What Men Can Learn from Romance Novels

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about SEX. How's that for directness? But what does that have to do with romance novels and men?

Well, does your wife or girlfriend have romance novels sitting on her bookshelf or in her e-reader? If so, you might want to find out which ones are her favorite and peruse the pages. Between the covers of those books, you're going to find what makes her tick. I'm not suggesting renting a suit of armor and wearing it around your house just because she happens to favor books featuring knights, or donning a kilt because she loves Scottish warriors; although, the kilt thing could work in some instances. I am suggesting, however, paying attention to how the male protagonist seduces the woman and pleasures her in those romance books. 

Women write these novels for other women, and we keep buying them. We love the stories. We love the happy endings. We love the strong heroine, and we love how the male protagonists seduce the heroine. Don't we ladies? 

In her favorite romance books, you may find a few commonalities between those male leads and the way those men make love to the heroine. The most universal approaches are:

1. During foreplay, (Come on, you know that's a necessity, right?) the pace the lover takes will be painfully slow. Mmm-hmm. Take what you think is slow and revise your expectation to twice that. Your twenty minutes equals her forty minutes or there about. The lovers in the novels take their time making the woman feel as if he's not in any hurry to stop what he's doing, and while they are in that bed—shower, elevator, where ever—she is the center of his world.
2. This next one goes hand-in-hand with being an unhurried lover. Most of the males in the many novels I've read—and they are from the more popular novelists so I can say for certain I’m not the only one this works for—touch everywhere except the naughty bits. Yep, I’m sorry. Be a tease, blokes, because sometimes nothing works better than denying or delaying what she wants. It seems to increase pleasure. Taking a tour around her body but detouring before heading to your ultimate destination will probably have her wiggling in an attempt to get your hand to touch the very spots you’re refusing to caress—temporarily. This is good. For whatever reason, it's like throwing gasoline onto a fire. Don't believe me? Try it one night. You'll know when the detour should end because she'll be panting and might even utter, "Please, [insert your name here]."
3. Slower, usually is better. I know you think I've already talked about this, but no. I'm referring to the moment the detour ends and you’re on your way to the ultimate destination (still on foreplay here guys). Slow it down. Her body needs time to adjust and set a rhythm. Going like a rabbit only works if you’re battery-operated. I know. I don't understand it either. I feel for you.
4. Once foreplay is over, gentleness may not be necessary. You've rounded your bases, and are heading for the home plate. Start slowly. Don’t worry; you’ll pick up the speed very soon. After all, you’d rather be naked in bed with her than mowing the lawn or sitting on the couch watching TV. So, start slowly, but unlike #3, when you increase the rhythm, harder may be better. Read the books. The words are 'driving', 'plunging', 'thrusting'. That's not gentle. They didn’t start out thrusting, or if they did, it’s because they’ve already worked each other into a sexual frenzy and can’t wait.
5. Here’s one last piece of advice that right from the page. Moan. Yes, I said moan. Do this throughout the lovemaking process, not only at the end. Let her know you're enjoying it. So, what do I mean? Is it a turn on when she moans during sex, or when pleasuring you? I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, yes, it is. A moan coming from you lets her know, “That’s the right spot, don’t stop,” or when you're pleasuring her, “I love seeing how much you enjoy this”. Hot. If you’re enjoying it, let her hear it. Not all ladies want to talk, but many will appreciate the occasional audible groan or moan.  

That's it gentlemen. Maybe you’re lucky and don’t have trouble getting her into bed, kudos to you and to your lover, but many poor blokes try their hardest only to find their lover wasn’t fulfilled. Most of the time, it's not you, it's her mind. Our minds love to taunt us and at the worst possible times. There's very little you can do when that happens, unfortunately. But trying these five things can't hurt, and if she has fun trying, she might be more willing the next time.

 

I do feel for you chaps. Trying to figure out how to get us to the big “O” and what will make us more willing to have sex, can be mind-boggling, but when you find what works, gentleman, we are ever so grateful.

If you liked this article, let me know in the comment section. Keep it clean ladies and gents. I’m not into talking dirty (although some ladies are).

D. A. Rhine is the author of the paranormal romance series, Vampires of the Chesapeake, and the novella, Lost in Transylvania. She lives in the U.S. with her husband and two children.  

Tour with Me on the WIP Blog Tour!

