Author Interview and Giveaway with Victoria Gray

Today I am thrilled to have on Book Junkie author Victoria Gray!
She is here to talk a little about her latest release DESTINY, you can read all about it in my review HERE. So please give Victoria a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!!

Can you tell us a little about your newest release DESTINY?

Destiny is a Civil War-era historical that blends romance with adventure. Emma Davenport, the sheltered daughter of a powerful Northern senator, runs away to marry Christopher Staton, a charismatic businessman – a traitor with his own ruthless reasons for wanting Emma as his bride. Traveling to her rendezvous with Staton, she’s abducted by a daring train robber with a bitter grudge against the man she plans to marry. Unknown to Emma, Jack Travis isn’t what he seems – he’s a cavalry officer tasked with keeping Emma out of Staton’s clutches. Driven by duty and a deep-seated hatred of Staton, Jack risks his life to protect Emma, even as he falls in love with his spirited, challenging captive. She’s forbidden to him, but sometimes, even a man on a mission has to follow his heart.

What do you qualities were a must when creating your Major Jack Travis?
When I created Jack Travis, I saw him as a by-the-the-book soldier who’s known for his responsible, no-nonsense manner, duty driven with a highly developed sense of honor. His commitment to duty leads him to accept a mission that goes against his grain. In the beginning, he defends Emma because it’s his duty, but it isn’t long before he falls for her courage and spirit.

Major Jack Travis is a man who doesn’t love easily, but when he does, it’s a complete commitment. He’s courageous and would die to protect the woman he loves. He’s also intelligent, sensual, physically powerful, and confident. He’d never shrink from a challenge – that quality is one of the things that draws him to Emma. It was very important to me that Jack isn’t threatened by a woman who’s his equal in intelligence and resourcefulness.

What was your favorite scene to write?
There are so many scenes that I enjoyed writing, this is a difficult question to answer. I loved the initial abduction scene. Jack’s outlaw persona is anything but a gentleman, but his protectiveness and decency show through. And what woman wouldn’t enjoy the fantasy of being carried off by a handsome train robber? Later, as they’re getting to know each other, he’s had a bit too much to drink, breaking down his determined reserve, and he kisses her – the power of their attraction is a revelation to both Emma and Jack. But I’d have to say my favorite scene takes place right after he’s taken her captive. After Jack abducts Emma, they’re pursued by the villain’s henchmen, and Jack takes a bullet to the arm. He fixes a crude bandage on the wound, but her compassionate nature leads her to redress his injury. In the process of ripping strips of her petticoat to cover his wound, she accidentally cuts her own finger. When Jack bandages her small wound, his gentleness and care stun Emma. She doesn’t expect tenderness from an outlaw, while she’s nothing like the spoiled, sheltered girl he’d been told to expect. I love this scene because it’s the first in which Jack and Emma begin to fall in love.

When reading a book I often imagine the characters in my head as thought I am watching a movie play out. If you could cast Emma & Jack for a movie who would play them on screen?
Jake Gyllenhaal would make a perfect Jack, and Rachel McAdams from The Notebook and The Wedding Crashers would be a wonderful Emma.

If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to?
Absolutely, I’d love to trade places with Emma. Jack Travis is the kind of man I’ve always dreamed of…I’d be his captive any day of the week.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Hmmmm…I’ve certainly tested some scenes with my husband…

What is it about writing Romance that appeals to you?
I love writing Romance because I love reading Romance. Love is a powerful emotion that empowers you. There’s nothing like the wonderful feeling of being in love, but the paths that lead two people to love are often far from straight and easy roads. Often, lovers have to overcome many conflicts, both external and internal, to find their love and make it last. This is the basis of a love story.

What are you currently working on?
I’ve recently completed the copyedits for Destiny’s sequel, Angel in My Arms, the story of a ring of beautiful female spies operating out of Richmond during the Civil War. I enjoyed creating Jack’s partner, Steve, so much, I had to give him his own book. Steve is very different from Jack, with a more lighthearted, Owen Wilson persona, but he shares Jack’s fundamental values of conviction, courage, and honor. Angel in My Arms is due to be released in November.

I’m now writing the third book in the Destiny trilogy. Against All Odds features characters introduced in Angel in My Arms and a new contemporary romantic comedy. I expect to complete both books by the end of the summer.

What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?
Sons of the Wolf, a Gothic by Barbara Michaels. I was moved by the romance between the hero and heroine, and the heroine’s selfless courage, though honestly, upon a recent rereading, I found myself frustrated by the heroine’s essential helplessness and the hero’s uselessness. Circumstances, not the hero or heroine, defeat the villain. I’m sure in a similar circumstance, Emma Davenport wouldn’t have waited around for a convenient rescue – she would have found a way out from under her evil guardian’s control with the hero by her side.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What quality makes a book a “keeper” for you?

How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I have a website located at http://www.victoriagrayromance.com/, and I have a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1819636616. I welcome their friendship. Oh, and I’m on Twitter, VictoriaGray115.

I’m also a monthly contributor to the Seduced by History blog at http://www.seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/ and maintain my own blog at http://www.victoriagrayromance.blogspot.com/. Hope to hear from readers soon!

***GIVEAWAY***

Victoria has been gracious enough to offer one lucky reader a signed copy of DESTINY. Follow the instructions below to enter.

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST answer Victoria's question above

Winner chosen 06/05

Open to all