Featured Author: Bianca Sarble

BIANCA SARBLE

Website | Decadent Publishing | Amazon |  B&N  | ARe

Once upon a time, in a land called Australia, there lived a delightful young girl named Bianca who loved to read. As she grew older, her sarcastic tendencies and warped sense of humor became evident, as did her preference for raunchy romances. Now, as well as reigning over their 1/4 acre kingdom with the handsome Prince that stole her heart and feeding their ever-growing children, she not only reads everything she can, but pens her own deliciously sexy stories.

Author Questions:

Are you plot or character driven?

I’m very much driven by what my characters tell me. I have a general plot, but as I delve into the different personalities that become very flexible or sometimes completely different.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind? I don’t listen when I’m writing, only because I can’t sing and write at the same time! Music is a huge inspiration though. While writing Full Bloom I listened to country, which is one of my favourites J Garth Brooks, Big & Rich, Blake Shelton and Faith Hill are the major players on my playlist.

Is there a particular genre you prefer to write? I like to read most genres, so I’m open to write most as well. At the moment I have lots of ideas, and most are contemporary westerns, but you never know…

Reader Questions:

What are your favourite genres to read from? All of them! I’m a person that will read anything. Be it a 10 year old Readers Digest in the doctor’s waiting room, my husband’s motorbike magazine or the latest release from my favourite authors, I will read it. I do have a soft spot for westerns though…and those fine, fine cowboys J

Who are some of your favorite authors and why? All of my favourite authors have one thing in common – they absorb me into the world they write. Some include Bernard Cornwell, Diana Gabaldon, and Lorelei James.

Do you have a favourite character from another author? That would have to be Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. For those of you that have read the series, I know you understand. For those who haven’t, you might want to check it out.

Quickies:

Night or Day? Night

Coffee or Tea? Both

Leather or Lace? Red Leather

Chocolate or Sex? Is that a yes/no question???

Pajama movie night or Cocktails at the bar? Pajamas all the way.

Formal or Casual? Casual

FULL BLOOM

BUY LINKS: Decadent Publishing | Amazon |  B&N  | ARe

Blurb:

Tash Hathaway has moved back to Freewill to open her own flower shop—Freewill Flower Garden. She is actively seeking a man to fill her Mr. Right vacancy and has even signed up to find him online. But when she finds duds instead of studs Cassi, Tash’s best friend, convinces her to take a break and live a little, make some of her cowboy fantasies come true before settling down.

When his riding partner is injured, Nathan Davis goes home for a break from the PRCA circuit. He returns to find his life changing in ways he’s not ready for. Nor does he expect the distraction of a beautiful woman who fulfills his wildest fantasies in ways he’d never expected from a small town girl.

Tash and Nathan collide in a lust-filled bubble, but neither of them are prepared when things get serious. Can love come to full bloom between two people determined to have a temporary bit of fun?

Excerpt:

“Tash Hathaway.” He clicked his fingers. “Now I remember. You were a couple of years behind me at high school. How’s things?”

Oh my God. He’d remembered her. “Um, things are great. I own the flower shop in town.”

“So, you own that pretty little pink thing?”

Pretty little pink thing? What?

“Oh, the van!” Tash glanced over her shoulder at the bubblegum pink delivery van. “I bought it secondhand from a mobile hairdresser and haven’t taken it to get painted yet. I’m kinda getting used to the pink. So, what brings you back to town?”

“My traveling partner came second to a bull and wound up with a broken leg. By the time I helped get him settled in Texas, I’d fallen behind in the points, so I thought I’d spend some time at home. Come see the family, help out a bit. Lucky I did because my mom fell in the barn yesterday and broke her wrist.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. I hope she’s okay.”

“Yeah, she is, thanks.”

His voice sounded so smooth, but with a bit more twang than she remembered from high school. He’d certainly changed from the shy rancher’s son into a hunk of smokin’ hot cowboy.

“My dad’s bringing her home today, but it’s going to be tough on her.” Nathan half snorted. “Not one of the best things to do in a barn.”

