Corrupted Desire - First Chapter Preview!

I understand that, due to my departure with EC, and the publishing delays that resulted, it's been quite a wait for those of you who have been patiently waiting to read Corrupted Desire (title & sub-genre changed).

In light of the delays I have decided to release the first chapter, for those who are interested in getting a sneak peek. 

Corrupted Desire is a Romantic Suspense with a most-definite darker side. It's not all lovey-lovey, but make no mistake, there's plenty of that going on between my hero & heroine. The only problem is that there's someone lurking in the background, who seeks to destroy my heroine...and anyone who happens to get in his way. No matter the cost. 

Here, in this first chapter, you will get a little taste of who he is - and his obsession.

Please remember that I am currently revising & editing, so there will likely be many changes in the final manuscript. This preview is intended only to give you an idea of what's to come - and any potential publishers a brief on Samantha and Richard's story, as well as my style of writing.

As of yet, I do not have a publishing home for Corrupted Desire; I will not be sending it to publishers until I have revisions completed and a finalized copy. Unfortunately, the previous edits had drastically changed the story, taking it in a direction I did not like. Having become so invested in these particular characters, I felt that I had no choice but to start over and write their story, they way it was meant to be.

So, here it is. I hope you enjoy the first chapter of Corrupted Desire! 

Please, feel free to comment below - I would love to hear what you think - and feel free to share it with your friends and family!

As always, a huge thank you goes out to those of you whom have supported me and my writing! Your support means the world to me and, as I progress through my career, I will always remember those who were there, with their encouragements, from the start!

*hugs*

Shelbie =)

Contains adult language & scenes - not appropriate for younger viewers.

The following contains copyrighted material and cannot be duplicated in any way without express written permission from the Author.

Corrupted Desire

Prologue

Throwing the press release down on his desk, he threw his head back and yelled. He was enraged. Beyond pissed. He had gone out of his way for months, fucking months, to see the bitch brought down. Working day and night, he had barely been able to sleep or think of anything else, his mind had been so consumed. And what comes of all of his hard work, sacrifice and suffering? Not a god damned thing, that's what.

But her? She had continually rolled over each and every obstacle he had placed in her path, not slowing down in the slightest, the dumb bitch not even suspecting he was behind it all. Nothing seemed to thwart her. Not only was her business still succeeding, but it was growing! And her reputation was still in tact, if not better, than when he started all this shit. The way things were headed, she should be paying him - since it seemed all he was accomplishing was to increase her fucking business.

The very idea caused his head to throb and bang, as if a construction crew had taken up place inside his skull, determined to blast a hole through. He knew, if he looked in the mirror right then, the veins on his forehead were swollen, protruded; he could feel the confirmation throbbing with each beat of his heart. God only knew, his face probably looked like a road map to hell; swollen red and blue veins acting as the highways. 

Why was he the one in suffering, when it should be her? She needed to suffer - badly.

Frustration reaching a boiling point, he slammed his hands down on his desk and watched as papers and files flew into the air, some landing haphazardly across his desk, while others floated to the floor. 

But, as his eyes ghosted over the remaining papers on his desk, his vision became consumed, zeroing in on the one slip of paper that started it all - the fucking Press Release. The damn thing had landed face up, on top of the stack, as if silently teasing him, mocking him in his ineptness.

"Motherfucking sonofabitch!" His voice thundered, bouncing off the walls of his office as he screamed his outrage. With a animistic roar and the swoop of his forearm, he swept the entire lot off of his desk and onto the floor, the lamp shattering against the far wall where it landed. What he had done thus far clearly wasn't working. So it was time for a change of tactic. To crank things up a notch. The question was how?

As the question breached his mind, his secretary, predictably, came running into his office; the sound of her high heels chipping away at his expensive marble floor and her annoying voice serving only to annoy him further.

"Oh my God, Theo? What happened?" she whispered, her hand raising to cover her mouth as she looked at the mess scattered across his floor.

Seriously, he thought, as he massaged his now aching head. She really had to ask what happened? As if it wasn't obvious enough? His first thought had been to simply answer yes, after all  he was God-like, but he doubted she would catch the inference. After all, he didn't exactly hire her for her intelligence and secretarial skills...

But, he didn't respond. There was no need to. Hell, he had spent years studying people and he knew exactly what she would do. He could literally predict it down to the second. He could feel it.

At times, especially when he found himself bored and in need of headache-free stimulation - women - it became almost a game to him. He would create a situation, contemplate the outcome and then sit back, watching as it played out, just to see if he was right. He liked nothing more than to prove himself right. He was smarter, always able to foresee the conclusion no matter the circumstances. And he was rarely wrong.

That's why this whole situation had him grinding his molars until he knew he'd be paying his dentist a fortune to repair the damage caused by the aggravating bitch. He should send her the damn bill. She owed him, after all.

He was calling this all wrong and it was pissing him off.

