Guest Author, Deborah Cooke with Giveaway!
by sue on Nov.21, 2009, under Book Chat
Setting: Ohio - February 2009
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance - Dragon shape-shifter romance (WINTER KISS is book #4 in the Dragonfire series.)
Hero: Delaney Shea
Heroine: Ginger Sinclair 
One sentence summary: Delaney is on a suicide mission to destroy the source of the Dragon’s Blood Elixir to ensure that none of his fellow Pyr ever have to endure his fate - but he’s not counting on having his firestorm, much less on fiery Ginger, who never gives up without a fight.
Scene you like most and would never cut: I love Ginger and Delaney’s first sex scene! It comes early in the book and they don’t know each other that well - there’s just this powerful attraction between them. Okay, there’s HEAT! And Ginger surprised Delaney, shaking his world a little bit with her lingerie. That was fun. I liked that they were so playful in bed together — a good sign for a future beyond a one-nighter - as well as the contrast between the blizzard outside, and the firestorm inside.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Ginger would never surrender - anything or anyone. I loved that she went after Delaney, and that everything she learned about his history just made her more determined. She’s someone I’d want on my team. (Did Delaney ever have a chance of resisting her? I don’t think so…!)
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Brief. Absolutely! I’m actually having a hard time envisioning a buff dragon-shape shifter dude wearing boxers. Hmm. What kind of Pyr do you think would wear boxers?
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: The whole Wyvern subplot is one that fascinates me, and one that keeps turning in unexpected directions.
In the world of the Pyr - my dragon shape shifters - all of the Pyr are men. There is only ever one female Pyr at any given point in time, and she’s a kind of prophetess. Traditionally, she has remained apart from the world and dispatched dreams to the Pyr to help them out, if she’s so inclined. A lot of them haven’t been too interested in the mundane details of the world. When the Dragonfire series started, the Wyvern was Sophie and she was different from her predecessors - she wanted to make a difference. So, she bucked tradition and overcame her own reservations - she even fell in love. But she paid a price in KISS OF FATE for her choice.
I’m determined to give the former Wyvern, Sophie, her H.E.A. although the details aren’t quite clear to me yet. (I suspect that Erik, the leader of the Pyr, is withholding information from me. He tends to be that way). Meanwhile, the Pyr have a new Wyvern, Zoë. She’s Erik’s daughter and just a toddler, but I’m interested in how her powers are already revealing themselves. She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with! 
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: I’m not sure Ginger has time for a hobby - instead she has a couple of jobs that she loves. (Maybe when you make a living by following your passion, you have less need for hobbies.) She breeds heritage cattle, runs an organic dairy farm, wants to turn the rest of her land into an organic farm, and is a professional chef.
No spoiler that she’s going to be busy with the mom-thing, too. 
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Delaney hasn’t had hobbies for a while, either, since he was being tortured by Magnus and trying to not go crazy. He’s pretty interested in Ginger’s organic plans, though, and I can see him taking charge of turning the land into an organic farm. Maybe they’ll raise market produce. He also loves horses, especially workhorses like Clydesdales and Percherons - I suspect Ginger is going to find a new breeding program starting in the barn, alongside her dairy cattle “girls”.
I also have a feeling that once the kids (his and Donovan’s) get older, there might be some motorcycles and muscle cars being taken apart in the old barn.
What you think readers will like best about this book: What I’ve heard from people is that they like that this Dragonfire book is a bit darker and a bit sexier. Everyone loves Delaney - and really, what’s not to like about a wounded hero being healed by the power of the right woman’s love? I really enjoyed writing Delaney’s story - those tormented heroes are my favourites. Ginger was a delight - she’s just so “can-do” and takes everything in stride. She’s the kind of person who is always ready to listen to the problem, then start working immediately on a solution.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Rafferty! Everyone wants Rafferty to have his firestorm, I think because he’s such a romantic.
What’s next: Next up is Niall’s book, WHISPER KISS, coming next summer. Niall takes on the job of eliminating the last of the shadow dragons - this second trilogy is all about ridding the world of the Dragon’s Blood Elixir - even though he knows that his twin brother is a shadow dragon. The shadow dragons are like zombies, so Niall thinks he can do the dirty work of killing his brother. It won’t be easy, but he’s ready. Of course, he’s not counting on his firestorm happening at the worst possible moment or on a new villain finding a way to re-animate the shadow dragons. This throws Niall’s game, and makes him wonder whether his twin, like Delaney, could be healed.
Niall might not want a firestorm when he has so much to do, but his twin brother is ready to interfere out of jealousy - will Rox be able to tell the difference between them? Does she hold the key to Niall fulfilling his quest? Plus there’s Rox, an unconventional heroine who is about as different from Niall as possible. I love how Rox challenged Niall and pushed him out of his comfort zone - she’s another heroine who doesn’t take no for an answer. And she asked really good questions, ones that made Niall stop to think and reconsider his assumptions.
