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Get into Bed with C.H. Admirand (Author Interview)

Keira — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:42:35 +0000

Keira: Dylan is part of the Secret Life of Cowboy series; can you tell us in a few brief sentences about the book series for newcomers?

C.H. Admirand: The Garahan brothers are trying to save their family’s 150 year old legacy—the Circle G Ranch—any way they can. The oldest brother Tyler decides to take on a night job to bring in more money. When he answers an ad in the local paper for a hardworking man with a strong back and even temperament, he thinks he’ll be stocking shelves and hauling kegs for a bar—he has no idea he’ll be the entertainment. But he can’t back out because he’s given his word and once a Garahan gives his word you can count on him to keep it. Dylan’s story begins when he takes over Tyler’s shift (when his brother is injured by Widowmaker the bull) and jump starts when he lassos the birthday girl and loses his heart to her flashing green eyes and feisty personality. Jesse is the last brother to have his story told—he falls in love with two women: Danielle and her pint-sized, cotton candy pink cowgirl daughter.

Keira: Cowboys and girly bars: how does that work? *grin*

C.H.: The ladies who own the Lucky Star wanted a place where women could come and see their fantasy up on stage—a cowboy—because in Pleasure, Texas every woman dreams of a having a cowboy in her life. Jolene and Emily have a strict set of rules that ensure that neither the dancers nor the clientele step over the line, they run a classy establishment, despite the fact that certain do-gooders in town would like to run them out of town on a rail.

Keira: Oh la la! Male strippers – it’s getting hot in here (so they must take off all their clothes!) If you were to cast them for a movie who would you have play these gentlemen? (If you got favorite pictures of them shirtless we want to see them!)

C.H.: Actually, they strip down to little black spandex briefs, chaps, and Stetsons. Hmmm…that’s a tough one because I prefer a man with a little wear and tear and age on him. I’d offer an eclectic choice: HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse (my inspiration for Tyler in a Nautica ad I ripped out of a magazine), Country Music Star –Josh Turner (as Dylan) and Ryan Reynolds (as Jesse.) I’m attaching their pictures so you can get the visual.

Carter Oosterhouse as Tyler Garahan

Josh Turner as Dylan Garahan

Ryan Reynolds as Jesse Garahan

Keira: I love that the heroine, Ronnie, sells lingerie and sex toys. What does Dylan, the hero, think about that?

C.H.: At first he’s not quite sure what to think, but he’s a man who can appreciate sexy lingerie and can’t help but picture Ronnie in something silky, sexy, and revealing. Sex toys: not so much. He’s a man’s man and prefers to be the sex toy.

Keira: I’ve learned that you have 9 bestselling books published through the library market. How is the library market different from the commercial market? Are there any fun experiences, cool facts, or tips you can share?

C.H.: Publishers who cater to the library market, offer a list of books that libraries can order from. The books are not readily available in bookstores and the publishers I wrote for did not offer e-books at that time, I’m not sure if they do now either, so marketing and self-promoting your books is essential. Book signings and events can be coordinated and books ordered direct through the publisher or a supplier. The author price on a hard cover book is far more pricey than that of the mass market paperback. The first year I published with Five Star, I received an invitation to their Annual Author Day in Maine! My husband and I drove from NJ to Maine and enjoyed a tour of their facility, meeting other Five Star authors, indulging in a traditional Maine lobster dinner with all the trimmings—even blueberry pie—and then took part in a huge open house/book signing. We had the best time. I always like to remind new writers to NEVER give up because you never know how close you are to publishing. But once you’ve sold that book, I like to remind them to NEVER give up—it was six years before I sold my second book—but I kept writing and submitting the whole time and when I sold my second book…I sold five more.

Keira: What’s next on your plate? Which cowboy is going to be lassoed and hogtied next?

C.H.: It’s Jesse’s turn. His story comes out in July. I just loved the way he fell in love with little Lacy and her mom. He has good intentions that get lost while working to keep the Circle G afloat, but he realizes there is something special about Danielle and her daughter and fixes what could have ended the relationship before it began. He can’t wait to have them out to the ranch and see how they fit. To read more, stop by my website www.chadmirand.com or follow me on Twitter and Facebook www.twitter.com/CHAdmirand and www.facebook.com/CHAdmirand . Thanks again for inviting me, Keira!

DYLAN BY C.H. ADMIRAND – IN STORES JANUARY 2012

There was nothing he couldn’t tame…

Dylan Garahan might be an old hand at lassoing fillies, but one night at the Lucky Star club, and he ends up wrapping his rope around someone that even his formidable strength can’t tame. She’s wily and beautiful… and she’s his new boss. Dylan’s had his heart broken before, but even an honest cowpoke has to wrestle with temptation…

Until he got his lasso around her…

Ronnie DelVecchio might be fresh off the bus from New Jersey, but she’s a hard-edged businesswoman and has had her fill of men she can’t trust—although she might consider getting off her high horse for that big handsome rancher with a Texas drawl.

Buy: Dylan (The Secret Life of Cowboys)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.H. Admirand was born in Aiken, South Carolina. She has published 9 bestselling novels for the library market. Her Secret Life of Cowboy series, published by Sourcebooks Casablanca includes Tyler (available now), Dylan (in stores January 2012) and Jesse (in stores July 2012). She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ very best traits, in northern New Jersey. For more information, please visit http://www.chadmirand.com/ or follower her on twitter, @chadmirand.

GIVEAWAY: I have 2 copies of Dylan. Open to US and Canada only. Enter by asking C.H. a question! Last day to enter: February 3, 2012.

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Get into Bed with Jeanette Baker (Author Interview)

Keira — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:37:44 +0000

Keira: What about rags to riches stories appeals to you?

Jeanette Baker: For the same reason we cheer for the underdog and search for a tissue when something happens to an animal or a child in a film, we applaud a spunky hero or heroine. Fairness is an issue for most of us. Injustice is difficult to tolerate. Novels and films that speak to injustice invoke our strongest emotions. I’m one of the crowd when it comes to that sort of conflict.

Keira: I love how you and the heroine both share big moves. Half of the year you spend in California and the other half in Ireland while your heroine, Meghann McCarthy changed countries. What’s the best part about living in two countries, what’s the hardest part?

Jeanette: Where do I begin? Leaving California for Ireland is like flying to a different planet. California is home, with all its comforts, its predictability and its choices. My family lives in California. My friends are available for a leisurely lunch or a quick cup of coffee, for shopping, happy hour and yoga. Because I live in the community where I teach elementary school as well as an occasional Emeritus writing class, it is impossible for me to attempt an excursion outside my home without meeting someone I know. My life is busy. Choices are plentiful. Organization is a must and writing moments are few.

The countryside of Ireland, on the other hand is an adventure, the small villages, dimly lit pubs, the music and afternoon tea, the friendly people with their lovely brogues and the biggest draw of all, a thousand years of history. However, it is also, for an American, an extremely inconvenient country. Garbage disposals are nonexistent, as are window screens, Splenda, ice in drinks, coffee refills, maple syrup, temperature controlled buildings and Starbucks.

I know my way fairly well around the tiny, traffic-clogged streets of Tralee. I’ve learned to drive with confidence on the other side of the road, negotiating the roundabouts with my manual transmission. I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius like a pro, grocery shop daily and grow fuchsia and hydrangeas like the natives, but I’m still a stranger, a blow-in, they call me, one of those who is not, and will never, be “a local.” Except for my soon-to-be husband, the primary reason for my annual trek, I know no one beyond a pleasant, “Hallo,” and I like it that way. In Ireland my days are my own. In Ireland, I write. The inspiration is huge. Around every bend of the road, every lichen-shrouded ruin, there is another story to tell.

Keira: Defending a loved one – in court or not – your take:

Jeanette: I’m not an attorney, but I imagine defending a loved one in court is similar to performing surgery on the loved one. I don’t know if it’s forbidden but for obvious reasons it’s frowned upon. Most of us, including attorneys and physicians, are typically not objective about those we love. I believe objectivity is a necessary factor in the courtroom.

Keira: How do you define love?

Jeanette: For me, love is whatever makes me step back, give up, endure discomfort, inconvenience or pain to be sure those I love do not. Love is serious and lasts forever.

Keira: Bragging time – tell us about yourself and what you are working on next!

Jeanette: Nell, an Irish paranormal similar in style to Irish Lady, will be released later this year by Sourcebooks. After that, my newest endeavor is a contemporary paranormal set in Tralee. The working title is HANNIE RISING. It’s the story of a man in his prime who believes he’s been taken to the pearly gates too soon and negotiates his way back home in the form of a stranger to befriend his wife, and grown children. Meanwhile, Johannah, his wife has come into her own, becoming a person he doesn’t quite recognize. Tralee, its inhabitants and their wicket wit feature strongly in the story.

Buy: Irish Lady

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Get into Bed with Mia Marlowe (Author Interview)

Keira — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:21:11 +0000

Mia Marlowe Interview, Co-Author of Sins of the Highlander with Connie Mason

Keira: You worked with Connie Mason on Sins of the Highlander, so I have to know, is it easier or harder to write with a partner? Did either of you ever want the story to go one way, but couldn’t take it there because the other wanted something else? Was there a lot of compromise?

Mia Marlowe: I found writing with a partner very liberating because I knew if I went down the wrong alley, Connie would reel me back in. Fortunately, that wasn’t ever necessary. Working with Connie is such a joy. She’s a very gracious lady. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when we had any sort of tension between us while crafting the story.

Keira: How did you both go about writing the novel? I know you didn’t meet up in person as you live in Massachusetts and Connie lives in Florida! lol Was there something each of you did? Did you write back and forth, scene by scene? Or each write from one character’s POV? Did you find that you both played to your strengths?

MM: We actually have met in person but it was years ago, in 2006 when my debut book came out. She agreed to give me a cover quote—the first one she’d ever given. Connie chose the setting and time period for Sins of the Highlander. Since I’d never written a Scottish set story, I had some researching to do to get up to speed. Connie and I kept in touch via email as the story progressed and fortunately, since our writing styles are very similar, the result is pretty seamless.

Keira: I love bride stealing plots and this one quite literally has the hero steal the bride away from his nemesis. What made you decide on this plot trope? What do you like best about it?

MM: Honestly, I never thought of it as a trope. My approach to story-telling is to get to know the characters deeply. Then I figure out what they want. Lastly, I decide how to keep them from getting it until they really deserve it. Once we knew Rob was mad with grief over his wife, it was a short step to realize he’d want revenge. Stealing a bride from the man he blames for Fiona’s death was only logical, in a crazy sort of way. Plot has to flow organically from the character’s flaws, needs and wants. If it does that with honesty, I don’t see how it can be a cliché.

Keira: A widower hero… sigh… love it. Tell me more about him – give us the good stuff – the toe curling good stuff!

MM: Rob MacLaren is an uber-alpha, a warrior, a clan leader, and all things we love in a man. He’s decisive, courageous and wickedly handsome. The man can rock a kilt. But he’s also damaged. At the outset of the story, he deserves the nickname “Mad Rob.” He still loves Fiona so deeply, she visits him nightly in dreams so vivid, he hates to wake and find he’s lost her afresh. But the fact that he knows how to love gave me hope that he could learn to do it again. If you’d like a taste (and a ‘toe curl’), visit http://miamarlowe.com/books/sins.php#excerpt for an introduction to “Mad Rob.”

Keira: Do you and Connie plan to write another novel together? If so, tell us what you got cooking!

MM: Yes we do! In fact, we have another release this year. Look for Lord of Fire and Icein August! Connie steered us into a Viking story for this one and I added a sparkle of magic by making our hero a fire mage! Brandr the Far Traveled and Katla the Black have a pretty fiery start to their relationship, but my money is on Brandr to melt her icy heart.

We’re also working a trio of Regency set stories for 2013 called “The Royal Rakes.” Readers who remember Connie’s Rogues series will love these new heroes! We just turned in the manuscript for Waking Up with a Rake (Jan. 2013)

In addition to our Sourcebooks novels, I have two more releases with just my name on them coming this year from Kensington Brava—Touch of Rogue (Feb. 28^th) and Touch of a Scoundrel (July 2012). These adventurous, sensual Victorian stories have characters who are blessed—or cursed—with the “gift of touch.” They glean secret information when they touch certain objects, but it’s not always something they want to know.

I’m also planning some eBook only releases for readers looking for quality stories at a budget-pleasing price.

If you’d like to be notified of all my new releases, I invite you to enter my website contest. The Grand Prize is a NEW KINDLE! http://miamarlowe.com/contest.php Plus you’ll be automatically signed up to receive my short timely newsletters. I only send them out when I have a new book or special contest to share, so your email inbox won’t be inundated.

Thanks for having me here today, Keira. I have a question for your readers: Do you think it’s possible to fall deeply in love more than once?

SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER BY CONNIE MASON & MIA MARLOWE – IN STORES JANUARY 2012

Abduction

Never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his trong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease.

Obsession

“Mad Rob” MacLaren thought stealing his rival’s bride-to-be was the prefect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever.

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join together—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the Sins of the Highlander.

Buy: Sins of the Highlander

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida. Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston, MA. Together, they are working on a new Regency romance series for Sourcebooks Casablanca, the first of which will be in stores in early 2013. For more information, please visit http://www.conniemason.com/, http://miamarlowe.com/ and follow Mia on Twitter @Mia_Marlowe.

GIVEAWAY: I have 2 copies of Sins of the Highlander. Open to US and Canada only. Enter by answering Mia's question at the end of the interview. Last day to enter: January 27, 2012.

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Get into Bed with Robyn Carr (Author Interview)

Keira — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Keira: As a writer, what kinds of books inspire you? Do you ever find time to read when you aren't writing your own novels?

Robyn Carr: I read every day. I work long hours, but in the evening after dinner I read—and I am inspired by everything I read, whether it’s mainstream or non-fiction or some other genre. I have a particular taste for contemporary romance and women’s fiction. My favorite authors are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Susan Andersen to name a few. For my reading pleasure I enjoy intelligent, romantic, humorous, sexy novels with strong heroines.

Keira: What would you tell someone who is coming to Virgin River for the first time? What do you want them to know about the town as they jump into HIDDEN SUMMIT?

Robyn: Virgin River isn’t an easy place. It calls on a person’s deepest sense of adventure to live there, which at least partially explains the strong sense of community one finds there. Sometimes neighbors have to rely on each other to get through the day, sometimes for their very survival. Not only does Mother Nature challenge this mountain town with snowstorms, floods, earthquakes and mud slides, the landscape is rugged, the wildlife plentiful and fearless, but there are more illegal (and sometimes dangerous) marijuana growers in that area than anywhere else in the US.

Keira: Which character from HIDDEN SUMMIT do you find yourself relating to the most and why? Is there one character, from any of the Virgin River books, that you are particularly drawn to?

Robyn: First, in HIDDEN SUMMIT, I relate to Leslie – when her husband divorced her, she suffered an enormous confidence problem. I understand that too well – I can get 100 compliments but that single negative jab haunts me!

The single character from ALL the Virgin River novels I am most drawn to, feel I know the best and relate to most is Jack Sheridan – he’s a piece of work. Sometimes he seems like a perfect man, sometimes he’s emotionally clumsy, sometimes wise, sometimes foolish; he’s sometimes so kind and supportive, other times he can be angered and has a bit of a short fuse. Most of all – he’s terribly funny and his wry humor saves his ass more often than not. Yes, even though I don’t know him in reality, I really get him.

Buy: Hidden Summit (Virgin River Novel)

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Get into Bed with Catherine Mann (Author Interview)

Susan S. — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Susan: When I interview a Casababe (whose books are published by Sourcebooks Casablanca and blogs over at Casablanca Authors), I “know” I’m going to have fun! Note to readers: Let’s put on our party hats because Catherine Mann is here. Did I just hear a horn blaring? Embarrassed chuckle. That must’ve been left over from last year’s New Year’s celebration. Catherine, c’mon…jump in bed! Ooh, your fuzzy pink socks look comfy. It’s just that bright neon color I’m having some trouble getting accustomed to. But no worries, let’s get started.

Susan: If a genie could bring your writing muse to life, what would your muse look like?

Catherine: My muse would have wildly curly hair with pencils sticking out! No well-traveled paths for her – she follows life wherever it leads.

Susan: Some authors enjoy reading? Are you such an author?

Catherine: I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. My mom swears I read the newspaper in kindergarten. My bookshelves are packed and my kindle is quickly filling up.

Susan: I noticed Hot Zone is a military romantic suspense novel; what branch of the military is your hero, Hugh Franco, affiliated with?

Catherine: My military books always feature Air Force heroes (and sometimes Air Force heroines too!) My husband served in the Air Force for over 20 years, flying. So it’s a natural fit for me to write Air Force characters.

Susan: On a scale from 8-10, how H-O-T is Franco? (What?! Hugh’s a Pararescueman, there’s no 0-7 in that scale!)

Catherine: LOL! If you like intensely, dark and brooding heroes, ripped with muscles, living on the edge, then Hugh’s an eleven. He takes on the missions no sane person would touch, driven to save as if somehow he can make up for not being there to save his wife and daughter. He’s physically hot and emotionally broken. His heroine – Amelia – has her work cut out for her!

Susan: It’s quote sharing time! (Me-to-you): “I am a part of all that I have read.” – John Kieran

Catherine: (You-to-me) My current favorite quote (I have many though) is: "You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." ~Jack London

Susan: How does one become a USA Today bestseller? I understand you happen to be one. Congratulations, btw. “Here, have some popcorn. Eating popcorn in bed is trending now.”

Catherine: Thanks for the popcorn… Maybe if I chew long enough I’ll come up with the perfect answer, but I doubt it. I truly don’t think there’s a magic formula for success. For me, I have just focused on writing the absolute best book I can write, while listening to my heart and listening to readers.

Susan: If I were to look into a crystal ball and say, “Hot Zone!” What would I see?

Catherine: The hero Hugh, completely captivated by Amelia’s blue eyes and spirit as they battle for their lives beneath earthquake rubble.

Susan: Do you have a special way to keep track of vital character info? Like using colored index cards, sticky notes, or old paper coasters-perhaps?

Catherine: I sometimes call my method of brainstorming the “Emily Dickinson Approach.” When an idea comes to mind, I grab the first scrap of paper I can find – anything from a sticky note to the back of an old envelope. There are scraps of paper with story ideas all over my house.

Susan: (Confessions from a reader): I drink way too much vanilla-flavored coffee, eat Birthday Cake Pops from Starbuck’s, and love books. Oh, and I consider myself nocturnal. Mornings are not my thing!

Catherine (Confessions from an author): I’m desperately trying to ease back on my addiction to diet sodas. But recently, I discovered decaf diet coke with raspberry at Moe’s, which is making it tough for me to resist. I also crave cinnamon red hots. And I adore staying up until four in the morning, curled up with a great escapism read!

Susan: This area is for shameless self-promotion. What would you like to share with LRP readers?

Catherine: I’m a blessedly busy author, with 7 books packed into 2012. In particular, I have 3 military romances scheduled back to back this spring - Protector (Berkley, March), Honorable Intentions (Harlequin Desire, April) and UNDER FIRE (Sourcebooks, May.) FMI, you can find me online at Facebook as Catherine Mann (author), at Twitter as CatherineMann1 and at my website www.catherinemann.com

Thanks for the visit and the yummy, super-buttery popcorn!

Susan: Aww! Must you go so soon? O.k., then. Thank you; Catherine. For answering my questions and sharing popcorn with me. Although, I’m not quite sure it’s considered sharing if you ate the whole bowl. Feel free to come back and visit. Anytime. Adding popcorn to my grocery list. I’m all out. Ms. Mann can really eat. That bowl was GINORMOUS!

Catherine: What’s your favorite snack food? Two lucky commenters will win a copy of Hot Zone!

HOT ZONE BY CATHERINE MANN – IN STORES DECEMBER 2011

He’ll take any mission, the riskier the better…

The haunted eyes of pararescueman Hugh Franco should have been her first clue that deep pain roiled beneath the surface. But if Amelia couldn't see the damage, how could she be expected to know he'd break her heart?

She’ll prove to be his biggest risk yet…

Amelia Bailey's not the kind of girl who usually needs rescuing...but there are anything but usual circumstances.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann delivers another hero from the Air Force's celebrated Pararescue Jumpers–"The PJs"– an ultra-elite force who put themselves at extreme risk in the most dangerous emergancies so that others may live. A sizzling thrill-rise of action and attraction, Hot Zone will leave your pulse pounding.

Buy: Hot Zone (Elite Force: That Others May Live)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann is a RITA Award winning novelist with over two million books in print, in more than twenty countries. She resides in Florida with her military flyboy husband and their four children. For more information, she can be found online at:

Website: http://catherinemann.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatherineMannAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CatherineMann1

GIVEAWAY: I have 2 copies of Hot Zone. Open to US and Canada only. Enter by answering Catherine Mann's question, "What’s your favorite snack food?" Last day to enter: December 18, 2011.

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Get into Bed with Kristina Wright (Author Interview)

Sandra Scholes — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:01:00 +0000

Sandra: What made you want to set up the stories for your Best Erotic Romance anthology?

Kristina: Actually, the idea for doing a Best Erotic Romance came from my publisher. My previous anthologies had been focused on erotic romance and they thought I would be a good match to edit the anthology. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to put together a best of collection. It was an opportunity to read a much wider variety of stories than I had for my other anthologies and to select stories that I think represent the very best of the genre.

Sandra: You have a lot of varied stories in this anthology, if you had to decide, which story was your favourite?

Kristina: Honestly, every story in this collection was chosen because I loved it. I received over 150 stories and did several readings to get the collection down to the 17 stories I ultimately selected. I think the variety of stories shows the spectrum of erotic love-- from love at first sight to long lost love. My hope is that anyone who reads Best Erotic Romance will connect and identify with at least a couple of the stories and find something to love about the others, as well.

Sandra: The stories in Best Erotic Romance explore the idea of lovers being drawn together by the fate they did not know existed and bound by the love they never thought they had. Have you ever drawn upon personal experience when writing your novels?

Kristina: I'm primarily a short story writer, though I do have several novels in various stages of completion. I think most of my fiction has some seed of truth in it and I absolutely have used my personal life to explore various themes. For instance, my story "The Curve of Her Belly" in Best Erotic Romance is about a couple expecting their first
baby. I recently had my second baby and tapped into my emotions during pregnancy to write that story. It's erotic and romantic, but it is also very much grounded in real experience.

Sandra: I am interested in the whole selection process, so what are you looking for in new writers who come to Cleis for possible publishing?

Kristina: Oh wow, that's a complicated question! Well, I'm obviously looking for excellent writing and attention to guidelines. Stories most often get rejected for failing to meet the requirements of a particular anthology. Beyond that, I'm looking for fresh writing-- stories that blend the genres of a theme and avoid cliches. Too many new writers think that writing erotica (or erotic romance) is easy-- just throw in a sex scene and you're done. But erotica is perhaps the hardest genre to write because the author has to write about sex in a way that is, well, sexy and do it in a way that doesn't feel cliched or forced. It's harder than it seems! So I'm thrilled when I discover a new writer who manages to hit all the high notes-- meeting the criteria for the theme, giving me characters to believe in and a well-constructed plot, and delivering hot, romantic sex that leaves this jaded editor blushing.

Sandra: You are a prolific writer, so which novel are you writing at the moment?

Kristina: I'm actually not working on a novel at the moment, though I'm currently working on a nonfiction proposal and seriously considering participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year. I am currently editing a collection of military erotic romance for release next year and I just turned in the copyedits for my second erotic fairy tale collection, Lustfully Ever After.

Sandra: What for you were the high points and low points of 2011?

Kristina: Great question! I have to say, it's been a good and busy year for me! I had my second baby this year. Lucas was born September 1 and his brother Patrick will turn 2 in December. So it's been a busy year of being pregnant and chasing after a toddler! Three of my Cleis Press erotic romance anthologies were published this year— Dream Lover (May), Steamlust (October) and Best Erotic Romance (December) and I signed contracts for two more anthologies. I managed to squeeze in a little travel to do readings in Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA and spent some much needed relaxation/writing time alone and with my husband in Williamsburg, VA. All in all, it was a very good year and I'm looking forward to 2012 both personally and professionally.

Sandra: Which book you have read and would consider putting on your keeper shelf?

Kristina: My keeper shelf is a wall of books. Seriously! I've been reading a lot of nonfiction over the last year or so and right now I'm very much enjoying Ayelet Waldman's Bad Mother.

Sandra: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this.

Kristina: Thanks so much for asking!

Buy: Best Erotic Romance

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Get into Bed with Jessica Scott (Author Interview)

Keira — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:10:19 +0000

Today's author interview is with Jessica Scott, author of Because of You

Keira: You're a career soldier, is that where the Coming Home series was inspired?

Jessica Scott: I'm inspired every single day by the soldiers around me. When you think about what we as a nation have asked my brothers and sisters in arms to do for the last decade: to willingly go into harm's way for a war they may or may not support, to miss birthdays and anniversaries, weddings and funerals and to know that the men and women who serve do so willingly? That's pretty awe inspiring. But there are also some pretty intense dynamics beneath that notion of selfless service, too and that's what I find myself continually exploring.

Keira: What's one thing about the military that you think non-military readers should know?

Jessica: That soldier's families sacrifice as much, if not more, than the soldier him or herself. While mommy or daddy is off at war, the kids are home, worrying about whether or not they're coming home. They don't have a way of *doing* to keep themselves from worrying, you know? When you're deployed, you stay busy so the worry from home doesn't eat away at you. When you're the family member on the other side, waiting for the phone to ring, sometimes, all you do is worry.

Keira: I like caretaking plots, where one character helps take care of another, which Because of You is; what do you like best about them? This one in particular?

Jessica: We all have different ways of showing we care. It's not always the most straight forward way that people tend to think of. In Because of You, Carponti helps take care of Shane, but it's not by being supportive and holding his hand, it's by literally by annoying the hell out of him. But the care is still there. So for me, caretaking stories are about the different ways that we care.

Keira: You met and married your husband in the army. What makes military heroes so special?

Jessica: There are so many reasons to love a man in uniform. I love the dichotomy I see every day around me. These Hyper Type A guys who will just as soon rip your face off as smile at you who are complete pushovers with their families. I love looking at the men beneath the surface and wondering who they are around their families that we don't get to see at work.

Keira: What is your favorite scene in Because of You?

Jessica: I think the scene where Jen finally has the courage to show Shane her scars. She not only moves past a critical viewpoint of herself, she willingly shows him the one thing she's been hiding from him the entire time. It's this selflessness that pushes Shane out of his own funk, something he can easily recognize in her. A kindred spirit, so to speak.

Keira: Ideally, who would you have play the hero and heroine in a movie version of the story?

Jessica: Jason Statham as Shane, hands down. As far as Jen? I'd say Christina Applegate.

Keira: Tell us one or two cool things about yourself you haven't shared yet!

Jessica: Sheesh, there's only so much crazy to go around. Um, hmm, I need an organized space but have absolutely zero ability to get it that way or keep it that way myself.

Keira: You and me both! lol Thanks so much for dropping by LRP to talk with us today!

Buy: Because of You

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Get into Bed with Olivia Kingsley (Author Interview)

Keira — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:24:30 +0000

Today's interview is with Olivia Kingsley, author of Pretty Persuasion.

Keira: A cheating hero? Or a big misunderstanding?! We need more details!

Olivia Kingsley: The answer is...neither? I guess it could be somewhat open to interpretation, but there's not really any misunderstanding (big or small), and I would argue there was no actual cheating. The heroine, Georgie, is only thirteen when she discovers the hero, Robert, with another woman. It just doesn't occur to Robert that anyone could think he should be faithful to a child that he might or might not marry someday. Georgie, of course, sees it differently! She has a crush on him in that obsessive and all-consuming way a typical teenager does, and that's why she's so shocked and hurt by it. Anyone who remembers the emotional turmoil of that age can probably sympathize with her reaction. It's not a major part of the conflict between them, but the airing-of-grievances scene later in the story where the topic comes up does reveal a lot about their relationship.

Keira: What do you like best about estranged/reunion plots? What’s special about Pretty Persuasion's take on this trope?

Olivia: I love reunion plots in romances because the couple has a history, which I think allows for a much deeper exploration of their relationship than with a couple that's just met for the first time. I like characters with baggage, and in reunion plots there's usually enough baggage for a trip around the world.

Pretty Persuasion is different from most reunions I've read because the hero and heroine weren't in a romantic relationship before their separation. So you get some of the baggage, but there's also a sense of "newness" to their discovering their feelings and attraction for each other.

Keira: What is your favorite moment in Pretty Persuasion? Why is it your favorite?

Olivia: There are a couple of fun scenes in the middle of the book involving Georgie's brother being kind of a bully and Georgie turning the tables on him rather cleverly. I wrote this story a decade ago (can't believe it's been that long!), and earlier this year when I decided to publish it and re-read it for the first time, I thought, "Oh, I forgot about this part. It's pretty entertaining." It's probably my favorite because it shows the different senses of humor of all the characters. I once told a friend I don't know how to relate to people who don't have a sense of humor. To my mind, laughter and romance go hand in hand.

Keira: How do you define love? (And how did you know it was love when you met your husband in an internet chatroom!!)

Olivia: That's a tough question! I think love can best be seen in a willingness to try and overcome your differences. It doesn't just apply to romantic love, either. Everyone has disagreements, big or small, but I think most won't put in the effort to work things out with people they don't care about. I'm sure the common reason cited for a lot of divorces--"irreconcilable differences"--often just means the couple doesn't love each other enough, or at all, to try and save their relationship. If you truly love someone, you'll do whatever it takes to not lose that person.

As for myself and finding love in an Internet chatroom...well, he made me laugh. I wasn't kidding about the sense of humor thing! We've been together 14 years (if you count the Internet chatroom days), and he still makes me laugh every day. It's one of the ways we reconcile our differences.

Keira: What are you working on now? What comes next? We want to know!

I've been toying with the idea of a prequel to Pretty Persuasion, a novella telling the story of Georgie's parents. They have such an interesting dynamic, and I think it'd be fun to write it. But right now I'm working on an historical romance very different from the lighthearted Pretty Persuasion. It's big and meaty, lots of plot, lots of history, and a lot of people die. I guess I need to work in some humor somewhere, or I won't be able to relate to any of the characters.

Buy: Pretty Persuasion

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Get into Bed with Julie Kagawa (Author Interview)

Keira — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:05:45 +0000

Keira: If The Iron King and it's following sequels were optioned for a movie and you could cast without fear of budget or actor acceptance, who would you ideally cast in the top roles and why?

Julie Kagawa: I am soooo bad at this, lol! I know only who I would cast for Ash, and I’ll get to him in a moment. For Meghan and Puck, maybe Molly Quinn and Zac Effron? Or Taylor Swift if she did movies. (I told you I’m bad at this.) For Ash…there has always been only one Ash for me, and that is Ben Barnes.

Keira: Grimalkin is one of my favorite characters. When I read him I feel he's got much in common with the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Was his character inspired by Lewis Carroll's creation and did he appear to you fully formed?

Julie: Don’t tell anyone, but one night as I was writing the first draft of The Iron King, a furry gray cat appeared in the room and suggested that, if I put him in the story, it would be a huge success. The catch was I had to owe him a favor for the inspiration. I was skeptical, but ultimately ended up putting him into the story. Did it work? Well, you tell me. (And no, I’m not telling you what the favor was.)

Keira: This last book, The Iron Knight, is epic. I mean EPIC! There are so many challenges and puzzles and quests. Which is your favorite? How did you come up with so many!

Julie: Thank you! I think my favorite challenge was the part with the mirrors, when the characters had to face their dark sides. It’s a very Classic Quest challenge, which was what I was going for in The Iron Knight.

Keira: I bet you get asked this a lot - Puck or Ash? Why or why not?

Julie: I have to go with Ash, because I love my dark, brooding bad boys. But I adore Puck as well, and the books wouldn't be the same without him.

Keira: Will Puck get a heroine of his own? Are you planning another Iron Fey novel or is it something new for you now?

Julie: You never know with Puck. Puck is a legend, more so than Ash or Meghan or even Grimalkin. I have too much respect for the old legends to start changing their stories to fit my expectations. The image of Puck at the end, wild and carefree, suits Shakespeare’s Robin Goodfellow far better than a Puck who settled down with a girl. But again, who knows with Puck? The only predictable thing about him is his unpredictableness.

After The Iron Knight, I have a new series called Blood of Eden, which is a post-apocalyptic vampire story. And after that, the first book of the second Iron Fey series will be released, this time with Ethan, Meghan’s brother, as the protagonist.

Buy: The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen)

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Get into Bed with Kristan Higgins (Author Interview 2)

Keira — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:32:33 +0000

Love Romance Passion is pleased to welcome back Kristan Higgins today!

Keira: What appeals to you most about reunion romances? Do you think it's the same for readers?

Kristan Higgins: Reunion romances are a second chance to right a wrong. The idea that the one who got away, or the one who broke your heart gets the chance at redemption…I just love that! Most folks don’t marry their first loves, and a lot of us have a special spot in our hearts for that person, no matter what the results were. Until There Was You isn’t a true reunion, though; Liam and Posey were never together way back when…she worshipped him from afar, but she was only in his peripheral vision, if you will. My One and Only, my last release, is more of a true reunion; Harper and Nick were married and quickly divorced, so what I love about that particular story is all that juicy past between them.

Keira: Would you say reunion romances also share a unrequited love vibe? Why or why not?

Kristan: A lot of them do, including Until There Was You, and for me, I love that angle. The yearning, the dashed hopes, the throbbing angst of a one-sided love…sigh! And then there’s the slow realization of the other character, that dawning knowledge that this person has carried a torch all this time. I really enjoy that!

Keira: For fun, share a little about your first love! Why did you say yes to going out with him and what did you think about your first kiss?

Kristan: My first true love was Rhett Butler, and it was totally one-sided. He never asked me out, not even once! My first kiss was perfect; I was rather elderly for a first kiss (18, heavens!), and the boy in question was in the Army ROTC program at my college, a lovely, smart, quiet boy. He walked me home on the last day of the semester and kissed me there in the rosy light of the streetlight, and I will always be grateful that he did such a good job.

Keira: Bad boys, bad boys, what'cha gonna do, what'cha gonna do, when they come for you? Tell us why you think bad boys are hot!

Kristan: Heavens, they’re tasty! All that testosterone, all those smoldering looks! I think it’s the mystery of the bad boy that we women love. They’re bad, but why? Why do we go there, even when we know the reputation, the trail of broken hearts? The idea that you, and only you, can be the key to unlocking the truth of the bad boy…meow! Honestly, though, I think that it’s not so much the notion that a bad boy can be tamed; it’s more that in the right circumstances, with the right woman, the bad boy will become honest. All that swagger, all those women, all that oozing sex appeal…that’s a cover for something else. A big heart, an honorable soul that the heroine sees before anyone else.

Keira: There's a bit of a love triangle in the story as the heroine has a boyfriend (sort-of). Do you think love triangles are better when it's 2 guys interested in the same girl or 2 girls interested in the same boy?

Kristan: Well, the love triangle in Until There Was You isn’t a true conflict, as there’s no real depth to Posey’s relationship with Dante (though she would certainly like to change that). And Liam seems off-limits for any number of excellent reasons. Love triangles really appeal to me when it’s not completely clear which person is The One. I love those books, love digging out the little hints the author gives on who’s going to end up together. I don’t know if it matters if the hero or heroine is the one who has to make the choice, so long as the choice isn’t screamingly obvious, you know? Because when you meet The One, you should feel it right down to your bone marrow.

Thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed your questions.

Keira: It's been great having you! Thanks for visiting.

GIVEAWAY: 1 copy of Until There Was You for giveaway. Open to US participants only. Enter by leaving a comment. Last day to enter: November 15, 2011.

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