Tag: lucky
Blog Guest - Joan Swan
by ellenclark on Apr.11, 2011, under Book Chat
How Well Do You Know Your Favorite Authors?
This project turned out to be so much fun. My debut novel, FEVER, will be published April, 2012. So, in deciding on a topic for this blog, my idea of a simple, fun game of romance trivia developed into a full-blown get to know your favorite authors. And, boy, did I learn a lot about authors I thought I already knew!
A big thank you to all the authors who participated, offering fun tidbits of information about themselves and their work: Larissa Ione, Christina Dodd, Mariah Stewart, Luanne Rice, Anna Campbell, Joann Ross, Allison Brennan, Kat Martin, Lauren Dane, Jade Lee, Michelle Pillow, Elizabeth Essex, Stephanie Tyler, Elisabeth Naughton, Cynthia Eden, Addison Fox, Christy Reece, Tessa Dare, Donna Grant, Jules Bennett, Juliana Stone, Kristina McMorris, Jessa Slade, Alison Kent, Maggie Robinson, Delilah Marvelle, Darynda Jones, Monica Burns, Nicola Marsh, Sasha White, Laurie London, Amy Knupp, Lori Wilde, Marie Force, Sylvia Day, Gail Barrett, and Marilyn Brant .
I hope all you avid romance readers will be as excited as the authors were to participate in this trivia crossword.
My debut paranormal romantic suspense, FEVER, releases in April 2012 from Kensington. Until I have the book (or an ARC) in hand to offer as a prize, I’m giving away Borders Gift Cards for the top three author trivia buffs. $20—first place (most correct answers), $15—second place and $10—third place.
In the event of a tie in any of the winning placements, I’ll provide tie-breaker questions about my critique partner Elisabeth Naughton, author of the hot ETERNAL GUARDIAN paranormal romantic suspense series, until we have final winners. How fun is that?
I’ll post a puzzle answer key (or a link to it) in the comments on Tuesday, April 12th.
Rules:
1. You must enter your answers in the comments section of the BORDERS TRUE ROMANCE blog (a.k.a. HERE).
Since there are no duplicate numbers for across and down, simply put the number and your answer in the comments (only for the answers you think you know):
1. Answer here
4. Answer here
18. Answer here
2. All qualifying answers must be entered into the blog comments by:
Midnight Pacific Time (cause that’s where I live) 4/11/11.
3. Have fun! (I hate rules…can you tell?)
Free for all! Go for it!
Hints:
1. You can choose three ways to play (not exactly streamlined, but it’s the best I’ve got for the time being):
o Print out the puzzle and work on paper before entering your answers in the comment section of the Borders blog. (Either print the puzzle below or go to my website for a larger print version.) Printable crossword
o Work online via an interactive puzzle on my website before entering your answers in the comment section of the Borders blog. (This version—for some bizarre reason does not have clue numbers, so you’ll have to keep track with either a printed version or the image on the Borders blog.) Interactive crossword
o Work directly from Borders blog by reviewing the crossword below and entering your answers directly into the comments section of the Borders blog. (If you do this, I suggest opening two browser windows so you can see your comment in one window and the puzzle in the other.)
2. The online interactive version allows you to check you puzzle questions one time for accuracy. It does not allow you to “cheat” by giving hints or getting answers.
3. Yes, there will be others’ answers in the comments section, but there is no guarantee those answers will be right. Trust your own knowledge first.
Bio:
Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist, and a double Kiss of Death Daphne Du Maurier finalist. She writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist, and debut novel, FEVER, releases from Kensington Brava April, 2012.
Currently, she works as a sonographer at a one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation, and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.
Find Joan here: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Savvy Authors
Blogguest, C.C. Hunter
by sue on Apr.10, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: A summer camp for supernatural teens in Fallen, Texas
Subgenre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Hero: Derek Lakes and Lucas Parker
Heroine: Kylie Galen
One sentence summary: For 16 years, Kylie Galen tried to figure out who she is, only to discover once she got to Shadow Falls Camp that she doesn’t even know what she is.
