Tony the Wolf has met his match . . . sort of

     In keeping with a recent turn of focus, Wild Woman Kane is pleased to welcome Charlotte McPherson, a bright, young supporting character in Keena Kincaid's first Class of '85 story, Something More. Something tells me after meeting her, you'll agree Charlotte could hold her own with the likes of Denny Ryker and Tony the Wolf. Take it away . . . Charlotte!

     Hi. I’m Charlotte McPherson. I’m 17 and I’m…what? No, I wasn’t named after Charlotte from Sex and the City—as if! My brother, Nick, told me I was named for the spider in a story about a pig, but he said that because I was scared of spiders when I was a little kid. I was really named after the writer who wrote Jane Eyre. I think that’s cool, but I pretend I haven’t read the book. It’s not cool to be smart.

Where are you from? I’m from Summerville, NY, a boring little city at the edge of the most boring of the great lakes (Lake Ontario) in the most boring part of New York state.

What is Something More about? It’s about what happened when I ran away from Nick’s condo in New York City. See, my parents died in a car crash. Well, they weren’t really my parents, but I didn’t know that until the funeral. Everyone knew and everyone frakking lied to me! Everyone! God, I was pissed. Still am a little bit. So anyway I learned about that. Then Nick said he wanted me to go live with him in the city. No way. All my friends are here! So I left and stayed with my boyfriend.

     Oh, you wanted to know more about Nick and Nora.

What did you think the first time you saw Nora? She’s pretty cool for an old lady. I think she’s like 40 or 50. Anyway, did you know she beat Nick up? After I ran away, I needed money, so I went to the restaurant where I used to work to get my last check. Nick was waiting there. I ran into the women’s bathroom. Nora was in there. Nick came in after me. Can you believe it? He came right into the girl’s bathroom! Nora thought he was pervy, so she did some sort of martial arts move and put him on the ground! It was way cool. Then I stole her car keys—she had a Volkswagen key fob, so I knew I could figure out which car in the lot was hers—and took her car so I could get away.

What was your second thought? That I shouldn’t steal from someone who just beat up my brother. He’s been in prison. He’s tough.

Did you think it was love at first sight? No way. Being beaten up by a woman has to be a lust kill. Then again, Nick can be weird.

What do you like most about Nora? She doesn’t tell me what to do. I needed advice once, and she gave me the straight dope. She didn’t tell Nick either.

How would you describe her? I think she’s cool. David, her nephew, says she’s an ass pain, but he lives with her.

How would she describe you? Don’t ask. After I took her car, Casey—the douche bag ex—totaled it. I’m not her favorite person at the moment.

What is your biggest fear? That Nick is lying to me when he says he wants me to come live with him when he really just feels obligated to take care of me. He lied to me all my life, why would he suddenly tell the truth now?

Who's your favorite fictional character and why? Don’t tell anyone, cause it’s so uncool, but I love Six from Battlestar Galactica. She just so in charge of herself and everyone else. David says I’m like Starbuck. I hope he’s wrong. She’s pretty frakked up.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Nora told me once that everyone gets several, maybe dozens of chances at love, and to not throw away future opportunities because I’m scared no one else will want me.

To Keena: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? One of the best openings to any novel I’ve ever read is, “I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills” by Isak Dinesen (Out of Africa). It tells you where the book takes place, that she’s no longer there and that she wishes herself back. I still want to write such an evocative opening line.

Keena Kincaid likes to say she writes romances in which passion, magic and treachery collide to create unforgettable stories. The truth is she’s usually kidnapped by tall, handsome men (who are totally into someone else) and held hostage until she helps them win the woman of their dreams. For more information about her books, visit: http://keenakincaid.com/

And now, an excerpt from Something More . . .

Nora was either spinning or falling. Perhaps both. His mouth brushed hers again. The heat and taste of peat from the Scotch lingered on her lips as Nick placed a series of soft kisses along her jaw, her chin. He nipped her lower lip and pressed her against the rail, a gentle movement that knocked the air from her chest with the promise of what was to come.

