Featured August Release - End Game by Gail R. Delaney

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nick Tanner set out months ago to find the Umani, and now he's on his way home. But things aren't the same. Not by a long shot.
Michael Tanner has struggled to find his place in his new worlds. He still questions his past, his existence, and the man he is becoming. And he has found a kind of love like no other -- a father's love.

Jacqueline wants more from him, more than he knows he can give. She wants to understand the haunting shadows behind his eyes... wants to understand the scars that mark his body. The battle to survive comes to a crescendo, and Michael must choose.

EXCERPT:
He bolted down the hall after her, nearly bowling over a tall, stunning woman with a mass of wavy, brown hair tied in a sky blue scarf. She stepped back, flattening her shoulders against the wall as he gripped the doorjamb of the first exam room and used it to propel him into the room as a barely muffled scream reached him. For half a second, his heart dropped into his gut.

Jacqueline was on the exam table, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge. Lacerations -- old ones rimmed red with infection -- crossed her bare arms and her clothes were dirty and torn. A more recent wound on her arm seeped dark red through the white bandage. Her neck arched off the pillow, her body shaking as she clenched her teeth, hissing sharply.

"Oh, God, Doc... please!" she screamed.

Michael moved to Jacqueline's side, hunching over her to hold her face in his hands. Her eyes were closed, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of perspiration. The tension in her body was enough to snap her in two.

"Jacqueline," he said softly but firmly. "Jacqueline, look at me."

Her eyes snapped open, her gaze immediately on him. Unshed tears made her eyes glisten and she sucked in another sharp breath. A tight groan forced its way through her teeth.

"I'm giving her a massive dose of Morphezine, Benzapriline and a fast acting NSAID," Lilly said softly as she loaded the infusion syringe in her hand.

"Jacqueline," he said again, not looking away even to acknowledge Lilly's words. "Jacqueline, hear me. You need to let the medication help you."

A choked gasp vibrated in her throat as she rapidly sucked in air, her eyes still locked hard on him. A drop of moisture escaped the corner of her eye and Michael brushed it away with his fingers.

"Look just at me."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

Desert Breeze Congratulates Gail on her latest release.

Author Spotlight week - Excerpt from End Game

End Game will be released 1 AUG with Desert Breeze.
****

They reached the infirmary and Michael held the door open for [Beverly]. Before he could pull the door closed, Lilly burst into the main room from the hall. "Michael, I need you!"

He bolted down the hall after her, nearly bowling over a tall, stunning woman with a mass of wavy, brown hair tied in a sky blue scarf. She stepped back, flattening her shoulders against the wall as he gripped the doorjamb of the first exam room and used it to propel him into the room as a barely muffled scream reached him. For half a second, his heart dropped into his gut.

Jacqueline was on the exam table, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge. Lacerations -- old ones -- crossed her bare arms and her clothes were dirty and torn. A white bandage with a dark red stain wrapped around her arm, indicating a more recent wound but one at least a few days old. Her neck arched off the pillow, her body shaking as she clenched her teeth, hissing sharply.

"Oh, God, Doc... please!" she screamed.

Michael moved to Jacqueline's side, hunching over her to hold her face in his hands. Her eyes were closed, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of perspiration. The tension in her body was enough to snap her in two.

"Jacqueline," he said softly but firmly. "Jacqueline, look at me."

Her eyes snapped open, her gaze immediately on him. Unshed tears made her eyes glisten and she sucked in a sharp breath. A light groan forced its way through her teeth.

"I'm giving her a massive dose of Morphezine, Benzapriline and a fast acting NSAID," Lilly said softly as she loaded the infusion syringe in her hand.

"Jacqueline," he said again, not looking away even to acknowledge Lilly's words. "Jacqueline, hear me. You need to let the medication help you."

A choked gasped vibrated in her throat as she rapidly sucked in air, her eyes still locked hard on him. A drop of moisture escaped the corner of her eye and Michael brushed it away with his finger.

