Welcome Author Jenna Jaxon

On By Tara Kingston4 Comments

Only Scandal Will Do CoverI’m pleased to welcome my friend, author Jenna Jaxon, as my guest today. Jenna’s going to give away a free ebook to one lucky commenter – the winner will be announced on Monday, October 21. Welcome, Jenna! Please tell us a little about your story, Only Scandal Will Do.

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.

Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

I love strong heroines…such a terrific, sensual battle of the sexes. Jenna, tell us about your future releases? What are you most excited about?

I’ve actually got a lot of future releases at the moment.  I’m working on revisions to the second book in the Scandal series, Only Marriage Will Do.  Then I’m working on edits for Betrayal, the second book in my medieval trilogy, Time Enough to Love.  I’m polishing my Regency romance, To Woo A Wicked Widow, book 1 in The Widow’s Club series.  And I just got word that my Victorian romance, As Long As You’re Mine, will be published in early November.  I’m excited about all of these projects, but as I’ve been working on ALAYM since before I started Scandal, I think I’m most excited about that release!

Who would you cast to play your hero and heroine in an adaptation of your story?

I’d cast Ian Somerhalder as Duncan (except he’d have to wear brown contacts!) because he’s got that “bad boy” vibe.  And Bonnie Wright (Jenny in Harry Potter) because her hair is perfect and she’s the perfect blend of innocence and confidence.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Chocolate.  Any form, any type. My favorite premium is Godiva. My favorite domestic is Reese’s Cup.

I think I need to go get some right now.

(That’s better.)

Me, too…dark chocolate is my favorite, but peanut butter cups have a special place in my heart. Chocolate is one of my food groups!

What’s one thing about you that would surprise readers?

I named one of my daughters after a cat my husband and I used to have.

Interesting. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A cottage outside Dublin, Ireland.

Which would you rather possess: flying monkeys or Toto?

Toto.  I love Cairn Terriers and Toto was totally cool (on par with Lassie).  My daughter (the one named after the cat) is in violent disagreement on this question.  She wants a flying monkey.  I told her I’m afraid of heights.  What will the monkeys get me?

Oh, I’m afraid of heights, too, but I still want the flying monkeys. I wouldn’t be flying with them…but they would look totally awesome as gargoyles around the house. 

Jenna, when you’re not writing, where are you most likely to be found?

In the theatre.

An excerpt from Only Scandal Will Do:

Katarina clutched the chair’s golden upholstery to keep from launching herself at him and wrapping her fingers around his arrogant throat. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, sister to the Earl of Manning. I was kidnapped and brought here tonight against my will.”

He cocked his head. Then his mouth twitched. “Truly? What an exciting life you must lead…Lady Katarina, was it?” He chuckled deep in his chest, and took a step toward the chair.

She glared at him. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, you dullard.”

“And true ladies always run around London at night scandalously underdressed as Greek slaves?”

“My brother and I were on our way to a masquerade ball when I was abducted.”

“As was I, fair lady,” he bowed with an exaggerated flourish, “when I decided to come to this charming establishment instead. Perhaps if we had continued on our ways uninterrupted, we would even now be dancing together at the ball.” That nasty laugh grated against her nerves worse than the screech of rusty nails, making her contemplate murder. If the scoundrel didn’t believe her story, killing him might be her only means of escape.

A Little About Jenna:

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance.  Her historical romance, Only Scandal Will Do, the first in a series of five interconnecting novels, was released in July 2012. Her contemporary works include Hog Wild, Almost Perfect, and 7 Days of Seduction.  She is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as a member of Chesapeake Romance Writers. Her medieval romance, Time Enough to Love, is being published this year as a series of three novellas.  The first book, Betrothal, released on April 19th.

