Lorelei Confer's Blog

I love a good interview with a great author;  getting to know them better, finding out what makes their writing come to life. This is like nectar of the Gods for me! Recently, I did an interview with one of my all time favorite authors AND PEOPLE(!) Lorelei Confer. If you haven’t met her yet or read her books, you have no idea what you are missing. This woman is a powerhouse – in person and on the page! She writes romantic suspense ( one of my favorite sub-genres to enjoy by a blazing fire at midnight!).  Read all about her first, then enjoy a little snippet of her newest release,SECRETS AND DECEPTIONSDonna, The Writer:What drives you to write? The stories in my head I just need to get out.What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why? I write romantic suspense. It is the genre I prefer to read along with some thrillers from Harlan Coben and Andrew Gross. I love the sweet love story but like the conflict to be suspenseful and use fear as a real emotion; live or die situations.What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why? See aboveWhat’s your writing schedule?  I usually write everyday but not on a daily schedule. Sometimes its early in the morning, and other times late afternoon. My stories, plot and characters mull around in my head for days, weeks or months sometimes before I actually take the time to put them down on paper. Once a week I skip a day to mentor other writers who need help with plotting or characterization.Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. I write in the living room sitting on the end of the couch, which automatically reclines. To the left is a wall of windows with a fantastic view. Sometimes, while writing I find myself daydreaming about my story and it helps me get into the scene, into the characters head and into the environment. Makes it so much more realistic.Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnelvision? I do like it quiet when I write at home but have no problem writing at Panera Bread or Crispers or Starbucks. I’ve even taken advantage of the opportunity to glance around and use some of the body language and facial expressions from others around me.Do you listen to music while you write?  Not at home but I do enjoy music when I’m out writing at a different place, i.e. Panera Bread. I prefer country music and enjoy the lyrics of a love gone wrong or a how much a broken heart hurts, and what one does to forget a bad relationship.How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current work? I began this series, Saddle Creek, with the idea of four young men graduating high school together and going off on their own; each going their own way but remaining loyal to one another regardless of which direction they are led. This book, Secrets and Deceptions, is the third in the series and this young man can’t keep or find a job he likes so decides to enlist in the military. He leaves the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, and ends up being gone over four years. When he returns, of course, his friends’ lives have changed and his high school sweetheart is with another man. The story unfolds with plot twists and turns and sexy, speechless confrontations. As they both try to determine if there have been too many years apart, two many secrets, and too many deceptions.Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why? Plot comes first, then character development. Once that happens they, the characters, drive by them.What 3 words describes you, the writer? Sincere. Caring. Loyal.Donna, The Lovely Person:Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing! I love scrapbooking. I get to tell many stories through pictures and I love genealogy. I like to know the history behind the story of my ancestors.Who was your first love and what age were you? My husband, knight in shining armor, my high school sweetheart, and my first love. We met at school and I asked him to my eighth grade dance, (not sure how old I was) my dad dropped me off and we danced and held hands. He kissed my cheek before the last dance was over and I never forgot. Summer arrived and he worked, bought a car and we lost touch. In eleventh grade I asked his sister how he was doing and that night he called and we talked for hours. He asked me out on a date. I wasn’t sure about going since it had been a couple years but he was persistent and picked me up after school the next day. We’ve been together ever since, made it through the Viet Nam war, raised two boys, have grandchildren, and have traveled many highways together,If you could relive one day, which one would it be? ….Our wedding day. We eloped in between his two tours of duty in Viet Nam and it was like it ‘could be our last time together’ and extremely emotional and memorable.Do you like a guy in boxers, briefs, or commando? Commando, of course!What three words describes you, the person? Loving, sympathetic, truthful Bonus round I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:Favorite sound DoorbellLeast favorite sound car hornBest song every written Lay, Lady, Lay by Bob DylanWorst song ever written Don’t Worry, Be Happy (too monotonous)Favorite actor and actress Antonio Banderas and Ann MargaretWhat turns you on? Great visits and talks with friendsWhat turns you off? Loud crowdsWhat’s your version of a perfect day? Sleeping late, morning sex, lazy breakfast, reading and quiet time.Read that last answer again, folks. Le sigh!.Here’s a sneak peak at her newest release, SECRETS and DECEPTIONS 
When Avri Lawrence’s high school sweetheart leaves her to enlist in the military, she nurses a broken heart. When Dillon returns four years later, their attraction to each other is stronger than ever, but life’s experiences has changed them. When her life is threatened she’s not sure he’ll come to her rescue or like what he finds. She has secrets and she’s not ready to share.Dillon Davidson wants to advance in his military career but didn’t plan on having to kill so many people to do so. On a Special Opps mission he’s captured and tortured for eighteen long months. After his escape, he ends his four-year career in deception. He wants to start over with his soul mate, Avri in Saddle Creek, Wyoming.But are there too many years of separation, too many secrets, and too many memories between them for them to overcome?Excerpt:Dillon skimmed his fingers lazily over the soft supple skin of Avri’s naked thigh. The lingering fragrance of sex filled his nostrils. They only had tonight, he’d be leaving in the morning, and he couldn’t get enough of her. His heart still pounded with desire, he wanted, needed to make love to her over and over again. He wanted to run his fingers over every inch of her, all night long, wanted to fill his memory with the scent of her, remember every smooth curve, every sweet hollow of her body.Her body quivered against his, her breath hitched and she gulped back a sob. He pulled her against his chest, whispering in her ear, “It’s going to be all right,” before kissing her neck. His throat constricted. “We’ve talked about this…remember? We’ve planned this for six months.” His voice cracked slightly. “W-we need to look forward now. When I come back, I’ll be able to get a job, a good one doing something I like. Everything will be fine.”He blinked the dampness in his eyes away several times as he ran his fingers through her hair memorizing the softness of her wavy auburn curls, the contours of her body, and the way she fit so perfectly against him. For a moment overcome with emotion, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t console her, hell…he couldn’t console himself.The neon light from Rosie’s Diner downstairs cast a reddish glow in her small apartment. He’d always remember this time with her–the overwhelming pleasure, the contentment–and then the painful realization hit him again, like a bomb. He had to leave her in the morning. They had tonight, a few more precious hours together that he’d never forget, before he had to leave her. Her sob split the silence; he cupped her head and caressed her cheeks and jawline, wiping away the tears with his thumbs.She was special to him, always had been. It was as if she’d been made just for him, fulfilling all his wants and needs. She was his closest confidante, his best friend, the woman he loved, would always love…his soul mate.“How am I going to go on without you?” Avri whispered, her voice trembling. “You mean so much to me. You’re important to my life. You are my life.”“You won’t have time to miss me.” Dillon tried to smile. “You’re going to finish law school and study your ass off to pass the bar.” His heart dropped in his chest and his throat burned with the thought. Not being at her side for those major events in her life…well, the thought broke his heart. Leaving her was killing him. It was harder than he ever imagined it would be when he enlisted in the military.“I’ll wait for you, I swear. And I’ll write to you every day, but you have to promise me one thing, Dillon.” She sputtered and hiccupped trying to speak. Her sadness echoed in the small space.He hesitated. “What’s that?” Apprehension rolled through him sticking in his chest, making it hard for him to breathe. “Promise you’ll come back to me. Promise?” she pleaded.How could he make such a promise when he didn’t know if he would come back dead or alive or damaged? “I’m not sure where I’m going or how long I’ll be gone. You know how I feel about you. I will if I can. You know that, don’t you?”He searched for her bright green eyes in the dimness, but she’d glanced away. Pulling her closer, he left no space between their two bodies. Placing a finger beneath her chin, he turned her face toward his and bent to brush her lips. As soon as their lips touched, the kiss went from gentle to desperate. He plundered her mouth, sucking on her lips, invading her mouth with his tongue. He couldn’t get enough of her, her taste, her touch, her feel, or her scent. He ingrained them in his memory. A lasting memory; one he’d never forget.As soon as he ended the kiss she clutched at his chest, sobbing hysterically. He held her in his arms until she fell asleep, shuddering occasionally. Finally, she quieted.He lay beside her, too anxious to sleep. Savoring the warmth and soft skin against his, he listened to her breathing, waiting for it to even out, an indication she’d fallen asleep.An hour or so later, he glanced at the lighted dial of his watch. It was time to go. Time to leave her.He’d miss the Wyoming way of life, the ranch, his buddies, the horses, the small town of Saddle Creek…mostly though he’d miss her. She was the love of his life. The reason he’d enlisted in the military in the first place—to make something of himself, learn a trade and be able to hold down a job, and make her proud of him. Now he had to let her go or he wouldn’t be strong enough to walk away later. He’d signed up, and he had to honor his commitment.Dillon carefully moved away from her, slipped out of her bed, allowed himself one last, loving look at her, but had to stifle a gasp. Moonlight blanketed Avri in an ethereal light streaming over her auburn tresses splayed across her pillow, enhancing the light freckles on her tiny tipped-up nose. The moistness of her plump lips gave him an irresistible urge to kiss her good-bye, just once more. But he didn’t dare.Grabbing a scrap of paper and an envelope from her small desk, he wrote a note, stuffed it into the envelope and placed it on his pillow where she’d be sure to find it.Avri rolled onto her side, but didn’t wake. He took a step toward her, longing to rob her lips the way he had most of the night. He sought control and stopped. Together their uninhibited sex was the best he’d ever had, but then perhaps it was because of how he felt about her.Bio:Lorelei lives on a peninsula on the mid west coast of Florida with her husband, 1 cat, and AJ, a long haired Chihuahua.
She wrote her first story in the fourth grade in the form of a play, which actually was produced by the teacher for parents and students. She continued writing and majored in English in College. She practices everyday to improve her craft.
She loves reading almost as much as writing and has filled her book shelves with her favorites, i.e. Harlan Colban, Eliza March, Johanna Lindsey, Roxanne St. Claire, Terri Garey, B.H. Daniels, and Bobbi Smith just to mention a few, as well as all the classics.
She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America), TARA (Tampa Area Romance Authors), PRO, Kiss of Death, Lethal Ladies, and CSI (Crime Scene Investigations), just to mention a few.Visit Lorelei here:  www.loreleiconfer.comHere are the other books available from the SADDLE CREEK SERIES
 Rustlers and Romance   An Uptown Girl and a Cowboy

Lorelei Confer is one of my favorite authors and her latest work does not disappoint. She weaves a masterful tale of love, suspense and betrayal set in the small town of Saddle Creek,Wyoming. Ms.Confer always writes deeply complex characters I can root for and Dillon and Avri are her best hero and heroine yet. This is a compelling read and a page-turner right up to the satisfying end.

From Serious Reading:  Serious Reading Rating95 %SUMMARY
Lorelei has a deeply affecting writing style that reels the readers in from the very first line. 95%OVERALL SCORE Secrets and Deceptions (Saddle Creek Book 3) tells us the story of two lovers with a long past and a complicated relationship. It began when Avri Lawrence was a teenager and met Dillon Davidson for the first time. Several years pass by and they discover they are each other's soul mates. The happiness though doesn't last long as Avri has her heartbroken when her long time boyfriend and high school sweetheart leaves her to enlist in the army.
What used to seem so simple and straightforward in the past didn't remain the same when Dillon returned 4 years later. This time around, they are both changed and different people. Avri is hiding secrets of her own and she is beginning to lose faith in Dillon. Dillon, on the other hand, is haunted by his career choice and perplexity of his decisions. He wants to be in the military but he doesn't want to kill people. Hence, he finally makes the decision to end the deceptive job of special ops that had him chained and tortured for 18 long months. All he wants now is to spend time with Avri. However, things are a lot easier said than done as this time, they have secrets and deceptions brewing between them and it threatens their relationship.
Lorelei has a deeply affecting writing style that reels the readers in from the very first line. She writes touching and sometimes, tear-jerking tales of love and hope. Secrets and Deceptions (Saddle Creek Book 3) is everything you will expect it to be and more.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful***** Perfect Ending To The Perfect BuildOct 26, 2016 This story is the real deal when it comes to the saying "page turner"! Secrets and deceptions is an excellent source of thrill and suspense! Lovers Avri and Dillon reunite after fours years of separation. Their love for one another is quickly rekindled, (Kind of like a slap in the face, really. The reunion, itself, was suspenseful and brought on several questions that would later be answered.) but at what cost? What's real? What's a lie? Do they even know each other, anymore? Both have secrets they're keeping from one another, but neither can hold onto them for long. Eventually, the truth is gonna come out.I thought the concept and play out of this story was very realistic. People have secrets and as time goes on, those secrets/happenings change people. I'm glad a writer explored the affects lies can have on a relationship, romantic or otherwise. It creates uncertainties, as well as misunderstandings. It's clear Avri and Dillon still love each other deeply, so of course readers want these two darlings to open up and just spill the guts (oops. Spoiler?) already, but the suspense was well played!! I honestly think this is the fastest I've ever read a novel of this length!The pacing of this story teeters back and forth from nice, steady, slow builds to fast, adrenaline pumping scenes and developments. There's really a lot going on here what with the past/present plots (and fantasies/night terrors) of two characters on their own as well as together, but it's nicely explored. I never felt lost in the text.This author does an excellent job of keeping the reader's attention on the book in hand! Because, really, ya gotta know if they're gonna make it!Read and/or get reviews at- http://www.goodbookswithtea.blogspot.com

Samantha Williams, a New York City girl and a wannabe photographer, stumbles into Rosie’s Diner in Saddle Creek, Wyoming, outside Jackson Hole. Disheveled from a horrid travel day, Sam finds the only seat available is at the counter beside a burly, staggeringly handsome and strong-muscled cowboy—a cowboy who she is immediately attracted to and who has some baggage of his own.Elliott Bouchard, an Outfitter and trainer of therapy horses, thinks he already found his one true love, Mariah, whom he married. When she died two years ago, he felt responsible for her death, and regrets not being able to save her. It’s a big part of his life everyday until he meets Samantha Williams. He wants to protect her, not only from the raw elements of the west but from someone following her who wants her gone.When Sam’s life is threatened, due to evidence she unknowingly has in a picture, Elliott comes to her rescue. But will he be there in time?A Romantic Suspense
WWW.LORELEICONFER.COM

Samantha Williams, a New York City girl and a wannabe photographer, stumbles into Rosie’s Diner in Saddle Creek, Wyoming, outside Jackson Hole. Disheveled from a horrid travel day, Sam finds the only seat available is at the counter beside a burly, staggeringly handsome and strong-muscled cowboy—a cowboy who she is immediately attracted to and who has some baggage of his own. Elliott Bouchard, an Outfitter and trainer of therapy horses, thinks he already found his one true love, Mariah, whom he married. When she died two years ago, he felt responsible for her death, and regrets not being able to save her. It’s a big part of his life everyday until he meets Samantha Williams. He wants to protect her, not only from the raw elements of the west but from someone following her who wants her gone.When Sam’s life is threatened, due to evidence she unknowingly has in a picture, Elliott comes to her rescue. But will he be there in time?A BookStrand Mainstream Romance
WWW.LORELEICONFER.COM

Rustlers and Romance
Saddle Creek 1By: Lorelei Confer | Other books by Lorelei Confer 
Categories: Mainstream Romance, Contemporary, Western/Cowboys
Word Count: 40,357
Heat Level: STEAMY
Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.


RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, June 24thThis title is offered at a 10% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, July 1st.[BookStrand Cowboy Romance, HEA]Rosie’s Diner is at the center of the small town of Saddle Creek, Wyoming, in the shadows of the Grand Teton Mountain range. When horse rancher Chase Montgomery first lays eyes on a waitress’s bruised and swollen face, and beautiful green eyes, his first instinct is to kiss the bruises away.Lauren McCray flees Michigan and heads west to escape another beating from her ex-boyfriend, Clint Jackson. When she sees him looking inside her car outside the diner where she works, she runs again. This time, jumping into the bed of a nearby pickup truck hauling a horse trailer.Chase’s life is enriched when he pulls back the tarp in the bed of his pick up and finds the green-eyed beauty. Lauren is running and needs protection from something or someone, and he agrees to protect her with his life, but will it be in time?A BookStrand Mainstream Romance


www.loreleiconfer.com

FINALLY, I've finished the damn book, Rustlers and Romance, in a new series called Saddle Creek. The series takes place outside a small town named Saddle Creek located in the shadows of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, in the Jackson Hole valley, Wyoming. Rosie's, a mom-and-pop fifties diner, is in the center of the town. 

Here's a back of the book blurb for Rustlers and Romance:


Rosie’s Diner is at the center of the small town of Saddle Creek, Wyoming, in the shadows of the Grand Teton Mountain range. When horse rancher Chase Montgomery first lays eyes on a waitress’s bruised and swollen face, and beautiful green eyes, his first instinct is to kiss the bruises away.
Lauren McCray flees Michigan and heads west to escape another beating from her ex-boyfriend, Clint Jackson. When she sees him looking inside her car outside the diner where she works, she runs again. This time, jumping into the bed of a nearby pickup truck hauling a horse trailer.
Chase’s life is enriched when he pulls back the tarp in the bed of his pick up and finds the green-eyed beauty. Lauren is running and needs protection from something or someone, and he agrees to protect her with his life, but will it be in time?

COMING FROM SIREN BOOKSTRAND IN JULY 2014

I need your help in naming and coordinating a 'Street Team". I'd love to have you on my team and receive your input with naming my characters, book reviews and preliminary readings. Maybe I can use your name as a character in my wip. The person who sends me an acceptable name for the team will receive an ebook of mine of their choice. For the available books please check out http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos.... You can private message me here or email me at loreleiconfer@tampabay.rr.com. Hope to hear from lots of you soon.

I wrote a blog post some time ago about downsizing or rightsizing and I'm here to tell you we did the right thing and right-sized. Now my husband and I can communicate without yelling across the multiple rooms although we still do yell at times. Everybody does. LOL And we have close neighbors so we have to keep it to a minimum which we have not had a problem with since neither of us are confrontational.



We have a fantastic view of the lake with a water fountain in the middle and all of the rooms face the lake so we have great views from all our rooms. The biggest decision we had to make was where to put everything from the large house. After a large moving sale and a hefty donation to the Red Cross we brought what was left and fit it in. Had another Goodwill donation and we are all set.



It's a close and intimate feeling when the verticals are closed for the evening but we've adjusted to it--it wasn't very hard. When I'm in the kitchen and the phone rings its four steps to pick it up. Doing laundry is the easiest. The laundry room is outside the bedroom door so I usually sort everything into piles in the bedroom and then carry the individual loads to the washer. In a matter of hours, all-small-loads laundry is completed.



Two bedrooms and two baths accommodates all our needs and then some. In the 2nd bedroom which we dubbed the 'den' we have a corner for travel. It's helped us decide on what we really wanted to keep. Two bookcases full of books and photo albums, a credenza loaded down with electronics and a large desk. We take turns using the desk and it's worked out great.



Because we're in closer proximity to each other we've become closer to each other. It's been kind of like a second honeymoon when we shared all our dreams and wishes. So many of them have been filled or come true, i.e. two children, moving into a bigger house, etc. that we've had to make new ones and the dreaming and wishing for the rest of our lives has taken on a whole new meaning. We've decided we want to travel and our goals have changed.



We no longer want to update the kitchen at the older house, we already have it in the smaller place. We want to save any and all extra money for a trip of our lifetime. Another goal, wish or dream that will come true.