Showing posts with label characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label characters. Show all posts

Author, Amanda Bretz drops by the blog to tell us about the inspiration behind what her characters look like in her new release story, 'Minding the Boss',



I'd like to share what the inspiration is behind the physical attributes of my male and female characters. I use story boards on Pinterest to develop a sense of what my hero/heroine look like. When I sat down to write a story about a sexy boss only one image popped into my head: Alexander Skarsgard.


I’ll admit I am a die-hard True Blood fan and I have developed quite the crush on A.Skar.
I don’t know if it’s the come-hither look in his blue eyes, his six-foot-four build or the fact that he plays a 1,000 old Viking vampire who oozes alpha male sex appeal–but I just knew Max Drake would look like Alexander.
I mean, come on, look at him.
 Who wouldn’t want to call him ‘sir’? ;-)

When it came time to think about what the female in my story would look like I knew I wanted someone pretty, but who was also a bit girl-next-door. I think that balance is part of the appeal of my character Rachel. I knew that I wanted Rachel to have brown hair and since my story takes place in Miami, I figured it wouldn’t hurt for her to have a sun-kissed look.
I decided that Rachel Bilson was the perfect woman for my character. Heck, she even has the same first name as my character. I’ve been a fan of this fine actress since she played Summer Roberts on the TV show The O.C. ;)








Minding the Boss 
 


What is it about a man in charge?
Rachel Ellis has spent months fantasizing about all the things she’d love to do to her sexy boss Max Drake if given the chance. When the two find themselves alone in the office, on a Saturday night no less, she quickly realizes that all her naughty daydreams are about to come true.
Even though she’ll settle for just one night of passion with Max, Rachel finds out that anything is possible when you mind the boss.

Read an excerpt:

“Rachel? What are you doing here so late? And on a Saturday night?”
I startled at the sound of his deep, hypnotic voice. Even though I could recognize that mellifluous voice in my dreams, hearing it this late at night, while I was alone in my empty office building no less, caused me to drop the contents of my mug of coffee all over my desk. I scrambled to my feet in an attempt to keep the lukewarm liquid from pooling on my computer, cell phone or any of the other electronic devices in the vicinity.
“Here, let me help,” Max Drake, my ultra-sexy boss, said as he pulled a white towel out of thin air and began mopping coffee up off my desk.
My spacious cubicle seemed to shrink in size thanks to the presence of his powerful six-foot four frame. I watched him, fascinated by the way his bicep muscles rippled beneath his long-sleeved cotton shirt. It was a powder blue, my favorite color on him. I knew even before Max turned his blue-eyed gaze on me that the light blue hue would only enhance the azure color of his eyes.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver, Max. So do you always carry a towel with you just in case of coffee emergencies?” I asked him in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“No,” he said, a smile curving his full, sexy lips. “I was on my way to workout, but I remembered I left my gym access card on my desk. What are you doing here? It’s Saturday night. I find it hard to believe you don’t have a hot date with some-“ he stopped speaking abruptly and leaned his long frame against my desk.
“You, uh, have some coffee on your shirt,” Max told me as he passed me his towel.
I looked down at my white T-shirt, which now sported a wide brown oval of coffee on the left boob. I was suddenly hyper aware of two things: the way my shirt clung to the soft flesh that was soaked with java and Max’s gaze at my bra-less breasts in my thin, partially coffee-stained T-shirt.
Why hadn’t I felt the liquid on my chest before now? And why had I thought it was a good idea to leave the house without a bra? I’d been so sure no one would run into me that I’d came into the office to complete a project I was behind on with my hair balled up in a messy bun, a white T-shirt, sans bra, and a pair of black yoga pants. Lime green flip-flops completed my stunning ensemble.
I hated that I looked like a bag lady in front of Max. I hated that I’d spilled coffee all over my cube and myself. I hated that I was dabbing at my boobs with his gym towel. I just wanted to crawl under my desk and never come out.
 “I’m sorry I’m such a klutz. I-“ whatever else I was going to say next died on my lips when I felt Max’s hands encircle my wrists.
My pulse raced at the nearness of him as he pulled me from my chair and toward his hard body. I closed my eyes when I saw him lower his sensual mouth toward my own. I was dreaming. Despite the copious amounts of caffeine I’d consumed, I’d somehow managed to fall asleep at my desk and I was having a deliciously sexy dream. But when Max’s lips met mine I knew I was wide awake.

