20 Questions with...Elizabeth from RETURN ENGAGEMENT + Giveaway

The countdown to Valentine's Day continues today with romance author Elaine Cantrell and the heroine of her romantic suspense novel, Return Engagement...

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Lane. Elaine told my story in her novel Return Engagement. I’m an actress with an Oscar to her credit, but I didn’t come from a wealthy family like my sweet Valentine. His daddy is a rich senator who wants my Richard to become the President. I’d like to thank Amber for giving me the chance to talk to everyone. These are fun questions, so here goes.

Elizabeth's story is available now from Whiskey Creek Press! More on Return Engagement....

Elizabeth Lane has it all, but an actress isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time Elizabeth’s fighting back, a decision that leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

Our own Cozy correspondent, Tink, sat down with Elizabeth earlier in the week for 20 Questions with Elizabeth Lane. Take it away, Tink....

Tink: Are you the first one on the dance floor or not so much?
Elizabeth: That depends on who’s asking me to dance. If it’s Richard I’m the first one out there. You haven’t lived until you feel his arms around you! My goodness the man has muscles I didn’t know even existed.

Tink: Do you prefer to spend the night at the theatre or at a bike show?
Elizabeth: I’m an actress so forget the bike show.

Tink: Do you give relationship advice or think it’s a bad idea?
Elizabeth: I have been known to play Dear Abby, but in general I’d rather not interfere. That could come back to bite you!

Tink: Describe the ideal hero – rough and tumble highlander, titled gentleman of the ton, modern-day bad boy, or supernatural anti-hero?
Elizabeth: This one is so easy! He’s tall and blonde with blue eyes that look like sapphires when he’s turned on. He’s an Alpha male for sure, but he’s a one woman man who’d die for his woman if he had to. He’s sensitive, passionate, and romantic, and possibly just a teeny bit dangerous. (Okay, you got me. I’m describing Richard.)

Tink: Would you rather tell someone you love them or show it?
Elizabeth: With Richard I can’t help saying it. The words just burst out of me before I even think about it, but I believe it’s better to show people.

Tink: Travel to the past or into the future?
Elizabeth: Oh, the future for sure! I can’t wait to meet the babies Richard and I plan to have, and one day we’ll have a houseful of wonderful grandchildren. And maybe I’ll become the first lady. And win a few more Oscars.

Tink: Bubble bath or hot shower?
Elizabeth: Are you kidding? Bubble bath. Richard and I love to take bubble baths together. Don’t mention that I told you either. He doesn’t want his buddies to know that a big, tough FBI agent takes bubble baths with his honey.

Tink: Flats or high heels?
Elizabeth: High heels. They hurt like the devil, but they sure do wonderful things for a girl’s legs.

Tink: Flowers or chocolate?
Elizabeth: Sorry. Can’t choose. I have to have both.

Tink: G-rated or unrated?
Elizabeth: Yikes. Maybe something in between.

Tink: Alpha or beta?
Elizabeth: Alpha like my Richard.

Tink: Would you make the first move or wait it out?
Elizabeth: Make the first move. Hey, it’s the twenty first century.

Tink: Favorite love song?
Elizabeth: Bryan Adams "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." Richard sent me that song as a gift not long ago. It’s old, but if you listen to the words, your heart will just melt.

Tink: For Valentine’s would you rather go out or stay in?
Elizabeth: Go out. This year Richard is flying me to Paris for Valentine’s Day. We’re going to eat at a little restaurant that’s been in business since the French Revolution, and then we’ll walk along the banks of the Seine arm in arm.

Tink: Karaoke: yes or no?
Elizabeth: You haven’t heard me sing, have you? No karaoke.

Tink: Describe your most romantic moment.
Elizabeth: That’s hard because the man is incredibly romantic, but I think if I had to pick I’d pick the time he sent me little gifts every hour on the hour from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. His favorite was a big Hershey’s kiss, but I liked the recording of Bryan Adams best.

Tink: Boxers, briefs…or kilts?
Elizabeth: Oh, briefs. To me they’re sexier.