But, as he watched the scene in front of him play out, he smiled, knowing he hadn't completely lost his touch.

Fascinated by his perception, he quietly watched as his secretary bent over the scattered papers. As she teetered on her five-inch heels, the small scrap of material that posed as her skirt lifted, exposing the edge of her red panties and, as she braced an arm on the floor, her lithe body extended as she reached for a paper, fully exposing her luscious, round ass to his greedy eyes.

Trapped within the confines of his slacks, his cock instantly hardened, lengthened, readying for the pleasure it knew was to come; his cock had as good of memory as he did. Still, he sat silently in his chair, his ego growing to match his erection as he watched it all play out before him.

As she stood, her arms full of the papers, she briefly looked up at him...and smiled. Ah, yes. There it was. She thought she had him - hook, line and sinker - he could see it from the expression on her face. She was playing him. She thought she held sway and power over him. How wrong she was. But who was he to debase her of her ideas? Especially when there were such fun things ahead?

Her mood instantly morphed into one of seductress, as she smiled and sauntered over to his desk, her hips rolling and swaying, as if to hypnotize him.

Placing the papers on his desk, she leaned over, enough that her full breasts were close to escaping the low vee of her top as she proceeded to innocently sort the papers into piles. Now this, this is why he hired Monica. She may be dumb as a load of fucking bricks, but she knew how to play the game and she had a rockin' body to back it up. Of course, it didn't hurt that she could suck a three-finger marble through a straw. With his tutelage, naturally.

Quietly, as to not draw her attention just yet, he rolled his chair back from his desk and scooted his ass a little lower in his seat so that his weight was resting on his tailbone. He'd done this enough times that he knew - more importantly she knew - just what he liked.

Placing his arms on the armrests of his executive chair, to all the world he would appear relaxed and casual. But inside his body was a seething, festering cauldron waiting to explode; anger and arousal clashing together, fighting for dominance, feeding off one another to create the perfect storm.

"Monica," he growled, his voice now guttural and giving hint as to the emotions brewing within him. "Why don't you leave those papers for later? Don't you have something better to do?"

Sure, he asked. He had to try and be polite for propriety's sake, since she was technically his employee. The last thing he wanted was a scorned chick suing him for some shit or another. She might not be the brightest bulb, but she learned quickly - he only asked once - as evidenced by her quick reaction and the seductive smile that graced her attractive face.

In instances such as this, he let her think she held the upper hand with him. After all, in his experience, most women thought that they could control men using their bodies; a good blow job does go far to change one's mind. And, there was no question that she was damn good. He had taken the time to teach her exactly what he liked. 

But no matter, no woman would ever control him. Ever. He too had learned not only how to play the game, but how to master the game, early on. Lessons that he would now put to use.

As Monica approached, close enough that he could smell the peach body wash she used, his brain kicked back online as an idea percolated.

His mind in turmoil, he watched, detached, as if he were watching a movie reel, as Monica unclasped his trousers. He listened until he heard the sound of his zipper being pulled down, visualizing each lock as it disengaged. All the while a plan was growing and taking life within him, just as his cock had within his boxers.

Just as he laid his head back, he felt Monica's hand separate his trousers. He visualized what she would see - his swollen erection covered by dark blue silk boxers - as he felt her hand ghost over the surface, petting his hard cock like one would lovingly stroke a pet rock.

When he felt her fingertips teasing around, then under the edge of his boxers and softly caressing the head of his cock, he closed his eyes. But as he felt Monica's hand reach under his boxers and grasp his erection, stroking his full length, SHE appeared in his mind. Suddenly, she was the one stroking his cock, not Monica.

Eyes flashing open, his body went taut with anger as he ground his teeth to resist saying a word. That was not acceptable - not by a long fucking shot.

Deciding it was best to keep his eyes open for now, he looked down just in time to see Monica's head descend. And in that instant, he knew that he had just found the answer to his puzzle. Fucking. A.

As he felt Monica's mouth engulf his length, his mind went to work as fast as her mouth did, both working in consort, her actions giving fuel to his ideas. What the hell? He could easily enjoy two things at once. Especially the two things that brought him so much pleasure - sex and revenge.

The excitement at having finally found the answer he'd been seeking was almost better than the orgasm he felt fast approaching, pounding incessantly, rising in his shaft. Now that he had found the solution to his little problem, it was all about the planning. But first things first...

His pleasure continued to build as Monica wrapped her hand fully around his cock, stroking him from base to tip, as she sucked in consort, occasionally reaching down to grace her fingers over his hardening and aching balls.

Moaning quietly, lest he hand her too much power, his hips started to churn as she proceeded to do what she had learned would herald the end for him; rotating her mouth around the head of his erection, while her tongue rimmed the flared edge, as she continued to stroke and, alternately suck. Oh. Fuck. He HAD taught her well indeed.

