Category Archives: Loni Lynne

Mermaids Immortalized in Romance Fiction (And a giveaway to boot!)

Alethea Kontis, Avery Flynn, Carlene Love, Dana Rodgers, Denny S. Bryce, Giveaway, Kerri Carpenter, Kimberly MacCarron, Loni Lynne, Masha Levinson, mermaids, Pintip Dunn, Robin Covington, Susan Andrews, , , , , , , ,

7Hello fishy friends!

How’s everyone doing? I hope your 2016 is off to a great start. I’m humbled and honored to say January is wrapping up very nicely with the release of my eighth published novel. Let Me See (Book 2 of the These Three Words series) just came out today. I’m so very happy I get to share this story with you but guess what really has me smiling?

I’ve missed my fishy sisters so much since moving away from their area nearly two years ago. But today I get to be with them again. Sort of.

I hope you’ll enjoy this excerpt from my new release in which the Waterworld Mermaids become immortalized in romance fiction. **Be sure and leave a comment below for a chance to win a free e-copy.** Let’s see if you can spot them…

Copyrighted Excerpt from Let Me See (These Three Words, 2) by Carlene Love…

Jay normally spent as much time out front chatting with the guests as he did on stage performing for them but right now he wanted a few extra quiet moments alone to let the importance of tonight sink in.

“Jay, come.”

Having thought that, Marie was rarely persistent with him like this. So he followed her out front, forgetting for the time being that he was only half-dressed for his solo. He ran his hand over his abs, rubbing away some of the sweat already sticking to his skin. He’d barely crossed paths with Julian but the bump-in had been enough and he had the man’s angel wing glitter all over his black pants. Jay dusted it off as best he could, eventually giving up. Jay hooked his thumbs in his suspenders. He left the newsboy hat that would—pardon the pun—cap off his college prep outfit in homage to Maggie, in his locker and followed Marie out front. One thing he recognized for sure was the extra pep in her step. If he didn’t know better, he’d have thought she was playing Cupid or something ridiculous like that. Too bad he couldn’t just tell her he’d officially taken his heart off the market, for good, two weeks ago when he’d been stood up again by the girl who had somehow taken his everything prisoner.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said and followed her out, pumping himself up for the night and walking to the beat of Gabe’s solo song.

“So you guys had a pretty successful adoption event at the last shelter drive?”

“Yes, Marie. Why do you ask? You sure are talking to me a whole lot tonight. I mean, I love it. But, do you swear everything is okay with you?” He’d do anything he could to help her. She worked hard and he knew she had issues she kept hidden. Jay knew how that could eat at a person.

“I’m in the mood to do some good and you think there’s something wrong with me? Gee, thanks, Stud.”

He wasn’t sure exactly what to say back to her, to be honest. It was tricky with Marie because Jay knew he had to keep his flirting to a minimum, remembering how wrecked it had made him when D had gotten too loose with his flirty words for Kelley. “My apologies to the lady.”

They walked single file through the last bits of the cramped back hallways until they got to the door that led into the public portion of the club. Jay took an extra-long step to put him in front of Marie so that he could get the door for her. He ushered her through but then noted how she quickly jumped back in front of him. Guess she really wanted to be the leader.

“Accepted. And you’re right, it is odd that I’m feeling so chipper. It’s freaking me out but I’m going with it for this night only. I just feel like this burst of goodness came inside earlier. Apparently your sister’s spirit of positivity has its claws in me tonight.” She winked and smiled softly at him. “Anywho, recognize anyone?”

Marie suddenly stopped walking when they’d only made it a few feet into the club, clearly waiting for him to stop too and have a look around. Okay, he’d play along and checked out the bar area since that was where he associated Marie as being most often. “Drunk Al. Tina and her mom and her sisters. Um, Brad?” He noted the faces he could see this far in the dark.

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat and pulled him around by the suspender until he was facing the stage. She let go and the elastic snapped his skin. It didn’t really hurt but he let out a yelp just to tease her. “Ouch.”

Now he did see a ton of familiar faces. “Do you really want me to start naming everyone? Cause there’s Liz, Kerri, Dana, Kim, Alethea, Pintip, Susan, Loni, Masha, and Denny, just for starters.” It gave him an immense feeling of joy that so many of the regulars were already here supporting the cause. “Oh, and let’s see … Lynne, Robin, and Avery. I can keep going—Jen, Keely, Deb, Denise, Sue, Lil. Ooo, Becky’s looking supa-hot tonight. She turned fifty in here last week, you know. Still fricking gorgeous. Did you know she’s the drummer in a band? I think I’m going to give her a late birthday lick later on. In fact, I think I’m gonna go over there with my sexy self and lick her right now.” Of course he was just teasing, watching Marie’s face get more and more perturbed with him. It was his playful payback to her for bringing him out before he’d gotten dressed and then being so secretive. But honestly, who did she want him to see?

“Ugh. You’re impossible. And you wonder why I don’t talk much to you boys. Gabe—”

But she may as well have stopped speaking.

The second he changed his line of sight to the stage where Gabe currently held court as a half-dressed military hero, he saw the one thing he never would have expected, not in a million years at this point.

She didn’t even have to turn around for him to know.

*****

Eek! I hope you liked it!

Take my friendly fishy advice. If you find yourself missing those who you care about and can’t be near, write them something. Whether it’s a letter, an email, a text, or yeah, in this case a novel. Reach out. Let them know you’re thinking of them. I call it a paper hug. xoxo

**Giveaway Info: Say hi, or better yet, say hi and leave a message for someone you’re currently missing in the comments section and I’ll enter you into the drawing for a free e-copy of Let Me See. Winner will be randomly picked on Sunday night, 1/31/2016. Good luck!

My best to you and yours!

Fishy kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

Let-Me-See-evernightpublishing-JayAheer2016-3DrenderAre you sure you’re ready to see what’s inside?

Two hearts beating…      

S Club dancer and extrovert, Jay, has worked very hard for this eye-opening moment with his reluctant and shy friend, Kelley. Unfortunately, a humorous attempt to get her to open up serves to push her further away. Now it’s nearly impossible to convince her he’s not just out to play.

Hundreds of scars in need of hiding…       

For good reason, Kelley has yet to let Jay see all of her whereas he takes his clothes off nightly for a living. Her respect for him runs unmatched because she sees who he is inside. There’s just no way to ever reciprocate and that’s not fair to him. His interest in her has never made sense. The best option is convincing Jay there really is nothing to see.

One dark night to shine some light on their healing…

Sometimes, it just takes one very patient man, one dimly lit room and one safe set of arms.

Check out more from Let Me See HERE at the Evernight site or HERE at Amazon. xoxo

Welcome Home–to Spiridus House

Loni Lynne, Marketing, mermaids, Motivation, Publishing, Writing

 

 Hello! Loni Lynne here today. I have been working lately, not only on novels but on novel ideas (pardon the pun). I will let my post explain it all but this is something I’ve been working on with all my heart for writers/authors and the great people in the industry that I’ve gotten to know as ‘family’ over the years of writing professionally. I’ve learned so much (and there is so much more to learn) that I wanted to share it and pass along the chance for everyone to share their wisdom, wit and support to each other in this crazy wild ride we share. So I bring to you my article, explaining a bit about me and about Spiridus House:

SHlogo3-mergedandcroppedI have  been writing longer than I can remember, dreaming about the ability to write and someday be published by the big publishing houses. Thirty some odd years later and I’m published but the industry isn’t what it used to be. Six years ago I started writing professionally. Three years ago I was finally offered a contract with an Indie Publisher. An exciting day for me, for sure!

But then came the ‘work’ and I don’t mean writing the next novel. I found out I had to be my own marketer, get my name and my books out there to the readers. I listened to my friends and mentors in my writing groups, read blogs and books on how to market, what you needed to have, etc.  But as things changed, so did my ability to stay up to date, find the links and programs I needed and spend countless hours on the Internet hunting for just the right people and links to get me where I needed to go.

I just don’t have the time. Not if I want to write, too. Which is my main goal.

So after months of having this idea niggling (is that a word…I like it, so it’s MY word) at the back of my brain, I decided to do something about it. I have met so many writers and authors in the same boat as I am, but I’ve also met wonderful people who serve the writing industry.  Why not combine the two into one site in which both people can socialize and network?

Spiridus House is a network based site in which there is no one person. It is a home for each of us, sharing ideas, about our skills and what we have to offer each other.

Spiridus House is looking for you to become a family member if you:

  • are a fiction writer or author (any genre as long as it is fiction or related to fiction writing)
  • design websites and graphics
  • format ebooks and print novels
  • run a book blog
  • plan online parties
  • review books
  • promote
  • design covers for books
  • anything and everything having to do with the world of fiction writing and publishing (focus is on those who self-publish and are Indie Published but all are welcome to share)

 

Spiridus House is looking for all offers and price ranges in the service industry. Pages for links are set up to guide you to someone who can help you and your budget. We are looking for pro-bono workers just starting out, all the way up to professional grade businesses who’ve been in the industry for many years. This way, depending on your budget as a writer/author you connect with someone who can help you and in return, receive your business to grow.