Tink: What is your idea of a dream date?
Elizabeth: Hmm. Valentine’s Day in Paris is pretty close.

Tink: Valentine’s Day watch: sappy love story, romantic comedy or forgo all of the above and go with the action flick?
Elizabeth: Sappy love story. I love to empathize with the heroine. The best ones are the ones that make you cry.

Tink: And, most importantly – do you like your man clean shaven or with a five o’clock shadow?
Elizabeth: Clean shaven. My man’s profile is too crisp and gorgeous to be hidden by whiskers.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for answering Tink's instrusive questions! Readers, if you would like to know more about Elizabeth's story or author Elaine Cantrell, visit at their website! Elaine was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and EPIC authors. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books. At present she teaches high school social studies. She spends her spare time collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.

And now for an excerpt from Return Engagement....

A tall, blond man standing near the back of the crowd caught her eye. She faltered and stumbled, catching hold of Cathy’s arm to stay upright in the sand. No, it couldn’t be! Richard! They hadn’t seen each other in ten years, but yes, it was Richard. She’d know him anywhere. His blue eyes still mesmerized her as he watched her progress across the beach. Irrelevantly, she remembered that when he was aroused his eyes always darkened.

Her heart took off in a wild gallop. He had matured since she last saw him. His shoulders had broadened, and the well defined muscles in his chest rippled under his tee shirt. His stomach appeared flat and hard, and his legs looked shapely and well formed. The expression on his face spoke of a fiery, passionate nature. Her face flushed as it occurred to her that if she faced him across a bed today as she had done ten years ago, the outcome might be very different. He didn’t look like a man she’d want to turn down.

Uh oh. She had started to shake. Would she be able to do her scene or not? She hoped so, but seeing Richard had brought the past vividly to life. A dull ache, long familiar, reminded her how much it hurt to break up with him. He really was too young for me, but somehow it didn’t matter at all. We were compatible in every way. No wonder I fell head over heels in love with him. Her lips tightened. She had never told him what happened right before their final date, but she remembered it as well as if it had happened only yesterday.

“Hello, Miss Lane. May I come in?”

“Of course, Senator Lovinggood. It’s nice to see you. Please, come in and have a seat.”

“That’s all right. I won’t be staying long. I stopped by to tell you that I don’t want you to see my son anymore.”

“Senator…”

“Please, hear me out, Miss Lane.”

“Go on.”

The senator’s cold eyes bored into hers. “Richard is only seventeen, but you are twenty-two. Presumably, you are more experienced than he is. Truthfully, I blame his infatuation for you on his inexperience. Don’t take advantage of an impressionable boy, Miss Lane. Richard isn’t a toy to be used for your pleasure and then discarded. He’s being groomed for important work in the future, but if he keeps seeing you he has very little chance of winning any political office. If
you care about him let him go.”

Even now she swallowed against the anger that still burned her. I was so angry I thought I might have a stroke, she thought. How dare he come to my home and try to intimidate me! Her eyes took on a faraway expression. I decided on the spot I’d never agree to the senator’s demands. I thought that seeing me wouldn’t ruin Richard’s future career. The senator only wanted to frighten me away.

She and Cathy had reached the set now. Elizabeth pasted a brilliant smile on her face, but inside where it counted she was bleeding. I changed my mind when Richard and I ended up in my bedroom kissing, touching, and undressing. I knew then that Senator Lovinggood was right. If Richard and I continued our relationship, the press would crucify both of us. While it would probably help my career, it would only hurt him. Scandal titillates the public and enhances a star’s reputation, but it’s the kiss of death for a politician.

“Psst, Elizabeth! Aren’t you listening to me?” Cathy sounded cross.

“Sorry,” Elizabeth apologized. “What did you say?”

Cathy shrugged. “It wasn’t important. What were you thinking so hard about?”

“I…ah…I was..thinking about someone I used to know.”

“Who?” Kathy asked.

Elizabeth sighed. “An old boyfriend if you really want to know. I let him go, but it almost killed me. I…don’t know if I…ever really got over it.”

“Oh, I guess everyone remembers the one who got away,” Cathy lightly answered. “You’ve got Alex now, and you guys are happy, right?”

“Yes, very happy.” And they were, but come hell or high water she intended to talk to Richard the minute this scene ended. She’d like to know what he’d done with his life. Hmm. Wonder if Senator Lovinggood still tried to control him? He didn’t look like a man who’d take kindly to his father interfering in his business.

She squared her shoulders, a look of determination on her face. After ten years she deserved a sense of closure, and she intended to get it. Then maybe she could finally close the door on the past and Richard Lovinggood.



***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Good news, readers! Elaine has generously offered a giveaway for today! By commenting to this post before midnight EST, Monday; February 14th, you will have a chance to win a copy of Return Engagement! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter. One winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org and announced the morning after contest closing. Please check back in to see if you have won.)

20 Questions with...Jean from THE SHOWBOAT AFFAIR + Giveaway

Our Valentine's Day countdown continues today with a fellow romance author from The Wild Rose Press, Gwyneth Greer, and the heroine of her upcoming book, The Showboat Affair, Jean Kingston!

The Showboat Affair will launch from TWRP in April! Here's a sneak peek into Jean Kingston's story....

Despite over thirty years in a faithless marriage to wealthy investment broker Rand Kingston, Jean is shocked when he asks for a divorce. Encouraged by her former housekeeper-turned-best-friend, she determines to rediscover herself as an independent woman and move on with her life.

Nick Cameron, prominent attorney and long-time widower, would like to figure in her plans. The opposition of their adult children surprises them. Then, a series of chilling near misses makes them wonder who really is determined to keep them apart—and why.

Our very own Cozy correspondent, Tink, sat down with Jean earlier this week for 20 Questions with Jean Kingston! Take it away, Tink....

Tink: Are you the first one on the dance floor or not so much?
Jean: I was a shy violet in high school and college. Then I met Rand Kingston. Since he was always the first one on the dance floor, I ended up there with him. I thought I liked it. Little did I know.

Tink: Do you prefer to spend the night at the theatre or at a bike show?
Jean: The theatre let me live in my dream world when the real one got too complicated. But after I met Nick Cameron, just being with him is enough--at the theatre OR the bike show. Whatever he wants to do is fine, just so he includes me, and he always does.

Tink: Do you give relationship advice or think it’s a bad idea?
Jean: I wish someone had warned me about Rand Kingston before I married him and gave up my career before it even got started. I probably wouldn’t have listened anyway, though. I was too much in love with love--and Rand’s good looks, social position, and money.

Tink: Describe the ideal hero – rough and tumble highlander, titled gentleman of the ton, modern-day bad boy, or supernatural anti-hero?
Jean: Until I married Rand and saw him for who and what he really was, I thought he was my hero. Tall, handsome, at ease in every social situation, quick with brilliant repartee, and, of course, romantic. It took me a while to figure out that just wanting to get me into bed wasn’t anything close to romance.

Tink: Would you rather tell someone you love them or show it?
Jean: Nick tells me he loves me, but more than that, he shows it. He makes sure I know that my likes and desires are as important to him as his own. He thinks of my comfort and convenience. He does little things that Rand never did, like bringing me flowers for no reason. He insisted on better lighting in back of my condo for times when I came in after dark. He bought me a cell phone and programmed it for me. Supporting my new though late-blooming career, he helped me pick out a laptop and taught me how to use it. I know Nick loves me. I know Rand never did.

Tink: Travel to the past or into the future?
Jean: I don’t want to go back to the past, not even for a second. I find comfort in the present and looking ahead to my future with Nick. That’s all that counts. All that will ever be important to me.

Tink: Bubble bath or hot shower?
Jean: Either one--especially when Nick joins me! I think I’m blushing. Nick thinks it’s cute.

Tink: Flats or high heels?
Jean: Nick is so tall that I actually need high heels, but I’m more comfortable in flats. He teases me a lot, pretending that he’s lost me ‘down below’.

Tink: Flowers or chocolate?
Jean: Nick brings me both--and he didn’t waste time finding out which were my favorites.

