Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Valerie TwomblyHola Chickies!  Today we are pleased to welcome a new author to our blog, Valerie Twombly. 
 
About the Author:
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

For more information about Valerie, or to connect, check her out in the following places:

Website  |  Goodreads  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Google +
Author Interview:

1.      Valerie, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I live with hubby and 2 dogs and work a full-time job. Some days I think I might be crazy taking on all this extra work, but I love writing. My one vice is chocolate, wine and hot men. Okay, so that’s more than one, but I’m not counting. On most days I have to pinch myself. This really is a dream world.
2.      Have you always wanted to be an author? 
Believe it or not, no. It was never something that crossed my mind until about 2 years ago. I read a lot and one day my husband told me he thought maybe I should write my own stories. I laughed, but secretly my mind began to whirl and then the voices yelled.
3.      Who would you say inspired you to become an author?
Oh there are several who are responsible for that. First hubby for planting the idea. The genre itself is an inspiration with so many wonderful stories and authors. Once I began writing I met Renea Mason, who was also working on her first book and she was the first person who told me I had talent. Up until that time I really questioned if I was doing the right thing. She is still my rock and a good friend who is not afraid to give me a shove when I need it.
4.      I absolutely loved Eternal Flame!  How many books are you planning to write for the series?
Oh thank you! I don’t really have a number in my head, but I hope to tell each Guardians story. With that in mind there could be a total of at least 8. While some of the characters are not Guardians, they still deserve a story of their own. I’m also contemplating a possible spinoff for the Draki. The characters of this series offer so many possibilities for future books.
5.      If you had a choice of becoming one paranormal creature, what would you be?
Vampire, no question about it. I love the fangs!
6.      Do you have other works in progress?  If so, please tell us what we can expect.
As a matter of fact I just sent my editor Guardians book 2 titled Fatal Desire. The release date is set for March 2014 and I think the fans are going to be surprised at whose story unfolds. I really didn’t have a choice, I swear. Someone was yelling in my head demanding he was next. Who am I to argue?
I also released my first erotic paranormal in November 2013 called Amazon Heat, Demon Heat series. Right now I am working on a second book for that series. After that I hope to move on to book 3 of the Guardians.
7.      What is the best advice to you would give to aspiring writers?
       Never give up. Once you publish make sure you get your name out there. Social media is so    important. Fans can’t find you if they don’t know you exist.

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Book Review:
Eternal Flame (Guardians, #1)Title:  Eternal Flame
Series:  Guardians, Book 1
Author:  Valerie Twombly
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Available for Purchase at:
Amazon  |  B&N  |  Resplendence


Book Description:

A woman he cannot have, a man who is only a dream...

When guardian Marcus Dagotto, discovers the gods have gifted him with a mate, he is pissed. He has no room for love and even less for a human who has no idea he exists.

Cassandra Jensen, has a shattered heart and has given up on men. Only one man can set her body on fire, but he is a fantasy that haunts her sleep.

Two worlds, one desire. When the two collide, fate will rip them apart and test their resolve. Will darkness and evil prevail? Or, will love conquer all?

I thoroughly enjoyed Eternal Flame which is book 1 in the Guardians series.  It had suspense, action, mystery, and a love story that kept me rooting for the couple and hoping they would find their way to one another before all the obstacles against them really took root.  Marcus is so lost after losing everyone he loved in the brutal war except his sister.  He doesn't believe he wants to love again, much less take a mate. That feeling stays strong right up until the point that he meets Cassandra and then his basic instincts take over.  Cassandra has her own wounds surrounding love, and she is determined to never allow anyone close to her heart again.  While fighting a lust that is undeniable, Cassandra is desperate to protect her heart.....there's just one problem, Marcus is her destine mate and demands to be let in.

Valerie Twombly does an excellent job of building a visual of the alternate world the guardians live in, as well as building a sense of cohesiveness between the main characters.  Her inclusion of the other warriors in the main story helped readers to get to know each of them better, but most of all to crave their individual stories.  I'm so looking forward to learning more about King Aidyn and the depth of his overall power!

If you have enjoyed Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld, Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series, or Rebbeca Zanetti Dark Protectors Series, you will most certainly enjoy Eternal Flame!  I'm giving this one 3.5 notes, and 4 flames!  A great start to what seems to be shaping up to be a great series!


Still not convinced.....take a look at the teaser below:


She glanced at the clock, it was one a.m. But the last thing she wanted to do was sleep. She set her glass down and moved off the couch. “I’m not tired.” She reached for his hand and dug for her courage. She had a feeling he didn’t want to leave. “Kiss me.”

He pulled her close and ran his fingers down her cheek. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Gently, he nibbled her bottom lip, coaxing her mouth open with his tongue. She parted her lips, he took full advantage, pressed his way deeper into her mouth, held the kiss before he broke away.

She opened her eyes and let out a sigh. “You’re a good kisser, Marcus.” She leaned into him and pressed her body against his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him to her, and their lips came together. Her tongue did a deliberate slow dance across his, making him moan. Her core turned to lava, the heat almost too much to bear.

He pushed her away. “Cassie. I could stand here and kiss you all night, but I’d better go before I make an ass of myself and you end up hating me.”

She reached for his hand, knowing what his aim was. “Why do you think I would end up hating you?” She worried it might be the other way around. Would he think her a wanton woman? She tried to cap her desire, but the need to live what happened in her dreams overruled her common sense.

“I will not lie. I believe in the truth, always. I want you. I want to lie you on the bed and make passionate love to you until neither of us can move.”

“Then what’s stopping you?” she whispered.

“Love, did I hear you correctly?” Disbelief was written on his face.

She gazed into his stormy eyes. “I will admit, I’m not the type who sleeps with a man on the first date.” She looked down at his chest. “Hell, not even the second or third.” Her eyes moved back up to meet his. “I can’t say what it is, this connection I feel. I just know I need you.”

He pulled her close, his mouth crushing hers. Their tongues glided across each other in a play for dominance. Her nipples hardened and strained against the fabric of her dress. With only the thin layer of material between them, she felt his cock harden.

She pulled away and gasped for air as she led him to the darkened bedroom. Her courage wavered for a moment. She’d come this far, there would be no stopping now. She didn’t want to stop.

“Marcus, I don’t know how to explain it. I trust you, and to be honest, your touch sets me on fire. I need you, but if this isn’t what you want, then I’ll understand.” She held her breath and waited for his reaction.

He traced a finger along her cheek. “There’s no way in hell I’m leaving now, unless of course, you toss me on the street.”

She reached for his shirt, her fingers trembling as she loosened the first button. He grabbed her wrists. “If at any time you want to stop, tell me.”

Her head shook and continued with the buttons until they were completely undone. She pushed the shirt past his shoulders and onto the floor. Breath escaped her lungs when the moonlight filtered in the windows and danced across his chest. He was remarkable, better than her dreams.

He removed the clip that held her hair. Her chestnut curls spilled around her shoulders. He moaned when his fingers ran through the silky mass. The dress became a second skin, and she was ready to be rid of it, but before she could make a move, he reached behind her neck and untied the halter. The dress fell to her waist, exposing her bare breasts. His eyes became drunk with desire. He tipped his head down and ran his tongue over her nipple, causing it to pebble. God, she had almost come undone right there.

“You have too many clothes on,” she said, reaching for the button on his pants.

He moved off her breast, and she cried out from the ache he left behind. “I could say the same for you, love.” He kicked off his boots while she dropped her dress to the floor. She was left standing in a red thong and black heels. There would be no turning back now.

Grabbing the waistband of his pants, she yanked them to the floor, and his erection sprung free. Her tongue traced her lips, desperate to savor him. He was much bigger than she had experienced, but that only heightened her arousal. She dropped to her knees and ran her tongue over the tip of his shaft. He tasted of salt and seduction. He wrapped a fist in her hair and groaned. She sucked him in, taking every inch. Drunk by the pleasure she gave him.

He threw his head back. “Oh gods, Cassie, you feel so good. Don’t stop.”

As if she could. No, she was a woman possessed, determined to take him over the edge. At this moment, she wanted nothing more than to make him scream her name.


ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF ETERNAL FLAME!!!!

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6 comments :

  1. Thanks for having me over today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was our pleasure! Really enjoyed the book and the interview. Oh and if I could choose a paranormal character I would definitely be a wolf!

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  2. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really liked it. It reminded me of the Lords of the Underworld and the Dark Protectors by Rebecca Zanetti. The characters building was great! I will definitely read more from Valerie.

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  3. Thank you for the giveaway. This book sounds Awesome.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah thanks Valerie for the giveaway! I hope you win. The book is great and I'm looking forward to reading more from Valerie.

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