Character Interview: Sykes from Betrayed by Ednah Walters

*This is my first character interview…I must say, this was AWESOME!*

Available: Amazon/B&N/Smashwords

Publisher: Firetrail Publishing

Lil has come to terms with her life as a Guardian/demon hunter and the wielder of the Nephilim most powerful weapon-the Kris Dagger. She trains everyday to master her growing powers, gets along with her Guardian trainee friends, most of the time, and cherishes the time she spends with her human friends.

Just when she feels she belongs, her nature-bender father contacts her and warns her about a betrayal by someone close to her. Then Bran, the boy she loves, starts to act strange and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability. While Lil struggles find a connection between these three things, she begins to realize that someone is manipulating her and will stop at nothing, including hurting those she loves, to lure her to the dark side.

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to make a stop by your site on the blog tour for BETRAYED, book 2 of the Guardian Legacy series. We’re going to meet one of the teen Guardians and hear his take on things. Please, welcome…

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SYKES

Nikki walks into the room to find Sykes sprawled on her chair, feet up on her desk and eyes closed. Dressed in relaxed jeans and a gray T-shirt Nikki had seen on a teen model on the cover of a trendy magazine, he looks like a fallen angel.

Not sure whether to wake him or not, Nikki stares, wishing she were a teenager again and he was her…

Sykes (eyelids lift to reveal sparkling amber eyes): Don’t stop now. You were getting to the interesting part. I was your…?

Nikki (blushes and fakes outrage): You are reading my thoughts?

Sykes (feet leaves her desk then he stands up…six-foot-two of pure muscles, eyes still twinkling): Of course. It’s the best way to pass time. Wouldn’t you do it if you had a chance?

Nikki (laughs): You’re impossible.

Sykes (walks to where she stands and gives her a hug): That’s my middle name, Nikki. Besides, I feel like I can be myself with you. Ednah thinks you rock.

Nikki (closesher eyes and inhales…ooh, he smells so good): She does?

Sykes (steps away from her and sits on her desk): Of course. You help her tell the world about our exploits. Anyone who sticks it to the High Council and their outdated rule about keeping our existence a secret is a friend in my book.

Nikki (chuckles and walks around to sit on her chair): Oh, okay. Then let’s break more rules.

Sykes (rubs his hands): Great! How about you and I run away together.

Nikki (tries to give him a stern look but fails miserably): I think your friends might miss you. After all, you are a powerful Guardian.

Sykes (cocks his brow): Who cares about being a Guardian when we can be with someone you love.

Nikki (blows out air): Okay, enough with the flirting. Let’s get down to business.

Sykes (eyes narrows): Have you been talking to Lil?

Nikki: No. Why?

Sykes: She uses that same tone when she wants me to do something. (sighs dramatically then gets off the table and takes the chair across from Nikki).Okay, I’m all yours. No, I could have been if you were adventurous, but since you choose to be difficult, we’ll do things your way. Ask me anything.

Nikki: First, would you like something to drink…tea, soda, coffee. Name your poison.

Sykes (gives her a slow smile): Pretty women, so I’m good.

Nikki (blushes again):You know we won’t get this interview done if you keep flirting with me.Lil won’t like it if we don’t do this.

Sykes (gives her a censoring look): Okay. Fine. I’ll behave.

Nikki: She’s your Achilles’ heel, isn’t she?

Sykes (shakes his head): No comment. Next question.

Nikki (picks up a paper from her desk and glances at it): How does it feel to be a Guardian?

Sykes: Great! Train till you drop, live for hundreds of years, no worries about money and kick demons’ asses…I can’t imagine doing anything better. No, I can, but I need a willing woman.

Nikki (shakes her head): What’s the coolest thing about your powers?

Sykes (raises his right hand and a blue energy ball the size of a soccer ball materializes. He grins at Nikki): What do you think?

Nikki: I think you’re amazing.

Sykes (smirks): I can make it bigger if you like. Bigger is better, right?

Nikki (giggles): No, that’s fine. Let’s talk about Lil. Shehas all the abilities of a great guardian, and her powers are stronger than all of you guys’ combined. Does this bother you at all? (Raise her eyebrows) Maybe even scare you a little?

Sykes (grins): No, I think powerful women are hot, so she doesn’t scare me. Also, Lil is very caring and would never hurt anyone, not deliberately.

Nikki: What do you think about the demons loyal to her? Are you worried?

Sykes (shakes his head): I’m not because if they step out of line, she’ll blast them straight to Tartarus. You have to see her battle to realize she takes no crap from demons.

Nikki: We know you like her. A lot. Can you tell us more about your feelings for her?

Sykes (grins): Who wouldn’t be attracted to Lil? She’s awesome, gorgeous and powerful. Even Remy would have gone after her, but I told him she was mine the moment we met. I didn’t know about Bran at the time. (The smile disappears from his face, eyes become dull). He doesn’t deserve her.

Nikki (sighs): What would you tell her if you had a chance?

Sykes (stares at the ceiling then at Nikki, his expression serious): I’d never make her shed a single tear or give her a reason to worry. (shudders). Enough with morbid topics. Ask me something fun.

Nikki: Why do you like to piss off Bran when you can just ignore him?

Sykes (smirks): Because it’s fun. I like to remind him I will be there for Lil when she kicks him out.

Nikki: Do you think that will ever happen?

Sykes: Oh yeah. I have a whole team of people rooting for me. Are you on my team?

Nikki: Of course. What do you think about your group of guardians?

Sykes: The best team ever. Remy may be anal but he’s a great strategist. I’m not his number one fan, but Bran is more experienced than us and is great during a battle. Izzy and Kim are awesome too, and hot.

Nikki: Would you date either of them?

Sykes: Hell no.

Nikki (laughing): Why not?

Sykes (shudders): They have too much attitude, mouthy.

Nikki: Your favorite pastimes?

Sykes: Fight demons…video games…hooking up. Not necessarily in that order.

Nikki: Favorite video game?

Sykes: Halo, Call of Duty

Nikki: Favorite Food?

Sykes: Pasta.

Nikki: Favorite TV series?

Sykes: Don’t have time, but I catch Supernatural now and then. Funny series. They have a few facts straight.

Nikki: Music

Sykes (sticks out a leg and pretends to play a guitar while nodding his head): Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Ac/dc…classic rock all the way.

Nikki: How long do you think the feud between demons and Guardians will last?

Sykes: Eternity, unless the powers-that-be decides enough is enough. I don’t mind. I’d rather go out smoking a demon or… (winks)… hooking up with a beautiful woman. Then there’s always the chance that Lil will come through and fulfill her destiny.

Nikki(laughing and gets up): I hope so, because we’re stuck right in the middle of your war. Thank you for this wonderful interview. We should do it again.

Sykes (jumps to his feet): Yes, let’s. (Walks to her side and gives her another hug) Remember, I’m available if you ever decide to be adventurous.

Nikki grins, as he steps away from her. He salutes then teleports.

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Ednah: I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries before I graduated to Mills & Boons (starting with Janet Daily’s Shutter the Sky).

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and wondrous adventures. When I finished college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn’t enough. So I decided to teach myself to write fiction.

I’ve written picture books, contemporary and romantic suspense, biracial/multicultural books, and finally YA fantasy. Most of them are still taking up RAM on my computer. Awakened is the first book in The Guardian Legacy series. It was released in September 2011 with rave reviews. Betrayed (book 2 in the series) was released August 1^st 2011. Hunted, book 3 in the series, is due out in March.

When I’m not knee deep in battles between Guardians and demons, I write adult contemporary romance (the Fitzgerald family series), sassy, stubborn and gutsy women anyone can identify with and men anyone would be proud to claim. When not writing, I do things with my family, five children or my darling husband of 19 years. I live in a picturesque valley in Utah, the setting for my YA series.

Sept 10 – The Magic Attic  http://theawesomemagicattic.blogspot.com

Book One in the Guardian Series:

Available: Amazon/B&N

Publisher: Pill Hill Press

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she’s a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.

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*Click the pic to enter the contest to win some awesomely cool prizes from Ednah*

Character Interview’s With Ice and Turner

After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.

Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.

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Good morning all! I’ve been talking about Rachel Firasek the last few days. Today I have a couple of character interviews from her novella The Last Rising, Ice and Turner. BTW I totally picked the pictures as I saw Ice and Turner in my head. And hey, any excuse for me to post a picture of a good looking cowboy.  

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Meet Ice from The Last Rising- Interview

What does it feel like to fly?
I don’t really remember. When I shift to the phoenix, I’m usually already dead and the process of reincarnating and wiping my memory has already begun. Every once in a while, I’ll have a dream of flying into the sun and it’s like most fulfilling heat you’ll ever know.

What does it feel like to pass through the portal?
I won’t lie. It hurts. But it’s nothing compared to the pain of losing the man you love or your child. I’ve done both.

When you met Turner did you instantly fall in love?    
*she laughs* Love? No. Lust? Oh, hell yeah! He’s the hottest bit of man-meat I’ve seen in a long time.  And there is just something cute about dimples and a crooked smile. He had both, who could resist.

Would you say you are a modern woman?
I like the modern world.  The conveniences that you people have is great. But, I miss the slower pace of my time. I miss the desert and the Nile. Someday… I’ll go back.

From a 2,000 year old Goddess to the modern woman, do you have advice?
When it comes to men? If you want something don’t b afraid. If he resists, use anything possible to sway him to your way of thinking.

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Meet Turner from The Last Rising- Interview

You travel a lot for you job, how does that affect your relationship with your son?
I won’t lie. It’s hard to keep all of my promises, but I do try. In a few years, I should be able to have enough money stashed to slow down. *he looks down* When we had Brodie, I never really imagined I’d be raising him alone.

Where is your wife, Mr. Alcott?
She left. Couldn’t handle raising a son and she hated being left alone with him when I traveled. I don’t really like talking about her.

I’m sorry about that. Have you found someone else? Are you dating?
I’ve dated. Probably more than my share of women, but I’m ready to settle down again. I’ve found a woman I’m interested in, but I have to convince her to thaw out a little.

When you say you’re ready to settle down, I assume you mean marriage. Is that your goal?
Uh, marriage? I’m not sure about that, but I do want a long term relationship and if it develops into marriage, I’d be happy. I need someone that is okay with Brodie, my son, and the busy lifestyle we live.
So, can you give us a brief description of this woman?
She’s exotic. She has straight black hair, fair skin and the lightest eyes you’ve ever seen—well, at least in real life. She got a good figure, but it’s her scent that lures me. I’ve never smelled anyone who reminded me of momma’s laundry. I know that sounds bad, but it’s the scent of home. Sun dried sheets with a fresh clean scent. So good.

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Alright everyone…so what are you waiting for? Get out there and check this one out! I am eagerly awaiting the second novella now. I know it’s less then a month away, but November seems like so long! *whining*.

The Last Rising by Rachel Firasek- Meet the author and excerpt

Today I would like to introduce you to the author of The last Rising, Rachel Firasek. I recently read her book and posted the review just yesterday (check it out, hint hint) . Rachel has a series of novellas coming out based in part on ancient mythology. I absolutely love that genre in my romance novels. I tend to gravitate toward them actually. There is something so romantic about that time frame. I can’t get enough. Each author puts their own spin on it.

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Rachel Firasek grew up in the south and despite the gentle pace, she harassed life at full steam. Her curiosity about mythology, human nature, and the chemical imbalance we call love led her to writing. Her stories began with macabre war poems and shifted to enchanted fairytales, before she settled on a blending of the two.
Today you’ll find her tucked on a small parcel of land, surrounded by bleating sheep and barking dogs, with her husband and children. She entertains them all with her wacky sense of humor or animated reenactments of bad 80’s dance moves.
She’s intrigued by anything unexplained and seeks the answers to this crazy thing we call life. You can find her where the heart twists the soul and lights the shadows… or at www.rachefirasek.com .

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Excerpt from The Last Rising

“Why is it I can’t get you out of my mind? You say we haven’t met, but my dreams remember you.”

Oh yeah, he’d dreamt of a woman for months now. She resembled his dream woman in so many ways, but he’d never seen his fantasy lover’s face.

She struggled against his clutch. “Mr. Alcott, I assure you we haven’t met. And for your other question, I don’t know why, but you need to release me.”

Why did that quivering bottom lip make him suspect she was lying? Turner rested his forehead against the top of hers and sucked in her scent. “Please, tell me I’m not losing my mind. Tell me you don’t visit me every night and I’ll promise to leave you alone. I just need to know.”

He sounded like a crazy man but she had to tell him. She was the only one who could put a stop to his mind’s constant fantasizing, and this feeling of déjà vu every time he saw her.

Ice wriggled in his arms, her thighs chafing against his slacks. “Mr. Alcott, you need to let me go.” She glanced around his shoulder. “Brodie is probably staring out that glass window and I would hate for him to get the wrong impression.”

She was right. He needed to get ahold of himself, but he didn’t have the strength to walk away. His hands traveled up and over her shoulders, stalling on her neck. Brushing his thumbs against her jaw, he pressed her head back and stared into hard eyes—no emotion. Couldn’t she see the battle he fought?

He teased the corner of her mouth with his thumb and her breathy gasp pleased him. So, she wasn’t completely immune to him. He dropped his head until his mouth hovered over hers.

“Mr. Alcott—”

“Shhh. I just need a taste of the sunshine.”

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Coming Soon- Book Two- The Last Awakening (November 2011)

For three hundred years, Arabella’s life has been one meaningless death after another. In a cruel twist of fate, Osiris gifts the phoenix her mortality and long-gone voodoo magic with a warning that she must save her next soul within a week without using magic, or she’ll lose her power forever.

Ex-soldier Greyson Meadows desperately wants to be freed from the nightmares and guilt that haunt him. Confronted by a waif of a woman who forces him to face the truth about his past, he runs fast and hard, fighting the need to prove himself worthy despite his perceived failures.

When Ari becomes the target of her own magical blunder, the weak will find strength and the strong will fall. One will have to give up everything so the other can have peace, but will love’s magic withstand the loss?

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*click to see full list of participating blogs*

TODAY ONLY (Sept 6, 2011) – If you’d like to win an e-copy of The Last Rising you’re in luck. A combined giveaway is being held between all the participating blogs. 3 copies will be given away at the end of the tour. Please fill out the form HERE

TWITTER Chat with Rachel- 6pm CST or 7pm EST use hashtag #lastrising

Cherry Adair Interview and GIVEAWAY

On August 30th Cherry Adair’s new book, Riptide come out! See my review tomorrow! This is the second book in her Cutter Cay series. The series is about 3 brothers: Zane, Nick and Logan, who run a diving company that finds shipwrecks and sunken treasure. Along the way they also meet their female match in unique ways. These women are competent, feisty females that definitely give these boys a run for their money.

Today I have Cherry here to answer a few short questions for us! *WAVES* Hi Cherry!!! Welcome back! I’m so excited you’re here with us today! I just have a few questions for you, I know you’re busy……

What is it that draws you to the water in this series?
I love that the deeper one goes in the ocean, the more treacherous it becomes. Add the lure of discovering valuable treasure, hot romance and exotic locals to the beauty and danger, and you have the ingredients for a kick-butt adventure.

Have you even been to the islands around Italy for research on the the area Bria is from?
I have, many times. I adore Italy, and have travelled there extensively under the guise of “research”. I love the people, and the culture, and as an ex interior designer- the colors make my heart sing. I started my writing career with THE MERCENARY after our first trip there, wring it longhand on the flight home. It was set on the small, fictional, island of Marrezo. Now RIPTIDE brings me full circle, as the heroine Bria fled from the island as a child. It was SO much fun to return there for a visit.

Explain Nick’s determination to be emotionally detached for those who haven’t read the book.
Nick Cutter’s father was a womanizer. The man was the original Casanova of the Caribbean, and had a woman in every port. Nick watched his mother’s pain, and vowed never to be like him. A quiet child who felt deeply, Nick vowed to be as unlike his father as night from day. That, coupled with being a Scorpio, cemented his nickname “Spock.”  Unemotional and detached, Nick became a perfect foil for exuberant, feisty Princess Gabriela Visconti. And writing how Bria melted Nick’s stoicism and reserve was SO much fun. lol

Nick Cutter and Jonah

If you had your own boat would you prefer something functional like Zane’s or posh like Nick’s?
Are you kidding? A dilapidated floating wreck like Zane’s Decrepit, or Nick gorgeous, luxury ship the Scorpion? Hmm. Cramped quarters v. luxury suits? Tiny showers v. spa bathrooms? Zero facilities v a state-of-the-art gym and steam shower? Me cooking v. a world renown chef placing a delectable meal in front of me? No contest. I’d pick the Scorpion. (Shhhh me too LMAO)

Your heroines all seem to be completely capable of taking care of themselves when push comes to shove. Is having that strength important to you? Why?
While all my heroines have their secret fears and limitations, I want them to be strong, and daring and willing to take risks. Usually they know their own faults fears, and failings, but they figure out how to overcome them during the course of the story. I want my readers to relate to these woman, to know that they can do anything, be anything, aspire to anything. Our paths are all so different. We might not be able to shoot a sniper rifle, or dive a hundred feet under the ocean for treasure, or fly a helicopter (or frankly – have awesome wild monkey sex and multiples Os five times a day! Lol) But we’re all the heroines of our own lives. We know the difference between what’s real and what’s fiction. When we read it’s like taking a mini vacation. It’s fun to be taken out of our frenetic day, and to become someone else for a few hours.