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager.  A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise.  She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets.  When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director.  She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

To Contact Jenna:

Author Links:

Blog:  http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570

Twitter:  @Jenna_Jaxon

To Learn More About Only Scandal Will Do:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Only-Scandal-Will-Do-ebook/dp/B008MNDCS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343150893&sr=8-1&keywords=only+scandal+will+do

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/only-scandal-will-do-jenna-jaxon/1112953790?ean=9781616504328

ARe:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-onlyscandalwilldo-889554-160.html

iTunes:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/only-scandal-will-do/id536593279?mt=11

Don’t forget to leave  a comment for a chance to win a free e-book of Only Scandal Will Do.

Welcome Jaye Garland, author of “The 25th Hour”

On By Tara Kingston18 Comments

Jaye GarlandI’m pleased to welcome my friend, author Jaye Garland, as my guest today. Jaye’s going to give away a free ebook to one lucky commenter – the winner will be announced on Monday, September 9. Welcome, Jaye! Please tell us a little about your story, The 25th Hour.The 25th Hour

The impossible can be quite simple, actually. Just imagine…. With one stroke of her architect’s eraser, an heiress is chased through time by her father’s murderer and lands in the arms of a 19th century Wyoming rancher. The enduring lovers must find the killer before another life is taken—and the rift in time closes, separating them, forever.

What a terrific read, Jaye! Now, let’s talk about you. What earns a book a place on your keeper shelf, real or virtual?

Memorable characters, setting, and/or a plot that lives on in my mind days, sometimes months and years, after I’ve read the last page. Yes, I have quite a few of those on my keeper shelves and re-read them many times. Gone With The Wind is a great example. I’ve read that book at least six times.

I have quite a few keeper books…I loved the old “gothics” of Barbara Michaels, and Jude Devereaux, Julie Garwood, Amanda Quick, and Teresa Medeiros all have a special place on my shelves.

If you could bring a fictional hero to life, which one would it be? Heathcliff? Mr. Darcy? Mr. Rochester? Tarzan? Captain Mal? One of your own heroes?

Easy answer is Colonel William F. Cody. Yeah baby, I’m talking about Buffalo Bill.  While he’s not the hero of my debut novel, THE 25th HOUR, he does make several appearances in that story. I’d love to hear his first-hand accounts of how things really happened back in the late 19th century.

Oh, that would be fascinating…if you ever pull it off, make sure to invite me, too! I’d love to chat!

If you could live during any era in time, when would that be? Why?

Another easy answer. I’d have to pick 1877 which is the time frame of THE 25th HOUR. That way I could interview several of my characters—because they’re all real, right? No? Okay, in all seriousness, I’ve used real-life people and events in that story and they will be making appearances in my next book which is in the final drafting stage. Along with Buffalo Bill, there are a few other real people in this story, too. I’m wondering how many readers will pick up on that—aside from Buffalo Bill.

I love that era, too…essentially the years between the Civil War and the Gilded Age are my favorites for reading and writing…so many exciting changes and adventurous people.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Cat-napping on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I think I gave up sleep when I became a writer. Just not enough time in the day for everything. Oh, and chocolate, of course. Good chocolate.

Chocolate is one of my food groups!

What’s one thing about you that would surprise readers?

I absolutely hate to try on clothes and spend the money to get them, aka: shopping. Please don’t take my Girl Card away, because other than that one flaw, I’m all girly-girl.

Which would you rather possess: flying monkeys or Toto?

You know that meme drifting through Facebook, the one where you only see the shoes and red & white stockinged legs of the Wicked Witch of the West, and she’s saying it’s a good day when you don’t have to release the flying monkeys? Yeah, that would be me.

I’m a flying monkeys gal, too! They’d be so handy to have around the house.

What’s your all-time favorite movie? Why?

I can’t pick just one because I watch these over and over, if nothing else to hear their incredibly fabulous sound tracks:  Quigley Down Under, Hunt for Red October, and Medicine Man. Eye candy along with great plots and sound tracks. Triple win!

Great choices…I’d have to add Raiders of the Lost Ark to that list…gotta have me some Indiana Jones.

Do you follow sports? Favorite teams?