Tink: G-rated or unrated?
Jean: I was always a G-rated sort of girl, so how I got mixed up with an R-rated man like Rand Kingston, I don’t know.

Tink: Alpha or beta?
Jean: That’s pretty much out of my vocabulary. I’ve heard heroes in books referred to as alpha-males. I just know that I have a good solid man in Nick Cameron, and he’s all I’ll ever need.

Tink: Would you make the first move or wait it out?
Jean: I’d never make the first move, but when Nick did--asking me out--I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Tink: Favorite love song?
Jean: Nick and I love “Only Make Believe” from the musical Showboat. It doesn’t reflect our relationship, which is very real, but it reminds us that the second time around for both of us was slow coming and almost seemed like an unreachable dream.

Tink: For Valentine’s would you rather go out or stay in?
Jean: Nick and I would do both--go out for dinner and come home early.

Tink: Karaoke: yes or no?
Jean: This isn’t part of our generation. We’re not old, but we’re definitely not like the Karaoke crowd either!

Tink: Describe your most romantic moment.
Jean: Nick took me to dinner on the showboat in Branson, Missouri. We had dinner in the private dining room, and then we walked out on deck in the moonlight. He gave me a charm bracelet with four beautiful charms symbolic of my life, and then he asked me to marry him--but only when I was ready. We went back to the hotel and said goodnight at the door of my room. Then, as he walked away, I called him back. I’m glad I did.

Tink: Boxers, briefs…or kilts?
Jean: Nick was truly embarrassed the first time I washed his underwear! I told him I knew he wore it--but until now I didn’t know if he wore boxers or briefs. Then I laughed. He didn’t.

Tink: What is your idea of a dream date?
Jean: Anything, anywhere, anytime--as long as I’m with the love of my life---Nick.

Tink: Valentine’s Day watch: sappy love story, romantic comedy or forgo all of the above and go with the action flick?
Jean: Nick and I like musicals, which usually have a wonderful, happily-ever-after romance included.

Tink: And, most importantly – do you like your man clean shaven or with a five o’clock shadow?
Jean: Nick doesn’t have a beard or a mustache, and I like him without. But waking up next to him in the morning and feeling his unshaven face against mine is definitely sexy!

Thank you, Jean, for answering Tink's intrusive questions! Readers, if you'd like to know more about Jean and The Showboat Affair, visit the website of author Gwyneth Greer...also known in the romance community as Judy Nickles, a retired teacher who has spun stories since she could hold a #2 pencil. In elementary school, when storms threatened, the teacher would send her up to the front to tell a tale, taking the other children’s minds off the weather.

After retiring four years ago, she got serious about getting published. The result was three novels with The Wild Rose Press: Where Is Papa’s Shining Star?, Finding Papa’s Shining Star, and The Showboat Affair (as Gwyneth Greer). In addition to writing, Judy enjoys traveling, doing genealogical research, and spending time with her granddaughters, Hanna and Aubrey.

And now for an excerpt from The Showboat Affair....

Jean, still wearing her gown and robe, mixed the batter for waffles while Nick washed up in the guest bath and used one of her disposable razors and leg cream to shave. “I used my finger as a toothbrush,” he said, cozying up behind her to kiss her neck.

She shivered. “Not before breakfast.”

“And not after dinner either, apparently.” He laughed.

“You’re skating a thin line.” But she laughed, too.

He put up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I need coffee.”

“It’s ready, and the waffle iron is hot, so you’ll have breakfast in a minute.”

The peal of the doorbell startled both of them. “This could look bad,” Nick said.

“Not if it’s Selina. Maybe it’s her. She went to look at some of those ice cream parlor tables I was telling you about last week.” Jean eyed him critically. “Button your shirt.”

“It’s pretty rumpled.”

“Button it anyway.” She brushed past him on her way to the door. “Maybe you should disappear.”

“Are you serious?”

Jean sighed. “No.” At the front door, she peered through the viewer and let out her breath in dismay. Juliana stood there, her jaw set, looking primed for battle. Jean unlocked the door and opened it. “What brings you here so early, Juliana?”

