DESIRE THE NIGHT by Amanda Ashley
A VAMPIRE IN CHAINS...
Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire
Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years,
she’s tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth—sustaining him
with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest
victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different.
Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting.
Kay Alissano is no ordinary woman. Every full moon, she must answer the
call of the wild—unleashing the wolf within. As daughter of the Shadow
Pack’s Alpha, Kay is extremely powerful—and when she’s offered up to
Gideon, she doesn’t surrender easily. In wolf form, she might be able
unchain Gideon’s heart and set them both free—if only he can resist the
urge to consume her, body and soul, before the next full moon…
It's Oct, so what books are you looking forward to reading this month?
Post your comments and you'll be entered for a chance to win a copy of this book.
US and Canada mailing addresses only.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Q & A with Melissa Cutler!
Note: Check the end of the interview for a fantastic contest to win a copy of The Trouble with Cowboys!
The Trouble with
Cowboys is a mash-up of western and culinary romance novels, with a cowboy
hero who not only raises prime beef but knows what to do with it once it hits
the kitchen and a heroine who's a failed reality cooking show contestant (a lá Top Chef) who's returned to her small
town home to open a restaurant featuring locally grown food. It's the first of
a trilogy.
Amy, the star of the first book, has a serious weakness
for everything cowboy. As she tells
her sister Jenna, she's the only woman she knows who gets turned on when the
song 'Desperado' comes on the radio. She attributes her epic fail on television
to a conniving fellow contestant posing as a cowboy and has sworn off cowboys
for good to focus on her career. So it figures that her key supplier is Catcher
Creek's most eligible bachelor, Kellan Reed—exactly the sort of Stetson-tipping
bad boy she finds impossible to resist.
2. What was one of the most surprising things you have
learned as a writer?
One of the most surprising things I've learned is how much I
adore talking to and connecting with readers and fellow writers. My whole life,
I considered myself an introvert, complete with that slightly out-of-place
feeling in every situation I was in. As soon as I embraced the romance community
and the notion that I was a writer, I felt like I'd finally found my rightful
place in the world. Everything clicked, and it's been the most amazing journey
ever since. As it turns out, I'm a hardcore extrovert (who knew?!?).
3. What authors or friends influenced you in helping you to
become a writer?
Probably the most influential aspect of my "writerly
development" wouldn't be a person or specific author, but access to public
libraries beginning at a very early age and into adulthood. Growing up, we
couldn't afford to buy books, but my mom took me to the library all the time. It's
always been my happy place.
Then, when my kids were super little, my local library
designated the book shelves closest to the children's section for paperback
romances. It was the only adult book section I could browse while still keeping
an eye on my kids. I believe I read Every. Single. One. I'd been reading
romance since I was a young teen, but there in the library with those
paperbacks was when I figured out that if I was going to ever follow my dream
and write, it would have to be romance. Life's too short to read books with
unhappy endings.
4. What does your family think about your career as a
published author?
I'm loud and proud about the genre I love to write and read,
and am so fortunate to have had my family and my husband's family support
throughout every phase of my writing journey. Trust me, I know how lucky I am to
be surrounded by people who not only give me their blessing, but help watch the
kids occasionally so I can work. That being said, I'm razzed constantly (and
good-naturedly) about my "dirty books" and shirtless cowboys, but it's
all in good fun and helps me not take things too seriously.
5. Besides writing, what other interests do you have?
There's more to life than writing? What??? I'm kidding. I
play piano and relax by riffing and writing my own songs. I also fancy myself
an accomplished amateur bartender. One of my favorite ways to spend Sunday
afternoon is to have friends over for cocktails on the patio.
And I love to travel. Melissa fun fact: I've been to more
countries than states in the U.S, including Turkey,
China, Spain, Italy,
Greece,
and so on. I'm hoping to balance out that ratio someday, but mostly I'm
compelled to seek out the off-the-beaten-path places throughout the world and
learn about how people live
6. Can you tell us about what's coming up next for you
writing wise?
This November, my first Harlequin Romantic Suspense book is
coming out, which is so exciting. Titled Seduction
Under Fire, it tells the story of two cops who love to hate each other, but
are on the run together in Baja. I live super close to Mexico and
spend a lot of time south of the border, so this is a story close to my heart.
Then, in 2013, the follow-up to The Trouble
with Cowboys, titled The Secret to
Loving a Lawman, will hit the shelves.
7. How can readers connect with you online?
I'm online every day and treasure the opportunity to connect
with readers, who can find me on Twitter (@m_cutler), Facebook (www.facebook.com/MelissaCutlerBooks),
and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/cutlerromance/
). Readers can also find out more about me, my books, and my event schedule
(including guest blog posts) at www.melissacutler.net
or email me at cutlermail@yahoo.com.
Time for me to hear from you. Since I'm such a passionate
traveler, I'd love recommendations for off-the-beaten-path places in the world
I should visit, even if it's a reader's hometown. I'll be giving away a copy of
The Trouble with Cowboys to one
commentator.
Bio:
Melissa Cutler is a Southern California native living with
her family in beautiful San Diego.
In 2008, she decided to take her romance novel devotion to the next level by
penning one herself. She now divides her time between her dual passions for
writing sexy, small town contemporaries for Kensington Books and
edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin.
Bio:
The Trouble with Cowboys buy links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trouble-with-cowboys-melissa-cutler/1110855259?ean=9781420130041
Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Trouble-Cowboys/Melissa-Cutler/9781420130041?id=5360765607338
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420130041
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Winner is....
Congrats to LSU Reader, who wins the $10 Amazon giftcard!
Please contact me at pattifischer@yahoo.com with your Amazon email addy.
Please contact me at pattifischer@yahoo.com with your Amazon email addy.
Chat with Dianna Love!
New York Times Bestselling author Dianna Love joins us to discuss
her book, THE CURSE.
Door prize: One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of
THE CURSE! Moderated by Sandi
When? This Wednesday night at 9:00PM Eastern time
Where? http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=102122
or go to www.romrevtoday.com and click on RRT CHAT.
Once the login screen loads, just type your name and choose Mo's room from the
chat room menu ;)
Hope to see you there!
Mo
Author's website: http://www.authordiannalove.com/
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Spotlight Review:
COURTING CAROLINA – Janet Chapman
Spellbound Falls Series, Book 3
Jove Books
ISBN: 978-0-515-15106-0
September 2012
Contemporary Romance w/ Magic
Spellbound Falls, Maine, Early Fall
Some years ago, a group of twelfth-century Highlander warriors—and their horses—arrived in modern day Maine through the machination of an old wizard. The MacKeage clan settled on TorMountain and have since married and had families. Alec MacKeage spent time—as all the MacKeage sons have—serving his country in the military, Alec in a clandestine unit. Now he spends his winters on his family's ski resort on the mountain. He's spending this summer building a wilderness trail up a mountain for another resort by the new inland sea recently created by a huge earthquake. (How that came to be is another whole other story to be found in Ms. Chapman's CHARMED BY HIS LOVE, out last June.) This tale begins with a storm coming up and Alec finding a woman on the new trail being manhandled by two men. He hastens to her rescue and succeeds…with the help of her dog. Leaving the men unconscious, Alec carries the woman to his sheltered camp where he takes care of her slight wound and gets her dry and warm, meanwhile noticing that the dog is a wolf . When the woman comes to, she gives Alec her name as Jane Smith and pleads with him not to contact the authorities. Jane tells Alec there was a third man still after her. Alec has his doubts about her name, but goes along with her wishes. (When he goes back to check on the men, he finds them where he left them, but dead from a lightning strike or two.)
Alec and Jane get along quite well for the next few days, but he's right about her name. Jane is really Carolina Oceanus, sister of Maximilian Oceanus, for whom Alex is presently working. She is also the daughter of Titus Oceanus, the most powerful Dr ù idh on earth and the one responsible for creating and hiding Atlantis beneath the sea. Jane/Carolina ducked her bodyguard and ran away from home to escape being forced into an unwanted marriage. Jane keeps all this from Alec while they spend a happy interlude together. He allows her to keep her secrets, and she learns what it's like to be respected as a person, not as just a female with no mind of her own.
Inevitably, however, Carolina is located, and her parents come to the area. Her father invites a group of suitors to vie for her hand, warriors all, but from various places and past times. They have until the grand opening of the new resort to win her hand. But Jane likes being Jane, and she has no idea Alec has figured out who she is. For some reason, Mac doesn't want his sister to have anything to do with a MacKeage.
In spite of the intrigue, suspense and sometimes amusing aspects of COURTING CAROLINA, it's essentially a story of two people finding themselves and each other. Alec had vowed never to marry and father children after a heartbreaking mission for the government. Carolina's parents are loving, but after centuries of societies where women have little control over their lives, even in Atlantis, she chafes under restrictions and blooms in present day soil.
COURTING CAROLINA has a large cast. Some of special note are Katalanta, AKA Kitty, wolf on land and killer whale at sea; then Nicholas, Carolina's body guard; they love each other as brother and sister. I was hoping he would get his own book…and he will! There is also a MacKeage among the suitors summoned from the past. He seems very interested in the delights of the modern world, so maybe he'll join his descendants and stay around.
Janet Chapman has created an endlessly captivating world with heroic and likable characters. Her world is spread through all her series and, while self contained, are connected. It's a magical world in which astonishing things may happen, but the focus never strays far from the human heart and its capacity to love. Check out www.janetchapman.com .
Jane Bowers
Spellbound Falls Series, Book 3
Jove Books
ISBN: 978-0-515-15106-0
September 2012
Contemporary Romance w/ Magic
Spellbound Falls, Maine, Early Fall
Some years ago, a group of twelfth-century Highlander warriors—and their horses—arrived in modern day Maine through the machination of an old wizard. The MacKeage clan settled on TorMountain and have since married and had families. Alec MacKeage spent time—as all the MacKeage sons have—serving his country in the military, Alec in a clandestine unit. Now he spends his winters on his family's ski resort on the mountain. He's spending this summer building a wilderness trail up a mountain for another resort by the new inland sea recently created by a huge earthquake. (How that came to be is another whole other story to be found in Ms. Chapman's CHARMED BY HIS LOVE, out last June.) This tale begins with a storm coming up and Alec finding a woman on the new trail being manhandled by two men. He hastens to her rescue and succeeds…with the help of her dog. Leaving the men unconscious, Alec carries the woman to his sheltered camp where he takes care of her slight wound and gets her dry and warm, meanwhile noticing that the dog is a wolf . When the woman comes to, she gives Alec her name as Jane Smith and pleads with him not to contact the authorities. Jane tells Alec there was a third man still after her. Alec has his doubts about her name, but goes along with her wishes. (When he goes back to check on the men, he finds them where he left them, but dead from a lightning strike or two.)
Alec and Jane get along quite well for the next few days, but he's right about her name. Jane is really Carolina Oceanus, sister of Maximilian Oceanus, for whom Alex is presently working. She is also the daughter of Titus Oceanus, the most powerful Dr ù idh on earth and the one responsible for creating and hiding Atlantis beneath the sea. Jane/Carolina ducked her bodyguard and ran away from home to escape being forced into an unwanted marriage. Jane keeps all this from Alec while they spend a happy interlude together. He allows her to keep her secrets, and she learns what it's like to be respected as a person, not as just a female with no mind of her own.
Inevitably, however, Carolina is located, and her parents come to the area. Her father invites a group of suitors to vie for her hand, warriors all, but from various places and past times. They have until the grand opening of the new resort to win her hand. But Jane likes being Jane, and she has no idea Alec has figured out who she is. For some reason, Mac doesn't want his sister to have anything to do with a MacKeage.