Kimberley Clark asked me to be part of the Main Character WIP Blog Tour. She's the creative and talented author of the series, Battles in the Dark The series contains: The Species Within (book one) and The Ultimate Killer (book two, soon to be released). She was born in Sydney, Australia and currently lives in the Gold Coast of Queensland. You can find excerpts from her books on her website [http://www.kimberleyclarknovels.com] Connect with Kimberley on her Facebook Fan Page.

POST TO WIN!

Post comments on my page and each authors' blog that I've listed below to receive a FREE digital copy of Vampires of the Chesapeake: Kian MacTiernan (book 1) A 4.5 out of 5 star rated paranormal romance.

[Limited copies available so post early!]

Questions for Nikolaus Schild from Book Three in the Vampires of the Chesapeake trilogy:



1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

His name is Nikolaus Schild and he is a fictional character based loosely on, Theuderic, a historic one.



2) When and where is the story set?

Nikolaus Schild resides in St. Mary's County, Maryland when he is not touring with his violin as a concert violinist. St. Mary's County is in the southern most part of Maryland in the United States and is chock-full of history. It was Maryland's first capital, before Annapolis, the current one. The area is surrounded by water, mainly, the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, and the St. Mary's River among many others. Nik's house is a historic colonial from the late 1600's. When he's not in Maryland, Nik hangs out in New York City, but truth be told, prefers the rural life of St. Mary's to the hustle and bustle of the big city.



3) What should we know about him/her?

He is part of the Merovingians, a Frankish Dynasty united under the rule of Clovis who reigned in Gaul a part of Germany during a.d. 476-751. They were known for their long hair. Nikolaus was created with the son of Clovis, Theuderic, in mind. He was the eldest son of Clovis but born of a different mother than his brothers, Cholodomer, Cholothar I, and Childebert were. The four sons inherited parts of their father's kingdom, but Theurderic, being the eldest, received the better share. The brothers battled each other, almost ritualistically rather than for true military gains.


4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

Nik has many conflicts--the poor, ancient vampire. The first and primary conflict is that between his two prospective love interests, which I cannot divulge, as it would be a plot spoiler. The second occurs with a bloodthirsty vampire hunter who is determined to destroy Nik.


His two love interests cause him much heartache, confusion, as well as a headache, and set his mind spinning when one forces him to break a personal vow. The battle between the hunter and Nik is self-explanatory. The hunter wants him dead, and Nik would like to remain alive, if for no other reason than to spend eternity with his chosen mate.



5) What is the personal goal of the character?

What is the goal of most living creatures? He desires to remain alive, live a happy life, and find a person he can love, trust, and with whom he can spend the rest of his existence.



6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The title is, Vampires of the Chesapeake: Nikolaus Schild. An unedited excerpt is below:

Chapter 1

December 10, 10pm

Nikolaus Schild walked off the outdoor stage making his way to his dressing room where his violin case was. He lifted the lid, but before putting away his Stradivarius, cleaned the rosin off the fingerboard, loosened the bow hairs, then slid the bow into its niche, and finally nestled the violin into the case.

Sweat beaded on his forehead. It was so damn hot, even at this time of night in Sydney. With his white shirtsleeve, Nik wiped the moisture from his face, and then closed the case. The large, open-air venue had a spectacular view of the water and an occasional breeze drifted onto the stage, but it never provided any real relief.


Nik picked up his case, slung it over his shoulder, and took the back door where his limo awaited. His bodyguard, Skeeter, leaned against the side of the limo, his large biceps bulging as he crossed his arms over his chest. Nik didn't need a bodyguard, but at times, it was helpful and kept up his human facade.

"Hey, Skeeter. I'm surprised they aren't here."

Skeeter opened the rear door, taking the violin case from Nik. After Skeeter shut the door, he placed Nik's case in the trunk, and then sat in the passenger seat opposite Sedrick, the driver.

"Here they come, sir," Skeeter's deep voice warned.

"Damn. Well, hope your driving skills are up to par, Sedrick."

"Yes, sir." Sedrick started the car just as the mob closed in on the limo. The screams vibrated the windows, and Nik looked outside watching them swarm the car. Fingers, hands, palms, grabbed at the limo as Sedrick edged the vehicle forward.


One female groupie rushed the limo, pressed her torso against Nik's window, lifted her 'I luv Nik' t-shirt, revealing her large, cantaloupe sized breasts. She bounced up and down screaming, "I love you, Nik. I'd do anything for you. Nik! Oh my God! I see him!"


Nik stared at the display, admiring the view. Hair as dark as midnight, fell over her shoulders landing below her breasts. Loose curls, sprung like little coils with every jump the girl made. Dark, chocolate brown eyes stared inside the limo and regarded Nik. She knocked on the window, waving, and smiling to flash straight, white teeth.


"Stop," he commanded Sedrick. The car stopped and the shrill screams exploded outside the car. Nik pressed the button on his door and lowered the window a few inches. "What's your name?" he asked the dark-haired girl with the large chest.


"Oh my God! He's talking to me!" she screamed. "Um, I'm Cindy." She giggled and pulled her t-shirt down over her breasts.


"Cindy, would you like to go for a ride?"


After covering her mouth, eyes widening to the size of a full moon, she nodded her head, and her dark curls swung in unison with her head.


He shut the window, opened the door, and slid to the other side giving her room to sit. When she sat down, shut the door, Sedrick locked the limo doors, and rolled the car forward. The crowd parted, but continued to holler, slap the windows, and bounce like excited children at a birthday party.


He grinned at her, and she beamed back.


Nik leaned forward and pushed the button raising the partition between the front and backseats. The window was tinted giving Nik privacy. He reached down and removed a beer from the mini fridge, offering it to Cindy, but pulled it back. "How old are you, Cindy?"


She looked at the beer and then into his eyes. "Nineteen."

"Do I need to card you? Because I will." He could also read her mind, which was screaming that she was not of age.

For a moment, she simply regarded him, perhaps judging if he would card her or not. Then, thinking better of continuing her farce, she confessed, "No, I'm seventeen, but next month I'll be eighteen. I've graduated this month. I'll go to university, maybe in a few months or next year."

He opened the fridge and put the bottle back, removing a bottle of water. He handed it to her and lifted the corner of his mouth, in a lopsided smile. She took the water, sighed, and twisted off the cap. He, however, was of age, and pulled out a tumbler glass, pouring a bit of scotch into it. Nik swirled it and then took a drink, watching Cindy, considering what he wanted to do with her.

The limo drove out of the parking lot, and onto Macquarie Street, heading to Metroad one toward Sydney Airport. He needed to make his decision before they arrived at the airport, because he knew for sure he wasn't about to take her home.

She took another sip of her water, capped the bottle, and set it in a drink holder. As he pondered why he let her in his limo, she pulled her shirt over her head and dropped it on the floor. His eyebrows rose. Cindy scooted closer to him, pressing her bare chest against his body. Bold, he thought and entirely inappropriate. Then, she made a bolder move, and slid her hand between his legs. He coughed, as he nearly spit his scotch across the backseat. Her hand rubbed him, but he wasn't interested in her that way. She was undoubtedly attractive, well built and well endowed, but she was incredibly young - too young. Youth was beautiful but not desirable, not to mention, not legal.

"What do you think you're doing, Cindy?" He smiled at her, sipping the last of his scotch. She ignored his question and unzipped his pants. How did someone so young get this forward? Would she honestly perform sexual acts or have intercourse with a man she didn't know? Some young women these days, he thought as he rolled his eyes. "You think I asked you in the car to screw your brains out?"

The question halted her hand, which was in the process of slipping inside his pants. She was preposterously young and this was beyond awkward.

"Well, would you?" She blinked at him.

He frowned and removed her hand from his lap. "No."

She actually stuck out her bottom lip, but took up stroking his knee instead, perhaps believing he was kidding.

Nik grabbed her hand, removed it from his thigh, zipped his fly, and crossed his legs.


Her mouth hung open. She looked around the floor searching for her shirt, no doubt. "What a whacker! What the hell's wrong with you? Does your donger not work, or something?" She shot him a look. "Oh! I get it, you're gay!" she concluded, obviously astonished that he hadn't fallen for her charms. Instead of answering, he just watched her snatch her shirt off the floor, pull it over her head, and shove her arms through the sleeves. "Why the fuck did you let me in, then?"

"You not only have a dirty mouth, but your attitude is demoralizing. I'll grant you that you're a beautiful girl, but for God's sake, have your parents not told you men do not marry what they get for free?" He shook his head.

A dramatic scowl creased her brow, and she pouted, he thought she might even stick out her tongue. Disgusted, he wanted to throw her over his knee and spank her backside, except she'd probably like it. Christ almighty, her skirt was bunched around her hips, and her bottom and notch were exposed - and she waxed. "Good God, please fix your skirt. Do you have a boyfriend?" Doubting it, he waited for her answer.


