trueromance

Setting: New Orleans
Subgenre: Dark Paranormal
Hero: Max Savoie
Heroine: Charlotte Caissie

One sentence summary: Police detective Charlotte Caissie and shape-shifter Max Savoie thought they’d overcome all odds and differences to be together. . . now, it’s the past that threatens to tear them apart as Cee Cee calls on Max’s preternatural talents to find the serial killer who’s kidnapped a colleague’s daughter.

Scene you like most and would never cut: It was cut. Sigh.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Wearing a polka-dotted Doris Day dress while making kitchen small talk with her partner’s sweet Stepford wife. Funny the things you’ll do out of love . . . and guilt. “Ken and Barbie off to visit the family.”

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Heroine? Max accessorizes his Armani business suits with red high top sneakers. The way to Cee Cee’s heart is through a big block V-8.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Cee Cee’s an NOPD detective, so what’s she doing on stage at a strip club with the moniker Chili Pepper?

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Max is the prophesied leader of the New Orleans Shifter clan and a reformed mobster. So why is he letting his secret slip to outsiders and making deals to traffic human cargo?

What do you think readers will like best about this book: From page one to page end, it never lets you go. The pace is fast, the action furious, the suspense taut, the dialogue crisp and sometimes laugh-out-loud, and the romance hot, hot, HOT. And then there’s Max. Who could ask for a fiercer, sexier, more complicated, loyal and yet vulnerable hero?

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Jacques LaRoche, the muscle-bound Shifter owner/bartender at Cheveau du Chien who dispenses justice with a Louisville Slugger, has Max’s back and a soft spot for his friend’s human mate.

What’s next: Even though BOUND BY MOONIGHT wraps up Max and Cee Cee’s romance arc, the series continues with new heroes and heroines within the By Moonlight world. HUNTER OF SHADOWS will be available November 29, 2011 featuring a Shifter cop with a hidden agenda and a programmed assassin who complicates it on both professional and intimate levels, then Book 6 comes out in July of 2012, with Jacques LaRoche, because you asked for him.

The first four books in my By Moonlight series featured the same hero and heroine, which is common in urban fantasy but rare in paranormal romance. The next two By Moonlight books have a different hero and heroine in each book. As a reader, do like a relationship that carries over from book to book or do you prefer your happily-ever-after on the last page of each one?

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? L.A. Confidential. Fabulous acting, smart dialogue, fascinating twists and turns. And Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey.
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Any Dean Koontz book.
3. What’s the first book you remember reading? My mom used to read to me every night. Rutabaga Stories was my number one request, but for doing my own reading, Dr. Seuss was my go-to guy.
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Cinderella. After I saw my name in print when my fractured fairy tale version of it was published in my elementary school newspaper, I knew all I wanted to be was a writer.
5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Yosemite Sam is my hero and Pepe LePew eez my lovair.
6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? Authors really like it when you come up to them at conferences or book signings or even in the checkout lane to talk to them, especially if you love to read, write or want to gush about their characters. Don’t be shy. It’s a privilege and a perk, not a bother to us. And we like to have our pictures taken with you, too.
7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? I still have my full time job as a 9-to-5 legal assistant to fall back on.
8. What do you do to unwind and relax? Netflix and a warm cat when there isn’t a sandy beach available. It’s more fun than exercising or cleaning house, which is what I do to get my creative muse kicked into gear.
9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Strong, flavored coffee, black, in my Keurig every morning…best Christmas present EVER!
10. What does love mean to you? Never having to say “Put the seat down” or “Hang up that towel.” Actually, it’s my grandson running down my apartment complex’s hallway yelling, “Grammy!” at the top of his lungs. That sums it up.
11. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? Would hate all the restrictions of the Victorian era. I don’t even like underwire. I’m a 1940’s gal. All that big shouldered glam and hats!
12. What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? Price, so I can say, “The price is wrong, beeotch.”
13. Dog person or cat person? Fur, feather and fin person. Love ‘em all, have had them all…and still feed most of them on my 4th floor balcony.

Setting: London
Subgenre: Regency Historical
Hero: Xander Jones, illegitimate son of a courtesan and a lord
Heroine: Cleopatra Spencer, impoverished daughter of a baron

One sentence summary: A self-sufficient loner, so cold he might be stone, marries for money and finds a woman passionate enough to tempt a saint.

Scene you like most and would never cut: Cleo overhearing Xander make a bad marriage proposal to another woman in a bank. It all starts with that.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She might be caught dead at it, but she’d never back down.

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? He hates closets.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Cleo Spencer’s occupation is making ends meet for herself and her younger brother after their father dies and their uncle gets hold of their money. She should be a bank president.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Xander Jones is an early entrepreneur in Regency London. He’s an investor with a vision of lighting the darkest streets of London.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The push and pull between two characters who are sure they can’t fall in love with each other.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Kit Jones, a character who appears at the end of To Tempt a Saint. The good news is that his story has been written as To Seduce an Angel and comes out this September.

