Blog Tour: Interview + Giveaway with Terri Reed

WELCOME TO THE BLOG TOUR:

To tell you the truth, I've never read a Love, Inspirational book but there's always room for expanding out of my go-to genres. Terri Reed is here today talking about her latest release, The Secret Heiress. Let's give her a warm welcome:

HOWDY TERRI!!

Meet Terri:

At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

Where To Find Terri: Love Inspired Authors | Blog | eHarlequin

Thank you for having me here to day. Great questions!

Kati: Who is Terri Reed? Author, mother, avid gardener...
Terri: Author, yes. I sold to Love Inspired Romance in 2003. Since then I have written 25 books. Mother, another big yes. I have two kids that I love beyond measure. Now that they are teenagers they keep be on my toes. My oldest is looking at colleges. I have to say I’m not anticipating her going away. Avid gardener—not as much as I used to be or as much I’d like. I used to have a rose garden and flower bed that I tended to consistently, but as my deadlines have increased and my kids have grown older, I don’t find myself out in the garden like I used to. When the kids were little, I’d putter in the flowers while the kid’s road their bikes or did sidewalk chart art. Those days are sadly gone.

K: Tell us about your book (no copy and pasting the blurb)

T: I wanted to do something a little different than I’d done before so I set this book in the deep south on an old plantation. I tried to give the setting a gothic feel, which I think the art department captured in the cover. I had introduced Caroline Tully and Donovan Cavanaugh in my November 2009 release Chasing Shadows. Caroline had been adopted as a baby. And like most adopted children wondered about her birth parents. When a man claiming to be her birth mother’s father asks her to visit his estate, she’s compelled to go. Only with an inheritance at stake, someone doesn’t want her to live long enough to uncover the secrets from the past. She hires a bodyguard to accompany her, a man who’d once piqued her interest but showed no interest in return. Concerned for her safety, Don agrees to accompany Caroline, and posing as her fiancé seems the best way to explain his presence. But as a killer draws closer, Don and Caroline find pretending to be engaged comes easily. Don now must not only protect Caroline from a dangerous threat that wants to keep her from knowing about her birth parents, but also from breaking her heart.

K: How did you break into writing and why did you choose Love Inspired romance?
T: Growing up, whenever asked what I wanted to be I’d say an author. I loved all my English writing assignments, especially the creative writing ones. I had many teachers encourage my writing all the way through college. But other interest sidetracked me from my childhood dream. I started pursuing a writing career in the early 90’s. My first attempt was a historical. I had a hundred pages written when I joined RWA and learned I didn’t know a thing about craft or POV or third person narrative. I hope someday to resurrect that story. When Harlequin opened Love Inspired I found where my voice belonged. It took ten years of submitting before I finally sold.

K: Do you have any writing rituals? (blasting music, sitting in silence, eating cookies...)
T: I prefer to write to music. I listen to a wide variety of styles, mostly upbeat with fast rhythms. I drink a lot of tea when I’m working as well. And usually keep some small snack nearby—animal cookies, hot tamales or gorgonzola flavored crackers and sometimes pop tarts. 


K: What can readers expect from you next?
 I have two more books coming out in 2012.
T: 1)June 2012, The Deputy’s Duty, a Love Inspired Suspense. This book is set in a fictional New England fishing village and revolves around the lives of the Fitzgerald clan, the majority of which are in law enforcement. The first book in the continuity is out this month. A murder has shocked the close-knit community. And one of the Fitzgerald’s is the prime suspect. Through the course of the six books, the investigation into the murder progresses as each story features a different Fitzgerald and their love interest and the danger each faces. My book, The Deputy’s Duty, is the last of the six and wraps up the murder investigation but is also fraught with a new threat. Deputy Chief Ryan Fitzgerald must bring down a murderer, rescue a missing baby and choose between protecting his family or the love of free-lance journalist Meghan Henry. Meghan will stop at nothing to bring her cousin’s murderer to justice, but when she uncover a Fitzgerald scandal, she will have to choose between her career or love.

2)Fall 2012, The Doctor’s Defender, a Love Inspired Suspense. This is the third book in my own bodyguard mini-series, The Protection Specialist-Guarding the Innocent. Set in Chicago at the end of summer, Doctor Brenda Storm is being targeted for murder and she doesn’t know by whom or why. She has no choice, but to hire a bodyguard, former Navy SEAL Kyle Martin. As danger closes in, Kyle has to not only protect the pretty doctor but his heart as well.

