A Close Encounter With... Tamaria Soana

Hello, and thank you for stopping by. 

I’m Tamaria Soana a contemporary romance author. My stories tend to be on the steamy side and always end with a happily ever after.

Southern Embrace my newest release was a very different story line for me to tackle. The story opens with Savannah my heroine trying to pick up the pieces of the broken heart her high school sweetheart Lance left her with when his family moves away the summer after graduation and he cuts her out of his life.

With some prompting for her best friend Nikki, Van (Savannah) goes out with the girls to a club and meets the handsome older Stephan. He sweeps her off her feet and she begins to heal. The stories over and they live happily ever after right? WRONG. The story is just beginning. In chapter 1 we learn that Stephan was killed in a car accident (I hated doing that). Savannah is twenty-three and the grief consumes her. Nikki her best friends steps in once again and arranges for Lance to run into her at the mall. Will Savannah give Lance a chance to explain and let him back into her life? 

Southern Embrace is an emotional story about overcoming grief, forgiveness, and second chances.

I hope you’ll fall in love with Savannah and Lance as much as I have. Southern Embrace is from Savannah’s POV. I’m currently writing Southern Desire, the story from Lance’s POV.

Southern Embrace

Can a long lost love mend a grieving heart?

Widowed at twenty-three, Savannah Grant is devastated and consumed with grief, a grief that she can't seem to move past. When her high school sweetheart, Lance Peterson, re-enters her life, Savannah struggles with the feeling that she would be betraying her deceased husband by moving on. Plus, she can't forget the way Lance broke her heart all those years ago.

Lance never stopped loving Savannah. He wants a second chance, and he's willing to do anything it takes to convince her to give him one. Will she give in and let Lance love her, showing her a passion beyond anything she thought possible?

Content Warning: adult language, explicit sexual situations and play

Excerpt:

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon. Van grabbed her purse and headed out to the mall. Nikki's shower was the following weekend, and Nikki had been on her to get a new dress for days, threatening to drag her shopping kicking and screaming if she didn't go herself.

Once at the mall, Van picked up some last minute gifts for Nikki. After trying on a few dresses, she found a knee-length, strapless coral dress. She purchased it and was off in search of a pair of shoes. When she found the perfect pair of coral and silver heels, Van concluded the trip to the mall a complete success.

Her cellphone rang as she was leaving the shoe store. She dug around in her bag to find it. With her head down and her steps brisk, she ran right into someone.

"I'm so sorry. I'm such a klutz," she said as she looked up into the brown eyes of her first love. She gasped and took a step back, surveying him. His light brown hair was a little shorter and he was built like a man now, not the boy she used to know. She stood frozen in place, staring at him. This can't be happening. A tidal wave of emotions rushed through her at once. Anger, resentment, hatred, but mainly pain…so much pain.

"Van."

"Lance? Oh my God!" She took another step back. "How?"

"I-I talked to Nikki. She told me you would be here. I needed to see you. When I heard what happened…" He paused. "I knew I couldn't stay away any longer. I'm so sorry."

The more he talked, the more Van's anger flared. Who does he think he is? He left me! Turned his back on me when he cut all ties!

"What exactly are you sorry for, Lance? That my husband died or that you broke my heart all those years ago?" The words she spoke were full of acid. "You have a lot of nerve just showing up here like nothing ever happened. Go away." She turned to leave.

"Please, Van, just talk to me. Give me a chance to explain," he begged as he reached for her hand.

"Don't you dare touch me," she said through gritted teeth, yanking her hand away. "What do you want from me?" She stared at him while plotting all the ways she was going to torture Nikki for her betrayal.

She seethed as he looked around. "Calm down, Van. People are starting to stare. Please, can we go somewhere more private and talk? There is so much I need to tell you."

"What could you possibly have to say to me that would make up for what you did? I mean, I know you had to move, but you cut all ties with me. Like the three years we spent together meant nothing to you, like I meant nothing to you. Damn you, Lance, you didn't even try to make it work."