I love football and live in Houston, Texas. “GO Texans!”

Jaye, I love football, too. I’m Steelers by marriage…originally a Virginia gal (Redskins), but marriage to a guy from Pittsburgh means you wear a lot of black and gold.

Thanks so much for stopping by and getting to know a little bit about Jaye. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win “The 25th Hour”. Or order if for wonderful weekend reading – Here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/oxjfa7t

A little about Jaye:

Born and raised on the Great Plains, Jaye Garland thrives on ‘what-if’ scenarios by turning ordinary ranch life events into novels steeped in adventure on the American West. Her award winning first novel, THE 25th HOUR, is now available as an eBook on Amazon.com.

Guest Author Cari Davis – Happily Ever After: Reality or Myth?

On By Tara Kingston7 Comments

Cari DavisI’m pleased to welcome my friend, fellow author and critique partner Cari Davis. Cari writes suspenseful historical romance set in the exciting years of the California gold rush. Welcome, Cari.

Last month, my brother married a terrific lady who I am lucky to have as a sister-in-law. The two are so perfect for each other that it’s hard to not believe they were meant for each other. This wonderful union started me thinking about the proverbial Happily Ever After (or HEA) and my love/hate relationship with romance novels.

I spent many years doubting the existence of real HEAs. I was convinced that the whole concept was a myth perpetuated by Disney films and romance novels. And, yes, I was one of those people. I turned my nose up at the mere thought of reading romances. But can you blame me? My mom and dad got divorced when I was four, and between the two of them, I’ve had five stepparents. If that weren’t bad enough, when I looked around at my friends’ parents, I saw even more broken families or couples that stayed miserably together for the sake of the kids.

Yet, despite the jaded cynicism, there lurked a rose-colored-glasses optimist. This Little Miss Pollyanna in my psyche seemed to always steer me in the direction of stories with happy endings and the occasional dreaded romance novel. (Whenever I was caught reading said novels, I was quick to explain that I had run out of better books to read.)

When I started writing and realized all the stories in my head were love stories, I was forced to admit the truth – I love romances and the promise of the HEA. I was also forced to take a long hard look at what I believe and why. How could I write believable characters with believable happy endings unless I did indeed see the reality of HEAs?

After stripping away the emotional baggage of coming from a broken home and burning away the illusion of everything being light and happy, I was left with the realization that both good things and bad things happen. There are relationships that end in divorce or are cut too short by tragedy. There are people who settle for an unhappy relationship because they’re afraid of being alone. There are people who are desperately seeking Mr. or Mrs. Right. But there are also people who have found their soul mates as well as people who have found their HEA in a life of being single.

It has taken a long time, but I have finally learned that regardless of where a person is on the spectrum, HEA is within their grasp. Sometimes it means making difficult but necessary changes. Sometimes it means just altering how you perceive things. Instead of seeing the glass is half-empty, allow yourself to see that it’s half-full.

I’m going to go on a bit of tangent, but I promise it’s related. Fifty years ago this week, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. In August of 1963, he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shouted out to the world his dream – his vision of a perfect world. A utopian world. All these years later, have we achieved his dream? Of course not. Is the world a better place because he stood up for his dream? Absolutely.

Since then, through the perspective of time, we can look at all the ways in which we as a nation have failed. Or we can look at all the ways in which we’ve succeeded. It’s the same in our personal lives. Do we wallow in our bad luck and misfortune? Do we succumb to settling for less or accept that tragedy is inevitable? Or do we find the courage and strength to dream, to hope, to love?

And that, my friends, is what a romance novel is all about. That is why, despite my embarrassment, I’ve always been drawn to a good romance, and why I’m compelled to write them. They are a lesson on how to choose happiness despite the obstacles, a map to finding our own Happily Ever After.