"Just look at me."

Her hand snapped free from the edge of the bed nearest him and she curled her fingers into his shirtsleeve. The grip was hard and desperate, but he didn't look away from her eyes. He continued to stroke her matted hair, running his thumb over her cheeks. His own pulse pounded viciously at his temples. Michael wanted to know what they had done to her, where she had been, and how she had escaped, but none of the questions were as important as helping her.

The click and hiss of the infusion syringe reached him over the pounding in his ears and Jacqueline's sharp breath.

"Deep breaths. Let it work."

Her eyes fluttered and her gaze shifted to the ceiling past him.

"No, Jacqueline," he said, repeating her name again to keep her with him. "Look at me. Look at me."

She pressed her trembling lips together, another tear rolling free. "M-Michael," she whispered.

"I'm right here."

Jacqueline released a deep, shuddered breath and he felt the tension rush out of her like water dumped from a bucket. The grip on his sleeve loosened and her lips parted, her eyelids sliding heavily over her dark eyes.

"The Morphezine is taking hold," Lilly said just outside his peripheral.

He stroked her hair, staring into her face. She blinked slowly, struggling to open her eyes again.

"I'll be here when you wake up," he said softly.


THE ABOVE EXCERPT IS UNEDITED AND MAY VARY UPON PUBLICATION

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with Gail R. Delaney

Author J. Morgan (JMO) of the Love Bites steps in to interview Gail. Take it away JMO.

***

For those who don't know me, my name is sometimes J. Morgan. The other times, I'm not sure what it is, but that is irrelevant because today, I have the pleasure of interviewing one of the spiffiest Sci Fi authors in the universe. To celebrate the occasion, I've stretched the already thin Desert Breeze Budget to rent a TARDIS. That's right, I'm all Dr. Whoed up and ready to make—or is that rewrite—history. So settle in as, I snag one Gail Delaney from the time stream and make her spill some Phoenix sized secrets.

Jmo: Gail, welcome to the DBP TARDIS. By the way, don't touch the flashy thingie. I'm not exactly sure what it does.

Gail: (glancing over). Oh, that's the Trans-Dimensional Oscilator Regulation Valve. Don't worry, nothing will happen if you hit it. Well, nothing other than giving us a bit of a rough ride. What? Did you forget I write Doctor Who fanfiction? * wink *

Jmo: (Shooting her a dirty look) Remember nobody likes a smarty bootie. Now, before we get into the thick of your fabulous Phoenix series, can you let our readers in on what first ignited your passion for Science Fiction? Was it a movie, television show or book?

Gail: Well, it's ironic that you opted to interview me here in the TARDIS, because Doctor Who played a bit part in developing my love of science fiction. I watched US runs of Doctor Who on PBS when I was a kid every Sunday afternoon. Tom Baker was, as they say 'My Doctor' (Well, until Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant came along). I also watched syndicated runs of Star Trek when I was in elementary school, and ST: TNG came out when I was in junior high - I think. I also grew up in the age of Star Wars. I loved it all.

In later years, I loved Stargate SG-1, Farscape, Firefly... and these days, Fringe. I'm currently watching all 10 seasons of X-Files. ☺

Jmo: As a writer and reader of the genre, what do you thinks brings so many readers to Sci Fi? And, I said don't touch that. Do you want to negate reality or something? Geez!

Gail: Relax! I was just releasing the Mercury Vapor vent system. You don't want a TARDIS with a case of the vapors. Trust me on this.

Anyway, I personally love 'smart' science fiction. Don't just set a book on a space ship or a far planet, and try to convince me it's science fiction. Make sure it's intelligently thought out. Now, that doesn't mean you need to explain to me the viability of a cold fusion thrust drive versus a carbon dioxide based combustion drive, but make me believe what you're saying. Beyond that, we are in an age of dramatic advancements. Every year, something new hits the market. It's not really that far fetched that -- if not us -- then our children and grandchildren will explore space. It's fascinating.

