Stupid Questions with Lucy:the Other Humperdinck Edition Featuring Adriana Kraft

Please welcome author Adriana Kraft, a lovely person who wants to help people with her theoretical magic powers.  She's going to answer my stupid questions and even be nice to the Biebs!

1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

I’m going with cats, no matter how you parse the combatants. Cats are smarter, quicker, more lithe, and can leap and hang on for the kill (not that I want to kill a bear, either). Of course the cats are likely to be shifters, and we never said what size or species of cat, so anything can happen. 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

Tough one. Can’t wait to see Cumberbatch’s new movie, The Imitation Game. Tragic story, I’d like to hope we’re beyond that but I’m not so sure. However I’m going to have to go with my nerd heritage here – not the current Engelbert Humperdinck, but the German composer of the same name (1854-1927), who penned the opera Hansel and Gretel. Yup, that’s my diagnosis, and I’m stickin’ to it. 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

That didn’t take even a nanosecond – a dragon. They’re magic. Our youngest son (who also had a role in Hansel and Gretel, see?) loved them and devoured all the books we could find about them, so I’m steeped in dragon lore. My pet dragon, of course, would be kind and generous in addition to magical – there’s nowhere I couldn’t fly, no downtrodden people we couldn’t save together, nothing we couldn’t conquer. 

4. Are aliens among us? 

Of course. We are made of the dust of stars – so even we, at some level, are part alien. How could there not be? 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

Not gonna bite on this one. Off the planet is certain death, or banishment at the very least, and no human deserves that (and no, I don’t think he’s an alien, even if he’s pretty alien to me). 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be? 

This is going to sound pretty mundane, but it would be some kind of healing power. I’m all about believing in people, helping them reach inside and find their inner spark, empowerment. I have no idea how this would work, exactly, but that’s what it would be.

* * *

Detour Ahead (Riders Up, Book Four) by Adriana Kraft

Threatened race horses, city slicker attorney, sexy California wrangler—what can possibly go wrong?

Hot-shot Chicago prosecuting attorney Traci Steele works tirelessly keeping rapists off the street to prevent other women from suffering the hell she’s endured, so she resists her friends’ insistence that she take a two month R&R in their California Live Oak condo—until they persuade her to help their rancher friend as a private investigator. 

Though he runs the stables at Live Oak, well-muscled mustached wrangler Scott McCord much prefers working with the race horses he trains at his ranch, and he can’t believe his old friends have sent a greenhorn female to help him with horse troubles. 

The improbable dance between this mismatched pair barely fits in around the escalating suspense of whoever’s after Scott’s horses. Traci is as tenacious in her sleuthing as she is terrified about her inability to ever love a man. Can Scott succeed in gentling her - like he does his horses - before she flees in panic?

Purchase on Amazon here!

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Rocket Up His Butt Edition Featuring Kelly Janicello

​

Hello and happy Thursday!  Welcome author Kelly Janicello, who has the single best answer to one of my stupid questions of all time.  Read on...

 

 

 

 

1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

 

Cats definitely. They are stealthy, quick and are 9-1 on bears. 

 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

 

Benedict Cumberbatch because Kat Attalla likes him. 

 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

 

My Maltese Jack would be extremely jealous but Gizmo from Gremlins. He is fluffy, cute and will fit in my purse 

 

4. Are aliens among us? 

 

Yes. The man I am seeing is too perfect so therefore he must be an alien. 

 

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them?

 

The Cum From Outer Space.

 

[Editorial note:  It was all I could do not to call this blog "The Cum From Outer Space Edition." BEST. ANSWER. EVER.  Perhaps even...IT CUM FROM OUTER SPACE.]

 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

 

By chauffeuring him to a launch pad at Cape Canaveral and put a rocket up his butt.

 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be?

 

Teleportation.

 

* * *

 

 

 

ROSES ARE RED by Kelly Janicello

 

Jain Ryan moved to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway. What she didn't figure was falling for and under the watchful eye of NYPD Detective Marcus O'Boyle, her brother's best friend. When Jain scores the role as an understudy for the lead in a Broadway revival, one kiss alters their relationship. 

 

Marcus O'Boyle had always been a surrogate big brother to Jain Ryan. When evidence suggests Jain might somehow be involved with the acts of a serial killer targeting Broadway actresses, Marcus is caught between duty and desire for his best friends baby sister. 

 

Will Marcus discover who is behind the murders before the killer targets Jain? Or will he be too late to save the love of his life when a psychopath inflicts his final revenge. 

 

Available on Amazon

 

Kelly Janicello is the alter ego of a staid corporate worker. After years of writing for her own pleasure, she finally joined the ranks of other men and women privileged to call themselves authors. Kelly and her dog live in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York. When Kelly is not writing she is spending her time with family and friends, cheering for her beloved NY Rangers, and inventing the perfect man in her head. Kelly loves to hear from readers. 

