Hi Everyone! Today we have another AAD Spotlight going on – for my delusions that I’ll be able to go to New Orleans. Delusions are fun! Visiting with us is author Mari Freeman. You may not know much about her, but you should know she’s awesome. How do I know this? Because she’s a Buckeye. And anyone who went to The Ohio State University is a winner. Done.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the post as much as I did.
Thanks so much for having me over to your lovely home on the internets. I’m really excited about Author’s After Dark this year. It’s my second but I have a real love for the city of New Orleans. I used to visit from Texas several times a year with my high school BFF, Cindy. She was a native of the area and had lots of older friends and her boyfriend was still there.
Cindy set me up on my first blind date on one of these trips. I’ll never forget it. His name was Theo. We met her very cute guy on the levee near the giant paddleboats. I was a nervous wreck, changed clothes something like ten times. You know the girlish nerves. And this was long before computer dating, so all I had to go on was that he’s cute and he’s nice.
RIGHT… Theo turned out to be a cross between a donkey and Barry Manilow, all buck teeth and combed back hair. He was wearing a light blue, v-neck, velvet shirt. Yes, ladies. I said velvet in New Orleans, in August. And he snorted when he laughed, which, by the way, was constantly. He tried to blow in my ear— from across the table.
That night was a bust, but I’ve has so many great nights in the Big Easy since then. I try to get down there at least once a year. I hope you’re all planning on coming down for some smoking food, great music and all your favorite authors.
My latest release is About to Blow. It’s the first in a new series titled Valkyrie’s Vow. The series opens with the story of Mist. She’s a Valkyrie, kind of a junkie, and when she meets up with vice cop Kurt Stone she find’s herself in a whole other world.
About to Blow, Valkyrie’s Vow, Book One
For a thousand years, Mist has shepherded battle-slain warriors to their choice of Valhalla or Asgard. It’s the task she was charged with upon her own death, the mission she chose when becoming Valkyrie. Never before has she fallen for one of those warriors. But then, never has she felt emotions like those evoked by Kurt Stone.
As an undercover cop, Kurt expected a shortened life. He didn’t expect an afterlife spent jumping from realm to realm, screwing a tattooed hottie who makes his blood boil. He should be choosing his next destination, but he’d rather spend eternity indulging in Mist’s delectable body.
The vicious betrayal that led to her death has made Mist reluctant to trust, let alone love. If Kurt can help her face ancient demons, they both might find their idea of Heaven…together.
You can read an excerpt here.
See you all on Bourbon Street!
~Mari
My favorite things include: animals, food, exercise, wine, movies and books. In my previous lives, I’ve held an interesting array of occupations. I’ve been a project manager, used cars salesperson, a software testing manager, pumped gas at a truck stop and I worked in a morgue. I hold a degree in Forensic Anthropology from THE Ohio State University.
My favorite stories include alpha females in love with even more alpha males. I find the clash of passionate, strong willed personalities fascinating. I write contemporary, paranormal, and a little science fiction/fantasy.
Mari can also be found on Facebook or twitter: @marifreeman
Ms. Freeman has very kindly offered a giveaway of her current release or one of her backlist in ebook. So what I want to know is… have you ever been to New Orleans? Have any stories to share? Or – what about a blind date? Or if neither – just a crazy trip. Out of all those options everyone has to have something! 😀