Guest Author & Giveaway with Patricia Green

Book Junkie is thrilled to welcome author Patricia Green! She is here to celebrate her latest novel, Under Wraps, an erotic historical romance published through New Dawning Bookfair. Please give her a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Patricia Green what would your blurb say?

Patricia Green is an established erotic romance writer. She'd like to entertain readers with snazzy, sexy stories but not everyone has heard about her. Introducing herself to as many readers as possible, offering the best and most compelling stories, is imperative and she's willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, UNDER WRAPS, that isn't in the blurb?
Glee Montrose has a mysterious need to keep her beauty hidden. She covers her long, red hair with silk turbans, wears shapeless and dull-colored gowns, and often has dark colored spectacles on her nose to hide her eyes.
Esteban Garcia/Alejandro Pacheco is troubled by a past experience with a woman he loved and who later died. Although he's very comfortable with his sexuality, this former lover's rejection of him really hurt him. He has to deal with this emotional baggage as he works to establish détente with Glee.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of UNDER WRAPS ?
My first love in the romance genre was historical romance, especially works by Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss. If any writing inspired me, it was theirs.

In the case of UNDER WRAPS, I wanted to create a heroine whose beauty was a hindrance to her goals in life, and who had a purpose that didn't include getting married, despite the societal norms of the time period and culture in which she lived. The hero in the story had to be misled about her sexuality and have an emotional need to coax her to reveal herself.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in UNDER WRAPS ?
I love writing humor into my books. There is so much tragedy in the world, and often in historical romances, a little giggle and a smile can be a huge relief to the reader. Consequently, if I had to pick a favorite scene in UNDER WRAPS, I'd say it was the scene wherein Glee sneaks into the wagon where Esteban is chained as a prisoner, and they enjoy a sexy moment that has a humorous result. I don't want to give away the punch line, but I will say that it makes me grin every time I read it.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Historical romance is not my only sub-genre within erotic romance, but all of my books are under the romance rubric. Lately, I've been playing around with contemporary romance (as in SNOWY AND THE SEVEN WHARVES) and spanking stories (as in KIKI'S MILLIONAIRE). Prior to that, I wrote romances that were science fiction and speculative fiction. I read a wide variety of sub-genres, and my books reflect those varied interests.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Although I don't consider myself the kind of person for whom we'd say, "born in the wrong century," I would love to experience life in the Victorian era, as Glee Montrose does. Her troubles are many—nothing has changed over the centuries there—but there is a richness and innocence in her life that is very compelling. Consequently, if I had to switch places with any of my characters, I'd choose Glee. She gets her happily ever after with the man she's crazy about, and who wouldn't want that? Come to think of it, I already have it!

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
In UNDER WRAPS, Esteban/Alex has a light Hispanic accent. Growing up in Los Angeles, I heard an accent like this frequently. The actor Antonio Banderas has a wonderful Hispanic accent, and although Estaban's voice is a little deeper, Banderas' accent is the model I worked from. It's very sexy and exotic.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I went to a BDSM party to get some ideas for the sadistic elements of LARICON'S WAYS and DAUGHTER OF THE MOON, BOOK 1-SURFACE. Wow, was that an eye opener. People were very nice, and not as bizarre as you might expect. That was, perhaps, the most astounding thing about the experience. You think of these kinky people as being pressed off center, but most of them are perfectly average, except for their alternate sexuality.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I am a hockey nut—a regular puck head. When I lived in Canada for three years, I found that it was nearly impossible to fit in socially unless you had knowledge of hockey. It sounds stereotypical, but it's true. So, I bought some books and set out to learn the game. I fell in love with it, and still follow it closely through the season, even after moving back to the States.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
Communication with readers is very important to me, so I'm everywhere. My email address is pig (at) patriciagreenbooks (dot) com, and my corresponding website is http://www.patriciagreenbooks.com/ . I'm on twitter at @PatriciaIGreen. You can find me on Goodreads, though there are other Patricia Greens there, so you kind of have to look for me through the titles of my books. And, only recently, I started a Facebook author page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Green/164844220254733 . Lastly, I'm beginning to explore Google+. That's associated with my email address as given above.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Who is the sexiest actor you can think of and why?

Glee Elizabeth Montrose is an eccentric heiress with an entourage consisting of two eunuchs and a mute maid. A confirmed "bachelor," she's traveling across the US to escape Boston's restrictive culture and an unpleasant reunion with the Sultan of Constantinople. Her goal is to reach her inherited rancho in California where she can finish writing her father's final book manuscript in peace.

Esteban Garcia is an alleged murderer being dragged across the US by a drunken bounty-hunter/trail guide. Garcia insists that he is a victim of mistaken identity and is Alejandro Pacheco, owner of a rancho in northern California.

Attracted as she is to Esteban/Alejandro, Glee remains unsure whether to believe him or not. Is he a despicable murderer and thief?

EXCERPT

Glee shook her gray-turbaned head. "No. We can't stay. Uncle Martin sold me to the Sultan in Constantinople. He just told me. I don't know what he was waiting for, the coward. He agreed to take me back to the Ottoman Empire by the end of February, when Akmed will be back from Oxford."

Amina's eyes widened to chocolate-brown saucers, the horizontal, decorative scars on her left cheek whitened with her agitation. She gestured frantically. "What will we do? Martin will not let us leave!"