 

Website:  www.kellyjanicello.com 

Twitter:  @kellyjan2 

FB:  Kelly Janicello

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Out-of-Control Hairdo Edition Featuring Connie Vines

Hallo, blog friends!  Author Connie Vines is here to char herself on my hot seat (ahem)!

1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

 

Since neither species inhabits the same global real estate, let’s assume the Siberian Tiger vs Polar Bear war began at a local zoo, or animal park due to a major social faux pas. 

 

The vanity factor: 

 

The Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty or rusty-yellow in color, with narrow black transverse stripes for as camouflage and hunt by stealth. They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce. Tigers are the largest of all wild cats and are renowned for their power and strength. 

 

Polar bears typically have thick white fur, which can range from white to creamy yellow in the summer. A thick undercoat prevents water from penetration, and webbed forepaws can measure up to 16 cm in diameter; acting as paddles for swimming and snowshoes for walking on land or on thin ice. Compared to other bears, the polar bear's head is streamlined. It has a longer snout for warming cold air on inhalation and for trying to catch ringed seals that are slipping down breathing holes. 

 

Canine size: equal. 

 

Siberian Tiger: Agile, fast, kills by crushing the jugular. The tiger's sense of hearing is the most acute all its senses. Size: Male Siberian tigers body length 4.5’ to 9’ and weigh from 400-675 lbs. Speed: Can run up to 50 mph in the show. Advantage: speed. 

 

Polar Bear: Power paws, thick coat and protective layer of fat. Polar bears hearing and eyesight comparable to humans and sense of smell is acute. Polar bears are able to smell a seal from a distance of 32 km (20 miles). Size: Male polar bears range from 7' to 11' and weigh from 660 to 1,320 pounds. Speed: Walking speed: 5.5 kph (3.4 mph). Running speed: 40 kph (25 mph) for short distances. Advantage: additional layer of fat to lessen an attack. 

 

Fight: The tiger would try to attack from behind the bear (Method of kill: suffocation after putting the victim down). However, the bear’s fur is much too thick for the tiger to penetrate. The action would enrage the polar bear. The bear would fall backwards onto the cat and the cat would then instinctively try to escape because a cat hates being on its back. Alternatively, the bear (Method of kill: crushing the skull with a blow from paw) would injure the tiger. 

 

Winner: Clearly the Polar Bear. After measuring the force a bear creates by a blow from its paw vs the claws/biting force of the tiger, the bear would win. The tiger would be unable to topple the bear. Result: the Polar Bear would crush the Siberian Tiger’s skull. Connie’s Reaction: No more visits to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park for me! 

 

2. Would I rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck? 

Engeldict, or Bengelbert? Since I must decide--knowing one side effect is a lovely Las Vegas suntan and questionable sideburns; the other, pasty-pale skin and an out-of-control hairdo. I would prefer a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch. 

 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

 

A baby dragon would be the perfect mythical pet for me. I have the patience to train him or her to fly and breathe fire. Baby dragons are not easy to raise. However, I am calm and can handle the challenge (after all, I am an experienced iguana owner). My adorable baby dragon will love sitting on my shoulder and accompanying me wherever I go (except for handbag and shoe shopping)! I will be sure to keep my latest fashion accessory (fire extinguisher) close by! 

 

4. Are there Aliens among us? 

 

Of course! 

 

4a. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them? 

 

Far-Out Dudes

 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off this planet? 

 

How about a trip to Mars? A wealthy engineer who paid $20 million for the Russians to fly him to the International Space Station back in 2001 (who shall remain nameless), is leading a private effort to stage a Martian fly-by mission in 2018. I am guessing that Justin Bieber could easily afford a ticket onto the Mars mission 

 

6. If you were a superheroine or hero, what would you special power be? 

 

Chi: Control of our inner mojo. Control over your Chi means you have the ability to physically manifest all of your inner strength and willpower. This means your outer strength can be just as powerful as your inner strength. 

 

* * *

 

 

Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow 

 

Alive, Steampunk novelist Meredith Misso worked hard at living the perfect SoCal celeb life. Now that she is a Zombie, it’s all about the make-up, non-vegan lifestyle, and her soon-to-be ex, who somehow managed to Velcro himself back into her life. “Quirky, Sassy, and Fun! ~ Authors Den Review 

 

Available on Amazon

 

Connie Vines 

 

Married with two grown sons, Connie Vines resides deep in the quirky suburbs of southern California. She has published over one hundred short stories and non-fiction articles, six novels, and has ghost-written two literary novels and one screenplay. The vice-president of GothRom (Gothic Chapter of Romance Writers), Connie participates in local literary events and judges national and international writing contests. 

