*Author Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway* Without Aiden by Dianne Hartsock *Goddess Fish Tours*

WITHOUT AIDEN

By

Dianne Hartsock

   

Is a gift of love enough to open Aiden’s heart and let Tris back in?

After the car accident that killed his parents and left his sister paralyzed, Tris is left with nothing. His family is destroyed. His reputation is shot. And all he has is the guilt of knowing it was all his fault. People in town know he’d been drinking that night, and know he should never have gotten behind the wheel. And even Aiden, the man he thought he’d be with forever, blames him too much to stay.

But Tris can’t let him just disappear. After months of loneliness and isolation, Tris brings Aiden a gift on his birthday, a hawk he’s carved from a chunk of wood they’d found in the forest during an afternoon of love. A small chink seems to open in Aiden’s heart, the first sign of forgiveness. With renewed hope, Tris takes a job renovating one of the older homes in town and tries to rebuild his life. But the townspeople have long memories, and when his sister’s condition worsens, forgiveness—and Aiden—seem to slip even further out of reach…

*******************

Tell us what you’ve been up to since the last time you were here?

Busy writing! It seems that I have more story ideas than time to write them, so I try to squish in a little creative writing every day. Since my last visit I've had three stories published and have stories in two separate anthologies. Having so much fun with this!

I was also able to make it to EPICON this year. There were some wonderful, informative workshops on writing and promoting E-books, and we were able to talk to the owners and acquisition editors from close to seven different publishing houses. Very inspiring, let me tell you. Oh, and I work as a floral designer, which keeps me hopping as well.

In this book, who was your favorite character to write and why?

My favorite character in WITHOUT AIDEN is the main character, Tris. I told the story from his POV, digging deeply into his life and emotions. I really enjoyed working with him. He's an intelligent, caring man, a good friend and hard worker. Circumstances placed him in a tragic situation, but he faces it with courage and the strong conviction that he and Aiden are meant to be together. He doesn't stop working to make things right and recapture Aiden's love. I admire that.

What was your favorite scene to write and the toughest?

My favorite scene is where Tris remembers his and Aiden's first kiss. It's so sweet! Tris gives Aiden a ride to the library on his bike, Aiden perched behind him. Tris is very aware of Aiden's warm body pressed against him. When they stop, Tris's heart is pounding. He's never dated before while Aiden's had several boyfriends already. Tris doesn't know what to do, but Aiden is gentle and fond and kisses him sweetly.

The toughest scene to write is the one where Tris is remembering an intimate afternoon he spent with Aiden in the workshop. It's a memory, but he's daydreaming about it as if it was happening to him right then. It was difficult to clearly separate his dream from what was really going on around him. I managed to get it all down succinctly with the help of my amazing editor, Matt Dale. But this was also hard to write because we climb right into Tris's mind and body, and the depth of his pain and loneliness and love for Aiden is heartbreaking.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new book? Can you share a never before seen snippet?

My editor tells me that 'if you boil down Without Aiden to its most basic, it's about: loneliness, angst, forgiveness and sex'. He's right! But it's also about true love and Tris's need to be accepted.

This snippet is the scene I mentioned above where Tris and Aiden share their first kiss:

He brought them to a stop at the back of the library where a copse of trees and low hedges hid them from view. He waited, chest heaving, tense. What would Aiden…

Tris had shivered when Aiden placed a soft kiss behind his ear and slid his hands down Tris’s chest, rubbed the wisps of hair on his stomach. “I’d like to kiss you,” Aiden murmured, nuzzling Tris’s neck.

Afraid he was dreaming, Tris turned his head, and the lips he adored slid over his, warm, pliant, so sweet. Tris nudged them with his tongue and was invited into the heat and life of Aiden’s mouth. Aiden’s tongue tangled with his, teased, tasted. Tris moaned and leaned back against him, and Aiden lost his perch and stepped to the ground with a laugh.

“That was amazing,” he said, touching Tris’s mouth. He leaned down and kissed him again. Tris trembled when Aiden’s fingers slid along his stomach and outlined his cock through the snug jeans. Tris whimpered. He knew Aiden had been with other boys, but Tris hadn’t. He wasn’t sure what he should do. What did Aiden expect?

Aiden gave him a last sweet kiss then moved his hands to cup Tris’s face. “It’s OK, baby. My parents are out this evening. Come over? About five? I’d like to kiss you somewhere private.”

“Yes,” Tris whispered, voice hoarse. He cleared his throat, knowing he blushed, but his heart sang when Aiden gave him a brilliant smile then turned and headed toward the front of the building.

How do you go about picking character names? Do you have to get them just right and make sure they fit with the characters personality?  Is there any characters you found hard to name?