Agreed. Especially the 5 O’s a day part- damn that would be nice huh?

 

In celebration of the release of Riptide, Cherry is offering you a print copy of the first book in the series, Undertow! You can read my review of that HERE.

SHE TAKES THE PLUNGE.

Teal Williams is content with her career as a ship’s master mechanic—until Zane Cutter, the “Casanova of the Caribbean,” makes her an offer she can’t refuse: to climb on board with him for a real-life treasure hunt. Teal must help him dredge up a shipwrecked vessel containing an abundance of gold, silver, and emeralds—and she’ll claim part of the prize.

HE’S BLOWN OFF COURSE.

Zane needs a mechanic—not a lover—and Teal, who can also dive, is perfect for the job.  So it suits him just fine that Teal is completely immune to his charms…or so he tells himself.  But with a deadly enemy in their midst—one who’s silently edging closer—Zane and Teal sink into troubled waters. Trapped in the middle of a perilous sea, they have no one to turn to but each other as they face down a danger that runs unfathomably deep—and a passion that runs even deeper…

*To enter please leave me a way to contact you if you win and answer this question: “If thrown into a action packed situation (like in many of our beloved romantic suspense books), do you think you would excel at handling the life or death scenario?” *

Open to US and Canada residents until 11:59pm EST on 8-29-11. Winner announced on 30th.

Guest Interview with Deena Remiel

Evening everyone! I was asked if I would put up a interview that was originally supposed to go on another blog. That blog had some technical issues and so was unable to put up this interview. So without further adieu let’s welcome Deena!

How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?

Caring, Driven, Fierce, Fun-loving, Imaginative

What made you decide that you wanted to be an author?

I have never desired or yearned for something as I do writing. I can’t imagine spending any more of my life without telling stories. My poetry satisfies my sensitive heart, and my novel-writing satisfies my desire to bring characters to life.

How did you come up with the idea for your story?

A simple conversation started the percolating of an idea. A nugget of an idea grew over a few days, and before I knew it, a story was born.

If you could spend a day with one of your characters who would it be and why?

I would love to spend the day with Jamie. I love photography. I love capturing moments and emotion behind the expression. I’ve seen a part of a photo shoot aimed at romance novel covers and I’m fascinated by the whole process, start to finish. Also, his sensitive nature and dashing good looks just make me melt. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day with him?!

What would you do during your day with that character?

First, I would watch him do a photo shoot. Then we’d do our own… minus the photographer! I’d love to ride on the back of his Harley, wrapping my legs around him and pressing my body against his. We’d take a long ride along the coast and stop on a beach somewhere to watch the sunset, totally focused on how we feel in each other’s arms. We’d set a fire going in the fire pit, roast marshmallows and s’mores, and then love each other all night long.

What is your greatest passion besides writing?

My family. I love my family. Period, the end.

Jamie has it all, looks, brains, and a charming personality. But in this romance cover model’s world, those blessings become a curse when a colleague blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Will women only see him for his looks and never look below the surface to the man beneath?

Hope had a dream job, working with sexy, hot photographs, turning authors’ dreams into reality. When laid off from her publisher as a cover artist she must find her namesake in life again…some kind of hope for her future. Can a birthday wish give her what she truly desires? They say be careful what you wish for.

Destiny seems to bring Jamie and Hope what they need, each other. But a dangerous obstacle stands in their way as obsession turns deadly. Can Jamie trust in Hope’s grounded nature? Is Hope strong enough to live in Jamie’s world? Or will reality intrude on their fantasy of being together?

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It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings.

*click banner to see full list of participating blogs*

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Keri Stevens!

Guess what everyone?! Today I have Keri Stevens here with us! I got to meet Keri not long ago and let me tell you how incredibly fun she is to be around. She is bubbly and super sweet and just a incredibly awesome individual. If you haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her….well here is your chance to learn a bit about her! Keri graciously sat down and answered all my questions and has allowed me to do a giveaway (which we will get to in just a bit)

Welcome Keri! It’s great to have you here today!

1. Who is Keri Stevens? Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a wife and mother of three boys in northern Kentucky. I own a fitness business, but over the past couple of years I’ve been backing off the day job in order to write more.
2. Stone Kissed is your first published work….what made you finally pick up the computer and start typing? Was there a catalyst?
The story idea itself was the catalyst. I was taking a week-long dance workshop in Manhattan and I was dehydrated and exhausted and overwhelmed by my first trip to this biggest of cities. With my shields down, I sat in the courtyard of my hostel–Leo House, a lovely little facility run by nuns–next to one of the scariest Virgin Mary statues I’d ever seen. I began to talk to her, and pen in hand, I took down my hallucinatory imaginings of what she’d say. Within minutes I’d fleshed out a scene in which Scary Mary gossips, complains and tells my heroine how to fight dirty.
I’ve since learned this is the best time/way for me to draft–early in the morning, shields down, before my conscious mind gets a chance to wake up and say, “This is crap.”

3. Let’s talk Stone Kissed. What made you want to write about talking statues? Tell us about the book.

Buy: Amazon Kindle/B&N Nook/Carina Press

(love this cover BTW!)