Anxiety slithered over skin. She couldn’t do this. Hadn’t done this since her divorce—actually for years before that. She was going to embarrass herself if she kept going.

“Nick—”

He tilted her chin upward with one finger, shifted the angle of his body until the solid heat of his erection burned through her jeans. Bones melted. Doubts faded. His lips worked over hers in a heady blend of skill and desire.

The hand beneath her sweater slid upward, over the bumps of her ribs until his fingertips traced the lace of her thin bra, catching her nipple between finger and thumb. His tongue tangled with hers. He took his time, drinking her like fine Scotch and running his hands over her body with exquisite slowness. Her head spun from a primitive demand for sexual satisfaction. She’d forgotten what it was like, this incandescent, all-consuming need for another person. She pressed her palm against his chest, felt the heat of his skin, curled her fingers against hard muscle. His heart thumped hard and fast against her hand. He broke the kiss and leaned against her, his face against her hair. He smelled spicier than before, warmer, too.

“Are you certain?”

Pulling back, she studied him, trying to decipher the flicker of doubt on his face. “Who would’ve thought the wild boy of Summerville High would grow up to be so staid?”

Meet Tony the Wolf

     For a refreshing change of pace, we have a unique guest with us today--a man near and dear [?] to my heart, the 'bad guy' [next only to Dickhead that is] in Sharon Buchbinder's An Inn Decent Proposal. He's a character, to put it mildly. So grab a cuppa and empty your bladders 'cause heeeere's Tony . . .

Where are you from originally?

Who’s askin’? What are you with the feds, or sumpin’? You got ID? No? Youse is just some nosy reporter? Fine. I’m from Jersey. That’s all youse needs to know.

What is An Inn Decent Proposal about?

It’s about how I got screwed outta a sweet deal. I was gonna build a casino, move in my crew, get some respect, if you know what I mean. The chief of police, Dickhead, he told me we had a deal. He lied to me. Him and his big-titted, useless wife, Beth, Betty, whatever. I get to the auction, which is supposed to be rigged for ME. That place was MINE. Then outta the blue these two saps walk in, actin’ like they ain’t seen each other in twenty-five years--baloney. They had a plan. I figured that out pretty quick. They out bid me. ME, Tony the Wolf. And, Betty, Beth, she insisted they got it fair and square. Man, I wanted to off that broad, but I needed her around for the paperwork.

What did you think the first time you saw Jim and Genie.

If that little bimbo, Genie King, hadn’t pissed me off, I think she and I woulda gotten along just fine. Big ass. Nice set of jugs. I could get lost in that kinda woman. Lots of meat. Not bony like those women who starve themselves alla time. Then it turns out she’s with James Rawlings, aka, Ichabod Crane--and she outbids me? ME? I wasn’t takin’ that crap lyin’ down. Might as well paint LOSER on my forehead. I would never hear the end of it from my boys back in Jersey.

What was your second thought?

She and her stupid boyfriend needed to be taught a lesson about who was in charge, and it wasn’t them. It was me. Tony the Wolf.

Did you think it was love at first sight?

Love is for suckers.

What do you like most about Jim or Genie?

Her tits—no, her ass. Both. But, she pissed me off. I had to show her I was in charge. It was MY deal, not hers or his.

How would you describe Genie?

Ever see that movie, Sweet Charity? Like that, with the red hair, but wearing a suit that shows all her curves. Tits, baby, nice tits. The guy was tall, skinny. Women would say he looked like Nick Cage. I thought Ichabod Crane. He coulda played the part in a movie.

How would she describe you?

To be honest, she don’t care for me much. Called me a hairy knuckled Neanderthal. She and Ichabod thought they was alone, havin’ pillow talk. Ha. I was listening. I heard what that bitch said. She and I had a private conversation goin’--until that idiot Ichabod Crane showed up.

What made you choose mob underling as a career?