Glee's teeth ground together. "He has no choice. I'm an adult, and though he may technically be my financial guardian, he cannot stop me if I chose to leave. Especially, if he does not suspect our plans." She bent toward the papers again. "We'll go to California and live on this rancho. My trust fund will be plenty for us to live on, and no one will know where we've gone for months and months. Surely by the time Papa's book is completed and published, and our whereabouts are known, Abdülmecid will have lost interest in one runaway concubine. Akmed will just have to be satisfied with some other gift. Uncle Martin can tell him that his two eunuch guards were obviously not enough; that I've run off to parts unknown."

The deed was sandwiched between a character profile from one of her father's novels and a list of sundry travel items for a journey up the Congo. "Monterey," she said softly. "We're going to Monterey, Amina."

Author bio:

Having begun her writing career at the tender age of seven by publishing a poem in a children's magazine, Ms. Green has spent many years at typewriter and keyboard. She's the author of 8 published projects (7 ebooks; and one out-of-print traditional book).
She is a member of EPIC, the Erotic Authors Association, and the Erotica Readers and Writers Association.
Ms. Green resides in the Washington DC area, is married to her best friend, and is the mother of twin daughters.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH PATRICIA

Email: pig@patriciagreenbooks.com., Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Green/164844220254733 , Twitter: @PatriciaIGreen, Website: http://www.patriciagreenbooks.com/

Under Wraps Buy Links:
New Dawning International Bookfair--
http://www.newdawningbookfair.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=4&flypage=flypage.tpl.master&product_id=38&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=186&vmcchk=1&Itemid=186

Amazon--
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Wraps-ebook/dp/B004UVYIY4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301930589&sr=1-1-fkmr0

All Romance eBooks--
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-underwraps-532767-154.html

Smashwords--
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50900

Bookstrand--
http://www.bookstrand.com/under-wraps-0

***GIVEAWAY***

Patricia will be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter

To Enter:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave e-mail!!!

MUST answer Patricia's question above

Contest ends 7/29

Open to all

 

 

Guest Author & Giveaway with Sophie Jordan

Please give a warm welcome to my guest author today, Sophie Jordan! She is here to celebrate her latest release, and book 1 in the Forgotten Princesses series, WICKED IN YOUR ARMS, a historical romance novel being released by Harper Collins TODAY!

1. If someone were writing a story about Sophie Jordan what would your blurb say? 
The tale of a woman chained to her computer, desperate and hungry to tell the stories burning inside her soul ...

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, WICKED IN YOUR ARMS, that isn't in the blurb?
I tend to think of my historicals in a modern context. I think that’s what makes my historical heroines so relatable to contemporary readers. For example, my last historical romance, WICKED NIGHTS WITH A LOVER, I call my “bucket list” book because my heroine believes she has a year to live and sets out to live her final year to the fullest. In the case of WICKED IN YOUR ARMS, I think of it as my “frenemies with benefits” book. The hero and heroine really begin the book disliking each other, but they can’t seem to keep their hands – and lips – off each other. Sexy fun!

3. What was your favorite scene to write in WICKED IN YOUR ARMS?
Oh, tough. Probably a certain scene where my “tomboy” heroine jumps across several balconies and sneaks into the hero’s room. She’s a bold one …

4. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Well, I’m already tackling them! I write YA romance for HarperTeen. Firelight is already available in book stores and has sold to 17 countries and is optioned for film by Mandalay. I also write adult paranormal romance for Pocket under the name Sharie Kohler.

5. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Ohh, I’m not sure about that! Although my characters get their happily ever after and have tons of excitement and adventures … sometimes their paths are seriously rocky and I don’t envy them that. In short, I put them through hell before they get their happily ever after. But … if I had to pick my favorite heroine - or book - it’s always the book I’m currently writing.

7.  What accent is sure to make you swoon?
Oh, British without a doubt! Colin Firth can whisper in my ear any time … and he often does as I’m writing my historicals. He’s the perfect voice for a romance hero.

8.  What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of our comfort zone?
Probably researching Scottish history. When I researched the Highlands for my book, SURRENDER TO ME, I really got bogged down. It’s such a vast and interesting history … and I lost myself for hours when I really just needed to be writing the book!

9.  Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Readers always seem shocked to learn that I write three books a year and have two small children at home, and I spend a good portion of time traveling and book touring every year. Believe it or not, it’s doable! ;)

10.   How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I’m on twitter and facebook … and of course I can be emailed through my website: www.sophiejordan.net. I’m very accessible and love hearing from readers.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I’m always intrigued to hear what readers are currently reading - and loving!

Check out what Sophie has to say about WICKED IN YOUR ARMS in this interview @RWA 2011!

Prince Sevastian Maksimi needs a wife. An heiress with the breeding and dowry to breathe life into his kingdom. After years of fighting a bloody civil war, Sev has wrested his country from revolutionaries and looks to England for a bride who will replenish both his royal coffers and the royal nursery. He knows what it’s like to put the needs of his country before his own desires. Only duty matters. Only the most acceptable female will do. Attraction does not signify … especially his vexing hunger for the bold and brazen Grier Hadley. While he cannot consider the unseemly female as a bride, the enticing chit is the only woman he wants in his bed.

The bastard daughter of a man renowned as the lord of the London underworld, Grier Hadley might possess one of the season’s plumpest dowries, but she’s a far cry from the pedigreed debutantes out to land a husband. A truth that becomes glaringly obvious when she overhears a certain prince mocking her lineage. What makes the handsome wretch think she would even want him for a husband anyway? He might, however, be the perfect candidate for an illicit liaison.

