A spicy romance set among Mermaids and Pirates. Want to know more?

I am happy to welcome Marsha to my blog. 
 Pirates and Mermaids... what a great combination Marsha. Thanks for coming today to share more about this captivating story. “Tears on a Tranquil Lake” was released by MuseitHOT Publishing in February.


I’m really glad to be here today, Rosalie! Thanks for inviting me. Here is my blurb:


What a surprise for a young woman, to find herself suddenly transformed into a mermaid.

Ciel’s first thought – track down the merman who changed her and make him reverse his magic. Unable to find him, survival in her new world becomes paramount. She eagerly accepts help from a dashing pirate captain who takes a fancy to her, lavishing her with finery. When her merman does show up, he competes for her affection. One look into his eyes makes her life more complex -- he is her soul mate.

Which man will she choose – pirate captain or merman? Which life – human or mermaid? Caribbean adventures and dangers chase Ciel as she searches for decisions and the key to her happiness.

Warning: This book contains Haitian vodou, sultry wenches, foul-mouthed scalliwag pirates, overindulgence of fine Caribbean rum, and amorous encounters on deserted beaches.

This steamy paranormal romance was inspired by the colorful history of a real pirate? Can you tell us a little about this character?

I’ve recently moved to Tampa and when I learned about the local Gasparilla Festival, I was fascinated by the famed buccaneer legend, as well as the wild, Mardi Gras style celebration. My fantasy erotic romance book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake resulted, with a pirate captain, a mermaid, and a merman as characters.


According to legend, swashbuckling buccaneer José Gaspar, known by the nickname Gasparilla, was a Spanish pirate who terrorized Florida’s west coast during late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

As an aristocrat by birth and officer in the Spanish Navy, Gasparilla was well educated, possessed courtly manners, and had all the appearances of a fine gentleman.

There are a few versions of his motive for becoming a pirate. One claims he achieved high rank of councilor to King Charles III. Popular in court, he held favor with many ladies.

When he spurned one lover for another, the jilted lady took revenge by accusing him falsely of theft of crown jewels. In order to escape arrest, he took leave of Spain in his naval ship, vowing to seek his own revenge through piracy.

An aristocrat-turned-pirate began an adventurous life as an outlaw of the sea. A very romantic legend of the man.


During the next thirty-eight years he called himself “Gasparilla” and trolled the Florida coastline, sacking every passing ship for treasure. Eventually, he was fooled into attacking and pillaging what he thought was a large British merchant ship. But when it approached, the merchant lowered its colors and raised an American flag--the pirate-hunting schooner, the USS Enterprise. It burned his ship, and Gasparilla jumped to a watery grave.

You have enough material and atmosphere in your local town, to keep your writing fingers itchy. Other than ‘author’ of ‘hot’ romance what are three words you would use to describe yourself?

Fit; imaginative; spiritual

Do they influence you as a writer?

Yes, definitely; they are all connected. I exercise daily and am very fit, usually bicycling 16-18 miles each week, kayaking for an hour or so around our lagoon, attending yoga classes, or doing my own yoga routines at home. Yoga leads to inner exploration and meditation, a spiritual discovery. Exercise gives me so much. It clears my mind, so my writing time is considerably more focused and effective. Also, it takes me on journeys inside my mind or outside in nature that bring me an endless supply of new writing ideas. I write fantasy romance. Those journeys feed my imagination and bring me a wealth of magic.

Do you have a regime when writing? A special place, time, mood or do you snatch opportunities to pen ideas or write a few lines?

A typical day for me is getting up around 7:30 AM, reading mail and keeping up with my networking/promotional work. 

Then I exercise. I’m either out the door to the yoga studio or do routines at home five days a week. The other days I’m out bicycling or kayaking. I recently purchased a used kayak—my favorite new toy! We live on a large saltwater lagoon and taking it out for an hour or more is a treat. I always exercise as part of my daily routine and have for at least a decade. 

After that, my afternoon is all about household chores and editing. I’m a night owl and do most of my focused writing after dinner, usually staying up until 2 AM.

Does your Muse follow rules and plot lines or does she offer ideas on a whim?

I follow a plot outline for the main characters, but the secondary characters roam freely and bring some interesting freshness as I write.