Actually, the characters names come easiest to me. I'll usually get a story idea from a bit of music or a few words or even someone's tone of voice. I'll start thinking out the plot line, and the characters begin to appear; name, personality and all.

The only time I remember having trouble with a name, is when two characters have names that are so similar the reader gets confused who is who. It's very hard to change a name once I get into the story, but there have been several times when I've had to do this to avoid confusion. But once I and the character got used to the new name, we found it worked just fine.

For new readers, what book of yours would you recommend they start with and why?

If you haven't read anything of mine before, I'd start with SHELTON IN LOVE. It's the first m/m romance I'd written and is a very sweet story. You'll get a taste of my writing and meet my favorite character, Shelton. Love that man!

Do you have any little rituals you do before or during your writing process?

Not really. As long as I have a cup of coffee and some music playing, I'm all set.

What’s the weirdest thing you got inspiration from?

I can't think of anything weird! The coolest thing is a stone gargoyle I have, about a foot tall, that inspired me when I wrote PHILIP'S WATCHER.

Do you have a favorite cover? Which one and why is it your favorite?

That's hard to answer! I have so many beautiful ones. If I had to choose, it would be the one for PHILIP'S WATCHER. Love the gargoyle and also the blue colors of the picture. And Adrian's eyes are amazing…

What’s coming up in the future?

Lots of things! I have stories in two anthologies coming out this June. I have a free read for the M/M Romance Goodreads Group coming out this summer. And then I always have stories I'm working on for the future.

What do you hope readers take away after reading one of your books?

That love is love, no matter what form it chooses to take.

Quickies

You’re granted 3 wishes, what would they be?

*glances over shoulder* Hope this isn't a Twilight Zone moment! First, I'd like more time to write. Second, I wish my husband could retire from his job that he doesn't really like. And third, that my kids graduate college soon.

What’s the last line you wrote from your current WIP?

The thought scared the crap out of him. "He'll want to know…"

What’s your motto?

Stories from the heart, always.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chips, salsa, and an ice-cold beer.

What are you hiding in your night stand? ;)

Those extra-special nighties.

Boxers, Briefs or Commando?  Snug fitting boxer briefs.

Top or Bottom? Top

Pj’s or nude? Pj's

Hairy chests or smooth? Smooth

Sexiest feature on a man? Their smile, with eyes coming a close second

Favorite book? The 'Fortress' series by C.J. Cherryh

Favorite tv show? Supernatural

Favorite color? Aquamarine

Where can your fans find you? (Web site and social media links)

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1

Is there anything else you like to add……?

Thanks everyone for stopping in and feel free to contact me anytime. Happy reading!

It had been three months. Aiden had to talk to him, give him a hint of that gorgeous smile he lived for. Shit. What if Aiden wasn’t alone?

Tris locked his bike at the empty stand and tucked wisps of light hair behind his ears with a shaky hand. Aiden’s red Fiat sat in its space outside his apartment door. At least he was home this morning. He could easily be spending his birthday with someone else.

Paling at the thought, Tris slung his pack on his shoulder and walked to the door. He had nothing to lose at this point. He didn’t expect much, but maybe they could talk. Clear the air. Tris missed him. God, he’d suffered hell. Months of empty days and long, achy nights without his lover.

He rapped on the door and his heart sank when he heard voices and a soft laugh inside. Jealousy bit through him, but he shoved it away. Didn’t matter. He’d brought Aiden a gift and he’d be damned if he was leaving without delivering it.

He lifted his hand, then dropped it to his side and laughed without humor. He’d worn his best jacket too. As if Aiden would be impressed with anything he did. He set the backpack at his feet and carefully removed the small tissue-wrapped box.

He hefted it in his hand, heavier than it looked, and gently stroked a thumb over it. Damn. All of his love and yearning had gone into this gift he’d promised Aiden on one of their hikes in the forest outside town. Tris’s breath quickened as he recalled the exact moment, Aiden naked and sweaty in his arms. He rolled to his back when Aiden nudged him with his elbow. “What…”

“Didn’t you feel that?” Aiden’s hand dove under the jackets they were lying on and came up with the offending knot of wood. He rubbed his side. “Bet I get a bruise.”

“ I’m sorry.” Tris reached for the chunk, but Aiden shrugged and tossed it with their backpacks.

“Make me something with it,” Aiden ordered. They both looked up at a piercing cry. A hawk swooped over the treetops. “Carve him for me.”

Tris glanced at his darling and his heart flipped over. Aiden’s dark hair stood in wild disarray around his beautiful face. Tris leaned close and sucked the beckoning full bottom lip into his mouth.