In Stone Kissed, my statues talk to Delia, the heroine. Once I established that rule in my fictional world of Stewardsville, Virginia, it opened up all sorts of questions. What does a six-hundred year old armless bust think of the generations of people who “own” her? And if we squishy mortals keep dying and are replaced by others, who, in fact, owns whom? Our attitudes about property might be ridiculous to creatures who are much more durable than we.
After an arsonist torches her ancestral home with her estranged father still inside, Delia is forced to sell the estate to pay his medical bills. Her childhood crush, Grant Wolverton, makes a handsome offer for Steward House, vowing to return it to its former glory. Delia agrees, as long as he’ll allow her to oversee the restoration.

Working so closely with Grant, Delia finds it difficult to hide her unique talent—especially when their growing passion fuels her abilities.

But someone else lusts after both her man and the raw power contained in the Steward land. Soon, Delia finds herself fighting not just for Grant’s love, but for both their lives…

4. Tell us what you are working on now?
There are (at least) three books set in Stewardsville and several dozen other characters that are insisting their stories be told. This is the thing about small towns–real and fictional. Because everybody knows everyone, they can be more crowded than the biggest of cities (even or especially in an author’s brain!)
Right now, however, Kelsey Hardcastle–the pregnant hospital records clerk we first meet in STONE KISSED–is facing the music after her one-night stand with a male siren. WATER ROCKED is the working title of this related book in the series, and I’m editing like a freak right now.
5. Romance is subjective, so what is the most romantic thing you’ve had happen to you?
My husband introduced me to romance novels as a joke. He gave me a Jade Lee novel and I fell in love with it. I bought her backlist and an addiction to the genre was born. A few years later, after I got him his own autographed copy of her book, The Dragon Earl, he looked at me straight in the eye and told me,  “I really think you’re going to do this. You’re going to sell that novel.”
What’s more romantic than a show of faith and support from the person you admire and desire the most?

6. You mention Jade Lee as an influence to you. Do you have other authors that influenced your writing?

Like Jade Lee, Diana Gabaldon blithely crosses all sorts of boundaries and breaks all sorts of “rules.” They move in and out of normal and paranormal universes, they set their books in unusual times, places and cultures. Their characters cross racial boundaries. I’m glad I read them both early on, before I know there were these so-called rules. And I’m glad I found Carina Press, where “no great story goes untold.”
7. I met you at the last Lori Foster conference, do you enjoy going to conferences and fan related get togethers? Do you plan on going to more?
I do enjoy them–I have to remind myself repeatedly that I’m at these events for work and not on vacation! That said, talking romance novels with like-minded people is nothing but pure fun. Next year I look forward to going to the Romantic Times convention in Chicago in addition to my hometown con–the Lori Foster Reader-Author Get Together.
8. Have you had any funny instances with fans since you’ve been published? Besides talking to me about my giant sex basket I won at the conference that is
Actually, Nikki–your giant sex basket pretty much trumps everything else! (You don’t want to know how many tickets I put in that bag…heh) The raffles at the Lori Foster conference are the best I’ve ever seen–and I used to be a professional fundraiser, so I’ve been to a LOT of raffles and silent auctions!
Thank you for having me. I hope your readers and you enjoy STONE KISSED–especially the lucky drawing winner!

Find Keri!

Website: www.KeriStevens.com

Twitter

Facebook

Keri has given me a epub file (though I can get PDF as well if needed) of Stone Kissed to give to one lucky commenter! This is open internationally and I will leave it up until 11:59 pm EST on August 26th. All you have to do to enter is say hello to Keri and tell us, if you could talk to statues would you seek them out or would you try and ignore your ability as much as possible?

*As always, winner to be picked by random.org*

Interview with Thea Harrison!

Good morning everyone! Today I have a treat for everyone. I have the amazing Thea Harrison with us today. Thea writes my new most favoritest series, Elder Races! I fell in LOVE with Dragos in Dragon Bound…then I swooned over Tiago in Storm’s Heart! Both men are exactly what I love…..you know what it is…..ALPHAS!!!!! Oh boy do I love a alpha that acts more animal then man.

I think my favorite thing about this series is that Thea combines extremely descriptive writing with action scenes (both in and out of the bedroom) that are so just so well wrote they make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it. Hey….I wouldn’t mind being in the middle of Dragos and Tiago….heh.

So let’s welcome Thea! SQUEAL!!!

 

Dragon Bound: Amazon/B&N

Storm’s Heart: Amazon/B&N

 

 

 

Hi Nikki, thank you so much for having me again! I’m excited to be here today.

 

1. What do you think is the biggest difference between Dragos and Tiago?

Terrific question! Dragos and Tiago have a lot in common. They are both alpha males and used to the power and autonomy of command. Their Wyr natures are predatory too, and neither one is afraid of conflict.

 

I think the biggest difference between them lies in the fact that Tiago is able to embrace drastic change more easily than Dragos. Tiago is also capable of thriving in a supporting role. Dragos is the kind of alpha leader that might be able to delegate and step back to let others take the reins of a particular responsibility or task, but all of that is within the understanding that he is very much in charge.

 

2. While writing Storm’s Heart did you model Tiago after anyone?

Two things influenced me as I created Tiago. The first was watching the actor Dwayne Johnson (“the Rock”) in action. Not only is Dwayne Johnson smoking hot, but he’s actually pretty scary looking when he looks mad. The second thing that influenced me—at least that I’m aware of—was reading snippets about thunderbird mythology. At one point I read a passage that stated thunderbirds were “wrathful” and quick to war. It stuck with me.

 

Actually, I could tie this back to your first question too. Neither Tiago nor Dragos would shy away from conflict, and both have a talent for tactics and strategy. But Tiago would be quicker to the fight than Dragos would. Dragos is more of a global thinker. Dragos might not be talented at diplomacy but he recognizes it has a necessary part of inter-demesne survival and he makes effective use of it in others. On the other hand, Tiago is not at all interested in diplomacy and he only puts up with it when he has to.

 

3. Niniane is such a huge opposite from Tiago. Do you think opposites attract?

I think opposites can and do attract, but it’s a dangerous road. For me, one of the reasons why Niniane and Tiago work, despite the fact that they are so different from each other, is because they develop a shared sense of mission. Niniane and Tiago end up with the best of both worlds, all the exoticism of having mate that is so different from oneself coupled with a strong common purpose. They also discover that they have compatible needs. Niniane is well aware that she needs a protector, and Tiago has a protective streak a mile wide.

 

4. Dragos and Tiago are very “in your face” while Rune is more subtle. When we see his book is he going to become more like Dragos and Tiago, or is he different all around?

Serpent’s Kiss, which is Rune’s story, has a different dynamic from Dragon Bound and Storm’s Heart. Rune is more easy-going than Dragos or Tiago. Rune is also usually more adept at finding peaceful resolutions to conflict, which is one of the reasons why he is Dragos’s First sentinel. Not only is Rune a different character from Tiago and Dragos, but the heroine of book three, Carling, is different from either Pia or Niniane, darker and spikier.

 

5. Speaking of stories…can you tell us who will be the next main character or when it will be released?

 

I’m working on book four right now, which is currently entitled Oracle’s Moon and is scheduled for March 6^th, 2012. Oracle’s Moon is the first story with two main characters outside of the Wyr demesne, Grace and Khalil. The reader gets a first glimpse of Khalil in a cameo appearance in Storm’s Heart, and both Grace and Khalil are in Serpent’s Kiss. A teaser for their story is scheduled for the back of Serpent’s Kiss in October.

 

Thanks for the great questions. I’ve had a lot of fun visiting with you today!

 

Thank you so much for coming by today Thea! It’s always awesome chatting with you about your writing. I’m definitely hooked! Storm’s Heart just released, so go get your copy! Up next in the Elder Races series…..Serpent’s Kiss due out this fall!

 

 Preorder: Amazon/B&N

 

Interview with Lori Foster!

A Q&A WITH LORI FOSTER…

When You Dare, May 2011 (Now on sale!)

Trace of Fever, June 2011 ● Savor the Danger, July 2011

Much of WHEN YOU DARE is set in Kentucky. What part? Why this setting? Does the area have special meaning for you? For your family?

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I rarely specify a “real” area when writing books, because I find that too limiting. However, when I set stories in Kentucky, I’m usually thinking of Williamstown because that’s where I spent most of my summers growing up. Being on the lake, boating, skiing, swimming, sunning myself and just plain having a great time, are some of my best memories. My parents had a fishing cabin there—one bedroom, small but open space for eating and sitting—and I loved it. No air conditioning, no heat, but who cared? I learned to ski when I was six, and our routine was to put on our jammies for bed, and in the morning we changed back into bathing suits. Not much else was needed.

Being on a lake makes everything better—especially coffee in the morning. You stand on the deck and watch the fog rise off the lake, and peace just settles around you. It’s perfect.

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Where have you lived? How long?

I’ve lived in Ohio all my life. My husband and I grew up here, went to school here, got jobs here, and now we’ve raised our sons here. Actually, though hubby and I didn’t meet until the 3^rd day of our sophomore year of high school, we always lived near each other. I love Ohio, especially the suburbs with the small town vibe. I can’t imagine ever moving away from my family. We’re all pretty close—and I like it that way!

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Did you enjoy school?

I was not a great student. That is, I got good grades, but never, ever enjoyed school. As an energetic daydreamer, it was an almost painful thing to have to sit still during class. When I hit high school and could pick most of my own classes, I had several writing courses like horror fiction, humor literature, and composition. And I went nuts on art class. Every study hall or free period was spent in the art room. I had an amazing art teacher– a wonderful artist and an eclectic teacher, which was perfect for me.

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 Have you had other jobs in addition to your writing?

I’ve worked as a cashier at Kroger where one of my jobs was also to clean the break room and bring in carts from the lot—through rain and snow and blistering heat. I worked on an assembly line at Procter & Gamble. I’ve also been a babysitter and house cleaner. In comparison, writing is a dream come true! Sure it’s difficult at times, and it really soaks up the hours, but always, with past jobs as a comparison, I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love, to share it with others, and to be compensated too!

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Motherhood—you were able to stay home with your children. How important was it to be able to do that?

I’m one of those women who would have gone stark raving mad if I’d had to turn my kids over to someone else. I’m the supreme mother hen and a world-class worrier. When I think of what other mothers have gone through—many who didn’t have the same opportunity to stay home with their children—it breaks my heart and again, makes me feel so fortunate and blessed. When the kids were younger—before I’d ever published—my husband and I lived on a very tight budget to make it possible for me to be home, but I’ve never regretted that.

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Do you ever “steal” attributes from your boys or your husband and give them to your characters? What, if anything, have your learned from living in a houseful of men that has helped you develop your male protagonists?

My kids are hilarious—they get that from their dad. They’re also very physical guys, athletic and protective and outspoken. Alphas for sure. So yes, I’ve often stolen lines, actions, or attitudes from them to use in books.

Living with all guys…well, our house drips testosterone, but it’s so fun! They’re forever amusing, and give me the perfect opportunity to witness “guyness” and to appreciate male traits for how they differ from mine.

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The family you grew up with—do you have brothers, sisters? If so, are you close? Do they live nearby?

I have an assorted family—which maybe helps explain the less-typical families I write about. I have a sister, step-sister, and a half brother, but none of us thinks in those terms. My stepfather—who passed away recently—was my Dad in every sense of the word. I miss him terribly.

Hubby and I are all about keeping family together and close, so most of the family gatherings happen at our house. We get both sides of the family together as often as we can, which is usually four or five times a year. Depending on nieces and nephews, who has a date and who doesn’t, we can get upwards of 60 people at a time. And we love it! You can never have too much family.