"Please, Savannah. Give me a chance to explain."

"Give me one reason why I should."

"Because I still love you. I. Never. Stopped. I cut all ties with you because I had to. Long distance relationships never work out. I was afraid you would wake up one day and resent me. Being apart from you was killing me. I thought this way we would both be able to move on. But I was wrong, I never was able to move on. I let the love I have for you consume me. I wanted to come back sooner, but then I heard you'd gotten married. When I found out what had happened, I wanted to rush here and be by your side, but I figured you would need some time."

His words shocked and confused her. After she took a few moments to process everything, she shook her head. "I can't do this." She turned and walked away, then stopped. "Go back to wherever it was you came from and leave me alone."

"I won't give up on you. I won't stop trying, and I most definitely won't ever leave you again."

"Just go away, Lance. You're good at that," she snarled before she walked away. She didn't dare turn around because looking at him as he begged her to give him a chance to explain would certainly weaken her. Van needed to focus on how she was going to kill her so-called best friend.

Where to buy Southern Comfort

 Beachwalk  Press       Barnes & Noble      Amazon

Watch the Trailer:

About  Tamaria:

Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. 

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

Where to find Tamaria:

 Site     Facebook Author Page     Twitter

Reviews: Tamaria Soana - Southern Embrace

Southern Embrace by Tamaria Soana

Savannah is utterly destroyed when her husband is killed in a car accident and at the beginning of the story we see her at rock bottom, in the graveyard in the rain.  If not for her friend Nikki we are sure she would have given up. Enter old flame, Lance.

This book is a total roller coaster from Vann’s own emotional ups and downs to how she copes with the vagaries of her mother, somehow managing to come out on top.

I really liked that the character believably did not fall into the ex’s arms in the first 5 pages... instead there was the build up  that is far more realistic than many you see in romance books.

The sex is super hot too... not overwhelming the story, which could be easy to do in such a short story.  Well done Tamaria Soana. This is another example of how the contemporary romance genre is continuing to evolve

Southern Embrace by Tamaria Soana

ISBN: 9781937325602 

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: April 15th 2013 

Can a long lost love mend a grieving heart?

Widowed at twenty-three, Savannah Grant is devastated and consumed with grief, a grief that she can't seem to move past. When her high school sweetheart, Lance Peterson, re-enters her life, Savannah struggles with the feeling that she would be betraying her deceased husband by moving on. Plus, she can't forget the way Lance broke her heart all those years ago.

Lance never stopped loving Savannah. He wants a second chance, and he's willing to do anything it takes to convince her to give him one. Will she give in and let Lance love her, showing her a passion beyond anything she thought possible?

Content Warning: adult language, explicit sexual situations and sexually explicit play

Freebie Time!

The Shuttle!  It's live and free.

At the end of a mission, Lara only wants to get back to her Mothership and Simon.  But when a storm blows up she has to decide what is more important...

Excerpt:

We’d been flying together for several cycles when things had just happened.  A natural conclusion, I supposed, but still.  It felt odd to be both employed as his captain and being his lover.

Then I’d been called to fly for the empire, their fighters had needed exceptional pilots, I’d been informed at my draft interview.  But the war with the Juran Commonwealth had ended as abruptly as it had begun, freeing me to return to Simon.  In fact, I’d only returned mere weeks before.

The freedom to fly how and when I wanted to still made me uncomfortable.  But Simon was there to support me during my active hours.  He also held me, soothing the nightmares that still plagued my nights.

I shrugged off my thoughts, taking another look at the boiling sky.

Definitely time to get the bird into the air.

Available Formats:

PDF, HTML, Lit, Mobi, EPub

Link: 

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1353 

Cover Reveals

There is something awesome when you can sit back and say... "Here are my next 3 covers."

Yes... that's the point I'm at.

So one by one... I present 3 covers - just click on the links to go to my author pages with every one of the publishers!