Tash couldn’t resist trying out her newly rediscovered flirting skills with a man that not only flipped her switch but lit up the whole damn box. She hit him with her sexiest smile. “And I bet you’re an expert in all the best things to do in a barn.”

Nathan rubbed his chin as he looked her up and down. “Looking for some lessons?”

Don’t shoot your hand in the sky and say, “Pick me! Sign Me Up!”

She cocked her head as she ran her gaze over him, taking him in from the hair she wanted to run her fingers through, to his rather large buckle. She’d put him a little over six foot, which made him her idea of a perfect fit. Being a tall, lush woman, Tash liked the feel of her lover surrounding her as they made love, and knowing he wasn’t going to drop her when he had her pinned to the wall, banging her brains out.

“That depends. Are you skilled enough to be a teacher?”

An arched brow and curved corner of his delicious mouth hinted at his cautious curiosity. He came a step closer, their bodies separated only by inches. “Oh, I’ve got the skills. I’m a professional cowboy, which means I like to perfect every ride, every time.” Nathan leaned in close to her ear. “Which can take hours of practice.” He ran his fingertip up her arm as he slowly moved back and met her eyes. “And what kind of a cowboy would I be if I didn’t know my way around ropes? That’s a skill I’m very, very good at.”

Featured Author: Imogene Nix

Imogene @ Imogenenix.com

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TOTAL-E-BOUND | TWITTER | BLOG

BIO

Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores. Dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, Imogene has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Rural Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads.

This Weeks Featured Author

Author Questions:

What inspires you to write?

I’m not actually sure where it initially started from, but I continue because I have these voices in my head.

Are you plot or character driven?

I would say I’m very much character driven.  I want my characters to be front and centre, the reason for writing the story.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

It really depends on my mood.  If I do it’s usually Gregorian chants and more eclectic choices like Enigma.

Is there a particular genre you prefer to write?

No, I’m not terribly picky.  I write across Contemporary, SciFi/Futuristic, Paranormal and even Romantic Suspense.

I can’t help myself. There’s so much to write!

Reader Questions:

What are your favourite genres to read from?

Romantic Suspense and SciFi mainly.  I like a good paranormal as well. J

Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

This is one of those questions I get asked a lot. JD Robb is right up there, together with Julia Spencer-Fleming, Stephanie Laurens, Cynthia Eden, Cat Adams... I could keep going of course!

I think the reason these stories appeal to me is that for each of these authors the females are broken on some emotional level and strong. They don’t care that they live outside the restrictions of the society they live in. They have their moral code and stick to it.

What’s the one book you can’t live without and why?

One??? I don’t think I could just say one...

Quickies:

Night or Day?

Daytime J Always

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee.  No choice!

Leather or Lace?

Lace please

Chocolate or Sex?

Sex (but just!)

Pajama movie night or Cocktails at the bar?

PJ’s have to win.

Formal or Casual?

Casual

The Blood Bride

Hope and Xavier must fight for their lives and those of the innocents in a battle for good and evil. But will it be enough?

Hope just wants to be an ordinary nestling. She went to college and escaped, but now she’s back and there’s a secret everyone is keeping from her.

Xavier is the new master of the nest, ready to welcome home the daughter of the house who he has never met. He’s unprepared for the woman who steals his breath and enchants him.

Now Hope and Xavier must fight for their lives and those of the innocents. After all, it is only by overcoming the rogues that they will have a chance of a timeless future together. But will it be in time?