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What attributes do you share with Dare and Molly? Of course, Molly is a successful writer, so you have that in common. Anything else?

Molly actually came about because of some reader mail I’d gotten—threatening me. I know readers get very invested in stories, and I’m thrilled that they care so much. Occasionally they write me with their frustrations over something that didn’t go quite how they wanted it to, or because they want a character to have a book, but I don’t have a book for that character. That’s fine—I enjoy hearing from them. But threats? Well, I’ve had a few that crossed the line. That’s not the typical reader, and it can be worrisome.

After one particular threat, the idea for Molly and the elements of the storyline dealing with one of her readers as a suspect took shape in my mind.

I love hearing from readers, whether they liked a book or not. But, just like Molly, I think my privacy is important, too.

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How did the first Reader & Author Get Together come about?

Dianne Castell and I wanted to do a “thank you” to the community of readers and writers, and we envisioned it as being very small. We thought if we got a dozen people, we’d be happy—but our first year, we got around 100 attendees.

From there, it’s grown like crazy! We love to visit with other readers and authors, and we know they enjoy it too, so we’ve worked hard to keep the laid-back, easy atmosphere of the event so that lots of chit chat is possible, while at the same time doing something really worthwhile—like donating our raffle money to great local charities and bringing in agents and editors so newer authors can pitch their work to them in person, and longtime readers can get questions answered.

By dipping into our own pockets, and thanks to donations from publishers and agencies, we’ve kept the price a very affordable $50. This year is our seventh Get Together here in the Cincinnati and Dayton metro area and it will benefit One Way Farm’s Children’s Home. Information is on my site and registration ends May 19^th. If you’re reading this in time and want to attend, hurry! And Saturday’s big book signing is open to the public. Come by and see us! http://www.lorifoster.com/community/readergettogether.php

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What is your professional schedule moving forward?

Currently I’m hard at work on another single title, but ask me in a week or so and that answer could be different. 2011 has been wonderful so far with an anthology in March titled, The Guy Next Door, and then a new single title series out May, June and July—When You Dare, Trace of Fever, and Savor the Danger, with some part of the hero’s name in each title. (P.S. There’s a bit of a link between The Guy Next Door and my three new novels. Although the books tie together by characters, each can be read alone.)

Also in June is another “benefit anthology,” which is a pet project of mine where proceeds from the anthology go to a local charity. In 2011 the anthology is The Promise of Love and, as do the proceeds from the Seventh Annual Reader & Author Get Together, it will benefit One Way Farm, a home for abused and abandoned children.

 

Gini Koch Interview!

Today I’d like to squeal um, welcome one of my new favorite authors…Gini Koch! Gini has recently broadened my horizons by introducing me to scfi fi romance! Aliens, sexy, smoking out alien men! Her series has kept me up many a late night trying to finish the book. These are the books you can’t put down once you start. Work the next day? So what…I’m gonna finish this…type of book. I devoured her first three books in the series within about a week and now I’m in a holding pattern until December. It’s cruel I tell you! LOL

Welcome Gini! Let’s chat! I wil ltry and contain me fangirl screaming. MARTINI I LOVE YOU!! Sorry, that snuck up on me..but it’s out there now. Let’s start!

1. Tell us something about you that generally you try and hide from other people.

I’m actually the Queen of the Cats. I just hang out here because, frankly, cats don’t read anything other than deep stuff like Proust, Nietzsche, Tolstoy and Machiavelli, and I, clearly, write stuff that’s far less deep. My subjects feel that I’m slumming, but they put up with it because, well, I’m their queen, so they have no choice.

(Be honest — that was a lot better answer than something that sounded either true or sane.)

2. How long have you been writing and how many books do you have published?

Been writing over a dozen years now. I have 3 novels in the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series published, with, so far, 3 more contracted. I have short stories published under my Anita Ensal pen name in three anthologies; one’s out of print, but the other two are “Love and Rockets” and “Boondocks Fantasy”, and those, like my novels, are available wherever books and ebooks are sold. I have other short stories sold to ezines under various pen names.

3. What can we expect from you the rest of this year? MORE MARTINI!!!!

“Alien Proliferation” releases December 6, 2011. If I ever get my edits finished and done. I need to finish “Alien Diplomacy” and write “Alien vs. Alien”. So you can expect a lot more writing from me this year. And yes, of course, more Martini. Lots more.

4. What made you want to write Sci Fi?

The voices in my head made me do it. I actually write in all the genres out there; the voices in my head dictate what’s going on. These particular voices said they were science fiction. It’s really not any more complicated than that, at least for me. I enjoy writing science fiction, and fantasy, because you have a lot more freedom to do what you want within those genres, at least in my experience.

5. Tell us a bit about your “Kitty” series and how many books you expect in it.

It’s the best series in the world, cheap at twice the price! (Hey, you can NOT blame a girl for trying!)

The Alien series follows Katherine “Kitty” Katt, the world’s best accidental badass, as she discovers first that the Roswell rumors are true — with a twist — and then not only learns that there are both good and bad aliens and lots of life on other planets, but gets involved in the fight to protect this planet. As the series goes on, there’s more than just parasitic aliens to deal with, as well as more secrets and conspiracies to discover and disrupt.

As for how many books I expect, that’s not really something I can say. I WANT many more. Right now, three are out and three more are contracted. I have through Book 12 mapped out and can “see” through Book 16 right now. Per my editor, as long as readers are buying the books, DAW will be happy to publish the books. So, as for how many, that’s up to YOU.

6. Martini and Kitty are wonderful together, but poor Christopher needs some action…is he going to find someone for himself at some point?

Yes, somewhere along the line, Christopher will make his love connection. I won’t say when or who, since I live spoiler-free.