"No, boys my age are dickheads. Look, I just thought you'd like a little wristy or have a gobby. I didn't know you preferred blokes."

Wristy? Gobby? He hadn't heard those terms, but he got the gist. "I assure you my preference is for women, and that is the pertinent word - women. You are not. And you need to learn that men worth having will appreciate a bit of subtlety, not to mention offering yourself as nothing more than a coffee house where men go in and out at their leisure denigrates your propriety. Try leaving something to the imagination."

"Fuck, you sound like my olds." She crossed her arms over her large breasts and stared out her window.

"No darling, I'm much older than your parents."

"Crikey, what a piker you turned out to be. Just let me out."

"Oh, I can't do that just yet."

He felt his fangs drop, and his eyes sparked to silver. She looked over her shoulder at him and frowned. Nik reached for her, yanking her to him. He brushed the dark strands of hair off her neck, and inhaled. Holding her in place, tightly against his chest, he considered how much effort he wanted to expend. Should he just feed and then wipe her memory, or give her some pleasure? No, he did not want to find his face plastered over every tabloid claiming he'd molested an underage Aussie. He could just see the headline now, Nikolaus Schild, child molester. He'd wipe her memory afterwards and let her think they just drove around, chatting.

When his teeth sunk into her soft, young flesh, she yelped, squirming in his arms. Sucking deeply he drank, enjoying the warm, sweetness of her blood. He'd known she would be sweet, just from her smell. It was a weakness with him, always had been. When he was human, if someone put strudel or torte in front of him all willpower left him. It hadn't changed in the last fifteen hundred years. Some habits never died.

When she whimpered and sobbed, he realized his venom was burning her. He retracted his fangs, licked the wound, then pushed her to the other side of the limo, and wiped her memory. He watched her eyes glaze over and then clear.

"Next time, you'll think twice about getting into a car with a total stranger, I hope." Feeling like he wanted to lecture her and call her parents, he couldn't help himself. "For God's sake, wear some panties. Do the women of your day not believe in leaving anything to a man's imagination?" He tisked and glanced out the window before adding, "In my day, imagining what was beneath a woman's skirts was half the fun, and then working to actually get under her skirts was the best game ever invented. Try a little subtlety, my dear. It's much sexier and will get you into less trouble. Now," he smiled, as he explained while using his ancient power to blur her memories, "We had a nice chat all the way to the airport. I gave you an autographed photo." He lowered the partition and asked, "Skeeter, you have any photos up there?"

Skeeter rummaged through a briefcase at his feet, and then handed one to Nik.

"Thanks." He raised the partition again, set the photo on Cindy's lap. "You will be more careful of strangers in the future. I advised you of this on our little drive. Now, wake up."


She lifted the photo and squealed, threw her arms around his neck, kissed his cheek. When she blushed, Nik gave her a crooked grin, and said, "You're welcome." He stared out the window the rest of the way to the airport.

When Sedrick stopped the limo, walked to Nik's side, opening the door, Nik instructed him to take Cindy back to the Opera House before Sedrick returned to catch the next flight to the states. Sedrick nodded, then retrieved Nik's violin case from the trunk and his one piece of luggage.


He poked his head inside the back of the limo before going into the airport. "It was nice to meet you, Cindy, be a good girl and remember what we talked about, never get into a car with a stranger." He winked at her and walked next to Skeeter into the airport.


"Sir?" Skeeter inquired, giving him a quick look.


Nik lifted his chin, affirming he heard his bodyguard.

"I was just wondering if I can have Christmas off again this year?"

Nik stopped walking and faced Skeeter. "When have I ever denied you any holiday vacation?"

"Sir, I don't like to assume."


They headed for the ticket counter. "Of course, take your vacation through the first of the New Year."

"Don't you have any more shows?"

"Not until the end of January. I'm tired and bored. I'd like a vacation myself."

"Where will you go?"

Nik placed his boarding pass on the counter for the clerk to check. "I was thinking, Saint Mary's County. It's time to be home."


7) When can we expect the book to be published?

The book will be released sometime in 2014, closer to January, however.


I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Nik. He's dying to meet you too. Please, subscribe to my blog or Facebook Fan Page to receive up-to-date information on any new releases, giveaways, or book signings.

Visit these talented authors' pages and read excerpts from their books, meet their character(s), and check out their blogs!