***GIVEAWAY***

Sophie and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

To Enter:

Must be a follower or become one

Must leave e-mail, so Sophie and contact winner

Must answer Sophie's question above!

Contest ends July 29th

Guest Aurthor and Giveaway with Juliana Stone................

Today I would like to welcome author Juliana Stone to Book Junkie. She is here celebrating her latest release. a paranormal romance novel being released by Harper Collins on July 26th, and book 3 in her Jaguar Warriors series, HIS DARKEST SALVATION. Please give Juliana a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest....

1. If someone were writing a story about Juliana Stone what would your blurb say?
In a world on the brink of chaos, one mother stands alone against a hoard of laundry, piles of dust bunnies, several WIP’s and 56 hours that need to be whittled down to 12

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release His Darkest Salvation that isn't in the blurb?
His Darkest Salvation takes place across the continent. From Washington, to Mexico, up north to Canada and finishes with a bang in Sin City, Las Vegas! All the Castille boys are present and accounted for as well as the very sexy Declan O’Hara. We do get closure on the 3 book story ARC, but new questions arise and lead in nicely to my new series that kicks off with Declan’s book, Wicked Road to Hell.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of His Darkest Salvation ?
Salvation is the third book in the Jaguar Warriors trilogy. My inspiration for the entire series was my love for the Aztec culture and their worship of these amazing big cats. Family was also an inspiration to me and you can see it here…Julian sacrificed a lot to help out his brothers.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in His Darkest Salvation?
There were many from the first time Julian and Jaden were thrown together and vulnerable, to when Declan and Julian were reunited with their family and old friends. But I was anticipating the big showdown at the end of the novel the most. I knew all the characters I’d grown to love would be there…and that maybe something bad was going to happen to one of them. It was intense and I enjoyed every minute of it!

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Sure! I currently have a contemporary romance out on sub and I had a blast writing it. Very different from the paranormal stuff but fun all the same. I’d also love to one day publish something my kids and their friends can read…but time is my enemy these days so as of the moment it’s not in the works!

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and why?
If I could trade places with anyone, I think it would be with Ana. She’s intrigued me from the first book. She’s a vampire and has seen and done a lot but there’s a lot of stuff my readers don’t know…yet! A lot will be revealed in the future.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
Australian. Hands down.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I’ve been lucky. So far nothing. My research has basically been limited to a lot of surfing the net for information. In fact, some of it has been awesome…I visited Belize which is where a large part of the action in His Darkest Hunger took place and all of His Darkest Embrace was also in set in Belize! I think I’m planning a trip to Salem as I’ve a witch in my book due at the end of the year! I mean, really, research is so important.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Hmmm. I’m afraid of spiders for one. I can say that I stood beside Jon Bon Jovi once at a club in Toronto and when I realized who it was I freaked out…does that count?

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I have a contact page on my website www.julianastone.com . Readers can sign up for my newsletter there or email me at Juliana@juilanastone.com. I also have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/JulianaStone and am on twitter way too much! http://twitter.com/#!/Juliana_Stone

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I think I’d ask them what is it about paranormal romance that they enjoy so much? And do they see it waning anytime soon?

After six months in hell, Julian Castille has returned to the world a changed man. No longer the longer the calm, powerful CEO, but a shifter fully embraced by the blood of his clan. Julian has one goal: find the key to the portal that stands between the human realm and unprecedented darkness-and win back the pieces of his soul. The last thing he needs is a distraction like the beautiful, enigmatic Jaden DaCosta.

Three years ago, a forbidden night of passion left Jaden forever altered: mated to Julian Castille--bound to a man who despises her. But the temptation to trust this darker, more savage-and more captivating-Julian is overwhelming. And as they fight for their immortal souls, their insatiable desire for each other may prove their fatal undoing…

***GIVEAWAY***

Juliana and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter.

To Enter:

MUST answer Juliana's question below

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave e-mail (so winner can be notified)

Contest ends July 29th

A MIDNIGHT DANCE BLOG PARTY!!!!!!

Come to the Ball! Romance Husbands gather at the A MIDNIGHT DANCE BLOG PARTY

Hosted by Lila DiPasqua’s husband, Mr. DiPasqua. (Yes, he’s back by popular demand!)

To celebrate Lila DiPasqua's upcoming release, a Cinderella retelling, A MIDNIGHT DANCE (Berkley Sensation), Mr. DiPasqua, Lila's husband will be hosting a blog party like no other!

Each day, from July 19th to Aug. 19th, he'll be interviewing the husbands of other romance authors!

Lots of Romance Husbands! Tons of giveaways! And the grand prize up for grabs is open WORLDWIDE!

Come meet the men behind the women who write the books you love. You just never know what you might learn when these men start to chat. ;) This is a mere *sample* of some of the authors whose husbands and boyfriends will be interviewed:

Shana Galen,

Robyn DeHart

Vanessa Kelly

Nicola Cornick

Zoe Archer

Delilah Marvelle

Kieran Kramer

Stefanie Sloane

Kate Noble

Elisabeth Essex

Kris Kennedy

Ashley March

Monica Burns

Katharine Ashe

Sophie Jordan

Donna Grant

Elizabeth Hoyt

Lisa Hendrix

This event is going to be a blast with plenty of chances to win prizes---and a few surprises along the way. ;) Don't miss out! Hope to see you here next week! http://liladipasqua.blogspot.com/

Guest Author and Giveaway with Miranda Neville...........

Today I would like to welcome author Miranda Neville to Book Junkie. She is here celebrating her latest release, The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton, a historical romance novel being released by Harper Collins on July 26th. Please give Miranda a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Miranda Neville what would your blurb say?
“A woman of surpassing genius.” No, seriously, I’d like to be described as a writer of entertaining and sexy historical romances that are a little out of the usual in their approach, but deliver the emotional satisfaction and happy endings that readers crave.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON that isn't in the blurb?
I have to say that I adore the blurb for this book, and that hasn’t been so for all of them. But it’s only a tiny sketch, a teaser for a nearly 400 page novel. Tarquin Compton is a dandy, the most fashionable man in London and one who holds terrible power in the social realm. Celia is one of his victims so when she finds him robbed, helpless and amnesiac, she can’t help taking a little revenge. But Tarquin is a very different man when he’d stripped of his snooty persona (not to mention his fine clothes). Tarquin and Celia share an idyllic few days, despite the discomfort of being lost in the wilderness. The real trouble starts when they return to “civilization” and the constraints and rules of society have to be faced, as well as their own conflicted feelings.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON?
Inspiration comes from many different places, but I can give you one example. Much of Celia’s “education” comes from a bawdy novel which is about the only thing that wasn’t stolen from Tarquin. I used a real book for this, a volume I discovered in the rare book collection of the British Library. I was researching early erotica and when I read this particular book I had an idea. Historical romance heroines often learn about sex from unspecified erotic books. I decided to do the same thing, but use a genuine text from the period. It fitted quite well into the barebones of a plot I already had in my head.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON?
If I have to pick one, it’s when Tarquin catches a fish and together they figure out how to cook it. It was one of the earliest scenes that entered my head for the book: it shows the dandy hero completely out of his element, yet managing to do what’s needed at that moment: provide breakfast when they are starving. It’s the moment when Celia thinks this is a man she could love.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Right now I’m very happy writing historical romance. But never say never. I can imagine I might try a contemporary at some point. My writing is on the lighter side so it wouldn’t be suspense.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
I am, of course, always in love with my current hero, so any of my heroines. Much as I love Celia and Tarquin, I have a sneaking fondness for the couple in my previous book, THE DANGEROUS VISCOUNT. Diana is fabulously well-dressed (unlike me) and Sebastian, the bookworm-turned-hottie, is the kind of guy you’d want to be married to in real life.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I have an English accent myself, but I go for the low, sexy ones. In my mind all my heroes sound like Alan Rickman, Richard Armitage or (going back a way) Richard Burton.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I’m ashamed to say I stick to research books. No galloping horses or burning buildings for me! That early erotica I mentioned. Wish I could call that challenging but I enjoyed every minute of it. Biggest problem was suppressing my giggles in the silence of the library.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
That’s a tough question, because, like most writers, I lead quite a boring life. You know, get up, sit in my PJs and check email, pound out my work count for the day. I eat everything except eggplant and I prefer fruit to chocolate (a fact that could get me thrown out of the romance writers’ union).

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I’m on Facebook and I love to chatter on Twitter. I also love getting emails, which you may send me through the contact page on my website.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
A good romance leaves me with that satisfied “aah” feeling as I finish the last page (and often have to read it again, right away). What is it about a book that makes you go “aah”?

Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life

LESSON ONE

Never disrobe in front of a gentleman ... unless his request comes at gunpoint.

LESSON TWO

If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

LESSON THREE

If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

LESSON FOUR

Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.

***GIVEAWAY***

Miranda and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Open Contest

To Enter: Just answer Miranda's question above and leave your e-mail!!

Ends July 22

Guest Author & Giveaway with Candis Terry

Today I would like to welcome author Candis Terry, she is here at Book Junkie today to celebrate her new release, Second Chance at the Sugar Shack, a contemporary romance being released by Harper Collins Impulse on July 19th. So please give Candis a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!

 

1. If someone were writing a story about Candis Terry, what would your blurb say?
Candis Terry has always believed she is a glass half-empty girl yet she lives a glass-full life. By day, she multi-tasks a family, life in corporate America, and life on the farm. By night, she slips into her imagination and creates stories straight from her heart.


2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, that isn’t in the blurb?
This is a reunion story on many levels. It’s also a story of rediscovery and reinvention. Kate Silver is a heroine much like a lot of the women I know. Over the course of her journey she must learn to juggle a variety of challenges. She’s a woman who does things in a big way — always striving to make things better though not always easier on herself.


3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK?
I love fish out of water stories and thought taking Kate out of a Hollywood swimming pool swarming with sharks and dropping her back into her hometown pond might be amusing. And if I could toss a meddling ghost, a cranky old lady and a righteously peeved and ultra sexy ex-boyfriend into her slippery path, all the better.


4. What was your favorite scene to write in SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK?
I have to choose one? Impossible. But I will narrow it down to two. I love first meets, or in the case of this story, re-meets. The first re-meet between Kate and Matt was highly combustible and oozing with unrequited love. It was all I could do to keep my fingers attached to the keyboard while they poured the kerosene and lit the match. Equally, my favorite scene to write was when Kate’s newly deceased mother’s ghost decided to become the backseat driver of Kate’s life. She is one soul who is not lost. She’s on a mission. And the white light will just have to wait until she’s done.


5. Are there other genres you want to tackle?
I believe in keeping my options sitting on the edge of my desk. After all, on a personal level I was a small town girl turned big city chick then back into a small town girl again. I never say never. When a story that might be a bit unusual pops into my head, I always say “Wow. Really? Awesome.”


6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Well, I already have my own hunky hero but if I had to choose it would be Kate because she gets a second chance to mend her relationship with her mother. My own mother is an Alzheimer’s patient and each day she slips a little more away from me. Like a lot of other mothers and daughters we haven’t always had an easy road and there are unresolved issues. I’d love to be able to talk things out the way we used to but those days are gone. So I’m glad Kate and her mother at least have that opportunity.


7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I’m Scottish so bring on the brogue!


8. What was the most challenging things you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
Wow. I have no comfort zone. At all. Most challenging? I moved from Southern California to an Idaho farm. I’ve chased wayward cows in my nightgown (what those cows were doing in my nightgown I’ll never know), I’ve wrangled ornery sheep, dealt with a bad-mannered turkey and donated previously unbroken toes to the impatient hooves of a horse who swore he loved me (but only if I had an apple in my hand). I seriously live what I write.


9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Okay, nobody knows this about me, including some members of my family but . . . I was a child performer. I sang, danced and . . . (insert red face) was a ventriloquist. I made a record and I performed on variety television shows. They were grooming me to be the next Shirley Temple. Then along came the Make Love Not War generation and big fat Shirley Temple banana curls clashed with tie-dyed hippie attire. Whew! Missed it by that much!


10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I’m rather chatty so I’d love readers to stay in touch with me on my website http://www.candisterry.com/, Facebook and Twitter

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack has an adorable puppy on the cover because he’s a very warm and cuddly part of the story. If you get to know this lovable fluff of fur, you’ll know why I’d love to ask readers “What makes you happy?”

This is the first in a series of coming home stories.  In SECOND CHANCE, the heroine, a Hollywood stylist’s estranged mother passes away and she returns home for the first time in 10 years.  The high school sweetheart she left behind is now the deputy sheriff and doesn’t quite know if he’s forgiven her for leaving.  As she settles back into small town life, the two try to fight their feelings for each other, but the attraction is explosive and they can’t resist its pull for long.

 

***GIVEAWAY***

Candis and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter.

Contest Ends 7/22

Open to all.

Guest Post with author Sherry Soule

Today I would like to welcome guest author Sherry Soule who has interviewed one of the main characters, Evans who just so happens to be a ghost hunter from her debut novel, BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN which is a spectacular young adult paranormal that was just released July 01 from Firelight Publishing !

Hi Everyone! I thought it might be entertaining if I did an interview with one of the the main characters from my recent release, Beautifully Broken. I decided to interview the infamous, paranormal investigator, Anthony Evans. If you’ve already read the novel, this interview should be amusing and insightful. If you haven’t read the novel yet, hopefully the character interview will pique your interest.

Description: They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms.

Finally, Shiloh's met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been normal, and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken.

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

Please state your name: Anthony Theron Evans. But people just call me, Evans

Astrological sign: Taurus

Age: 51

Vehicle: Mercedes

Dog/Cat: German Shepard

Favorite food: pasta with Merlot

Describe yourself in three words: Intelligent, compassionate, sincere

Wardrobe/Personal Style: Uh, well, I like to wear nice tailored clothing. Yuppie, I suppose would be the, uh, correct term.

What do you do for a living? Restoration expert and ghost hunter

Are any other people living with you? Who are they? My brother-in-law by marriage, Maxwell Donovan and my nephew, Trent. Also, our housekeeper, Mrs. Baylock and her husband. I can never remember that strange man’s name.

What were three things you liked to do when you were younger? Study. I was a very learned pupil.

What makes you happy? Solving unexplained phenomena and cleansing haunted houses

What is your greatest fear? That my friend Shiloh will be harmed. AS her mentor, I train and prepare her to face the paranormals and forces of Darkness

What would you change about yourself if you could? I'm quite flummoxed by this question. Uh, I suppose, I would have chosen a different path than being a ghost hunter, but sometimes fate steps in and lends a hand in our life choices. Um, is that what you meant?

What is it that you have never told anyone? This line of questioning is completely unprecedented. Bloody hell, I cannot reveal all of my secrets!

What's the worst thing you've ever done? Why? I lied to Shiloh. I told her to be brave like me. but I’m not. Inside, I’m as terrified as she is of the lost souls and other things lurking in Whispering Pines.

If you could be an animal, what would it be? What?! An animal? Oh dear, these questions are quite maddening. I would consider myself a Hyacinth macaw. Very smart creatures. That can, er, fly.

To learn more the characters, please go here: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/p/character-gallery.html

About the Author:
Sherry Soule has won numerous awards for her short stories and now writes full-time. She adores cats, loves scary movies, and lives on peppermint mochas. Sherry writes young adult, horror, and paranormal, but no matter what genre she's writing, there has to be an element of romance. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and her black cat, Charm.

Where you can find Sherry Soule:

Official website: http://sherrysoule.com/

Her blog: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersherry

Book Trailer/YouTube: http://youtu.be/5uqVXKygvUs

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken

Guest Author and Giveaway with Gordon Kelssler!!

Today I welcome author Gordon Kessler who is celebrating Brainstorm, chilling a sci-fi thriller. Please give Gordon a warm Book Junkie welcome and I hope you enjoy the interview.... don't forget to enter the contest as well at the bottom!

1. If someone were writing a story about Gordon A. Kessler what would your blurb say?

Leaving a small town, a man seeks his own identity through adventures and romances, but he never forgets his past. He learns that the good guys aren't always the ones wearing the white hats, and that the bad guys are always there to take advantage when you least expect it. Through life-threatening confrontations, scalding hot romances, trials and turmoil, he becomes—a leader of men, lover of women, teacher of children and friend of beasts. He is—a legend in his own mind! A little much, isn't it. Well...you did ask.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release BRAINSTORM that isn't in the blurb?
Without my experience in the USMC, BRAINSTORM, as well as DEAD RECKONING could not have been written. With BRAINSTORM, in order to give the feel of realism, I used this background in the feel, sound, appearance and even smell of weapons, military equipment and explosions. I also used my interests in the CIA's dabbling into psychic talents and the paranormal, as well as developments in nonlethal weapons, in order to build the story detail.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of BRAINSTORM?
Besides what I said earlier, I can't say much more—can't reveal my main inspiration behind BRAINSTORM, because it would spoil the story. I have a fear of what our future holds, and this story hints at—foretells of—that fear.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in BRAINSTORM?
I have several scenes I'm proud of in BRAINSTORM, many of them with terrific, intense action. But, if I had to pick only one, it would be near the end of the novel when our hero and heroine are escaping (maybe) and the protagonist has visions of what the future holds--again, I can't say too much without letting the proverbial cat out of the bag. Also, once the story gets rolling, I really had fun writing the scenes where the male and female leads banter back and forth.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
I'm thinking of making all three of my thrillers (BRAINSTORM, DEAD RECKONING and JEZEBEL) into series. Thrillers (like many other genres) take considerable time to write when you take into account all the research required, so I'd have to set them aside for a while if I decided to try another genre. But I enjoy the romantic suspense aspects of what I've written, so maybe.... Also, I've written a sort of coming-of-age romantic short story called "Jack Knight" that I really enjoyed and am considered novelizing.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
Uh...maybe. Although the main character has it all, beautiful wife, daughter, money, he's a tormented soul, with a darkness living deep inside his mind that can easily dominate his thoughts. I don't know that I could live like that.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
Well...I don't know that I've ever swooned. But, perhaps I've come close when hearing a lovely woman speak with a smooth French inflection.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I'd say when I was doing research for my thriller JEZEBEL and I climbed past a restricted area in the tallest building in Kansas as it was still under construction. I went to the very top and stepped out onto the roof where no parapet or guardrail were yet installed, and I peeked over the edge from 23 stories up (that's high for Kansas). I've never felt the rush I felt then (perhaps close during my first parachute jump in the Marines), not from the top of the World Trade Center or even the Sears (Willis) Tower. I used that adrenaline shot the experience gave me and the layout of the roof of the Epic Center in Wichita for one of the primary, intense action scenes in the story.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I love adventure, but I'm not up to it like I was in my "younger" days. I've tried about everything, at one time or another. From early adulthood, I decided I'd challenge all of my childhood fears and overcome them: heights, deep water, speed, the dark and the opposite sex--not necessarily in that order. I was successful in overcoming all of them. In that time, and up until now, however; I still have great respect for all those things I once feared. In my thriller novel DEAD RECKONING, I took on another aspect of overcoming that fear of the opposite sex by trying to better understand it—writing most of the novel from the female lead's point of view. It was a challenge, fun and eye-opening. I learned a lot from that experience, and I believe I gained consider understanding. I'd recommend all male writers try doing the same thing.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
Please contact me! I love to hear from readers and other writers. I'm on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/gordon.kessler1 , Twitter at www.twitter.com/gordonkessler and at http://www.linkedin.com/ and by my blogs on my websites: http://www.gordonkessler.com/ , http://www.readersmatrix.com/ , and http://www.writersmatrix.com/ . Of course, you can always drop me an email at gordon@gordonkessler.com . If you're an "indie" writer, you might also enjoy following me at http://www.indiewritersalliance.com/ .

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I'd like to compile a consensus, especially from your female readers, about why so many women seem attracted to the bad boy. What parts of the bad boys' personas give the redeeming quality necessary to make them attractive? Why would I like to know that, you might ask? Why, to help develop an anti-hero in my next novel that readers are more likely to enjoy and follow in a series.

Thank you for this opportunity. Happy Reading!

In Brainstorm, Gold Rush seems to be just another sleepy little Colorado community full of friendly, caring citizens, quaint cottages, and a sort of quiet peace, held gently by the picturesque mountains that surround it. However, something isn't right in Gold Rush, and early on a Monday morning Robert Weller awakens with a cautioning and insuppressible voice inside his head. He soon finds a secret behind every door, a motive with every glance, and a lie beneath every spoken word.

After meeting a strange but beautiful woman named Sunny who insists they were once lovers, people begin dropping dead around him and his world twists upside down as paramilitary teams hunt him, and his own wife and friends turn against him. Weller is thrown into the middle of a military mission to rescue thousands of the town's citizens from a plot to destroy the Free World.

Time is running out: Weller, Sunny and thousands of innocent citizens are facing nuclear devastation. Major “Jax” Jackson and a U.S. Air Force Para Rescue team are their only hope—but how can Jax and his PJs save them all, armed only with nonlethal weapons?

“...as exciting and fast-paced as a thrill ride on a dive bomber, a maelstrom of action, violence, murder and mayhem, way too much fun to put down...based on an actual black CIA program known as ‘Project Stargate. Kessler...really knows his stuff. An outstanding novel.”— Douglas Preston, bestselling author of The Codex, Relic and Book of the Dead and many more.

"...a wild ride into the reality of human consciousness...a kickass adventure story that will have you thrumming through the pages well into the night...handled with stunning effect."— James Rollins, bestselling author of Black Order, Sandstorm and Map of Bones as well as many others.

EXCERPT:

“He left you behind to die, like he did several thousand other folks. You don’t have anything to fear from me. You probably passed my little group in the stairwell. We just want to get out of here, just like you.”

Again they eyed each other. This time one of them said, “I told you. I told you they were going to blow this place.”

“Shut up,” said one of the guards in the middle. I figured he must be in charge.

“Come on, Top,” the first guy said. “We don’t have much time.”

“All right,” the leader said. “But we’re going to kill this ass, first.” He raised his gun, and I felt like I’d run out of options. They all wore the copper-lined helmets—my psychic gift would be useless.

I yelled out to my zombies in a bottom-of-the-barrel attempt, “Get them.”

The few of my night-shirted morons that I could see standing on the other side of the stairwell doorway window stood motionless, but it bought me a second as “Top” glanced back toward my group of blanks.

His head cocked and he grinned. He turned back to me, his rifle barrel aimed at my chest.

* * *

Fast forward, Harvey says.

And I go into future mode.

The world is in slow motion. Although my thoughts shift to high gear, I cannot move faster than my adversaries. But I see their movements in advance and know when they will make them.

As the gunman squeezes the trigger, I lurch to one side. Two bullets exit the muzzle of his gun, spinning out with smoke and nitrate debris. My body edges to the side, feeling as cumbersome as a huge aircraft carrier, and the tiny missiles, like torpedoes in the water, come at me. The first will clearly miss. The second bullet becomes a tremendous concern, for I see its green tip and know that the leader’s weapon is loaded with armor-piercing rounds. Guessing what I now wore was likely the latest generation of armor, it still wouldn’t guarantee against penetration from a zippy little 5.56 X 45 mm round at close range, let alone armor piercing. Ten feet away, I twist my torso, a fast jerk in real time, a snail’s crawl in my fast-forward vision. And the projectile zips to me, my side twisting back mere centimeters to avoid it, and it strikes me. The bullet enters the body armor, and although the blood is yet to flow, the blazing pain yet to be felt, I know that it has found flesh.

Hoping it has not ruptured a vital organ, I continue the twisting into a spin, getting out of my assailant’s aim, then leaping toward the initial gunman.

The entire group begins to bring their guns to bear on me.

Author bio:

Gordon A Kessler is a former US Marine parachutist, recon scout, and Super Squad team leader, with a bachelor's degree in creative writing.  He is a Master Instructor for Johnson County Community College, National Academy of Railroad Sciences, and the BNSF Railway.  He has taught novel writing for Butler County Community College, English Composition for Hutchinson Junior College and has previously indie-published the thriller novels Jezebel and Dead Reckoning, and a book about the novel-writing craft, Novel Writing Made Simple.  He is a founder and former president of the Kansas Writers Association and tries to stay connected to writers and the writing industry by doing speaking engagements at writers conferences and for writers organizations, and has does his own "The Storyteller" seminar in Wichita, Lincoln (Nebraska), Kansas City, and other Midwestern cities based on his Novel Writing Made Simple book. His websites, www.WritersMatrix.com and www.IndieWritersAlliance are landing pages for writers to help them in their writing endeavors.

http://www.readersmatrix.com/ ; http://www.writersmatrix.com/ ; http://www.indiewritersalliance.com/ ; http://www.facebook.com/gordon.kessler1

***GIVEAWAY***

Gordon will be giving away the winner's choice of a basic Kindle, Kobo, Sony Reader or Nook to one randomly drawn commenter.

Contest ends Aug 8th

To ENTER: Answer Gordon's questions above

Guest Author & Giveaway with Amanda Arista!

Amanda Arista's debut novel, Diaries of an Urban Panther which is being released by Avon on July 5. Diaries of an Urban Panther is a Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy. Please give Amanda a big Book Junkie Welcome and congrats on her new book! Enjoy the Q&A and also, don't forget to enter the contest!

First off, thank you for graciously hosting me here at Book Junkie. And now down to business.

Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Amanda Arista, author of Diaries of an Urban Panther.

1. I’m adopted- When my parents found out they could not build a family normally, they just went about it in a different way. Both my brother and I are adopted (from different birthmothers) but you can’t tell it now. I call it genetics by osmosis because we all look alike. I have met my birthmother and she’s great. I won’t lie and say that it hasn’t changed the way I look at the world. It’s changed the way I define family. Most people would say that your family is your blood, but to me, family is who’d you fight for, who you would wake up at 3 am for and who’d you tell stories to get them to sleep. I think this is the strongest part of me that is in my novel Diaries of an Urban Panther. The main character, Violet Jordan, is an orphan and fights for the family that she has pieced together in Dallas.

2. On a lighter note, I’m madly in love with Jensen Ackles. He’s the star of the CW’s Supernatural. Okay, maybe not madly in love with him, but don’t read too closely to the description of my romantic lead, Chaz Garrett. I’m sure that I am only of a legion of fans that claim loyalty to JRA, but I’d like to think that we have something special. And luckily, my husband understands.

3. I’m not originally from Texas. I was born in Illinois, and despite having lived in Texas for 17 years, I still sound like a northerner. I do say y’all, and when I’m tired, a southern drawl appears. I’m a huge Mavs fan and love living in Dallas. That’s probably one of the reasons that I set my book in Dallas. It’s got everything that a girl needs, great shopping, good food, easy winters, and wildlife within a 30 minute drive. Need I mention a good pair of Wranglers?

4. I love Neil Gaiman- It’s a different kind of love than I have for Jensen. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series was very influential on my story writing and world building. The man is amazing. There is a method to his madness that is divinely inspired. Even if Coralline creeped you out, you have to admit that you learned the moral of the story very quickly. The intricate research and details he works into his craft reminds me that you have to be passionate about what you write because it takes time and planning and can’t be slap-dashed together.

5. On that note, I’m a pantser. The characters take me where they need to go to complete their journey. For my writing process, this usually means writing out a few scenes with the characters, find out who they are, and then I’m on my way. My main character Violet was just a chubby writer in the first few scenes but the more time we spent together, the more she fleshed out. When her emotional arc was complete, I went back through and punched up the action, researching gun ranges and antique shops in Dallas which all added a sense of authenticity to the work, but ultimately it was the character and the message that I wanted to get across that drove this story.

6. In other world building influences, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite TV show of all time. The series taught me how to build a bad guy. No, you don’t just have to give then a wrinkly forehead or paint them red. Like any other obstacle, villains need to be tailored to your hero. Buffy went through 7 seasons facing off bad guys who were ultimately perfectly crafted to be an obstacle that matched what she was going through emotionally. And you thought they were just Vampires?

7. Caffeine addict. I’m a writer, a wife, a grad school student, a dog owner, an aunt, and medical secretary. Note how time bender is not on that list. I do a lot, like most of us do, and my mother showed me a secret of how to keep it all together: coffee. I’ve been drinking it since high school and no, it didn’t stunt my growth. Now the relaxing warm beverage comes with me everywhere. At work, when I’m writing, and just on lazy Sunday mornings. It’s a comfort thing, mostly. There is something relaxing about preparing a good cup of coffee that lets the mind ease, take a moment of serenity, before the crazy mixed up zigzag of my everyday life.

8. I love to bowl and I’m really good at croquet. Two of the most random physical activities. Bowling is one of the few things that I do gracefully. The list of things that I don't gracefully is much longer and includes walking, playing basketball, and dancing, but I still enjoy doing them. And the croquet thing, well, ask my writing group. I'm a croquet phenom.

9. I love cheesy horror films. When I found out that my cable provider had the Chiller channel, I did a happy dance. There is something wonderfully exploratory about cheap horror movies. The red syrup tossing, the prosthetic limb throwing: I'll watch it all. I suppose that we all have our mind numbing addictions. For some it's reality shows; for me it's horror movies. And no, I don't have problems sleeping at night. My debut novel had to have an homage to that addiction, and thus was born Violet's career of choice.

10. Lastly and probably the most irrelevant: I wear old fashion bifocals. At my eye doctors, I’m known as the girl with the line. While everyone else has moved on to progressive lenses, I stick to my lined bifocals. Why? Outside of the fact that I’ve been wearing them since second grade, I like the line. People have said that it's distracting, but I like it.

There you have 10 Random facts about Amanda Arista that may or may not shed a little light on my life, my writing and my debut novel Diaries of an Urban Panther, out July 5th at all major ebook retailers. Make sure to comment for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from the book retailer of your choice. Thank you guys for having me and happy reading!

Violet Jordan thought the fairy tales her mother wove were just a way to get Violet to sleep, not a way to prepare her for the apocalypse she is the key to preventing. When she becomes a midnight snack for werepanther Spencer Haverty, his infectious bite invokes the first element of her destiny. When Violet's budding instincts allow her to save a boy’s life, she realizes this new gig may come with perks: a slimmer figure, the attention of a handsome Guardian, and insights into her future embedded in her mother's stories. But as push comes to claws, can Violet make the fatal strike against the men threatening her new family, her new home and her first boyfriend in ages?

EXCERPT

“In the beginning, it was gray. Among those who wandered among the world, Guardians protected us. Not that there was anything to protect us from. We minded our own business, married our loves, had children, and lived peacefully.

“And then there were these new creatures called humans who lived among those who wandered among the world. They were small and frail and couldn’t weave water, or see into trees, or change shapes. But they were passionate and artistic and curious. They were kind and cruel and humorous and sullen all in little mortal packages.

“As the humans evolved, so did those who wandered. Once gray, there were then light ones and dark ones, those who protected humanity and those who believed they were above it.

“A war raged in the dark silence around the fragile humans. Both sides had their soldiers. Once watching over us like angels, the Guardians now protected wanderers and humans from their darker counterparts, the Grifters. Guardians had speed and strength and inner fortitude to save those who needed to be saved. And hearts like lions and …”

“Mom, they didn’t really have lion hearts, did they?”

Mom smoothed out my hair and whispered. “Some do, kitten. Just like lions.”

Coming soon: Book Two of the Diaries of an Urban Panther, Dec 2011

Author Bio:


Amanda was born in Illinois, raised in Corpus Christi, lives in Dallas but her heart lies in London. Good thing she loves to travel! The summer of second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, so she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.

She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. When not writing, Amanda often dreams of co-opening an evil bakery and sell despicable desserts. Her particularly favorites are larvaceous lemon bars and sinful cinnamon streusel.

She spends her weekends writing at coffee shops, practicing for the day that caffeine intake becomes an Olympic sport, and plotting character demises with fellow writers Wolvarez, Killer Cupcake and Keith (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent).

GET IN TOUCH WITH AMANDA:

http://www.amandaarista.com/

Facebook- Amanda Arista, Author

Twitter: @pantherista

***GIVEAWAY***

Amanda will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter.

Contest ends July 18th