It’s a callin’ really. Some people are just meant to be who they are. Vinny needed some help, put out the word, and bada-bing, here I am. It’s whaddya call it? Kismet. That’s it.

What is your biggest fear?

It ain’t WHAT--it’s WHO. Vinny DeCapo is my biggest fear. That and looking like a LOSER.

How do you relax?

I have a drink, watch some “adult” TV.

What's your favorite fictional character and why?

I don’t know nothin’ about fiction. I like to stick with reality TV. Like Tony Soprano. He’s a GOD. I want to be him when I grow up. I tried to track down his people in Jersey, even went to that meat market. They said they didn’t know what I was talking about. Pretty slick. He inspires loyalty even at the meat market, they don’t give nothin’ away on him.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Don’t leave no witnesses.

To Sharon, the author: What movies or books have had an impact on you?

      This is like asking me if I like air or water. Almost every book I read has some impact--positive or negative. The ones that I enjoy reading most have elements of mystery, horror and romance. Of course, that’s what I write, too. I started out reading Nancy Drew (yes, that was me snooping around your house!) moved on to Asimov, Bradbury and Heinlein, while devouring Agatha Christie. Met Dean Koontz reading Lightening and fell in love with that story (big romance plot) and pursued the rest of his stories. With respect to romance, I used to subscribe to Harlequin’s Romantic Suspense and Intrigue series. I learned how to plot fast-paced romance and suspense together through reading those books. I have stacks of to-be-read books in my overcrowded library and now have a Kindle and a Nook so I can store my books electronically and carry them where ever I go.

     With respect to movies, I love thrillers. Man On Fire with Denzel Washington and Enough with Jennifer Lopez are the two I’ve watched most recently while torturing myself on the elliptical trainer. Body Heat is one of the best noir films ever made. Kathleen Turner is hot and an amazing man eater. She inspired me to write my man eating character, Isabel Ramirez, in Desire And Deception. However, unlike Kathleen Turner’s character, Isabel redeems herself at the end.

Meet Dru Horvath

In honor of the 2/23/11 release of Embraceable You, part of the Wild Rose Press Class of '85 series, heroine Druzilla Horvath, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and recipient of the Eastman Award, decided to pay us a visit today. We're awfully pleased she did. 

Where are you from originally? I'm not really sure. Somewhere in the mid-Atlantic states. My family traveled around a lot before they were arrested in Summerville for running a Gypsy scam and I was taken away by Child Protective Services.

What is Embraceable You about? It is the story of Dru Horvath and Rory McElroy who come together for a few hours at an awards banquet during the 25^th reunion for the Class of ’85-and how those few hours change both their lives forever.

What did you think the first time you saw Rory? The very first thing was that he knew how to fill out a tux.

What was your second thought? Since Homeland Security had me on a pretty tight leash that night, I looked at the great big bed over in the corner, and figured it was too bad I wouldn’t be sticking around long enough for him and me to try it out.

Did you think it was love at first sight? No, but there was a lot of lust flying around.

What do you like most about Rory? He makes me laugh, plus that man can slow dance like no tomorrow. Yum.

How would you describe him? He looks like Daniel Craig with that bored ‘screw-you’ look on his face and the build of a boxer. Man, he is hard all over. Sorry, didn’t mean to be crude, but this man does not have a soft part on his body . . . except his heart. That’s all mush.

How would he describe you? Tinkerbell with a mouth and an attitude to match.

What made you choose photo-journalism as a profession? I received my first camera as a Christmas gift when I was maybe 15. Pretty soon I was taking pictures of everything in town. Framing and

light came easy, like instinct. An important man in town, Henry Dunavan, paid for private classes at RIT—Rochester Institute of Technology for me. The instructor helped me get into RIT’s photography program. Things took off after that.

What is your biggest fear? Ten months ago I would have said not living long enough to accomplish my goals. Today I will say it’s not being able to come home to Rory.

How do you relax? When I find out, I'll let you know.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Ouiser Boudreaux from Steel Magnolias. She is confident, self assured and loyal to her friends. Plus, she makes me laugh.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Do not allow fear to prevent you from doing what is right.