“I had some errands over this way. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

Jean stepped back. “Yes, of course. Come in. I have a guest.”

Juliana’s eyebrows met her hairline. “A guest? I am interfering with your sleeping arrangements then.”

Jean made a quick decision not to defend herself. “Come in the kitchen. I’m making waffles.”

Nick rose hastily as the women walked in.

“You must be Nick Cameron,” Juliana snapped.

“Guilty.”

“My mother’s lover.”

“Juliana!” Jean felt the blood drain from her face. “How dare you!”

Nick’s eyes flashed, but his voice was courtroom courteous. “I spent the night on the sofa.”

“Of course, you did.”

His mouth twitched. “But if I’d spent it in your mother’s bed, it would have been her business, not yours.”



***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Good news, readers! Gwyneth has generously offered a giveaway for today! By commenting to this post before midnight EST, Sunday; February 13th, you will have a chance to win a paperback or ebook edition (winner's choice) of The Showboat Affair plus an special engraved flip-top mirror! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter. One winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org and announced the morning after contest closing. Please check back in to see if you have won.)

20 Questions with...Laura Breck + Giveaway

Our countdown to Valentine's Day continues today with contemporary romance author Laura Breck!

Laura writes sensual romance with a touch of mystery. One of her primary writing goals is to give readers a world into which they can escape the stress of life. And a fun read for lounging on the beach or cuddling up with a blanket and a cup of tea. Another goal is to make a difference in the world. That is why each of her books sponsors a community program, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to that organization. She is a member of Romance Writers of America’s Speakers Bureau and enjoys leading workshops on E-publishing, Public Speaking for Writers, Group Blogging, and Marketing. She lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with her family.

And now for a peek into Laura's debut novel, Secret Vegas Lives, which is available now from Red Rose Publishing....

Mistaken for a blackmailer, socialite Valerie Kane will do anything to keep sexy Italian crime writer Antonio Daniato from publicly exposing her, and Antonio is wickedly intent on seeing how far Valerie will go to protect her reputation.

Bestselling author Antonio Daniato sets a trap to capture his blackmailers, and is surprised when well-known psychologist Valerie Kane stumbles into his arms. She swears she’s not involved, but he threatens to expose her unless she reveals her accomplice. When she bares her soul to prove her innocence, Antonio is fascinated by her honesty, but shaken by the intensity of his desire for her.

Surrendering to temptation, Valerie defies her family’s wishes and risks her reputation to let hot blooded, enigmatic Antonio into her life. But she uncovers evidence that he’s staging the blackmail scenes as research for his next book – and casting her as the blackmailer. When she confronts him, it’s his turn to convince her of his innocence.

Their outrageous sexual attraction keeps them in each other’s arms, but mutual distrust prevents them from admitting their deeper emotions. When the true blackmailer threatens to reveal Antonio’s double life, Antonio yields to his guilt and chooses to let Valerie go. But Valerie discovers his secret, and will fight for Antonio against an addiction whose hold on him may be stronger than their love.

Earlier this week, our very own Cozy correspondent, Tink, sat down with Laura for 20 Questions! Take it away, Tink....

Tink: Are you the first one on the dance floor or not so much?
Laura: Always the first, and over the years, my dear husband had lost all inhibitions as well, and will actually ask me to dance when the dance floor is empty.

Tink: Do you prefer to spend the night at the theatre or at a bike show?
Laura: I love theater. Especially musicals.

Tink: Do you give relationship advice or think it’s a bad idea?
Laura: If asked, I’ll contribute, but mostly with thought-provoking questions.

Tink: Describe the ideal hero – rough and tumble highlander, titled gentleman of the ton, modern-day bad boy, or supernatural anti-hero?
Laura: The modern day bad boy fascinates me.

Tink: Would you rather tell someone you love them or show it?
Laura: I like to show it, but dear hubby likes to hear it. Go figure.

Tink: Travel to the past or into the future?
Laura: Into the past, please.

Tink: Bubble bath or hot shower?
Laura: Mmmm, a deep tub, a lot of hot water, and a good romance novel. Bubble bath!