 

Please visit her website: http://www.novelsbyconnievines.com 

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/connie_vines 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/connievines/pins 

Easy links to all things Connie: http://about.me/ConnieVines

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Harry Connick Cooties Edition Featuring Gail Roughton

Welcome to the blog, Gail Roughton!  Her spooky book cover is doing nothing for my fear of flying, but she's a lovely author all the same.  Here are her answers to my silly questions~

​
1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears?

Cats, of course!  Cats were worshiped as Gods in ancient Egypt, they’re not going to forget something like that!  Smokey hasn’t got a chance!

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​

I’ll see you your Engelbert Humperdinck and raise you a Harry Connick, Jr.

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why?

A Falton.  You’ve never heard of a Falton?  Well, I’m not surprised, you wouldn’t have unless you’ve read a book titled Vanished.  They exist in a parallel world I’m acquainted with called Trusca.  They look like horses, but they have horns.  That’s horns, plural, not horn, singular. Curving, deadly horns that grow out of the sides of their heads, on either side of their ears, like a bull. They’re stronger than horses and smarter than unicorns and nobody owns a Falton.  They pick their own masters. (And you thought I was going to say ‘dragon’ or ‘unicorn’, didn’t you?)

4. Are aliens among us?

Oh, you bet your fur they are!! I know quite a few people who can’t be explained any other way, don’t you?

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them?

Hmmm, let’s see.  The Space Between Us.  Aliens No More.  Venus Triumphs.

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet?

Do we really have the right to inflict something like that on another planet?  I mean, what sort of impression about Earth would that give other worlds?  Still, I suppose we could have an intergalactic hyper-drive installed in a Lamborghini.  That wouldn’t make him suspicious or anything, whereas it might be a problem getting him on an obvious spacecraft.

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be?

I’d be a shapeshifter.  The possibilities are endless!

* * *

VANISHED

Tess Ames thought this trip was just business as usual. Well, other than the added perk of a few days in Jamaica after the conclusion of business. Then the fog rolled in. And Tess's world changed forever. In more ways than one.

About the author:

Gail Roughton is a native of small town Georgia whose Deep South heritage features prominently in much of her work. She’s worked in a law office for close to forty years, during which time she’s raised three children and quite a few attorneys. She’s kept herself more or less sane by writing novels and tossing the completed manuscripts into her closet. A cross-genre writer, Gail’s produced works ranging from humor to romance to thriller to horror, sometimes in the same book. She’s never quite sure herself what to expect when she sits down at the keyboard. Now multi-published by Books We Love, Ltd., her credits include the War-N-Wit, Inc. series, The Color of Seven, Vanished, Country Justice, and Sisters of Prophecy -- Ursula. Currently, Gail is working on Black Turkey Walk, the second in the Country Justice series (which no, she didn't expect to evolve into a series), as well as the Sisters of Prophecy series, co-written with Jude Pittman. 

 

Visit Gail Roughton at: 

Books We Love, Ltd.: http://bookswelove.net/authors/gail-roughton/ 

Blog: http://gailroughton.blogspot.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/GailRoughton 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GailRoughton

Amazon: http://amzn.to/18gb7gP

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Cat Conspiracies Edition Featuring Lisabet Sarai(& A Giveaway!)

Blog buddy author Lisabet Sarai is here to give away a book and answer my stupid questions!  Gather round, friends...

1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

 

As a devout ailurophile (that's a fancy name for a cat person), I have it on excellent authority that the cats would clobber the bears. Not in a physical contest, of course, but I'll bet on brains over brawn any day. Think about it. Have you ever met a bear with any kind of intellectual depth? Yogi? Pooh? Smokey? Even Paddington (and he's an outlier)? Give a bear a hug and a bit of honey and he's happy. The typical ursine would much rather nap than fight. Bears most definitely do not care about ruling the world. 

 

Felines, on the other hand, possess unbelievably Machiavellian sensibilities. Although they love comfort, they won't allow themselves to be seduced by a plate of fish or a catnip-stuffed toy if that interferes with their larger plans. This is especially true of black cats who have a higher average IQ than cats of other colors. (Miz Blackness is sitting next to my laptop right now, dictating.) 

 

 

Cats really do seem to have super powers sometimes. They can jump to impossible heights. They can disappear. They can see through walls. Not to mention reading your mind - and compelling you to do what they want. It's ridiculously easy to imagine a world in which cats are in charge. Um--right. 

 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?

 

Don't you think it's a bit insensitive making jokes at the expense of people with funny names?

 

I have to say I don't fully get the way women go all gooey about Benedict. He's nicely nerdy, but doesn't really float my boat. Of course, Engelbert had the girls of his generation drooling over him as well. So maybe there is something about funny names that gets the juices flowing. Although I seem to be personally immune. 

