Interview & Giveaway: Secrets and Sins:Malachim by Naima Simone

Malachim

Malachim
Secrets and Sins, Book 2
Naima Simone

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Entangled Publishing – Ignite imprint

Date of Publication: September 23, 2013

Number of pages: 203

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Sony     Kobo     ARe

When Danielle Warren shows up on Boston attorney Malachim Jerrod’s doorstep looking for a job, his first thought is trouble. Well, actually his first thought is how does a woman with the face of a saint have the voice of a sex phone operator? But sexy trouble or not, he’s desperate for a paralegal to help keep his struggling law office afloat. Can the boss keep his distance from the silk of his employee’s skin, the siren lure of her body…or ignore the haunting vulnerability in her eyes.

Danielle can’t remember her own name, because it belongs to someone else. The new identity has afforded a fresh start and a new job. She’s taking control, making her own decisions, and refuses to allow anything to distract her—even her unwanted desire for her boss. Because distraction is dangerous and letting her guard down is not an option. Especially with a shadowy figure stalking her every move.

Danger is on the hunt, threatening the boss she’s falling in love with. Should she fight for the future of her dreams or flee to save Malachim’s life? Danielle must make a decision. Because her lies are unraveling. And some secrets can kill…

Excerpt: 

Silence reigned in the cab. Malachim wedged his body into the corner of the backseat, sprawling his legs as far as the cramped space would allow. In the close quarters, he studied her exotic profile. The high brow; thin, aristocratic nose just a shade too long by conventional beauty standards; the wide mouth with its full bottom lip; and the small, stubborn chin. His gaze dropped to the elegant, tightly clenched hands on her lap. Even in the shadows, he noted the paler skin stretched over her knuckles. Did she fear him? God, the thought caused the alcohol in his gut to roil and pitch.

“Danielle.” He’d deliberately softened his voice, yet she flinched as if he’d roared her name.

“Yes,” she said, keeping her head averted, continuing to stare out the side window.

“Look at me.” He paused. “Please.”

Her shoulders stiffened, and her fingers were clenched so hard, he feared they wouldn’t easily straighten. After several seconds, when her head turned in his direction, his lungs relaxed.

God, he longed to touch her.

Yes, he would be a eunuch and a flaming liar if he denied he wanted her beneath him, straining against his body as he thrust deep into soft, hot flesh he knew would squeeze his cock in the sweetest, tightest embrace. He craved it. Woke up in cold sweats from dreaming about it. But this… This need swelling within his chest now was gentler but no less hungry. No less desperate.

He yearned to rub his thumb over the hard line her mouth had become, coaxing the sensual fullness to appear once again. More than the next critical beat of his heart, he desired to brush his lips over her brow, ease the panic and pain in her eyes, and replace them with pleasure. With wonder. With joy.

What would Danielle look like carefree, laughing…unburdened?

Jesus, he wanted to know.

He straightened from his slouch, at the same time shifting closer to her. Carefully, unhurriedly, determined not to spook her. Not to threaten her.

In the darkness, her eyes widened, and her breath quickened. At any other time, he would’ve backed off. But not tonight. As much as he needed to have her sun-kissed skin under his fingers, she needed to understand—believe—he would take a blade to his own hand before harming her.

Gently, he cupped the nape of her neck. Pressed a thumb into the side of her throat and circled. She went rigid beneath his hand and loosed a tiny whimper.

“Shh,” he crooned. “No, look at me,” he tenderly ordered when her lashes fluttered. He had to see her eyes, had to be able to detect if his caress became too much for her to bear. Even more, he had to see the moment the fear bled from her beautiful dark gaze and trust entered.

“Thank you,” he murmured, staring into the brown depths. Yes, panic still lingered, but so did another emotion…an emotion that set his heart racing for his throat. “I would never hurt you,” he said. “Not that way. I may be an asshole sometimes and kick the hell out of your feelings, but I’ll never hurt you in the way that makes you shake under my hand.” He slid his hand into her hair, loosening the bun and cradling her head. And had to bite back his groan at the sensuous glide of her heavy hair over his hand and wrist. “You’re safe with me. I promise,” he said hoarsely.

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Naima Simone to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!

Thank you, thank you! *a sweeping bow* :-D

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

Absolutely! Bring ‘em on!

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

Oooh let’s see…something salacious….something truly shocking and scandalous… I have seasons one and two of Degrassi Junior High? No, no, no one probably cares about that. Okay, I am an identical twin—and the more intelligent, more talented, sweeter half. Which she would deny, but hey, this is my author interview!