Tink: Flats or high heels?
Laura: Flats. I’ve had too many friends undergo bunion surgery. Flats and a lot of yoga keep the tootsies healthy.

Tink: Flowers or chocolate?
Laura: My niece is a French-trained chocolatier with her own shop in Napa, California, so I’ve come to know the decadent pleasure of fine chocolate.

Tink: G-rated or unrated?
Laura: Unrated, just for fun.

Tink: Alpha or beta?
Laura: Hubby’s beta, but my books are all alpha. What does that mean?

Tink: Would you make the first move or wait it out?
Laura: I’d make the first move. Why not?

Tink: Favorite love song?
Laura: Joe Cocker’s "You Are So Beautiful"

Tink: For Valentine’s would you rather go out or stay in?
Laura: Stay in. Eating dinner scrunched into too-close tables isn’t much fun.

Tink: Karaoke: yes or no?
Laura: Oh, yes!!!

Tink: Describe your most romantic moment.
Laura: Before our wedding, my husband presented me with a beautiful pair of drop earrings. He asked me to wear them on our wedding day, and every year on our anniversary to remind me how much he loves me. He’s a keeper!

Tink: Boxers, briefs…or kilts?
Laura: Tight, red boxer-briefs.

Tink: What is your idea of a dream date?
Laura: Hubby picks me up and my packed suitcase is in the back seat. He whisks me away to some wonderful spot for a long weekend.

Tink: Valentine’s Day watch: sappy love story, romantic comedy or forgo all of the above and go with the action flick?
Laura: Romantic comedy.

Tink: And, most importantly – do you like your man clean shaven or with a five o’clock shadow?
Laura: I like the shadow. It’s more rugged.

Thank you so much, Laura, for answering Tink's instrusive questions! Readers, find out more about Laura and her books at her website! Here for you now is chapter one from Secret Vegas Lives...

“Don’t move your lips when you talk,” her sister said from under the blanket in the back seat. “They might be watching you.”

Valerie Kane’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as she turned into the dog park’s empty lot. Through stiff lips, she answered, “We’re here.” She pulled into a spot as far from a light as possible, shifted into park and killed the engine. “I’m a little nervous.”

“Is your hood up?” Monica asked.

She looked out the windshield. “Hood?”

Her sister heaved a sigh. “On you, not the car.”

Oh, crap, she needed to focus. She tugged the drawstrings of her hooded sweatshirt. “Yeah, it’s up.” She looked around to be sure they were still alone, and caught a glimpse of the lights of the Las Vegas strip twinkling blissfully in the distance. A tingle of anxiety ran through her. “Are we doing the right thing?”

Her sister reached between the seats and gripped her arm. “We don’t have to do this, Val. If you have any doubt, just start the car and let’s go.”

Taking a deep breath, she zipped up her hoodie. “No. We promised. I can do this.” She pressed the unlock button on the doors, then glanced back. Monica was well hidden, and was lying on the bag containing their cousin’s blackmail payment.

Her sister whispered, “Just go really fast and get back here. Wait, first roll down the windows, so I can hear you if you scream.”

Scream? There was no reason to scream. No one was here. This was just a package pickup. Her sister was being overcautious.

She pressed the four window buttons. “Here I go.”

Opening the door, she jumped out quickly. If they were watching, she didn’t want the interior light to give away her identity. Tonight she was a body double for their cousin, an Academy Award winning actress.

The blackmailers specified they wanted the actress to make the pick-up and delivery, but Valerie and her older sister, Monica, let their cousin talk them into doing it. Would the blackmailers be fooled? She and her cousin did look similar; long, straight black hair and light skin, although she was twenty years younger than the actress.

She jogged across the grass, her shaky legs slowing her. The park measured a half-mile square, and though the sun was down, the temperature had to be in the eighties. Dressed in layers to look heavier, her body heated quickly.

At regular intervals she slowed and scanned the area. She saw no one and her jitters eased. Then a surge of adrenaline pumped through her. She was doing something risky, finally, in her too-safe, over-protected life. And it felt as invigorating as a ride on a roller coaster.

It took a few minutes to reach the middle of the park where a water fountain stood next to a couple trees.

She stopped a yard short and looked around, hearing only crickets chirruping and her heart whumping. She walked up to the fountain and squatted, reaching under the lower bowl set at dog’s height. She felt it, a package taped to the bottom, and tore it loose. It was heavy. How much cash was in it?

Above her, branches rustled and a large bulk dropped from the tree, three feet from her. A man, all in black, a foot taller than her and at least a hundred fifty pounds heavier grabbed her arm, looming over her.

She screamed an instinctive shriek of primal fear.

He shook her. “Shut up.” He looked at the homes surrounding the park. “Someone will call the police.”

She heaved in a huge breath to scream again, and heard Monica yelling as she ran toward them. “I’ve called the cops! And I’ve got a Taser!”

A dose of reassurance steadied her. “Let me go.” She yanked her arm, but he held tight.

The man looked from her sister to her, then back again. “Shit.” He grabbed the package from her and shoved it in his pocket, then pulled her hood off her head. He jerked her around so her face was in the moonlight. “Who are you? Why are you doing this?”

Okay, he knew she wasn’t the actress, but it didn’t take a huge I.Q. to figure out what she was doing. “You told us to pick up that envelope,” she pointed a shaking finger toward his pocket, “and deliver it with our blackmail money.” Her voice sounded weak.

“I told you?” He kept an eye on Monica’s approach. “I’m not the…” He shook his head. “Okay, just tell me where you’re delivering the money.”

“What?” Through her panic, she recognized his accent; Italian. She studied his face: well defined features, shoulder length black hair sticking out of his cap. She should be able to pick him out of a lineup.

He shook her slightly. “I asked you where. Where are you dropping off the money?”

“You should know. You wrote the instructions.”

“Don’t act innocent. I’m not the blackmailer.” He put his hand into his pocket. “You are.”

She stared at his pocket, expecting to see a gun. “No, I’m not.” Her voice went squeaky. “I’ve got a bag with money in it too.” She pointed stupidly to the car. “To be delivered–as instructed–with the money you just took from me.”

He pulled out a camera, held it close to her face and snapped. The flash blinded her.

She heard Monica’s footsteps running toward them. “Let go of her!” She sounded breathless.

A siren whirred a few blocks away.

He leaned close to her face. “This isn’t over, princess. I’ll find you.”



***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Good news, readers! Laura has generously offered a giveaway for today! By commenting to this post before midnight EST, Friday; February 11th, you will have a chance to win a copy of Secret Vegas Lives! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter. One winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org and announced the morning after contest closing. Please check back in to see if you have won.)

20 Questions with...Ella Vines + Giveaway

Welcome Cozies to Day 4 of my special 20 Questions blog event. We're counting down to Valentine's Day today with erotic romance author, Ella Vines!

Ella Vines is the pen name and alter ego of a gothic romance novelist and English professor. When she comes out on full moon evenings and late at night when the muse beckons, Ella enjoys writing erotic romance, eating bits of cheesecake, and basking in warm Texas winters. Ella's upcoming erotic romance, Her Dark Fairy, will be available from Summerhouse Publishing next month...

In October of 1858, a walk through the Mississippi woods behind her home changes Lucia Marks' life forever. When she twists her ankle and blacks out, a gorgeous winged creature comes to her rescue, an alluring being of legend that haunts her days and nights. But what does he want from her, and who is he? More importantly, will he be part of her future?

Earlier this week, our very own Cozy correspondent, Tink, sat down for 20 Questions with Ella Vines. Take it away, Tink!

Tink: Are you the first one on the dance floor or not so much?
Ella: I often am as a former dancer!

Tink: Do you prefer to spend the night at the theatre or at a bike show?
Ella: The theatre.

Tink: Do you give relationship advice or think it’s a bad idea?
Ella: I do give it, but I tend to be the type of person people talk to about their problems.

Tink: Describe the ideal hero – rough and tumble highlander, titled gentleman of the ton, modern-day bad boy, or supernatural anti-hero?
Ella: I have to go with brooding, Gothic hero or Byronic hero. Give me an 18th or 19th century wayward titled hero with a scar and a sneer, and I'm happy.