Has there been one event in your life that changed/inspired your writing career? For example, moving to a historic and colorful location?

During the winter of 2008-9, I moved my mother from NW Ohio to Tampa. It didn’t take much to convince me to stay through the winter to help her get settled before I moved my own household the following summer. My first Florida winter inspired me to write my book Tears on a Tranquil Lake. 

Shortly after, my husband and I moved our household to a town nearby, directly on Tampa Bay. We live on a saltwater lagoon which connects to the Bay. Certainly, moving here has changed my writing. Even after two years, it still looks to my mid-western mind like a Dr. Seuss world, which is terrific because I still adore his books–easily, my favorite childhood author. Daily, I step outside to see crazy-looking trees which remind me of truffula trees and water birds that look like swami-swans. I smile and love living within my childhood fantasies. With my cycling, kayaking, and beach visits, I’m outside often and inevitably my mind is lured by the unusual nature here to create fantasy settings for my books.

Would you like to tell us about the main character of your book and/or the villain? Or would you like to share a non steaming excerpt? Either or both… we are keen to learn more about the story.

Excerpt from Chapter 1, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, fantasy romance

The ‘gator wanted to drown me….make me an easier meal. A chill passed through my body and I shivered. Feverish heat built up inside me, spreading from my head and torso down my limbs. Eventually the wild drumbeat of my heart obliterated everything. I panicked and tried to move, but lacked control of my muscles. Immobile and helpless, I could only listen. The throbbing pulse dimmed as the lake’s waters claimed my life. I submitted…mind blank to all except the faint thump. For an immeasurably long time I heard its rhythm fading away. Seconds or dozens of minutes, I didn't know; altered perception foiled my judgment.

Then, a touch against my face—shattering my delirium.

Fear engulfed my barely conscious mind. What was it? Death seemed welcome compared to experiencing an alligator attack upon my body.

Something soft caressed my lips, not at all like hard reptilian scales.

My sense of touch heightened. Encouraged by returning consciousness, I struggled against the darkness. My eyes searched, yet still failed to see.

Soon, I understood the feeling of lips pressing upon mine. Their burning heat made me panic. I tried to jerk back, but had no muscle control, no way to resist. They forced my lips apart, and a fiery tongue thrust inside my mouth.

In short time my limbs tingled with renewed sensation. Attempting to thrash my arms, I found them both secured.

The mysterious tongue persisted, searing my own.

Strangely, the warmth moved across my entire body and I calmed, mesmerized by this unusual kiss. In some curious manner it restored my consciousness. Peacefulness spread over me, and I accepted this connection as my life force. Our kiss grew pleasurable and I slipped my tongue along the other. Waves of passion rippled through my body and I desired whatever being touched me. Wanting to know more, I opened my eyes. Light pained my limited vision.

A hazy image flashed in front of me.

I pulled back, ending the kiss and viewed a sweep of dark hair turning away, moving up toward the surface.

Where can we get this book?

It may be purchased from:
MuseItUp Publishing
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Coffee Time Romance Bookstore
All Romance
Omnilit
Diesel

Marsha, the story behind Tears on a Tranquil Lake, the concept of a mermaid, a merman and a pirate is wonderful and fresh. Despite not generally reading ‘hot’ romances I am tempted to buy this book myself. 

I hear that you have another book to be released through MuseitHOT Publishing in June. Please tell us about ‘Sea Glass and Sand Memories’? Again a terrific cover. Would share a non steaming excerpt?


Thanks! I love the cover art too. It’s just the setting I imagined for this story.


Blurb:

Looking forward to a relaxing week at a Lake Michigan coastal resort, Kate finds much more than the picturesque dunes she intended to paint.

Adventures start when her requested room is switched beside an unusual couple – a witch and her lover, a ghost.

During her stay, the handsome ghost, Anson, tries to ensnare her into helping him escape the witch who killed him and then enslaved his spirit. The witch holds him captive on the property of his mother’s resort. Anson wins Kate’s heart and loyalty; she goes to great lengths to free him.

Warning: This story contains paranormal sex, pagan abuse of a ghost spirit, nightmares, and happy family memories.

Another winning title, story and cover.

Marsha I wish you every success with your books. Thanks so much for being here today and tempting us so delightfully.

Thanks again for inviting me to hang out here with you today, Rosalie!