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I luuuuv to lay in the bed watching Columbo on Netflix! That man is so incredibly smart

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

Actually, I write in several genres. I don’t go in saying, I’m going to write a romantic suspense. I imagine the story first, the world it’s taking place in, who the characters are, who they’ll be by the end of the story, and what happened to bring them there. By then I know which genre the story belongs to. That seems backward, doesn’t it?

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

The author who inspired me to write, period, was C.S. Lewis. I remember reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time when I was a kid, and I was captivated. I wanted to write a story that would transport people to their own Narnia. It’s still my #1 favorite book! The author who gives me the Damn-I-Wish-I-Would’ve-Written-That feeling is Nalini Singh. I went totally fan-girl on her on Twitter. LOL! I had no shame. She writes so beautifully and with such emotion…sigh. She influences my writing by inspiring me to write deeper.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest? One was when an editor told me my heroine was TSTL. LOL! And another was when an editor told me my plot was a train wreck. Ouch! But the cool thing about those times? Both editors explained why and then offered me suggestions on how to fix the terminal stupidness and derailment. Those were invaluable!

The best compliment was when my editor emailed me not with an offer to buy my book but to work with me to strengthen it. She said she loved my voice and my writing, and wanted to help me rewrite the weak aspects so she could buy the book. How awesome was that? I can’t explain how honored she made me feel. She saw something in me that was about more than a contract. It was about me as an author. Very cool moment!

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

Aslan from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. He is fascinating, brilliant, kind and with so much wisdom to impart I could sit at his feet, er, paws, and listen to him speak forever. The conversation would never be boring.

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

A Keurig coffeemaker with the K-cups included (that’s not cheating!), a Kindle Fire already loaded with books, and a flat screen tv with Netflix.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

Brad and Angelina. Besides having gorgeous, talented, rail-thin genes? They let their kid have a Mohawk. I’m just sayin’…

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Tons of leftovers. Leftover ham, guacamole dip, salad, hamburger and onion ring dip.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

WT*&%$#%???!!!

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Winter. I live in the South. Summer is synonymous with “hell”.
Coffee or Tea? WHAAAAT??? Coffee, woman! OMG, I almost had a heart attack…
Cake or Pie? Sour Cream ‘n Onion chips.
Car or Truck? Car. My husband gets this nervous look on his face when I borrow his truck.
Print or Electronic? Electronic.

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thank you so much for having me! I had a ball! Words of wisdom? One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 5:3-5. It talks about how we should have joy not sadness in difficulties and disappointments because it teaches us perseverance and gives us the strength to go on. And that perseverance produces and hones character, which produces hope. And hope never fails. In this business rejection, disappointments and failures come. But by not quitting, we become stronger, more skilled and more experienced. And along the way it builds our character, humbles us as well as shapes us into the authors and people we want to be. And every step, every contract, every rejection, every cool email or FB post from a reader brings hope that as long as we stay in the fight, we’ll reach our dreams. And hope never, ever fails. Forgive me. I’m a pastor’s daughter! LOL!

Thanks again for allowing me to visit with Musings and Ramblings and your readers! For you readers out there, I have a blog tour giveaway going on through October 4th! Two people can win a $20 Amazon Gift Card (international included!) and a World Traveler’s Boston Map cuff bracelet and the 4 September Ignite releases! Just enter through the Rafflecopter below!

Giveaway: 

A $20 Amazon Gift Card, World Traveler Boston Map Cuff Bracelet and the e-Book Set of Entangled Ignite September 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

September 23:
Margo Hoornstra – One Writer’s Perspective - Guest Post

September 24:
Talk Supe - Guest Post
Christine’s Words - Author Interview

September 25:
Musings and Ramblings - Author Interview

September 26:
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews - Author Interview

September 27:
Authors’ Cafe - Author Interview

September 30:
Sharon C. Cooper, Just Thinking… - Guest Post

October 1:
Sexy Between the Covers-Author Melissa Keir - Guest Post
Reader’s Edyn - Author Interview

October 2:
Nancy Jardine Features - Guest Post

October 3:
Regina May Ross’s - Guest Post
Dr. Pepper Diva - Guest Post

October 4:
M.J. Schiller, Author - Guest Post
Brooke Blogs - Guest Post

Author Bio:

Naima Simone is a multi-published author in contemporary and erotic romance. She’s a member of RWA’s Southern Magic chapter, mother of the Dynamic Duo, lover of everything Vin Diesel and wife to the fabulous husband who tolerates this affair.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog (Every other Tuesday) | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads