Author of Historical, Paranormal, and Contemporary Romance

Introducing my first published novel, Visions of Enchantment. This is the first book in a four book series.

Uriah Prescot, the handsome hero came through the confines of time to wait for his sweet Eryn. It was a fateful foggy night that led her back to him. Back to a town she didn't remember. Back to a time and a man she had only seen in visions...visions of enchantment. When they meet, Uriah loves her as much as he did on the day she left him twenty years ago, twenty years plus a century! Eryn Sterling didn't even know he existed. In a little log cabin, with the beautiful Allegheny Mountains as a backdrop, Uriah tries to convince her that she loved him a century ago. Does he try a little too hard sometimes? Will his persistence drive her away as she tries to come to terms with the truth? Or will she discover he is the only love that can ever be, her forever love?

Excerpt--

Before turning to go she stood on the walk, spellbound. She was afraid to venture any farther, this time. There would be more times, she knew that. Tonight, the stars were glimmering in the evening sky. Moonlight was gradually rising in the east. The smell of smoked meat filled the pure air, and a whip-poor-will sang for its mate in the eventide.

Tranquil! A feeling of tranquility floated over her from her head to her toes, from the inside to the outside. There was no other word to describe it. Tranquil!

The photograph was nearly crinkled from the tight clench she had upon it, actually afraid for it to end, but hoping it would.

She turned to walk inside and a breeze blew her hair across her face. Reaching for the door she stepped inside, but the lantern blew out, causing her to fumble around trying to find her way. What sounded like a deep sigh stopped her in mid-step. Moonlight filtered in through the opened door, casting shadows on the wall. Through the dimmed light something in the corner looked like the figure of a man, a man with broad shoulders. She sucked in her breath, then caught a glimpse of the lantern before another cloud appeared. Haphazardly, she reached for it, searching in her pocket for a match. Two were left and from somewhere a light breeze blew the first out. She struck the last one, thankfully accomplishing her feat, and the lantern glowed.

Quickly swinging around, no one was there. As quickly and nonchalantly as the first time, the same thing happened again, but this time she found herself back in the old man's book store, unscathed in the process. The crinkled photo went back where it rested for who knows how long, and she closed the album. Kneeling low to slip beneath the planks, she blew out the lantern, closed her eyes and stepped out.

Standing upright in the cool night air, feeling the wet dew, smelling the dampness, told her she was back to normal, whatever that was. The fog had come in so rapidly, so thick, that it moistened her skin like a spray. Her eyes didn't open until she heard Cole's voice.

Stuttering was all that came out of her mouth as she tried to speak. "You won't believe this! I went through some kind of time warp. I was in this very same town but it was 1882, I saw a newspaper! I was in the past. I was in another time!"

ENCHANTMENT'S EMBRACE, Book TWO... Read an Excerpt below...

The continuing story of Eryn Sterling and Uriah Prescot Will they finally be together at last?

Or not...?

Please BOOKMARK this page and keep coming back. Better yet, visit my Official Home Page at:

http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

NEWSLETTERS--
http://www.maryjdresselsnewsletters.blogspot.com

BLOGS--
http://www.maryjdresselbooks.blogspot.com
http://mjdresselbooks.wordpress.com/

Contact me at: dresselmj (at) aol.com

Excerpt Rated PG

Fog was thick outside, but the soft glow of the Tiffany lamp made the interior of the cabin look romantic and secure. Eryn turned to Uriah and smiled. He was happy to see her smile. She opened her arms to him. Without hesitation, he went into them. She squeezed him tightly. She wasn't sure why she felt sad this night, but she did. It wasn't only the funeral, it seemed to be more than that.

Looking in his eyes at this very moment helped to chase the feeling away. She released the tie that held his hair back, then pulled his face down to meet hers. As she stood on her tip toes she softly touched her lips to his. The light glowed in his eyes and as usual, she melted like wax on a burning candle when he smiled at her.

Once again, on this day he untied the bow and unbuttoned the back of her dress. "This dress looks very good on you, but you'll look much better without it," he said, as he took her arms out of the sleeves and let the dress fall to the floor. He undid his tie. As she stepped away from her dress he watched her thin leg kick her shoe off. He wrapped his tie around her waist, pulling her closer. With experienced fingers, she unbuttoned his shirt, and pulled the long shirt tail out of his trousers. When she unbuttoned his cuffs, she kissed the beating pulse at his wrist. Pushing up the sleeve she touched her lips to his wrist, tickling it with her tongue. While he leaned down to kiss her she skimmed her fingernails over his back. Suddenly, they both jumped when they heard a scrap against the window pane. Uriah turned to the sound, and a quick reflection of a night a year ago came to him. It was the night Dalton Vecshaw came in and took her right away. He went over to the door, and slid the dead bolt across the jamb, pulling the drapes closed; then he flipped on the yard light, and let it burn all night.

He went back to Eryn and smiled before he kissed her again. Lifting her in his arms he carried her up the stairway to the loft. She stood near the bed, lifting her black slip off, then sat down and rolled her thigh-highs down, one leg at a time. Uriah stood watching through the mirror, so loving the way she moved. When he saw her strip off her lace bra he remembered when he nearly forced himself on her at the Enchanted Inn a year ago. Why couldn't he control himself? The same reason he couldn't control himself now; because he loved her more than time loved its minutes, more than the hour loved its glass.

Eryn crawled under the covers, waiting, watching him while he lit a candle on the dresser. She followed with her eyes as he sat in the chair and took off his shoes and socks. His movements were much too slow to suit her! He put his trousers on a hanger and hung them in the closet. She needed him badly, and he was taking too much time. Finally, he came to the bed and lit a candle on the night table. Her insides were tingling for the man she loved, while he seemed to be in no hurry.

"Uriah, I have waited too long for you to be neat. Now, come here to me!"

He watched the light dance in her eyes as they followed him around the room, suddenly becoming aroused when he saw the need in them. He dropped his shirt and went to the bed side. Slowly, he pulled the comforter away, moaning as he saw her nakedness bathed in the candlelight. He lay beside her, pulling her toward him as he wrapped his leg around hers, securing her in his embrace. Without hesitation she surmounted him, smiling directly into his eyes. Something about candlelight glowing on his face enticed her, and his cologne was like a scented mirage to her nostrils. Cologne and candlelight proved to be too much for her, driving her insane with lust for him. Barely, she touched his lips with her tongue until he firmly pressed his mouth against hers. Slowly, softly they moved over hers like a warm wave. Before long his gentleness turned possessive as his passion grew hotter and hotter, until finally, fulfillment!

The intensity calmed, the thirst quenched, they curled in each others arms. With the candlelight extinguished, shadows danced across the walls. A gentle whistling breeze blew through the pines causing an eerie sound. The air was cold outside, but no heat was needed in the log loft. The down comforter provided heat for the outside of their bodies. Their love for each other warmed them on the inside.

Content and satisfied, sleep overcame Uriah Prescot and Eryn Rae Sterling- soon to be Prescot.

Outside, in the shadows, the burning tip of a cigarette could be seen as someone took a deep drag from it. In the distance, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed beyond the mountains, but in the yard a low chuckle could be heard by the tall thin man as he crushed his third cigarette butt into the ground.

CONTACT me for Ordering Information

BOTH BOOKS NOW AVAILABLE IN HARDCOVER!

Enchantment's Embrace won the Best Book Cover Art award for March 2008 from The Author's Lounge at http://www.talauthors.com Thanks everyone!

Enchantment's Embrace is book two in the Enchantment series, and was designed by Anthony Saavedra, a cover designer with my publishing company.

My April Newsletter will have an interview with him, so watch for that.

Welcome to my first newsletter of 2009., and to another special Valentine's Day issue. As some of you know, last year I interviewed CJ Hollenbach, romance cover model, and Fantasy Hunk of 2001. (Scroll through the old posts and you can find his interview.) This year I'd like to introduce you to DJ Deppen, a poet of some of the most romantic and sensual words you'll ever read. Not only that, but he finds just the right picture to go with each poem, and he makes them himself! I hope you enjoy my interview (below) with him. Please go to his website and read some more of his beautiful poems. Here's a sample for your enjoyment.

I've come up with a few suggestions for being alone on Valentine's Day. You probably wonder why a romance writer would write about singles on such a romantic day. I never had to spend this special day of love alone for many years. Then one Valentine's day I found myself alone on February 14th. Maybe it helped because I was very sick with the flu. It wasn't because of that, that I was alone though. I was getting over a bad relationship, so maybe the flu was my escape that year. When I could finally hold my head up, I wrote about how I felt that day. I wasn't bitter, and I wasn't hurt, anymore, but I was sad. I was also at peace. The days working up to that day were hard. I knew what 'he' would be doing on that day, and that's the part that made me sad. So, being sick kept me from worrying about being alone on such a special day. Some years have gone by since then.

This year when I was thinking about another newsletter for Valentine's Day, I decided to gear it toward being single and being alone. For whatever reason it is, I hope everyone can find something here that you can enjoy or take away with you. Maybe it will be a special quote, or a pleasant thought you found here. In the meantime, I'll still be writing romance, and putting a hero and a heroine together with some infamous plot and conflict, so don't think I'm giving up on romance or anything like that. Oh, no, I still believe in love and that everyone is entitled to a fairy tale romance. In fact, speaking of writing romance, Visions of Enchantment and Enchantment's Embrace are always available. If you haven't been introduced to Eryn and Uriah yet, I invite you to read some excerpts on my website. If these two characters can convince you to read their story, then I'll even give you a discount on an autographed copy. Let me know if you're interested, and for a limited time, I'll send it/them with free standard rate shipping.(limited to two books)

glitter-graphics.com

My updates

I'm preparing for a book signing/ Presentation on March 10th. I'll be discussing the road to publication. It can sometimes be a very long road, and it was for me. When you see all those books on shelves, each one of those authors had to struggle to get there. It doesn't happen overnight.

I've been working on Book Three. As a special surprise, I'm enclosing a small excerpt. I don't usually do this until I have a book under contract, but just for you, and because it's Valentine's Day. What the heck!

In March I'll also be teaching Romance Writing 101 at a local college. I'm looking forward to that. It should be fun. I was approached by the director of the program I teach in, and she asked if I would do it. Did you know that romance writing has a certain criteria to follow?

DINNER for ONE

Do something simple. How about Pasta! Treat yourself to your favorite wine. Throw in a slice of garlic bread, after all you don't have to worry about 'garlic' breath! Toss a quick salad, and they you are!

Valentine's Day is Saturday. If you want to stay home and watch a movie, and have been sitting around in your sweats all day, then check out Hulu. They have many things to watch there. Or you can go to all the locals like NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS and watch a TV show you might have missed. You don't have to be alone tonight. Check out WE channel, the Hallmark Channel%u2026 the list goes on. Don't forget to go online and check out your fantasy hero or heroine at their official website. And last but not least call your best friend! Guys, you might like Spike TV, FX, HBO, Discovery, or the History Channel.

Take a hot bubble bath, (Yes, you guys, too!) with candles and afterward smother your skin in your favorite lotion or oil! If you want to get out of the house, get a massage; hot stone massages are awesome. Take a walk, but stay away from places where you're likely to run into couples holding hands and hugging and kissing. Tonight's not the night you'll want to see that. Hit Starbucks with your laptop! Go to the bookstore; chances are couples won't be hanging out there, but other singles might be. While you're there pick up a blank page book so you can start a journal. One day you can look back at it and recall all your memories.

DESSERT

This sounds so yummy. Don't want to eat a sweet dessert? Try this!

Mochachino

1 part Kahlua Mocha
1 part coffee
1 part hot chocolate

While we're in the dessert mood, how about visiting Betty Crocker! If you sign up for a newsletter, you can get coupon's for Warm Delights. They are sized for one, and since we're talking about singles, give it a try. Warm Delights

If you're interested in GREEN?

http://www.naturallysavvy.com/

Nascar is just starting so if you're sitting at home and a race fan, go ahead and watch the Nationwide Race (formerly Busch Race) on Saturday night.

This is a good time to pull out your favorite book, cuddle up with soothing music,
and escape!

Enjoy your Valentine's Day, no matter what you do!
Love,
Mary

And now...

Drum Roll Please....

I introduce you to the one and only Male Poet of Romance filled with sensuality and love... D.J. Deppen.

glitter-graphics.com

D.J. Deppen

Interview D.J. Deppen

Whispering Moments - "Filled with verses of longing passions for one true love." Whispering Moments, Undying Love- The sequel to Whispering Moments "is filled with gentle fondness and love in every verse."

Young or old, single or in a relationship, you'll enjoy these sensuous words written from the heart of Mr. DJ Deppen. Come along with me as I interview this writer of romantic poetry.

DJ, I'm excited by your poetry, and I know others will be too. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview.

Can you describe to us what you think the perfect romance should be like?

Romance is what you feel inside your heart for another person. It's the expression of love for your lover. It comes in many different ways; a note, a flower, a poem or my favorite, the way you kiss your lover. The perfect romance is seeing that spark in the other's eyes. Their smell entices your senses and makes your heart beat fast, "Love's Scent."
I've always thought of romance as an exciting feeling in the presence of a lady. The way she smiled when I entered a room. The wantonness in her eyes when she gazed in mine. The ambiance in the surroundings, which made the moment special, as we both spend that precious moment in time together. That moment that seems to last forever is the fairytale.

You've said that writing romantic poetry is like "therapy" for you. Can you explain?

The feeling of creating from a random discovering of thoughts inside my soul, and transforming those feelings into passionate words of love that others will be touched and can only understand with their heart, is a fulfillment that cleanses my soul. When I write something I become overflowed with emotions. When I capture a moment I know everyone feels, it could bring a tear to my eye, or overflows me with energy, because the words are so powerful, I know love is no longer a word, it has become real.

What is the first thing you do to put your random thoughts into passionate words? What do you do to get in the mood to create such beautiful love poems?

I don't do anything. I could be sitting in restaurant or on a park bench, when my mind is suddenly triggered by something. The words just seem to enter my head. I truly believe God is working through me. The writing, "Undying Love" came as random words sitting in a meeting. I started writing notes and after arriving home put them together. It is one of my most powerful pieces of art. "No wind or storm, not even Satan's swarms, can change God's grace for what will be formed." I read over things I've written in the past and don't know how I could have ever written such beauty.

Where do you get the beautiful graphics that you use to enhance your poems?

I spend hours searching online for one writing, it sometimes takes several pictures to mold and shape together.

DJ, Thanks for doing this interview with me.

For more, go to www.maryjdresselsnewsletters.blogspot.com

Q: Can you share a little about your favorite story or article you've written?
A: My favorite one was about my being in the first "Mr. Romance" contest many years ago. Originally, it was supposed to run in Playgirl magazine. But, the editor who asked me to write it got canned and so did the article, "Confessions Of A Male Beauty Contestant". It's still being shopped around for a possible movie deal. I just signed another contract for it recently.

Q: It's obvious you have a very nice physique. Can you briefly describe your workout schedule?
A: Thanks for noticing! I workout 6 days per week. Breaking up the body parts. Legs one day, arms another, chest another. Abs and calves everyday. Cardio at least 3 times per week for 40 minutes.

Q: An author's book tour can be grueling with making lots of stops in a short time. Are there any upcoming events you want to tell us about?
A: I have a "meet and greet" as I call them with about 30 romance authors in Glendale, AZ in February, Super Bowl weekend. That should be fun and crazy. I'm really good at those. I will also be at the RT convention in Pittsburgh in April. I'm helping with the Cove Model Reunion Dinner.

Q: Have you done other types of modeling?
A: I think I've done every kind there is. I did the mainstream stuff years ago when my hair was short. For J.C. Penney's and all that. I've also done hand and hair modeling. I even did a shoot for senior citizen's support hose. They paid well..

Q: Do you mainly work on your own, or do you have an agent? Are you contracted by a publishing house?
A: Most ALL of my work has been through networking. Agents in Ohio really have no idea what to do with me, but are more than happy to take 20% for taking a phone call. I am without an agent and get all my jobs from referrals.

Q: I wanted you for the cover of my book, but my publisher used their own models. If someone is self publishing, or they suggest you for a cover how can an author or publisher contact you for a cover?
A. I've always thought most publishers could care less who they put on the cover. If I charge the same amount as a model they usually use and I have a fan base that will sell more books WHY wouldn't you use ME? It's just stupid business on their part. I do more to promote the books I'm on than any other model I know too. That's just smart business for me. I can be contacted several ways. My website, MySpace and if you ask around you'd be surprise how many people know me. I've been in the romance business for 17 years! I'm very reasonable, by the way!

Q: Would you ever pose nude or semi-nude for a cover?
A: I've already posed nude for several covers and calendars, but all the "good stuff" was tastefully hidden. You really can't sell a novel in Borders Book Stores with a nude man on he cover. The internet is a different story. There is one company that used a nude shot of me on several of their covers.

Q: I love long hair on men. Is there anything that would get you to cut it?
A: I think about cutting it all the time. I would never cut it for a photo shoot. If they can put long haired wigs on guys with short hair they can put a short haired wig on me! No plans to cut it anytime soon.

Q: So, what do you do when you aren't modeling?
A: Working out, writing and working on my website...

Q: Do you read romance novels? Favorite movie?
A: I've read some of the ones whose cover I'm on. They are written from a woman's POV and men would never write it like that. I've read a few good ones... I have too many authors in the business who are friends of mine to say whose book is a favorite! I have several favorite movies. "Titanic", the original B/W version with Clifton Web and Barbara Stanwyck. "The Birds" are favorites of mine...

Q: We love you on romance book covers, but would C.J. Hollenbach call himsellf a romantic?
A: I wouldn't, but I have been told I am. I just do the "little things" that I don't even consider a big deal only to find out later that they are. I used to make my own Valentine cards. Those always seemed go over well. The artist in me, I guess...

Q: How about acting? Have you ever considered it?
A: I have, but nobody's ever asked me to! I'm open to the possibility.

Q: Where was the most exotic place you ever did a photo shoot?
A: Probably for a calendar shoot I did in Florida. I shot naked in the Gulf of Mexico in waist deep water. It was my idea to shoot commando. Wearing a shirt in the water seemed stupid to me. I just kept waiting for the shark attack, though. The shots turned out great in the end.

Q: How do you get in the mood for those hot and steamy covers?
A: Yet another good question. I've never really thought about it. The outfits, if there is one, help. I just keep my chin up and hope for the best most of the time. The photographer can guide you along as you go too.

Q: Who does your designs for your covers? Does your photographer come with you?
A: The covers are usually designed by the art directors from the publishing houses. I have a photographer I work with here a lot in Ohio named Dennis Roliff. He always makes me look better than I have any right too, but he's never come with me on a business shoot. Some photographers will give/sell me prints from the shoot if I'm lucky.

Q: We're all glad you were named "Fantasy Hunk Of 2001." How did you win, and how did it feel to win?
A: Fans from all over the world voted. That's what was so cool about it. I did get a lot of mileage over that title. LOL

Q: Describe your Playgirl experience?
A: I sent in some photos to them when my career was at a stand still. Who knew they would contact me within a week. It only took 2 years to get me in the magazine! It's a very, very long story, but they've asked me to be a centerfold no less than 3 times and we always hit a snag. I was even on a TV show where I was supposed to be picked to be a centerfold. That didn't work out either. I'm not dead yet. Maybe I can be in their Sexy Senior Citizen issue!

Mary: Thank you so much for taking the time to add a little excitment to my Newsletter. Believe me, C.J, the pleasure was all mine! Come back and visit anytime!

Visit C.J's Links

http://www.cjhollenbach.com/
Be sure to check out some of C.J's writing while visiting his site.

http://www.cjhollenbach.com/portfolio.htm

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=120502399

http://www.brazenheroine.com/winner2001.htm

http://www.brazenheroine.com/cj.htm

Don't forget to leave a comment or question for C.J!

Welcome to my special Valentine's Day Treat! Sit back, grab a glass of something soothing to drink, and fall in love!

As I promised last month, my February Newsletter would be a very awesome Valentine's Day Edition, with a special guest, romance, and love! Sit back and enjoy reading my interview with- Christopher James (CJ) Hollenbach, Romance Cover Model, and "Fantasy Hunk of 2001." I had thirty-one questions, and asked C.J. to answer 10 or 15! He chose to answer them all... What a guy! Hold on, Ladies..., and keep that cold shower ready. Remember to visit the links for more of C.J, and more, and more....

Mary- Tall, blond, muscular, smart and sexy all rolled into one! C.J, welcome, and thank you for this wonderful interview!

- "I learned a long time ago to never argue with a woman and I'm not about to start with the comments you've made in your introduction of me. I will completely agree with you!" CJ

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I always thought I would be an artist. I was a fine arts major in college, painting. There was one professor who said I was the only freshman that year with any talent. I finally figured out what the term "starving artist" meant and switched to graphic design.

Q: If it wasn't modeling, did you pursue that career before your modeling career began?
A: I did a lot of free lance design and illustration for a while after college. Unfortunately for me, the whole college experience was ruined by the powers that ran it. It made me sad that I no longer had the desire to do the thing that I really loved doing and was so good at.

Q: What was your first thought when someone suggested you should model?
A: I thought they were CRAZY. I never thought I was even passably attractive until I was 25!

Q: Tell us, was it hard to land your first cover, to break into the business?
A: It was incredibly hard! It took me 8 years to get my first cover! Who else would be crazy enough to stick with something that long, but I always knew I could do it. I believed in myself when nobody else did. I'm very proud of myself for it too....Follow your dreams! Sometimes they come true...

Q: After your first cover shoot and you went home that night, what were your first thoughts about being a real cover model?
A: Actually, I didn't wait until I got home that night. As I was leaving the photo studio in NYC this lady stopped me on the sidewalk and said "Hey, you look like one of those guys on the cover of a romance novel!" I smiled and could honestly say for the first time "I AM one of those guys!!!" I will never forget that moment...

Q: We want to know-- Do you keep your hair long for covers, or for you?
A: It's both. There are a million guys with short, dark hair and great bodies. If you want a long haired blonde, I'm your man these days. I think when they use cheap wigs on the models it just looks fake. In my everyday life it just bothers so many people for some reason. I think I keep it long just to tick them off too. It's just hair folks. Most people can grow it!

Q: What does your mom think of your covers....and posing for Playgirl?
A: My family never did understand my modeling career. My mother did say once "You should give up this modeling business. You're not that good looking anyway, and I don't know who ever told you, you were!" Ouch! She's seen some of my covers and likes them, especially when her friends see them and ask about me. I never asked her permission about the Playgirl thing. I told my family about it afterward.

Q: C.J, how long does a typical shoot take? Briefly tell us about one?
A: Generally, any shoot in New York will take EXACTLY one hour. They have it down to an art there. For me, there are always a fan or fans blowing my hair around. I have to stand there and look "heroic." Sucking in my gut and pushing out the pecs. Pretty standard stuff.

Q: Today's female models are hot, as well as the men! Have you ever worked with the same model more than once? Have you ever been involved with one of the female models?
A: On behalf of the men, thank you! I did 2 covers with the same girl, but we shot them both one right after each other. She was incredibly beautiful. Since I am from Ohio I am always out the door as soon as I'm finished shooting to catch a plane. The women are also out the door to their next shoot or go-see. It's a business...Wish I could tell you something more juicy!

Q: Brokeback Mountain was popular and controversial. Would you ever model for a novel cover with male/male heroes?
A: That's really a great question. I found out at my last RT convention that those types of novels are becoming VERY popular with women, which surprised me. At that convention, I also met Julian Fantechi, who is the Playgirl Man of the Year. We became good buddies and he did an interview for my website. In it he suggested WE do one of those types of covers. Julian has a big Gay following. He loves to shock people and push the envelope. You don't have to be Gay to be on one of those covers. The models are "representing" the characters in the book, just like they do on any other cover. It's hard to say since I haven't been asked to do that type of cover yet. If the price was right, never say never!

Q: You have met some of the authors of the books you model for. Do any of them ever show up for a photo shoot?
A: I've never had an author at a shoot. Then, again I've never visited an author when she was writing her book either.

Q: I know you like to write, and I've heard you're a pretty good writer. What kinds of things do you write? Are you published?
A: People tell me they enjoy reading my work. Others can't believe I wrote it! I have generally been writing autobiographical pieces. I've lived a very interesting and colorful life that people seem to enjoy reading about.. I've been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. One of these days I'll get that novel finished.

Q: As a writer I always knew I wanted to write. Did you always feel it, and do you want to pursue a writing career?
A: I just sort of fell into it in high school when I started writing articles for the local newspaper for pay. Then, in college my English professors would always comment on how they enjoyed reading my papers. I plan on pursuing more writing....