Tink: Would you rather tell someone you love them or show it?
Ella: I do better with words, so tell. ;)

Tink: Travel to the past or into the future?
Ella: To the past!

Tink: Bubble bath or hot shower?
Ella: Hot shower

Tink: Flats or high heels?
Ella: Flats. I do a lot of walking. As long as I can show off my toe nails, I'm good.

Tink: Flowers or chocolate?
Ella: Orchids or Lindt dark chocolate.

Tink: G-rated or unrated?
Ella: Unrated...

Tink: Alpha or beta?
Ella: Alpha.

Tink: Would you make the first move or wait it out?
Ella: I would and have made the first move. That's how I snagged the love of my life, in fact.

Tink: Favorite love song?
Ella: “Under the Milky Way Tonight” by The Church

Tink: For Valentine’s would you rather go out or stay in?
Ella: Go out

Tink: Karaoke: yes or no?
Ella: yes

Tink: Describe your most romantic moment.
Ella: When I got engaged on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, the experience was dizzying because of the height and the gorgeous diamond ring.

Tink: Boxers, briefs…or kilts?
Ella: Kilts! I'm married to a guy of Scottish descent after all.

Tink: What is your idea of a dream date?
Ella: Flying to Venice and spending a romantic weekend there talking in the cafes and kissing in the narrow side streets. Italy's language is romance, and I can't think of a better place to be with someone you love.

Tink: Valentine’s Day watch: sappy love story, romantic comedy or forgo all of the above and go with the action flick?
Ella: Gothic romance flick in the tradition of Wuthering Heights

Tink: And, most importantly – do you like your man clean shaven or with a five o’clock shadow?
Ella: Clean shaven because I love his baby face.

Thank you very much, Ella, for answering Tink's intrusive questions! Cozies, Ella loves to hear from readers! Visit her on the web or drop her a line at ellavines@ymail.com. Now for an excerpt from Her Dark Fairy....

“I can't be yours. You are not even human. What are you?” She whispered softly as his wings unfurled fully behind him, white and terrible in their immensity. They glittered like stars on white cashmere.

“You only need to know for now that I love you, and that I have loved before. I have immense love to give, and you are the mortal I have chosen to give it to.”

“The mortal?” Lucia caught his word for her. “What do you mean? This is all wrong. It's against nature! I haven't even been with a mortal man, much less an—an immortal one—if that's what you are.” She thrashed in the bed, trying to scoot away from him, but she was tired and weak from the substance he had obviously drugged her with.

“Shh. Come here.” He touched her hair and pulled her up against him. He sat on the edge of the bed.

Lucia struggled faintly in his arms, mewling her discontent, but soon grew to enjoy the feel of his warm hand smoothing over her hair. Every inch of him felt hard. She had only been this close to one other man—her father, for a brief hug at times. She didn't know where to rest her hands, so she touched his right wing and put her other hand lightly on his side.

It leaped at her touch and he let out a gasp of pleasure.



***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Good news, readers! Ella has generously offered a giveaway for today! By commenting to this post before midnight EST, Monday; February 7th, you will have a chance to win a copy of Her Dark Fairy! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter. One winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org and announced the morning after contest closing. Please check back in to see if you have won.)

20 Questions Blog Event...Coming Soon!

Great news, Cozies! I have booked thirteen spots for my special February blog event. I always try to do something special here at The Cozy Page for Valentine's Day because it's one of my favorite holiday - yes, I'm one of those people :) This year I'm going all-out with an interview extravaganza. Authors of romance, women's fiction, and erotic romance will be guesting from the first of February to Valentine's Day. Each guest author or their characters will answer 20 fun, Valentine's-related questions as well as share blurbs and excerpts from their latest releases - and did I mention giveaway goodies? The fun starts on February 1st so mark your calendars!

(Special Note: for those who show up a day early - January 31 - I'll be sharing a Valentine's-themed free read with cameos from a favorite cowboy and cowgirl. You won't want to miss it!)