What’s next: I’m working on the first book in a series about an exclusive club for young lords who have ruined their reputations and their fortunes and get a chance for redemption by spying.

About Me:
What’s my favorite movie of all time? I love movies, so this is a hard one. Monsoon Wedding and The Empire Strikes Back are two of my favorites. In both love is tested, and beautiful men are called by women to become heroes.

What’s my favorite kind of story to get lost in? I’m a sucker for stories about the outsider who reluctantly finds love and connection. See Monsoon Wedding.

What’s the first book I remember reading? Early books for me were Coarse Gold Gulch and A Little Maid of Boston. I was hooked on girls having adventures in far away times and places.

What’s my favorite fairy tale? “Petronella,” from “The Practical Princess and other Liberated Fairy Tales,” by Jay Williams. Petronella sets out to rescue a prince and wins a powerful enchanter instead.

What’s my favorite cartoon character? Wall-E

What’s something I’d like to tell your readers? Thank you. Romance readers are the best.

What would my occupation be if I were no longer a writer? I’ve never stopped teaching high school English, but I could be tempted to run a stationer’s store, maybe at Lake Tahoe.

What do I do to unwind and relax? I let my husband and my children make me food and make me laugh.

Tea or Coffee? And how do I take it? Coffee, a Peet’s low-fat latte in my own cup to start the day.

What does love mean to me? Love is the unfinished business of our lives—becoming who we are meant to be by giving and receiving love.

Which era would I least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? The Victorian Era would be my worst nightmare. Everyday would be a bad hair day, and I’d be lost in the layers and giant sleeves, and extra frills. The Roaring Twenties would suit me best, with bobbed hair and skirts that flirt with a girl’s knees.

What name have I been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? I think I just found it—Violet Hammersley!

Dog person or cat person? A wild bird person. Dozens of birds come to our feeder every day.

Question – What movie scene is your never-fail three-hanky scene?

Congratulations to Brenda Novak for winning the ‘Long Romantic Suspense’ Readers’ Crown Award with White Heat!

And now for INSIDE, her brand new romantic suspense novel that published on June, 28th.

ON LOCATION….
What would happen if a man who’d been wrongfully imprisoned for fourteen years was finally exonerated but knew the prison gang he’d joined in order to survive would kill his sister and her kids if he didn’t continue to support them and their illegal activities? How would he ever really “get out?” And what would happen if, in exchange for his sister’s protection, this man was willing to go back inside a different prison—over the express disagreement of the female Assistant Deputy Warden whose job it would be to protect him—to expose a new gang?

Whatever came next would involve plenty of danger. That would be a given. The potential for such high-stakes conflict against this gritty backdrop is what got me excited to write INSIDE. But I knew, in order to pull off the story the way I wanted, I’d have to make the setting more believable than ever—and that meant I had to go “inside” myself.

I didn’t have any contacts at Pelican Bay, where the story is set, but I drove the four hundred miles (mostly on narrow, windy roads) from my home in Sacramento to “California’s Siberia.” I explored the area, only twenty miles south of the Oregon border, as well as Crescent City, the closest town, which has an economy that’s almost completely dependent on the prison. Then I did a lot of research on gangs and learned such interesting terms as “blood in, blood out,” which means you have to draw blood (possibly even kill a man) to get in and they’ll spill your blood if you ever try to get out; “in the hat,” which means you’re marked to be beaten (this usually happens to pedophiles and others in for sex crimes); “bitch” or “punk,” which is what some of the stronger men make of the weaker men they force to gratify their sexual impulses.

Determined to get firsthand experience on how a prison is run to enhance my research, I contacted a friend in corrections who could give me a tour of Soledad in the Central Valley. Investigative Officer David Doglietto, or Dog as he’s called, took the better part of a Saturday to show me through.

From the outside, Soledad is as stark and imposing as a prison is meant to be. It actually looks more daunting than Pelican Bay. Except for three surrounding fences, the middle of which is electrified, Pelican Bay resembles an industrial park, and yet it’s the most notorious prison in California. With its own fire department, water treatment facility, boiler plants, electrical generators, full medical department with hundreds of medical personnel, and an educational department with teachers and even a school superintendent, it’s almost a town in and of itself–and that was the same with Soledad, which sits in the middle of acres and acres of farmland, it’s only neighbor another prison. At Soledad, security was strict, but not like it would be at Pelican Bay. And once I got inside, there seemed to be a surprisingly casual atmosphere. Maybe it was the mural-covered hallway, but it felt more like a high school to me—until we reached the cells.

