For as long as Jack can remember he’d been a resident of Bandit Creek. For almost two hundred years he’s been roaming the streets, alone, drinking to forget about his damned life. Cursed by a demon, he can’t die, although he’s tried many times.  The only thing that can release him from this wretched existence is to find the gold he stole all those years ago and return it to those who died in the flood. Only problem is…with his mind so ruined he can’t remember where he buried it.

His salvation comes with Kristen Morgan’s arrival. The infamous psychic and the sheriff’s daughter can help him. There’s only one other person who knows where the gold is…his long dead partner Colton. And Kristen’s seen him in her dreams.

Read the excerpt.

When Ramon Ramirez is found not guilty of first degree murder, Adelina Ramirez grabs their six year old daughter and leaves Atlanta, determined to keep him from taking Sadie to Brazil and keeping her there.

A bad snow storm on an almost-deserted road in Montana forces Lina to stay in Bandit Creek for Christmas. New friend Todd Black is bound to help the quiet woman and her child. He knows there’s more to her story than she’s saying, but it’s none of his business.

In the midst of Christmas preparations and a record snow storm, Ramon tracks her down. He doesn’t care about Lina but he wants his daughter and he’s going to take her.

With Todd at her side, Lina is forced to confront her worst fears. Together, they will face Ramon and forge a new future – a gift from her Christmas on the Run.

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Hello, I’m Carla Roma and I’m sitting here with author and therapist, Louise Behiel in her office in Calgary.  I’m on the couch. I hope she isn’t planning to psychoanalyze me…I don’t have any problems of that nature. When she sees me looking around and up and down, Louise laughs and reassures me that I don’t have to worry. We can sit in this room without doing therapy. W

Carla: So tell me Louise, I see books everywhere in this room, but no fiction. What’s up with that?

Louise: There are a few novels upstairs but mostly they’re on my Kindle.

Carla: (running her hand over some of the books) Some of these look pretty heavy.

Louise: <laughing> Some of them are – both in content and in size.

Carla: So how does a person get from reading these to writing a novella set in Bandit Creek?

Louise: I love reading everything but I always reach for romance when I’m relaxing. So when this series came up, I jumped at the opportunity to join my friends and chapter mates in Bandit Creek.

Carla: So tell me a bit about this book.

Louise: Christmas on the Run is the story of a woman who has to confront the scariest question in the world: “What if everything in your life is a lie?”

Carla: That is a tough question.

Louise: Just imagine that you wake up one morning and all your beliefs about your life are turned upside down, and you realize you might lose the only thing that matters to you. What would you do?

Carla: She runs away and ends up in Bandit Creek?

Louise: Exactly, and as we know, everything happens in Bandit Creek.

Carla: There’s been many other-worldly figures in Bandit Creek.  How about your book?

Louise: Afraid not. This is a book about a vulnerable woman and a wounded man determined to protect her. Together they figure out what matters to them and take the steps to make it happen.

Carla: So the heroine goes from running away to taking baby steps?

Louise: Exactly.

Carla: Sound like some of your couch experience in this one.

Louise: I hope so.

Carla: Is there anyone in this book we’ve met before?

Louise: Of course Jack makes his opinion known, as he does in every book.

Carla: Jack is an interesting character.

Louise: He is. I’m very excited to read more of his story which is the next (and last) release in this series.

Carla: Anyone else in this story that we’ve met?

Louise: There are, but you’re going to have to read the story to find out who it is.

Carla: <laughs> Fair enough. I think I’m going to take my leave before you start asking the questions. I have secrets I don’t want you poking into.

It was a series of misunderstandings that lead Lily to this place of deceit. She thought she was all by herself when she gave in to a temper tantrum in the middle of a field of cattle near Bandit Creek, Montana. By the time she overcame the shock of finding an insanely handsome man was watching her, she found herself lying without ever intending to.

Now this kind man had come to believe she was poor and in desperate need of help, when in reality she could easily purchase the entire town of Bandit Creek with the money readily available in her chequing account. It was her family’s enormous wealth that had prompted Lily to head out west in the first place, to take some time away and decide if she really wanted to take her place in the corporation like everyone expected. Leaving all signs of her wealth behind her, Lily was doing just fine…until she stumbled into Jayce.

Not only were his disarming looks leaving Lily to blush like a schoolgirl, she quickly realized her family’s great fortune came at a cost to farm families just like his. And now she found herself creating an entire fabrication so that he wouldn’t discover she was actually his enemy. But it became more and more pressing to tell Jayce the truth, if Lily wanted the chance to get to know him better. Bracing herself, Lily finally came clean with the truth of her background. But she was unprepared for the long-held secret that Jayce had of his own.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Hi, Carla Roma here! I recently spotted Sandy Kelly at a live music bar in downtown Calgary and followed her into the bathroom.

