator is her father.

Why did you run from your home?
My stepfather drugged me then kidnapped me. When I woke I was in a brothel. I learned my mother had died. I managed to escape from there, heading west to find Jacob. I remembered a letter he sent me and went in search of a riverboat owner by the name of Dakota.
Dakota what?
Just Dakota. He is a white man who was raised by the Lakota Sioux.
Was that scary?
No, I was too afraid of the senator and Jacob trusted him, so I knew he was the only person I could turn to for help.

Why did you bring your little sister, Claire, with you?
I couldn't leave her to grow up with the senator as a role model. I was sure he murdered my mother but I didn't have proof.

When did you find out you were accused of murdering your mother?
I escaped the senator on a train. When I stepped from the train, I saw a handbill that read--WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE EMMA ST. JOHN-- Chills swept up my spine, and my grip on Claire's hand tightened so much she asked me what was wrong. I couldn't tell her. It was then I realized the senator had framed me for my mother's murder.

What did you think when you first saw Dakota?
He seemed--nice enough.
Tell the truth…
He was so handsome my breath caught in my throat then I wanted to touch him everywhere. I wanted him to…uh…
Kiss you?
Oh, I did. I was so hot…and my skin felt as it was on fire…
Was it love at first sight?
Yes… but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't believe in love and he thought I was… he thought I was a prostitute. Then when he figured out I wasn't…he wouldn't look at me or talk to me because I was white.

Did you ever expect to find yourself riding cross-country?
I didn't know how to ride a horse when we started. I had to learn fast. I was sore everywhere but I wouldn't admit to any weakness.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
When Dakota was shot…I…I had to keep him safe and I didn't know how.

How did you meet Christine?
Dakota introduced us. She knew him first.

Does she run around with other characters?
Too many. It gets so confusing in her head sometimes. She knows a wonderful lady who keeps a boarding house in Mist Harbor, Oregon, and female Doctor in the Dakotas and a real nice female Pinkerton agent who lives in Denver.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is so much, I couldn't possibly say everything. But if you want you can read all about Dakota and me in her book Dakota's Bride.

Buy now at:
http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/

Meet Dakota Barringer: Raised by the Sioux when his parents were killed, Dakota had been betrayed once before by a white woman. He wasn't about to trust another, especially one claiming that her stepfather, a powerful U.S. senator, had framed her as a murderess. But he couldn't deny Emma's intoxicating effects on him. Now Dakota would risk his very life to protect the innocent beauty who had seduced him with her tender love.

Hi, Dakota, will you please tell us a little about yourself?

As you just read, I was raised by the Sioux when my parents were killed. My grandfather is wealthy and once he discovered I was alive, he tried everything he could to bring me to live with him. When he left the Dakotas and went back to England, he left me with my mother. Years later he tried to civilize me--an impossible task--I might add.

Do you know of other white children who were brought up by the Sioux then tried to meld into the white world?

There were none in my tribe although I'm sure there were many white children brought up by Indians. I was alone but the Sioux never made me feel as I was different from others. I had many good friends when I grew up.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Living in the white world has been my biggest challenge. I found I was treated as if I were a game. Women wanted to know what it would be like to date a savage. I usually gave them what they expected.

Have you encountered prejudice from anyone? White or Sioux?

Oh yes, prejudice is everywhere. But as I said before, most of the prejudice came from the white women. I fell in love with a lady I thought was very special. She used me. Then she told me she aborted my child. I was devastated and swore off all white women, believing they were all the same. I vowed never to trust a white woman again.

How did you meet Emma Barringer?

I, well, uh, I-- Emma was a saloon girl on my riverboat. I seduced her then found out she'd been given an aphrodisiac. I'm not real proud of what I did, but I've got to say--if I believed in love at first sight--that was love at first sight. I fell hard for a white woman.

How did you meet Christine, your author?

I met her in another story, one she hasn't published yet. It was called Ghost Dance. I was a secondary character and I guessed she kind of liked me because my story grew from there. Of all the secondary characters in the book, I think I talked the loudest--so loud she couldn't hear any others.

Does Christine run around with other characters?

Gosh, she has been running around with a Russian Prince, a gun slinger, a Pinkerton agent and another Russian nobleman.

Anything you would like to add?

Go to Rogue Phoenix Press and read my story. You will find excerpts and great reviews. Check out all the stories and enjoy the adventure.

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_057.htm

I'm finished, I'm finished. I love the way it ended. My critique partners are so brilliant. I love the time machine and the new travels of Cary and Conn. Oh my but I do love writing with the fae fold in the story. A new dimension is created that provides so much fun. I do believe I've a gaurdian fairy resting on my computer desk as I write.

Now to get started on our next project: a journey through time for one of my historical characters to Disney World. What would a knight in shining armor think of Minnie Mouse? or any of the other wonderful Disney characters. Would my knight try to rescue a damsel in distress? Would he survive a ride on Space Mountain? Oh my, the possibilities are indeed endless.

