JM Powers and Basket of Hope

Welcome to the two of you.
J.M.: Hi there, thanks for having us. Machias feels a bit out of place in this era, but I thinks he’s okay now.
Machias: Ah, nonsense—what is that outside yon window?
J.M. : It’s a car, Machias.* Shrugs* Told ya...okay, on with the interview. I’ll do edits on my next book while you two chat. If you need any translations, let me know.
Machias, we hear that you’ve been ordered to pick a bride, do you have anyone in mind?
Aye, the maiden I love is not privy to my feelings yet. Kara is fair of face, and she all but takes my senses when she waits on my family. Ye may believe a scullery maid is a poor choice, nevertheless, my heart always knew of my love for her. Soon, I intend to make my feelings known—to everyone.
That possible choice must be causing some stress in the family, will you get your father’s blessing?
My father is a cruel man, but I know in his own twisted way, he thinks he knows what is best for the kingdom. He keeps parading the maidens he deems pure witches. I simply must show him Kara is best for me. That shall prove difficult, but I shall not budge. Mayhap my mother shall sway him—or even help me plan something behind his back.
If Kara agrees, won’t it put you both in great danger?
Alas, I know not if Kara shall take my offer. She thinks herself unworthy. If I deem she is any danger, I shall use use all my powers to protect her. However, in my eyes, naught can be more dangerous than my father’s incessant interference with matters that involve my heart. I hope that he dares not stand in my way, or he shall end up on the wrong side of a spell.
I understand that your bride should be a witch, and Kara hasn’t shown any signs of being one has she?
Ah, but she has! From the time we were children, I showed her little spells, in the hope that perchance she would feel comfortable around magic. But alas, her fear kept her from believing in herself. Her mother is an evil witch, and I suppose Kara feared she is the same. (I cannot ascertain, for she refuses to even of it.) Through the years, Kara denied herself, until she actually believes she is naught more than a mortal.
It’s all so romantic, can you protect Kara from all the dangers that surround you both?
I shall always protect Kara. Though evil is gaining power with each sunset, combining pure magic and true love in a marriage shall overcome even the greatest danger.
Your author JM Powers seems very nice, to tell your story in Basket of Hope, how did you meet her?
Ah, J.M. and I have been friends for all time. Kara and I share a space in JM’s mind with other characters. Every once in awhile, she creates a world for us to live in.
Does she have other books that readers might enjoy as well?
She has another magical world in Stellar Surprise. Kara and Zoe (the fairy in Stellar Surprise) are great friends. (However, Zoe is a bit...ahem, more experienced, so I am a bit relieved she is in another book.) J.M. wrote Stellar Surprise back in 2009 under a different pen name: Summer Falls. (That was the naughty J.M.)
My author is also expecting a new release this year. It is a full-length novel: Jewel of Ramstone, a medieval romance.
She has book trailers of all books on her blog.
Where can we find Ms. Powers?
Hopefully, she can be found in the hearts of her readers! Ah! So I suppose you mean where can we find her on that modern thing called the internet? One moment...*pulls out parchment and breaks the seal* I shall read it to you...I suppose you modern mortals can make sense of this:
Blog: http://jmpowersromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002182850652
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMPowersAuthor
And where can we find her books?
With Breathless Press Publishing:
Basket of Hope link: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/348
Stellar Surprise link: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/138
Machias: My thanks for allowing me to visit and speak of my world, ‘twas a wonderful experience. I hope to meet you again in Basket of Hope.

Blurb
All Hallows Eve looms near, and encroaching evil shall have its way if a marriage filled with true love and pure magic does not take place. Machias must choose a witch, something Kara never hopes to be.

Machias' father will do anything to ensure his son choses wisely—Lies, beatings and even an attempt to soil Kara's innocence is not past the man.

Machias' marriage announcement promises to burn Kara's hope to cinders...unless something truly magical happens at the All Hallows Eve Ball.

