trueromance

Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay

Setting: Last Chance, South Carolina
Subgenre: Contemporary Romance
Hero: Clay Rhodes
Heroine: Jane Coblenz

One sentence summary:
With bad guys on her trail, Jane uses her last dollar to buy a ticket to Last Chance, South Carolina, where she encounters a town filled with lovable and quirky characters, not to mention Clay Rhodes, a sexy country and western musician who’s determined to rescue her, whether she thinks she needs it or not.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
The emotional high point in the story comes when Clay confronts Jane about her past. Clay knows something terrible happened to Jane when she was seventeen. In fact, the local police chief is convinced that Jane was involved in a murder, but the chief, who is also Clay’s older brother, can’t prove his theory. Clay wants to believe in Jane’s innocence, but he also trusts his brother. He’s horribly conflicted and he’s scared that learning the truth about Jane’s past might change the way he’s coming to feel about her. When Clay finally gets the truth out of Jane, he’s really surprised by it. Of course I can’t divulge Jane’s secret because it would be a huge spoiler.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Jane is the walking embodiment of the power of positive thinking, so she would never fall into pessimism without a huge push. She committed to “manifesting” a better future for herself and she works hard at reaching her goal. She has her moments of doubt, of course, but she refuses to give into them. Instead she unfailingly finds the silver lining in every gray cloud — until the climax of the book, when her faith in the future is challenged to its core.

What celebrity is your hero like:
Clay is a successful musician so I have always imagined him looking like Trace Adkins or Tim McGraw. From an artistic standpoint, though, Clay’s music has a big emotional punch like the music of David Wilcox or James Taylor.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Jane looks a little bit like Jennifer Garner. But beyond that, she’s her own self. She has a beautiful singing voice that’s somewhere between Dolly Parton and Leeann Womack — what I think of as a real bluegrass voice. She hails from West Virginia and she’s also a coal miner’s daughter.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Jane has a dream of becoming a country and western singer, but in the meantime she makes her living as a beautician. She arrives in Last Chance without a job, but that’s quickly remedied when she takes a job as the manicurist at the Cut ‘n Curl, the local beauty shop owned by Ruby Rhodes, Clay’s momma. You can just imagine what fun I had writing the beauty shop scenes, where the gossips, church ladies, and unrepentant matchmakers come together to meddle in the private lives of Last Chance’s younger set.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Clay is a musician. But when his girlfriend dumps him for the lead singer in Clay’s band, Clay walks away from Nashville. He’s discouraged about his future at the beginning of the book. He’s come to Last Chance to figure out what comes next. In the meantime he’s sitting in with the local country and western band, playing organ on Sundays at church, and helping out at his uncle’s hardware store.

What do you think readers will like best about this book:
I’m sure readers will love the quirky town of Last Chance, South Carolina and its cast of busy bodies and matchmakers. And, of course, there is the loveable eccentric who owns the miniature golf course right outside of town dedicated to the Lord, called Golfing for God. The putt-putt place is a character unto itself.

Aside from the quirky town and its inhabitants, I think readers will fall in love with Clay’s best friend, Ray Betts. Ray suffered a brain injury in a car accident when he was a teenager that has given him an unusual view of the world. Ray is determined to help Clay find the perfect woman, and his attempts at matchmaking are both sweet and amusing. He’s my favorite secondary character.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Well, since this is my debut novel, I haven’t heard from many readers, yet. But I’m sure that as the series goes on, readers will want to see Last Chance’s police chief, Stone Rhodes, find his way back to love. Stone is a widower and a single father struggling with his grief. In CHRISTMAS IN LAST CHANCE, the fourth book of the series, Stone will meet someone who helps to melt his cold and lonely heart.

What’s next:
There are four Last Chance novels in the works.

The next book, HOME AT LAST CHANCE, features Tulane Rhodes, a NASCAR driver, whose sponsor has painted his car pink and put a snuggle bunny on its hood in order to advertise Cottontail Disposable Diapers. Tulane’s contract also requires him to officiate at baby-changing races that the good ol’ boy finds humiliating and embarrassing. When Tulane blows off one of these appearances, his sponsor sends Sarah Murray, a prim little market researcher to keep him in line. Sarah quickly learns all of Tulane’s embarrassing secrets, then proceeds to bond with the church ladies of Last Chance in their quest to rebuild the putt-putt place right outside of town. Tulane’s career is in Sarah’s capable little hands, while his thoughts are stuck on those bodacious S curves Sarah’s got hidden underneath her tailored business suits. . . HOME AT LAST CHANCE will be available in the fall of 2011.

Two more Last Chance books are scheduled for 2012 — LAST CHANCE BEAUTY QUEEN and CHRISTMAS IN LAST CHANCE.

Last Chance is not a real place, of course, but it was suggested by a little town in South Carolina where I spent my summers, swimming in a black-water river, fishing for catfish, and learning a lot of life lessons from a village of good people with solid values. There is something golden about the summer memories of early childhood, when we’re free to discover and learn. My childhood summers gave me so many ideas for wonderful stories. I’d love to hear some of your stories of special times in your childhood and how your parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends, or distant kin made them special. Come share your memories and stories with me, I’d love to hear them.