Welcome Ashlyn Macnamara, Author of A Most Devilish Rogue

On By Tara Kingston11 Comments

Ashlyn MacnamaraI’m pleased to welcome my friend and critique partner, author Ashlyn Macnamara, as my guest today. Ashlyn has graciously offered a copy of her book and a special surprise gift to one lucky commenter. Welcome, Ashlyn! Please tell us a little about your story, A Most Devilish Rogue.

A little about A MOST DEVILISH ROGUE:

Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.

George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.

Ashlyn, please tell us about your future releases? What are you most excited about?AMDRCover

I don’t currently have anything contracted right now. I am working on a new series, though, and crossing my fingers that it sells. I’m not sure I ought to say too much here, but it’s a three-book series set during the late Regency—although not in London. The heroine of the next book is George’s sister Henrietta.  She has taken a job as the paid companion of the cantankerous Lady Epperley, who appears in my debut A MOST SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL, and Henrietta is getting on as best she can when her former betrothed shows up with both kids and bad guys in tow.

Who would you cast to play your hero and heroine in an adaptation of your story?

In my head, George has always been a younger, less scruffy Russell Crowe. One of my friends who read the story protested loudly at this, but my imagination sees what it wants to see. So if Russell doesn’t do it for you,  I give you permission to imagine Ryan Gosling, instead.

You know I adore Russell Crowe…I may be biased, but I can truly picture George being portrayed by a thirty-something Russell. Absolutely gorgeous! Who do you picture for the role of Isabelle?

Isabelle is a little more problematic, because I have a very specific picture of her in mind.  She’s petite with big brown eyes, a bit of an elfin face, and naturally curly blond hair—the kind that falls in a long, loose tangle of curls.  I’m open to suggestions if anyone wants to find me a lookalike.

She sounds like a Charlie’s Angels-era Drew Barrymore with brown eyes. I can picture that. Any other ideas, readers?

So, Ashlyn, what’s your favorite quotation?

This changes from time to time, but right now I’m rather fond of something children’s fantasy author Lloyd Alexander said. “Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.”

Whether you like your fantasy in the form of Middle-earth, a gritty, modern urban setting, or something historical (and I do consider historical romance as a form of fantasy), I believe this to be true.

Okay, Ashlyn, now on to the really important question, at least to an Elphaba wannabe like me. Which would you rather possess: flying monkeys or Toto?

I’m actually more of a cat person than anything, but who wouldn’t want flying monkeys? And, sorry, but Toto was kind of a yappy little thing. If I ever got a dog, it would have to be a big one—one your average cat couldn’t beat up.  A few of my friends are now going to point to this reply and say, “See? I always told you she was evil.” I suppose I’ll have to live with that.

There’s nothing like having flying monkeys around the house to keep those pesky door-to-door salespeople away…and they’re actually very neat and low-maintenance. Okay, another really thought-provoking question: If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

Does it have to be just one? Really? Ok, if I must choose (and I reserve the right to change my mind at any time), I’ll pick Richard Armitage. Totally for research purposes, mind you.  I recently discovered the old Robin Hood series that the BBC did a few years back, and Richard Armitage as a tall, dark, brooding, conflicted bad guy, um, did it for me, shall we say. And I’m considering basing a future hero on the character. Oh my, yes. Plus, he’s not so young that I feel like Mrs. Robinson when contemplating his hotness.

I have to admit I’m relieved you didn’t say Russell Crowe…I have dibs on him for my desert island fantasy. If he’s not available, Gerard Butler can always stop by my island for a night or two.

Thanks for stopping by today, Ashlyn. Congratulations on your upcoming release! Readers, don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a copy of Ashlyn’s book and a special, secret surprise gift. The winner will be announced Monday, August 26.

Welcome Guest Author Sasha Cottman

On By Tara Kingston2 Comments

Sasha CottmanIt’s my pleasure to welcome author Sasha Cottman to the blog today. She’s going to tell us a little about her new Regency Historical romance release, Letter from a Rake. Sasha has graciously offered one lucky commenter an e-book of her novel. The winner will be announced by Monday, August 5.