Husband in Eugene watching the Ducks. I'm home babysitting, wathcing the Beavs and trying to edit more of my St. Paty's day anthology. I have 2 chapters left. It has to be done by Oct. 1. Will I make it? I certainly hope so. It helps when Ana takes a nice long nap.

I'm working on edits the rest of the day for my part of the St. Patrick's Day Anthology. Star-Crossed is finally finished and I'm thrilled it will be edited by my friends and co-authors the Rogue's Angels. Of course I have my work cut out for me because I have to finish my own edits, layers, and revisions by October 1st our mutually agreed upon deadline. When I'm finished with that, I will begin work on something. I'm not sure what. I have so many thoughts running through my head. Should I work on something new or revise and finish something that is at the bottom of my computer?

I'm back from a two week vacation in Disney World with my family. Loved it and had an absolutely great vacation. The sun was hot and I actually have a bit of a tan. I've spent the week back trying to catch up on writing and publishing. I have to finish my St. Patty's day anthology which I have named Star-Crosssed. I meant to write yesterday but I couldn't put words on the paper. Maybe next week as I manage to finish past projects.

Dakota's Bride gets 4.5 from LASR

I can’t remember the last time I was so engrossed in a book: Dakota’s Bride took over my weekend, and even now, am wishing to go peruse it one more time…In the heart of the American West, we discover a mystery and something of an adventure alongside a good old-fashioned romance.

Epic style plot twists and unpredictable machinations contrive to keep us guessing throughout this long western tale. Young Clare, brother Jacob, the famed Boston Madame Velvet -– and even the bad guys are all notable characters. No secondary character is simply stereotypical, which keeps this tale amazingly alive.

Check out entire review:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dakotas-bride-by-christine-young.html

Dragons Among Us
By C. L. Kraemer

Writing about dragons isn’t new, and it isn’t completely unique. Hundreds of books will be released on the subject. So why did I pick something so… common?

I think the idea that dragons have become common triggered my choice. How could I make an oft-written subject different and my own? It was when I put the infamous writer’s phrase, what if, to work that the answer was revealed to me.

When I started researching dragons for some background to my story, I discovered in most cultures dragons have important functions dictating the flow of rivers, type of the day’s weather and life and death issues. The knowledge opened my eyes and my mind to my characters. I began writing a follow up book to a short story I had published in 2000. My husband liked the characters and felt they deserved a bigger venue of their own.

Thus began Dragons Among Us. I have brought dragons into the 21st century and imbued them with more emotions than roaring fire and killing knights. This novel started life to be a finish to the story. But as all writers are aware, once you give the characters a say in their world, amazing and wondrous things happen. My small book morphed first into a trilogy then into a series. What finally happened was the base book became the start for a nine-book series. My reading opened my thinking to how many different types of dragons existed and how many different types I could create.

I set down some general rules, which I backed with research. Dragons live to be 3000 years old. Most European and Chinese dragons have five digits on their talons while Japanese dragons only have three. European dragons are recognized as large creatures varying from 25 feet to 45 feet in length and have tremendous wingspans. Chinese dragons often resemble snakes with wings and also measure in the 25 to 45 foot length but their legs are short and squat giving them an undulating motion when they walk.

Each of my dragon clans is visually identified with colors. Persian dragons are varying shades of tan to match the surrounding countryside.

Chinese dragons vary according to where their birthplace is, for example: lowland dragons are light yellow with white edging, midland dragons are green with brown edging and highland dragons are black with brown and yellow mottled edging. The emperor’s dragons are golden with golden eyes. Master dragons of the compass points are different colors: Ao Chin is a white dragon of the south who has countenance over renewal and death; Ao Jun is a red dragon of the west and has countenance storms that occur when he fights in the air; Ao Kuang is a blue dragon of the east and his countenance is spring; and finally, Ao Shun is a black dragon of the north and his countenance is also storms caused when fighting in the air.

Swedish/Norwegian dragons are basically iridescent white and their scale edges are different colors which relate to their eye colors.

Indonesian dragons resemble Komodo dragons and tend to be different shades of green with brownish scales edges.

European dragons are large winged, grey green creatures.

American dragons like Americans are a mix of colors and sizes according to their parental lineage.

I also created a shape shifter group called Sapien Draconi; shape shifters who change from humans to dragons. These shifters are recognized by the different eye colors they have when in dragon form. Where full-blooded dragons have amber to gold eye colors, shifters have mixed colors, turquoise with amber flecks, green with blue flecks. It’s how the full-blooded dragons can spot the shifters and how the shifters spot each other in their human forms as they live among the population.

When I started writing this book, three years ago, I did some reading about creating fictional fantasy worlds. The one set of rules I had to continually go back and make adjustments for was; create the world, set the rules, don’t deter from the rules.

When writing fantasy it is paramount to set rules hard and fast about the characters’ environment. Should I decide to make the grass a lovely burgundy and the sky color puce, readers will believe this as long as I’m consistent with my world rules. The moment I deter, I’ve lost credibility.

I hope my kind, friendly and curious dragons will win the hearts of many. I plan to continue the journey of each clan in a different book.

Quest for the Amber Ruby- It’s the prequel to Dragons Among Us.

Dragons Among the Pyramids- Persians dragons

Dragons Among the Fjords- Swedish/Norwegians dragons

Dragons Behind the Great Walls- Chinese dragons

Dragons Among the Rain Forests- Story of Vala, important character in Dragons Among Us

Dragons Among the Heather- British Isles dragons

Dragons among the Stars- Indonesians dragons

Red, White and Blue Dragons- American dragons

So, the St. Paty's day story is coming to the end. But there will be some surprises. Too many elements, to wrap my head around, it's now spinning. When you write an Anthology that is not really an anthology, it is mind-boggling. I never thought my story would blend into Chris K's story and then into Genene's, with a massive !@#$#@!? making everything happen. Can't tell you what it is, because I don't want to give anything away. A bandit, or was it a batman that made the historical romance about two star-crossed lovers take a strange turn. I'm not sure which one. Maybe it was both. I'm looking forward to finishing this one and plan to spend a lot of time on it--after THE WEDDING!!!!!!! OMG it starts a week from today.

Excerpt: My Angel

Devil held her hands behind her back, her breasts now push­ing against his chest, almost as if he had planned the scene. Settled across his lap, Angela could feel the power of his muscles, the danger of the man. He had unseated her from her own horse, had played Sir Galahad to her damsel in distress— but he was no white knight.

Gathering what little was left of her willpower and on the edge of frustration, she meant to tell him what she thought of his actions.

"Let go of me," she said, stunned at her own audacity and the fact that it was the last thing she wanted to say.

His jaw clenched tight, his words spoken in a tense monotone, Devil said, "What a sassy little spitfire." Then he seemed to relax. "All spark, nothing more," he murmured, his breath ruffling her hair. "Can you deliver on the promise in your eyes? A kiss, perhaps, for the man who just saved your life?"

Angela swallowed hard.

"Take your hands off me,'' she said in her most commanding voice.

He laughed and pulled her closer, the intimate brush of his wild black hair across her shoulders sending her mind into a whirlwind of imagination. In his arms she couldn't think of anything but the way he felt against her and the need that seemed to overpower all rationality.

"Never, sweet angel," he whispered. "Grant me leave for one kiss and I promise you'll beg for more."

Lord, he made her melt. Could he really do that to her? Make her beg for more? "Arrogant..." she said softly.

He winked. One mesmerizing brown eye twinkled merrily at her. "True," he said, just as he lowered his mouth to hers....

He was right. She did want to beg and plead for more.

Available soon at Rogue Phoenix Press

Back to the St. Patty's day anthology, my faeries and my star-crossed lovers. Boy did they throw me for a loop yesterday. Casey announced they were married. I didn't see that coming. Talk about blindsided. There I was typing away and wondering how they were going to get out of the little predicament they were in and low and behold they suddenly jumped into a bigger predicament, so to speak. What on earth could Casey have been thinking? Now the bigger question. Are they wed? Did they tie the knot with Padriac's help? Stay tuned. I don't even no the answer. But I think I'm going to have to listen to their hearts. Tomorrow is the big day. I will figure it out. I promise you two, I will have the answer in the morning.

Still celebrating.

I just received my new cover for My Angel. Genene has done it again. This is a fabulous cover. Thank you Genene!

Check out the shrot blurb below.

An excerpt will follow tomorrow.

My Angel can be purchased at Rogue Phoenix Press in August.

I'm celebrating the rerelease of the second book I sold to Kennsington. After receiving my rights from the first house to publish this book, My Angel will be published by Rogue Phoenix Press in August.

Angela is:

A beauty in buckskins.
When her father decided to send her to a finishing school back East, Angela Chamberlain refused to be confined to stuffy drawing rooms. Instead, the daring spitfire who could shoot like a man and ride like the wind longed for a life of adventure and romance--and she knew exactly who could give it to her. Devil Blackmoor was a hired gun with adangerous reputation. But Angela was willing to go to the ends of the earth to capture the handsome devil's heart.

A DEVIL IN DISGUISE.
He'd come to America looking for excitement, but Devil Blackmoor got more than he bargained for when he encountered a beautiful rebel who answered his kisses with a wild innocence that touched his very soul. Yet standing between them were more obstacles than either ever dreamed. For Devil had strapped on a gun for the wrong man, and that made Angela his enemy. Now, he'll have to choose between his duty and the woman he loves more than life.