Four lucky commenters will get free copies of WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE.

DARK PASSAGES: Tristan & Karen
Book 4 in The Brethren Series

Setting: Lake Tahoe, California and Las Vegas, Nevada
Subgenre: Paranormal romance/vampires
Hero: Tristan Morin, a Brethren vampire
Heroine: Karen Pierce, a human

One sentence summary:

An unexpected road trip leads to unexpected danger when vampire Tristan Morin must defend himself and the woman he loves against a sadistic, ruthless enemy.

Scene you like most and would never cut:

I love the way this book opens: with Tristan and Karen making love for the first time. By this point in their relationship, they’ve known — and resisted — each other for years, and are finally giving in, throwing all of their inhibitions aside. It’s a different kind of love scene from anything I’ve written to date because it’s more a physical surrender for them than an emotional one. They’re ripping clothes off, shoving each other into walls; everything is fierce and passionate and harried. And the whole time, Tristan’s struggling not to bite Karen, feed from her, because he knows if he does, then he’ll be emotionally and psychically bound to her. He’s terrified of that kind of vulnerability with anyone, but especially with Karen, and he’s fighting it tooth and nail. (Pardon the vamp pun!)

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:

Karen isn’t one to back down from a challenge or a fight. She doesn’t give up easily, especially when in pursuit of something she wants, believes in or knows is right.

What celebrity is your hero like:

Chris Evans. I think Tristan definitely shares the same sort of devil-may-care charisma and sex appeal that he exudes on-screen. Evans is a strikingly handsome man, but he has a boyish charm as well, traits I definitely envisioned for Tristan.

What celebrity is your heroine like:

Jennifer Lawrence, the young actress from “Winter’s Bone.” I imagine Karen has that same appealing contradiction of stoic outer beauty and inner strength. Jennifer is from Louisville, my home town, and the first time I saw her photo, I thought, “Put another five years on her, and that’s Karen to a T.”

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:

Karen is a registered nurse specializing in the field of oncology. She and Tristan met at a hospital in Reno while he was going through a medical residency. It’s her background in cancer treatment that lands her the job as the only human living at the Brethren compound in California, because it uniquely qualifies her to administer care to those vampires suffering from the enigmatic and ultimately fatal disease that has taken the life of Tristan’s mother.

What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:

Tristan is a doctor. Though this wasn’t necessarily by his choice, it’s a career he enjoys and at which he excels. When he’s focused on his work, he’s able to put aside other distractions in his life — like his attraction to Karen.

What you think readers will like best about this book:

I hope readers connect with the characters. Tristan and Karen are both filled with this relentless passion for each other, but it’s an attraction they struggle against throughout the story. It isn’t until they find themselves in danger — their lives, as well as their love, on the line — that they’re forced to admit their feelings to themselves, and each other.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:

Technically, I have written about these characters, but they’re definitely the ones readers ask about the most. I’ve received countless emails begging for more books focused on Brandon and Lina. They were the central characters in “Dark Thirst,” the first book in The Brethren Series, but then faded into secondary roles in subsequent books. It continues to amaze and delight me that readers have connected so strongly with them, and that they have garnered such a broad fan base. Which brings me to…

What’s next:

“Dark Vengeance,” the next novel-length installment in The Brethren Series will be released in electronic and trade paperback this summer. The story comes full-circle, with Brandon and Lina again taking center stage in the lead roles.

In “Dark Vengeance,” Brandon Noble thinks the worst is behind him and is ready to begin a new life with the woman he loves. Lina Jones is more reluctant to let bygones be bygones, but agrees to try for Brandon’s sake. But just as they look forward to a promising future together, a ghost from their past returns — one who’s hellbent on revenge.

You can find out more about me and The Brethren Series by visiting online: www.sarareinke.com. Friend me on Facebook, or become a “Tweet peep” on Twitter for your chance to win exclusive prizes throughout the year!

I’m giving readers the chance to revisit their favorite characters from my Brethren Series. If you had the chance to see a new story centering around favorite fictional characters, who would they be?

3 signed copies of “Dark Thirst” and “Dark Hunger” to 3 random commenters

Setting: Dublin, Ireland; in the Unseelie prison; inside the White Mansion; beneath Jericho Barrons’ garage

Subgenre: Urban Fantasy/Romance

Hero: Yeah, right. I’ve been writing what’s turning into a small dissertation on that very topic. It’s like a Fever hairball I’m trying to cough up, LOL. I’ll probably post it at my website eventually. Here’s part of it: There are arguably no heroes in this series. With a minor twist of the lens, those who are perceived as the villains might have been viewed as the heroes, and the heroes might well be villains. It all comes down to who’s writing the press releases. I may eventually have to tell it from someone else’s point of view.

Heroine: Ditto above. You tell me when you’ve finished reading Shadowfever. I’d like some clarity myself. Me, I’m Team K’Vruck.

One sentence summary: It’s our actions that define us. What we choose. What we resist. What we’re willing to die for.