Loving Memories

 Cool cover!  I love the fact that they used the Brisbane River. It was the first thing that caught my husband's eye when I showed him.

And the eyes of the hero and heroine.  Oh yes! Indeed!

This will release from Steam-EReads on 15 June!

The Shuttle

The Shuttle is an extension of one of my Hotter Than Hades challenges.

Isn't this spectacular? My wonderful friend Khloe Wren designed it for me! Squee!!!

It will be FREE for the first little while after release date.  Stay tuned for more details.

The Shoe Salon

The Shoe Salon is an extension of one of my Hotter Than Hades challenges.

I love this cover - it was designed by my clever friend Khloe Wren!

It will be FREE for the first little while after release date.  Stay tuned for more details.

 Oh yes, and another should be ready shortly for sharing!

Imogene

Reviews: Jaye Shields - Addictions Of A Sex Demon

Addictions of a Sex Demon by Jaye Shields

I’m going to start with praise for the extraordinary cover – featuring a hot pink haired succubus and her steely dragon lover.

The story was fan yourself scorching hot!  Oh man!  It succeeds in presenting a little bit for everyone’s reading tastes – which gives it such broad appeal.  I love that the heroine isn’t just a single sided cardboard cutout of every other female.  Sephina is a steel spined, straight talking and kick butt material heroine.  But as with many a good story, the twists and turns include details of how she got to where she is, rounding out the story.

On the other hand Axel is a good guy/bad guy enigma and he’s so much more than you see at the beginning of the book, starting with the healing of Rosey.

Jaye Shields presents a totally new look at some old character concepts and breathes life into her tale.

Addictions of a Sex Demon by Jaye Shields

The Sex Demon Trilogy, Book 3

Genre(s): Erotic Paranormal Romance

Digital ISBN: 9781937325510

Publication Date: February 18, 2013

Sephina is about to trade one addiction for another—and his name is Axel.

Sephina Antara has gotten into a lot of trouble as a sex demon with a drug addiction. Moving to a new village was supposed to help her get clean. But when she relapses, it comes with a side of hot dragon man.

Axel Stavros may be a drug dealer, but he's also the town healer. Half-human, half-dragon, his blood can cure just about anything, but it has some erotic side effects for its user, as the new beauty in town is about to find out…

Content Warning: graphic language, hot foreplay, and even hotter sex, including light bondage and some girl-on-girl action.

 Imogene

Talking About Magic...

Magic Touch Giveaway Blog Hop Post!

Magic in romance... where do I start? With the magic between a man and a woman when they finally get it together and realise what they have is something worth keeping?

I love writing books with a happy ever after...

The Plan - April 15 from Beachwalk Press:

    Kadie woke, Jonah’s heavy arm crossed over her body. She ached in places she hadn’t realized could ache. Her legs spasmed slightly in response to their athletic lovemaking the night before. Her body, especially between her legs, was tender. Kadie opened her eyes, knowing exactly where she was. In his arms, in his bed, after the most amazing sex of her life. Again. Damn!

I mean where else can you experience the magic of love on a daily basis (well, fictionally of course!)

Ohhh, you mean the other magic?  As in Abracadabra? Oh okay... let me change gears. <g>

Ahem... So magic in books...

Yes, I like a good bit of magic in my stories.  Take Blame The Wine, for example.

Blame The Wine - May 27th Total-E-Bound:

     He looked for the server, then stopped still in surprise, blinking, watching as his aunt appeared in the seat opposite him. Her long wavy chestnut hair glinted in the dim light. She might be Cailleach, the Mother of All, but more importantly, she was still his aunt. Traditional Scottish mythology always showed her as an old hag, and this was a never-ceasing source of amusement to her. But then, so was his description as a brownie. When he assumed his true body, he was tall, redheaded and bearded. Trim and taut, nothing like the visage he presently portrayed.

