Thursday, September 23, 2010

Welcome, Melissa Schroeder!


Welcome, Melissa Schroeder!

Thanks so much for being my guest today to celebrate A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION! I'm giving readers an opportunity to ask you questions today, and thought I'd get the ball rolling - here are a handful of questions from me.

You've written a variety of books, do you have a favorite book or a favorite character?

What other authors do you enjoy reading? Are there any that you absolutely have to have when they have a new release?

You have two young daughters and a military husband, what family activities do you enjoy? Do your girls share your love of reading and writing? Any signs that there might be other Schroeder authors in the family?

Besides writing, what jobs have you held? Given the research you've done for books, are there any professions out there that especially intrigue you?

Okay readers, here's your chance to ask Melissa anything you want - within reason, of course! Here's a little more info about A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION, be sure to check it out!
A Little Harmless Obsession
Harmless #3
Samhain Publishing
Check out the TRAILER

What begins as a quest for submission becomes an unrelenting need for love.
May Aiona’s crush on sexy Evan Chambers is a bad habit that should be easy to break. It’s not like he-s ever noticed her. Looking for a safe place to release the reins of control and explore her curiosity about BDSM, May takes a friend up on an invitation to visit an exclusive bondage club-all she has to agree to is a public submission.
Evan can’t help but notice the exotically beautiful May. But despite his success, the dirty secrets of his past whisper that he’ll never be good enough for her. When Evan sees her standing in his club ready to submit to his best friend, he gives in to the thing he wants most-May as his sub. After their session, he knows one night will never be enough. But loving May isn’t easy for a man always ready to take charge. She might like to submit in the bedroom, but she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do outside of it.
When May insists she-s not in any danger from the person seemingly obsessed with her, she ends up in the sights of a deranged stalker-with Evan possibly too far away to help.

Warning: This book contains sexy Hawaiian settings, crazy relatives, and a submission scene that leaves the heroine breathless and the hero frustrated. There are toys, bondage, and love scenes so hot, you’ll need ice water and a towel. Remember, it’s a Harmless story, so you know there’s nothing harmless about it.
~~~~~~~
An excerpt:
“If this ever got back to your father, he’d be furious.”
Her eyes narrowed and she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “And what are you going to tell him, Evan? ‘Oh, Mr. Aiona, by the way, I stripped your daughter and made her submit to me in public.’” She snorted. “Yeah, I can see that going over really well.”
Evan couldn’t respond. The image of what she’d just said popped into his mind and all the remaining blood headed south to his shaft. He could just imagine how she’d looked strapped to his bed, her body flushed with excitement, begging him for completion. His mouth went dry thinking of how it would feel to slide the flat of his tongue over her copper brown nipple. Not to mention sinking lower, pressing his mouth to her sex, tasting her, devouring her.
“Ha!”
Her voice brought him out of his fantasy with a jolt. He shook his head, trying to lose the image he’d conjured.
“I knew you wouldn’t have an answer to that, bra. Daddy would castrate you on the spot.”
That damn mouth of hers was going to be a problem. “You act odd for a woman who agreed to do this. Do you think you’re up to it?”
Another mistake. It seemed to be a night for them. May thrived on challenges. And, even knowing that, understanding that this would ruin their friendship, he couldn’t seem to stop himself.
“No problem. I can handle it. Can you?”
His inner warrior who had been clawing at his throat revolted at the thought. He should resist. It would be best just to grab her and drag her out of here. But he couldn’t. He wanted to touch, to sample, to know what she sounded like when she came. The need humming in his veins took over all rational thought.
“Do you actually think you’re up to it? Being stripped naked in front of a crowd of strangers? Are you ready to be watched as you lose yourself in submission?” he grated out.
Closing her eyes, she shivered, her body apparently reacting to the image he’d painted. Damn.
“I think you might regret pushing me, May.”
She smiled and leaned forward, her eyes glittering with challenge. And damned if his cock didn’t rise up and cheer.
“Prove it.”
AMAZON BOOKS ON BOARD MY BOOKSTORE and MORE

If you'd like to be included in the draw for the first two books in this series, signed in print, ask Melissa a question. Can't think of a question? No problem, just leave a comment indicating that you're interested. If you're familiar with Melissa's work, feel free to mention that too! Melissa will draw a winning name in a day or two - be sure to stop back to see if you're a winner. If you think of additional questions, come back and ask them! Remember, I don't track down winners so you need to come back!

Thanks for being here today, Melissa!

Laurie

33 comments:

Melissa Schroeder said...

You've written a variety of books, do you have a favorite book or a favorite character?

I get asked this question a lot and I always say it changes, lol. Right now it really is A Little Harmless Obsession. Evan is a big favorite character of mine, I fell a little in love with him. I do with all my heroes, but Evan brings out a big of the maternal instinct because of what he went through. Part of me just wants to protect him.

What other authors do you enjoy reading? Are there any that you absolutely have to have when they have a new release?

Hmm, I am a big Nora fan. Waiting for that last book in the Bride series. Jayne Ann Krentz(and all names), Stephanie Laurens, Liz Carlyle, and I have recently discovered RG Alexander. I be in love with her so much I slobber on her. Another new author is a friend of mine, Kris Cook. He write darker than I usually like, but his stories are so damn compelling I cannot help myself.

You have two young daughters and a military husband, what family activities do you enjoy? Do your girls share your love of reading and writing? Any signs that there might be other Schroeder authors in the family?

Since we are in the DC are right now, when we have a chance to spend time together, it usually involves something historical, lol. Which makes this history nerd so happy. Both my girls are huge readers. My MIL got tickled at my oldest because at the age of six, she picked a book as her "toy" from Toys R Us. My youngest is the only one who writes. It started last year. She writes full stories and then she also changes books she has read. She tells me she doesn't like the endings, they need new ones, lol. She hasn't said she wants to do it for a job yet.

Besides writing, what jobs have you held? Given the research you've done for books, are there any professions out there that especially intrigue you?

OY, I had a lot of jobs. Child care provider, camp counselor, worked in an arcade, retail, student assistant(for the history dept which is what I based a lot of Grace Under Pressure on), hostess, tutor, math test grader, library aide, and mother. Last one was the hardest.
I have been writing a few chefs here and there and I always thought it would be fun to have my own restaurant. Of course, I like the idea, but I don't think I would like working in the kitchen for hours on end, lol.

SiNn said...

Ihavent read any in this series but id love to congrats n its release cant wait to read them

Laurie G said...

Hi Melissa,

Did you always want to be a writer? Did you take classes on writing?

Your Harmless series sounds quite enticing! I haven't read any of your books yet. Laurie's reviews always send me in the right direction. I'd love to read May and Evan's story, Chris's story too.

Thanks for sharing!

Zina said...

Hey Mel,
It was great seeing you at RomCon and getting Lessons in Seduction signed, thanks. I have your Harmless collection in ebook form but I would love to get them in print, so please include me in the drawing. Have agreat day!!
Zina

Connie T said...

Wow, how did I miss this series??? I will definitely be picking these up!

Laurie D. said...

Thanks, ladies, for stopping by to celebrate with Mel! I hope all of the chatter has tempted those of you who aren't familiar with Melissa's work to check her out! I wouldn't steer you wrong, would I?

I've loved the Harmless series so far, and two of my favorite historicals are Mel's THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS and LESSONS IN SEDUCTION, both are incredibly beautiful love stories.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Laurie,
I have wanted to be a writer since I was in middle school. I think it was Harper Lee's book To Kill a Mockingbird that inspired me. It took me a few years until I was in college to start writing for Creative Writing class. I was lucky enough to have a future poet laurete as my instructor whose best advice was to read everything I could get my hands on(something Stephen King suggests too) I found romance about 11 years ago and knew that was my genre;)

Melissa Schroeder said...

SiNn and Zina,
Thanks for stopping by! And it was great getting to see you at Rom Con too, Zina. I hope I can make it again this year because I can't make it to RT.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Connie,
A Little Harmless Pleasure came out in digital Feb 2008 so it has been awhile. But now, I will have regular releases with another Harmless book, A Little Harmless Lie, out this December.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Artemis,
I hope you enjoy them! Harmless Sex is a reader fav and always has been since it was originally published in 2004 as a novella.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Laurie D, you are such a sweetie! Thanks so much. I do have another historical, linked to The Accidental Countess and Lessons in Seduction called The Spy Who Loved Her. It is due out this March in digital. I have a FAB cover for it too:
http://www.melissaschroeder.net/thespywholovedher.html
The date on my website hasn't been updated because my editor wanted another Harmless book first, so it got pushed back:)

Brandy W said...

I'm with you Laurie. I loved Mel's Harmless series and LESSONS IN SEDUCTION is one of my favorite re-reads.

Tina D said...

Hi Mel!! You know I Love your books but I do have a question. I know you have written in severals genres is there a genre that you don't think you could write or wouldn't want to write in ??

Rhonda V. said...

Hi Melissa,
I have not read this series yet but it sounds wonderful! I was wondering if these need to be read in order? Are there recurring characters/settings or is each book in a new place with new characters?

I look forward to reading the series!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Thank you, Brandy. I am really excited about the sequel and I hope readers like it too.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Tina, I have tried a lot of other genres. I tried literary first, then cozy mysteries, women's fiction and some suspenses. For me, I want the romance so anything outside of the genre is just not for me. I want that Happily Ever After so I will probably always write romance. Now, I am not saying I will never change, but it is my true calling IMHO. And heck, we need happily ever afters. There aren't enough of them in real life.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Rhonda,
The Harmless series does not have to be read in order. They are single title books that are basically strung together through characters.
Right now, the books are taking place in Hawaii, A Little Harmless Lie ends in Vegas. I have one planned for New Orleans(can anyone say research trip?). From that point, I am not sure. I know will take place out West somewhere. And Chris, from A Little Harmless Pleasure, is from New Orleans and he has a ton of family.

Stacy S said...

Congrats on the new release. I haven't read this series. It sounds pretty good. Awesome cover.

Melissa Schroeder said...

Stacy,
Thank you! I am very lucky that Scott Carpenter, Art Director for Samhain Publishing, is a really good friend, and he LURVS me. He has done more of my covers than anyone else.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new release!

Have you considered YA? Or are your stories way too hot for that? ;)

cories119[at]yahoo.com

Estella said...

Great excerpt! I can't believe I missed this series.

kissinoak at frontier dot com

acdaisy95 said...

Congrats on the new release! You are a new author to me. Looking forward to reading it! Count me in!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Cories,
I write just a tad bit hot for YA. I have thought about it, but I would probably have to write under a different name if I did. Publishers like you writing under another name if you write erotic.
And thanks!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Estella, thanks!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Acdaisy,
Thanks so much!

Laurie D. said...

Loving the questions, ladies! You should all be interviewers!

Mel, thanks again for taking time to be here - I've enjoyed having you here and you've been a wonderful guest! Looks like you've gained some new readers, yay!!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Yes I have thanks to you. What a great set of readers on your blog:) It has been a lot of fun!

Fedora said...

Hi, Melissa! Just dragging in late to say hi! I'm glad to see you're getting new readers--your stuff is fabulous, and really, the world ought to be reading you :)

I have Melissa's first two electronically, and would love print copies for my keeper shelf! I can't wait to read A Little Harmless Obsession, and I'm thrilled to know there are more books coming!

Hi, Laurie! Sorry I haven't been by in ages :( Glad to see you!

Melissa Schroeder said...

Ahhh, thanks sweetie. I wish the world would read me too! lol
I just realized that Chris (alhp) has at least two brothers. One is a firefighter and the other is in the military, so if (crossing fingers) Samhain wants them, I will have quite a few of them in the future.

Laurie D. said...

Fedora! Where've you been, stranger? lol So good to see you, sweetie!

Mel, I so agree with Fedora about the world reading you - I know you've had wonderful success already, but I want *more* for you, you know? I want every romance reader out there to know who you are and enjoy your talent as much as I have!

Armenia said...

Hi Melissa,

Followed you here from Facebook. LOL, you are a jack of all trade. I think I had as many jobs as you had. Anyway, makes for great writing material, all that experience. Thanks for that excerpt and looking forward to reading Harmless Obessession which sounds like such a great steamy read.

How was your research into the story line of the heroine going to a BDSM club?

Congratulations on your new release.

armiefox at yahoo dot com

Kelly Thrash said...

I haven't read anything yet but I am planning on reading one in a day or so. :) I don't have any questions but I am interested in winning her books :)

Fedora said...

Oh goodie, Mel! Keeping my fingers crossed, too! How could Samhain NOT want them?!

And Laurie, it's just been a hectic summer and start to the school year--hoping to be by more frequently now ;) Thanks for the fabulous blog as always!