Carla: Sorry, I know everyone is told not to corner a writer in the bathroom, but this is the first chance I’ve had to chat with you when you’re not either up dancing or involved in a conversation with all your friends at the table.

Sandy: Ha! Not to worry… it’s actually publishers and agents you’re not supposed to follow into the bathroom. Writers are pretty much fair game! And you’re right – when I drive in from my little town to enjoy an evening of live music, fine wine and fun friends in the city, I’m rarely sitting quietly alone. Unless I’m in the bathroom, of course!

Carla: What’s the best part for you – the music, the wine or the friends?

Sandy: Hmmm… hard pressed to choose a favourite from that list, but I do love the energy that fills everyone up when they’re enjoying live music – indie music, in particular. My friends and I especially love a jam-session when a bunch of independent musicians come together to share their love of music and originality. It’s magic.

Carla: Is that why you have enjoyed participating in the Bandit Creek series? Is it like a jam-session of writing for you?

Sandy: Absolutely! You take a bunch of independent writers who are working hard on their own craft and then mix them all together to follow their own story lines from the same quirky little town of Bandit Creek. Stir in pretty much every literary genre imaginable, add a hefty dose of talent and a generous helping of support… and you have a perfect recipe for a unique and successful series. It’s magic.

Carla: Your story, Up the Creek Without a Saddle, sounds pretty playful.

Sandy: I consider it a ‘Bandit Creek-lite’! My story is one of the last few in a long and diverse story list. The Banditoes have taken readers on such a journey, from mystery to erotica, from children’s fiction to other worlds. I wanted to create something light-hearted and a little goofy. Up the Creek Without a Saddle plunks a very wealthy young woman into Bandit Creek and into the arms of a handsome rancher who believes he is coming to the aid of a beautiful, but poverty-stricken damsel in distress. The story pokes fun at what happens when a simple misunderstanding brings two people together. And when they start telling little white lies in an effort to stay together.

Carla: Sounds fun – thanks for the bathroom chat. It’s time to hit the dance floor again!

Trying desperately to escape an abusive husband, Melissa Stacey drives until she reaches the town of Bandit Creek. She doesn’t know why she has stopped here, but as she sits looking at Lost Lake, she realizes that she too is lost. She has no family, no friends and no hope of ever escaping her cruel husband. Her hopelessness drives her to make a rash decision.

After being warned by Bandit Creek’s town drunk/prophet, depending on who you spoke to, Gabriel Waters rushed to save her. He didn’t know who she was but Old Jack told him he had to hurry or he’d be too late. He arrives at the shores of Lost Lake in time to see a woman disappear below the surface.

What happens next is a story of how two people, brought together by tragedy and fear, can find each other and solace in the discovery of true love. Love that can be found everywhere, even in Bandit Creek. After all everything happens in Bandit Creek.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Carla: Hi Vivien, I’m so glad we have this chance to sit down and chat. Can we talk?

Vivien: Hey Carla, you know we can always talk. In fact getting me to talk is never our problem, it’s getting me to stop that is the challenge.

Carla: (laughing) Too right! Before we get into Thief of Hearts I wanted to ask you what made you want to write books?

Vivien: I have always wanted to write ever since my grandmother used to come and read us bedtime stories. I loved the pictures words evoke in your mind as you travel through any story. In fact I recently found one of my first books, written when I was 5…colored construction paper stapled together with lines of squiggles running neatly across the paper.

Carla: Sounds like a great read!! What was the story about?

Vivien: Well a princess of course!!! Then when I finally tried using letters I started writing fables, the one I finished was “Why Hippo was Green”.

Carla: And so why was Hippo Green?

Vivien: He rolled in the grass of course!!

Carla: Now about Thief of Hearts what can you tell me about where the idea came from to write it?

Vivien: I have always heard the saying “write what you know”. So some of this story comes from very personal experience. I myself was in, survived and overcame a very abusive relationship. It is always a challenge to overcome adversary but to come out the other side still open to and willing to risk loving someone again; well that is real life for me. I wanted something sweet to come out of something dark.

Carla: That is quite intense and remarkable that you can still think that way after what you’ve been through.

Vivien: We should never be defined by the dark hard times we may endure. Rather we should grow from them to try to make our outlook more positive than it was before.

Carla: So how come the hero comes from South Africa? Where’s the connection?

Vivien: I have family that lives there and every chance I get I go back to Africa because that continent draws me like no other. I think I’m still trying to find Harry the Green Hippo! When I can, I like to sneak Africa into my writing just because I love it so much, makes things a little more mysterious too.

Carla: Well you wrote and self-published another book as well. Was Africa in that one?

Vivien: No, Border Passions is an English historical romance. Africa didn’t really fit there. But Bandit Creek? That’s a different story, pardon the pun, isn’t it? After all EVERYTHING HAPPENS IN BANDIT CREEK.

Carla: It certainly does. So Vivien, thanks for your time. I know you have to get back to work.

Vivien: You’re welcome, Carla! It was nice chatting with you.

Carla: So readers, there it is. Our next installment in the Bandit Creek series is ready to roll. Hopefully you too can see the good come from amongst the ashes of something bad. Stay tuned for my next interview and I think we really know after all our books: Everything does happen in Bandit Creek!

Nikki’s loved Chance from the moment she met him years ago and has always wished he would see her as a woman instead of his good friend’s kid sister. Since her brother’s death in Iraq, Chance has played the part of fill-in-brother, constantly calling to make sure she is doing okay but always careful to keep a physical distance. She’s out to annihilate the distance in every way and make him understand she doesn’t need a protector – she needs a man and her sights are set on him. Time isn’t on Nikki’s side though. Like the legends of Lost Lake, the Guiley name is cursed and Nikki is the only one who can change the past. If she doesn’t set things straight between father and son, she loses everything, including Chance.

Pick up your copy at Amazon or Smashwords today!

Carla Roma Interview:

Hello, I’m Carla Roma and it’s no secret to any of you who know me – I love wine. Red, white, blush – just bring it on!  While I was hanging out in a very quaint winery in California sampling some merchandise, I met author Kreseda Kaine. She was sitting at a table overlooking the vineyard, glass of wine in her hand and a captivating look in her eye. I couldn’t deny my curiosity. I approached her table and asked if I might join her. Kreseda gave me one of the most inviting smiles I had ever encountered from another person – and I knew – we were going to be good friends. After our introductions, I asked her what she had been thinking about before I came over. Kreseda’s eyes nearly glazed over.  “An idea for a steamy book I’m going to write!” she told me.  “So you are a writer?” I asked.  “I’m going to be,” was her reply.  From the passion in her voice, I knew one day she would succeed and asked her to tell me about her idea.  Once I heard it, I knew she would fit in well with the authors of Bandit Creek and asked her to join the group and write a novella as her debut publishing project. 

Today I have the pleasure of hanging out in beautiful Kananaskis Country, sitting before a natural fireplace in the massive hotel lobby with my friend, Kreseda Kaine, to interview her about ‘Breaking Love’s Curse.

Carla:  So before we get to your book, do you have a new favourite wine you would like to share?

Kreseda:  I have the tee-shirt that says ‘I share well with others’.

Carla:  Perfect! lol

Kreseda:  My new favourite is a South Eastern Australia Cabernet Sauvignon.

Carla:  Hmm, sounds heavenly.

A mischievous glint sparkles in Kreseda’s eye.

Kreseda:  Would you like a splash? (Kreseda pulls a bottle of wine out of her oversized purse with one hand, and two wines glasses with the other hand and waves them at me)

Carla:  And that’s why I love you, girlfriend. lol

Wine poured followed by a crisp tink of stemware

Carla:  Enough about wine for now. Let’s talk about your cover – it’s to die for.

Kreseda:  Thanks – I truly loved that whole process and I wanted the cover to portray the emotion between the characters.

Carla:  Mission accomplished. Where did you get the idea for this book?

Kreseda:  I like writing about things I know or have experienced myself and then adding a little heat to take the average to the ecstatic. I love the connection you feel when you meet someone special for the first time, and you just know in your gut, this is something good. So I took that feeling, added some heat and there came the idea for the story of Chance Guiley and Nikki Sayors. You feel the heat of their history before they even come together in Bandit Creek.

Carla:  I’m hooked. Tell me about these characters.

Kreseda:  Nikki’s loved Chance from the moment she met him but because she is the sister to his best friend, Bobby, he’s always kept her at a distance out of respect. Chance and Bobby met in the Marines and were as close as brothers. They made a pack to each other to take care of things should one of them fall. The day Bobby dies, Nikki becomes Chance’s responsibility and Chance being the man he is, takes this responsibility very seriously. However, in an effort to keep his emotions hidden, he accepts back-to-back deployments putting thousands of miles between them and hoping the attraction will pass. All the while, he is diligent about calling and keeping tabs on his Nikki to ensure she is doing okay.

Carla:  Oh, poor Chance. Is Nikki going to continue to let him hide?

Kreseda:  LOL – Would you? Nikki comes to Bandit Creek to uncover a mystery and make Chance finally see her as a woman instead of his best friend’s kid sister. You’ll have to read the book to find out how Nikki handles her big bad Marine.

Carla:  Consider it done! Kreseda, thank you for your time and sharing a little about ‘Breaking Love’s Curse’. I look forward to reading your novella and wish you all the best with your writing career.

Kreseda:  Thank you, Carla.

Callie Mahone and her husband Austin are in a marital rut. In an attempt to liven things up, they decide to take a road trip. The destination? Wherever the pin sticks into the map. They each hope that the excitement wrought from new surroundings and an enforced proximity will kick start their flagging marriage, but when their car breaks down at a questionable service station on the way to Bandit Creek, a new element is added that changes everything. Liam Fraser, a sexy stranger that they meet at the service station, patches up their car… and then is thrown together with the pair again in Bandit Creek. Over the course of the short trip, Callie and Austin are forced to decide whether the benefits of introducing another into their marriage bed outweigh the alternative…

Read the Excerpt

Hello, I’m Carla Roma and my latest Bandit Creek interview is with Lauren Hawkeye. I asked her if she needed to put down her knitting needles while we spoke, but she insisted that she could talk and knit at the same time. I can’t complain, since she’s making a scarf for me—and I need it, because brr, it’s starting to get a bit chilly out! Without further ado, here is my interview about Lauren’s erotic romance, TEMPT ME TWICE, available October 15, 2012.

Carla: Tell us a little bit about your book, Tempt Me Twice.

Lauren: Tempt Me Twice is a look at the things people do to make their relationships work. Callie and Austin have hit a rut in their marriage, and this story examines the consequences of temptation.

Carla: Have you always known that you would be a writer?

Lauren: I still don’t know what, exactly, made me pick up my pen for the first time. Looking back now, though, I think the only one who was surprised was me! As a child, I was always that weird kid with her nose stuck in a book while everyone else was on the monkey bars. And I always made up stories in my head about the characters in the books that I was reading—The Bobbsey Twins, Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and a little later, Little Women and Pride and Prejudice.

Carla: Some of the love scenes in this book were scorching. Is this typical of your books?

Lauren: It’s very typical. Right now I write erotica in both contemporary and historical settings, and the scenes in those books are comparable to what you’ll find in Tempt Me Twice. My paranormals are slightly less hot, but still steamy!

Carla: What does your mother think about the genre that you write?

Lauren: She’s very proud of me. That said, we have an agreement—never, ever will she read one of my books!

Carla: Some of your stories have a HFN instead of a HEA. Why is this?

Lauren: Sometimes when a story reaches its natural conclusion, I just don’t feel like it’s the time or the place for a proposal or a wedding. That’s not how life works. That said, I do try to give the reader some sense of conclusion.

Carla: I hear you have a busy year coming up in 2013. Can you tell us about it?

Lauren: I sure do—I have been so lucky these last few months. The very first book by my alter ego, Lauren Jameson, comes out New Year’s Eve, from NAL Heat. It’s called Surrender to Temptation and will be released in serial format, one section a week for six weeks. I am very excited about it! There will be at least two more books by LJ in 2013. Seduced by the Gladiator, the follow up to my first Avon Red book, will be out in January, and I also contributed a story to an Avon anthology featuring Sara Fawkes and Cathryn Fox, which will be out in June. Then from Harlequin Nocturne I have two Cravings novellas, and a duo vampire paperback with Rhyannon Byrd. Whew! Now all I have to do is write half of those things!

Carla: Whew, is right! And speaking of writing, what do you need to have when you sit down at your computer?

Lauren: Coffee is first and foremost—thought I’m trying to cut down on the caffeine, which means learning to like herbal tea as well. I like to have a candle burning, I’m not sure why. Then I need my computer glasses, my hand cream, eye drops, my Blistex… boy, I’m needy! But without these things I find it hard to focus.

Carla: So your books must be based off of your real life, right?

Lauren: (Shakes head). I get asked this a lot. Um, no, not so much. I do some research, and I read, but mostly I just have a very vivid imagination.

 Carla: Like most authors, you are an avid reader. Which Bandit Creek book has been your favorite so far?

Lauren: I loved Siren’s Song by D.L. Snow, and Bootleg my Heart by A.M. Westerling. Very different stories, but both quality reads! And of course we can’t forget Hard Candy, the erotic version of Jade Buchanan’s Candy Kisses duo. Talk about scorching!

Carla: Indeed! Thanks for the chat, Lauren!

Tempt Me Twice will be released on October 15 at Amazon and Smashwords.