In spite of the intrigue, suspense and sometimes amusing aspects of COURTING CAROLINA, it's essentially a story of two people finding themselves and each other. Alec had vowed never to marry and father children after a heartbreaking mission for the government. Carolina's parents are loving, but after centuries of societies where women have little control over their lives, even in Atlantis, she chafes under restrictions and blooms in present day soil.
COURTING CAROLINA has a large cast. Some of special note are Katalanta, AKA Kitty, wolf on land and killer whale at sea; then Nicholas, Carolina's body guard; they love each other as brother and sister. I was hoping he would get his own book…and he will! There is also a MacKeage among the suitors summoned from the past. He seems very interested in the delights of the modern world, so maybe he'll join his descendants and stay around.
Janet Chapman has created an endlessly captivating world with heroic and likable characters. Her world is spread through all her series and, while self contained, are connected. It's a magical world in which astonishing things may happen, but the focus never strays far from the human heart and its capacity to love. Check out www.janetchapman.com .
Jane Bowers
Monday, September 24, 2012
Q & A with Poppy Dennison!
1. Tell
us about your newest release.
My newest
release is Body Magic, book two in the Triad Series. In continues the story of
Gray Townsend, alpha werewolf, and his new mate Simon Osborne, an apprentice
mage. What happens when Mind Magic and Body Magic combine, breaking years of
tradition? Gray and Simon must face the Were Council to find out! Gray’s best
friend Cade gets into the action as well. He’s not happy that Gray brought in
outside help to improve their security. Something about the expert rubs him the
wrong way. Just what is Rocky’s secret and how will it change them all?
2. Can
you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?
LOL.
Well, to tell you about my favorite scene would give away a huge spoiler! How
about I tell you about my favorite character? Garon is the alpha’s ten year old
son, and he’s such a fun character to write. I love thinking of how a young boy
would view the changes going on in the world around him. In this book, one of
the most fun things I wrote was Garon asking his Dad and Simon about having
sex. Garon thinks his dad must have sex because he’s an alpha—and that’s what
alpha’s do. It was a fun way for me to tease the typical role of alphas in
paranormal stories while adding a significant moment in the development of
Simon and Gray’s relationship.
3. What
was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your story?
In
researching different types of magic, I came across this old tradition called
Cromniomancy. Never heard of it? Neither had I! Basically, it’s fortune telling
based on onions. It was too funny not to include in the story. I love coming
across random things like that in my research and finding a way to incorporate
them into the book.
4. What
authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?
Too many
to name. The biggest influence in my writing has been my family. I come from a
family of readers. In fact, as I sit here typing this, my grandma, aunt, and
cousin are sitting around me with their heads in a book!
As for
authors, there are so many. I’ll stick with other paranormal authors to keep it
simple. In the M/M genre, Mary Calmes “Change of Heart” series has been a huge
inspiration as well as Jourdan
Lane’s “Soul Mates”. I’m also a big fan of the
early Laurell K. Hamilton books, Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampires, and Sherrilyn
Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series.
5. What
does your family think about your career as a published author?
My family
is incredibly proud of me. They honestly
thought I should have done this years ago… and one of my cousins (also one of
my best friends) likes to remind me of that! (And yes, she’s sitting next to me
right now, so I had to give her credit.) But all kidding aside, I’m really
blessed to have such a supportive family. One of the first people to read my
first book was my 87 year old grandmother. I have friends who don’t tell anyone
what they write, and it breaks my heart for them. Not too long ago, my mother
was getting her hair done, and bragged on me to her stylist. Next thing I know,
I’m down at the beauty shop dropping off autographs!
6.
Besides writing, what other interests do you have?
I love
being crafty—at the moment, I’m into sewing but as the weather turns cooler
I’ll switch to crochet or something else that will keep me warm. As you can
tell from my author list above, I love reading. Research books are what you’ll normally
find me reading these days. It’s how I find those quirky types of magic that
inspire my characters.
7. Can
you tell us about what’s coming up next for you writing wise?
Next up
is the third book in the Triad series, “Soul Magic”. It’ll wrap up the story of
Simon and Gray and finally tell the story of Cormac, which I’m told by readers
I must do or else. Then I’ll have two
paranormal novellas out next year and I’m working on a new Urban Fantasy series
that I’m really looking forward to delving into.
8. How
can readers connect with you online?
You can visit me on my web site:
http://www.poppydennison.com/,
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poppydennison,
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PoppyDennison
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5108648.Poppy_Dennison
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poppydennison,
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PoppyDennison
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5108648.Poppy_Dennison
Blurb:
A pack is only as strong as
its weakest member.
Rocky Harris knows
how the system works. He’s been on the bottom rung his whole life. But when his
alpha consigns him to the High Moon Pack to help them improve security, he
finds his beliefs not just challenged but outright assaulted.
Cade Montgomery’s confidence took a hit when the pack’s cubs were kidnapped on his watch. He’s prepared to do anything to protect his family, even if it means working with Rocky. Maybe Cade doesn’t trust Rocky, but with the turmoil surrounding pack Alpha Gray’s unpopular decision to break tradition and mate with a mage named Simon, Cade knows more threats are coming.
Then someone declares war on shifters and puts the entire pack in danger. Cade and Rocky will need each other’s strengths to survive the impending battle—and the power of their growing attraction.
Cade Montgomery’s confidence took a hit when the pack’s cubs were kidnapped on his watch. He’s prepared to do anything to protect his family, even if it means working with Rocky. Maybe Cade doesn’t trust Rocky, but with the turmoil surrounding pack Alpha Gray’s unpopular decision to break tradition and mate with a mage named Simon, Cade knows more threats are coming.
Then someone declares war on shifters and puts the entire pack in danger. Cade and Rocky will need each other’s strengths to survive the impending battle—and the power of their growing attraction.
About the author
A sassy southern lady, Poppy Dennison
developed an obsession with things that go bump in the night in her early years
after a barn door flew off its hinges and nearly squashed her. Convinced it was
a ghost trying to get her attention, she started looking for other strange and
mysterious happenings around her. Not satisfied with what she found, Poppy has
traveled to Greece, Malaysia and England to find inspiration for the burly
bears and silver foxes that melt her butter. Her love of paranormal continues
to flourish nearly thirty years later, and she writes steamy love stories about
the very things that used to keep her up all night. If her childhood ghost is
lucky, maybe one day she’ll give him his own happily ever after.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 2012 Reviews
Contemporary Fiction
THE ELUSIVE MR. McCOY - Brenda L. Baker - 7/2012 - Diana
- New!
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART - Teresa Mederios - A Love Story in
140 Characters or Less - 9/2012 - Jane
Contemporary Romance
ANGEL'S LANDING - Rochelle Alers - Cavanaugh Island, Book
2 - 9/2012 - Robin
BLAME IT ON TEXAS - Christie Craig - Hotter in Texas,
Book 2 - 9/2012 - Patti
COURTING CAROLINA - Janet Chapman - Spellbound Falls,
Book 3 - 9/2012 - w/ magic
DARKEST DESIRE - Tawny Taylor - Black Gryffon, Book 2 -
9/2012 - CeCe - Erotic
FLANKED - Cat Johnson - Studs in Spurs, Book 5 - 9/2012 -
CeCe - Erotic
FOOL FOR LOVE - Beth Ciotta - 9/2012 - Patti
HER AMISH MAN - Erin Bates - 9/2012 - Diana - New!
HUNK FOR HE HOLIDAYS - Katie Lane - 9./2012 - Jane
NIGHTINGALE WAY - Emily March - A Eternity Springs Novel
- 9/2012 - Patti
NO MATTER WHAT - Janice Kay Johnson - 9/2012 - Marilyn
PITCH PERFECT - LuAnn McLane- A Cricket Creek Novel -
9/2012 - Marilyn - New!