Consumed by her practiced ministrations, he wasn't surprised to soon feel his balls tighten and cramp, almost to the point of pain, as a prelude to his orgasm.Should anyone other than Monica see him now, he would likely set about killing them. It was a rare few that were gifted with seeing this side of him. 

A huge smile crossed his face and his head punched back against the chair's headrest as his spine involuntarily straightened and his entire body went taut. A deep groan released from his mouth when he finally came, the release so hard it felt as if his brains blew out the top of his skull. And she took all he had to give. 

As Monica looked up at him, as she always did after blowing him, he smiled a huge smile - bigger than ever - knowing that she would think it was all for her. Let her. Because, even though she had no idea, she had just done him a huge favor; she blew him into the perfect solution and showed him the perfect weapon to use. Fuck yes!

He hated to admit, even if just to himself, but he'd been going about this all wrong. All. Wrong. He'd been trying to attack her from the outside. He'd been trying to damage her business and reputation, thinking it would make her fail and, ultimately, his end goal, suffer. How narrow-minded he had been. 

He felt like bashing himself across the head as he thought of all of the wasted time, effort and money. He knew her better than that - had for years - and all along, he had known what would hurt her. After all, what better way to take down a woman - than with another woman.

Let the games begin, he thought, as he tucked his spent cock back into his boxers, watching as Monica stood up and crudely wiped her hand over her smiling mouth. Gads. Some women have no class, he thought. But, then again, she just blew me on her knees sitting in my office chair, so what can I expect?

His mind already percolating ideas, he quickly forgot about Monica as he zipped his pants up and sat at his desk. As she walked out of his office, he heard her mention something about an appointment he had, but his mind was already elsewhere. 

Now that he had his answers it was time to act. Only this time, he would bring the bitch down...or die trying.

-End of chapter-

Announcement

Happy Thursday everyone!

I will make this quick and to the point. 

I have ended my association with The Decadent Divas and will no longer be posting on their behalf.

For those of you who are already scheduled in future posts, rest assured that there will be no disruption or change - other than the venue. Rather than posting for The Decadent Divas, I will resume posting on my blog. Having much more freedom on my own blog, I now have the availability to schedule future posts in accordance with your release days! Yeah! =)

For those of you who followed The Decadent Divas in show of your support of me, I thank you. I appreciated your support more than you can possibly know and still do, as I move forward.

Having not been afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to the followers, I hope that my message here will reach you. As always, I was grateful for you comments, support and recommendations. I would welcome you to follow me here, on my personal blog. If you have a particular Author that you would love to see featured, please message me. As always, I welcome any and all comments and recommendations. 

I hope that you enjoyed my features and interviews - I always have a blast conducting interviews with my fellow authors and showcasing their work - and I look forward to continuing, here on The Knight Stalker Blog.

Sincerely,

Shelbie Knight =)
www.shelbieknight.com

Updates

Howdy everyone!

I know, it's been a while since I've hit the pages of my own blog, and while I promised to do better, so far I've failed. =( 

So, I have come to a decision, one that should make activity steam on my blog more regular, as well as keeping everyone updated.

As some, if not all, of you may know, I am part of a group of Authors called The Decadent Divas. Our goal in coming together was not only to support one another, and our work, but to introduce readers to other Authors. Writing can, and is, a lonesome profession at times; the days go by without so much as a hint of communication, other than written. Heck, there are times when, if I didn't see my daughter scramble down the hall, I would think I've dropped into an alternate reality!

So, back to The Decadent Divas...

Each of us has several days a month that are our times to blog. While I've always posted my blog interviews, I've never thought to bring them here, to my blog as well. 

For those of you who read both blogs, the postings will be duplicate for you. But for those who don't...

My thinking is that by bringing my DD postings here, not only will all of my blog followers have the opportunity to read them, but it will also keep me in touch with my blog, reminding me that I too have a blog and that I must write on it! =) Brilliant, right? He-he! =)

Now for the updates with my work...

Due to changes with (the Editor) I was working with, I have made the decision to re-edit Loving the CEO. There were simply too many changes for my liking and the story was, in my opinion, corrupted. LtC was originally written as a Contemporary Romance - during editing, this changed, along with many aspects of the story. I have made the painful decision to start from the first page, editing line-by-line, cutting out major areas (that didn't add to the progress of the story) and adding ones that did. Plus, I am currently dealing with a 130k MS and I want to get it below 100k. Cut, cut, cut!

In between editing Loving the CEO I am still plotting, planning and writing Rising Dragon. I can't wait for the moment when I am able to focus, one hundred percent, on this MS! I have so much going on in this story, I really think it will be one that readers will love - that is, I hope! =)

Also, in relation to work, after much trouble with my (new) PC, I decided to dump it and purchased a new, huge, Apple computer! It's my first time working on a Apple computer, so the change has been quite drastic, but I'm learning.

