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

 

Winners! Storm’s Heart and Lucy Monroe Giveaways!

 

Good morning everyone! Time to announce a few winners in some giveaways! First up is the winner of the Lucy Monroe 2 pack! This winner will get print copies of both Bodyguards In Bed AND Watch Over Me! Winner is…….

Shannon J!!!

I also need to giveaway my extra copy of Storm’s Heart…..winner is……..

Amy-Jo!!!

*All winners picked with random.org*

I will be emailing shortly. Please make sure to check your spam folder. If I don’t get a response in 48 hrs I will pick new winners. Thanks!

*Update*- due to no response the winner for Storm’s Heart is now WANDA F- Congrats Wanda!

Storm’s Heart GIVEAWAY

 

Hope everyone is having a good day today! I thought I’d offer a spur of the moment giveaway opportunity to my US and Canadian followers. I have an extra copy of Storm’s Heart by Thea Harrison! All you have to do to enter is tell me if you’ve read the first in the series….Dragon Bound. And as always, leave me a way to contact you. This contest is only going to be open until midnight Saturday July 30th. I will announce the winner on Sunday July 31st!

Make sure you read my review posted below AND my review of Dragon Bound. Big thanks to Thea Harrison and Berkley Publishing!

Storm’s Heart by Thea Harrison (Elder Races #2)

Available: August 2, 2011 Amazon/B&N/Borders

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Berkley

My Copy: Sent

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 the one sent to protect Tricks, heir to the Dark Fae throne, when she’s almost assassinated in Chicago. Soon 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.

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This was one of those books were I stared at the screen on my computer for far to long trying to put into words just how very much I liked it. You wouldn’t think writing a  stellar review would be this hard huh? Well, it is. I knew once I had read Dragon Bound that the bar of excellence was set pretty high for Thea. Especially when I found out that the main character in Storm’s Heart was Tiago. Tiago was only briefly seen in Dragon Bound but he is definitely the “mean” one. The shifter that has a huge chip on his shoulder and doesn’t like to be around people. Add in the fact that he is a mythical Native American Thunderbird that can control thunder and lightening…wowzer. So heading into it I tried not to let myself get my hopes up only to be let down. However, Thea took all that and threw it out the window. She has blown me away again!

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Tricks is inheriting the Dark Fae kingdom after coming out of hiding in Dragon Bound. Her evil Uncle Urien is dead. Going back to her birthname Niniane, begins to navigate the waters to go home. An assassination attempt that gets scarily close to finishing the job puts a kink in her well laid plans and she needs to lay low and heal.

Tiago can’t believe the little fairy has already gotten into trouble. She’s only been gone two days! Before long he is in hot pursuit of the tricky little female. When he finds her hurt though, protection instincts go into overdrive and hormones kick in quick. There is just something about her that drives him crazy with emotions he has never felt before.

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Tricks and Tiago together light the pages on fire! Tiago is such a strong, alpha male and Tricks such a tiny, intelligent fairy, that together they take the reader on a unforgettable journey through lands we only dream about. I loved that every time Tricks would get it in her mind to do something silly, Tiago would go and get pissed and there would be a “freak” thunderstorm outside. it cracked me up. Does no one notice the weird weather patterns in this city? I mean seriously though, how cool is that? Your man goes and gets protective and lightening starts striking….HAWT! I do love me a protective man. One that will knocks heads off to get to his girl…*sigh*…

Tricks is kind of a unique character. She is young as far as these creatures go at just around 200. She is silly and fun and has been drunk on more then one occasion in this series. She is slightly immature but all that makes her endearing to me. She is trying to adjust to having to take over the throne that her family was murdered over. She is carrying enough baggage for an entire airline and so I can understand her actions. She doesn’t really WANT to be queen, but if she doesn’t take it back, then she will never have closure over the death of her family.

The world building from Dragon Bound continues in Storm’s Heart. Thea does an awesome job of adding new levels and making everything coherent and easy to read. Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information in a book, but not so with Thea. She also more thoroughly introduces us to the female lead in the next book, Serpent’s Kiss. That should be a good book because the vampire queen is unlike most heroines. Of course Rune in the male lead and *le sigh*, he’s a griffon. Which mean more male hawtness coming my way!

Just as I thought I would be, I am a rabid fan of Thea Harrison. Storm’s Heart is full of action, suspense and steamy smexy scenes. I want to scream it from the rooftops…BUY THIS SERIES! I however, am at work and I doubt all the seniors living in the complex would appreciate it. And if I lose my job where will my book money come from?

I give Storm’s Heart by Thea Harrison 4 stars!

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…

I Need These Books NOW! Please? #4

Alright everyone…it’s time for another addition of please mr. postman bring me these! There are so many awesome series out right now with more coming by the end of the year. I’ve only scratched the surface with some of these. I want them in my hands! Look at those gorgeous covers! I can’t wait for them….seriously, I’m driving the hubby crazy talking about them. If they could magically show up on my doorstep that would be great…

Available: August 2011

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Berkley

Series: The Elder Races #2

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…

* I won the first book in this series, Dragon Bound: Review HERE*

Available: August 2011

Type: Romantic Suspense/Contemporary

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Series: Cutter Cay #2

SHE’S SWEPT INTO TREACHEROUS WATERS

Princess Bria Visconti demands the return of the money her brother rashly invested in Cutter Salvage. Treasure hunter Nick Cutter is too reckless, too arrogant—and far too handsome—for his own good. But he can’t charm his way out of this one. Bria plans to make Nick pay up even if she has to board his boat, don a wet suit, and dive for the treasure herself…

HE FIGHTS THE RELENTLESS PULL

Nick sees Bria as a beautiful but spoiled princess who’s never done a day’s work in her pampered life. But once they set sail for the dive site, and the legendary fortune in gold the wreck carries, Nick begins to see Bria in a new light. This princess may be out of her depth, but she’s ready to take on the hidden danger and excitement a treasure hunt stirs to the surface. Together they must fight unexpected enemies—and reveal their darkest secrets—before they’re pulled into a rip current of danger.

*Find my review for Undertow (Cutter Cay #1)*

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Available: July 2011

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: HQN

Series: Primal Instinct #8

DANGEROUS PASSION AND PRIMAL INSTINCTS….

With his sinister good looks, Noah Winston is the one man—a human with Casus ties—who Willow Broussard has never been able to resist. Once enemies, then lovers, Noah broke her heart. Yet the powerful witch and paranormal private investigator can’t turn him away when he needs her help in protecting his family, him—and the world—against their enemy…

As Noah and Willow work together, the secrets of their turbulent past are slowly exposed, each startling revelation drawing them closer. But when the enemy finally makes a move, Noah will need more than witchcraft and magic to survive. He’ll need his friends, one hell of a plan…and the undying devotion of a tenacious witch whose love is eternal

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Available: April 2011

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: HQN

Series: Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor #1

The tougher they are, the harder they fall…

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he’ll take the mission he’s offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who’d had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare’s tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she’s uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…

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Available: Now

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

Someone—or something—is systematically murdering the members of Danyon Stone’s werewolf pack. As Alpha, he knows that finding and punishing the murderous entity is his responsibility, and he’s not about to rest until he sees justice done. But to stop the slayings he has to accept help from the most unlikely source—a wickedly sensual mortal woman.

Mystic-shop owner Shauna MacDonald has a special interest in the recent string of otherworldly deaths. As the Keeper of the werewolves, it’s her duty to guard and protect the packs. Working by Danyon’s side to stop an unknown killer—and trying to deny the potency of their illicit attraction—poses a threat to her heart unlike any she’s ever known, ;and if she becomes the killer’s next target, it could be the death of her….

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Available: May 2011

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Pocket Books

Series: The Fallen #2

Once the Fallen’s fearless ruler, a grieving Azazel must find the legendary siren meant to take his lost lover’s place . . . and kill her.

He’s a devil of an angel.

Azazel should have extinguished the deadly Lilith when he had the chance. Now, faced with a prophecy that will force him to betray the memory of his one true love and wed the Demon Queen, he cannot end her life until she leads him to Lucifer. Finding the First is the Fallen’s only hope for protecting mankind from Uriel’s destruction, but Azazel knows that ignoring his simmering desire for the Lilith will be almost as impossible.

She’s an angel of a demon.

Rachel Fitzpatrick wonders how Azazel could confuse her with an evil seductress. She’s never even been interested in sex! At least not before she set eyes on her breathtaking captor. And now she can’t think about anything else—besides escape.

Angels and demons don’t mix.

Rachel stirs a carnal need in Azazel that he never thought he’d feel again. Falling for a demon—even if she has no idea she’s the Lilith—means surrendering his very soul. But if he lets her go, he risks abandoning his heart, his dangerous lover, and possibly all of humanity, to Uriel’s deadly wrath.

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You need to be running out and reading the beginning of these series AND you need to be pre-ordering these ones! Don’t miss them. Oh and powers that be? PLEASE deliver to me LOL