Tag: video
Blogguest - Lavinia Kent
by ellenclark on Jun.29, 2011, under Book Chat
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.
Blogguest - Virna DePaul
by ellenclark on May.01, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: From Washington D.C. and Portland Oregon to France and North Korea.
Subgenre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Hero: Knox Devereaux
Heroine: Felicia Locke
One sentence summary: A vampire and the human female he’s forbidden to love join the FBI’s first Para-Ops team in order to track down the stolen antidote that the vampire clan desperately needs to survive.
Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene where the team parachutes from a spy plane into North Korea in bat glider suits. Fun to research and even more fun to write!
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “I love you so much, Knox, that I’m willing to be your mistress and watch you marry another vampire female so you can fulfill your duty to your clan!”
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Because of his royal vampire blood, he transforms when he’s highly impassioned. He gets broader and badder. Kind of like the Hulk but in a wholly sexy way!
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Felicia is a special agent with the FBI, specializing in hostage negotiation.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Knox is the leader of the biggest vamp clan in Portland, Oregon. At the beginning of the story, he agrees to lead the Para-Ops team, the first special ops team formed by the FBI to recruit Otherborn.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think they’ll enjoy the serious blend of fast-paced intrigue and suspense, with compelling emotion and sensuality.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Dex Hunt, the werebeast on the Para-Ops team.
What’s next: In September of 2011, my first book with Harlequin Romantic Suspense launches. Dangerous To Her is about an undercover cop who’s investigating a judge and ends up reuniting with his college love. Then, in October of 2011, Book 2 in the Para-Ops Novels comes out. Chosen By Fate is about the team’s ghost, Wraith, and its human shaman psychic, Caleb O’Flare. Wraith and Caleb explore the tension between pleasure and pain as they investigate crimes in the feline community. And in April 2012, I launch my new romantic suspense series with HQN.
About Me:
What’s your favorite movie of all time? Shawshank Redemption. I cry every time Tim Robbins throws his arms up and savors freedom in the rain.
What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Paranormal romance or contemporary romantic suspense. Dark, tortured but redeemable heroes with strong but vulnerable women, fast paced action, unexpected turns, and high sensuality.
What’s the first book you remember reading? Bonnie Drake’s Lover From The Sea.
What’s your favorite fairy tale? Red Riding Hood. Even though she didn’t save herself in the fairy tale, I think she could have. She was independent and smart! (She knew something fishy was up with her “grandma!”) I’m really looking forward to the animated movie “Hood versus Evil,” the sequel to “Hookwinked.”
What’s your favorite cartoon character? I always liked Betty Rubble. She was a classic side kick, but like Maryann on Gilligan’s Island, I thought she was way more interesting than her redheaded counterpart.
What’s something you’d like to tell our readers? That I’m a voracious reader of many different genres and am striving to be the type of versatile writer who can sweep readers into a fantastic world and make them want to return again and again.
What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? I’d probably still be a criminal prosecutor for the state of CA doing criminal appellate work. In all honesty, I’d also be searching for a way out as quickly as possible.
What do you do to unwind and relax? I’m a big fan of massages, family movie nights, and reading retreats.
Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? ICED Chai tea latte.
What does love mean to you? Having someone who keeps you grounded but gives you wings, too.
Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? Anything hot and confining would be miserable for me. I know the corset, when worn properly, is supposed to be comfortable, but I think I can safely say a corset-influenced fashion era would be my least favorite. For sheer fun, I think the fashion era I’d most want to have lived in is the 1920s-1930s, during the transition from flapper to Hollywood icon fashions.
What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? Cyrus. I think it’s uber smart, sophisticated, and sexy.
Dog person or cat person? Both! But I haven’t been able to replace the cat-of-my-heart who died while I was in college. I have a King Charles Cavalier know, who is the ultimate companion dog. So loving!!!
I’ve been challenged to like a lot of different, controversial heroes or heroines in romance novels and been surprised how often the authors can make it work. Can you remember a hero or heroine you were sure you were going to dislike but that won you over in the end?
I had a great time visiting here at True Romance! I’ll be giving away a Para-Ops tote with a mug, chocolate, trading cards, my ebook, A Vampire’s Salvation, and a flash drive pen to one random commenter.
Please explore my website at www.virnadepaul.com or play with me on Facebook or Twitter @virnadepaul
Blogguest - Madeline Hunter
by ellenclark on Apr.23, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: London and England, 1819
Subgenre: Regency historical
Hero: Tristan, Duke of Castleford
Heroine: Daphne Joyes
One sentence summary: Castleford is diverted from following pleasure’s path to hell when an unexpected inheritance makes him cross paths with Daphne, and his fascination with her leads to a pursuit, to a seduction, to danger, and to mysteries that she would rather keep as secrets.
Scene you like most and would never cut: My favorite between the two main characters comes after Castleford first calls on Daphne and she has the temerity to refuse to receive him. Let’s just say he does not take it well, and doesn’t stand down. There are also a series of scenes among him and his friends that I love, and my favorite may be when they have a “guy” party while he burns the bed in which he has led a dissolute but very pleasurable life.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Being a woman, I need some man to take care of me.”
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? He only performs his ducal duties on Tuesdays.
Heroine: She has established a rule in her household that no one pries into anyone else’s life or past.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Daphne owns a business called The Rarest Blooms that grows flowers and plants that are sold in London. She also takes women into her home who are on their own and in need of support, either due to family issues or because they are running away from something.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He is a duke. That means he has duties in the government, and he also has considerable estates and finances to manage. If he were going to be employed, he might become a private investigator. He has shown a tendency in the series to be very talented at poking his nose into other people’s business.
What you think readers will like best about this book: It is an angel and the sinner story at heart, and I think reader’s like those. I also think they will like the understated but very present humor, and Castleford’s distinctive way of looking at the world.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: As it happens it has been Castleford! I have been getting lots of emails from readers ever since he showed up in the first book of The Rarest Blooms series, Ravishing in Red. Some have also been asking about Katherine, a woman who has played a secondary role in the series, but I resolve her story in this book too.
What’s next: I am beginning a new series and am working on the first book, that I expect to be published in the spring of 2012. No title yet, and I am superstitious about discussing my stories until they are almost finished, so I am going to leave it at that.
When you have been in significant relationships, has it been a case of like minds attracting, or opposites attracting? Which kind of attraction do you think works best in life? In romance novels?
To celebrate the release of Dangerous in Diamonds, I will be giving a signed copy of any book from my backlist to two people who comment. (I am sorry, but the two in one trade printing of By Arrangement and By Possession, and the Tapestry anthology, are not included as choices because I no longer have author copies of them.) My booklist can be found at www.MadelineHunter.com
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, Christi Barth + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.19, 2011, under Book Chat
Have you ever been attracted to the wrong person? A guy you’re sure will ultimately disappoint, but you still can’t resist? I’ll shamelessly admit having wandered down that road a time or two. And boy oh boy, it was fun while it lasted! Whether it is a genuine bad boy, or just a bad-for-you boy, there are men out there who lure us in despite common sense urging us to run the other way. What causes that pull, that attraction? Good looks? Prestige? Money? Charisma? In the classic musical Guys & Dolls, it’s attributed to chemistry. Heck, they devote an entire song to the theory.
So when I decided to write a romance that peeks behind the curtain at love in a theatre, I knew the chemistry between my hero and heroine had to be irresistible. And it had to center around Guys & Dolls, as a musical many people would recognize. Having spent years performing (yes, even in Guys & Dolls), I’ll admit we actors tend to be rather dramatic both on and off stage. Put that amount of passion in a romance, and you don’t get sparks – you get a blazing wildfire. In Act Like We’re In Love, Linnea and Luke have chemistry galore. But when two people make beautiful music together onstage, can their love survive once the curtain falls?
Linnea Larson is willing to do anything to keep her family’s Minneapolis dinner theatre from going under. Anything, that is, besides accepting a date from the Hollywood hunk her father hired to inject a dose of star power into their production of Guys & Dolls. It’s a toss up whether his greatest claim to fame is playing a superhero on screen, or a super stud off screen. Neither fact convinces her he’s got what it takes to share her stage. And thanks to a life long pact with her best friend, she never dates actors.
Luke Powell has fame, fortune, and an endless string of women, but also a lingering dissatisfaction with his picture perfect life. Looking for a change, he escapes to his theatrical roots. What he finds are wary cast mates, a nervous best friend convinced the show will ruin Luke’s career, and an adorable costar who stubbornly refuses to go out with him. Suddenly singing and dancing aren’t the only challenges he’ll tackle over the summer. Far from the spotlights of Hollywood, can he find happiness in the footlights of a tiny theatre?
Despite Luke dragging her into his daily paparazzi nightmare, Linnea can’t deny her mounting attraction to his irresistible charm. And even if she’s crazy enough to chance getting involved, their fling would have a guaranteed expiration date. He’s leaving at the end of the run, and she’s tied to her family’s theatre. Why risk the inevitable heartbreak? Their job is to act like they’re in love, but will they decide it’s worth the leap to fall in love for real?
I’m giving away a copy of Act Like We’re In Love, but you’ve got to share your story to win. What made you throw common sense to the wind and date the wrong person? And did he end up, to your surprise, being Mr. Right?
Blogguest, Sandra Worth & Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.15, 2011, under Book Chat
PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND by SANDRA WORTH
www.sandraworth.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/sandraworthauthor
Setting: Early Tudor England, 1495 – 1537
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Hero: Richard, Duke of York, known in England as “Perkin Warbeck” (the younger of the two princes the Tudors said were murdered in the Tower of London)
Heroine: Lady Catherine Gordon, princess of Scotland
One sentence summary: Based on history, PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND relates the heroic journey of a young prince who comes to England to reclaim his father’s crown, and his love affair with the “unforgettable” (RT Book Reviews) Scottish princess, Lady Catherine Gordon.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
King Henry VII is Prince Richard’s rival in both love and war, and is besotted with Richard’s wife, Lady Catherine Gordon. The king holds both Catherine and Richard captive at court, but he has hidden their small child away in an unknown place. For the sake of her husband and little son, Catherine must tread warily in Henry Tudor’s glittering, but deadly court. As the story progresses, King Henry proposes to Catherine and she is faced with the terrible choice of wedding the man who tortured her husband and abducted her child, or refusing him, and placing the life of her lost boy at risk. The way she handles the king and his proposal is the scene I like most.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Catherine is a spirited and high-principled woman, utterly loyal to the man she loves. He is a pauper and the king’s captive. When offered a choice between the king and the pauper, she chooses the pauper, though the king would lay the world at her feet. No matter how great her temptation to do so, Catherine could not be bought and would never say the words King Henry yearned to hear: “I love you, Henry.”
What celebrity is your hero like:
He looks like the handsome actor in my PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND video who reminds me of Brad Pitt in the movie, TROY. In a clip of the video, the sketch of the real Pretender turns into this actor’s face. The similarities between the historical figure and this Brad Pitt-look alike are uncanny.
What celebrity is your heroine like:
My heroine is like Catherine Zeta-Jones with the young Elizabeth Taylor’s famous “azure” eyes.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Catherine is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth of York, but staying alive in Henry Tudor’s court is her real full time job.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
He’s a prince and should be king, but he’s taken prisoner by Henry VII, so I guess you could consider him “unemployed.”
What you think readers will like best about this book:
Readers have told me the book is like a thriller that keeps them reading on the edge of their seat. Maybe that’s because there’s never a dull moment in a Tudor court!
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I have a personal ancestor who led a dramatic and colorful life. This is the book I have been urged to write. I should probably consider applying for “Who do U Think U R?”!
What’s next:
I’m superstitious and think it’s bad luck to talk about a work in progress but I can say this - like Pale Rose of England, this story is set in a colorful time of high drama and is driven by love, valor, passion and destiny.
For more about my books, and to read an excerpt, please visit my website: www.sandraworth.com
In PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND a woman believes a prophecy that says she will be queen and allows it to determine her destiny. Do you believe in prophecy?
Please leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND –and thanks for loving romance!
Weekly Winners @True Romance Blog w/SueG
by sue on Mar.13, 2011, under Book Chat
All you suspense fans, a subtle reminder that Lisa Jackson’s DEVIOUS will be on sale 3/29 - pre-order now! If you’ve not read Lisa & love suspense, this book is for you!
What a week of Romance! Winners are below - please contact SueG at www.sgrimsha@bordersgroupinc.com to collect your prize.
Monday with Kira - Molly Banks; JuneM
Tuesday - Marlee; DebP; Johanna‘; Stacy; Diane
Wednesday & Rebecca Z’s winner - Sayde; Cynthia
Thursday w/Hope - Lizbeth; Gwynlyn; Diana; Vanessa
Afternoon w/Molly - Mindy; JenniferB; Teri
Friday & Cynthia’s winner - June; Sharon‘;AmyP
Sat w/Jen Ashley - SaraM
Congrats everyone!
Now, this weeks line up includes:
Sunday - Inez Kelley
Monday w/Jacquelyn Frank
Tuesday with Sandra Worth!
Wednesday & Gianna Bruno
Thursday & Cornelia Amiri
Friday & Gwen Hayes
Sat with Mary Martinez & Christi Barth in the afternoon
Some old & some new — you’ve got to stop by for prizes & more –
See you soon!
Happy Romance,
SueG
Blogguest, Jennifer Ashley + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.12, 2011, under Book Chat
Primal Bonds
By Jennifer Ashley
Setting: Austin, TX
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance
Hero: Sean Morrissey (Feline Shifter and the Guardian for his Shiftertown)
Heroine: Andrea Gray (half Fae, half Lupine Shifter)
One sentence summary:
When Feline Shifter Sean Morrissey agrees to mate-claim the half Fae half Shifter Andrea Gray, sight unseen, he gets more than he bargained for.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
The Shifter ladies badgering Sean in his front yard to tell them what kind of underwear he’s wearing. Sean settles the bet in a fun way.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
“I know my place and keep to it.” Yep, she’d die first.
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero?
He’s a biker who can make computers do anything he wants.
Heroine
She likes buying the hero underwear.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Andrea is a waitress at Sean’s brother’s bar.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Sean is the Guardian of his clan and his Shiftertown—his sword sends the souls of deceased or dying Shifters into the afterlife.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
Sexy biker Shifters in a warm, close-knit family.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Dylan Morrissey (Sean and Liam’s father).
What’s next:
For Jennifer Ashley:
The next Mackenzie novel: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (August 2011, Berkley)
The next Shifter novel: Wild Cat (Jan 2012, Berkley)
For Allyson James
The next Stormwalker novel: Shadow Walker (June 2011, Berkley)
Plus a Stormwalker novella: “Double Hexed” in the Hexed anthology (June 2011)
About Me:
1. What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Toss up between Chocolat and Pirates of the Caribbean #1
2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
Mystery novels
3. What’s the first book you remember reading?
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
4. What’s your favorite fairy tale?
Cinderella
5. What’s your favorite cartoon character?
Bugs Bunny
6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers?
I love fan mail! Keep sending it!!!
7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer?
Musician or dollhouse builder
8. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Play guitar, build dollhouses and miniature settings, read, hike, or watch a really good TV show.
9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
Tea. Iced. No sugar. Love blends.
10. What does love mean to you?
Caring deeply for someone for who they are, not what they do.
11. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most?
Least: About the 1770s. The panniers and big hair look so uncomfortable.
Most: the 1920s. Easy clothes, short hair, cocktails, and cool cars.
12. Dog person or cat person?
Both. But I have only cats, because my cats are cat people.
Readers: What’s your favorite kind of Shifter? And why?
One winner will receive any book from my backlist under any name (Jennifer Ashley or Allyson James). Backlist titles are here:
http://www.jennifersromances.com/NewSite/seriesorder.html
Blogguest, Julie James + Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.04, 2011, under Book Chat
Setting: Chicago
Subgenre: Contemporary romance
Hero: Special Agent Nick McCall
Heroine: Jordan Rhodes
One sentence summary: A wealthy wine store owner agrees to pose as the girlfriend of an undercover FBI agent (as part of a sting operation) in exchange for her twin brother’s release from prison.
Scene you like most and would never cut: Early on in the book, shortly after the hero and heroine realize they have to pretend to be dating at an exclusive wine-tasting party, the hero sarcastically calls the heroine (a billionaire heiress) “princess”. Let’s just say that doesn’t go over too well. . . . The banter/quips that follow pretty much set the tone of their relationship throughout the rest of the book.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “They’re beautiful, but I already have enough shoes.”
Tell us one quirky thing about your hero: Nick is the most “guy’s guy” hero I’ve written, and he has all sorts of rules about the things that men don’t “do.” Men don’t do boysenberry colored ties, they don’t do bubble baths, and they definitely don’t watch Dancing with the Stars instead of football on a Monday night. That being said, when matched against Jordan, Nick begins to bend his rules a little, particularly when he realizes that even bubble baths aren’t so bad with the right incentive. . .
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Jordan is the owner of DeVine Cellars, a wine store in Chicago. She opened the store shortly after getting her MBA and has worked hard to make it the most successful wine shop in the city.
Oh—and she’s also the heir to a billion dollars. Her father made a fortune after inventing the Rhodes Anti-Virus, the leading computer security software on the market.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Nick is the top undercover agent with the FBI’s Chicago division. He’s often gone for long stretches while working undercover, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for relationships. The one exception to this is his family back in Brooklyn, who he remains close to despite the demands of his job.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think readers will enjoy the back-and-forth banter between Jordan, a sophisticated wine store owner, and Nick, a rough-around-the-edges FBI agent from Brooklyn. I also think readers will like how real and identifiable the characters are. Sure, Jordan is a billionaire heiress, but she’s smart, ambitious, protective of her family—particularly her twin brother in prison—and yet, despite her successes, she wants to find love. Nick is also a multi-faceted character: yes, he’s got the FBI thing going, and he’s very dedicated to his career, but he’s also close to his family and constantly feels guilty about not spending enough time with them. That’s probably something a lot of us can relate to!
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: A lot of people ask me about Wilkins, Jack’s partner in Something About You. I’m happy to say that Wilkins has a small part in A Lot Like Love, and he may also show up in the book I’m currently writing.
What’s next: I’m currently writing my fifth book, which is tentatively titled About That Night. The hero is the brother of the heroine in A Lot Like Love. He’s a billionaire heir/ex-con who is fresh out of prison and trying to figure out what he’s going to do with his life. The heroine is a woman from his past. . . and that’s all I’m going to say for now. : )
Now on a personal note:
What’s your favorite movie of all time? Oh, gosh, I have so many favorites. I probably have to go with The Star Wars trilogy.
What’s your favorite fairy tale? I’m a sucker for a good Cinderella story.
What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? I’d probably still be a lawyer!
What do you do to unwind and relax? A hot bath, a glass of wine, and a good book.
Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? I’m a Starbucks junkie—I think I’ve written a scene at, or a reference to, Starbucks in every one of my books. My order? Decaf tall skinny vanilla latte.
Which era would you most like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? I love the way women dressed in the old black and white films, what I’ll call the Cary Grant era. Everyone looked glamorous and elegant. Although if I had the chance, I’d probably only make it a week dressed like that before I missed my jeans and yoga pants.
Thanks for having me here! Today I’m giving away copies of A Lot Like Love to three randomly selected people who leave a comment below. In honor of my hero, Nick, let’s talk about those “guy’s guys”. . . Who is your favorite “guy’s guy” in books, television, or film, and why?
Blogguest, Nicole Jordan + Giveaway!!
by sue on Feb.25, 2011, under Book Chat
For the Ton or the Town, Compromise Can be Wickedly Fun!
By Nicole Jordan
Are you a fan of the award-winning sitcom, Modern Family? IMHO, it’s one of the funniest shows currently on TV. And—believe it or not—when I watched a recent episode of Modern Family, I was reminded of the scene in the early pages of my newest Regency historical, To Desire a Wicked Duke, that forever changes the life of the heroine, Tess Blanchard.
In the Modern Family episode, the children of married couple Claire and Phil Dunphy (Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell) have managed to carve out some precious time for romance when the door to their bedroom flies open, and their teenage and pre-teen daughters and adolescent son burst into the room unaware. Seems Mom and Dad forgot to lock the door and are caught in a compromising situation that sends their children fleeing the room in abject horror.
In To Desire a Wicked Duke, Tess Blanchard isn’t married, nor is she in the marriage bed, but the virginal lady is indulging her secret longing to be swept away by the romantic passion of a kiss. She has overheard her dear friends, the Loring sisters, talk about the physical pleasures of marriage. And two years after her betrothed died in the Napoleonic Wars, Tess has decided that if marriage isn’t in the cards for her, she’d at least like to experience the passion of a harmless kiss. She finds a willing volunteer in the arms of the Duke of Rotham, the cousin of her late betrothed. Trouble is, while Tess and Ian are locked in a clandestine embrace, in walks her patron . . . accompanied by some prudish, hoity-toity neighbors, no less. Busted! Or, in Regency terms, single Miss Tess has been compromised. She must either marry Ian or suffer the ton’s scorn, which means all she hopes to accomplish in life could be destroyed.
While times have changed greatly for us modern-day readers, in someways they have not. Cross the line of what is acceptable, and there can be a price to pay. For Claire and Phil Dunphy, it was their hilarious scramble to restore their dignity with their children. For Tess and Ian, a forced marriage. But it seems Ian isn’t all that upset about the arrangement. He just has to figure out how to convince the stubborn Tess to join him in their marriage bed. And thus the fun begins in this finale to my Courtship War series.
Do you remember your first kiss? Your best kiss? That is, have you ever been swept away by a kiss, as Tess was? And if you have a G-rated story to share, you can tell us if you’ve ever caught someone — or been caught — in a compromising situation that, in retrospect, you find humorous!
* To learn more about Tess and Ian’s latest romantic battle in the Courtship Wars and read Chapter One, visit my Books/New Release page at www.NicoleJordanAuthor.com, where you’ll also find downloadable color bookmarks, delightful character blogs, and fabulous monthly contests!
** From today’s posters I’ll randomly draw a name to win a lovely pair of vintage-inspired earrings, plus your choice of an earlier Courtship Wars romance — TO PLEASURE A LADY, TO BED A BEAUTY, TO SEDUCE A BRIDE, TO ROMANCE A CHARMING ROGUE, or TO TAME A DANGEROUS LORD!