The whole concept of magic sends shivers running through my system.  I mean, it's something we all look for in one incarnation or the other.  In our day-to-day lives, most of us equate magic with romance and I guess that is why the paranormal romance genre is one of the biggest and growing rapidly.

But we can have it all, even if it is just between the sheets of paper in a book (or virtually if we use an ebook reader!) 

Okay, enough of me yapping on about my books... I know you would like to win one... right? So let me see...

Leave a comment about why you love the magic in romance.

To Be Eligible:

You MUST comment on the comment on my statement above.

Please leave your email address for me... that way I can contact you.

What You Win (if you are the winner)

An Ebook copy of The Plan.  (I will contact the winner to find out what format you would like)

Blurb: 

What happens when a former orphan, now illegal parts runner Kadie Frost falls for the new head of the Department of Authority?

Jonah Fielding has been brought in to clean up the department on Centauri, but in the course of his work, he also captures Kadie, the sprite who got away.

But what happens when work and pleasure collide?

The draw will take place AFTER the hop concludes on 30th April 2013.

Book Swag Giveaway!

This Hop is hosted by author Kallysten and book blog  Riverina Romantics. In addition to individual prizes provided on each blog, we are offering assorted swag to the first 100 participants who simply tell us they want some! See all details and sign up here.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

A Close Encounter with Georgiana Louis and friend

Today we are truly lucky.  One of my good friends, Georgiana Louis has brought a friend to visit.  I know you'll make welcome, Her Grace, Annabelle, The Duchess of Lincoln.

Her Grace enters the room and smiles kindly on me, staying my curtsey (phew, because these days it's a tad wobbly.) But I pull out a nice comfy chair for her and offer a beverage.  She accepts a cooling glass of water as she settles her voluminous skirts around her.

Georgiana winks conspiratorially at me. "She's lovely.  So I'll just leave you to it." The with a tinkling laugh she's out the door.

I blink owlishly.

"You Grace..."

However the lady in question is so gracious. "Pish Posh. Call me Annabelle.  All my friends do." And with a wickedly naughty grin she let's me know it's time to start.

I don't have a lot of time... something I'm now beginning to regret.


(IN)What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My husband and children by my side, healthy and happy.

(IN)What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Colin Lyre, the Duke of Lincoln. My husband.

(IN)What is your most marked characteristic?
My face, unfortunately few people bother to realize that it is only an external covering.

(INW)hen and where were you the happiest?
When my husband came to Scotland after I left him.

(IN)What is your greatest fear?
That my choice’s will negatively impact those I love.
(IN)Which living person do you most despise?
My husband’s sister in law. Hateful, vindictive woman.

My friend Georgiana creeps back into the room and I'm almost out of time.  I'd love to know more about this woman, but I have to be fast now.

(IN)What is your greatest regret?
Trusting Patrick Miller on the night he tried to rape me.

(IN)What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty.

(IN)What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Courage

(IN)What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Beauty, it is so fleeting.

Now she's standing and I know my quick interview with her is at an end. She smiles and leans in, softly touching my cheek before she leaves the room.

(GL) I wrote her story as she told me... Read on for an excerpt.

 

Excerpt:

Annabelle had not enjoyed her days off from the ton circuit. She had spent them eating pastries, and now wondered if she would fit into the expensive wardrobe her mother had paid for. She had also spent the week trying not to think about a certain Duke that invaded her thoughts even whilst she slept.

She dressed carefully for the opera. She had never been to the opera before and would most likely never get to again. Especially not in a Ducal box which she would be sharing with Victoria and her older brother John tonight.

 “Annabelle, the Duke’s carriage has arrived.” Her mother’s voice rang shrilly through the house. Her mother was more nervous than Annabelle was, if that was possible. She still could not believe that Annabelle had made a friend in a Duke’s daughter when she was more accustomed to talking to farmers and friends of the vicarage.

“I’ll be down in a moment,” Annabelle called out, smoothing her dress down her slim waist and noting the roundness of her full breasts that her opera dress did nothing to disguise.

“Good night mother,” Annabelle kissed her mother on the cheek, grabbed her cloak and headed off into the night with Victoria and her John.

“Good evening to you Miss Collins,” John nodded his head slightly as the carriage did not allow him to stand and make his bow.

“Good evening Mister Dunford. Hello Victoria.” Annabelle breathed, almost unable to get past the anxiety in her stomach she grabbed for her friends hands.

“Oh Victoria, what if I do something wrong? What am I meant to do at the opera? I have never been and I’m so nervous. Please tell me everything.”

Victoria and John both laughed loudly making Annabelle blush crimson.

“You do not do anything other than be yourself. Walk in, watch the opera and walk out.” Victoria smiled confidently and Annabelle felt her stomach drop nervously again.

“But will I have to talk to anyone? Will people be able to see me?” Annabelle stammered again.

This time only John laughed, but Victoria smiled.

“Of course people can see you. That is half the fun of the opera. Being able to see what everyone else is wearing and doing but not having to talk to them.”

Where to buy The Reluctant Duke - Red Rose Publishing

About Georgiana Louis

Georgiana Louis is a wife and mother of two little girls. She loves the world of fictional romance and has long given up reading anything else.
Escapism in its safest form, she enjoys reading all sorts of romance as well as writing it. Come, enjoy her world, where everything ends as it should, happily ever after.

You can visit Georgiana at her website

A Close Encounter With... Jaleta Clegg

Continuing the Encounters With guest blogs, today we are joined by Jaleta Clegg!  Welcome Jaleta!

 I've asked my Encounters guests to tell me something they've learned during the process of working on their current work in progress.  This is Jaleta's take.

Lessons Learned from Writing Poisoned Pawn

1. Never edit when you're tired and frustrated. You'll cut so much out, the scene you just edited resembles the chopped liver monster from The Muppet Show.

I was dealing with a lot of Real Life while editing this book. I'm embarrassed that a couple of scenes got past me and the final editorial pass. I chopped them to pieces and tried to re-assemble them, and the poor things came out like Frankenstein's monster. But deadlines are harsh masters.

2. Don't be married to any scene or character. Do what's best for the story. Some scenes just have to go.

A couple of my favorites got chopped from this book. A good friend pointed out that the first half wandered around and wasn't that interesting. I cut many fun scenes in the interest of getting to the meat faster. (Hmm, another zombie reference? I must be craving steak again.)

3. Don't be afraid of emotion. Stark, raw emotion can be very frightening, especially when it's yours and you just put it on paper for the world to see.

I shy away from showing emotion. The main character, Dace, has a lot of horrible things happen to her. I'm writing the story in first person. I can't put distance between the reader and the raw emotion without losing the impact of the scene. But it's really hard. Walking-in-public-in-my-underwear hard.

4. Believe in yourself, above all. Everyone has a doubt monster living in their head that whispers, "You're no good." Learn to shove that doubt monster into a corner and throw a towel over its head.

POISONED PAWN

Dace and Jasyn have everything they ever wanted - their own trading ship and freedom.

Except regulations require a second pilot and the only one available on Viya Station is a little too perfect for Dace's comfort. But his credentials check out and everything seems fine. Until Dace disappears and Jasyn learns the truth.

Available Here: Journal-Store   

Author Bio:

Jaleta Clegg loves creating worlds and spinning stories about everything. Her stories range from science fiction adventure to silly horror to everything in between. She enjoys piecing quilts, crocheting weird things, and cooking. She'd enjoy gardening except she has a black thumb and can kill zucchini. Nothing more tender stands a chance. You can find more at www.jaletac.com

 Where to chat with Jaleta: 

Blog/website  Facebook  Twitter

Thanks for joining me, Jaleta!  We look forward to seeing your work soon!

Imogene

Happy Release Day!

Woot!

I love release days.  They are so much fun.  So in honour, I bring you something amazing! Something brilliant!

So in honour, well, here's the trailer just to whet your appetite.  Keep reading on for the official excerpt and link to buy from!

 

Woo Hoo!!

Blurb:

What happens when wrong and right collide amidst indescribable passion?

Jonah Fielding has been brought in to clean up the Department of Authority on Centauri. In the course of his work, he captures Kadie Frost, the young woman who managed to escape his sting operation. Kadie, an orphan, now almost destitute illegal parts runner, is shocked to find herself falling for the man who arrested her.

Jonah’s world is one that Kadie doesn’t understand and fears. When he offers her a deal, she agrees to help him with the investigation. Now they must fight an impossible attraction, find the bad guys, and along the way they’ll even end up getting married…purely for the sake of the case, of course.

In the middle of upheaval they find themselves surprised by the scorching promise of passion while bewildered at how it all went awry. The clock is ticking and anything can happen next. Will they survive when work and pleasure collide?

Content Warning: This book contains a sexy hot man in uniform and a wayward, hotheaded woman, as well as lots of adventure of the futuristic and bedroom variety.  

Official Excerpt: 

The man that arrested her, Captain Jonah Fielding, she had heard of. A straight man, everyone agreed. He didn't associate with the old, corrupt Authorities. But at this point that's cold comfort. How can I possibly explain that I have nothing else except my little Sugar Plum Fairy and that's why I took the chance? Her stomach rebelled and she dry heaved right there in the cells as catcalls and laughter from other prisoners filled the air. Thank the Lights at least I am in a single cell. Her head ached brutally and she wavered slightly, waiting for Captain Fielding to send for her.

"Kadie Frost? Captain Fielding wants to see you." The clank of the cell door told her someone was coming; she struggled to her feet, lifting tired, sore eyes.

A young man, little more than a boy really, with a freshly pressed uniform marched in, unfastened her from the restraint loop, and pulled her out the door and into an anonymous corridor.

Hoots and hollers met her ears as she allowed herself to be paraded down the long walkway. As if cattle in a moon-cow yard, she thought, closing her eyes as the Authority man pulled her toward a heavy, metal door at the end of the corridor. He stopped there and she opened her eyes, reading the sign on the door.

Interrogation Room One. What a great name, she thought snidely. Really inventive.

The door opened slowly and she was quickly thrust inside. The door snapped shut behind her as she looked around the bare room. A table and two chairs sat, scarred and ugly, in the middle of the floor. The metal was cold and glittering in the cool air as the air circulators pushed currents around the frigid room. She made her way over and sat down, waiting for the captain to enter. Her head drooped to the table and she let it rest, seeking the refreshing cool on her overly hot skin.

Her hands stung and her eyes burned. She felt sorry for herself as she thought about the mess she had gotten into, and she turned her stinging hands to check the damage. They were bright red and radiated heat. The deep scratches were swollen and weepy; sticky drops of goop coated the raw skin. Never a good sign, she already knew that.

"Kadie Frost?"

She started. Obviously, the woolly, heavy feeling in her head had overtaken her and she had dropped off to sleep as she waited. Her skin burned against in the coolness of the room.

"That's me." Her head hurt viciously, but now she realized her throat burned too.

"Captain Fielding is my name. I believe you and I can discuss BXM parts?" He lifted an eyebrow and she noted the captain had the most amazing blue eyes she had ever seen, teamed with long, black hair fastened at the back of his neck, high cheeks, and impossibly chiseled features. He had full, pink lips that would make a woman cry when they moved over hers. Huh? Where did that thought come from?

She blinked, dazed by the thought, and considered her plan of attack. "What? Oh, the BXM parts." She swallowed and felt the razor blades she was sure were in her neck slashing from the inside which then proceeded to burn. "They aren't mine. They never were."

Genre(s): Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance

Digital ISBN: 9781937325688

Length: Novella

Publication Date: April 15, 2013

Price $3.99

Where to buy:

Amazon          Beachwalk Press          Barnes & Noble

Imogene Nix