PLAYING TO WIN - Jaci Burton - A Play-By-Play Novel
-9/2012 - Holly - Erotic - New!
STRANGER IN THE MOONLIGHT - Jude Devereux - Edilean
Trilogy, Book 2 - 9/2012 - Jane
THE DIRTY GIRLS BOOK CLUB - Savanna Fox - 9/2012 - Patti
Fantasy
BITING COLD - Chloe Neill - Chicagland Vampires, Book 6 -
A Perfect 10 - 8/2012 - Amanda
SOUL TRADE - Caitlin Kittredge - Black London Series,
Book 5 - 9/2012 - Robin
THE WHITE FOREST - Adam McOmber - 9/2012 - Marilyn - New!
WIDOW'S WEB - Jennifer Estep - The Elemental Assassins
series, Book 7 - 9/2012 - Robin
Historical Fiction
THE QUEEN'S PLEASURE - Brandy Purdy - 7/2012 - Amy - New!
Historical Romance
BY STARLIGHT - Dorothy Garlock - 8/2012 - Jane
A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS - Jillian Stone
- The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard, Book 3 - 8/2012 - Carolyn
A PERFECT KNIGHT FOR LOVE - Jackie Ivie - 9/2012 - Jani
LOVING LADY MARCIA - Kiernan Kramer - The House of Brady,
Book 1 - 9/2012 - Robin
THE LAST RENEGADE - Jo Goodman - Bitter Springs series,
Book 1 - 9/2012 - Jane
RUINED BY MOONLIGHT - Emma Wildes - A Whisper of Scandal
Novel - 9/2012 - Jani - New!
THE UGLY DUCHESS - Eloisa James - The Fairy Tale series,
Book 4 - 9/2012 - Jane
THE WAY TO A DUKE'S HEART - Caroline Linden - The Truth
about the Duke, Book 3 - 9/2012 - Jane - New!
Inspriational Romance
MONTANA DREAMS - Jillian Hart - The McKaslin Clan -
9/2012 - Diana - New!
Mystery
GARMENT OF SHADOWS - Laurie R. King - A Novel of Suspense
Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes - 9/2012 -Jani - New!
Paranormal Romance
ARCHANGEL'S STORM - Nalini Singh - A Guild Hunter Novel,
Book 5 - 9/2012 - Jennifer - New!
DRAGON'S MOON - Lucy Monroe - Children of the Moon, Book
4 - 9/2012 - Jennifer - New!
IMMORTALLY YOURS - Angie Fox - 9/2012 - Jennifer - New!
THE LOST NIGHT - Jayne Castle - A Rainshadow Novel -
9/2012 - Marilyn - New!
SHADOW RISING - Kendra Leigh Castle - A Tale of the Dark
Dynasites, Book 3 - 8/2012 - Carolyn
A TALE OF TWO VAMPIRES - Katie MacAlister - A Dark Ones
Novel, Book 10 - 9/2012 - Amanda -New!
Romantic Suspense
GUARDIAN - Catherine Mann - A Dark Ops Novel - 9/2012 -
Patti - New!
Series Romance
THE MAID'S DAUGHTER - Janice Maynard - The Men of Wolff
Mountain, Book 4 - 9/2012 - Patti - HD #2182 - New!
A MAN OF DISTINCTION - Sarah M. Anderson - 9/2012 - Robin
- HD #2184 - New!
A SILKEN SEDUCTION - Yvonne Lindsay - The Highest Bidder,
Book 3 - 9/2012 - Patti - HD #2180 - New!
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL - Maureen Child - 9/2012 - Patti -
HD #2179 - New!
WHATEVER THE PRICE - Jules Bennett - Billionaires and
Babies series - 9/2012 - Patti - HD #2181 - New!
Suspense
CLOSE YOUR EYES - Iris and Ray Johansen - 7/2012 - Diana
- New!
FOUND - Shelly Shepard Gray - The Secrets of Crittenden
County , Book 3 - 9/2012 - Diana-- New!
TIES THAT BIND - Natalie R. Collins - 8/2012 - Diana -
New!