Scene you like most and would never cut: Pretty much the whole book or I would have cut it all. I’m pretty hard on the material. If it doesn’t live up to my expectations, it goes in the trash. A scene? I can’t narrow it down to that. I’d say the last 100 pages. I rarely like to re-read myself but I think the series wrapped up beautifully.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: I can’t.

What celebrity is your hero like: The Unseelie King.

What celebrity is your heroine like: The Unseelie King.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Having sex with Barrons.

What is your occupation, or if unemployed, what should you be doing: Having sex with Barrons.

What you think readers will like best about this book: That I didn’t give them another cliffhanger. I think what they’ll like best is the sense of completion coupled with possibility. I bring the characters to a resting place, a good place to be, full of possibilities for a fascinating future, with the promise of adventures yet to come. Isn’t that what most of us want? A safe port with a damn fast ship in it, so we can sail out and explore like lawless pirates when the mood strikes.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Hmmm…Readers, will you answer that one for me? I’m taking suggestions…

What’s next: A graphic novel from Del Rey set in the Fever World featuring Mac and other Fever World characters. It’s an original story that takes place as a side-adventure during Shadowfever. Also three more novels set in the Fever World.

Sue, thank you so much for inviting me to drop by, and for the many wonderful things you do to spread the word about good books and share the love of reading! And readers, thank you for keeping the faith–especially those of you who’ve been suffering the cliffhangers since Darkfever came out in 2006. I know it’s been a long wait, and love you guys for your patience, enthusiasm and community.

It’s been a long wait for me too, to finally be able to talk about the series from beginning to end and ask the question I’m dying to know:

What do you think of the way things played out? Did I give you what you wanted in the end? If not, what did you want? Who’s your hero in the series? Who’s the villain? Did Mac make the right choices? Could things have turned out differently, with only minor tweaking of events? What subgenre do you think the series falls under? Do you prefer my first-person or third-person point of view novels? Are you a Highlander or Fever fan?

Giveaway — 2 randomly chosen commenters will win a book - good luck!

Happy Sunday!

Hope you had a marvelous weekend & got lots of reading done?
Congrats to all our winners - please email me, SueG, sgrimsha@bordersgroupinc.com, include your mailing address so we can send you your book!

Sunday - Sue’s Stash - US only -AngieG

Sunday Author winner w/Tina Martin:
And now for the giveaway: Two commenters (chosen at random) will win autographed copies of my new novel, ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE. Two people (chosen at random), who order SECRETS ON LAKE DRIVE now through January 31st will win $25 Borders gift cards. All you have to do is send your proof of purchase to my email: tina@tinamartinbooks.com. Contest ends January 31st.

Her book winners are: Danielle G; Diane

Monday Julia - LSU Reader

Tuesday with Vicki - Terri; Estella; SharynL

Wednesday Sophie’s winner - LauraC; JessicaC

Thursday & Carolyn’s winner - Cricket; Mindy Holt; TracyD

Friday w/Sue Ellen - SuzyR; LauraH; JohannaJ

Saturday w/Christie - PamK

Congrats all!

Wanna know who’s on this week?

Sunday, 2/16 thru Tuesday 2/18, countdown with SEP, aka, Susan Elizabeth Phillips for her New hardcover release - CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE!

Wednesday with Monica Burns

Thursday & Sabrina Jeffries

Friday Laura Moore!

Sat & the awesome, Karen Marie Moning & her New Release, Shadowfever

See you there!
Happy Romance,
SueG

Setting: Regency Ireland
Subgenre: historical-paranormal
Hero: Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan
Heroine: Cat O’Connell

One sentence summary: Lord and thief race to unravel a mysterious diary’s dark secrets while struggling against a dangerous passion.

Scene you like most and would never cut: Aidan’s cliff-climbing scene. For me, this part of his character is tangled up with his continuing effort to live up to his dead father’s expectations even as the horrible truth about him unfolds. It’s always difficult for a child to reconcile the love they have for a parent with the anger they might feel for that parent’s sins. Something Aidan struggles with throughout the book.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Rescue me, you big hunky strong man.”

Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: In 1815, he’s commando all the way.

Ancillary character you had the most fun with: Jack O’Gara, definitely. Aidan’s wise-cracking cousin tried desperately to take over every scene he was in. I had to beat him back with a stick to keep him in line.

Your heroine’s favorite hobby: Breaking and entering

Your hero’s favorite hobby: Cliff-climbing for reasons stated above.

What you think readers will like best about this book: I hope readers come away loving these characters and this world as much as I do.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: I’ve had readers ask what happened to Dangerous As Sin’s Brodie MacKay. Someday I would love to write his story.

What’s next: The second book in the Heirs of Kilronan trilogy, LORD OF SHADOWS is due to hit stores in July 2011 with the third book whose title is TBA releasing in January 2012.

There’s only three more days until the New Year! My resolution for 2011 is to exercise regularly—according to my doctor, typing doesn’t count. What’s your resolution for the new year? And did you follow through on the one you made for 2010?

Comment and you’ll be entered to win a copy of EARL OF DARKNESS along with an extra little bonus gift I couldn’t resist. Thanks again for letting me come and chat with you. It’s been a pleasure!