While I was at it, I decided to also purchase a Apple laptop. It was distracting enough learning a new system, but bouncing back and forth from PC to Apple? Yeah. Not.

On the home front...

The kids are home from school, or I should say one is. Our son graduated from high school and dove straight into the workforce. Money is an amazing instigator! We purchased his car, pay for his insurance, etc., but he decided he needed money to "trick it out." Little does he know yet, but if he can spend money "tricking" his car out, I've got an insurance bill here...

Our daughter finished her seventh grade with a bang! She's a smart one. Sadly, she can't seem to get over the desire to propagate my house with animals and, as I sit here writing this, her hamster cage just filled with God-only-knows how many babies! ARGH! I feel like ripping my hair out! But, hey, the good thing is that she is making a little business for herself, selling her hamsters. Good grief! What is it with our children and money?

Mr. Shelbie is working hard, as always, God Bless his heart. In September, we will celebrate twenty years of marriage. Holy *edited*! I can't decide if I should thank him for all of the wonderful years, or if I should fall to the ground and kiss his feet. LOL! Thinking that I've spent, oh twenty years married, then another six dating...wow. That equates to over half of my lifetime spent with this one man. Dang. He must be something special. =)

That's it for now! I hope everyone is having a beautiful summer and keep an eye out - blogs coming! 

My first DD blog/crossover will be introducing a new release by fellow Diva, Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York. Watch my blog on July 23rd for the details on her new release!

Have a super week!

*hugs*

Shelbie =)

Announcements

Hello everyone!

I know it's been a while since I last checked in and during this time, much has happened.

After receiving the first round of edits back on Loving the CEO, I made the decision to do a complete re-write, as opposed to trying to edit. I am very fortunate, in that I've been blessed with a wonderful Editor whom provided me with a knowledge base I did not previously have. Needless to say, I believe I made the right choice.

Just yesterday, I returned Loving the CEO to my Editor for the second round of edits!

The original manuscript, after first edits, sat at just shy of 69k words. After re-writes, it now sits at 128k, if that gives you an idea of how much I added to the story. My characters simply were not happy with the shortened story and I found I couldn't explore their relationship in such a short word count. I know, maybe 69k isn't short for some people, but in this case, for me it was.

So, you ask what's next? 

Well, that's where the fun kicks in!

I am thrilled to announce that I was asked to join a wonderful group of Authors, working together towards a common cause getting our work out there for the masses to read!  

We are known as The Decadent Divas.

We have much planned in the future, so many exciting things to come, but for now, we have a blog, Facebook and Twitter up and running. Follow us to find out what's coming!

Now, you ask...who are these wonderful Authors?

Jennifer Kacey, Ditter Kellen, Cait Miller, Rebecca Royce, Chandra Ryan, Erin Simone, Sabrina York and Shelbie Knight. 

These are the ladies of The Decadent Divas!

If you are interested in following us, I will place the links below.

Now, for the updates on what's next for me; Rising Dragon is my next project with Ellora's Cave and I will return to writing it, starting tomorrow!

This will be my first paranormal with EC. I'm thrilled to return to what I really love, and have a passion for, writing - Paranormal.

Targeted word count for Rising Dragon is 80-100k.

That's it for now, but there is much to come!  

Remember, keep an eye out on my blog and The Decadent Divas for updates!!

The Decadent Divas FB:  https://www.facebook.com/decadent.divas

The Decadent Divas Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DecadentDivas

The Decadent Divas Blog:  http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/

Have a super week!

*Hugs*

Shelbie  =)

Hello everyone!

News, news, news...well, let's see here.  I will be quick and short today, as I have a deadline on time...but here is where the status stands with my current work.

Loving the CEO was completed (YEAH!) and turned in to my Editor on September 15th with a word count of 68,653.  Due to some delays, I am not expecting first edits back for another couple of weeks, but I am thrilled!  I am hoping to have everything done, ready to go for publishing, by the end of December.  Crossing my fingers for sooner...but you know how that goes...out of my hands.  I am also excited to have a cover design in the making, and hopefully soon, available for everyone!

Of course, once Loving the CEO was done, I went right into my next project, Rising Dragon.  I am just as excited about this novel, as this will be another first - my first supernatural!  I have a target word count of 80-100k, but knowing me...yeah, let's just say I hope to stay under 100k.  My deadline for Rising Dragon is January 15th, but I hope to have it completed, and to my Editor, by the end of December.  I have so much occurring from the end of December through mid-January...

My current word count is 28.080 as of today, this minute!  It's coming along, but has taken me a bit longer than normal as I had to basically start over.

What do I mean by start over?  Well, here's what happened, in time sequence.  When I first set out to dedicate myself full-time to writing, I started with Rising Dragon.  Then, along came a spider who offered me a place in their Anthology for a Contemporary Romance piece.  Of course, I put aside Rising Dragon and began work on Loving the CEO.  