 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

 

I can't have a fantasy creature for a pet. My cats won't let me. 

 

4. Are aliens among us? 

 

See question number 1. Can you think of another explanation? 

 

I have it on unimpeachable authority that cats came here from a distant galaxy where they’d built an advanced civilization. After landing on earth many millenia ago, they began a systematic campaign to take over. They created the Nazca lines in Peru while hunting for prehistoric mice. They're responsible for Stonehenge; the megaliths were originally covered with wood and served as giant scratching posts. They supervised the building of the pyramids. Why do you think the Egyptians worshiped them as gods? 

 

They now control the Pentagon, the Kremlin, FaceBook and YouTube. Obviously. 

 

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them? 

 

How about From Fur to Eternity? Fifty Shades of Fur? Gone with the Roast Chicken? 

 

Just a second. I’ll see what Blackness thinks... 

 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

 

His cat Tuts is working on it. http://www.eonline.com/news/431254/justin-bieber-s-cat-tuts-gets-her-own-twitter http://www.mtv.com/news/1876645/justin-bieber-cats/ Actually, from what I hear, Tuts plans to bring Justin back to the home world to investigate just how a human manages to elicit the sort of swooning adoration usually reserved for felines. 

 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be? 

 

Jumping to impossible heights. Disappearing. Seeing through walls. Reading minds. (I think you get the picture...) But I'd better not get too uppity. I know better than to antagonize my alien mistress. 

 

 

And if any of you are fellow ailurophiles, check out Lisabet's upcoming release The Eyes of Bast, which actually features a black cat as the hero. 

 

Here's the blurb: 

 

Trust your heart. Follow your dreams. 

 

Shaina Williams' grandmother bequeathed her that wisdom, along with an old pendant from the Islands, carved from an ocelot's tooth. When instinct tells Shaina to visit the feral cat trap she'd set in Central Park, she listens to that inner voice. She discovers she's caged a magnificent black tom, but the cat inexplicably vanishes after she tends to his wounds. Seeking the errant feline, Shaina encounters instead a handsome stranger whose slightest touch sets her body on fire. As the day dawns after a night of ferocious passion, her mysterious lover is forced back into his true shape—the tomcat she'd rescued. 

 

Born a cat, Tom was transformed into an unwilling shape shifter by a sorceress who craved a human plaything to satisfy her perverse lusts. Centuries old and irresistibly powerful, Delphine Montserrat will stop at nothing to find her runaway familiar. Shaina vows to do whatever is necessary to defeat the vicious but seductive witch and save the man she believes is her soul mate – even though it might mean losing him forever. 

 

The Eyes of Bast will be available at Totally Bound on the 27th of March. You can pre-order it now: https://www.totallybound.com/the-eyes-of-bast. 

 

You can read an excerpt here: http://www.lisabetsarai.com/eyesofbastex.html 

 

And since you can't get that book yet, I'll give you a chance to win a copy of Incognito, another one of my novels with a cat (named Heathcliff) who has a crucial role in the plot. Just leave a comment on this post - with your email, please, so I can find you if I draw your name! 

 

About Lisabet 

 

Cat lover. World traveler. Belly dancer. Computer geek. Lisabet Sarai loves variety, in her life and in her writing. Her nine novels and dozens of short stories include contemporary, historical, paranormal, science fiction, steam punk, gay, lesbian, ménage, kink, and pretty much every other genre you could name, aside from cowboys. She even, occasionally, tries her hand at humor, though she'd never dare attempt an Olivia Newton-John sing-off. Follow her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com) for all her latest news (including frequent giveaways). Check out her website Lisabet's Fantasy Factory (http://www.lisabetsarai.com) for lots of free reading, excerpts from all her books, and more pictures of her cats.

 

 

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Men in Black Edition Featuring Clare Dargin

Please wave a jaunty hello to author Clare Dargin, here to talk about her sci-fi romance, and her boner for a certain terribly-named British gent!

​1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

Of course cats would win because eventually bears would have to hibernate during the winter and that's when the cats would pounce! Besides we know from the movie Cats and Dogs that cats have been plotting to take over the world for millennia. 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

Benedict Cumberbatch-- it would be a shocking diagnosis but well worth the exam!  

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

A fantasy creature? At first I was going to say a unicorn but I don't have the aspiration to care for a horse in real life (they are a lot of hard work to do it right!) so I know I really wouldn't do 'Glowbrite', that's what I'd name it, any justice. So I'd settle for a Ysalamiri instead. Why? Because I'm hoping the Jedi Council from the Old Republic would send someone to my house--preferably Obi Wan Kenobi a la Ewan MacGregor version, to find out why I'd have access a creature. Jedis and Ysalamiris don't mix. Me and Obi Wan could work out a deal. 