Diana Graves

[http://www.dianagraves.blogspot.com]. Author of paranormal urban fantasy novels: Fatal Retribution, Grave Omen, Mortal Sentry,and Paranormal Washington [the boxed set] are available at Amazon.com. Deadly Encounters will be released summer of 2014. Connect with Diana on Facebook: Grave Novels Fan Page



Renee N. Meland

[http://www.reneenmeland.wordpress.com] Author of the sci-fi dystopian debut novel, The Extraction List, can be found here. Connect with Renee on Facebook: Renee's Fan Page


Antoinette Houston

[http://antoinettehouston.com] Her urban fantasy novel, Red Summer, can be found here. Connect with Antoinette on Facebook: Red Summer's Fan Page



Sandra R. Campbell

[http://sandrarcampbell.com] Author of dark fantasy novels: Butterfly Harvest, Dark Migration, and Butterfly Harvest (Special Edition) . Connect with Sandra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dead_Sassy  On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butterflyharvest


J. C. Mells

[http://www.jcmells.com] author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels: from The Pierced Series, Pierced book one, Escaped book two, Pinked book three, and Perfect book four. A novella, Napoleon will be released soon. Connect with J. C. on Facebook: J.C. Mells' Fan Page

WANTED: Indie Romance Authors

I will feature indie romance authors, and possibly those from two other genres, in the upcoming weeks. My only objective is to support fellow, self-published writers and introduce great novels to readers that they may otherwise have not noticed.

If you're an indie author and wish to have your book reviewed, contact me. It must be a romance novel -- any sub-genre except steam punk-- dystopian, or vampire/paranormal thriller.

I'll only post books that receive four to five stars. If the book receives less than that, I simply won't post it. My intent is to list books I think might be of interest to other reader's like me.

Leave a comment if you'd like a review or email me.

Victus [Humans bred by immortal race for sustenance] Chapter One

Image by ping phuket at freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

Chapter One

Verity

Every morning at six, we walked to the commissary, passed the marketplace in the center of our quarter, passed the muddy fields pocked with shoeprints, and passed the young girl who waited for us, with hair as brown as the mucky field. Our group consisted of one hundred citizens, male and female, ranging in age from twelve to twenty-one. 

In lock step, heads down, we arrived, famished, ready for our morning rations.

The Immortalis waited at the commissary door, standing like bookends on either side of the entrance. They towered over citizens—all citizens. This was a fact, a simple variant between species, and citizens did not envy such distinctions. Most of my family and friends didn’t notice the Immortalis, not their size, hair color, sound of their voices, nor dress. Staring at them was forbidden; therefore, any glance I stole needed to be fleeting and hopefully unobserved.  

The large guards unlocked and opened the doors. We filed inside, orderly and calmly, leaving the dry, bitter air behind, welcoming the commissary’s heated interior. 

Once indoors, the crowd dispersed, moving toward particular stations, depending upon the type of ration tickets they had. I had the female, adolescent voucher. It allowed me to eat slightly more protein and dairy than those who had adult voucher cards. Females over seventeen received the minimum rations, not including children under twelve. Males over twenty-one qualified for the second least.

The adolescent ration station was at the front of the enormous room. Its line lengthened, rapidly. Already in front of me were thirty teenagers, all girls. I took my place at the back of the line, behind a girl wearing brown pants, soiled at the knees, a cream wool sweater two sizes too big, and a standard issue orange, winter coat indicating she belonged to Stratum Lûteus. I belonged to Stratum Flâvus; my jacket was yellow.

Today, was Thursday, which meant they would serve fish, kale, apples, and a grainy roll at morning meal. I hated kale.

I shuffled to my right and took the metal tray when a worker set it on the counter in front of me. At the end of the counter, another worker waited for us to flash our voucher cards confirming we were in the correct line. 

Ethel, her nametag displayed on her shirt collar, was the voucher inspector. She looked down at my plastic card and then back to my face. One nod meant you could go eat because your card was correct. A headshake sent you to the council; no one I knew had ever gotten a headshake.

I exhaled and slouched, heading for my usual table where I hoped to find Jacquard. 

The metal chairs at our table, Jacquard’s and mine, were empty. I sat, put down my tray, and bit into the fish. It was a white fish, probably trout, not bad. The kale, on the other hand, gagged me, but I had to eat it. As I swallowed the last spoonful of the bitter vegetable, Jacquard pulled a chair out, straddled it, and plopped down. 

“Hey, Vee,” Jacquard said, using my nickname instead of my given name, Verity. “Sup?”

“Nothing, Jay,” I answered, poking at the roll with my finger. “How’s your mother?”

He shrugged and ate the two fish in about four bites, considering the roll on his tray next. 

“Did she talk with the medic?” I examined my roll. It was hard, but surprisingly tasty. 

“Yep.” Jay studied his roll, turning it over, as if he might find a hidden treasure somewhere on it. I suppose he could be looking for mold. Sometimes they gave us moldy bread in order to get rid of it, as they weren’t permitted to throw anything out, unless it was meat and spoiled. I don’t know why. It’s just how it is.

“Yep? That’s all you’re going to give me?” Polishing off the roll, I glanced at the wall clock. We had twenty more minutes before the exit doors would open and everyone would need to leave. I didn’t know why he was being so secretive about his mom. She’d been sick for over a year now.

“What’s there to say? She saw the medic; she’s still sick.”

I waited, but he never continued. Guess that is all I was going to get.

“Will they put her to work?” I pushed my tray away.

Jay looked at me with squinty, gray eyes and a hard-set mouth. One shake of his head was the only answer given. He finished his roll, all of the fish, and even ate the kale with gusto. Then, he pushed his tray back, folded his arms over that strong chest of his, and stared at me.

“What?” I wiped at my mouth and then beneath my nose. “Do I have something on my face?”

He gave me a slow smile, saying, “No.”

“Well, why are you looking at me like that?” 

Jay was a year older than my sixteen years, which meant this was his last year in the adolescent group. Then, the Immortalis would move him to one of the young adult circles. 

I’d known him most of my life. Our houses are not far apart, and we went to school together, but weren’t in the same classes.

At ex-hour—short for exercise hour—we’d stand next to each other as the instructor counted out the group’s jumping jacks. Sometimes, Jay walked me home. But every weekend he and I would hang out.

Our favorite place to go was the little stream near the mud fields. We would throw rocks into the water, hunt for crayfish beneath the stones, and on warm days, which were rare, we waded barefoot in the water.

I’ve always thought of him as a friend, like a brother, but nicer. Until one weekend, during the summer, we were at our favorite spot by the stream lying on our backs, gazing at the sky, when he rolled to his side and kissed me. On my mouth.

I pulled back, wiped my lips, and ran away. I was only thirteen. He was fourteen. But ever since that day, we’ve remained guarded around each other, as if a fence stood between us, allowing us to see each other but not get too close. 

“No reason, Vee. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

Lost in Transylvania - Audio Excerpt - Chapter 1 of 3

Exclusive Interview with Riley Crane from Renee N. Meland's, The Extraction List

Renee N. Meland's

 The Extraction List

When fifteen-year-old Riley Crane figures out her best friend Olivia is being abused at home, she knows just who to turn to: her mother Claire, writer and spokesperson of President Gray’'s Parental Morality Law. Under this law, Taskforce Officers remove children from their homes if their parents do not meet certain guidelines, taking them to government-run boarding schools where supervisors rehabilitate them, turning them into productive members of society. Or at least that is how it was supposed to work... Now, after a government official threatens to make Riley the law's latest victim, Riley and Claire must rely on Cain Foley, a gifted killer with a tongue as sharp as the knives he carries, to get them out of America alive. Though he slices through men’'s necks as if they are warm butter, Riley can't seem to keep her cheeks from flushing every time he speaks. But when they stumble upon a deserted boarding school, Riley sees that escaping the country is only part of their problem. Together, Riley and Cain figure out that a killer can save a life, and a mother can damn a nation.

Q. Welcome. Tell us your name and age, please.

Riley Joyce Crane, 15

Q. Riley, what's it like where you live?

It sucks. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the people I’m with are amazing (especially this guy named Cain), but being a fugitive is hard work. I used to say I only run when I’m being chased. I guess God has quite the sense of humor. Good one, God, good one…

Q. Well, I could certainly use a good run, but I don't want anyone chasing me. What about special customs where you live?

Yeah…stay alive as best you can.

Q. Do you have family? If so, what are their names and relation?

My brother died, and my dad left, so it’s just my mom Claire and me.

Q. Oh, I'm sorry about your brother and your father. Who is your closest friend?

Her name’s Olivia. Known her since first grade. Haven’t seen her in three years though. The Taskforce took her and… I’m sorry can we talk about something else?

