Guest Author and Giveaway with Tara Kingston......

Welcome back to Book Junkie's Book Blog, Tara Kingston! It is great to have you here again as a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your second book in the Claimed series, Claimed by theSpymaster?

Thanks, Brande…it’s great to be back! Claimed by the Spymaster is the story of a Russian actress snared in the web a British spy casts to catch a ruthless traitor. Here’s a little about the plot:

Russian actress Valentina Baranova travels to England to marry, but it’s anything but a love match. Betrothed to a cunning and ruthless English lord, she’s the sweetener in a deal that will put stolen British documents in Russian hands and curry the Czar’s favor for her father. Determined to flee her loathsome intended, she flees him—and promptly falls into the hands of his most bitter enemy.

Spy for the crown Alec Jameson, Lord Carrington, is on a mission: unmask the traitor responsible for his brother’s death before the blackguard can further betray Queen Victoria’s empire. Capturing Valentina to use as bait, he spirits her away from London. Despite his efforts to resist the beauty he’s snatched from his enemy’s grasp, Alec claims Valentina for his own while she lays siege to a long untouched part of Alec’s existence—his heart.

 Why Historical Romance and why Pirates, have you thought about another genre?

I’ve loved historical romance since I discovered the romances of Johanna Lindsey and Teresa Medeiros…hot heroes in settings so different from my everyday life…what could be more delicious? There’s something about being transported to another time and place that makes reading such a pleasure for me. One  of my favorite era is the Colonial period when pirates and privateers commanded sleek vessels on the high seas. The hero of my first story for Ellora’s Cave, Claimed by the Captain, is a man of the sea, a ruthless privateer with a letter of Marque from the American government. Who wouldn’t want to be swept away by a swashbuckling sea captain? I also adore the Victorian Era in England. Claimed by the Spymaster is set during that time of daring spies serving the Crown as Britain extended Victoria’s empire. I love spies—daring, intelligent, sexy men like James Bond and John Steed—the cool, unflappable secret agent whose only weakness is the woman he loves. Totally hot!

I also enjoy contemporary romance. I’m working on a contemporary inspired by Pride and Prejudice and I’ve completed a short contemporary about a breast cancer survivor rekindling a steamy relationship with a man she thought was long gone from her life.

How did you come up with the plot for Claimed by the Spymaster?

The plot for Claimed by the Spymaster was inspired by the old British series, the Avengers, and the movie that followed. Ralph Fiennes was utterly hot as John Steed in the movie. Pairing the cool British agent Alec Jameson with a fiery Russian heroine created sparks and conflict, and ultimately, passion.

Was it easy to decide what challenges to throw at Alec and Valentina?

The challenges facing Alec and Valentina flowed naturally from their conflicts. Valentina’s father, a spy for the Russian Czar, capitalizes on Valentina’s success as an actress as a cover for his travels through Europe buying secrets on behalf of his government. When his latest deal with the devil tangles them with a high-ranking English traitor, Valentina becomes a pawn between a man motivated by greed and the British agent out to unmask the traitor at any cost. Torn between her feelings for Alec and her loyalty to her father, Valentina must follow her heart while surviving the traitor’s wrath. I have to admit I loved writing this story!

What else is in store for the Claimed series?

I’m working on a novella set in the American west, Claimed by the Gunslinger, and I’m brainstorming a Steampunk setting with a skypirate. I’d love to know what readers might be interested in seeing.

I’m also thrilled that Claimed by the Captain is now available in a wonderful anthology of pirate-themed stories by Scarlett Scott and Eliza Knight. The anthology’s called Pirate’s Past and it’s now available as part of the Ahoy! series from Ellora’s Cave. Three steamy pirate stories in one volume…how awesome is that!

If the series was going to be made into a TV series or film, who would you like to see playing Valentina and Alec?

Ooh, love this question! For Alec, I’d have to cast Ryan Gosling. He’s so sexy and intelligent and athletic, while for Valentina, I’d think Rachel McAdams would be a fantastic choice.

Do you have any other projects you are working on?

I’m working on an erotic novella inspired by Jane Eyre…Michael Fassbender’s brooding performance in the latest incarnation of Jane Eyre has inspired this retelling.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job? How do you divide your time?

I divide my time between my writing, my day job as a librarian, and spending time with my wonderful hubby. We have a blast when we’re together, so it’s a great balance.

If you could live during any period in time, what would that be and who would you be?
The Victorian Era would be my first choice…such an exciting time for women! I’d love to spend time in the shoes of a brilliant and adventurous journalist like Nellie Bly.

Do you have any questions you would like to ask the readers?

Absolutely. First, what’s your favorite era…which time period draws you to a book? What draws you to a book? What do you prefer - ebooks or print?

I love to hear from readers. Contact me at tarakingstonromance@gmail.com, or better yet, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***

Tara would like to give a copy of Claimed to the Spymaster to one commenter who answers this question: What historical era is your favorite setting for romance?

Winner Chosen Jan 19th

Please leave your e-mail so we can contact you if you win!