4. Are aliens among us? 

Sure there....that's why I'm waiting for my Jedi Knight. Oh do you mean non-human ones as in humanoid and non- humanoid alike? I hope not!  

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

Oh you mean they are disguised like the way Men In Black exposed them.... I'd find out where my nearest MIB outpost is and lodge a complaint. I'm not about a little framing too. You know for the sake of humanity. 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be?

Making Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan Noonien Singh fall in love with me and then ravish---. Oh....world peace. Yes...I would create world peace.

[Editorial Note:  I'm a Ricardo Montalbán girl, myself.]

* * *

The Cold Warriors Universe by Clare Dargin

Left in cryogenic stasis for nearly a century, Caitlin Driskoll is awakened and drafted into a war she knows nothing about. Expected to defend a world where her kind is despised and expendable, she discovers love and respect from the one man who can’t be associated with her. 

Lieutenant Colonel Medoro Keegan has spent a lifetime in the Marines. With no family to speak of, the Corps and his ship, the USS Blanchard, are all the loved ones he needs...until Caitlin sparks a fire within, that threatens to consume him if he doesn’t walk away. 

Will he choose a life of certainty in the only world he knows or give it all to Caitlin and run the risk of losing someone, yet again?

Available on Amazon

Clare's Blog 2: The Haven: http://claresblog2thehaven.blogspot.com

The Embraced: Scribal Love: http://theembraced.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clare.dargin 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/clare_dargin / www.twitter.com/embracedscribed 

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/113201930657713285351/posts

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Walking Coffee Table Edition Featuring Barbara Meyers

Bloggie friends, please meet lovely author Barbara Meyers, who is much better at titles than she thinks she is!  Let us all applaud her answers to my stupid questions.

​1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

I think cats would win. They’re sneaky and fast. They find good places to hide and they excel at surprise attacks. Plus, they can be annoying. I think they’d wear the bears down and the bears would just give up. 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

Engelbert Humperdinck. It sounds like something could actually be seriously wrong with one of your important body parts. “Apparently, Ms. Meyers, you have an Engelbert on your Humperdinck.” Plus I had a bit of crush on E.H. in my youth. 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

It would be a cross between a coffee table and a dog but wouldn’t require walking. It could retrieve things for me, like my glasses, the remote, a cold beverage, a snack, place them on its coffee table back and bring them to me so I wouldn’t have to get up. 

4. Are aliens among us? 

Have you met some of the frightening beings masquerading as people who are out there in the everyday world? Of course there are aliens. 

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them? 

I SUCK at titles. Shifty Shades of Space? 

[Editorial note. I like it. Maybe Shifty Shades of Shpace? Could have a hero with an adorable speech impediment.]

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

He’s already off his rocker (rocket?), isn’t he? I’m not sure he needs any help. 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be?

I’d like stealth capabilities, like a cloaking device that makes me invisible and undetectable. Since I sometimes feel like I’m invisible anyway, it’d be interesting to really be invisible. Imagine where you could go and what you could find out. 

* * *

NOBODY'S FOOL by Barbara Meyers

She’s home to make amends. He’s out to get a little revenge. But the heart he breaks could be his own. 

The Jolie Kramer who left Oak Ridge isn’t the same one who’s home for her ten-year high school reunion. The old Jolie hid her secrets and insecurities behind her popular-girl image. 

The new Jolie is older, wiser, and ready to make amends for the bridges she burned. Especially the one between her and Court Harrison, her biggest supporter since childhood. 

Court hates to admit he’s still hung up on Jolie, and he’s vowed to finally put the past way, way behind him. She wants to kiss and make up? He’ll give her a taste of her own medicine. Make her fall for him—only this time, he’ll be the one walking away. 

But his plan works a little too well, and by the time he realizes their feelings are real, it’s too late. She’s onto him, and he’s lost the only woman he’ll ever want. Unless she falls for plan B, which contains two things she can’t resist: a career challenge, and a chance to get a little revenge of her own.

Purchase Nobody's Fool on Amazon.

Visit at www.barbarameyers.com.  Buy links to all her books are on her web site.  Follow her infrequent posts on Twitter @barbmeyers and @ajtillock.  Read her blog at http://barbmeyers.wordpress.com/blog/.  Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraMeyersAuthorPage
 

Stupid Questions with Lucy:The Wienerschnitzel Cure Edition Featuring Suz deMello

Welcome back to author Suz deMello, who has (voluntarily!) jumped into my chum waters to answer more moronic questions and share her latest book.  Round of applause, blog friends!