Aiden murmured approval and his tongue dove in, the silver ball in its center grazing the roof of Tris’s mouth, sending a shiver of lust through him. He gripped Aiden’s hair, holding him in place as their tongues twined and fenced.

Tris jolted back to the moment when the apartment door suddenly opened in his face. The blood rushed from his heart and roared in his ears. Aiden leaned against the door frame and Tris’s hungry gaze ran over his slim body, his mouth going dry at the soft line of curls disappearing into the tattered shorts sitting low on Aiden’s hips. He jerked his attention back to Aiden’s eyes, meeting his intense blue gaze.

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, Dianne now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.

She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms her hands which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Without-Aiden-ebook/dp/B00BFWYECM/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360902285&sr=1-3

ARe Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-withoutaiden-1061596-145.html

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Dianne will be awarding a $10 All Romance Ebooks Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  

I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/name-before-masses-without-aiden-by.html

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

*Blog Tour Giveaway* Philip's Watcher by Dianne Hartsock *Goddess*

Philip’s Watcher
by Dianne Hartsock

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Darkness is spreading in the world with only the powerful Agenor family to oppose it. In the guise of a stone gargoyle atop the castle walls, Adrian has protected Philip, the young heir, since birth, watching him grow from childhood into a strong but lonely man without love.

When the clan chief, Philip’s father, is murdered by those he trusted, Adrian resumes his human form to better protect his beloved Philip. And finds his love returned. As lovers, their passion is all-consuming, but as they fight against treachery from within, will their love be enough to stem the dark tide sweeping the land? And will it be enough to keep Adrian’s heart alive…  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Philip chewed his lip as he watched the storm clouds gather in the leaden sky. The wind picked up, cold and heavy with rain. It whipped the hair from his face and distracted him from the study of the desolate landscape spread below his feet. How he longed for spring! But winter lingered long past when it should have given way to new growth in the valley. He guessed the reason for it, and a cold finger of dread touched his heart.

An icy gust buffeted him on the exposed balcony, and Philip gathered the long strands of his hair and tied them at his neck. He bit hard on his bottom lip to stop its tremble and welcomed the pain against the ache in his heart. “He’s not coming back, is he?” he whispered as the first fat drops of moisture struck his face. He pounded a fist on the stone railing in frustration and impotent fury. “Father should have let them come to us, where we’re prepared.”

But their enemy had thrown down the gauntlet, and in his pride, Philip’s father picked it up. Jonathon Agenor had always been that way, as far back as Philip remembered. He supposed the gravity of being the Agenor Chief had made his father distant. The man kept his own council and wouldn’t listen to Philip’s cautions against a trap. The bait had been a threat against Philip’s life, something the proud man couldn’t tolerate. His life had been the forfeit. Philip closed his eyes and let the grief wash over him.

The rain swept against the walls of the stronghold, and Philip leaned his head against the stone statue on the railing beside him. “I still have you, and that’s a comfort.” He turned his gaze to the familiar face. There were many gargoyles on the high balconies of the castle, but this was his favorite. The onyx eyes glittered as if in sympathy. Distraught, Philip trailed a finger along the crack in the stonework from the creature’s forehead to its muscular chest. He flattened his hand over the cold heart and willed it to beat as he had hundreds of times before. The stone stayed firm under his palm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Ladies and gents of the Lair, please give a warm welcome to this wonderful author!!!


Since you are a new to me author, I am hoping to bring you to the light of others! So let’s share!

Okay, I’m not very good at sharing, but I’ll give it a try…

Why don't you tell us a little about yourself.... Something that we cannot Google about you, lol!

My favorite author in all the world is Ray Bradbury. It’s from his stories that I get my love for the autumn and Halloween and outer space. I was always going to be him when I grew up, and write wonderful stories that capture people’s imagination. I probably own every book he’s written.

Tell us a little about your book?

Philip’s Watcher is about the timeless battle between good and evil. Darkness is once again spreading in the world with only the powerful Agenor family to oppose it. In the guise of a stone gargoyle atop the castle walls, Adrian has protected Philip, the young heir, since birth, watching him grow from childhood into lonely adult hood.

When the clan chief, Philip’s father, is betrayed and murdered by those he trusted, Adrian resumes his human form to better safeguard Philip. As lovers, they fight against the darkness, but will their strength be enough to stem the dark tide sweeping the land?

How much emotion does it take from you to write?

My stories are character driven, but more than that, they’re driven by my characters’ emotions. I feel my way through the story, every hurt, joy, pain, laughter love and loss they go through, I’m right there with them. Some scenes can take me hours or even days to write. Sometimes I almost feel like I’m giving birth to the scene, they’re so difficult to get down on the pate. It’s often a struggle to find just the right words to capture the emotion I’m looking for. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your favorite part of the book?

Philip touched Adrian’s arm, and Adrian’s blood heated at the contrast of Philip’s white hand against his dark skin. It took all his control not to pull his darling into his embrace and ravage his lips.

Philip met his gaze, the gray eyes earnest, vulnerable. “Father had spoken of a Watcher on our walls. He wouldn’t tell me which statue you were, for your safety, but I had always hoped it was you.”

“Philip, I—” Adrian choked back his words. He’d dreamed of this moment so many times. Philip’s unquestioning acceptance of him was more than he’d hoped for. But in his vision he’d returned the hero, saving Philip and the world from peril. In reality he’d brought the danger to Philip’s hearth. And Jaimin’s powers had always been the stronger between them.

This is one of my favorite scenes, where Adrian finally hears the words of love from Philip he’d been waiting a lifetime for.

You can only pick 3 words for your main characters..what would they be? *to describe your main characters*

Philip: strong, brave, true

Adrian: loyal, loving, gentle heart

Which was the easiest character to write and the hardest ~ and why??

Adrian was the easiest to write because he came to me as a complete person, strengths and faults and all. The scenes with him seemed to write themselves. They flowed smoothly as his personality and goodness unfolded naturally in the storyline. And besides, I was excited to be writing about a gargoyle, something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while.

I had more trouble with Philip. He’d been raised in isolation and was more quiet and introverted than Adrian. He came to me slowly. I seemed to discover him much as my readers will, a little at a time throughout the book.

How many books are you shooting for in this series??

I don’t have a limit. I’ve been working on the sequel, which is to take place directly from where Philip’s Watcher left off. We’ll see what happens after this one.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the sequel to my psychological thriller novel ALEX. I also have several more erotic romances I’m finishing up and a couple more planned out. Keeping busy!

Do you have anything due to release soon?

I have several stories due out from Breathless Press in the near future, MERRY CHRISTMAS, SHELTON and WEE WILLIE WINKIE-a naughty nursery rhyme. I’ll also be in a couple of anthologies early next year.

What's one thing that you enjoy about writing?

It might sound odd, but I feel so accomplished when I finish a story. It’s such a satisfying feeling that an idea I had and characters that made themselves known to me, all came together to tell their story. And that I was able to travel with them to the end, publication, makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Since we're cover hussies....what was your first impression of your cover?

A big slow grin crossed my face! They captured Adrian’s intenseness and concern perfectly. Love his eyes! And Philip…just yum. No wonder Adrian fell in love with him. And I absolutely adore the cool blue they used.

What do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks?

Paperbacks. It’s a tactile thing.

Is there a genre you would like to write but are a little apprehensive to try?

I’ve always wanted to write a sci-fi story, but I’m afraid the science is beyond me. I’ll have to find the time for some real research before I attempt that one.

Okay.... personal time!!!! Oh yeah, I go there... Hahah...

Be sure you want to!

If you thought you were safe... Nah... Forgot it... Not a chance! We will start off slow and easy, I promise!

If I had a nickel for every time…

What is on your night stand/dresser? Night stand: alarm clock and three stuffed bears from my kids. Dresser: jewelry box and various knick knacks and a stack of books.

What are you listening to you right now?

A CD my daughter gave me to listen to, Ratatat. Not bad!

What are you reading right now?

Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz

What is your favorite season? Holiday?

Autumn is my favorite season but Christmas is my favorite holiday.

And what has been your best b-day present ever??

My very first laptop computer from my family. My husband, mother-in-law, and my sister all pitched in to buy it for me.

Hard and Quick Time! Don't think... Just answer! Okay, before we go this route, I will get us a refill on our drinks... I will be right back...

Got a beer in there?

You know you do... Quickie time... Think fast....

Are you a quickie kind girl? No

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Dark

Whipped or Melted? Whipped

Straight up or with a twist - sex? Straight up

What's ur fave drink - in a glass or on him? Carmel latte in a mug

Spank or Flogger? Spank

Junk or Health Food? Junk

Ties or Chains? Ties

Leather or Lace? LaceSoft or Hard... Bed, where was your mind? Soft-to start with

Control or Be Controlled? Be controlled, but no telling…

Hot Wax or Whip Cream? Whip cream

Vampire or Werewolf? Vampire

Twitter and/or Facebook? Both

Pinterest or not? yes

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.

I have to say, Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write my slightly twisted tales. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands which kindles my imagination.

Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Blog: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

***Blog Tour Giveaway***

Dianne will be awarding a $10 gift card from All Romance Ebooks to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/virtual-nbtm-tour-philips-watcher-by.html

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!