BTW, Christopher was never the right guy for Kitty. I know what would have happened if they got together, and it wouldn’t have been pretty for anyone.

7. Do parts of your own personality come through in your books?

Of course. Parts of every author’s personality come through in their books. My friends say Kitty sounds like me. I suppose she does, in a way. However, what everyone needs to remember is that the villains sound like me, too. ;-D You have been warned.

8. Who has influenced your writing the most?

Every single author I’ve ever read and every movie, play, or TV show I’ve ever seen. I think it’s impossible not to be influenced by all you’ve experienced, whether you loved, hated, or were indifferent to the book, movie or show.

Other than that, honestly, I’ve influenced my writing the most, with my crit partner and editor adding in their share of influence, too.

9. When you have time for your own reading, who do you pick up?

I have little time now, which is a shame. I pick up whichever book on my massive TBR pile that’s whining the loudest. (Nice try, but you’re not catching me naming names when half of my friends these days are published authors. I’m not THAT gullible.) However, I’ll name one name — Terry Pratchett. When in need, I turn to the Discworld or Good Omens.

10. If you could have an ability like those of your characters, what would you pick and why?

Hyperspeed. I never have enough hours in the day, even if I don’t sleep. Hyperspeed would be awesome.

 

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Gini Koch lives in the American Southwest, works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people, while she listens to a lot of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly Aerosmith, at all times.

Her interests include seeing how often she can ask, “So, have I told you about this plot twist yet?” of her husband before he goes insane, going to rock concerts with her daughter, and training her pets to ‘bring it’. Gini started writing to have an excuse to stay up late playing on the computer while listening to music and mooning over pictures of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

Now she’s expanded her thinking — she moons over a wide variety of hunks in order to keep the visual creative juices flowing. So to speak.

REVIEWS:

Touched By An Alien

Alien Tango

Alien In Th Family

Thea Harrison Interview!

Morning everyone! Today I get to welcome an author that is quickly earning a place in my heart! I won a copy of her newest book Dragon Bound from Goodreads awhile back and I instantly fell in love! The book was AMAZING…and I sigh in contentment just thinking about it. Yes, I liked it that much.

Thea’s writing style will completely capture your attention. There is a good mix of action and romance so everyone is happy..and boy that romance…*whew* fanning myself! I was ecstatic to be a apart of her Dragon Bound tour!

Welcome Thea!! I’m excited to have you here can you tell? I’ve just got a few questions for you..I know you’re a busy lady!

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 You’ve written category romances under the name Amanda Carpenter, but what made you decide to write a paranormal romance?

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I first ran into category romances when I was a teenager, visiting at my aunt’s house. My aunt and uncle had two types of books to read: Zane Grey westerns and category romances. I read both. Writing a category romance when I was nineteen seemed a natural step for me to take. (I have not attempted a western—yet!)

My love of science fiction and fantasy started much earlier, when I began reading fairy tales in first grade. I quickly moved onto devouring all the mythology books in my grade school library. The school library was where I stumbled upon C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia and J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Soon I branched out into reading contemporary sci-fi and fantasy.

Paranormal romances, for me, are the perfect mix of everything I learned to love early on about reading. Writing a paranormal romance allows my imagination to branch out in ways I find hugely satisfying.

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I loved the alpha-ness (it’s a word, I swear) of Dragos, can we expect more tough males and hard headed, smart females?

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Absolutely, you can! In fact, the hero and heroine for book two, Storm’s Heart, are introduced in Dragon Bound. Also, Pia and Dragos continue to have a presence in future stories, although sometimes their appearance is quite brief.

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How many books do you envision with this series?

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I’m approaching the Elder Races series with an open mind. There isn’t any series concept or overarching story idea that has to be concluded by a certain book. I designed the world so that it had plenty of conflict and different social structures and peoples to explore, and I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to really dig in and develop things. We’ll see where this goes!

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When you set out to do some deep world building, do you have a process?

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My process revolves around whatever project I am working on at the moment. Aside from the specific romance between Pia and Dragos, I began writing the Elder Races series with one question: what would an alternative Earth be like if the supernatural creatures and societies were not secret or newly revealed to humans, but an open fact of life? Now I begin my world building with an idea for a book or novella and build the world according to what is needed to tell a satisfying story. For Dragon Bound, this involved creating the Wyr. In Storm’s Heart, I focus a great deal of my attention on the Dark Fae. I’m currently working on stories that tell a little about the Elder Races gods.

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If you could go back and redo something from your past, would you? What would you change if so?

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I suppose if there was one thing I would do over, I would probably finish school a lot sooner than I did.

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Who is on your “to be read” shelf?

Right now, I have the first book in Stephen White’s crime series, Privileged Information. I am also very lucky to have received an ARC of Nalini Singh’s Kiss of Snow, which I am nibbling through with huge enjoyment. I also have books by Ilona Andrews, Ann Aguirre, Christine Feehan, and Colleen McCollough on my to-be-read shelf.

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Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I will try to hold back my squeal of excitement until you have left the page…I said try….

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Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!

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Thea Harrison is the pen name for author Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in northern California. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction. She’s back with her paranormal Elder Races series. The release date for her first paranormal, Dragon Bound, is May 3, 2010.

She adores animals and currently resides with several small pets that have very large personalities.

BUY: Amazon/B&N/Borders

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.

Pre-Order: Amazon/B&N/Borders

He’s a wyr warrior, a god of storms. She’s the heir to the Dark Fae throne. But desire will bring both to their knees in this all-new Novel of the Elder Races.

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle “Tricks” Periwinkle found sanctuary among the wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle’s death, there are those who don’t want to see her ascend to the throne…

Able to wield thunder and lightning, wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the wyr’s best weapons. And he’s sent to protect Tricks when she’s almost assassinated in Chicago.

Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them—a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds…