Amor Libris: Are there any new authors who have caught your attention?

Melanie P. Smith.: Tons. I have read some of Rhoda D’Ettore’s work and can’t wait to start her new thriller, Zodiac Lives. I recently read Val Tobin’s romance Injury and really enjoy her style as well. Loren Lockner’s Heart of Africa was extremely descriptive and well written. The list could go on but I’ll leave it at those three for now. I have an author spotlight on my website and frequently update my page with new authors that I have enjoyed. The list is ever-changing.

Amor Libris: Can you share the title and blurb of your latest book?

Melanie P. Smith: My most recent release was Chaos, Book 5 in my Warrior Series, which is a paranormal romance collection.

Bastian Carrigan is rich, brilliant and completely unobtainable. Those close to him believe he is happy and will forever be the terminal bachelor, but deep down the warrior is lonely. His mother died when he was fourteen, his father a short time later. Being orphaned at such a young age has had a profound impact on the way Bastian lives his life. He has always been a loner and doesn’t even let his most valued friends get too close. Rather than engaging in risky relationships, Bastian has dedicated his life to his work but lately science just isn’t enough.

Kylee Quintana is a doctor. She followed a patient to Seneca and never looked back. She’s intrigued by the new world she stumbled across and surprised she fits in so perfectly. Unfortunately humans are the underdog in this mystical domain where vampires and warriors are the norm. Especially when it comes to the prominent and sexy Bastian Carrigan. Kylee has never felt such intense animal magnetism for a man before. Too bad, the feeling isn’t mutual.

As Radek ups his game to keep the warriors preoccupied, family secrets are revealed and a new threat emerges from the forest surrounding the fort. Can Bastian and Kylee work together to save a human victim? Will Kylee find a way to survive in such a dangerous world? Can she make a man love her who is determined to avoid her? Will sparks fly or will disappointment reign?

***BONUS EXCERPT***
“Hello?” Bastian answered. He could barely hear, the noise from the pub was loud and jovial in the background. Bryan was trying to wind down and close up. It was almost one in the morning and closing time. As usual, the patrons were resisting. They were having too much fun and didn’t want to leave.

“Oh! Sorry,” Kylee hesitated. Was he at a party? “It’s Kylee, but you sound busy. I’ll figure it out on my own,” she blurted.

“Kylee?” Bastian said, his voice slurring. “Beautiful, sexy Kylee.” Bastian let out a sigh. “My brilliant, perfect angel.”

Kylee froze, wide eyed. Did Bastian really think she was beautiful and sexy? Then it hit her, he was drunk. His voice was slurred and the noise in the background sounded like a bar or a club.

“I finally found the perfect woman,” Bastian continued to slur his words. “But I’m a warrior and you’re a human. It could never work.” Then, he fell off the chair with a thud.

Kylee heard the loud clattering and wondered what had happened. “Bastian?” she asked, no answer. “Bastian!” she yelled. Still no answer. What was going on here? And what did he mean by that? Why could it never work?

Bryan sighed and picked Bastian up off the floor. Poor clod. He was in no shape to talk to anyone, especially Kylee. He picked up the phone and hesitated, then he lifted it to his ear. “I’m sorry las, but Bastian’s not in any condition to have a conversation at the moment. Forget everything he just said. The poor boy is drunk and doesn’t know what he’s saying.” Bryan silently ended the call and slipped the phone back into his old friend’s pocket.

“That was the girl of my dreams,” Bastian mumbled then passed out.

Amor Libris: Who is your favorite character from your latest book, and why?

Melanie P. Smith: This seems like an easy question, right. Not exactly. My latest book is part of a series, but the story line is progressive and all my previous characters make appearances in this book. I love Victor because he is a damaged but loveable soul. Kylee was fun to write and I have always liked Rand McBride for some strange reason. So far, he doesn’t have his own book but we’ll see if I eventually cave to pressure. My husband really would like a Rand McBride book.

Amor Libris: Are any of the characters and/or experiences in your books based upon yourself or someone you know?

Melanie P. Smith: No. Well, sort of. In Shadows (Book 4), I wrote a scene in the book where Abby shifts into a mouse and sneaks into the police station to spy on the detective investigating Thomas. While there, she barely escapes because another detective spots her and is deathly afraid of mice. He pulls his service weapon and tries to chase her down to get a clear shot. I’m not saying for sure, but I may have witnessed a similar incident at an undisclosed location that involved office cubicles, service weapons and tons of laughter (on my part).

Amor Libris: Can you share with us about what you are working on now or your next project?

Melanie P. Smith: My current project is Mount Haven. This is a romantic suspense about an officer who is injured in the line of duty and has to retire. His family struggles to find their way around this life changing incident. Ultimately they move to the small town of Mount Haven where Rowdy (the ex-cop) embarks on a new career. This is where he meets Bailey, a woman with secrets. When Bailey’s past catches up to her, Rowdy is the only one that can save her.

Amor Libris: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Melanie P. Smith: Don’t give up. Once you finish that first project and actually hit “publish” optimism takes over but can quickly turn to disappointment. I can’t count the number of ads I’ve seen that says, “I published my first book on Amazon and made thousands in a month.” Don’t believe it. Gathering momentum as a new author is difficult and it takes time. Reviews are almost impossible to get and there are so many new books out there, it’s easy for your masterpiece to get lost the big black cyber galaxy of eBooks. Just keep marketing and eventually somebody will notice you. I would also say, generate friendships. Interact with other authors, bloggers, editors and beta readers. As a new author you will need input from all of them. You can’t make this journey alone, so find associates that have been there, foster friendships and listen to their advice.

Amor Libris: How can we contact you and find out more about you and your books?

Melanie P. Smith:
Visit my website at www.melaniepsmith.com
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads
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