Unfortunately, I learned (and quickly) that I simply cannot write a 5k story, which was the max for the Anthology, so I scrapped the idea of joining.  But, by that time, I was so into Loving the CEO, I had to finish.  

As I was working on Loving the CEO, I received contact from Tina Engler (aka Jaid Black), CEO of Ellora's Cave, asking for a sample of my writing.  Well...since I was well into Loving the CEO, I tightened up the first ten pages and sent them off to her...with a prayer in the wind.

A week later, I received an acceptance from Tina, as well as an offer for a five-book contract!  Whoop!  So, I contracted Loving the CEO, Rising Dragon, and three others.  I know...I said I would make this short, but see what I mean about keeping under 100k?  My brain thinks small, but loves the danged words...the more the better!

Okay, so back around full circle.  Since Loving the CEO was the writing sample I sent to Tina, I contracted it with Ellora's Cave, finished writing it and away she went to my lovely Editor, Kelli Collins.

Right about the time of my deadline for Loving the CEO, Kelli was reverting in her role from EIC to Chief Editor, as well as undertaking a huge move.  Thus the delay.

Now, back to Rising Dragon...in the process of writing Loving the CEO, I learned a lot about my writing style.  A huge amount (and I haven't even received first edits back, which I know I will learn more each time).  So, when I picked up Rising Dragon, which I had to 25k when I originally put it aside and started reading over it...yeah.

So, I started from word one, page one, going over each of the 25k words, the sentences, the paragraphs, the story structure, the character introduction and development, etc.  Everything you do to write a novel.  If I had not done this, I would likely almost be done with Rising Dragon, however I wanted this, my first supernatural, to be as tight as I could get it.

As I read through, correcting this and that, changing an area here, a character action there, I found a lot of areas where there were items I just didn't like - I didn't like the flow, the direction, etc.  Thus, why it has taken me so long to get where I am now.  Plus...I forgot to mention...after I turned in Loving the CEO, I took a wee break (of three weeks) before I even sat down to Rising Dragon!

I imagine, if I was a chicka with no kiddos, my writing would be so much faster.  After all, no disruptions...yeah, but not in my house.

In ending, thank you all for your support!  I am hard at work on Rising Dragon, waiting for returned edits on Loving the CEO and have much more in the future planned!  =)

I wish each of you a wonderful day, a beautiful week and I hope, whatever your dreams and goals may be, you achieve each of them.

Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

CONTRACTS SIGNED!!!

After a long wait of wanting to announce it to the world, I am thrilled to finally be able to announce I have signed a five-book contract with Ellora's Cave!!!  

This is a dream come true for me!  Years of reading work from wonderful Authors, published by Ellora's Cave, I have wished to be a part of such a great group.  Now I am!!  YEAH!!

I was thrilled by the response I received from publishers, having several contracts offered.  I would like to thank all those who offered me opportunities; I have already written each of you personally, but wanted to say it here as well.  I was honored to have such a wonderful response in the publishing community.  Since the offers made to me have remained open, depending on my obligations to Ellora's Cave, I may consider them in the future.  One day at a time...one obligation at a time...one Novel at a time. I need to get into my groove, to see what I am capable of producing, before I consider more obligations.  What is important to me is taking the time to produce excellent work, not rushing to produce quantity.

I do not have publication dates yet, but as the process moves along I will keep everyone up to date.  I am currently working on a Contemporary Romance Novella, which has a set deadline of September 2013. After this project is completed, I have two Paranormal Romance Novels planned.  I have not yet decided what to do with the remaining two books of my contract, but as I go along it will become clearer.  I have the option of creating two more stand-alone Novels, or even continuing one previous Novel into a series....decisions, decisions....

For now, the following is planned with Ellora's Cave:  Title (the genre/EC line) approx word count and deadline.

• Loving the CEO (Contemporary Romance/Romantica) 25-30k (possibly larger) September 2013

• Rising Dragon (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k January 2014

• Corrupted (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k June 2014

• TBD for books four and five

Obviously, the dates listed are my deadline; editing, cover design and publishing afterwards.  Since this will be a first for me writing with a deadline, I am anxious to see how it goes.  As well, I am aiming to have the work to my Editor before these dates, but decided it was safest to allow for more time until I see the time it takes me. 

I cannot explain how thrilled I am and how difficult it has been for me to keep from announcing this wonderful news!!  The offer was made to me months ago, and I have been writing during the contract phase, so no time lost.  =)

I am also thrilled to announce that my Editor will be Kelli Collins!  I am confident, with her talent and knowledge, we will create something which readers will enjoy.

I would like to personally thank Jaid Black, for without her, I would not have this opportunity.  No matter the direction my career goes, I will always remember and thank Jaid for her place in starting it.  Thank you Jaid.  Your confidence means the world to me.