​1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

Cats. Stealth and cunning beat brute force in this stand-off! 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

HA HA HA HA HA. They both do sound like dread diseases, don't they? I think that Cumberbatch sounds fairly ominous, so let's go with Humperdinck--that sounds curable by a dose of Baroque music and a weinershnitzel dinner. 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

A dragon seems scary though intriguing. The clean-up involved with a unicorn is, to say the least, unappealing. A centaur--ummm, best of both worlds if a male. But I'll go with Dumbledore's choice--a phoenix. I love birds, though I've never owned one as a pet. 

4. Are aliens among us? 

I can't imagine why. I hope that Earth is not the galactic garden spot or vacation destination. That would not speak well for the Milky Way. 

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them?

I think they're on other planets, but if one does visit...The Alien Within. Alien Explores my Area 51. The Alien Next Door. Sex, Lies and Aliens. 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

A swift kick is the arse? 

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be? 

Promotions (LOL). I'd love to fly. 

PERILOUS PLAY by Suz deMello

 

One woman’s journey into the contemporary kink underworld, Perilous Play is Suz deMello’s explosive personal account of her experiences with BDSM. Engaging and honest, this groundbreaking memoir will grab you and never let you go. 

Available on Smashwords and Amazon.

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Children of Neptune Edition Featuring Karenna Colcroft

Friends, I think you're going to dig author Karenna Colcroft as much as I do.  Read on fer her delightful answers to my asinine questions!

​1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears? 

Cats, no question. They're far sneakier than bears. 

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

Benedict Cumberbatch. The hair rocks. 

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

Probably a dragon, but only if it was one that could change size. I'd want a full-size dragon, but I live in a small apartment, so the dragon would have to shrink to fit. (And to hide from my landlord.) 

4. Are aliens among us? 

I've been accused of being an alien myself, and my older kid claims to be from Neptune, so I would have to say yes. 

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them? 

The Stars in Your Eyes. 

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

I'd rather not help Justin Bieber with anything. Can't we just have the aliens vaporize him or something? 

[Note from the Management: When I am the Intergalactic Queen of All--yes, yes we will have him vaporized. That's a campaign promise.]

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be? 

My special power would absolutely have to be replicating myself so I have additional Karennas to take care of all the writing, promoting, housework, kids, etc.

 

STEPPING STONE NOT DOORMAT by Karenna Colcroft

Fifteen years ago in Los Angeles, a man named Charlie lost everything in his life to drug and burglary charges. Everything including his lover Navon, who was unable to accept Charlie’s actions. 

Nine years ago, after building a drag career that included TV appearances and international travel, Charlie left his entire life behind to escape his abusive boyfriend Mason, and started anew in Boston as club queen Solara Flare. Going by stage name and female pronouns, Solara has taken every step possible to prevent Mason–or anyone else from her former life–from finding her. 

Now, Navon has tracked Solara down in the wake of Mason’s death to return something Mason had kept, and to apologize for abandoning her after her arrest. Fifteen years hasn’t dulled their sexual attraction to each other, but the memories brought up by Navon’s appearance are almost more than Solara can stand. And no matter how much she wants to give Navon the second chance he asks for, Solara doesn’t know whether she can move beyond the past.

Available here:  LooseID, Amazon

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Vampires>Politicians Edition Featuring G. D. Ogan

It's a new year, and I'm back with new authors and new STUPID QUESTIONS!  So sit back, relax, and embrace the nonsense, friends.  Welcome to author G. D. Ogan, who has graciously agreed to play along!

​1. Who would win in a war between cats and bears?  

Well, if we are talking about the small domesticated cats (Kitties) then there is no contest; however, if we are talking about African Lions and Asian Tigers then it might be a toss-up. Even then, it depends on which type of bear: Full Grown Black Bear vs. Adult Lion or Tiger? I'd give it to the cat! Brown or Kodiak Bear vs. Lion or Tiger? It would be a toss-up. If a Polar Bear vs. any cat and the Polar Bear has my bet.

2. Would you rather get a diagnosis of Benedict Cumberbatch or Engelbert Humperdinck?​ 

 

This is actually a tough call! Cumberbatch is a rather young actor with a number of stunning lady friends he's dated or at the least been seen on the Red Carpet with. Engelbert, on the other hand is closer to my age (but still younger) who as a singer of love songs has done duets with just about everyone and was good friends with Elvis Presley (now you're talking nearer my age, in fact Elvis was about 10 years older than I). Anyone who was friend with Elvis has to get my vote, so I'm down with a case of Humperdinck (crazy name and all)!

3. If you could have any fantasy creature for a pet, what would it be and why? 

 

Well duh, I write about vampires...so, if you want to call vampires "fantasy creatures" and were it possible to have one or more as pets, then I'd definitely be down with that! Well, if you read any one (or hopefully more) of my "Immortal Relations" series, you will quickly understand...I love GOOD vampires. Mine protect innocent humans from evil (be it the blood-crazed type of vampire, human criminals or evil politicians [are any not evil?]).