Jmo: I guess I better get to Phoenix before you make us lose the security deposit on this thing.

When you started on the first Phoenix book, did you have a clear vision of how the series would play out? Or, did the series evolve as you started working on it?

Gail: Absolutely the series evolved as I wrote it. There are elements of the final resolution that I honestly hadn't even considered when I began book one. I would write something, and say out loud "Oh! I get it now!" I had certain things I knew would be part of the series -- certain developments and revelations -- but, some of those things I believed to be true in the beginning ended up being proved wrong in the end.

(Hovers hand over Core Flux Relay Initiator just to watch Jmo squirm)

Jmo: As a fan of the series, I've got to ask this. I know I have my favorite characters as a reader, but do you have a character that really gets your mojo going when it comes to writing him or her?

Gail: Michael Tanner... no doubt, no question, no hesitation. When I developed the concept of the series, Michael Tanner was a character just like anyone else: Nick Tanner, Beverly, Victor... any of them. But, as I wrote, I learned that Michael was not only the glue -- but he was and is the driving force -- of the entire series. Without him, the whole of it would fall apart. We all want our characters to grow through the course of a book, but Michael does so much more than that. He becomes.

Jmo: Michael is my fav, too, and of course Jackie. I have to admit something, I read Revolution when it came out from that other company and read the newly updated version. How did the intervening years change the scope of what had gone on before and what readers are seeing now in the series?

Gail: When I wrote The Phoenix Rebellion for 'that other publisher', I wrote it all on my own. Meaning I didn't have anyone reading it as I went. I had someone I bounced ideas off, but they didn't read it in a linear fashion. I wrote the series in a blur, all 4 books in 10 months. I barely remember it now. So, when I read through the books -- I feel like I'm reading someone else's book. Having stepped back from the series for a couple years, when I came back to it, I saw more potential that I hadn't tapped into the first time around. I love that I've had the chance to add the subtle dashes of story that can potentially enhance the whole.

Jmo: End Game, effectively ends the first part of the Phoenix Rebellion but not the Phoenix series as a whole. Not to give away too much, but what can we expect in the second part of the series?

Gail: Phoenix Rising will pick up on Earth just about a year after the end of End Game. We fight the good fight, and while victory is ours, we don't come out of The Phoenix Rebellion unscathed. Phoenix Rising is the story of mankind truly rising from the ashes to rebuild our world. Many (most) of the main characters from the first series will play varying roles in the second series. The story can't continue without them. There will be characters who only made brief appearances in The Phoenix Rebellion who will now step up and continue the story. And there will be some new faces.

Jmo: Before we put the ion drive before the bridge, let's go back to End Game. This book ends the Rebellion part of Phoenix. How hard was it to tie up all the threads you laid the groundwork for in Book 1? Then, again. Are they tied up? I know this question is running on and on, but do you feel the readers will be satisfied with the ending of the series part 1? Or, will they be screaming for more? I know I will.

Gail: A lot of questions will be answered by the time End Game wraps up. The reader will come away with an understanding of things that came before, and hopefully, will see a clearer illustration of it all. But, as it often works, answers lead to more questions. No war ends at the decree of Peace. And no enemy simply disappears.

I can only hope that the readers of The Phoenix Rebellion will be anxious to read Pheonix Rising.

Jmo: Like all great Sci Fi, Phoenix has a lot of underlying themes. Did you make a conscious effort to layer those in or did they evolve as the characters did their thing inside your head?

Gail: Some of them were consciously there, and some of them grew organically from the lives of the characters. And sometimes, I thought I wanted to focus on a theme a certain way, only to learn that wasn't the way it would happen. How's that for vague and ambiguous?

Jmo: Yeah, some pretty good dodging and weaving, there. I'm well known for asking at least one crazy question. So, here it is. If you could step into any Sci Fi book or movie and live out the adventure, which one would it be? I think I know the answer—wink—but shock me.