I would also like to thank all of you who have been a wonderful support to me over the last several months.  I have gained an immense amount of knowledge through this process, and thanks to the wonderful Authors, many of whom I count as friends, you too have helped in my journey.  I have met some absolutely amazing people and I am thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.

So, here goes nothing, hu?  Now, the ball is in my court, and I have the huge responsibility of creating a story which is engaging, characters you love to hate and hate to love, contained in a world you believe is real.  No small task, but one I am confident I have the ability to achieve. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has offered words of encouragement, advice, a shoulder of support, or even ears open, even though you probably got so tired of listening to me!!  

I would like to thank Rae Monet www.raemonetinc.com for her assistance - not only in designing my wonderful website www.shelbieknight.com but for her friendship.  I couldn't possibly have met a more wonderful person than Rae.  *big hugs*

As I write this, it sounds like I am writing a damned speech for receiving an award....I swear, this is not the purpose.  Ha-ha!  But, I have to thank my family as well.  Without their support none of this would be possible.  

My Husband is my rock - and always there to support me in whatever dream I decide to chase.  Married for almost twenty years now, together for almost 25, I am amazed he has put up with me....but what can I say, it was love at first sight, so he had no choice!  Ha-ha!  =)  I love you.  

My children, they are the two best kiddos any Mum could possibly wish for.  My Son is growing into a charming young man, capable, responsible and helps his Mum out all the time.  I am so very proud of him.  My Daughter, she's a little hellion (in a good way), although her little stunt on our trampoline has cost me an endless amount of grief (and medical bills) with a grade three sprain, and who knows how much ligament damage.  Aaahh...you would think my son would be the one breaking this and spraining that....nope.  That honor belongs to my hellion of a daughter!!  

My children are my life.  I love and care for them above and beyond any other.  They both support their Mum in her dream as well, even putting up with a "don't talk to me when I'm typing!  You mess me up!"  As the regular thing Mom says!

Last, but never least, I have to thank my own Mum.  Without her, I would be nothing - literally.  She is the one, who from the very start of my life, taught me to not take less than I deserved.  She instilled in me a desire to chase my dreams, no matter the work it took to achieve them.  She is my endless support system.  Always there, always with a smile on her face and her arms open for a hug.  I love you dearly Mummers!

Here we go.....the start of a new journey.  Thank you for your support and for playing a part of this most exciting time in my life!!  =)

Big Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

Weekly Update

Hello everyone!  I decided to stop by my blog today to give a little update on what's coming up and what's going down!  =)

First, I have been very busy these last couple of weeks, as I am dedicating as much of my free time to writing as possible.  Added to this, I have both of my kids home on Summer break, and my free time has been slim.  Regardless, I have managed to put in some good work on my first to-be-published piece.

Exciting news on the publishing front is that I am in talks with a publisher who is interested in representing my work, as well as offers from a few others!  I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunities presented to me, and hope to have announcements as to who I will be working with in the near future.  Until I sign a contract, I will not release any names - for obvious reasons.

In the next couple of days, I am planning a really neat drawing/giveaway on my blog.  I am in the planning stages of it now, and hope to have something going after the 4th of July.  I figured, with the Holiday coming up, it didn't make a lot of sense to start it right before.  So, please keep a eye out on my blog for announcements on this front as well. =)

I hope everyone is well, and you are successful at whatever it is you work towards.  In that light, I would like to send my congratulations to several Authors who have new releases this week:

1 - Kresley Cole - "MacRieve" (The Immortal After Dark Series)

2 - Christine Warren - "Hungry Like A Wolf" (A Novel of The Others)

3- Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Melejean Brook & Lucy Monroe - "Enthralled" (anthology)

4 - Kathy Love & Erin McCarthy - "Fangs for Nothing"

5 - Thea Harrison - "The Wicked" (novella) 

6 - Yasmine Galenorn - "Night Vision" (A Novel of the Indigo Court)

These are just a few of the wonderful Authors whose work I read, so if you are looking for a wonderful read, please check them out!!

Have a wonderful week everyone...and until next time....Big Hugs!

Shelbie =)

Tomorrow is the day the Car(r)i(e)s come to play!

Tomorrow, June 18th, I am thrilled to have a visit from CarrieAnn Ryan and Cari Quinn, introducing their new releases.

Please stop by to find out more tomorrow!

Shelbie  =)

Author Interview: J.K. Coi

Author, J.K. Coi

J.K. Coi is in a league of her own in the Paranormal Romance genre.  Her writing is descriptive, provocative, inspiring and steamy.  Reading her work did more than simply entertain me; it engaged and enraptured me.

As a reader, one of my first introductions to Paranormal Romance was made through reading J.K. Coi's My Immortal; her first title in the Immortal Series.  I was hooked from the start, and continued reading the remainder of her available series - Immortal Kiss and Dark Immortal.

I am thrilled to announce that, finally, there is another addition to this wonderful series!  J.K. Coi's newest release, Forever Immortal, is due to for release Wednesday, May 15.  

Even more exciting is J.K. has agreed to sit down with me for a detailed interview to discuss her upcoming new release, as well giving you the opportunity to learn a little something about her! 

Today, I am displaying Forever Immortal and here is my amazing interview with Paranormal great, Author J.K. Coi!

Q:        What originally inspired you to become an Author; did you always want to be an   author?  Why did you choose to write in the genre of Paranormal Romance?

A:       I’ve been a huge reader my entire life, and I started writing way back in high school. I won my first literary contest when I was in grade 10, with a story about a rabbit in the forest. I guess it was about six years ago when I decided to try and take a lifelong love of writing to the next level, by submitting my work to publishers.

And I’ve just always gravitated to paranormal and horror because those are the genres I read and feel most comfortable with—although I do write a lot in other genres as well, including contemporary romance.

Q:       Which Author has offered the most inspiration to you, in your writing?  Why?

A:     I take inspiration from many different places, and all of the authors on my “keeper shelf” inspire me with their fantastic stories. I also greatly admire the authors in the Toronto Romance Writers who are very generous with their time and experience, and are always willing to lend a hand to new authors with questions. Kelley Armstrong is one of those authors, and she has truly been my inspiration. Not only is she wildly successful, but she’s also one of the most genuine and giving authors I have ever met.

Q:        If you could work with any Author, who would it be and

A:     I do not know if I would be able to work with another author, LOL. I am pretty anal about my work and it is very hard to find someone who shares your process enough to make it work together in the same project. I envy those writers who have found a co-writing partner because if you can make it work, that would be a very rewarding partnership.

Q:      What is a typical working day like for you?  When and where do you write?  Do you set a daily writing goal?

A:      I do set a word goal every day, which can be flexible depending on the amount of time I have to my deadline, or the amount of writing time I am going to have for the day. Since I work a day job, I write a little bit on my lunch hour, and then I will do most of my writing in the evening after kiddo has gone to bed. I do not often get a lot of writing done on weekends, since I spend that time with the family. This makes me a very slow writer, but I balance everything the best I can.

Q:       What advice could you offer to someone who is interested in becoming an Author?

A:      I have been asked this a lot and my opinion is not to rush it. I know that with the easy availability of self-publishing many authors are jumping into the publishing arena with both feet—and that’s not a bad thing at all—I just want to urge writers to do everything they can to ensure their very best work is being put out there. If that means taking some writer’s courses, then great. If it means revising and revising and revising again, then do it. Because if writing is going to be your career, you have a reputation to protect. For an author, reputation is at least 80% about the quality of books they offer to readers.

Q:      You have written three books so far in your Immortal Series - Immortal Duty, Immortal Kiss and Dark Immortal; which book did you enjoy writing the most? Why?

A:       I can honestly say that I enjoyed all of them. I think Immortal Duty will always have a special place in my heart because it was my very first book. However, I loved the back and forth between Max and Baron in Immortal Kiss, and the emotional punch of Dark Immortal. The last book in this series, Forever Immortal, is the book I HAD to write because Gideon was always in the back of my head, whispering to me. Having said that, now that I have written Forever Immortal, I am excited to write the next story too.

Q:       Of all of your books, which did you find the hardest (or easiest) to write?  Why?

A:      Every book is difficult for me. When I am in the middle of a writing project, I get really caught up in it. I am a worrier, and I worry that the conflict is not dark enough, the motivation is not deep enough, and the plot is not fast enough. If I did not have the support of awesome critique partners who keep me going, I would probably never finish anything.

Q:    Can you please tell the readers something about your upcoming book, Forever Immortal, due out May 15? 

A:      As soon as I finished writing the first book in this series, Forever Immortal was going to be book 2, but then I realized that Gideon was not quite ready for his own book and there were a few Immortals who had to come before him. However, from the very beginning, I knew what his story was going to be and I even wrote half of it before I started Immortal Kiss or Dark Immortal. When it was finally time to write this book, Forever Immortal was supposed to be the last book in the series, but everything was twisted and now I know there has to be at least one more.

In the meantime, though, here is the blurb for Forever Immortal

Eight years ago, science and reason ruled Gideon Bennett’s life. Until the death of an Immortal triggered a physical transformation, forcing him out of the laboratory and into a world of violence for which he was ill prepared. Now a seasoned warrior, he is still haunted by his one massive failure—and the face and body of the woman he could not save.

Lyssa James was not looking for trouble when she set out to enjoy a night on the town. Instead, she got a first-class ticket to a demon Hell dimension where she was trapped for eight long years. Now she has finally escaped…only to run into the man who failed her. The passion between them is instant and irresistible, but neither of them is the same person they were eight years ago. In addition, even as they battle with their desire, one of the nastiest demons from the Abyss is on the loose, threatening not only their lives but also the future of humans.