4. Are aliens among us? 

 

If we are speaking of the kind from Outer-Space/Another-Dimension/or Time-Traveler, then I would ask, why would they want to be anywhere near us?! Any of these would probably have to be from an advanced civilization - so if they are "civilized" why would they stick-around with a bunch of very unpredictable, and all too often, uncivilized humans?

4A. Since there are aliens among us, what would you name a romance about them? 

 

"A Star-Goddess Falls for an Earthman" Having the curse of testosterone myself, I can attest to its ability to cloud (if not totally destroy) intellect, so the title might as well be slightly modified and applied to human females as well. "A Smart Lady has an Irrational Moment".

 

[EDITORIAL NOTE: I like your style, and I'm sorry about your testosterone affliction. Better luck in the your next incarnation!]

5. Speaking of horrible aliens, how would you help Justin Bieber off the planet? 

 

Now that he has grown (or morphed) into a 20's something...he is evidently getting some up-close & personal time with some very beautiful young ladies. Perhaps that is why he came down from Canada (or whatever star-system he is really from). When will he leave? I guess we would have to ask "Agent J" from the M.I.B. (Men in Black) Agency when Bieber's Visa will expire!

6. If you were a superheroine or -hero, what would your special power be?  

Well duh...remember...I write vampire stories? IMMORTALITY...of course! I'm not talking about just living forever...it would require invulnerability to insure my immortality (similar to, if not being in-fact a vampire). Armed with that, I would be doing exactly what my character Gary Logan does in my "Immortal Relations" series. Surely you can see his name and my own are so very close...he is, in fact, ME. The stories in the novels are what I would do given the opportunity. I would definitely be hated by all the evil politicians who try to rule over all of us. 

* * *

IMMORTAL RELATIONS: COMING OUT by G. D. Ogan

This third in the series by G. D. Ogan continues to rock the foundation upon which typical vampire novels are based. Such stories, where vampires safeguard humans are rare indeed. These vampires do their utmost to save humans and animals from not only evil vampires but evil humans.

Ogan's insights into the powers of the immortal vampires, along with fresh takes on the complex inner workings of their existence provide an intriguing experience for readers. In this story a novice shape-shifter wolf meets a beautiful hybrid vampire. Good vampires set up a new coven in Southern Canada to monitor a regime intent on changing America into a dictatorship. Marxist thugs, not realizing who they are dealing with, still believe the group was partly responsible for the defeat of Communists intent on stealing oil, gold and mineral reserves from Russia, so Washington retaliates with violence. A great deal of effort is required by  the vampires to keep Canadian citizens safe. There is a vampire wedding with a handsome human; then dangers from outer-space suddenly appear to threaten the entire earth - can such threats be stopped?

An "Immortal Relations" reader said: "Being a bit of a vampire-phile, I find myself constantly searching for the next vampire series to reach out and grab, or, more appropriately, bit me. I believe I have found my holy grail of vampire novels..."

Not from the author:  While each of the novels in the "Immortal Relations" series will "stand alone," I recommend reading the second in the series, "Immortal Relations, Coming Out" before reading this third in the series. The second book has a short review of the major points of the first book as well as all the action of the second book which should make the third book more enjoyable. I often recommend the second book as a starting point for those for whom the "explicit togetherness" of the first book "Immortal Relations" might be disconcerting.  

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Oscar Wilde is a Cheeky Bastard EditionFeaturing Destiny Moon

Happy hump day, Bloggie friends.  Today for your amusement I have erotic romance author Destiny Moon answering my fascinating questions.  She cracked me the hell up, so keep reading!  That's an order! 

1. If you could have one otherworldly alien ability or body part, what would it be and why?

Tentacles. If writing erotic romance has taught me anything, it’s that the more gripping and groping a character is capable of, the better. Let's just say I'm a little jealous of our friends, the octopi. 

2. What Smurf would you be?

Sassy Smurf. I’d have a wardrobe closet like Smurfette, but with more variety. 

3. Do you think the aliens who inevitably enslave the human race will treat us well or eat us? 

 If they enslave us, I hope at least they will have the decency to make it fun. That means no eating. 

3A. Follow up: What will you do to distinguish yourself to our benevolent overlords so that they don't destroy you with their acid flatulence? 

Develop a really great safe word. 

4. What's the best way to foil a ghost? A smart one, not one of those dumbasses in a sheet. 

Witches, of course. I know a couple, so I got this one. 

5. If you could slap the shit outta one beloved historical figure, who would it be and why?

Oscar Wilde. Because he’d like it. Actually, he’d love it. 

6. Cake or pie? And, if you said pie, why are you so happy to be wrong? 

Cake, hands down. Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is my favorite, but a close second is decadent chocolate cake. In all honesty, I'm not picky. Bring on the vanilla sheet cakes with lard icing! 