--
Terrie
Owner
Romance Reviews Today
www.romrevtoday.com
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Best Books of 2012...
Romance Reviews Today has its Perfect 10's (click here) and everyone talks about their best books of the week, month and year.
But what have been your best books of 2012 so far?
Post your answers and you'll be entered to win a $10 Amazon egiftcard from me.
Contest ends 9/24/12 and the winner will be chosen shortly afterwards. Good luck!
But what have been your best books of 2012 so far?
Post your answers and you'll be entered to win a $10 Amazon egiftcard from me.
Contest ends 9/24/12 and the winner will be chosen shortly afterwards. Good luck!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Winner is....
Congrats to.... flchen1 who wins the Loretta Chase book!!!
Please email me at pattifischer@yahoo.com to claim your prize.
Please email me at pattifischer@yahoo.com to claim your prize.
Chat Wed Night with Shana Galen!
National bestselling author Shana Galen joins us to discuss her
book, WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND.
Door prize: One lucky USA or Canadian
reader will receive a signed copy of WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND!
Moderated
by CrazyMo.
When? Wed night at 9:00 PM Eastern time (9/19/12)
Where? http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=102122
or go to www.romrevtoday.com and click on RRT CHAT.
Once the login screen loads, just type your name and choose Mo's room from the
chat room menu ;)
Hope to see you there for a chat that will be diamond-in-the-rough
caliber ;)
Mo
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author's website: http://www.shanagalen.com/
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Q & A with Brita Addams!
Contest:
At each stop of the tour, I'll give away a copy of
an ebook from my backlist to one randomly drawn commenter. For Men Like Us, the newest release, isn't eligible.
At the end of the tour, I'll select one person from
all of the commenters and that person will win a swag pack, containing *tons*
of Brita Addams swag.
1.
Tell us about your
newest release.
My newest release is, For Men
Like Us and is available at DreamspinnerPress. It is about two men who find their lives entwined by tragedy. War
has left them both scarred, physically and emotionally. Should one fail in his
self-appointed mission, the other will forever be mired in memories of a life
lost. However, success could mean destruction to them both.
Here is the blurb:
After
Preston Meacham’s lover dies trying to lend him aid at Salamanca, hopelessness
becomes his only way of life. Despite his best efforts at starting again, he
has no pride left, which leads him to sell himself for a pittance at a molly
house. The mindless sex affords him his only respite from the horrors he
witnessed.
The Napoleonic War left Benedict Wilmot haunted by the acts he was forced to commit and the torture he endured at the hands of a superior, a man who used the threat of a gruesome death to force Ben to do his bidding. Even sleep gives Ben no reprieve, for he can’t escape the destruction he caused.
When their paths cross, Ben feels an overwhelming need to protect Preston from his dangerous profession. As he explains, “The streets are dangerous for men like us.”
The Napoleonic War left Benedict Wilmot haunted by the acts he was forced to commit and the torture he endured at the hands of a superior, a man who used the threat of a gruesome death to force Ben to do his bidding. Even sleep gives Ben no reprieve, for he can’t escape the destruction he caused.
When their paths cross, Ben feels an overwhelming need to protect Preston from his dangerous profession. As he explains, “The streets are dangerous for men like us.”
2. Can you tell us a little about your
favorite scene in the story?
I'd love to. The scene takes
place when Ben spies Preston outside the molly house. His intention is only to
see him, not speak to him or engage him. He just wants to see that he is all
right. However, when he moves his injured foot, the noise draws Preston's
attention. Preston turns back toward the alley and begins a conversation with
Ben. The poignancy of the scene has stuck with me. Ben is so lonely and so
guilty for his part in the direction Preston's life has taken. Preston's
kindness pushes him to do the one thing he didn't want to do.
I described the scene to Anne
Cain, who recreated it on the beautiful cover of For Men Like Us. It is even better than I had envisioned.
3. What was one of the most surprising
things you learned in creating your story?
We are all human and have the
basic need to survive, sometimes without regard to the price that survival
might cost us. Ben paid a heavy price for his sexuality and continued to pay
even after falling in love with Preston. Freedom isn't free, is what we say
about our fighting men, and that hasn't changed. Ben's wartime experiences
lived with him, as did Preston's. Their lives are inextricably interwoven, the
good and the bad.
Ben's survival hinged on
Preston's and that alone made "their" survival, as a couple, so
important.
I'm not surprised by that
revelation, but it is one that stays with me. When a person has the conviction
to pursue what they want, no matter the cost, it makes for a powerful story.
4. What authors or friends influenced you
in helping you become a writer?
The one person who has been my
champion, always, is my husband. He encouraged me in the beginning to write,
because he knew that was something I had always wanted to do. Many factors
played into the delay in my writing career, but when I showed the interest to
pursue it in earnest, my sweet darling provided the time and support I needed
to do it.
He took over the house so I
could concentrate on writing. That was huge for me. He does a mighty fine job
of things too, and having a wonderful dinner ready every evening is something
I'll never stop telling him "thank you" for.
5. What does your family think about your
career as a published author?
My family is extremely proud
of me, because they all know this is something I've wanted since I was a girl.
Each, in their way, has inspired me, if only with a smile and word of
encouragement. They are a very special group of people.
6. Besides writing, what other interests
do you have?
We love to travel and do so as
often as we can get away. History is a passion for me, so when I'm not visiting
battlefields or famous historical landmarks, I'm reading about our past, as a
nation and as a universe.
I am a genealogist and have
been for many years. Many of my stories are inspired by things I've uncovered
in researching my own family history.
I also love some reality TV—Big Brother, American
Idol, Amazing Race, Chopped, Face Off. I'm hooked on Cake Boss (Hoboken style,
baby!), and most any cooking competition show. Evenings are devoted to time
with my honey, so you might find us watching just about anything. Our guilty
pleasures. We also watch a ton of documentaries, period pieces, and
biographical pieces. Right now, I'm immersed in the French and Indian War.
7. Can you tell us about what’s coming up
next for you writing wise?
Expanding on my love of
history, I've decided to write a series, which begins in 1754 and spans 200
years. Each book (four or five) will involve generations of the same family ie:
the second book will be about the child of the couple in the first book, and so
on.
The entire thing was inspired
by a story in my family history, where my fifth great-grandfather was asked to
marry a housemaid who was in the employ of a prominent New York family. The
wealthy guy was married and had oopsied
with the little maid, creating my fourth great-grandfather. However, the man's
wife was the prominent daughter of the governor of NY, and well, you can see
that this little indiscretion wouldn't have gone over well with the
aristocracy.
This story was passed down
through the family, but I honestly have no idea if it is true or not. There are
elements of it that are entirely fabricated, such as my fifth great-grandfather
being paid off to the tune of $30,000, and later becoming the mayor of Walla
Walla, Washington. This great political victory supposedly took place at the
same time he applied for his Revolutionary War pension in 1818, claiming to be
worth a mere $29.00. The keepers of the family history didn't appreciate my
investigation of Walla Walla and my getting the man's military records, which
included his pension application. Then, there was the inconvenient fact that he
never left upstate New York in his entire life, as recorded upon his death by a
man who kept a journal of the town for nearly forty years.
However, the germ of truth
might have been in the first part, the request for him to marry and raise the
child, as my fourth great-grandfather was actually named after the prominent
land lord (as in mogul.) Also, my fifth great-grandfather was apparently
married three times, but the first two are undocumented, the names of the wives
never discovered, though the children from those unions are known.
The second book in the series
will deal with this particular event, while the first will fill in the
background for my fictional version of my fifth great-grandfather.
8. How can readers connect with you
online?
I am
everywhere and I love visitors.
Email
address: Brita@britaaddams.com
Twitter:
@britaaddams
Thank you so much for having me today. I've enjoyed
my visit!
Hugs,
Brita
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