Excerpt

Hope hauled the last heavy box up the stairs of the manor house, occasionally catching glimpses of the way her midnight black hair shone in the sunlight, when she passed the window in the living room of her apartment. "Thank heavens this is the last one," she muttered to herself, sliding the box down to rest on the floor, before straightening and rubbing the nagging ache in her back. She could have had help, all she needed to do was ask, but now that she was an adult she needed to stand on her own two feet, she reminded herself.
Straightening up, she looked around at the mass of boxes waiting for her to delve into. "Well, gone away and back again. Where do I start first?"
The phone trilled and she started for an instant, before extending her hand to the receiver on the shelf beside her. "Hope."
"Miss Hope, do you require any help? Lisi is wondering if you require her assistance." The muffled voice of one of her guardians flowed out of the earpiece. She had forgotten that living at the manor meant the goldfish bowl lifestyle she had tried her best to escape at college. Not that she’d had much opportunity to live a free lifestyle. She’d been lodged with a guardian family within the college grounds. Even then, her personal team of five guards had shadowed her every move—to classes, shopping and even to the hairdresser’s.
They hadn’t escaped her notice, the looks some of her classmates had thrown her way. Longing for the lifestyle they’d thought she enjoyed. Little did they know, Hope would happily have swapped, a lot of the time. Downtime had existed within a carefully vetted group of companions, each from houses of similar status. The cloying atmosphere she hated, but, nonetheless, she had submitted to her parents’ will. Only a few times had she sought to do activities that they would have deemed inappropriate, but her conscience had always kicked in, and she had derived no enjoyment from the guilty feelings that had overcome her.
"No thanks, Jeffrey. I have all the boxes up here and I am going to take my time going through everything." How could she explain that she needed a freedom that had been denied? That this small and almost insignificant rebellion was one she embraced? But she couldn’t. It wasn’t fair to Jeffrey to share that.
"Fine, Miss Hope. Oh, and I am supposed to remind you, the new Master has requested your presence in his library after sundown."
She nodded, knowing it was expected that she would take her oath of fealty. "Oh. Right. I’ll be down for sunset." She laid down the receiver. It’s one thing to owe your continued safety to a vampire nest Master, but quite another to be at his beck and call all the time, just as her parents had been. Her temper spiked momentarily. The emotion coiled through her then she shuddered, pushing away the negative thought, while absently reaching for the boxes she needed to stack, store or unpack. The rough exterior of some of them brushed against her hands. For now, she had time. Lots of time.
Ripping the tape off the first box, she then started to root through it, unwrapping reminders of her slightly more free college life, formulating arguments to put to her parents, knowing that the dice were stacked against her. Her life had been mapped out since her birth, but perhaps she could find a way around some of the roadblocks. At least she hoped so. With that thought, she set to work.
* * * *
He stretched in the bed, feeling the cool sheets around his body, savouring the experience of knowing he could rise when he wanted to. Luxuriating as he came to full awareness of his surroundings. His bed. His home. His nest. A feeling of exultation swept through him. One he had experienced several times in the last six months since he had become Master.
Xavier had only recently been transferred to this nest, after Cyrus had been called to ascend to a seat on the Council with his predecessor Cressida, the most senior of the vampires on the Council.
A new Master had been required for the nest, a situation arising from the ascension of Cressida who had saved the child Hope from the rogues. The death of another of the Council meant that Cyrus had answered a call to accept a seat. It was an almost unheard of event for a nest to have two new Masters in under a hundred years, but Xavier had accepted his unexpected promotion. Not that he would take it for granted—no, he worked beside his vampires as required, so they knew he would ensure their safety while they ensured his.
The household he had taken over was well run, and he had no fears for the financial status, even though they had lost the manor and many assets during the dark days of clearing the rogues who had attacked the house. Indeed, he had been with Cyrus the night he had ascended and had seen the great strides Cyrus had made during his Mastership.
He swiped a hand over his stubbled face and a voice to his left said quietly, "Master, refreshments for you." A crystal goblet appeared in a white hand at the edge of his vision. He accepted it with a grunt, the ruby red liquid inside calling to him on a primal level. Blood wine. Sustenance that would ease the clawing hunger he always felt on awakening.
His teeth extended and his mouth opened. The first drop touched his tongue and a frisson moved through him, the ecstasy of drinking flowing into his body. He took his time, savouring the flavours.
Young.
Full bodied.
Tart aftertaste. The wine, the only human sustenance he could now enjoy. Food was relegated to a memory of things long past.
He closed his eyes as the last drop flowed, and breathed deep. Yes, a Master could very quickly become accustomed to this lifestyle, but not now and not today. He needed to meet this Hope, the one who had turned their entire world upside down. James had told him little about his daughter, save that she would need to remain within the house, protected from the world. That someday she would assume the mantle of leading the house from within, while her brother oversaw the legal and financial affairs of the nest.
He pushed the bed covers away, unconcerned about nudity as he padded to the bathroom. He might be a vampire, but he still bathed and shaved, a thought that made him chuckle. Even after all these years, when vampires had made their entry into the human world, humans outside nests thought vampires had no need for those daily rituals.

He moved through his ablutions. She would be waiting for him, but he would present himself to her in his most urbane incarnation. She would take her oath of fealty, then he would meet with his advisers, James and David leading the human contingent. 

Featured Author: May Raymond

mayraymond13@yahoo.com

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | SIREN | AMAZON

BIO

Mum of two, now grown up, kids, I have been married for almost 37 years. We met at school and he is my one and only. I have always loved books and after I lost my dad last year I wrote to work through my grief. Nobody was more surprised than I when Siren accepted the book. Price to Pay is book two in the series and book three, Prices Right is due out in September.

This Weeks Featured Author

Author Questions:

What inspires you to write? Time. I have a hectic life so whenever I get spare time I like to write.

Are you plot or character driven? Neither. I go with the flow. It sometimes gets me in a pickle but it’s the way I work.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind? Depends on how I feel but if I do it’s usually heavy rock or symphonic metal.

Tell us about the different types of characters you like to write about? Why are these types so appealing to you?

So far I have written about every day, run of the mill people that you might meet on the street, but that might change as I write more.

Are any of your characters like you? And if so, in what ways are your characters like you?

Not really…so far anyway J

Is there a particular genre you prefer to write?

As I am just starting out on the writing journey I want to explore what I can do so will probably have a go at several before settling on a favourite.

Do you have a favourite character from your books?

So far it’s Alyssa. She’s actually stronger than she ever thought.

Reader Questions:

What are your favourite genres to read from? I don’t have any. I read anything that is well written!

Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Terry Pratchett. I would love to emulate his wonderful humour. I adore Tymber Dalton, Sage Marlowe, Claire de Lune and so many other amazing fellow authors. I also just read an MM romance by Amy Lane which made me laugh and cry. A fantastic read. Can’t wait to read more of hers.

What are your comfort reads when you are sick or feeling low? Any Terry Pratchet featuring Granny Weatherwax.t.

Do you have a favourite character from another author? I  love Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg. (These are witches for those who haven’t discovered TP)

What’s the one book you can’t live without and why? A blank one! (and a pen of course)

Quickies:

Night or Day? Night

Coffee or Tea? Tea

Leather or Lace? Lace

Chocolate or Sex? Sex

Pajama movie night or Cocktails at the bar? Cocktails!

Formal or Casual? Casual

Price To Pay

Aiden and Alyssa Price have settled down to married life. They are beginning to make headway into their new lifestyle and Alyssa loves her new life, learning about the BDSM lifestyle. She also meets Aiden’s family and is drawn into their warm embrace. Life couldn’t be better.

Then things start happening which mar their happiness. 

Vandalism and small incidents, both at home and at Aiden’s office, start to escalate. On top of these events, Alyssa is frightened by some malicious phone calls. Not wanting to worry Aiden, she keeps these to herself, convinced they are not intended for her.

However, on New Year’s Eve, they attend a party in town. In the blink of an eye it changes from a happy event, into a time of terror for Alyssa. As Aiden is driven out of his mind with worry, the police are involved to resolve the situation.

Excerpt

He moved up the bed and, taking a large black blindfold from his bag, he fastened it around her head, covering her eyes. Almost immediately, Aly felt her pussy flood once again and she could feel the evidence of this trickling down her upper thigh. As he moved back down the bed, his breath left her skin tingling as he moved. Deliberately, he moved his head beneath her and blew gently on each nipple as he passed them, causing them to peak and harden. She wriggled, her senses heightened by the lack of sight and the fact that she was restrained. Her ample breasts swung at the movement, making Aiden grow ever harder at the sight.

Aiden spoke, his voice gentle but firm.

“Now, sweetheart, I want to start preparing your pretty little ass for me. I’m going to use a plug but it will be small. We’ll work our way up to the larger ones over the next couple of days until I feel you are ready to take me. If you want me to stop, don’t forget your safe words. What are they? I need to know you remember them.”

Aly’s voice was trembling as she answered. “Yellow and red. Uh, yellow and red, Sir.”

“Good girl. Now, I want you to relax.”

Alyssa almost smiled at the thought of being able to relax whilst in this position, but the smile soon faded as she felt cool liquid trickle down between her ass cheeks to her puckered private hole. She shivered, her whole body on edge, waiting for the touch she knew was coming.

Featured Author: Sage Marlowe

marlowe.sage@yahoo.co.uk

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | SIREN | TOTAL-E-BOUND| AMAZON |TWITTER

BIO

Sage is a multi-published author of MM erotic romance novels and novellas and loves exploring the flavours of gay erotic fiction.

A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.

This Weeks Featured Author

Author Questions:

What inspires you to write?

It’s hard to explain, but for me, writing a book is very similar to reading one. When I start out, I usually have no more than a basic idea of what it’s about, so writing it down is the only way for me to find out how the story will end.

Are you plot or character driven?

I’m very character driven. I probably wouldn’t have started writing if it hadn’t been for that pesky character who wouldn’t quit until I wrote his story. Sometimes my boys surprise me with plot twists that I would never have imagined writing.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

Most of the time I listen to music while writing and usually it’s one of my favourite bands—Muse and Editors (Yeah, I know, interesting band names seeing as I’m an author). Sometimes I’ll also listen to Kasabian or a random mix of my iTunes library.

Are any of your characters like you? And if so, in what ways are your characters like you?

There’s some of me in most of my characters. Sometimes it’s just a detail, like a personality quirk or a preference for something, but I have written characters who were a lot like me—I’ll leave it to you to guess who they are.

Is there a particular genre you prefer to write?

Gay erotic romance—it’s also the only genre I have written so far.

Quickies:

Night or Day?

Night

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Leather or Lace?

Leather

Chocolate or Sex?

Sex

Pajama movie night or Cocktails at the bar?

Movie night

Formal or Casual?

Casual 

FANTASY FOR SALE

What's the price of reality when a fantasy is for sale?

Cam is young, sinfully sexy and willing to play without limits, a combination which makes him a fantasy turned to flesh for men and women alike - and he's for sale.

Nate is curious when it comes to carnal delights but hasn't found the right man to explore his desires with.

When a friend buys Nate a few hours of pleasure with Cam, it's not much of a surprise that Nate ends up intrigued. He keeps coming back for more and the attraction between them appears to be mutual but while Nate finds himself falling for the sexy hooker, Cam makes no secret of the fact that for him, sex is just a job. 

Determined to win him over, Nathan tries to show him that sex is about more than physical satisfaction but Cam's walls seem impenetrable until a dramatic event forces him to reveal some of his secrets and Nate begins to understand that Cam pays more than just the price for the reality behind the fantasy. 

Also available from Amazon UK - Amazon US - ARe - Barne & Noble

EXCERPT

“You know what?” she told Cam slowly, tauntingly. “How about you stay a little longer and take care of Nathan?” Cam raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer.

I didn’t possess such control. “Cyn, no!” I cut in. “Seriously, I—”

“Shut up, Nate! It’s my treat.” She hadn’t taken her eyes off Cam. “Would you, hon? I feel kind of bad, you know? I had so much fun last night and the poor darling hasn’t got laid in weeks. Would you make him happy for me?”

Cam did another of those looking-from-one-to-the-other-and-back routines, then he shrugged and smiled. “Sure. What do you want me to do?”

“Anything he wants.” She fumbled briefly in her purse and slipped a bundle of notes into Cam’s hand. “That should cover it.” Winking at me, she turned to leave but stopped at the door. “Oh, and Cam? Make him scream.” Vixen grin firmly in place, she spun around and left us alone. Me. Him. Alone. Me alone with him.

I developed a very serious interest in the layout of the bathroom tiles. Had that light grey pattern really been in them all along? And why had no one realised that the pattern on one of them was facing the wrong way and… I became aware of Cam coming closer, but I just couldn’t make myself look up from the floor. Cam chuckled softly and tucked a finger under my chin, gently forcing my face up to make me meet his eyes.

“You okay?” His voice was low and intimate, teasing my ears just like the sight of his smiling mouth teased my libido.

“Yeah, I just, uh, I guess I’m just more than a bit surprised.” I gave a shaky laugh. “Trust Cynthia to come up with stupid ideas.”

“I don’t think it’s a stupid idea.” Cam sounded perfectly calm, which only served to make me even more nervous. I shuddered under his inquisitive look.

“But…you just spent the night with her and now you…you would…with me. And she… Oh, fuck,” I groaned. “This is weird.”

Cam’s gaze locked with mine. “There’s nothing weird about it, Nathan. It’s only sex, no strings attached. She wants you to enjoy it, so don’t spoil it by thinking too much.”

“But I-I’ve never…” I stammered, helpless under Cam’s stare and increasingly incoherent.

“There’s a first time for everything,” Cam rasped, leaning in a little closer. “Don’t think. Feel.”

He lowered his head and brushed his lips over my mouth in a first tender touch. Thoughts ran havoc in my mind, not all of them logical. He was a whore. Whores didn’t kiss—did they? This one definitely did. He hesitated for a few heartbeats then came back for more, the caress longer and more intense this time. I moaned as his wet tongue parted my lips ever so gently and the pressure of his mouth against mine increased. What was I doing? I couldn’t…shouldn’t… But why did it feel so natural to open up to Cam, and why did I have this need to lean into him when he put his arms around me and pulled me close?

He was half-naked, and his skin was still moist from the shower. He smelled so fucking good, clean, just a bit musky and the feel of his solid body where it touched mine made my nerve endings tingle with pleasure. Our kiss, his kiss, deepened, a slow, tentative tangling of tongues, as he licked and explored my mouth. He was in control and I liked it. I liked how he played and rambled like an eager puppy and yet unerringly discovered all the caresses I enjoyed. Cam was a good kisser and his height forced me to tilt my head up, causing an unfamiliar angle that only added to my growing arousal. And he wasn’t left unaffected either. He pushed his groin against mine, pressed the hard ridge there to my own throbbing erection. I thought the friction alone would bring me off, but then he started nibbling and licking from my ear, along my neck to my collarbone and I was busy shuddering and jolting under his talented tongue. 

Featured Author: Isabelle Rowan

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | DREAMSPINNER PRESS | AMAZON

BIO

I teach by day and write by night – or whenever I can escape to fit in a few words. I’m a woman of ‘a certain age’ who lives in a seaside suburb south of Melbourne, so my stories are usually based in the country I know and love, Australia. Most of my writing is m/m romance with a slightly gritty edge, but I do venture into horror now and then.

Although the book I’ve chosen to highlight is not my most recent, it might give readers a taste of the people and places I like to write about. A Note in the Margin is set in Melbourne, but I believe the situation the characters find themselves in could apply anywhere in the world. My hope is that people not only enjoy it, but it might encourage them to look at the homeless in a different light. It is a heart-warming story that might just make you shed a tear or two.

THIS WEEKS FEATURED AUTHOR

Author Questions:

Are you plot or character driven?

Almost everything I’ve written is character driven. I have a basic plot idea, but that often changes once the characters take on life in my head. I’m not a writer who can plan and plot out every aspect of their stories – I’ve tried and failed miserably – so I have to trust my characters.

I love a good story with twists and turns, but I find the journey a character so much more satisfying. You become invested in their emotions, feel their loves and fears, and hopefully can relate to happy or happy for now ending.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

Every piece of writing has a soundtrack and individual characters often do too. Putting on my headphones is the easiest way to get into the mood for a particular piece of writing. I’m currently writing the third installment in the A Note in the Margin series and needed to get back into that mindset. I put on the VAST track ‘Flames’ – John and David were instantly there with all their love and need for each other. Daniel in The Red Heart came to life with the Goth sounds of Sisters of Mercy. Often I just have the hum of café traffic, but the music is still there in the back of my mind.

Tell us about the different types of characters you like to write about? Why are these types so appealing to you?

Perfect people aren’t very interesting are they? Or very realistic! The most interesting characters to write about have flaws, issues, and journeys to take. David is probably my most broken character at the start of A Note in the Margin; we find him homeless and unable to deal with the realities of a ‘normal’ life. He is still my favourite because he had so far to go and allowed other characters to grow around him.

Even a villain like my vampire Galen in Ink wouldn’t have interested me if he’d simply been evil. Galen had weaknesses and was also quite broken – he actually made me cry near the end of the book, a bit embarrassing when I write in cafes.

Reader Questions:

What are your favourite genres to read from? Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

My favourite genre to read is supernatural/horror – not the hardcore gory stuff, but something that is more atmospheric. Obviously I love vampire books and one of my early passions was Anne Rice - Ignore the movie and forget that portrayal of Lestat. Her books were always so rich in detail and ‘The Vampire Lestat’ totally suckered me in. However, my absolute favorite vampire novel would have to be ‘Lost Souls’ by Poppy Z Brite. Sure many of the music references are dated now, but Zillah and his gang sang to me as they drove around in their van.

Do you have a favourite character from another author?

In her novel ‘Lost Souls’, Poppy Z Brite wrote a character called Ghost. I read this book many years ago, but Ghost stays with me. He is an ethereal character who, although human, seems to exist between worlds. He is a true innocent and for some reason that really struck a chord in me.

What are your comfort reads when you are sick or feeling low?

Don’t laugh, but I love to revisit The Wind in the Willows. It is the most special book from my childhood and the adventures of Ratty, Mole and Mr. Toad still make me smile. I included my love of this story Twelve Days, the second book in the A Note in the Margin series and plan to have it play a role in the third.

Quickies:

Night or Day?

It’s winter right now in Melbourne so day – cold with winter sunshine.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee - although I drink more peppermint tea.

Leather or Lace?

I’m a black lace girl, especially when teamed with velvet.

Chocolate or Sex?

Can I have both? If I have to choose… nah, still want both.

Pajama movie night or Cocktails at the bar?

Love a night in with a movie!

Formal or Casual?

Casual – high heels would make me about 6ft tall!

A NOTE IN THE MARGIN

John McCann, a man who judges life by the tally of an accounts ledger, has a supreme goal in life: To achieve, live, and enjoy the rarified executive lifestyle. But he's encountered one problem: The migraines are going to continue to get worse unless you make some major changes in your lifestyle. What you need is a 'sea change'… Perhaps buy a nice little business in the country, settle down, something easier to occupy your time…

 While John knows the doctor is right, he just can't resign from the job he's fought so hard for. He decides the sacrifice of taking a year's leave of absence won't interfere too much with his plans, and so he finds himself running Margins, a cozy little bookstore, with the help of the former owner's son, Jamie. John expects to put in his year, get his stress under control, and then get back to business.

 What John doesn't expect is how Margins and its denizens draw him in, particularly the quiet, disheveled man who takes refuge in the old leather chair in the second-hand book section. John's plans for an unattached year of simple business crumble when he meets David and is forced to re-evaluate life, love and what he really wants from both. John and David are forced to come to terms with their pasts as they struggle to determine what possible future they might build together.

EXCERPT

“It’s a cold night, John, and it’s late.” When it was obvious John didn’t get the intent of his words Jamie continued. “It’s late, John. The shelter will be closed. David knows that and he has nowhere to go.”

“Then why didn’t he fucking say so?” John rolled his eyes and growled. “Why didn’t he ask…?”

Jamie shot John a withering look and said, “Would you?”

John felt the air leave his lungs. Of course he wouldn’t. His fucking pride wouldn’t let him, but he still tried to reason. “Look, he’ll find somewhere.”

“Yeah, John… and he can always call the hypothermia emergency line if he can find a phone that hasn’t been vandalized!” Jamie spat out.

“Come on, Jamie. I’ll drive you home,” John said quietly, wondering if there was such a thing as a hypothermia emergency line.

It was bitterly cold and had started to rain by the time they reached the car, but neither man acknowledged it. They sat in silence while John peered through the fogged window waiting for the demister to clear the glass. They were several blocks down the main road when John pulled sharply into the curb. He hit the button that lowered the electric windows, leaned across Jamie’s lap, and shouted, “Get in!”

The icy wind rushed in through the open window, making Jamie’s eyes water, but he was still able to make out the somewhat surprised and confused expression on David’s face. He just stood there staring at John unsure what to do. Jamie had no clue what John had in mind, but he mentally willed David to walk to the car. He could feel John growing impatient when David didn’t move so he called, “Come on, Davey. Please get in.”

Jamie held his breath for what seemed an age until he saw David start to walk toward them; he quickly twisted around in his seat to open the back door. David lowered himself into the car and didn’t say a word. He just sat and waited for John to explain the invitation. John hadn’t really thought that far ahead, but managed to come up with, “Look, it’s fucking freezing and um… you may as well crash on the couch tonight. After all, you did help move it.”

Jamie knew it sounded pretty lame, but he gave John an appreciative smile when David closed the door and mumbled his thanks. He chattered happily the rest of the way to his apartment making sure to cover up the silence in the rest of the car. When John pulled up out front Jamie mouthed thank you to John before making a dash through the rain to his front door.

John could feel David sitting quietly behind him and wondered what the hell he was doing taking this man home. After a moment or two he turned around and asked, “Want to sit in the front? That way I’ll feel less like your chauffer.”

David looked at him before giving a small nod and stepping out of the car to swap seats. He wasn’t totally sure what was going on here but John seemed okay, and Jamie liked him.

Once the car was in motion John commented on how quiet it was now that Jamie was gone and went on to tell David about Jamie’s ability to talk nonstop without taking a breath. David visibly relaxed and smiled at John’s observations.

They were nearly back at John’s when he stopped outside a pharmacy and said, “Need some supplies if you’re staying over. Not be a minute.”

David felt his stomach plunge as he watched John jog into the store. There’s always a cost…. Even for a night on the couch. He squeezed his eyes shut and contemplated just getting out of the car, but was too tired and simply didn’t have enough energy to move. He didn’t look at John when he got back into the car but eyed the small paper bag warily before it was tossed onto the backseat. He spent the rest of the trip in sullen silence despite John’s attempts to make conversation.

When they got to the apartment he walked quietly behind John and stood still as the door was closed behind him. David felt the familiar wave of helplessness as he waited for the inevitable rough touch.

John was confused by the change in David. He’d not moved since John closed the door and his entire body language radiated fear. John knew he was out of his depth with this man; he hadn’t meant to make him feel so uncomfortable. He passed the bag over and said in a hesitant voice, “I didn’t know what you had so I just got some of the basics.

Look, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but… oh fuck, I don’t know….”

John’s sentence trailed off as he closed his eyes and wearily rubbed his hand across his forehead.

Slightly stunned by John’s words, David looked down at the paper bag in his hands. He cautiously unfolded the neat crease to find a toothbrush, bar of soap, and a razor. He felt a rush of both relief and shame; relief that he was wrong and shame for not trusting John’s intentions.