About Destiny Moon: Destiny Moon's quest to follow her heart led her to writing erotic romance. With a few titles already out and and few more on the way, she is slowly inching closer to her dream, which involves tapping away at a story while on a beach sipping margaritas. Her latest release is Worth The Wait, a follow up novel to All I Ever Wanted.

WORTH THE WAIT

Sassy and glamorous, Monique Mackenzie has everything a modern woman could want - great career, fabulous home, wardrobe, car and friends. Men throw themselves at her constantly, but after years of meaningless flings, the charm has worn off. The one man who truly ignites her passion is the only man she can't have - her boss, Jerome Fontaine. 

Mysterious Jerome drops clues that he sees her too, but he seems to have a secret life outside the office. He remains elusive until Monique accidentally stumbles upon his secrets and discovers the reasons for his stoic behavior. As the fiercely private Jerome begins to trust Monique with his secret life, Monique's world is turned upside down with questions about what she truly wants out of life. Jerome's presence makes her question everything from her ambitions to her erotic tastes and in falling for him, she must face her own demons. 

Just when she thinks she's got it all figured out, Monique finds herself challenged in ways she never imagined, but the one thing she knows for certain is that she has never loved anyone as much as she loves Jerome.

Stupid Questions with Lucy:Wedding Pie is an AbominationFeaturing Karen McCullough

 

Answering my deep and insightful weekly questions this time is author Karen McCullough.  Take it away, Writer Smurf!

 

1. If you could have one otherworldly alien ability or body part, what would it be and why?

 

Another arm and hand. How many times have you been at a party, with a drink in one hand and a plate of food in the other, only to realize that you have no way to get that food from plate to mouth? Think how much more we could accomplish with another hand. I could write so much faster if I had three hands to type with rather than two. 

 

2. What Smurf would you be? 

 

Writer Smurf, of course! The one who always has a pen in hand and ink stains on his fingers. All the other smurfs would gather round him in the evenings to listen to his stories! 

 

3. Do you think the aliens who inevitably enslave the human race will treat us well or eat us?

 

Oh, they’ll probably take good care of us until our numbers begin to threaten them. We’ll make a wonderful set of exhibits in their zoo-they can watch us play with balls, swing from branches, draw in the dirt, build stone fortresses, make crude weapons like spear throwers and slingshots and reproduce like crazy. It’ll amuse them until they realize that we’ve got numbers on them. 

 

3A. Follow up: What will you do to distinguish yourself to our benevolent overlords so that they don't destroy you with their acid flatulence?

 

Me, I’m hiding behind all the big, aggressive guys and letting them handle the fight. I’ll be ready to help with the clean up and setting up the new order when they’ve cleared the way. 

 

4. What's the best way to foil a ghost? A smart one, not one of those dumbasses in a sheet.

 

I’m calling Ghostbusters. After all, their “courteous and efficient staff is on call 24 hours a day to serve all your supernatural elimination needs.” And on their best-known gig, they came, they saw, they kicked ass. Big, white, marshmallow ass. 

 

5. Cake or pie? And, if you said pie, why are you so happy to be wrong?​

 

No definitely cake. Pie is good for sure, but you can’t put birthday candles or sprinkles on pie, and you can’t write silly messages in the frosting. And really, two words: Wedding Pie. ‘Nuff said. 

 

About Karen McCullough:

 

Karen McCullough’s wide-ranging imagination makes her incapable of sticking to one genre for her storytelling. As a result, she’s the author of more than a dozen published novels and novellas, which span the mystery, fantasy, paranormal, and romantic suspense genres. A former computer programmer who made a career change into being an editor with an international trade publishing company for many years, she now runs her own web design business to support her writing habit. Awards she’s won include an Eppie Award for fantasy; three other Eppie finals; Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, Scarlett Letter, and Vixen Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the Writers of the Future contest. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies and numerous small press publications in the fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. She lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband of many years. 

 

Website, Facebook, Author Twitter 

 

Latest Release: The Detective’s Dilemma, a short romantic suspense novel published in paperback and ebook by Kensington’s Lyrical Press imprint. 

 

Available from:  Amazon, B&N, Kensington

 

 

 

Blurb: 

 

Although Sarah Anne Martin admits to pulling the trigger, she swears someone forced her to kill her lover. Homicide detective Jay Christianson is skeptical, but enough ambiguous evidence exists to make her story plausible. If he gives her enough freedom, she’ll either incriminate herself or draw out the real killers. But, having been burned before, Jay doesn’t trust his own protective instincts...and his growing attraction to Sarah only complicates matters. 

 

With desire burning between them, their relationship could ultimately be doomed since Sarah will be arrested for murder if they can’t find the real killer.