Q. Of course. What about someone special? Are you attached or single?

Hadn’t known anybody worth my time. Until recently…

Q. Hmm, sounds promising. Whom do you get along with the best/worst in your family?

Mom and I are a team, always have been even when my dad was around. He couldn’t really be bothered with the whole “father” thing.  Mom and I do everything together. She’s the only person I have ever really been able to depend on. Besides Olivia…

Q. You're very lucky to have a mom like that. Where did you meet your spouse/mate? Or What might your perfect mate look like?

Besides those blue eyes, Cain isn’t perfect. But my perfect mate isn’t perfect. In fact, he’d be the first one to say so. He’s got scars on the outside but they’re nothing compared to the inside. He’s helping us leave the country, and I know I should be worried about a million other things, but I can’t help it. I blush every time he opens his mouth. Hopefully he hasn’t caught me yet…

Q. He's a lucky guy. Do you have any enemies? If yes, who are they, and why are they your enemies?

The Taskforce, and the (cusswords implied here…my mom could be reading this) who took my Mom’s law and scrambled it up into the big mess that got us into trouble in the first place.

Q. You're wise young lady to watch your words and be so respectful of your mother. What do you look like?

If I could wear the same outfit every day, I’d be pretty excited. But in normal circumstances you’d usually find me in tattered jeans, flip-flops, and a t-shirt. My curly red hair tends to have a mind of its own, so at least for school I stick it in a ponytail. But after, I just let it fly.

Q. What is your favorite thing to wear to bed?

Wouldn’t you like to know? Perv.

Q. I see your respect has limits. Point taken. How would other people/beings describe how you look?

Mom and Olivia say I’m beautiful. But they have to say that.

Q. If you could have any power, what would you choose and why?

Cain has power, and he’s teaching it to me. He’s not a super hero, but put knives in his hands and he will hear you coming before your first step lands on the ground.

Q. What is your moral code, if you have one?

Cain is teaching me his life strategy, which I think is a pretty good one: he calls it Back to Basics. Protect your own at all costs. How you do it doesn’t matter if it keeps the people you love alive. 

Q. Do you believe in true love?

Absolutely.

Q. Have you ever lost someone important to you?

Oh nobody. Besides, oh I don’t know, everyone in my life except my mom.

Q. And you've lost them at such a young age. That must be hard. What kind of home do you live in?

Home? Yeah…don’t have one of those anymore.

Q. What types of conflicts/wars are happening in your world?

People are afraid they are going to lose their children any second because of the Parental Morality Law. And given how full the boarding schools are, they’re probably right.

Q. Do you believe in an all-powerful being that created life as we know it?

Never been very religious, but I do believe in God. I don’t believe you have to believe in one to believe in the other.

Q. Do you worship, if so, how, and if not, why not?

I’ve been praying a lot lately, that’s for sure. We’ll need all the help we can get if we’re going to make it out of America in one piece.

Q. Can you die? Where do you go when you die?

Absolutely. May die today actually.

Q. Your favorite thing to eat is...

anything cooked by my mom’s best friend Bo, NOT by my mom. She tries, but cooking’s not her strong suit, that’s for sure.

Q. My only regret is...

Olivia getting taken by the Taskforce…that was my fault. I thought I was helping her, but there’s a good chance all I helped her do was trade one Hell for another.

Q. Anything you’d like to add?

Stay out of politics…seriously.

I'll take that into consideration, Riley. It was very nice to meet you. I wish you the best and hope you make it out of America safely.

The Extraction List

Book One

By Renee N. Meland

Price: $8.99 Print, $2.99 Kindle Edition

Readers can buy the book here: Ebook on Amazon and Smashwords, Print just on Amazon

Website: http://reneenmeland.wordpress.com/

Twitter:@reneenmeland

Facebook: Renee N. Meland’s Books

The VICTUS

Today, we have three characters with us. This might be a little challenging, but hopefully fun! All three characters are from, The Victus, an upcoming novella, by D. A. Rhine. Verity's answers will be in red. Jay's will be in light blue. Hunter's will be in lime green.

Q: Let’s start with introductions. Tell us your names and ages, please.

A: I’m Verity and I’m sixteen.

Hello, I’m Hunter and I’m nineteen years of age. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Yeah, okay. Hey, I’m Jacquard, but you can call me, Jay. Seventeen.

Q: Thank you all for being here today. Where do you live?

A: Well, Jay and I live in the community with the other citizens.

I live with my parents at the Council.

Q: Do any of you have secrets?

A: Um, if I did, I certainly wouldn’t tell you because then it wouldn’t be a secret, now would it?

Q: Yes, you have a point. Okay, what’s in your pantry right now?

A: What’s a pantry?

Well, ma’am, I don’t have a pantry and even if I did, I wouldn’t have anything to put in it.

Cripes, citizens don’t have pantries. The Council provides all of our food.

Oh! It’s for food. No, I don’t have one of those either. We do have cupboards and in there my mom keeps honey, teas, sugar, and I think there might be old coffee in there.

Yeah, there is, Vee. Should really tell your mom to toss that crap out.

Q: What do you enjoy doing on the weekends?

A: Well, Vee and I usually hang out near the creek. We just sit and talk, throw some rocks in the water and stuff. We did that more as kids but now we just talk.

Funny, Verity and I hang out there too.

Vee, tell me you didn’t take a Council member to our spot?

I…I didn’t know where else to go, Jay. What was I to do bring him home?

How about not going anywhere with the bloodsucker?

Jacquard, shut your mouth, or else I’ll do it for you. And please, do not yell at Verity. She’s done nothing wrong. Tamp down on your petty jealousy and show some manners.

Don’t tell me what to do! Just because I don’t talk like I have a stick up my behind doesn’t mean I lack manners.  And your involvement with her—

I can speak for myself. Jay, leave Hunter alone. Hunter, just keep your comments to yourself. Ma’am can you please ask another question before a fight breaks out here?

Q: Sure. Sorry, I didn’t realize that question would be volatile. Um, okay, what is one strong memory that has remained with you since childhood?

A: Probably the first time I met Jay. I’m an only child so I didn’t have any siblings to play with, and when Jay came over…How old were we, Jay?

Ah, I think five or six.

We played in my house, a game called hide and seek.

Vee, don’t. Come on, don’t tell that story.

Come on, you’re a big boy now. It’s funny. Anyways, Jay and I played hide and seek. He hid and I couldn’t find him, so I just gave up. After quite a while, Jay’s mom asked where he was. She went looking for him and found him under my bed…asleep!

That’s just precious.

Shut up, Hunter. Why don’t you tell about your childhood? Or did you never have one?

Every time you open your mouth, Jacquard, you reveal your ignorance. My memory was the first time I saw citizens. I thought they were so small and frail. The children looked like fairies to me. It wasn’t until later that I learned…

What? That you eat us. Right?

Jay, enough. Why don’t you tell your memory?

Yeah, okay. Years ago, I went to the Donation Center, because all citizens must go there once a month, unless you’re sick or very young. The Sanguines took my blood and then sent me home, but I didn’t go home. Without any seeing me, not sure, how that happened, I snuck behind the center, and saw buckets. The buckets were filled with…nope, still can’t go there.

It’s okay, Jay. Sorry, I didn’t know.

Q: What or who is the greatest love of your life?

A: You know, that’s a bad question to ask us. Why don’t you try another.

Q: What is it you fear the most?

A: That’s easy. The Council finding out that I talk to Hunter and then punishing my family or me.

Guess we have that in common then. I fear the bloodsuckers coming for Vee, too.

I won’t let that happen. I fear losing Verity; whether it is through death or because she realizes what a monster I truly am and walks away from our relationship. Not that I'd blame her.

Yeah, and if she knew what was good for her, she’d walk away from you right now and never look back.

Q: Next to last question. What’s your greatest regret?

A: That I can only choose one man to be with.

I regret not telling Vee how I felt about her sooner. Maybe if I’d have done that, she’d never be in danger now. We’d be engaged and she would never have given bloodsucker a second glance.

My greatest regret is that I cannot change what I am, for surely, if I could, I would do that for Verity in a heartbeat.

Q: Where would you like to live?

A: I don’t mind living where I am. I just wish circumstances were different.

I’ll live where Verity would be safest, and that’s not here.

Anyplace but here. Vee and I would find a little house in the middle of the forest. A nice stream would run through our property. No neighbors—just Vee and me. We could live like normal humans then and wouldn’t have to worry all the time.

That would be nice, Jay. Thank you, Hunter.

Thank you, Hunter, Jay, and Vee for agreeing to do this interview. I hope everything works out for you all.

THE VICTUS

Coming Soon