Welcome, Sasha.

Hi Tara,

I’m really excited to be a guest on your blog, I hope I look windswept and interesting having just stepped off a 26 hour flight from Australia. Ok, not really, I am just waving madly at you from across the Pacific pond.

Thanks Sasha, more about your home later, firstly can you tell us a bit about Letter from a Rake, your new Regency Historical Romance?

Letter from a Rake is about the unconventional Miss Millie Ashton, who has recently arrived from India. She finds England a cold and dismal place. The fashionable ladies of London society look down their noses at her and it isn’t long before Millie is planning her return to the country she considers home.

When she befriends the high-spirited Lucy Radley, she also meets Lucy’s handsome brother, ‘Alex the Great’ and things take a turn for the better. Alex, the Marquess of Letter from a Rake CoverBrooke, is considered the most eligible bachelor in London, yet he appears fascinated by the independent Millie.

Against the odds, their unlikely friendship deepens. But Alex has a secret and when a love letter goes astray, it threatens to destroy all their happiness…

Interesting, so why a Regency novel, you do live a long way from England?

Actually I was born in England so writing about the English Regency period comes naturally to me. I have great fun writing about places that I know personally. For instance I was thrilled to discover the Great North Road, which gets a mention in Letter from a Rake, used to pass through a village my cousin lives in.

Ok, so I have to ask. Do you have a pet kangaroo?

(Laughs) No, I live near the city in Melbourne. They are huge animals and my cat would be terrified. The only kangaroos I ever see are near my parents in laws house in the bush. You have to watch out for kangaroos on the road at dusk, they tend to leap in front of cars.

So tell me a little about what you like. I’m a huge movie fan. What was the last movie you saw?

I saw the new Superman movie a few weeks ago, and that was pretty neat. I must confess I could sit and watch Henry Cavill for 2 hours even if he just stood and stared at the screen.  The last movie we saw at home was the classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. We had a room full of 14 year olds who couldn’t understand how the adults knew the whole opening monologue.

Sasha, I adore Ferris Bueller’s Day Off…it’s one of my 80’s favorites…Fast Times at Ridgemont High is another one of my favorites.

What’s your favorite TV show, Sasha?

Sorry, but I have to pick 2. Game of Thrones, which as a writer has so many plot twists I find myself squealing at the television. The ending of last season had everyone stunned, which is brilliant writing.  Supernatural which is such a fun show. The cast and crew clearly have a great time making Supernatural. Ok yes and the lead actors are fantastic (and cute).

Favorite Holiday Place?

Um, that’s a hard one. I have been to over 50 countries in my travels. My favorite for warmth, food and just chilling out would have to be Fiji. Its only 5 hours flying time from Australia and really good holiday value. We had Christmas in Fiji a couple of years ago and that was a really special holiday for our family.

Finally, describe your writing space.

A mess. Though I just bought a huge computer screen which is nearly as big as our TV. When Dell asked if I wanted to upsize I didn’t realize it was going to be that big!

I do have clean ups every so often, but the papers slowly creep back into the room.

Sasha, I have that same problem. I have containers all over the place, but I wonder if little elves are strewing my papers about every night. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit on my blog.

A pleasure, thanks Tara.

Letter from a Rake is Sasha’s debut book.

You can find Letter from a Rake here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Letter-From-Rake-Destiny-ebook/dp/B00DGLWEYK

Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=letter+from+a+rake

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/letter-from-a-rake/id662840513?mt=11

Also available at Google Play, Readcloud, Angus & Robertson and Booki.sh

You can follow Sasha and find out more about her and her books on her website: http://www.sashacottman.com

Follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/sashacottman

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sashacottmanauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7136108.Sasha_Cottman

About the Author

Born in England, but raised in Australia, Sasha has a love for both countries. Having her heart in two places has created a love for travel, which at last count was to over 55 countries. A travel guide is always on her pile of new books to read.