Basket of Hope-JMPowers—long excerpt 963 words

The thump of Thaddeus’ sword faded as Kara's gaze traveled from him to Machias. Coveting his body, she perused it, until she reached his buttocks, resting her gaze upon the curve and firmness, and following down to where it met his legs. Leather hugging breeches accented his form, caressing his lean muscles like a lover, and pronouncing his sinewy limbs with each of his movements. The way the sun glistened against Machias made her wish she could conjure magic, if only to make his clothes fall away. Kara squinted, trying to imagine Machias naked while she slipped another berry in her mouth. Naught could possibly compare to his beauty … in her imagination anyway. Her heart ached with love, and her body seemed to vibrate with the want of him. Each morn, the memory of his stolen kiss so many years ago, still remained her first waking thought.
Kara dabbed her brow with Stella's apron, feeling her cheeks heat at the reminder of her solitary attentions while fantasizing about Machias. Though she prayed for forgiveness, Kara could not help but touch herself as soon as she woke from her wanton dreams, her body still trembling with need. Stella caught her once and told her she needed to offer a village boy a good rut to ease her tension. Kara found the suggestion disgusting.
"I shall die a virgin," she whispered. Ah, if he but knew how I love him.
The men seemed to be done with practice. Machias rested his arm on the top of the pell talking to his brother. Her heart skittered when Machias gaze met hers from over Thaddeus' shoulder, seeming to feel her scrutiny.
Hoping her expression belied her thoughts Kara quickly turned her back to him and resumed picking berries. She concentrated on each tiny orb within the fruit, forcing innocent thoughts in the stead of reckless ones.
She glanced at the checked pattern on the apron, spurring a childhood memory of a game called Queek. Though his father, Lord Tanner, discouraged their play, Machias would meet her in the meadow, hiding the checkered cloth underneath his tunic. Out of sight, they would spread it onto the ground, and collect small stones. After guessing whether the stone would land on dark or light, they would toss it upon the cloth. She suspected Machias peeked, especially if she began to call Queek too often, but he never admitted it. She did not care if she won or lost. She simply relished the time spent with him. Over the years, Kara began to love him more than the game.
When Machias reached ten and five, bordering on the verge of manhood, he departed for training. He kissed her, among the first rays of sunrise, whispering his fare thee well. Be it innocent, 'twas a true kiss, and though her heart was young, it knew of her love for him even then.
Adrift with loneliness, Kara awaited his return for six years. She would inconspicuously lean closer while serving the evening meal, hoping to hear snippets of Machias' life through his parents' conversation, but they did not say much in her presence.
She bordered on giddiness when Machias returned. Although she had grown into womanhood, Kara was ill prepared to see the difference in him. Ah, what a true shock when naught of the lad she knew entered the gates, but a man. Muscles, perfectly sculpted as the marble statues in the gardens, seemed to flex with the smallest of movement. His angular jaw, sporting a hint of a beard under his dark complexion, only accented his rugged looks. Moreover, his voice…his voice, deep and tender at the same time, defined a grown man. Had it not been for the single dimple on his left cheek when he smiled, Kara often wondered if she would have recognized him at all.
At first, Kara believed he had the same issue with her, for the most attention he paid was discrete thanks when she served his meals or a request for a refill of sweet mead for his female guests. However, one day, he whispered a childhood endearment as he passed her in the garden. G'day, Kay-Kay. Oh how those words made her swoon, though she did a fair job of hiding her joy at the discovery that Machias did recognize her. He just saw her differently—beneath him. As did she, but in a sinful way.
Kara crumpled the apron in her fist, no longer finding joy in the pattern.
Ah, Machias, social standing became everything ta ye, and I became naught.
Machias waved from across the meadow. Kara looked to see who approached but saw no one. Smiling so hard her cheeks hurt, Kara slowly raised her hand. Spotting her berry-stained fingers, she snatched them down.
His smile flashed, bright and inviting. Mayhap the inviting part was simply her imagination. Just the same, Kara decided to join him and started his way.
At a poke from his brother, Machias turned away and blocked the next jab.
Kara's grin faltered and she pretended her intention was to give her mare a few berries. She grabbed a handful from her basket and outstretched her hand to Dunny. She peered over at the sound of Machias' voice. His broad back was to her, muffling his words to his younger brother, but she simply listened to the euphoric melody of the deep yet soft tones. Dunny snorted, seeming to ask for more of the sweet treat, but she returned back to the bushes.
"Why do I torture myself so?" she whispered, ripping berries from their hold. She did not even care that the thorns bit her fingertips. In a way, she welcomed the pain for 'twas preferable to the ache in her heart.