That was good for him - he was wide awake every night, fighting the heat of the firestorm anyway! We head into some new territory with this book, right along with Niall and Rox. I think you’ll enjoy the ride. And now - yes, it’s true - I’m writing Rafferty’s book. Don’t worry - I have a very special firestorm planned for our fave dragon dude. He’s been waiting so long, after all - Melissa has to be worth the wait!
Question of the Day:
So, tell me what kind of a Pyr you’d have as your own, if you could choose? They’re all honorable and loyal and strong, but their characters are different. So, would it be the strong silent hero, like Quinn in KISS OF FIRE? The handsome confident hero, like Donovan in KISS OF FURY? The resolute - and taciturn - hero like Erik in KISS OF FATE? Or the wounded hero, determined to make the world better for others even if it means destroying himself, like Delaney in WINTER KISS?
I have to admit that I love them all, each for a different reason!
Add your comments here, and be eligible to win an autographed copy of WINTER KISS!
Related posts:
- Guest Author, Deborah Cooke & Giveaway! WHISPER KISS by Deborah Cooke, Dragonfire Novel #5 Setting: New York City, July 2009 Subgenre: Paranormal Romance - my heroes are DRAGON shapeshifters, saving the world Hero: Niall Talbot Heroine: Rox Kincaid One sentence summary: Niall has offered to take the lead in eliminating the shadow dragons in the...
- What’s Your Favorite Kind of Shifter? & Giveaway! Is it the furry kind that twinkles your fancy? A lion like in Mane Event? Wolf friends like Dark Slayer? Werebears seen in Bad Moon Rising? Or do you like the scaly type — Dragons w/ Deborah Cooke & Winter’s Kiss? Katie MaAlister has dragons with color, Me &...
- Guest Author, Susan Kearny with GIVEAWAY! Setting: Earth, and the planet Honor Subgenre: Futuristic romance, paranormal dragon shape shifters Hero: Rion, King of Honor Heroine: Marisa, dragon telepath One sentence summary: When Honor is enslaved by Earth’s ancient enemy, Rion kidnaps Marisa with the hope she’ll employ her unique telepathic skills to save his people....
- Guest Blogger, Karyn & GIVEAWAY! I know there are some of you out there that just are not into Paranormal/Urban Fantasy romances. Let’s face it, vampires, werewolves and shape-shifters do not make for tender, cuddly hero-types. Ah, but they do, it seems. And therein, I believe, lies the appeal. These guys are really no...
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Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
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August 12th, 2010 on 8:41 am
Deb, you know I have to follow one of my all time favorite authors all around the web. As you know I love the series those ultimate good guys who shapeshift into glorious beings. So those of you who haven’t tried the series, what are you waiting for. Me I can’t ever get enough of dragons, and oh when your through with dragons try her Fallen Angels series too.
Bye Deb
Deb
November 23rd, 2009 on 4:18 pm
I’ll take the wounded hero!
November 22nd, 2009 on 2:58 pm
i think i would pick Delaney, because i could see myself doing that too. Willing to give our lives for others.
November 22nd, 2009 on 9:32 am
I love this series, looking forward to every book! My choice would be the wounded hero Delaney, can’t wait to read his book!
November 22nd, 2009 on 12:02 am
Well…Since I can’t have one that encompasses all four then I will go with Erik from Kiss of Fate.
November 21st, 2009 on 10:39 pm
I havn’t read these books (definitely going to change that!) but I have to agree-all of the hero’s sound really amazing! Rafferty caught my attention with that ‘romantic’ comment, so maybe him! I’ll have to rad the series and find out!!
November 21st, 2009 on 7:49 pm
I haven’t read the books yet (they are on my wish list though!) so I’ll have to decide based on your descriptions. Hmmm, think I’ll have to go with the “handsome confident hero, Donovan”!
November 21st, 2009 on 6:45 pm
Tough to choose but I will go with the handsome and confident Donovan.
November 21st, 2009 on 6:05 pm
Hi Sue!
Thanks so much for having me over to your blog to visit. Sorry to be late - I had critiquing appointments all day for the writer-in-residence program at the library. Some wonderful work there.
It was so exciting to hear that you loved KISS OF FIRE, way before it was released. And I’m really glad that you’re still enjoying the series. I’m having too much fun with these Pyr guys.
My other fantasy romance series is under my name Claire Delacroix. It’s much grittier, set in a dark future, and features fallen angel heroes. FALLEN was out last fall and GUARDIAN this October - REBEL will come in 2010. You can read more on my other website http://www.delacroix.net or here at Borders.
Ah Julie, I have a fun surprise for you with Sophie’s story. (I’m rubbing my hands together gleefully here.) You’ll see more in Rafferty’s book on that.