Knowing Soledad housed Level 3 offenders, some of whom had committed serious crimes (as evidenced by the pictures we saw of gang stabbings and the homemade implements used to create such injuries, made from such innocuous substances as ballpoint pens, plastic spoons, Styrofoam cups, combs and even Ziploc bags that were melted down and sharpened), I didn’t want to be left alone with any of the inmates. The pictures of the stabbings (or being “shanked” as they call it in prison) were gruesome. But those inmates we encountered as we moved from R&R (Receiving and Release), the dining hall, the various cellblocks, P.I. (prison industries) and the yard typically nodded a polite hello. Some even muttered a greeting before striding past us with much more of a sense of purpose than I had expected.

In the yard, they were playing basketball. I found it interesting that they had sporting equipment and learned that they typically behaved themselves quite well during sporting events. No one wanted to risk losing such an enjoyable pastime.

Despite all the things I’ve seen on TV, or perhaps because of them, I didn’t realize just how difficult it would be to spend years upon years in such a place. Some programs paint prison as too hard, others as too soft. The degree of difficulty became clear to me, however, when Dog asked two inmates to come out of their cell and allow me to go in. I’d been in empty cells before, at Alcatraz and other places, but never one where inmates were currently living. It was a completely different experience. With two small TVs playing (each occupant had one rigged above his bunk), personal items stacked wherever they’d fit, laundry strung across the entrance (apparently they don’t like to send their clothes to be laundered because they’re afraid they won’t get the same ones back; they also barter for these items), and my husband behind me, there was so little space I could hardly turn around.

I have to admit, I felt a moment of panic when Dog surprised me by closing the door—and I knew I wouldn’t have to stay.

–
Brenda Novak
brendanovak.com

Hi again!

First of all thanks to everyone who voted for RISK NO SECRETS and naming it co-winner of the Reader’s Crown for best Romantic Suspense. Here’s a link http://www.cindygerard.com/excerpt_may2010.html where you can read an excerpt from RISK NO SECRETS to get a feel for the book. Sophie and Wyatt’s story (book 5 in the Black Ops Inc series) was a very special story for me to write. Star crossed lovers, action, adventure … all the things that made this book a joy to write.

Second, congratulations to Brenda Novak, too! Can’t think of anyone I’d rather share the title with. This is a real thrill for me also, because it’s a repeat. Yup. Last year, WHSIPER NO LIES also won the Reader’s Crown for best Romantic Suspense. Makes me very, very happy and proud.

And finally, since I just blogged here at Border’s True Romance a couple of weeks ago and talked about my upcoming release, WITH NO REMORSE, (check it out the July 6th post) I thought I’d break away from the norm and offer up a topic near and dear to MY heart and I’m thinking the hearts of many of you reading this post. So here it is:

CHOCOLATE – IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE!
Now this is a study I could really get into. I recently read that one hundred and fifty women in London will be eating chocolate every day for a year, as part of a research study into the health benefits of cocoa.

Okay – first things first. Where was I when they were asking for volunteers? If there’s anything I can relate to, it’s chocolate.
This study is being held at the University of East Anglia and the purpose is to determine whether compounds in chocolate can cut the risk of heart disease specifically in women with type 2 diabetes.

Since I am a woman and since heart disease is a huge issue with women, I’m liking the idea that FINALLY doctors are incorporating not only innovative studies but studies most women can really get into. I mean, who can’t get into chocolate? And in the name of science? It’s win win all the way.

The kicker: Doctors have cautioned that the general population, and especially diabetics should not start eating large quantities of chocolate unsupervised, as it also contains lots of sugar and fat, which worsen diabetes and promote weight gain.

Chocolate promotes weight gain? Hmm. Who’d a thunk it?

Back to the study. Cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, is a rich source of compounds called flavonoids, which have been shown to decrease risk factors for heart disease. Generally the process of making chocolate from cocoa destroys the majority of these compounds, however, a Belgian chocolatier has developed a specially formulated chocolate bar for the study with extra flavonoids and added soy, which is also a rich source of the chemicals.

The study is hoping to show that adding flavonoids to the diet of the 150 subjects, provide additional protection from heart disease and give women the opportunity to take more control over reducing their risk of heart disease in the future and possibly improve the level of protection against heart disease over and above that provided by conventional drugs.

We all knew that chocolate was good for us, right? It elevates moods, makes the mouth happy and looks so pretty in those gold foil boxes with pretty ribbons. I’ll be anxious to see the results of this study. In the meantime, I’ve already initiated my ‘chocolate kiss a day’ plan and I’m happy to report, I’m feeling better all ready.

Seriously, my mother suffered from heart disease for many years. I suspect all of us know someone special who has had type two diabetes or other heart related medical conditions. I’m trying very hard to take care of my heart – and no, not just with chocolate although chocolate does make my little heart sing. I’m attempting to exercise more, eat less saturated fats – you know the drill.

So my question is, what about you? Young, old, or in between, we all face the potential of dealing with some level of heart disease. What are you doing to protect your heart? And if you aren’t doing anything, don’t you think it’s time you start?

And while we’re asking questions? Is the anything … anything at all that is going to keep you from rushing right out tomorrow and buying your copy of WITH NO REMORSE? Gosh, I hope not

Congratulations to Aubrey Ross for winning the Readers’ Crown Award for Short Erotic Romance! Is that not just the hottest cover?

Aubrey is unable to blog today so here is a bit more about her book:
Winter is the second book in a paranormal erotic romance trilogy. It is hot, hot, hot!

After surviving the horrors of a salt refinery, Winter is convinced she’s prepared for anything. Her mission is simple, seduce Ulrick Brant and convince him to reveal the location of the mysterious Chemist. Ulrick is handsome, sexy, and heroic. How hard can this be?

Ulrick doesn’t mind helping the Resistance, but he won’t tolerate being used. Before Winter realizes she’s caught, he has her naked and in restraints. He arouses her slowly, commanding her body with skill and tenderness until they both forget it’s a game.

Winter is dazzled by the pleasure they share, but the Resistance won’t wait forever. Danger is closing in, and Ulrick must choose his final role, ruthless invader, or freedom fighter.

Bio:
When my parents realized I had an aptitude for storytelling—okay, even at an early age I was a consummate liar—they encouraged me to find constructive ways to put all that “creativity” to use. I wrote my first novel when I was in junior high school. It was a typical teenage girl’s fantasy about being kidnapped by a rock star, finding out he was really misunderstood, a millionaire’s son, and living happily ever after with the reformed rebel…

Now I spend my days, and many of my nights, trying to keep up with the characters springing to life within my mind. I find creative ways of avoiding errands and housework because I can’t drag myself away from the dramas unfolding in my latest story. And everyday I thank God I was able to quit my day job and actively pursue my dream!

What is your favorite type of cover?

Harlequin will randomly select 3 commenters to winners a set of the six books! Valid only in USA.

Watch how the covers have changed over the years and get an exclusive sneak peek at how a Harlequin® Blaze™ cover is made, and all the fun behind the scenes at the photo shoot!

Extra Innings by Debbi Rawlins
One sentence summary: The book is an Encounters, a trio of novellas revolving around three minor league baseball players hoping to be called up to the Majors and the three women who challenge them more than the game.
Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine? Naturally I like all three women, and choosing one I like the best feels too close to naming a favorite child. That said, Tori tickled me. The woman has no concept of censorship. Bless her, she says all the things I wish I could.
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing? One hero is an enigmatic short stop, another is a bad boy pitcher who’s already pitched in the Majors, and the third a heartthrob first baseman.
What you think readers will like best about this book? The stories are fun and fast paced, with the heroines achieving what few of us mere mortals can.

If you had the chance to go out with a celebrity, be it a sports figure, movie star, singer, anyone, who would it be, and what about him or his profession do you find attractive? This is just between you and me. of course

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Hard to choose just one, but I’ll pretty much see anything Bruce Willis does, and I’ve watched Pretty Woman and Pride and Prejudice an obscene number of times.
2. What’s your favorite cartoon character? I had a ridiculous crush on Johnny Quest.
3. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? Anything to do with animals
4. What do you do to unwind and relax? I love to read, grow flowers, not to be confused with weeding, play with my dogs and annoy my cats.
5. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? Any time before women wore pants would have been a deal breaker for me. If I ever wear a dress again it’ll because someone held me down and sprayed it on.

Hotshot by Jo Leigh
One sentence summary: He shattered her heart once, can she dare to let him get close enough to do it again?
What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Sara is an Air Force Captain
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Luke is an Air Force Pilot
What you think readers will like best about this book: The passion and the redemption.

Have you ever reconnected with a guy from your past? Was it disappointing or did it change your life?

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Too many to name, but some are Raiders of the Lost Arc, Love, Actually, Sin City, Broadcast News
2. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Rocky & Bullwinkle
3. What do you do to unwind and relax? Hang out with my pets.
4. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? Least: Upper Palaeolithic. So few really great handbags. Most: 1930s-40s. Of course, I’d want to be as tall and gorgeous as Kate Hepburn while I’m there.
5. Dog person or cat person? Both. We have four dogs and five cats, all rescues!

Too Hot to Touch by Julie Leto
Scene you like most and would never cut: I love the final scene where the hero has to use skills he disapproves of in order to get the heroine back. She’s brought him to his knees. That’s always fun.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: My heroine would never be caught saying, “Well, officer, you see, I lied about who I was and I’m actually a fence dealing in stolen goods.” It’s all true, but she’d never say it.
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? My hero is not quirky. He frowns at quirky. Unless it’s the heroine, in which case he embraces it. Heroine: I think the fact that she lives a double life is fairly quirky.
What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: She’s a fence, meaning she moves stolen goods for her adopted brother, who is a thief. But she’s also an art expert.
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Alex would never be unemployed! His family owns an auction house in Madrid and he runs it.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think the readers will love the subtle references to a certain legend regarding a mask-wearing bandit who made the ladies swoon all over colonial California. And they’ll love Alejandro, because he’s the quintessential tall, dark and handsome hero.

Readers always seem to love spin-offs and sequels. How many is too many?

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Star Wars, or what George Lucas wants us to call now “A New Hope.” This story ignited my imagination in ways that directly led to me becoming a writer.
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? The kind that is well-written and emotionally compelling. It can be anything, but it’s the writing that grabs me and takes me away.
3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Misty of Chincoteague, about the wild horses. I distinctly remember that book.
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? The better question is what is NOT my favorite fairy tale. I adore fairy tales.
5. What do you do to unwind and relax? Ha! I wish I could say I escape to my vacation home in the south of France, but honestly, I usually try to find a Criminal Minds or NCIS marathon to watch on television. I do love to travel, though.

Cowboys Like Us by Vicki Lewis Thompson
One sentence summary: When an injury ends Logan’s pro baseball career, he heads to the Last Chance Ranch and discovers that Caro Davis makes him forget all his troubles!.
Scene you like most and would never cut: When Logan’s thrown from his horse into a patch of wildflowers and ends up with them in his hair.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “My glass is half empty.”
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Logan can juggle cocktail shakers.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: She’s a bartender.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He was a pro baseball player and now has to figure out what to do with his life.
What you think readers will like best about this book: COWBOYS LIKE US is about resilience — finding new dreams when old dreams die.

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Anything starring Colin Firth.
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? A swashbuckling adventure in which I picture Colin Firth as the hero.
3. What’s the first book you remember reading? THE SECRET GARDEN, which I now picture starring a young Colin Firth.because guess what? The boy in that book is named Colin.
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast, which I’d love to see enacted by Colin Firth.
5. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? I love you all almost as much as I love Colin Firth

The Braddock Boys: Travis by Kimberly Raye
One sentence summary: A sexually frustrated wedding planner meets the ultimate Texas bad boy (oh, and he’s also a vampire).
Scene you like most and would never cut: They’re like my babies. I love them all!
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “I can’t do that”. Holly is the ultimate wedding planner and she wants to make dreams come true for her brides.
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He’s a working cowboy who trains horses. Very good at what he does because of his vamp senses. Can communicate telepathically with the animals and understand their primal instinct.
What’s next: I’m currently working on the last book in the Braddock Brothers series—this book features Colton and will finally give the brothers closure on the tragedy that destroyed their family. Oh, and I’ve just discovered Twitter. I’m becoming a major Twitter whore.

What’s your favorite hero type? Cowboys? CEOs? Cops? Vampires? Which type of man really floats your boat?

About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? The Terminator. The romance was skimpy, but those few moments were smokin’ hot!
2. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? It’s so comforting to know that I’m not the only hopeless romantic out there.
3. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? A baker. I love to bake goodies in my spare time. (Cupcake Wars here I come!)
4. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Neither. I’m a diet coke fanatic and yes, Brenda, it is possible to consume an entire six pack in less than three hours.
5. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Regency. Too many rules. Most? The Wild West. No rules!

Undeniable Pleasures by Tori Carrington
One sentence summary: In UNDENIABLE PLEASURES, the third and final book in the Pleasure Seekers miniseries, bad boy Jason Savage from RECKLESS PLEASURES is all over over a special case involving a difficult federal witness…along with sexy club owner Jordan Cosby, who has ‘pleasure’ written all over her…
Scene you like most and would never cut: Oh, that’s a tough one! Each scene is so tightly connected to the next if you were to cut one, the entire story might unravel. But I know that’s not what you mean. Hmm…in this case, I’d have to say one of my personal favorites is when Jason and Jordan indulge in a hot and heavy hallway make-out session at his grandmother’s house and she catches them. Instead of scolding them, however, she merely asks they not get anything on the rug…and points out there is a perfectly good bedroom nearby. Few things are more satisfying than when a character – secondary or otherwise – surprises you….
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “No.” Well, at least not to a perfectly good proposition from a perfectly yummy proposition maker. Too suggestive? Well, then, let’s go with “Single With a Cat.” Of course, this is before she’s put in protective custody and ends up spending more time in her apartment in two weeks than she has in the past two years and one of her friends gives her a black, long-haired female named Cleo to keep her company. Then again, by book’s close, it appears she’s not going to be single for very much longer, either….
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero and heroine: She loves breakfast cereals…the sweeter and more kid-like the better. He loves to cook…the more complicated and gourmet the better. A match made in Food Network Heaven…
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: An inactive Marine, he’s one of the original six partners of Lazarus Security, which usually handles more important cases than Jordan’s… But as luck would have it, this particular one turns out to be one of his most important to date….
What you think readers will like best about this book: The interplay – sexual and otherwise - between these two strong-willed, independent characters. She’s the ultimate bad girl to his irresistible bad boy. They’re lucky to make it out alive, much less in love. Also the fact that it’s intimately tied into stories that have come before.
What’s next: RED-HOT SANTA, Harlequin Blaze Uniformly HOT! available December 2011. While UNDENIABLE PLEASURES is the final book in the Pleasure Seekers Miniseries, I’m thrilled to report Lazarus Security stories will continue, beginning with RED-HOT SANTA, which features Jason Savage’s younger brother Jackson and Jackson’s longtime best friend Maxine McGuire…who decides she wants to take “friends with benefits” to a whole new hotter level….

When did you first discover the hotness that is Blaze? Have you been with the line since the beginning? Or are you just now picking up the awesome titles?

About Me:
Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Tony and I are both coffee fiends. Rare is the time you’ll find us without a cup at our elbows. I do tea every now and again, usually green. In the summer, I’m also a huge fan of frappes, a favorite of our comedic mystery gal pal Sofie Metropolis, who drinks ‘em all year long. For info on all of our titles, visit us at toricarrington.net. For fun and easy Greek recipes, go to sofiemetro.com.

Setting: Peru and Sierra Leone
Subgenre: Romantic Suspense
Hero: Luke (Doc Holiday) Colter
Heroine: Val (Valentina) Chamberlin

One sentence summary: His plans for a quiet vacation in the Peruvian Andes turns deadly when a Black Ops., Inc. operative rescues a stunning stranger from a mysterious train robbery and discovers she’s the target of a vengeful manhunt.

Scene you like most and would never cut: First scene, Chapter 9 – Luke and Val are tucked into a cave in the Andes, hiding out from the kill team that is after her. The team has already passed them by, so they’re just waiting it out a little longer as some extra insurance before they head out to continue dodging their pursuers. It’s the first kiss scene, involves her very bad case of claustrophobia, Luke’s total reluctance to admit it was more than a kiss, and a potato. Yes, a potato :o)

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She’d never be caught dead playing the diva, even though with her beauty, fame, and influence she could walk all over people.

Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine: She’s claustrophobic, a problem she’s fought to overcome since she was the victim of an abduction for ransom when she was a little girl.

What is your heroine’s occupation? Valentina is an international supermodel and philanthropist

What is your hero’s occupation? Luke is a former Navy SEAL, and a current team medic for Black Ops., Inc. a covert paramilitary unit based out of Buenos Aires

What you think readers will like best about this book: Hopefully the action and adventure and a really dynamite love story. Doc has this great sense of humor which lends a wonderful sense of playfulness to the mood of the story and helps see him and Val through some really tough spots.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: I’ve had the most requests for Nate Black (CO and founder of BOI) and Juliana Flores’ story.

What’s next: I’m currently writing LAST MAN STANDING, Joe Green’s book and I’m having such a great time writing this emotional and action-packed story, which takes place in Sierra Leone and the U.S.

What draws you, the reader, to the Romantic Suspense genre and what are you NOT finding there that you would love to read about? I’ll be giving away 2 copies of RISK NO SECRETS, Book 5 in the BOI series to 2 commenters.

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? - THE BRIDESMAIDS. It totally rocks! Best chick flick ever!
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Romantic suspense, what else?
3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Black Beauty
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Snow White
5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Tweety Bird
6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? I’d like to tell them that I so treasure the support and enthusiasm I feel from them with every new release. Every writer worries that the next book won’t be the best book and that they will somehow let their readers down – which is the last thing we want to do. So when I hear from my readers after each release and they tell me that they now have a new favorite, it’s like manna from heaven! So thanks! And thanks again.
7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? My ‘fantasy’ career? A singer. Probably country.
8. What do you do to unwind and relax? READ! Typical busman’s holiday. I also love to have fun with my girlfriends, family, travel, fish (yes, I said fish), and I have some favorite TV shows, with Justified, The Good Wife, NCIS, The Closer, Burn Notice and Rescue Me topping the list.
9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Tea. On ice. No sugar.
10. What does love mean to you? My husband and my children. There is nothing more fulfilling.
11. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise, and why? Most? Oh, the Regency era would be my least favorite. All those wigs and corsets – need I say more? As for most favorite? I think the Roman’s had it right. Soft, flowing dresses, sandals and updos :o)
12. What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? The truth? I don’t have that special name just waiting for a character. When my characters come to me, they have names. Don’t ask me how or why. I just know that this guy is a Luke or a Gabe or this woman is a Jillian or a Jenna. They arrive with perfect fits :o)
13. Dog person or cat person? We have both. Please don’t make me chose :o)

She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can’t forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he’s been drugged…even if Alani doesn’t.
After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he’ll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm’s way again?

The opening scene and premise to Savor the Danger might be one of the funniest, most cringe-worthy opening scenes I’ve ever read. Can you imagine, you finally give into the man who has been seducing you for YEARS and its awesome-sauce, and he wakes up and can’t remember a thing?? Can you imagine being that guy, who FINALLY gets the girl of his dreams to only find out that he can’t remember how he got her, what he said and what made her finally give in.

Its an action packed typical Lori Foster emotionally demanding, and extremely exciting novel, with nefarious characters popping up out of seemingly nowhere and pushing the main characters exactly where she needs them to be. One of the main themes in Ms. Foster’s work is extremely detailed characters’ with quirks, small little funky quirks that make them memorable. Jackson and Alani’s amazing chemistry and obvious attraction are extremely hot and intriguing, but the FUNNIEST moments come when Trace has to interact with Jackson after he and Alani have clearly spent the night together.

And the dating advise that Dare gives to Jackson, its AWESOME. Overall this is a very different novel from Trace the Fever or from Dare’s, but its a great one, the danger is No less present but its tied to all of their pasts, specifically Jackson’s and it explains how they all got together, became this band of brothers which is an incredible story.

One of the other characters introduced, oh I HOPE that there will be a future book about Arizona and Spencer, (ACCORDING TO LORI HERSELF, its out in 2012 called A Perfect Storm) I know there’s an amazing story there.

This is a FANTASTIC hilarious action packed extremely sexy romance novel and it was a fantastic finish to this trilogy and a fantastic book in and of itself. The characterization was phenomenal; the action was quick and the story so very memorable. This series, Men who Walk the Edge of Honor, is one that will remain on your bookshelf for years, because it combines the best of what is great about romance, fantastic alpha hero’s, strong female leads, hot combustible chemistry, fire-y action, and in-depth and intriguing stories.

There’s a reason Lori Foster is a queen of romance. This is a clear indication of why.

Overall Rating: A For a little more on Lori, you can read my interview with her HERE : you’ll find out how she blew up an egg in a microwave, (entirely possible) AND what she’d do with immunity for a day….

Savor the Danger, hits shelves on June 28, 2011 from Harlequin HQN books. Available in ebook and paperback.

Alix Taylor is a blogger and avid reader of all things book. You can find her at www.romancebooksforum.com, or on twitter @alixntaylor, where the snark flows free and the romance books are dissected with abandon.

More books from the Lori Foster series “Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor”:

Setting: Regency England, Home of Society’s Finest
Subgenre: Regency Historical
Hero: Robert Cottsworth, Duke of Harrington
Heroine: Kathryn Cottsworth, Duchess of Harrington

Once Sentence: A civilized marriage turns into something more sensual, more emotional, more honest, more . . .

Scene you like most and would never cut: The strange thing for me about this question is that my favorite scene can never be cut – because it’s never been written. I LOVE the Real Housewives on Bravo and in particular I love the opening credits, when each housewife has her ridiculous and overstated quote as she twirls about. It was picturing this scene that inspired The Real Duchesses of London. I’ve given you their quotes at the beginning of the story, but you’ll have to imagine the twirling (although I am doing my best with the book trailer).

Thing your heroine would never be caught doing/saying: The fun of writing this novella was that my very proper heroine learns to be not so proper – so I am going to say there’s very little she wouldn’t do by the end of the book – except perhaps betray her friends. She would never do that.

Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine: My heroine receives an unusual present – and she loves it. You won’t see her with the gift in the story, but if you could see some of the scenes that happen in my mind, you’d be rolling on the floor.

What’s your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: My heroine is the perfect duchess. She could have written the book on it. She spends her life doing nothing wrong – at least until my story begins.

What’s your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: My hero, the duke, manages the estates and seeks for modern ways to improve them.

What do you think readers will like best about this book: I think my readers will like how touching and sweet the romance between the hero and heroine is. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very sensual and hot story, but the emotional level on which they interact took even me by surprise.

What’s next: I’ll have a total of four Real Duchess novellas coming out this summer, each one the story of a different duchess. I am working on the fourth one right now and I’ve had more fun writing these than I’ve ever had working before.

And then in October my next book, What a Duke Wants, comes out from Avon. It’s the story of Isabella, the youngest sister from my previous books, and her adventures with a duke who doesn’t want to be a duke. The book also features one of my Real Duchesses.

My Question: Do you watch any of the Real Housewives shows and if so which one, and why? If you don’t watch tell me about a not-so-secret addiction you never thought you’d have.

About Me:

What’s my favorite movie of all time? Whichever movie I am watching at the moment. I love movies – although I am not seeing very many at the right now. My favorite movie in the last year was The King’s Speech, which I could watch again and again.

What’s my favorite kind of story to get lost in? Almost any! I am easy. Give me a book and I am gone.

What’s the first book I remember reading? The Black Stallion. I know I read others before it, but it’s the one that stands out. I loved that book.

What’s my favorite fairy tale? I’ve always loved Cinderella and would love to write a romance based on it.

What’s my favorite cartoon character? Speed Racer . . . sigh . . . my first true love. (And now I’ll be stuck with the theme song playing and replaying in my head all day. “Here he comes . . . .”)

What’s something I’d like to tell your readers? I don’t know why I find this question so hard. I guess I’d like to tell them to slow down – relax. Our lives move so fast, take the time to sit down – and read (one of mine, of course).

What would my occupation be if I were no longer a writer? I’ve been a bunch of things and definitely like writing the best. I can’t imagine not writing – even if I wasn’t paid for it. As far as money – I’ll do whatever is needed.

What do I do to unwind and relax? Besides read? I love to swim and go to the beach. I also love gardening (although, I’ve been very bad this year).

Tea or Coffee? And how do I take it? Coffee with milk in the morning and either decaf coffee or tea with milk later in the day.

What does love mean to me? Best friends with passion.

Which era would I least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? I love the style of 1940’s clothing, but am glad I don’t have to wear it. I love comfort and being able to lift my arms fully.

What name have I been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? Hope.

Dog person or cat person? I am mostly a cat person, but do dream of a dog. I’d really like a granddog that occasionally comes to visit, but goes home at the end of the day.

Setting: Los Angeles, California
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance (werewolf romance)
Hero: Lucas Simone, Wolf Alpha
Heroine: Sarah King

One sentence summary: When Sarah King finds herself running for her life, she turns to alpha Lucas Simone for help—Lucas is fierce, wild, and more than strong enough to destroy any hunters on Sarah’s trail.

Scene you like most and would never cut: I actually really enjoyed writing the beginning scene the most. Lucas is trapped in a jail cell, and Sarah comes to his aid. Well, she comes for a price. If Lucas will give her protection, she’ll give him freedom. Sarah thinks that’s a pretty fair trade.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: In horror movies, you often see the terrified heroine stumbling around in the dark or heading into the dangerous basement when you know she’s just going to stumble right into the killer. Sarah isn’t the stumbling type. She’s the bring-a-gun-with-you-and-fight type. I respect that about her.

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Though he’s tough on the outside, Lucas has a serious soft spot on the inside. The guy just can’t resist a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, this soft spot could be his downfall because while Sarah might play the weak card very well, she’s one woman who has a serious killer instinct.

Heroine? Sarah has always fought against being normal. To her, normal is boring, and she’ll do anything necessary to walk in the paranormal world. The big, bad wolf doesn’t scare her; instead, he just makes her feel more alive.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Sarah is currently unemployed—mostly because she’s running for her life and that running doesn’t leave her a whole lot of time for a nine to five job. When she isn’t running, Sarah does the work she was born to do…she infiltrates some very dangerous organizations.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Lucas is the alpha of the LA wolf pack and being alpha is a full-time job. He controls the pack, all of the businesses owned by the pack, and he rules with iron control.

What you think readers will like best about this book: I hope readers like the action. Lucas and Sarah set out on a wild, desperate adventure, and as they fight for survival, the tension between them heats up as the pages turn.

What’s next: I’m excited to say that ANGEL OF DARKNESS, the first book in my Fallen Angels of Death series, will release from Kensington Brava in December of 2011. My angels are dark, very dangerous, and they can kill with a touch. Some touches can bring pleasures, but if my angels come after you, then you’ll only know death.

Thanks so much for checking out my post! I had a fabulous time writing about Lucas. I’ve always enjoyed the werewolf legend. Maybe it’s that wild side that werewolves have, but I love the idea of a man who can control the beast within himself. What about you? What aspects of the werewolf legend do you enjoy? Two random commenters will be selected to win copies of NEVER CRY WOLF.

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? The Mummy

2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? A sexy paranormal romance!

3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Tough question! And I must confess—I can’t remember! Though I do remember that when I was a child, my mom would read Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood to me over and over. She had a great book of fairy tales that she always pulled out at bedtime.

4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Snow White, though I would like it more if the Wicked Queen had a slightly different ending.

5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Donald Duck

6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my books!

7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? A teacher.

8. What do you do to unwind and relax? Read

9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Um, sweet tea, please. Very sweet.