Q:       What is your favorite part of the book?

A:     Gideon and Lyssa have such a tortured relationship, I wanted to make sure there were some lighter moments between them, and those ended up being my favorite parts!

Here is a short excerpt from one of those moments that shows both the light and the dark

Gideon stalked over to the refrigerator and pulled it open. “What would you like to eat? I can make pretty much anything.”

“You’re kidding me, right?” She had not eaten a real meal in over eight years. How was she supposed to make a choice like that?

“Look,” he told her, his tone very serious. “You tell me what you want, and I’ll make it. Anything you want.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Yes,” he interrupted, “I do.”

She looked into his eyes and sighed. Nyx did not like that he felt responsible for what had happened to her, especially when she wasn’t even sure that she blamed him.

She wished that she did, because not hating him meant that maybe they did not have to be enemies, that she might start to let her guard down.

That made everything more complicated. Why couldn’t he be a cruel and ruthless warrior who wanted her dead? Her own choices would have been so much simpler.

“Do you have any lettuce?” she asked, suddenly knowing exactly what she wanted.

“Lettuce?” He looked incredulous. “I’m offering to make you absolutely anything you want, and you ask me for lettuce?”

“No. Not just lettuce.” She could picture the salad in her head and her mouth started to water in anticipation. “What I really want is a salad. A salad with crisp, fresh lettuce, maybe some baby spinach and bean sprouts, pine nuts and mandarin wedges thrown in, with a raspberry dressing.”

Gideon stared, his mouth hanging open. “Um…that’s actually pretty specific. I was thinking you were going to say you wanted a nice juicy steak and maybe a baked potato. You know…for the protein and energy.”

Nyx laughed—a real laugh. “Only a guy would come out of hell and ask for a steak. Do you know what kind of plants grow in a place like that?” She raised her eyebrows at his incredulous expression. “None. The only bio-matter comes from the stunted, scraggly weeds that push their way through the dry cracks in the rocks and dusty earth every once in a while. But then the air is so hot and dry, and there’s barely any water, so even those poor withered stalks die within days. And forget finding any fruit or vegetables.”

“Then what did you eat?”

Nyx was suddenly ashamed. She didn’t want him to know the animal she had become in that place. Gideon’s expression was inscrutable. She thought she sensed a trace of disgust in his voice, and it hurt to think that he might disapprove of how she had been forced to survive.

Then came anger. She’d like to see him to do any better faced with the same set of circumstances.

Gideon must have sensed her discomfort, because he let the matter drop without another word, easily moving back to her dinner request. “Well, if it’s a salad you want, I can definitely do that.” He turned to the refrigerator and started pulling things out and setting them on the countertop. “I should have everything except for the raspberry dressing. Since when did raspberry become a salad dressing anyway? Whatever happened to plain old ranch dressing? And what’s with the oranges? I didn’t even know you could put fruit in a salad.”

He sounded so normal, mumbling to himself like that, so much like a typical man. Maybe she could do this. Maybe all she had to do was pretend to be normal too, and eventually it would be true.

Q:        What question have you most wanted to be asked in an interview?

A:       “Do you want to know the winning lottery numbers?”

My answer – “YES!” LOL

Thanks Shelbie for the great interview!! I have had a ton of fun with your questions!

JK Coi

My sincerest thanks to J.K. Coi for taking the time to share with us!  I am anxiously awaiting the release of Forever Immortal! 

If you are interested in learning more about J.K. Coi, her Immortal Series, or any of her other work, below are links where you can find it all!

Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing this wonderful experience with me!  Please excuse the errors in the formatting - no matter what I did, I simply could not get things to line correctly!

Shelbie =)

Website: www.jkcoi.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi

Blog: www.jkcoi.blogspot.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/jkcoi

Forever Immortal:  http://www.ellorascave.com/forever-immortal.html

Images provided by, and property of, J.K. Coi

UPCOMING - Paranormal Romance Author, J.K. Coi

Good evening!

I have some great news to report!  One of my favorite Authors, one of the few who originally inspired me to write, has agreed to a question and answer session with me on my blog!!

J.K. Coi is a wonderful Author, a true Paranormal Romance gem, and I cannot wait for you to meet her and learn about her newest release; I have been anxiously waiting for this one myself!

Also exciting is that her blog interview times perfectly with her long awaited new release!!  Make sure to check back to learn more exciting information about her newest release, expected to drop Wednesday, May 15th!

If you have any questions for J.K., please email them to me at shelbie@shelbieknight.com and I will try to get them answered!  Our blog interview is scheduled for Monday, May 13th, so please get your questions to me as soon as possible!

For more information on J.K. Coi, check her website: http://www.jkcoi.com/

I look forward to this most exciting event and hope that you will join with me to welcome J.K. and celebrate her new release!

Sincerest wishes,

Shelbie =)