How wonderful to meet so many people who haven’t read my Pyr guys yet. Good thing that you have to choose between them and not me!
d
November 21st, 2009 on 5:41 pm
It’s so hard to choose, but if I have to, I’d go for the handsome,confident Donovan. The resolute and taciturn Erik is a close second.
November 21st, 2009 on 3:43 pm
Resolute and taciturn for me!
November 21st, 2009 on 3:32 pm
Definitely resolute and taciturn for me, thank you very much!
November 21st, 2009 on 2:20 pm
I’ve only read Quinn’s story so far, and love the strong silent hero who has hidden depths.
November 21st, 2009 on 2:00 pm
Great interview! These books sound very interesting.
If I had to choose The resolute and taciturn hero always interests me. Still waters run deep, right? Thanks!
November 21st, 2009 on 1:55 pm
I would choose Quinn, the strong and silent type.
November 21st, 2009 on 1:48 pm
Great interview! I would have to choose a character like Erik - the resolute, taciturn hero.
November 21st, 2009 on 1:41 pm
Hello there! Congrats on your new book! I think Quinn is my type of guy. Strong and silent… mummm, my kind of hero.
November 21st, 2009 on 1:37 pm
I love the all but most of the time I will go for the wounded hero! There is just something about them that draws me to them.
November 21st, 2009 on 1:02 pm
Hello Deborah - congrats on the release of WINTER KISS.
If I had to choose between the four Pyr listed I would pick Donovan, the confident hero. But if I could pick any of the Pyr I would choose Rafferty, the loyal romantic. There’s just something about Rafferty that I love. Can’t wait for his book.
November 21st, 2009 on 12:57 pm
Hi Deborah!
I love all stories and protas, they are all unicque and interesting, but Quinn will always have a special place in my heart *sigh*
Thanks for your great post!
Wish you all the best,
Ina
November 21st, 2009 on 3:48 pm
I agree, something about that strong silent character that is intriguing to me, more so than the others.
Thanks for commenting.
November 21st, 2009 on 12:44 pm
Delaney, willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others, gets my vote. Thanks for the interesting post.
November 21st, 2009 on 12:43 pm
I would choose the strong and silent hero or maybe the wounded hero
November 21st, 2009 on 12:42 pm
My heart always seems to go out to the wounded hero, so I’ll have to go with Delaney.
November 21st, 2009 on 12:06 pm
Hi Deborah - great to have you here. You totally blew me away with this series starting with Kiss of Fire. I really enjoyed Sara & Quinn & that the story took place in Ann Arbor made it all the more special!
All the best to you — this series Rocks! & the covers are very nice too
You also write under another pen name, are you going to share?
November 21st, 2009 on 11:37 am
i’ve never heard of the dragonfire series so this is awesome! i’m getting into the paranormal so i’m definitely going to be looking into this series some more.
as for a favorite type of hero, i’d have to go with the strong, silent type.
November 21st, 2009 on 11:21 am
Well if I had to choose between them I would pick Delaney or Donovan. The wounded hero always gets to me and I like a hero with confidence. And the fact that he is handsome too is a bonus.
November 21st, 2009 on 11:11 am
I just love your cover and the snow, being in Wisconsin, it will be a great book to cozy up with when the snowstorm comes, lol.
November 21st, 2009 on 11:07 am
Hi Deborah, love your answers, you had me at “briefs”
I’m relatively new to the paranormal sub-genre, been a traditional historical romance girl forever but the whole Sookie & Twilight craze caught me recently and now I’m exploring.
I tend to favor the silent but strong type heroes, but in the case of your series I must say that Delaney’s character caught my attention more. I think cause he has Ginger by his side! I appreciate a strong heroine just as much as a hero.
Happy Writing!
November 21st, 2009 on 10:47 am
Hello, Deborah! I would be glad to take care of that wounded warrior Delaney. I know he needs me : )
November 21st, 2009 on 8:25 am
I can’t wait until Winter Kiss (but I’m still waiting patiently for Sophie’s story)! If I had to choose, I’d probably pick one like Erik.
November 21st, 2009 on 6:54 am
Do I have to choose just one? Yeah okay I’ll be good. After reading this interview I’m gonna have to go with the wounded hero Delaney.
November 21st, 2009 on 3:20 am
Niiice! I have not read these, but I will be adding them to my books to purchase list. They sound fantastic! Thanks!
November 21st, 2009 on 3:11 am
Hi Deborah…I’ve never read one of you books before but Winter Kiss sounds great. Actually the whole series sounds good lol.
If I had to choose I think I’d go with either the strong and silent type(Quinn) or the handsome and confident type(Donovan…but really it was hard even narrowing it down to those two lol.
November 21st, 2009 on 1:57 am
Hi Deborah, You are a new author for me
Really nice knowing you !
Since i haven’t read any of your books, i need to ‘click’ on each the titles that you’d mentioned above. And i guess i’m gonna choose the strong and silent hero, Quinn.
please count me in the drawing. really love paranormal romance genre !