Gail: (Looks around TARDIS) Does a tv show count? Because who wouldn't want to travel through all time and space in a little blue box that holds nothing less than a universe inside? And have you seen the library here? My toughest decision would be choosing between the Ninth Doctor, and the Tenth. I love them both for very different reasons. Yeah... don't make me pick.

Jmo: Not to sound gushy, but the world of Phoenix looks fun. Any chance of getting me warped into that reality? Before I set you back in your own time, please let our readers know where we can find out about you and your amazing books. Don't forget to let them know where they can connect with you on the Net. And, yes you can drive the TARDIS. Here, but don't touch the flashy thingi…

Great, now we're in an infinite time loop in the 70's of all time slips. For your information, my mother made me wear bell-bottoms. It sure wasn't my idea. Better give those stats, before we totally lose stability. Thanks for stopping by folks.

Gail: My website -- though keeping it up to date is a challenge -- is www.GailDelaney.com. I won't bother with my blog or MySpace, because I'd need a TARDIS to keep that thing up to date. I can be found on Facebook by searching Gail R. Delaney (The R. is important).

And will you stop worrying so much? (Smacks BIG RED BUTTON on TARDIS coral console). See? That was easy.

< Insert TARDIS Whomp Whomp here. >

Featured Author Interview with Gail Delaney on "Gaining Ground"

We're excited to have Gail here today on the blog to talk about "Gaining Ground," Book 3 in her Phoenix Rebellion Series.

Steph: Where did you find the inspiration for "The Phoenix Rebellion" series?

Gail: The Phoenix Rebellion came from various sources of inspiration, actually. I've told the story before, but after finishing another manuscript years ago (Watch Over Me), I found myself unable to really feel caught up in any new story idea I came up with. So, I played with fanfiction for awhile - specifically fanfic for the science fiction program 'Stargate: SG-1'. After doing that for nearly a year, my critique partners urged me (read here 'Got out the electrified cattle prods') to try my hand at writing science fiction.

As far as each relationship story arc within the series, they came from different points. The basic idea of Nick and Caitlin (a May/December relationship gone wrong -- but comes back together years later over a common cause) and Jace and Lilly (A soldier lost to the ravages of war to return years later without memory of his wife), were both concepts I'd attempted in the months when I couldn't find the right book. I adapted them from a modern contemporary setting to a futuristic one, and they worked great!




Victor and Beverly (Book II) came from the turning of thoughts after watching an episode of Stargate SG-1 in which one main character is committed when it's believed he's lost his mind -- in truth, his mind was being occupied by an alien entity. The idea grew from there.

Michael's story (Which is book IV and I don't want to give up too much. LOL) grew organically from the whole process of writing the series. When I began the series, Michael was just a character like anyone else. But, as I wrote, I realized he was the glue and driving force of the whole series. And as such, his 'story' had to be right for him. I had an idea for him going into the series, but ultimately it wasn't right and didn't work at all for him. The woman who becomes his match is perfect for him in that she's so unlike him, and that's why she works. (Stay tuned to Book IV- End Game -Coming in August).

Steph: What can we expect from Gaining Ground?

Gail: In Book I - Revolution - we thought Jace Quinn had died in the rescue mission to save Michael Tanner. At the end of Book II - Outcasts - the reader learns that Jace survived, but not much more. In Book III, Jace comes home. But, Jace is not the man who had disappeared nearly a year before. His memory is broken. He doesn't remember his name, and barely has any recollection of joining Phoenix years before. He has no memory at all of his wife -- Lily Quinn. As his wife, she is heartbroken that he doesn't look at her the way he once had. But, as his doctor, she knows he must let him return on his own.


Jace Quinn




Steph: I know you cast your characters, Gail. Who is Lilly? Jace?

Gail: Both Lilly and Jace came from model photos I found that I felt fit them. So, I don't have names... but I've attached the pictures.