Want to know what happens next? Buy Minding the Boss on Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IW81ROK and Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IW81ROK

About Amanda:
In addition to being an author of contemporary, historical and erotic romance, Amanda Bretz holds a degree in communication from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She is a multi-published author of several books and short stories and has worked as a journalist in both print and online news. Amanda writes romantic stories with a happy ending and invites readers to experience the rush of falling in love.
When not writing, Amanda can be found whipping up something delectable in her kitchen, spending time in nature or getting lost in a good book.
She resides in historic Saint Charles, Missouri, with her husband, Brandon.

Connect with Amanda online:
Twitter: @realamandabretz   twitter.com/realamandabretz

Hi my name's Jake and I'm a private investigator

Hi Jake,
Welcome to the blog. Tell everyone a little about yourself.

Hi Elodie, 
Thank you for inviting me to the blog today, especially since the book I feature in has just been released.

I’m nearly twenty-nine. I have a home in Bath in the United Kingdom, but I might be about to sell it. I work, as you know, for the Brandt Black Private Investigation Agency. I have a sister, Bethany. She’s in the States right now with her movie star husband, Seth Carbery. I haven't seen much of my sister Bethany since she and Seth were married. They are on location again for a new movie. I was thinking of taking a vacation with them. Don't let that picture Pixie took of me on the roof fool you, I don't really like heights much.


 What's the story about Jake and why is is titled Jake Snow?

I don't want to give spoilers. It's about a case I'm assigned to in the fashion world. It's a love story. It's about how life can suddenly take a different turn.

So can we expect steamy love scenes?

Yes. It's definitely steamy at times, but the story is grounded in real life. What happens to people and how people do things that aren't all that nice really. 

What can you tell us about the title?
It's my name. I guess the author thought since it's my story then that was an okay title. I like it.

What about Pixie? I think lots of people know now that you two get together in some way from the blog posts around the place.
 I can only say that we do get together a few times, (smiles). Pixie is hot. She's intelligent, talented and turns me to mush.

That's a brave thing to say, some guys wouldn't admit that.
Do you think so? I'm not afraid to go after the woman I want. 

Thanks for visiting, Jake.
My pleasure.  

  
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FAYMIME
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jake-Snow-ebook/dp/B00FAYMIME


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Great paranormal romance from guest author Caroline Felicity Levy

Welcome to the blog Caroline,
Tell us about yourself,



I was born in Chatham Kent in 1970. I now live in Yorkshire with my Daughter and our five mad cats.
My first memories of any book would have been my mother reading The Enormous Turnip. It must have driven her mad, as it was always our first choice when asked what we should read tonight.
I grew up with the classics; Little Women, The railway children but it would have been the house that died and blue beard that I can remember wanting to read.
I can remember writing a verse for the school song and being chosen as a winner for what was then 3rd year juniors. I stopped reading so much in my late teens to my mid twenties, life seemed to always be too busy for that pile of books I so wanted to read. It was when I went into hospital to have my daughter that made time for me to read again and thankfully I haven’t stopped since. However it wasn’t until my late twenties that I realised I wanted to write. I have spent a few years trying to complete an online creative writer’s course; without much success, but it led me to what I am writing now. So never give up if you really want to write!
I am very influenced by Fantasy fiction / Horror; most of the books I read are in this genre. I have many Authors I like to follow Anne Rice was very influential in the beginning. I also discovered Laurel K Hamilton and many, many more I could go on about different Authors I like to read. However I will say that this year I have also discovered there are literally; well probably thousands of very talented Indie Authors out there and a very welcoming and friendly bunch they are too, but I digress, yes I get very excited about the subject of books.
I have finished my first Novel called Welcome to the Family which should be ready to publish by the end of April this year. I also have other Novel’s in the pipeline, Nikki’s Revenge & Protecting the Family. Due out later in the year.


“Do you believe in things that go bump in the night?”

Only a few hours old, Angela Smith is left wrapped in a blanket on the steps of St Paul’s church. Alone in the world, the only link she has to her past is a pink blanket bearing an emblem. An emblem of two crossed swords and a snake.
A troubled childhood spent in orphanages leads to Angela attempting to rebuild her shattered life as an adult. Meeting the priest who found her eighteen years previously, she gets a job and a boyfriend, and settles into her new life.
Until she meets Sean.
Drawn to her new boss, she throws herself into work, feeling a bond with people she hasn’t felt in her whole life. Angela is embroiled in this new life, feeling a change within herself. A change which isn’t altogether human. Within this change she finds a terrifying secret…a secret which involves her past, her present, and definitely her future…
 ****

Caroline has brought along her main male character Jack Jones today;

Yes Elodie I've brought Jack with me, 
     Firstly many thanks for having me on your blog *waves*. A big hello to you and all your lovely followers.
     This is an exciting time for me. The release of Welcome to the Family was quite a big deal. It’s my first Novel to be published, so it’s all extra shiny and exciting. Although to be honest I think I will be getting this excited about every book I get to publish. (smiles)
     I have been pondering on what to do this blog post about, as you have been kind enough to leave it as a guest post, so I have free reign to run wild all over your blog (laughs)... I'm joking...
     I have decided to make this post about one of the characters from the book, I don’t know about you, but I often wonder about the little things that you don’t always get to know via the book. Like, is Jack a boxers or briefs kind of guy and does he have a regular girl? 

All about....
Damien Mordant Aka Jack Jones

Vampire... age 190 years old, and proud of it.
Jack is the type of vampire/man that can turn any girls head, and he knows it. He never dates... he will see a girl for the amount of time it takes him to complete a sketch, one of his hobbies, along with playing the piano. Only dating humans, is a strict rule for Jack. 

He owns an exclusive restaurant called Antonios. Mainly frequented by vampires, or the rich and famous, they have a strict rule of no booking, no entry. So clients can keep their privacy. 
The other businesses he owns are the total opposite. Melodies, is the hottest nightclub in town, the place to be seen, and this is where Jack hunts for his next conquest.

 The last of his places of business is Toppers strip club, intended for both sexes. On the odd occasion he may pick up a human from there, but it is rare.
 Jack is a total ladies man but he has been known to see a male he thinks would compliment his collection. He has a studio he keeps for the sole purpose of his sketches. Taking his ‘friends’ to be immortalised on paper for all time. Unlike the fragile human themselves,  Jack thinks humans are so much more fun than vampires, their candle burns hot and fast, making them want to live life to the fullest while they can. He always repays his ‘friends’ by granting them a once in a lifetime gift. Can be anything from a dream trip, to the job they always wanted. He has fingers in many pies, and will see talent, using it to his advantage, if he seduces the lovely ladies along the way... 

Jack’s bloodline is a strong one. They are entitled to sit on the vampire council, although he is too young to be put forward for council member. You have to be over three hundred years old, but this is convenient for Jack at the moment, as he is way too busy enjoying life, to be stuck with parliamentary duties. 

He is one of the youngest managers at Topline towers. Making good use of the connections to help out his ‘friends’
I asked what the angst is between himself and Dorian Winters. His files are sealed, and he is sworn no to tell what happened. But Dorian still holds a grudge for the incident, over one hundred years ago. So if he can help it, he steers clear of the head council member.

I did manage to get  a couple of secretes from him though.

Boxers or briefs? Both depending on the situation, although he actually prefers commando.
His body is a temple... so no junk food, unless it is within the confines of the bedroom. Sorry ladies he wouldn’t divulge any more information than that. He winked at me, saying use your imagination.

His studio is off limits, although he did show me a picture. He likes to keep it nice for the ladies.

There is someone else that lives in his studio though...
Jack has a cat. He always has one around... he swears it’s only because the ladies love them. We believe you Jack (laughs)
This is Smokey Joe

I asked if Jack has ever worked in his clubs. He informed me he wouldn’t ask anyone to do something he isn’t willing to do himself. And yes he has even worked the stage in Toppers.
And on that note he has to say goodbye as he has someone waiting for him back at the studio. And no he wouldn’t divulge who. A gentleman never tells...

Well Elodie, I hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about Jack. A big thank you for having us over.