What books have had an impact on your life?

Mila 18 and Trinity by Leon Uris

Carnal Innocence and Divine Evil by Nora Roberts

A Problem From Hell by Samantha Powers

The Parsifal Mosaic and The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer

The Night They Burned the Mountain and Deliver Us From Evil by Dr. Tom Dooley

Here's a short excerpt from Embraceable You . . .

Suddenly, Dru remembered the back-up phone tucked inside the double zippered pocket in her satchel, right beside the extra flash cards and rolls of antacids. Hot damn. All was not lost. With a grin, she hefted the bag over her shoulder and turned toward the bathroom. “I won't be long.”

Before she made the first step, he slid in front of the door, blocking her access. “Give it up.”

Down to her last strike, she pulled the affronted female card. Granted, she used it maybe once in a decade, but Fiona was probably tearing her hair by now. “I beg your pardon?”

Leaning forward, he brought them nose to nose. “Play much poker, Horvath? Your face just lit up like the Fourth of July, which tells me you've got something more stashed in the tote. Unless you let me search it, it stays with me.”

Clutching the canvas bag to her chest, she sneered, “The only thing in here is my outfit for tonight, McElroy. If you think I'm parading around naked in front of you, one of us is a couple fries short of a happy meal.”

His response came in the form of another gimme motion with those thick, blunt fingers. “I'll close my eyes if I encounter any lacy unmentionables.”

She knew the instant he found the back-up. The screw-you look morphed into a smirk. “It's not wise to mess with Homeland Security, sweetie. Those guys eat small animals for breakfast.”

To purchase Embraceable You, go to www.thewildrosepress.com.

To learn more about Kat and the other books she has created, please go to www.KatHenry.com or www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com.

Welcome Donna Bolk and Denny Riker

This morning we welcome Donna L. Bolk, creator of Getting It Right, and Denny Riker, one of the characters who refuses to go away.

Donna: Mallory thanks so much for having me as a guest blogger today. As you can see I didn’t travel solo. Denny Riker, my bad boy from Getting It Right – the Class of ’85 reunion Series, refused to stay behind. Just between me and you, Denny has a good heart, but he can be a pain in the – well, let’s just say from the day I met him, he’s been an interesting character to deal with.”

“Hey wait up there, author girl.”

“Denny don’t snap your fingers at me, that’s rude.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not in the room.”

“See what I mean?”

“Here’s the thing, Mal, Donna is an okay author, but this isn’t her story to tell it’s ours, me, Kelly and Tye. I’m the one you should be talking to.”

“Fine, Denny, you want to do the interview go for it.”

“Right, and you’ll do what you always do.”

“And that would be?

“Put words in my mouth, author girl, put words in my mouth.”

Where are you from originally? Depends on who you talk to, if you ask my old man he’d tell you Hell. See, he had to do a trade-in - a kid for a wife. He always figured he got the raw end of the deal. I never knew my mom, she checked out the day I checked in. Now, if you want to know where I was born, that would be Summerville, New York.

What is Getting It Right about? Life, man, the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ll lay claim to the bad and ugly, and slap good on my best friend Tye and his girl Kelly. We’re all graduates from the class of ’85. Man, that was a lot of years ago. We’re all headed back to Summerville for our 25-year class reunion. I won’t be there, (I won’t tell you why, you’ll have to read the story to find that out) but Tye and Kelly will be there. You know he should have married that girl. That where the title comes in Getting It Right. He’s getting a second chance to do what he should have done the first time around.

What did you think the first time you saw them? Tye was a squeaky clean kid, trying to act tough. He couldn’t pull it off. We dubbed him the professor, because he was so smart. He didn’t have to crack a book to ace a test. And sweet Kelly well she’s a preacher’s kid. She saw good in everybody. She had the best smile, well until Tye did her bad.

What was your second thought? I don’t have second thoughts about anything. I make up my mind and that’s it. Done deal.

Did you think it was love at first sight for them? I don’t remember. Back then everything was a haze. I spent a lot of time stoned and I sure as hell wasn’t an expert in love. If I had been maybe things would have turned out different for me and my girl Sissy, but that’s another story.

What do you like most about Tye? His loyalty he always had my back. Even when I didn’t have his.

How would you describe him? What’s the deal, man, you running out of questions? I already told you smart, loyal, hell he was a regular Boy Scout.

How would he describe you? As the SOB who ruined his life. Sorry, you’re going to have to read the story if you want more details.

What made you choose auto mechanic as a profession? Auto mechanic. That sounds so pretty. I was a frigging grease monkey. I tinkered with cars and pumped gas. I didn’t have Tye’s smarts.

What is your biggest fear ? Change that question to was not is. I thought maybe I’d screwed things up so badly that they’d never be right. But I found out that the big guy upstairs has a way of making things right. Maybe that’s why Kelly smiled all the time, she always knew that. It took me a few years to figure it out.

How do you relax ? Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Close your mouth, man. I’m only kidding. I’m always in relax mode, no matter what I’m doing. I put the ‘M’ in mellow.

What's your favorite fictional character and why? Scrooge, he got to fall asleep, have a dream, wake up and make everything right.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Run. But that’s another story, too. It’s been fun but it’s time for me to go. Denny Riker checking out.

To Donna: What movies or books have had an impact on you?

There is where I should be all artsy and start naming the classics, but that’s not me. I have always leaned toward small town settings. Peyton Place was the first book I read from cover to cover, I was 13 at the time. I don’t want to have to look for the deeper meaning in a story, I want it there for me on the page, ready to jump into my heart and make me care. I sincerely hope that’s the type of reading experience I give to those who read my books.

“Riker checking back in. Mal, shouldn’t Donna mention her award nominations?”

“Denny, if Mallory wants to know about them she’ll ask. I don’t think—“

“Look, author girl, you need to speak up while you have the chance. It’s not like people are banging your door down to get interviews.”

“Fine. Getting It Right has been nominated by the Romance Studio for Best Romance 2010.”

“What about that other book, Package Deal? I’m not in it, but what the hell tell them about it.”

“Okay, Package Deal was nominated by the Readers Choice Poll at Predators and Editors for Best Romance 2010. If readers are interested they can check it out on my web site. Now can we give them an excerpt from Getting It Right?”

“Works for me, just as soon as you tell them what your web site is and where they can order your books.”

“My web site is www.donnalbolk.com and here’s where they can find my books http://www.thewildrosepress.com/donna-l-bolk-m-466.html

“Great, now let’s get back to the important book, Getting It Right. Excerpt away, author girl.”

     “Kelly I want you to stay away from that boy.”

      She finished rinsing her cereal bowl and put it in the dish rack. “Daddy that boy has a name, it’s Tyler Jackson. And we’re just friends.” For now, she added silently. She turned, leaned against the sink and looked at her father. “I don’t understand why you won’t give him a chance.”

      He lowered the paper he’d been reading. “For the same reason I wouldn’t belly up to a snake and kiss it.”

      “Tyler isn’t a snake.”

      “No, he’s a troubled boy who drinks and smokes. And he’s made fast company with Denny Riker and Sharon Monroe.”

      “Is that all you’ve got on him?” She folded her arms and shrugged. “Why, I heard he dances with the devil on Saturday night, too. The two of them are just thick as thieves.”

Donna and Denny, thank you both for visiting us today. It's been a real . . . experience!

Mallory

Welcome Margo Hoornstra and Jake Holbrook!

Good morning. The snow has finally stopped but the frigid temps continue. Perfect reason to curl up with a snuggly fleece throw, a cup of your fave hot drink and a handsome man--and the woman who created him.

Jake Holbrook is a hard driving hospital CEO with a definite sensitive side. Or any side, bottom or top having to do with Doctor Bethany Thomas. Jake and Bethany’s holiday story, Glad Tidings by multi-published author Margo Hoornstra, is part of the Last Rose of Summer Class of ’85 series, and is now available from The Wild Rose Press: www.thewildrosepress.com

We’ll let Jake fill you in on some of the details:

Summerville, New York is a decent sized burg. Part tourist resort by virtue of its location on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario; part college town, part industrial hub and something I’m particularly proud of, home to a center of excellence health care system. The city is protected by a self-involved and, some would say, corrupt police chief who is thankfully offset by a number of good guy officers on the Summerville police force and an expertly run Bison County Sheriff’s Department.

I grew up in Summerville, graduated from Summerville High School in 1985, left for college shortly after, and spent the next few years serving my fellow man in the United States Peace Corps. While I was away, Bethany Andrews, my best friend since third grade and the long time love of my life married another man. And so went my dream to have a family of my own.

Last summer, I even took the time, trouble and expense to attend our Class of ’85 twenty-five year high school reunion in the hopes she’d somehow show up. She didn’t.

Despite that, somehow Bethy and I managed to keep in touch. I was pleased to learn even being apart, her life and mine traveled the same relative path. She became a doctor who cared for patients wherever she went, from those in her plush Palm Springs private practice to those she encountered on medical mission trips to the most hellish places on Earth. I took over as CEO of Mynderse Memorial, Summerville’s state of the art, multi-specialty hospital, once I realized I could just as easily save the world from my own backyard as away from it.

Who knew a recently widowed Bethany would tumble back into said backyard—and my arms—shortly after? Sure, sleeping with her the night of her husband’s funeral wasn’t my most honorable moment. But, what can I say? Twenty-five years was a long time to wait. And, don’t get me wrong, the passion and pleasure we enjoyed in my hotel room was driven more by my love for Bethy than lust for her body. I could only hope she felt the same. Though I was more than satisfied that one fantastic night, I was also left wanting so much more.

Thinking fast, I figured what better way to keep her in my life, permanently, than to offer her a job running the Family Health Care Clinic I’d recently put my heart and soul into creating. She was lured back to Summerville with relative ease. I had no idea how hard it would be to convince her to stay and become my wife.

Well aware her penchant to serve humanity rivaled mine—one of the many traits I’ve always loved about her—what I didn’t know was that her compassionate actions would unintentionally put my job on the line. Her first instinct was to sacrifice herself by offering her resignation in order to preserve my reputation and my career. And though I tried with all my heart, I couldn’t get her to see my love for her ran so deep, I’d gladly give up everything if she just please wouldn’t leave me again.

Note from Mallory: For more about Margo and her stories, please visit www.margohoornstra.com.

Welcome Jannine Gallant and Chantel Day

This morning, the last Sunday in January, one week away from Packer Power, we are happy to welcome Jannine Gallant, author of TWO Class of '85 stories, Lonely Road to You and After All These Years. Both are different, yet the same for Jannine's intriguing voice which drew me in from the first page. 
Enough about me.  Let's meet . . . Chantel Day

Where are you from originally? I grew up in Summerville, New York, which is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. To be blunt, my father was richer than God, and I was spoiled rotten. I like to think I’ve changed for the better over the last 25 years, but I still find my present reduced circumstances trying at best. At worst, I’m torn between committing mayhem and crawling into a hole to hide.

What is After All These Years about? Did I mention my reduced circumstances? Picture me ripping my hair out! I went from Summerville to Manhattan, where my friend, Maris, and I created Beautiful Day Cosmetics. I had it all, wealth, power, and an unbelievable penthouse apartment. Maybe my personal life wasn’t exactly thriving, but love is overrated anyway. Then it all came crashing down around my ears when Beautiful Day was swallowed up in a hostile corporate takeover. I ended up broke and homeless, living in my father’s old hunting cabin in the middle of the Adirondacks. To add insult to injury, Flynn McKenna, the first boy I ever loved, the boy who broke my heart, is living a stone’s throw from my cabin. Could it get any worse!

What did you think the first time you saw Flynn? The first time I saw Flynn, we were probably both still in diapers. His grandparents lived next door, and we grew up seeing each other over holidays and summer break. We went from climbing trees and riding bikes together, to hand holding and innocent kisses, to what I thought was a deep, abiding love. Then we broke each other’s hearts.

What was your second thought? Once I recovered from the mind- numbing shock of seeing him again after all these years, I wanted to disappear. He looked incredible. No forty-three year old man has a right to look that fit and gorgeous, and have his life together. Especially when mine is falling apart.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Love, hmmm? Love is a dangerous word. It was definitely lust at first sight. All those memories came flooding back, the good and the bad. He hurt me once. Well, to be honest, it went both ways. I can’t stop the old feelings from resurfacing, but I’m trying to manage them. My life is a mess, and I don’t want to add a broken heart to my list of problems.

What do you like most about Flynn? What’s not to like? He’s kind and funny and sweet. He loves his daughter and worries about me, even though I’ve told him I’m doing just fine. Oh Lord, I sound like I have it bad. I may have to reconsider that love question.

How would you describe him? Flynn is, well, unforgettable. For twenty-five years, I tried to put him out of my mind and couldn’t. Every other man I met fell short in comparison.

How would he describe you? Complicated. Definitely complicated!

What made you choose dog treats as your new career? It just sort of happened. My dog, Ace, was chomping his way through the last of the homemade treats I’d been given, loving every morsel of them, when I had an epiphany. Why not make them myself and sell them online? What did I have to lose? With Ella’s help, we set up a website, experimented with flavors, and launched an advertising campaign. Have I mentioned Flynn’s daughter, Ella? She’s a terrific girl, smart and sweet. She makes me think I really missed out all these years putting career before family. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get a second chance.

What is your biggest fear? It should be spending the rest of my days moldering away in Hilltop, but it isn’t. The place is growing on me. My biggest fear is that I’ll let myself fall deeply and completely in love with Flynn again and get my heart broken a second time.

How do you relax? Relaxing is hard. I’m type A from head to toe, but I do enjoy hiking in the woods around the cabin and taking a swim in the lake outside my front door.

What's your favorite fictional character and why? Hmmm. Scarlett O’Hara reminds me a little of me. She was spoiled and pampered, but in the face of adversity, found inner strength. I hope I have the same fortitude.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My father once said, “If it comes too easily, it isn’t worth having.” Of course he was talking about business, but I think it may apply to love. If Flynn and I can find our way back to each other, we’ll have something truly incredible to show for it.

To Jannine Gallant, author: What books have had an impact on you? To answer that question I took a look at my bookshelf. What are the books I considered keepers? I found an interesting selection. The authors who have been on my shelf forever are Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels. Next I moved into a historical period and kept books by LaVyrle Spencer and Lisa Gregory. Lastly I have novels by Kathleen Gilles Seidel, Barbara Delinsky, and Nora Roberts that have been read and reread. My writing reflects my taste in reading material. I’ve written historical romance, contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, and romantic suspense. I like to change it up, but I can’t stay away from the romance!

Where can we purchase After All These Years? Go to www.thewildrosepress.com.

And where can we learn more about Jannine and her other stories? You can go to: www.janninegallant.com; www.janninegallant.blogspot.com.

Thanks for spending time with me, Chantel. It was great to have you visit Wild Woman Kane's blog!

Meet Rachel Brimble . . . and Lisa Cavendish

On this bitterly cold Western New York Sunday morning, Wild Woman Kane's Blog welcomes from the UK Rachel Brimble, author of "Transatlantic Loving", one of the Class of '85 reunion attendees. And . . . to make the visit even more interesting, Rachel brought Lisa Cavendish with her!

First, a bit about Transatlantic Loving. . .

In a desperate bid to escape the bitter reality of her children accepting her ex-husband’s new – and younger – fiancée, Lisa Cavendish travels from the UK to accompany her friend to a high school reunion. Forced to dress as Madonna in her hey day, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the school’s coach, who seems to hold as much regard for his child as her ex did when he walked out…

Aaron Taylor can’t believe his eyes or ears when he is introduced to Lisa – sexy and funny, she has no idea how her accent enhances the heartbreaking wait he endures waiting for his daughter to call him back to the UK. But after spending just three short weeks with Lisa, he sees the answer to his pain in the eyes of the most phenomenal British lady he has ever met…

Meet Lisa Cavendish . . .

Where are you from originally? I am from the wonderful country village of Castle Coombe in Southwest England. It is ancient in its beauty and history. People come from all over the world to visit Castle Coombe. You can find it on the web if you want a sneaky peek, here’s a link: http://sites.google.com/site/castlecombewiltshire/

What is Transatlantic Loving about? How I met the man who has become the love of my life. I was dragged thousands of miles around the world to my friend’s twenty-five year high school reunion in America. I must admit Summerville, New York is a beautiful place and where I met the man who has changed my life. The hunk of love’s name is Aaron Taylor, soccer coach and general all-round good guy.

What did you think the first time you saw Aaron? “Oh. My.God” in a vagina clenching kind of way.

What was your second thought? Well, a second later he spoke to me and the urge to lick his slightly turned in front tooth rushed through my blood. You’ll glad to know I managed to control myself but still, what is that about? Don’t answer that. I don’t know either.

Did you think it was love at first sight? I’m far too jaded to think love at first sight – lust, most certainly. But then again, I knew within two weeks of knowing Aaron, I was falling for him. Big time.

What do you like most about him? His passion – he’s passionate about everything. Me, his daughter, the kids at the school where he teaches, the right and wrong way to do things. You can’t help but get caught up by his enthusiasm – and goodness. He’s a good…and sexy bloke.

How would you describe Aaron? Mmm…tall, dark, handsome with emerald green eyes, glossy black hair and an athlete’s body. Kind, funny, caring…sexy, edible. Oh, lord, stop me now!

How would he describe you? Ha ha! A pain in the backside, I suspect! He says I’m sexy, he’s says I’m funny but the best thing he says is that I love my kids more than anything. It’s true but Aaron comes a close second, believe me.

What made you choose working in an insurance company as a career?

It wasn’t so much of a choice as a ‘needs must’ scenario. I stayed home full-time with my two daughters until the youngest reached went to secondary school and then my…ex-husband decided it wouldn’t hurt for me to get a job. So I went back to what I did before I became pregnant. Part-time. The kids come first.

What is your biggest fear? Losing my kids and Aaron lying to me

How do you relax? Now Aaron and I are back in the UK, we spend as much as time as possible with his young daughter, Merissa. We both adore her so much and Aaron is really building bridges with his ex-wife, which is fantastic. And when we’re alone? Well, let’s just say there are advantages to having teenagers who spend a lot of time away from the house…

What's your favorite fictional character and why? I’m sure a lot of women would say the same but for me, it has to be Scarlett O’Hara. She reminds me of myself in that she took her surroundings for granted, assumed her life would always be the same but when the worst happened, she turned things around, faced her problems and ultimately grew up!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? When my best friend, Courtney told me I need to loosen up – I did, and I fell in love, let the bitterness toward my ex go and starting living for the moment. It’s a great life!

To the author: What movies or books have had an impact on you?

So many! I love When A Man Loves A Woman and Message in a Bottle – I think they are both the ultimate in romance and pursuing a relationship that will be tested and stretched. Great, great movies.

As for books? I read far too much to name just one or two but the writers that have had an massive impact on my own desire to write are Nora Roberts, Jodi Picoult, Jilly Cooper and Marian Keyes.

For more information on Rachel, go to: www.rachelbrimble.com; www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com; and www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble.

For purchase information on this and Rachel’s other WRP stories, go to: www.thewildrosepress.com

Thank you so much Rachel, and Lisa, for spending time with us at Wild Woman Kane’s blogspot

Mal