Five years ago, Sasha accidentally enrolled in a romance writing course. Other than Pride and Prejudice she had never read a romance book before. She soon discovered that the world of historical romance allowed her to combine her love of history with the passion of romance writing.

Welcome Guest Author Jodi Vaughn

On By Tara Kingston4 Comments

Jodi VaughnIt’s my pleasure to welcome author Jodi Vaughn to the blog today. She’s going to tell us a little about her upcoming paranormal romance release, Veiled Secrets. Welcome, Jodi. Please tell us about Veiled Secrets.

Veiled Secrets

When fairies and demons collide all hell breaks loose.

            Celeste Hart yearns for a normal life, but she has never fit in because of her dark visions. She vows to let nothing stop her from discovering what she is, good, bad or evil. But she is soon distracted from her quest when sexy Eric Nordstrom charms his way into her bed. He leaves her even more confused by her intense feelings for him and discovers their one night of passion has resulted in something that will change them forever, a child.

CEO Eric Nordstrom has no interest in romance and even less in a relationship. His company has always been his focus. But he can’t stop thinking about the elusive Celeste, who has made him feel more in one night than he has in his entire life. When he learns of the pregnancy, he convinces Celeste to marry him on the pretense of keeping the company from another scandal while trying to seduce her back into his arms.

Celeste struggles to fit into Eric’s elite world and soon discovers her visions are a result of having Fae blood. When the vengeful Queen of the Fairies sends a demon army to take her unborn child, Celeste must embrace her fairy heritage and enlist Eric’s help in her life and death fight.  Suspicious of a world he doesn’t understand yet determined to protect the woman he loves, Eric joins forces with Celeste to protect their unborn child from the evil that has invaded their home.

Fate brought them together, will destiny rip them apart?

Jodi, how about a little info about you – Inquiring minds want to know…

Jodi, You’ve landed in Oz…who would you rather meet: Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, or Oz?

I would rather meet The Wicked Witch. Dorothy was a drama queen and Oz was trying to be someone he wasn’t. The Wicked Witch had her sister murdered by a house and her inheritance stolen (red shoes). She actually had a reason be vengeful. Plus I always root for the underdog.

What’s your all-time favorite movie? Why?

Pride and Prejudice. And yes it’s my favorite book too! I think every romance novel is based on the same principle. Hero and heroine can’t admit they love each other and fight it until the end.

I also love You’ve Got Mail. Same principal!

Jodi, I adore those movies. Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice is simply unforgettable, and I loved the witty banter between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. Two of my absolute favorites!

When you’re not writing, where are you most likely to be found?

I read whenever I’m not writing and I love to travel. But when I’m at home I love to sit out on our deck with my family at night while listening to the sounds of nature.

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

Travis Fimmel. Because it’s Travis Fimmel.

Thanks for stopping by, Jodi. I’m really looking forward to reading your book when it becomes available later this summer.

Readers can contact Jodi at

http://jodivaughn.com  or visit Jodi’s Facebook author page : Jodi Vaughn, Author and follow her on Twitter JodiVaughn1

Welcome Guest Author Gina Danna

On By Tara Kingston24 Comments

Her Eternal RogueIt’s my pleasure to welcome author Gina Danna to the blog today. She’s going to tell us a little about her latest release, Her Eternal Rogue, a scorching paranormal romance. Gina’s graciously offering an e-book to one lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your comment by Saturday, July 6. The winner will be announced by Monday, July 8.

Welcome, Gina. Please tell us about Her Eternal Rogue.

Alexander Barrington flees his tyrannical uncle for the open seas where he becomes a ruthless pirate who turns vampire.

Captured and sentence to hang, a fate he must avoid to keep his vampire self hidden, a reprieve comes if he rescues Lady Lavinia Sinclair from the French pirates and returns her to her fiancé in England.

In this Vampire Diaries meets Pirates of the Caribbean, Alexander falls for the woman who makes him feel human and alive, but can he really have her without exposing what he is – a thief, the undead? The damned?  Refusing to taint her innocence any further, he erases her memory of him and vanishes into the night but can he really exist without her?

Wow, that is going to be a terrific read. Now, tell us some things about your future releases, Gina.

Love my debut – Her Eternal Rogue (Regency w/ paranormal twist) but also excited about my release next April – Love & Vengeance (Ancient Rome – gladiators!) & next June – The Wicked Bargain (Regency – about a male courtesan).

Who would you cast to play your hero and heroine in an adaptation of your story?

Hard to answer – got the heroes figured out. For Her Eternal Rogue, Alexander was fashioned after Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvadore – Vampire Diaries) & my gladiator in Love & Vengeance was Channing Tatum <sweet!>

If you could live during any era in time, when would that be? Why?

Probably America, 1861 & probably in Deep South – my mother’s family was from the South, Mississippi at that time. Why? I’m very drawn to the American Civil War. It changed this nation – I teach college US History & the War is the focal point to my classes – how settling in the US pushed us towards this calamity and how the after-effects are still around even today in 2013.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Rome. I’m ½ Italian (Sicilian actually) My family migrated from Northern Italy down to Palermo, Sicily before my grandfather came to the US.

What’s your all-time favorite movie? Why?

Tough Question – I have a lot, but probably Gladiator. It is a fascinating time in history, the Roman Empire.

Do you follow sports? Favorite teams?

Fave is a tie: Horseracing (love the Triple Crown & the Breeder’s Cup – wanted to be a jockey) & Baseball – ST. LOUIS CARDINALS!!!!!!!!! (Hey, I live in Cardinal-Nation!)

Thanks for stopping by, Gina. I’m sure one lucky reader will be thrilled to win a copy of Her Eternal Rogue.

Her Eternal Rogue is available from Amazon:  http://bit.ly/HerEternalRogue

You can check out Gina’s web page at: http://ginadanna.com

Welcome Guest Author Selena Fulton

On By Tara Kingston14 Comments

Selena FultonIt’s my pleasure to welcome author Selena Fulton to the blog today. She’s going to tell us a little about her latest release, Never Let Go, a touching time travel romance. Selena’s graciously offering an e-book to one lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your comment by Saturday, June 15. The winner will be announced by Monday, June 17.

Welcome, Selena. Please tell us a little about Never Let Go.

Kendra Prescott, a high-powered Atlanta real estate broker, is sent England to coax the owner to sell a beautiful cottage. Never Let Go CoverFamily portraits line the stairway, and Kendra finds one man, Benjamin Sheffield fascinating. Too bad he lived almost two centuries ago.

In eighteen sixty-three, Benjamin Sheffield escaped England because of a trumped-up murder charge. He came to America to disappear in the vast Western frontier, but is delayed by a little thing called the War Between The States.

When Kendra falls and loses consciousness, she wakes up in the middle of Civil War torn Georgia. She doesn’t know what happened to the cottage, but when she sees Ben, she realizes he is the key, her only chance of returning to her own time. Trouble is, now that she’s met him, she isn’t sure she wants to.

Selena, if you could live during any era in time, when would that be? Why?

I would say the antebellum era because of the beautiful dresses. On second thought, all those clothes were hot and no air conditioning! I’m content to live in Florida where I can wear flip-flops and shorts most of the year.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Dove dark chocolate. Love the silky way it melts on my tongue.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would have a house right on the beach so I could walk the beach every day, and let the sound of the surf sing me to sleep.

What’s your favorite quotation?

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.

Dr. Seuss

You wake up in Oz. Which would you rather possess: flying monkeys or Toto?

Toto. He was soooo cute!

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

There are quite a few, but I think my favorite is South Pacific. I love the ocean, love all those cute sailors, and oh Emile! Love men with accents.

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

Tom Selleck. ::sigh:: I once had a dream about him. Let’s just say it was a nice one. 😉

Thanks for stopping by today, Selena. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win this terrific story.