Scene you like most and would never cut: Oh, this is hard because there are several scenes I really love in Born at Midnight—such as Kylie’s heart-rending breakthrough with her mom, or her discovering the identity of her ghost stalker and especially the romantic scenes with Derek and then with Lucas. But I’d probably go with the scene where Kylie offers her vampire roommate Della her blood.
“Will it hurt much?” Kylie asked as she held out her arm and ran a finger down the blue vein showing through her pale skin.
The scene shows the strength of friendship and Kylie’s willingness to accept others for who and what they are, even though the thought of a vampire drinking blood—especially her blood—makes Kylie squeamish. It’s a turning point in their relationship and a pivotal moment for Kylie, who has finally accepted the other campers as friends. Because as she starts to accept them, she really starts to accept the supernatural part of herself. I cried when I wrote that scene.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Kylie may only be sixteen and is having a major identity crisis but she is no push-over. She’d never back down from a bully or give in to peer pressure. Although she’s a little foggy about a lot of the things happening in her life, she’s crystal clear on these points.
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Heroine: Well, Kylie sees dead people. Does that count as quirky? She thinks it pretty quirky. LOL.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Kylie is sixteen years old, and for the summer, at least, her only job is attending the Shadow Falls Camp and trying to identify her inner supernatural. She’s also going through a huge identity crisis. While Kylie’s situation is different, I think in many ways we are all searching for who we are.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Derek, who’s half-fae, and Lucas, who’s a werewolf, are also teenagers. Their jobs are attending the Shadow Falls Camp and learning how to deal with their supernatural gifts.
What do you think readers will like best about this book: Good question. I think my novels are mostly known for two things: My humor and my character depth. For readers who have read any of my humorous romantic suspense novels, they’ll still see my “quirky” sense of humor. It’s blended into a plot with lots of paranormal atmosphere and teen angst, but I can’t stop being funny. I also think the readers will find my ensemble cast of characters to all be likeable and so relatable. Every character in Born at Midnight has a story to tell. Each person’s personality is different and unique. From the shapeshifter, who can be snarky and moody because he’s spent his entire life changing forms and doesn’t have a good sense of self, to the vampire who has to hide her identity from her own family because she knows they would never understand and therefore she feels a bit like a monster herself. Then there is the witch who is dyslexic and lacks self-esteem because she can’t seem to get her spells right.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: (answer only if applicable) I probably get the most reader mail about Jose from Shut Up and Kiss Me, one of the humorous romantic suspense novels I wrote for Dorchester as Christie Craig. I loved writing that book and had planned to write several more books set in Precious, Texas. But then I signed a new contract with a new publisher for a new series. So, while I’d still like to do Jose’s story, it may take me a while.
What’s next: This year, I’ve been writing two new series for two new-to-me publishing houses. It’s been a busy year and that will continue for a while. In August, I have the release of Don’t Mess With Texas, Book One in Hotter in Texas, my humorous romantic suspense series from Grand Central Forever under my real name, Christie Craig. In October, Awake at Dawn, Book Two of the Shadow Falls series I’m writing as C.C. Hunter for St. Martin’s Griffin, will release. I’m currently working on Book 3, Taken at Dusk, for Shadow Falls and, once that’s done, I’ll start on Book Two of my Hotter in Texas series. Like I said, busy year, but I love every minute of it!
Thanks again Borders for having me here today to talk about Born at Midnight. I’ve had a blast. Now, I have a question for everyone to ponder. Because my book’s premise and theme is about identity crisis, and discovering who and what you are, I want to know . . . are you who and what you thought you’d be when you were sixteen, eighteen, or twenty? And if you are that young, do you know what you want to do or what really makes you happy?
I never ask a question, I’m not willing to answer, so here’s my answer: I didn’t have a clue of what I wanted to be—what made me happy—until I was in my twenties. I didn’t try my hand at writing until I was twenty-three. And while writing is something I always see myself doing—it’s a true passion for me—I personally think that life is a journey of self discovery. Who knows what other paths I’ll find myself on? I mean, I’m never thought I’d venture into writing young adult and this is one path I’m so glad I found. So what about you?
About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Oh, that’s too hard. I love romantic comedies and movies with suspense and a touch of humor, such as Lethal Weapon and Bird on a Wire. Okay, I just realized both of those are from the Eighties and starred Mel Gibson. LOL. There aren’t too many movies with suspense, humor and romance being done but my favorite TV show of the moment is Castle—love it! Recent romantic comedy movies I’ve seen and really enjoyed include The Bounty Hunter and Letters to Juliet.
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Definitely something with a romance storyline. Genre doesn’t matter—it can be YA, contemporary romance, whatever. As long as there is a good romance storyline in there, I’m hooked!
3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I truly loved that book! This may surprise a lot of people, but I always thought of Charlotte’s Web as being a romance between Charlotte, the barn spider, and Wilbur, the pig. Sort of a cross-species relationship thing. I guess I really like that cross-species relationship thing because my new book, Born at Midnight, has a lot of them. LOL.
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Hmm. That’s a tough one. I’d probably go with Cinderella. It had a courageous heroine, a smokin’ hot hero, a fairy godmother and some bad guys in the form of a wicked stepmother and two obnoxious step-sisters. Plus, a happy ending. Who could ask for more?
5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Pepe le Pew. And the female cat he has a crush on. I have a thing about skunks. (See, I told you I had this cross-species relationship thing. LOL.) Just wait until Awake at Dawn. I have a special scene with a skunk who actually sticks around for awhile.
6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? First, I’d like to thank them for all the support they gave me when I was writing my humorous romantic suspense novels for Dorchester Publishing as Christie Craig. So many of you have written me to ask when those books will be back in print. All I can say is soon. My next Christie Craig novel, Don’t Mess with Texas, will be out in August. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my Shadow Falls series as C.C. Hunter just as much.
7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? Hmm. Well, I’ve worked as a photojournalist for several years and my photographs have appeared nationally. But if I weren’t a writer, I think I might be a stand-up comic. I love to make people laugh with my books. I also love to make people laugh and get them to think, when I’m doing a workshop or giving a talk. So, being a stand-up comic sounds perfect.
8. What do you do to unwind and relax? Read a good book. Drink a good glass of red wine. And above all,—laugh about something. In my family, we have a saying: If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. I really think that’s true, too. So the best way I know of relaxing is to enjoy a good laugh about whatever stressful thing I have weighing on me at the moment with family and friends. I love to get together with my girlfriends where we will inevitably end up giggling over silly things, just like we did when we were teenagers. I also think laughter keeps us young, too.
9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Coffee, definitely. I prefer it with cream. And so does my cat, Skitter—he generally tries to share my first cup with me in the morning.
10. What does love mean to you? Love means acceptance to me. None of us are perfect but sometimes we are perfect for each other.
11. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? I think the one I’d have liked least would be the Victorian era because of the corsets. Have you seen those things? LOL. As for my favorite, I’d go with the present. Give me a soft, well-worn pair of jeans and I’m happy.
12. What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? How about Sue Grimshaw? LOL. Hmm. I usually come up with the characters’ names after I create the characters, so I can’t answer this one. But now you’ve got me thinking. LOL.
13. Dog person or cat person? Both. We have four rescue kitties and a dog in my house right now. Plus, there’s a stray rabbit we took in. I didn’t know there was such a thing as a stray rabbit, until one basically followed my son home.
Free! Free! Who says nothing is free? On March 15, Turned At Dark, a short story introducing the Shadow Falls series, will be available at http://us.macmillan.com/bornatmidnight. On March 29, the same release day as Born at Midnight, my short story Turned At Dark will be released as an ebook on Borders.com, how cool is that?
Blogguest, Gwen Hayes + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.18, 2011, under Book Chat
Where is your series set?
Serendipity Falls is a fictional coastal town. It seems like an average small town but it’s really a hotbed of paranormal activity. I have set a few of my adult romance short stories in the same town as well.
Tell us about your hero:
Haden Black is breathtakingly handsome, of course. And he’s a little whimsical and a lot dangerous. He’s in town for a dark purpose and everyone he lets in his life is in danger.
Tell us about your heroine:
Theia Alderson is hard to define. On the surface, she’s almost paralyzingly shy and quiet. Beneath that, she’s actually a free spirit trapped in a careful mind. She’s been raised with very little freedom, but inside her is a reckless heart. As a result, she is very conflicted almost all of the time—trying to please her father and learning to be true to herself are two things very at odds with each other. And then she meets this devastatingly handsome boy….
Can you give readers a one sentence summary?
A dark, twisted fairy tale of romance, danger, and cupcakes.
What is the scene you like most and would never cut?
Theia’s first kiss was a joy to write. I’m glad it went so well for her.
What would your heroine never be caught dead doing?
Theia would never be caught dead doing a lot of things—until she ends up doing them. She wants to please her father so badly that she quashes a lot of her natural instincts to be daring and have fun. Even wearing jeans is a power struggle.
What celebrity is your hero like?
Haden isn’t like anyone out there—he’s a hunky, goth mashup of Jack Skellington, Willy Wonka, and Mr. Darcy. Throw in a little teen Christian Slater, too.
What celebrity is your heroine like?
Theia resembles Rebecca Herbst from General Hospital when she was a teenager in the 90s. I don’t usually picture celebrities as my characters, so this is hard.
What is your heroine’s occupation?
Right now, Theia is a high school student and a very talented violinist. I’m not sure that’s the career path she wants though, it’s more her dad’s wish for her. We’ll have to see (if she lives through this) what direction her path will take.
What is your hero’s occupation?
Haden is a high school student, too. He’s very charismatic and well loved by the people where he’s from. I think he’ll be a good leader if he doesn’t let the darkness eat his soul first.
What you think readers will like best about this book?
Probably Haden. He’s fairly irresistible.
Falling Under is about a lot of emotion, longing, and angst. I hope it catches something in people’s hearts. Growing up is so hard—learning who you are, who you love, how to love. I think the story will resonate with adults as much as teens.
Also, by the ARC reviews, readers seem to be enjoying the fact that there are no vampires, werewolves, or fey in this paranormal book.
Who is the person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet?
That would easily be Madame Varnie.
What’s next?
My keyboard is currently smoking from the sequel writing. I’ve tentatively named it After the Fall, but we’ll see if the title sticks. It’s the continuing story of Haden and Theia and will be released in 2012.
After that, I’d like to work on another YA series set in Serendipity Falls. You can keep up with any further shenanigans by visiting my website www.gwenhayes.com .
In FALLING UNDER, Theia really struggles with finding a balance between pleasing everyone and being true to herself, which I think is a struggle for a lot of women. I know for me, it wasn’t until I was almost thirty before I decided it was okay to put my own needs first once in awhile. What advice would you give the teenage version of yourself about growing up? And if you’re still a teen or still struggling with your inner-teen—what’s one thing you can do today to be a stronger person?
Two lucky commenters will win a copy of FALLING UNDER!
Blogguest, Cynthia Eden + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.11, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland
Subgenre: Romantic Suspense
Hero: Max Ridgeway, successful businessman
Heroine: FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy
One sentence summary: FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy has survived hell once…but when her lover becomes the target of a sadistic killer, she knows that she will have to face death again if they are both going to live through the nightmare surrounding them.
Scene you like most and would never cut: Very early in the book, Samantha races into a fancy party, desperate to find Max. When she sees him, things between them get hot and heavy—fast. For Samantha, this scene is incredibly important. She’s falling apart on the inside and being with Max is the only thing that actually makes her feel sane.
So it’s hot, it’s a bit wild, but that scene shows readers how much Samantha is struggling in the wake of her attack.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Samantha is a computer genius. She’s got a load of degrees and far more technical knowledge than most of the FBI agents working in the field. But…Samantha is a behind-the-scenes type of girl. She’s not the guns-blazing heroine who can take out a killer without breaking a sweat. She’s scarred inside, and she’s struggling to face her fears.
What celebrity is your hero like: Joe Manganiello(from HBO’s True Blood). Like Joe, my hero is handsome in a wild, rough way. Sexy.
What celebrity is your heroine like: Gillian Anderson (Oh, yes, let’s go back to my X-Files fan days!)
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Samantha works in the FBI’s Serial Services Division—it’s her job to track and apprehend serials—killers, rapists, and arsonists. Sam’s a computer genius, so normally she works behind the scenes. But, this isn’t a normal case for her.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Max Ridgeway owns a very successful construction business. He’s a hard worker, a self-made man, and a guy willing to fight to the death for those he loves.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
DEADLY LIES is a hot, action-packed read. I hope readers really enjoy the relationship between Max and Samantha, and I also hope that readers enjoy the action scenes in which Samantha and Max hunt down the killer. I love writing scenes about tracking killers!
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I tend to be asked most about two characters from my Deadly series—Keith Hyde, the man who is the Serial Services Division, and Jon Ramirez a tough, ex-sniper with a very dark side.
What’s next: In July, my next paranormal romance will be released by Kensington Brava. NEVER CRY WOLF will take readers back to my Other paranormal world. Lucas Simone is the alpha of the LA wolf pack—he’s tough, he’s dangerous, and he knows how to kick serious butt. He’s also exactly what Sarah King needs. She has a price on her head, and Lucas is the only person standing between her and death.
All of my “Deadly” books are romantic suspense novels with a dark edge. Some of the characters have very painful pasts, and their stories aren’t always easy. The books are full of death and danger, but love is also always there to balance things in the end (because we are talking romance!). I’m curious…what’s your take on dark books? Do you enjoy sliding into the darker tales? Do you have a dark side of your own?
Three commenters will be randomly selected to win copies of DEADLY LIES.
Blogguest, Kira Morgan + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.07, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: 16th Century Scotland
Subgenre: Scottish Historical
Hero: Drew MacAdam, aka Andrew Armstrong
Heroine: Josselin Ancrum
One sentence summary: When Josselin Ancrum, a Scottish war-orphan-turned-spy for Queen Mary, suspects the “Highlander” Drew MacAdam isn’t who he claims to be, the two are drawn together by fate and swept up in their growing desires and the designs of their warring queens, until they uncover the terrible secret that binds their souls.
Scene you like most and would never cut: Drew teaches Josselin how to play the new sport of golf! It’s a scene full of intimacy as Drew enfolds her in his arms to guide her swing and childlike joy when Jossy finally sinks her ball. I never realized until I wrote the scene what a sexy game golf could be!
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Jossy would never say, “But I’m a lass—I don’t know how to use a blade.”
What celebrity is your hero like: James McAvoy is who I envisioned as Drew MacAdam. I loved James’ hunky body in “Wanted,” his soulful eyes in “Atonement,” and his intense passion in ShakespeaRe-Told’s “Macbeth.”
What celebrity is your heroine like: Reese Witherspoon is my Josselin Ancrum—cute rather than beautiful, small but strong, spunky, smart, and undaunted, like Elle in “Legally Blonde.”
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Jossy starts out as a tavern wench, but since she’s able to read, Queen Mary hires her as a spy where her cover is operating a beer wagon.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Drew is an accomplished swordsman, but since he has no taste for blood, he prefers waging war and revenge on the golf links.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think readers will enjoy the comic repartee between the characters and the book’s many surprises. I love to do what’s unexpected to keep the story fresh.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: I get a lot of requests to write about the offspring of the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch, a trilogy I wrote under the pen name of Sarah McKerrigan.
What’s next: I’m currently working on a historical romance inspired by “The Canterbury Tales” and set in Scotland!
If I weren’t a romance novelist, I might be a professional matchmaker. I love to “cast” my books by pairing up actors I’d like to see together. In the past, I’ve matched Josh Holloway with Uma Thurman, Adrian Paul with Angelina Jolie, Philip Winchester with Winona Ryder, and in Seduced by Destiny, I’ve paired up James McAvoy and Reese Witherspoon. If you were writing a romance, who would you cast as the lead couple?
If you’d like a chance to win the pewter Celtic thimble that Drew gives to Josselin in Seduced by Destiny, register at www.glynnis.net/KiraMorgan and you’ll be automatically entered in my monthly sweepstakes! I’d also be delighted to be your friend on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kiramorganauthor.
2 commenter’s 2day will randomly be chosen to win a copy of Seduced by Destiny - US only — good luck!!
Blogguest, Linda Francis Lee + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.01, 2011, under Book Chat
Stranger in a Strange Land
When my husband told me that his job was taking us to the northeast, the born and raised Texan in me couldn’t decide if I needed a glass of sweet tea or a shot of bourbon to get over the shock. Covering all bases, I went for both then started to pack. I wasn’t sure if I was headed for the land of Law and Order or Sex and the City, but I was excited to find out. What I learned from living in New York City for more than a decade now is that New York is not entirely either. And while I miss Texas and my family (not to mention driving, good Mexican food, and big blue skies filled with sun), I have fallen in love with the city that never sleeps.
I’ve written several books set in Texas while living in NYC, but a few years ago we moved from one part of the Upper West Side of Manhattan to another, next door to the Dakota, an apartment building on the Upper West Side that was built in 1884 and has been home to a long list of the famous and influential in the Arts. The novel Time and Again is set there. John Lennon was killed there. And while I’ve been inside the building, I haven’t caught a glimpse of the twirling fan from the Humphrey Bogart movie Casablanca that supposedly hangs in Lauren Bacall’s apartment.
I love the building with its steeply-pitched gothic rooftops and even the moat that surrounds the perimeter. The giant wrought iron gates that close off the cobbled Porte-cochere and inner courtyards from the rest of the world feel like gates to another time.
Soon after we moved in, I started working on a book about a woman, a crotchety dog, and the kind of man who in all his Navy Sealness could love so deeply and intensely that he could change a woman forever. And it was after I walked into the Dakota the first time that I knew these characters had to live in this very magical place.
What I always find amazing when writing a book is how one new plot piece or character can change the shape of a story. The Dakota became a character in itself, and it was spending time in this building that shaped the character of Max. For me he came fully to life in a scene were Emily slips in the courtyard of the Dakota and Max picks her up. Suddenly he wasn’t a character in the publishing business as I had thought. He was a Navy Seal. He was strong, made stronger by being nearly broken, strong enough to pick up Emily off the cobbled ground in the Dakota. Of course Einstein the Dog is a pesky little guy and not one to let a mere mortal win Emily’s heart. At least not easily. Especially since he is a dog with the soul of a man. It was with that very distinct thought that I realized I had three characters I loved and I knew it was time to launch into the story . . . and let the games begin.
Where is the exact place you truly saw the person you love? Did the place shape how the person appeared to you?
Blogguest, Melissa Mayhue + Giveaway
by sue on Feb.15, 2011, under Book Chat
HEALING THE HIGHLANDER – Melissa Mayhue
Setting: 1305 – Highlands of Scotland
Subgenre: Paranormal Historical/Time Travel
Hero: Andrew MacAlister
Heroine: Leah Noble MacQuarrie
One sentence summary: Leah Noble MacQuarrie thought escaping seven hundred years into the past would keep her safe from Faerie Magic, but she learns almost too late that Faeries are no worse than Mortals and the Magic she feared may be the only thing that can save her.
Scene you like most and would never cut: There’s a scene where Leah decides to stand up for the rights of her young cousin, protecting the boy as her older sister had protected her. Although Leah’s already faced several situations she didn’t think she was brave enough or strong enough to overcome, this is the point where she really comes into her own.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Meekly accepting her fate
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Neither. He’s a plaid-wearing Highlander. And we’ve all heard those stories about what is – or isn’t – under the plaid!
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: There were several characters I enjoyed in writing this book, but I suppose my favorite would have to be the hero’s brother, Colin MacAlister. His part is small, but writing Colin’s scenes allowed me to begin sharing bits of what is to come since Colin’s book is next in the series – HIGHLANDER’S CURSE, due out March 29, 2011.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: Leah loves to read – though the availability of books is a problem for her twenty-first century sensibilities living in 14th century Scotland!
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Andrew doesn’t have hobbies. He might tell you it’s gaming… but we all know it’s really searching for the cure to heal the damage from the debilitating wounds he’s suffered.
What you think readers will like best about this book: What I like best, and hope reader’s will, too, is how Leah grows to accept herself — her magical powers and her inner strength – and through that journey finds her One True Love. I also think there are a couple of twists and turns that they’ll find fun, too!
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Many readers have asked for Dallyn’s story, but I’m not yet quite sure what the Faerie High General’s story IS!
What’s next: On March 29, HIGHLANDER’S CURSE releases. It’s Colin’s book, the last of the MacAlister brothers, so Rosalyn [their mother] will finally have all her sons settled. Right now I’m working on the next book, bringing in a whole new twist that I think readers will enjoy. That book, tentatively titled WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION, should be available in January 2012, and will pick up with a character readers first met in HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING, Malcolm MacDowylt. And believe me, there’s a whole lot more to Malcolm and his family than first meets the eye!
My thanks to Sue and to Borders for inviting me to share my thoughts on HEALING THE HIGHLANDER and what’s coming next from me.
One of the things I enjoyed most in writing this book was having the chance to check in on old friends from past books in the series. It was fun for me to see what they were up to in their lives and I’d like to ask all your readers how they feel about that. Do you guys enjoy seeing what characters whose stories you’ve read before are doing now?
To get everyone ready for the release of HEALING THE HIGHLANDER, I’m offering a gift to one lucky poster today – Any two of my backlist books along with some treats to keep you warm and cozy while you read: Scottish tea, shortbread cookies, and some fuzzy socks to keep your feet toasty!
MELISSA MAYHUE writes award-winning paranormal romance for Pocket Books, all set in an imaginary world of Faeries and Mortals. Her seventh book, HEALING THE HIGHLANDER hits stores on February 22 and her eighth, HIGHLANDER’S CURSE, is available on March 29, 2011.
You can visit her on the web at: www.MelissaMayhue.com or come Twitter with her at www.Twitter.com/MelissaMayhue
Blogguest Kresley Cole + $20 GC Giveaway!
by sue on Feb.02, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: New Orleans, as well as a mortal-run prison island for immortals
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance
Hero: Aidan the Fierce–a Viking berserker–who is reincarnated repeatedly, this time as Declan Chase, a modern-day Celtic warrior
Heroine: Regin the Radiant, an immortal Valkyrie and the last of the Radiant Ones.
One sentence summary:
A gritty, passionate love story about a fiercely loyal Valkyrie and a tormented soldier who has no memory of her or his previous lives–which is a problem since he works for an order bent on eradicating all immortals.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
In the book, Regin recounts to Chase details about his past lives, weaving these mesmerizing tales for him in order to delay her torture or execution (à la Arabian Nights). In one scene, Chase asks her what she would tell a future reincarnate *about him*. She describes a scorching interlude–detailing how they would touch each other and kiss–that makes even a disciplined soldier like Declan lose control. 
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Saying “I don’t want to stand out in a crowd.” Regin loves being a showstopper, enjoys doing/saying things just to shock people.
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy:
He goes commando under commando pants.
Ancillary character you had the most fun with:
The millennia-old vampire Lothaire the Enemy of Old basically writes himself. He’s evil, but with flair, and such a contradiction. He’s physically magnificent but emotionally chilling, crazed but cunning, and though he kills so easily, he has his own warped code of honor. Lothaire is a fearless warrior, yet he’s haunted by one vulnerable female.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby:
Making demons eat things (crab traps, pizza boxes, fire extinguishers, etc.). Pranks “involving nuclear waste” are a close second.
Your hero’s favorite hobby:
He has none. No pastimes, no social life, no relationships. He’s obsessed with destroying the creatures that murdered his family.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
The intensity of the hero! Declan is tormented by his fever-pitch–but forbidden–desire for Regin. In one scene, he’s in the shower, roaring with frustration, pummeling the wall because he wants her so much–and he believes he can never have her. He was the villain of my previous book, Demon from the Dark, so he’s got a lot of making up to do.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Nïx the Ever Knowing, Soothsayer Without Equal, though Lothaire is a close second. His story is coming up next!
Anyone who’s read my Immortals After Dark series can tell I love dark, tortured alpha heroes, and Declan Chase is no exception.
What is your favorite alpha male trait? Who are some of the great alpha heroes in romance? One commenter will be chosen to win a $20 gift certificate to Borders!
Blogguest, Anna Windsor & Giveaway!
by sue on Jan.27, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting:
New York City (in the city proper, but also in the paranormal underground)
Subgenre:
Urban Paranormal Romance
Hero:
Duncan Sharp
Duncan is a cop and a warrior’s warrior. No matter what, he will not stop and he will never give up. He’s six feet, four inches of muscle and determination, with thick brown hair and gray-blue eyes that see straight to a woman’s heart.
Heroine:
Bela Argos
Bela is an earth Sibyl with a heart so broken she doesn’t know how to mend it, but she’ll be damned if she’ll stop trying. She’s building a new fighting group and she’s taking on demons—including a wounded cop she just might have to kill, if she doesn’t fall in love with him first.
One sentence summary:
Meet Bela Argos, a demon’s worst nightmare—and that was before she started fighting to save the most incredible man she’s ever met.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
The scene where Bela confronts the evil Rakshasa demon leader, intending to kill him way more than once for everything he’s done to her and the people she loves.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Bela would never whine. She’d never be caught out without her sword . . . and she might not wear pink, either.
What celebrity is your hero like:
A slightly younger Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS)
What celebrity is your heroine like:
Irene Bedard (around Into the West time)
What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Bela is an Earth Sibyl with an interesting and different background. If she hadn’t been a Sibyl, she probably would have been a United States Marine.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Duncan Sharp is retired military and now he’s a New York City police detective.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
Readers who have followed the Dark Crescent Sisterhood will enjoy a look at different aspects of Sibyl life and training. These warriors didn’t grow up as favorites in their Motherhouses, and they have unique skills and powers that set them apart.
Readers who are new to the Dark Crescent Sisterhood will enjoy watching Bela fight for herself, her friends, her city, and her true love.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Andy Myles, water Sibyl extraordinaire. Her book is coming, I promise! She’ll be featured in book three of this cycle, Captive Heart.
What’s next:
Camille Fitzgerald is a fire Sibyl without a spark—or so it seems. In Captive Soul, Camille taps the terrifying source of her unusual power to save the world, but she risks destroying the man she loves and her own sanity in the process.
Bela, Camille, Dio and Andy are soldiers who break rules and don’t always follow orders. Is there really room for renegades in law enforcement, in armies, in corporate structures, or other organizations? What benefits do they offer, and what are the drawbacks?
Weekly winners, listed here . . .
by sue on Jan.16, 2011, under Book Chat
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
