Guest Author and Giveaway with Genella deGrey

Today I am thrilled to have author Genella deGrey to Book Junkie. She is here to talk a little about her latest release Love Divine, a historical erotic romance, which was released on March 22. Please give her a warm welcome!

I am a fly on your wall today, what would I see in the day of Genella DeGrey?

Chaos. LOL I wear many hats during the course of a day – and I switch them about like a juggler. I'm a huge multi-tasker and you would find anywhere from six to tem different windows open on my computer at one time.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release Love Devine?
Aslyn, was raised a Druid by her late mother. Rome has returned, but instead of a legion of solders, a single man comes to the little village of Cardamon Long, peddling a new Roman god. Aslyn is a very private person. Her Druid religion and the way in which she worships the goddess is how her heart, body and spirit are edified, instead of just going through the motions, so to speak. She loves the people in her village, but is reluctant to take her late mother's place as the high priestess. She feels she's not proficient enough to do any good.
Ryus Jorian was sent on a mission for the new religion. But instead of a cave of barbaric souls in need of saving, he finds an intelligent, beautiful, hedonistic distraction, who makes him question the very reason for his journey. You see, Ryus grew up in Londinium. Before retiring, his father had been a Dux, a leader in the Roman army. So as you can imagine, Ryus enjoyed many privileges. One may go so far as to say he was spoiled—hence his alpha-ness. He's very handsome, which likely threw open even more doors for him. Having lived as he did, his conscious eventually steers him toward thinking that there may be consequences for his drinking and man-whoring. That's when he finds the Church. Well before he takes his vows, Ryus is sent on a mission so that he can find out if he is suited for a life as a priest of the new Roman religion.

What books are on your keeper shelf?
I have a different levels of keeper shelves. On my most cherished shelf I have out of print Jude Deveraux hard backs (Velvet Promise, Highland Velvet, Velvet Angel, Velvet Song, Mountain Laurel, A Knight in Shining Armor, Remembrance.) I have a keeper shelf with books autographed by my friends, and I have another filled with Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught Historicals.

What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?
My first ever romance novel experience was with Judith McNaught's "Until You." I didn't read very much as a child or as a young adult, I pretty much sat in front of the television all day. but when I discovered how historical romance reading just swept me away to another time and place, I switched off the television and never turned it on again. This was years ago now – The last two shows I was really into were the X-Files and Friends – I didn't even make it through season two of either of those shows.

If you were not writing, what would you be doing?
I watch a lot of movies on DVD and I love live music. One of my favorite local bands is an Oingo Boingo Tribute band called, "Dead Man's Party." I also love swing, big band and blues. I go dancing as often as I can.

Why were you inspired to write about this theme?
One morning, the thought sort of flitted through my mind about how disrupting it must have been for the inhabitants of Britannia when the Church of Rome introduced their new religion to the Druids. It was directly after when Aslyn's character came to me. I know you don't hear much about the dark ages simply because it was just that. Dark. Not much was written, not even current stories passed from person to person. I was instantly intrigued and set out to write LD.

Do you draw your characters from the personalities in your own life?
Sometimes, but not as much in this book. I've known some pretty bold, brassy people in my life, and they are the ones who get to fill parts of my villain's shoes. And no, you can't have their names. LOL

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
Oddly enough, my very first publication was the book of my heart. I have a few in the queue that I will be presenting to my editor, so we'll see how things progress.

What advice would you give to people who "run out of creativity" when writing?
Find someone who "oils your muse" – a critique partner or a writing group, but definitely someone who shares your passion for this particular medium. Find time to chat with them, hang out if you can, exchange emails, get those juices flowing again. :)

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What time period would you like to see written about that hasn't gotten much attention?

In the Highlands of Britannia, 420 A.D., Aslyn, was raised a Druid by her late mother.

Now Rome has returned, but in place of a legion of solders, a single man peddles a new Roman god.

Ryus Jorian was sent on a mission for the new religion. But instead of a cave of barbaric souls in need of saving, he finds an intelligent, beautiful, hedonistic distraction whom his Bishop finds equally delectable.

Ryus must choose between the salvation of his soul and the woman he loves.

Aslyn must escape before she becomes the Bishop’s newest sacrificial lamb.

 

EXCERPT:

Reaching up to entwine her arms around his neck, Aslyn’s heart raced when his mouth softly coaxed her lips part. She nearly toppled over when he groaned as her tongue touched his. The wood post which bordered the stable separated their bodies, and Aslyn longed to be rid of the thing.

Suddenly remembering that anyone who had a view of the stable could see them, she broke out of the kiss.

“We shouldn’t be—”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

Aslyn glanced over her shoulder and back up to Ryus. No one was about, but that could change at any moment. Her breath came out in a huff that may have been part laughter. “Let me finish. We shouldn’t be doing this here.”

She saw his eyes light up like flames. “Then where?”

“Come to me after sundown,” she whispered, unable to believe the words actually came out of her mouth. Oh, she was thinking them, but once they passed over her lips, the bones were cast. He would be leaving soon, and it would be good for her to take a few more memories with her to her grave.

Without another word, Aslyn pushed away from the stable fence and headed straight for her lodging.

She paced in her room and wrung her hands, the same way in she did just before she met Ryus in the ancient grove of Ardwinna.

Aslyn almost yelped when he came bursting through her front door.

“You have more faith in me than I do if you think I can wait until sundown.”

To follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/03/vbt-genella-degrey.html.

***GIVEAWAY***

Genella will be giving away a PDF of Love Divine to one randomly drawn commenter.

To enter just answer Genella's question above and don't forget to leave your e-mail!!! Open to all. Contest ends 04/29 (end of tour)