We are also looking for those of you who could share  your experience and information in insightful blog articles and formats. Please see the contact page for further information.

I hope you find this house a friendly, helpful place in a business where working alone is essential, but where feeling alone is never an option. I look forward to growing our house by sharing ideas on how we can make Spiridus House a strong foundation in the ever changing world of writing and publishing.Loni Lynne1

 

Hugs!

Loni Lynne

 

Please check out Spiridus House at http://www.spiridushouse.com

 

Immortal Wounds–A Novella Idea

Books, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Writing

I have never been one to write ‘short’… that’s for sure. Just ask anyone who receives a letter or message from me, four page letters and full detail messages. I get irate when my children respond to my texts with ‘K’ and ‘Yes/No’.  I want details, people! I had a love/hate relationships with my English teachers in high school. Only 10 page report on the British Monarchy? *sigh* Yes, I was one of those, nerds/geeks.

So when an issue came up with my work in progress, Immortal Angel, in which I needed to introduce the couple’s situation before the actual story took place I came up with a ‘novella’ to do just that.

Some would say it’s more of a novelette since it’s roughly a 16,000 word little piece of work. But God, did I have a blast writing it!

Now I want to do more…but after I finish Immortal Angel, now.

So without further ado, I would like to present my little story which is now out on Kindle, Nook, Kobo and a few other sites provided by the wonderful people at Draft2Digital.

Cover4 fixed copy--smaller   Immortal Wounds

(A Guardians of Dacia Novella)

  Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone…

Vietnam never stopped for Mike Linder—and it never will. As an immortal being, Mike is    doomed to face his issues of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder he suffered in combat for  eternity. The darkness in the seventy year old vampire is swept away by the sweet spirited  Christina Johnston who he is called upon by his boss to protect from clan enemies. But  keeping his sunshine around would only lead to extinguishing her light, permanently.

 His Sunshine…His Only Sunshine…

Tina Johnston always believes the glass is half full. The eternal optimist, she wants to help  Mike find the peace from his horrors of war and she believes she’s the one to give it to him.  Unfortunately, Mike won’t let her. Haunted by his past and suffering terrors mixed with his  present, is she strong enough to endure his tortured past? Can she heal his Immortal Wounds?

Rated R—Language, graphic combat scenes, spicy sex.

Available only on eBook format at these fine stores, for only .99:

  Amazon. Nook, Kobo, Scribd

I hope you enjoy!

Immortal Angel to be released, March 30, 2015

(God Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise) 🙂

Hugs!

 

 

The Solitude of Writing–It’s ALL Good!

Loni Lynne, mermaids, Motivation, Writing

Writing to some may be considered a lonely profession but for me…it’s never lonely. Which is not necessarily a good or bad thing–it just is.

Working from home to write is not all it’s cracked up to be (no, I do not spend time in my jammies–unless it is a snow day or I am sick).  But you would think I would get a heck of a lot of writing done in my secluded basement office typing away all day long.

NOPE!

Working from home has some people thinking you have all the time in the world to do things like, run errands, pick up sick kids from school, volunteer for that PTA thing, go on field trips, housework, pick up prescriptions, make doctors appointments…

WAIT! That sounds like the job of a stay at home mom! (Well, technically in a round about way, I still am even though my girls are grown now.)

So when the hubster asked if I would like to go with him on one of his month-long business trips to do nothing but stay in a hotel room all day while he is at work what did I say:

HECK YEAH!

“Won’t you be bored?”

“I have two books I’m working on, marketing, social media, updates to my website/blog, reading, reviews and a few millions of other things that come with being a self-published author…I don’t think I will have time to be ‘bored’, sweetheart.”

Just the past few days in this ‘boring, extended stay hotel’, I have achieved more of my goals than I could have done in two weeks at home in my office. I also don’t have to worry about taking time to drive to the gym, as they have a fitness center only around the corner from my room. Breakfast is free (though I’m Gluten-Free I’d really love to have one of the waffles but settle for yogurt and fresh fruits and occasionally scrambled eggs if I am in the mood). I have a kitchenette that I have fresh strawberries, bananas and milk for lunch and Kind bars for snacks. When hubs gets home, my day ends and we share quality time.

So am I a bored, lonely, social recluse?

YEP! And I’m loving every minute of it.

Hey everyone, I’ll be back on Facebook as soon as I post this…still have a few minutes of social time before I get back to the novel! LOL

HUGS!!

Distilled Spirits Release

Books, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Writing, , ,

Yes, the long-awaited sequel to Wanted: One Ghost is finally going to be out. And I couldn’t be more excited!

What started out as a short story (that became revised and reformatted) on our site back in October of 2013 is now a full-fledged novel about Wanted: One Ghost’s hero, James Addison’s former tavern lady, Millie Taylor.

Millie is still haunting his old stomping grounds, Old Town Tavern and Inn but she’s got ‘spirit’ all her own. Here is a snippet from Distilled Spirits:

Didn’t believe in ghosts? Well that was a fine, “How do you do!” Millie sat quietly in the rafters looking down on the two men discussing business.

She huffed in disgust, blowing a curl out of her face.

As handsome as the new guy was he was also a royal pain in the arse! He and his crew were fixing up her tavern. They’d poked and prodded the old girl, painting and tearing out parts and pieces and replacing them with others. Now they were discussing renovating her old room. It had been updated a time or two since she’d originally been here in the 1700’s. What was wrong with it?

 The Rogers had been the owners of the Old Town Tavern and Inn since before she came to the colonies. She’d watched as each generation took over, seeing the differences and similarities throughout the years. Dave reminded her of old Hank, the man who hired her off the boat from England. As tough and burly as he looked, he was a good man with a kind heart. He’d married his high school sweetheart, Claire, and they’d raised two fine sons. But when Claire died over five years ago, a little bit of him died, too.

Why he’d turned to Jillian Chambers, their local accountant, in the following years, Millie would never know. That woman had more talons than a falcon and for some strange reason, very few facial expressions. For as youthful as she tried to be, she looked a bit odd and it didn’t help that she never really sDistilledSpirits-1600x2400upported Dave in his efforts to make something of the tavern. The woman hated the place with a passion and made sure everyone knew how she felt in words and actions.

The scrape of wooden chairs alerted her to the end of the meeting between Dave and the younger man. From her perch she could get a good look at Sean. What she’d seen of him this past month, he wasn’t someone she’d kick out of the haystack. She grinned at the wicked thought. Perhaps that was why she found herself in his room today. But what was it about him that intrigued her so? Was it the way his blue trousers formed to his limbs? Or the jacket and shirt that hugged his chest? He pulled the look off very well.

His sandy colored hair was short, trimmed close to his head, not long and tied back as men wore it in her day. But there was something rugged about the look and it suited his muscular frame and his angular jaw. Millie’s fingers itched. Oh, to be able to trace those lines.

Still, it perturbed her that he didn’t believe in ghosts. She would really like to be able to speak to him about the tavern, let him know what it meant to her that he was helping Dave with renovations.

Well, if he didn’t believe in her then she’d just have to find some way to make him believe.

 

Distilled Spirits releases Monday, December 15th and is available now on Amazon for pre-order and Wanted: One Ghost is available for just .99 until the end of the year. So you can enjoy Wanted: One Ghost and read Distilled Spirits soon after!

You can catch up on more information about Distilled Spirits on these sites and links:

Loni Lynne’s website: http://www.lonilynne.com

Loni Lynne’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lonilynne

Loni Lynne’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/LoniLynne1

Loni Lynne’s Goodread Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7115619.Loni_Lynne

Loni Lynne’s Mailing List: http://www.lonilynne.com/mailing-list.html

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there from Loni Mermaid and her sisters at the Mermaid Lagoon!

 

 

Interview with Cover Model James Rizzo

Books, Interview, James Rizzo, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Mermaids & Friends

This next few weeks will be an exciting time as I officially reveal the cover of my sequel to Wanted: One Ghost, Distilled Spirits. I knew I wanted the wonderfully talented Taria A. Reed to create my cover again since she’d done such a fantastic job on Wanted: One Ghost. As I anxiously awaited her design, I couldn’t even imagine what she’d come up with. When I saw the proof I was floored! I couldn’t have picked a better cover. She captured my characters Millie Taylor and Sean Lightfoot beautifully. See for yourself!DistilledSpirits-1600x2400
James Rizzo1

Those eyes are so captivating!

I asked Ms. Reed who the models were and she told me. I wanted to thank them for such a fantastic job. My ghost, Millie Taylor is portrayed by the lovely, Liana Young and her hero, Sean Lightfoot is portrayed by the very handsome, James Rizzo.

 

I’ve been lucky enough to have the gorgeous James Rizzo with me today. I still can’t believe he is the cover model for my latest novel, Distilled Spirits. How fantastic is that!! Taria Reed seemed to know what I had in mind for my hero, Sean Lightfoot, when she created the cover with James.

 

So James, I’m going to get right to the meat of this interview. I have an inquisitive mind. I love to research the characters in my books—so I figured it might be fun to ‘research’ the man who portrays Sean Lightfoot for my book cover. As a reader of romance, I like to think that the model actually is the character in the book. As a realist, I know that is not the case so I’d like to see what it is about James Rizzo that makes a perfect character for many romance books.

 

Loni Lynne: Okay…I need to know (I’m probably old enough to be your mother but humor me), just how young are you?

 

James:   I turned 35 on November 14th 

 

Loni Lynne:  Happy Be-lated Birthday, by a few days. 🙂

(Okay, maybe not old enough to be his mother–aunt maybe). I’ve lived all over the United States Michigan, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Hawaii and Maryland, where were you born and did you move around a lot growing up or did you stay in one place?

 

James:  I was born in Wilmington, DE, where I resided until I went to College in 1998.  My first big move was to Maywood, NJ to pursue modeling and acting in New York 12 years ago.

 

Loni Lynne: Since I lived all over the country growing up I ended up going to 13 different schools in 12 years. I loved English Literature, American History and Art. What were your favorite classes in high school?

 

James:  My favorite classes would have to be health and science- such as biology, and chemistry.  I’ve always been very creative and fascinated with the human body.

 

Loni Lynne: You’ve modeled for some great book covers. How long have you been modeling and what made you decide to pursue the career?

 

James:  I have been modeling since I was 20 years old.  I decided to pursue it after competing in body-building for almost 3 years.  I realized I didn’t want to be grotesque with custom clothes so I decided to trim down and pursue acting/modeling. My first transition from Body-building to modeling was when I participated in a Wilhelmina “South Beach Superstar Search”in Miami, Florida.  I won the 2003 top promotional model category and have been doing it ever since.

 

Loni Lynne: No doubt you won! You would’ve gotten my vote.

Fate has a funny way of leading us where we need to be, how did fate lead you to be a cover model? Do you see yourself modeling ten years from now? Where do you see yourself then? Or are you like me and ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ as far as life goes?

 

James:   I have always been a someone that believes in overcoming life’s obstacles through hard-work and dedication.  I can usually accomplish anything I put my mind to.  My persistence in a very competitive industry allowed me to become a cover model.  I see myself living in California as a working actor 10 years from now.  I will continue to model because it has always been a passion.

 

Loni Lynne:  We’ll definitely be looking for you in film and TV.

When you posed for Taria Reed (my fabulous cover artist), did you realize you would end up on the cover of Distilled Spirits? What’s the process for doing a photo shoot?

 

James:  I was not aware I would end on the cover but Taria did mention that she had a few covers lined up for me.  Taria originally discovered me through Model Mayhem, which is a great site for discovering new talent for any project. The process for doing a photo shoot usually consists of photographers and models sharing a mutual agreement as far as type of shoot, location, and time frame.  The shoot should be convenient for both parties and the details such as wardrobe etc. should be discussed beforehand.  I am very experienced and easy to work with.

 

Loni Lynne: Distilled Spirits is a paranormal romance based on a 200 year old ghost (Millie Taylor) who is brought back to life, kind of, by our hero (Sean Lightfoot). Do you believe in ghosts? What would you do if you were to encounter a friendly entity?

 

James:  No, I do not believe in Ghosts but if I encountered one, it would certainly change my outlook about the deceased.  I watch Horror movies frequently and they never scare me, just find them entertaining.

 

Loni Lynne: You’ve been on the covers of so many great romance novels, I am just going to come out and ask…Do you ever read any of them? If so, do you see yourself in any of the characters?

 

James:  Its funny you mentioned that. I tell my mother all the time, “I’ll keep making them, you read them.”  She’s a pretty quick reader and enjoys most of the novels.  My mother usually gives me her synopsis upon completion. Sometimes she mentions how certain characters relate to me.  I always tell her when I’m shooting another one because she likes to say “looks like I have some more reading to do!” haha

 

Loni Lynne:  I can imagine she’s delighted to see you on the covers. She must be very proud.

It took me a while to find my Mr. Right and live happily ever after for 25 years and looking forward to at least another 25. (Okay, yes…do the Math! Like I said…I’m old.) What about you? Have you found Mrs. Right? Or are you still looking for that perfect someone?

 

James:  I have not found Mrs. Right yet.  I will be honest; I’m extremely picky and want to make the right decision. With over 50% of marriages resulting in divorce, I certainly don’t want to rush and regret it later in life.

 

Loni Lynne:  Good thinking. When the right one comes along, it just clicks and you know they are the one.

My ideal date would be a quiet dinner with my hubby downtown and then walking around holding hands on a brisk fall night. (His though is different—he’s such a guy!) I need to know, are you more of a romantic kind of guy or do you prefer a simpler form of dating?  Any great romantic ideas to share? What would you consider the ‘perfect date’?

 

James:  I would consider myself very romantic for the right woman.  I have cooked dinner for Valentine’s Day before and surprised women with flowers.  I really need to be into the girl for my creative/romantic side to come out. The perfect date for me would have to be sharing a variety of favorite food- Italian dishes, seafood, and dessert followed by a lounge with a fireplace, sharing a bottle of wine.

James Rizzo4

A strong jawline–a dependable man.

 

Loni Lynne:  (Wow! That would be ‘perfect’. Fanning myself…)

Okay, now for random questions, shootin’ from the hip!

 

Favorites:

  • Color:  Blue
  • Food:  Steak
  • Movie:  Anything Inspirational – last movie was “Fury” with Brad Pitt
  • TV Show:  Married with Children
  • Actress and Actor:  Scarlett Johansson/Denzel Washington
  • Holiday:  Christmas

 

Loni Lynne: Okay back to some pertinent questions again—If you had your way, where would you like to live? Cabin in the woods/Penthouse apartment in the big city/or a bungalow by the shore? And why?

 

James:  I love the summer months and growing up I would go boating on the weekends with my family.  We use to go to Maryland and make a whole day of it- barbecues, water-skiing, jet skiing, and tubing. I enjoy a warm climate all year round so I would probably want to live in Malibu, CA or Hawaii in a beautiful beach house.

 

Loni Lynne: In your own words, describe yourself (internally—we know you are extremely good looking on the outside) J.

 

James:  I am a very good-hearted person and my friends and family know I am dependable. Loyalty is the biggest attribute my family and I share.  Italians are known for this.

James Rizzo3

Look at that smile…it’s in his eyes, too!

 

Loni Lynne:  I agree. I think those attributes show through in your photos. It’s the strength in your jawline and the smile that reaches your eyes that tells the truth.

If you could pick one thing to change the world, what would that be and why?

 

James:   I wish I could stop the violence in our society and raise more awareness about gun control.  There are entirely too many shootings in schools. Children should stay more active in sports and extracurricular activities.

 

Loni Lynne: A very real issue in our society. It breaks my heart to hear and see it so often in the news.

 

Thank you so much James for being here today and sharing with us. I know you are very busy and taking time out to talk with us means so much. And again, thank you for being such a great cover model! My book really looks great with you on it!

 

If you have time to stop by and answer questions from my readers, we would love to hear from you!

 


 See more of James Rizzo at Taria Reed.

Days Like These…

Loni Lynne, mermaids, Motivation, Writing, , , , ,

http://t.co/sgvHLs4o

Okay, I have to admit lately this video makes a ton of sense to me.

With a recent book release, Immortal Heat (self-published), Distilled Spirits, the sequel to Wanted: One Ghost coming in December, and the sequel to Immortal Heat, Immortal Angel to be written and released in January my head is about to explode! But it’s for the Greater Good….’the Greater Good’.

So if you see me around with a weird smile on my face…it’s just the Zoloft taking effect.  (LOL).

Seriously, it’s a great time but crazy. Trying to wear all the hats in a business (and anyone who tells you being an author isn’t a business should be boiled in peanut oil and salted…because they are NUTS!) is not an easy task. That is why there are so many ‘helpers’ out there (and no, I don’t mean the happy pills).  There are editors, agents, and promotional specialists who are out there to help take the burden off some of our duties and they are a godsend!

I also have my daughters who are big helps when I need my kitchen cleaned because I’m on deadlines or meals prepared. But still, the job can become overwhelming. I’ve always been a person who deals with To Do Lists, and even they are starting to look like a jumbled mess of manuscript needing to be edited.

So yeah, it’s a job and days like these…well they happen.

What do you do to get through “Days Like These” ?

Hugs!

 

 

Immortal Heat is Hot and Historical

Books, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Writing, , , , , , , , ,

I am excited to finally have the very first book I started writing five years ago (when I decided to go professional as a writer) ready for release!Loni Lynne 5 p12756ta105474_25

Immortal Heat was so much fun to write. It started out when I began researching my family heritage. My paternal grandfather was actually Romanian by birth. For years I couldn’t find out much on Romania due to the fact it was a communist country and at the time, the Internet wasn’t even around. Now with the handy little tool you can not only research a place you’ve never been but virtually go there via Google Maps.

The more I delved into the history of Romania I found some fascinating story lines. I didn’t want to do Vlad Dracul since he’d been done so many times so I delved deeper–all the way back to Pre-Roman conquest when Romania was known as Dacia.

What I found out about Dacia was that the Dacians were a mystical people. Their clans went into battle carrying flags and banners in the shape of dragons to scare off their enemies. Until the Romans second conquer–(the first attempt failed)–they were protected by the dark, mysterious forests that surrounded them. Other countries refused to cross the Danube because they were afraid. Even the god they worshiped, Zamoxlis considered his warriors ‘Immortal’.

What great fodder for a paranormal novel, right?!  I was so excited!

As I worked and researched further, I read about their folklore and found an interesting creature known as the Zmeu. A shapeshifter who would turn into smoke, sneak into a woman’s bedroom and seduce her, take her to his lair only to have the handsome warrior come slay the Zmeu and rescue the fair maiden. The Zmeu could shift into any form, but he was known for his human abilities and those of a Balour or Dragon. He was the equivalent of the ‘boogeyman’ to children in folklore.

But I didn’t see the Zmeu as evil. I figured if he was ‘Dragon’ then he might have been a gift from the gods to go into battle with the Dacian warriors. His kind might have even been sacred. So I created him as my ‘hero’ and Draylon Conier (pronounced Con-yea) came to life. Think of raven black hair with electric blue eyes and just enough shadow of scruf to make you think of waking up to just a touch of whisker burn– 😉 .  There are some pretty serious scenes that my beta readers think are pretty smokin’. So yes, there is HEAT in this book–more ways than just the title.

Immortal Heat is the first book in my new series, The Guardians of Dacia and also my first attempt at self-publishing. I had so much wonderful help in creating this book, a little secret, my daughter Jengi created the cover and my good friend, Magda Alexander helped me with formating and self-publishing support. I have a wonderful editor, Judy who worked diligently with me to make sure all the loopholes were covered–not easy in a paranormal where you create the world to work for you.

So without further ado–I present Immortal Heat, Book 1 in The Guardians of Dacia series!

ImmortalHeat-bookcover2 (VTCSwitchbladeRomance)2 copy revised

The Guardians of Dacia Series

Romania has been called the mystical land of paranormal beings and creatures of the night. Before the Romans conquered their land, Dacia was a mystical land of magic and folk-lore until one man and his army destroyed the closely woven fabric set by the gods between man and beast. Now, cursed by their gods over two thousand years ago, one immortal clan struggles to maintain their private world while still learning to live and protect their human brethren while their enemy seeks power to destroy the new world.  But as the clans face extinction, a new generation of Dacian blood emerges to unite the clans once more. The world as they know it may never be the same.

 

  Immortal Heat

Dacian Historian…

Determined to study ancient Dacian folk lore abroad, Marilyn Reddlin’s plans are cut short when she is abducted by a dark haired stranger who insists she’s in danger. The only danger she’s in is losing herself to her abductor’s inexplicable seductive energy. Draylon Conier teaches her there is more to Romania than myth and fairy tales while sweeping her into a wild adventure of paranormal mystery and intrigue.

Dacian History…

Thousands of years trying to pay back a debt, Draylon Conier is finally able to do so. Sent to capture a young, American student who is in danger while in Romania, he just has to send her back home. Easy enough for him. Unfortunately, Marilyn Reddlin is determined to thwart his every attempt—even telepathy. But there is more to her than meets the eye and the closer he gets to her, the more danger she is in, not only from the ancient immortal Dacian clans he’s trying to protect her from, but also his own sexual need.

History just got a lot harder.

They must find out what connection Marilyn has to Dacian history before Draylon destroys her when she succumbs to Immortal Heat.

Immortal Heat is available for Pre-Order on Amazon. The release date is October 6, 2014!

To read an excerpt click here: Immortal Heat and The Guardians of Dacia

 

My Quirky Inspiration

Loni Lynne, mermaids, Motivation

Sometimes I am amazed by how entertaining and fascinating my family can be. They are a constant source of amusement and even give me ideas for stories that don’t necessarily make sense–but are fun!

One of those inspirations I want to celebrate today. My youngest. 

She is unique in many ways which makes her stand out in a crowd.  She never had a lack of friends in school because of her sense of humor, openness and diversity. Her creativity shown in her writing but mainly her art projects. She’s a ‘gamer’ from “Womb to Tomb” as a sign on her bedroom door reads. She even lets me watch her play some of her RPG (role playing games) with her. Her commentary is uniquely her and can have me in stitches while she’s playing. A few years ago she taught me (a non-gamer) how to play Oblivion: The Elder Scrolls. She’s a fan of Dr. Who and Mystery Science Theater–she’s more of a tomboy at times then I could imagine. But when she dresses up for Prom/Graduation her true feminine beauty shines through.

What’s even more amazing is the special relationship between her and our oldest daughter. The two of them are each other’s best friends, which no mother could be prouder to have. Not all siblings are that close growing up. They feed off of each others wild energy, quoting movies, gifs, humorous YouTube videos that only they understand.

It was a mixed blessing the day she turned 18 a few months back. I knew I couldn’t stop it from happening and I hope I’ve prepared her for the role she will have to take on now–but I don’t want her to lose the wonderful, quirky personality in order to fit into a mold of societies making. She’s always been her own person with strong morals and ideals that I know will make the world a better place.

I was honored recently to share a special day with her. The day my book, Wanted: One Ghost was released was her graduation day. I had prepared for it, making all the preparations I could for my release in advance because I wanted to share her special day with her.  Watching her walk across the stage to receive her diploma, wearing her cap and gown and Arts and Communication Academy ropes…I cheered, I cried and I knew that she had made it and would be all right.

To you, Sweetie Pie-Pookie! I love you!

Party Time in the Lagoon! Loni Lynne #Book Release and #Giveaway!

Avery Flynn, Interview, Loni Lynne

Wanted-1600Y’all I am super excited to have cornered our own Loni Lynne in the lagoon. She’s getting tipsy on the One Fin Cosmopolitan, so you know she’s going to spill the goods. Why is she in such a party-down mood? Because her debut novel Wanted: One Ghost was released this week and it’s time to celebrate.

Since it’s always 5 p.m. in the Waterworld Mermaid lagoon, grab yourself an adult beverage and join the conversation with Loni. And be sure to play along in the comments for a chance to win Loni’s debut novel, Wanted: One Ghost.

OK, I have to ask about your writing space. Where does the magic happen?

My daughter’s former bedroom which now has my L- shaped writing desk, an aerobics ball I use for a chair and three book shelves loaded with romance books and research books.

I’m going to totally out you because you’re one of the more quiet mermaids in the lagoon. I promise not to share it with the world *wink*, but what are three things about you that would surprise other people?

Loni Lynne 5 p12756ta105474_251.) One of my first jobs was as a radio DJ for a country music station out in western Oklahoma.

2.) I joined the Navy right after high school and tried out for Navy Diver when they started to accept women in the program…I didn’t make it.

3.) Was stationed for four years in Hawaii.

Loni, you have led an interesting life, which is great for a writer. 🙂 How did you get your idea for Wanted: One Ghost?

After a few ghost tours I wondered what the ghosts would think or do so I created my own version of ideas.

 If you could divine history by touching objects, like your heroine April, what event or person would you like to know more about?

I’ve always had a thing for Revolutionary War era. I would have loved to sit in on the signing of the Declaration of Independence or sat and talked with Ben Franklin.

James, your hero, is a ghost/ladies man. That’s quite a combination. What inspired you?

I consider that era so full of charming gentlemen. He was a combination of some of the historical romance heroes I read in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Are you a history buff? If so, what’s your favorite era and why?

To read about and study, I love Colonial American and Westward Expansion. I grew up in the Midwest and was fascinated when my family moved and traveled frequently around the country. First thing we did was check out local museums.

For music/decor I love vintage/1920’s-1950’s. Big Band and the old crooners.

OK, now for the most important question ever. Historical hotties (i.e. who’d you rather): A dashing Duke or a brawny Viking?

A dashing Duke. Dark hair, charming and elegant.

***

Who’s ready to get their hands on a copy of Wanted: One Ghost? Yay! I want to giveaway a digital copy to one lucky commenter (open internationally) who answers this question: If you could divine history by touching objects, like April- the heroine in Wanted: One Ghost, what event or person would you like to know more about?

Put your answer in the comments and I’ll pick a winner at random on Monday.

Wanted: One Ghost 

Wanted-1600Stuck in ghostly limbo for 238 years, James Addison can’t move on to an afterlife.  After being falsely accused of treason and executed, fate’s cursed him to remain an earth-bound specter until he meets a historian sent to research his past.

Distrustful of fate, Dr. April Branford wants to be taken seriously, but her unique ability to divine history by touching objects seriously compromises her credibility. Her latest assignment?  James Addison, a legendary colonial ladies’ man with a shadowy past.  Without much to go on, she doesn’t hold out much hope to discover the man behind the legend until the day she accidentally touches him and brings him back to life.

 With the help of family and ghosts from James’s past, they unravel the truth. But after falling in love and with time running out, it’s hard for April to believe in fate and a future where forever is now.