Steph: Where do you find your sci-fi inspiration?

Gail: Partially from the programming and movies I enjoy watching, and actually partially from documentaries and programs I catch on television. I can't watch a program on the History Channel without getting ideas. There's a great series about what would happen to the world if all humans disappeared... I watch that and begin thinking "What if you were a space traveler and you found a world like that..."

Lilly Quinn


Steph: What are some of your favorite science fiction shows? Do you watch Caprica or the new Battlestar Galatica?

Gail: I actually didn't enjoy the new Battlestar Galactica (Don't tell JMo!), so I didn't even try out Caprica. I like Stargate SG-1, and not quite to the same degree, Stargate: Atlantis. I'm a fan of Doctor Who -- both Classic and the 'revived' Doctor Who (though I'm still withholding judgment on Matt Smith as the new Doctor). As Space Operas go, none will ever be better than Farscape. What an amazing mix of great writing, great cinematography, great story and a whole lot of romance! I haven't been caught up in any of the newer science fiction shows in SyFy Channel (Like Sanctuary or Stargate: Universe), but I am a huge fan of Fringe on Fox.

Steph: How many books are in "The Phoenix Rebellion" series?

Gail: In The Phoenix Rebellion there are 4 books: Revolution, Outcasts, Gaining Ground and End Game.

Steph: What's next for you, Gail? What should we expect in the future?

Gail: I have a few things on my plate, but haven't decided on which one to really dig into quite yet. I'm revising some older books for release next year, but as far as new projects I'm torn between a romantic suspense I've tentatively titled Beast and the sequel series to The Phoenix Rebellion - titled Phoenix Rising - which would consist of another four books. That series would pick up about a year after the conclusion of The Phoenix Rebellion, and would have a new cast of 'main' characters with many of the main people in The Phoenix Rebellion appearing again in secondary rolls..

Steph: What's the last movie you saw?

Gail: Cop Out with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. Wait for the DVD, trust me... or... don't bother at all. It was 'okay', but I wouldn't be disappointed if I never saw it again.

****

Book Trailer for "The Phoenix Rebellion Series"
http://www.youtube.com/user/RmceWrtr#p/a/u/0/eE9RrMSjTgc

Gaining Ground is available on the Desert Breeze Website, All Romance Books and

Amazon for Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rebellion-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B003K15NAI/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1273500340&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Featured May Release - Gaining Ground by Gail Delaney

Desert Breeze congrats Gail on her latest release.

The Blurb:

Lilly Quinn though she lost her husband Jace in the mission that brought Michael Tanner home. The mission that set into motion the revelation of the Areth's true face. She had reconciled herself with raising their baby alone.

But, miracles still happen and somehow Jace is back... at least his body is. His heart, his mind, is still trapped somewhere in the darkness of an Areth prison.

Somehow she has to find a way to awaken his heart again.

All the while the demon Areth breath hot and angry down Phoenix's neck... waiting to wipe them out along with the rest of the human race.


******

Excerpt:


"How are you feeling?"

The soft voice was barely a whisper in the darkness, but Jace's entire body tensed painfully. He reached for a weapon he knew wasn't there, but barely made it off the pillow before his abused body crumpled with fatigue. Jace squinted, looking into the shadows of the room at the figure dressed in white and bathed in silver moonlight. Her hair looked white, falling to her shoulders and her skin pale and creamy.

She stepped directly into the shaft of moonlight coming through the window, a soft smile bowing her lips, and Jace realized he was smiling back. His head felt heavy and his eyes as if they were ricocheting in his sockets. What kind of drugs are they giving me?

"How are you feeling?" she asked again.

Either the drugs were fuddling with his head, or she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen... or, at least, could remember seeing.

Nope.

Definitely the most beautiful... memory or not.

******

About the Author:

Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

****

Gaining Ground is available at the Desert Breeze Website, All Romance Books, and on Amazon for Kindle.