In 2013 I have two book contracted by Love Inspired Suspense for release.1) The fourth book in the Protection Specialist series will be out early in the year. This book is as yet untitled.2) May will see the release of (working title) Cold Case Murder, book 5 of the Texas K-9 unit continuity series. This is a series about the special canine detectives and their handlers. My book will feature an adorable drug sniffing Beagle named Sherlock and his handsome handler Parker Adam.

K: Authors choice.
T: What was the name of the heroine in Chasing Shadows where Caroline and Don first appeared? (hint: Find the answer here)

THE SECRET HEIRESS:

A Shocking Revelation
Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core. And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted. When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again. Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection-and his love-be enough to keep her safe?

Protection Specialists: Guarding the innocent.

EXCERPT:

“Mr. Maddox will see you now.”

A flutter of nerves hit Caroline as they followed Horace up the stairs and down the hall to the other end of the second story. He opened a door and stepped aside.

The room was shrouded in shadows. The curtains closed and only a small table lamp in the corner glowed near a full-sized bed where a wizened old man lay. Thinning silver hair covered his head. He stared at her with bloodshot eyes and lifted a hand, beckoning them closer. “Isabella?”

Heart hammering in her chest, Caroline walked forward. She wasn't sure what to say to this obviously ill man. Her grandfather. Compassion filled her, as it would for anyone brought low by sickness. She took his hand in hers. His skin had darkened on his arm and felt clammy, and the bones were so fragile. “No, I'm Caroline. And this is...my fiancé, Don.”

The old man seemed to shrink a little. “I'm sorry,” Elijah Maddox said in a raspy voice. “I shouldn't have brought you here, child. It's not safe.”

Stunned, Caroline glanced at Don. Good thing she had him to protect her.

A thundercloud of anger darkened Don's expression. He stepped closer. “So you know someone has tried to kill her?”

Elijah's eyes widened. “No!” He closed his eyes for a moment, a spasm of pain crossed his bony features. When he opened his eyes, real fear shone bright in the amber depths. He looked toward the door then back to Caroline. “Someone's killing me!”

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb)/Nook | Harlequin

Okay my lovelies, Terri is giving away a $10 Visa gift card to one(1) lucky commenter during her blog tour. Here's how to increase your chances at that prize:

• Leave a comment for Terri answering her question: What was the name of the heroine in Chasing Shadows where Caroline and Don first appeared?
• Leave your email ninja style: yourname at gmail dot com
• Leave a comment at each stop of her blog tour:

January 2:It's Raining Books
January 3: The Life (and lies) of an inanimate flying object
January 4: Romancing Rakes
January 4: REVIEW ONLY: Reviews by Molly
January 5: The Plot Thickens
January 6: I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read!
January 9: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
January 10: The Character Connection
January 11: Rogues Angels
January 12: Kathryn Lively - Award Winning Mystery Author
January 13:Me, My Muse and I


Remember: The more you comment, the greater the chance you have at that fabulous gift card!

A huge thank you to Terri for hanging out at Romancing Rakes and to Marianne at Goddess Fish Promotions for forwarding correspondence between Terri and I. A thank you to Terri for providing the giveaway prize.

Blog Tour: Turning Up The Heat with Cara Elliott & Lilli Feisty (Interview + Giveaway)

WELCOME TO THE BLOG TOUR:

Both Cara Elliott and Lilli Feisty are new to me authors. Sure I'd heard of them but never read any of their books, until now. And let me tell you, this tour is definitely appropriately named. Whether it's in the bedroom or the kitchen, these authors are turning up the heat level in their books. Today on the blog, they're talking about their latest releases. So let's give them a warm welcome!

HOWDY CARA AND LILLI!!!

MEET CARA:
I started creating books at the age of five, or so my mother tells me. And she has the proof — a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses and bound with staples — to back up her claim. I have since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured my imagination ever since I opened the covers of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

I have a BA and an MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University and now work as the creative director of a lifestyle sporting magazine, a job which lets me combine my love of the printed word with my love of art. I’m very fortunate in that my work allows me to travel to interesting destinations around the world — however, my favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets and used book stores offer a wealth of inspiration for my stories.

Where to Find Cara: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook


MEET LILLI:

Lilli Feisty was born in the San Francisco Bay Area. Like a piece of driftwood, she has washed up on nearly every beach between Santa Cruz and the Oregon border.
Because she never attended any particular elementary school for more than a few months at a time, she amused herself during lonely recesses by writing what would nowadays be labeled fanfic featuring Michael Knight and Han Solo. Sometimes in the same story.
She owned an own art gallery for several years, holds a degree in Creative Arts and was just a few units short of her MA when she decided to drop out of school to write smut.
Her first novella was published in March 2007 and she’s been hard at work ever since. Her debut novel, Bound to Please, has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance. She currently writes for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books), Harlequin Spice Briefs and Samhain Publishing.
Ms. Feisty currently resides in Northern Nevada. When she’s not writing you might find her conducting “research” at brothels, staring out windows, or making Martinis.

Where To Find Lilli: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook


Interviews:


Q&A with Cara:

Kati: Who is Cara Elliott? Author? Super woman? World traveler? International woman of mystery?

Cara: Oh, LOL! I wish my life were as exciting as all that! I’m lucky in that I do get to travel for research (a tough job, but somebody has to do it!)  I love visiting historical places, and always discover lots of fascinating sights and stories that inspire my own books. I’m curious and love an adventure . . . so my heroines tend to be a little unconventional.

K: What is your latest book about?
C: It’s all about taking a gamble on love!

K: If you could run away with one of your heroes (with permission from the heroine of course), who would it be and why?
C: Oh, not fair!  Since I get to create them, they are ALL handsome-as-sin, sexy bad boys with hearts of gold. I’m not going to tell them which one I like best—I’ll let them all keep vying to win my heart. Note to heroes—I am very fond of chocolate, champagne, and sapphires. (LOL)

K: Do you have any writing rituals?

C: I get up early in the morning, fix a cup of coffee, sit right down at my computer and get cracking.  I need to be disciplined because I’m not a fast writer and need long stretches of time to work. I wish I could be like some of my writer friends who can dash off a chapter in between running errands. But alas, my mind doesn’t work that way!

K: What can readers expect next?
C: TOO WICKED TO WED is the start of a new series, so there will be two more books, featuring the “Wolfhound’s” sexy, dashing friends. Gryff’s story is next . . . and he, too, encounters an intrepid young lady in a very unexpected place! (Oh Gryff...)

Q&A with Lilli:

Kati: Who is Lilli Feisty? Author? Whedonite? Hopeless romantic? International woman of mystery?
Lilli: Whedonite? I had to look that one up! According to Urban Dictionary a Whedonite is “An enthusiastic follower of the works of Joss Whedon; a fanatical supporter of the 'Whedonverse' - stories and characters created by Whedon.” Busted! I didn’t know I’d fallen into a universe similar to a Trekkie! When did I become such a nerd? Well, I guess I better just admit it. I am a Whedonite. I love anything from Joss Whedon. I’ve seen every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I can sing the musical episode, One More Time With Feeling, word for word, (lol. Me too.) I might sing duets from Dr. Horrible with my son and I’m obsessed with Nathan Fillion. (Ah yes, Captain Tightpants.) So there’s that… I don’t think I’m very mysterious but I have been called that more than once. But basically I’m just a girl who writes romance novels and has a lot of tattoos. :)

K: What is your latest book about?
L: I don’t know why, but writers often have a heck of a time answering this question! I definitely do. So here’s the blurb:

Things are cooking in the kitchen...and the bedroom.

Restaurant owner Phoebe Mayle thought she had it all under control. Sure, her new chef has a bad-boy reputation - and a chiseled body to match - but she's positive she can whip him into shape.

But from the moment Nick Avalon roars into town in his Hummer, he makes her whole world sizzle. Now Phoebe has lost control of her kitchen, and Nick has taken over her mind and her body. His insatiable appetite for pleasure leaves her breathless with carnal cravings only he can satisfy. Yet can their hunger for each other be a recipe for a love that lasts?

K: What is the difference between erotic and erotica?
L: This is a question of great debate. To me it’s pretty simple. Erotica varies from Erotic Romance because Erotic Romance novels always have a happy ending. For myself, I started out reading erotica but, for the most part, I wanted more romance. That’s about when the subgenre of Erotic Romance popped up. But nowadays, I don’t see a clear line between Erotic Romance and “regular” romance novels. Romance novels are really spicy these days. Larissa Ione, for example, writes some super hot scenes! (Agreed!)

K: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
L: Don’t tell my editor, but I’m a total panster. :) (Secret's safe with me as long as she's not looking here.)

K: What can readers expect next?
L: I’m working on several projects. Let’s just say I rarely write a novel when a secondary character screams at me to write his or her story. :)

Thanks Cara and Lilli for stopping by!!!

TOO WICKED TO WED:

GENRE: Historical
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 384 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (October 25,2011)
ISBN: 9780446584579

Irresistible temptation...
Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Hendrie is happiest in the quiet of the country, where she is free to run her family's estate as she chooses. But when her brother's recklessness forces her to London, a chance encounter with the ton's most wicked rake---and his searing kiss---awaken a longing for adventure.
Undeniable passion...
A man of many secrets, Connor Linsley, the Earl of Killingworth, uses his rakehell reputation to avoid innocent young ladies and their marriage-minded mothers. Yet even his most shocking behavior can't dissuade Lady Alexa. From the moment her lips press against his, their fates are irrevocably sealed. Together they enter a shadowy world of intrigue, deception, and desire. Consumed by a passion beyond their wildest imaginings, Conor and Alexa must risk all they hold dear for a chance at love. But can they escape the danger that pursues them? Or will their own fiery attraction be their ultimate undoing? (source: back cover)

Where to Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N/Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | My Review


DELICIOUSLY SINFUL:

GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (November 22,2011)
ISBN: 9780446571555

Things are cooking in the kitchen... And in the bedroom.
Restaurant owner Phoebe Mayle thought she had it all under control. Sure, her new chef has a bad-boy reputation--and a chiseled body to match--but she's positive she can whip him into shape.
But from the moment Nick Avalon roars into town in his Hummer, he makes her whole world sizzle. Not only has Nick taken over her kitchen, he's taken over her mind and her body. His insatiable appetite for her pleasure leaves her breathless with carnal cravings only he can satisfy. Can their hunger for each other be a recipe for a love that lasts? (source: back cover)

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Book Page | My Review


GIVEAWAY: Thanks to Grand Central, 3 lucky winners will each get a copy of Deliciously Sinful AND Too Wicked to Wed. How fabulous is that?? Just leave a comment and fill out the rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open to US & Canada readers only. No P.O. Boxes.

Other Stops on the Tour:

November 7: The Book Girl Renee's Reads My Book Addiction and More! Bodice Ripper Novels SOS Aloha Rex Robot Reviews Just Another New Blog Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks Cuzin Logic	November 8: Smexy Books Paranormal & Romantic Suspense Reviews
November 9: Thoughts In Progress Hanging with Bells	November 10: Fiction Vixen Seductive Musings My Book Views Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf Reading Between the Wines
November 11: So Many Precious Books, So Little Time	November 12: Broken Teepee
November 13: The Fiction Enthusiast Sarah's Blog of Fun	November 14:  Drey's Library
November 16: The Epic Rat Book Obsessed	November 17: Love To Read for Fun Romancing Rakes
November 18: Books Like Breathing The Reading Reviewer Starting Fresh One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Bea's Book Nook

A HUGE thank you to Alana Levinson and Jihan Antoine at Grand Central for providing the ARC review copies and the books for the winners. Also, a HUGE thank you to Cara and Lilli for taking the time to stop by the blog and talk about their latest releases.

Q&A with Gwyn Cready, Author of A NOVEL SEDUCTION

What can I say about Gwyn Cready? She's so nice and absolutely fabulous. She's got a thing for Colin Firth (don't we all?), she's a 2009 RITA Award recipient for paranormal romance, she writes time travel romances and Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER plays a part in her latest release, A NOVEL SEDUCTION. Would it be blasphemous to say that she's my Diana Gabaldon? I've been adding time travel romances to my wishlist. (Hey, the holidays are just around the corner anyway.)


MEET GWYN:

Gwyn Cready is the recipient of the 2009 RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance and the author of Tumbling Through Time,Seducing Mr. Darcy, Flirting with Forever, Aching for Always and A Novel Seduction. She has been called "the master of time travel romance." A Novel Seduction is her first foray into contemporary romance as well as men in kilts, and she found both eminently satisfying. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family. (picture: ©Garen DiBartolomeo)

WHERE TO FIND GWYN:  Author Site | Facebook | Twitter

Q&A:
Kati: Who is Gwyn Cready? 
Gwyn: Gwyn Cready is a shoe-shopping, purse-buying, Colin-Firth-addicted, movie-attending, time travel-fascinated, Tivo-using, VW Beetle-driving, ethnic-food-eating, dog-walking, cat-petting, joy-chasing, deep-thinking, pop-culture-hugging, sequin-attracted writer who spent a long, long time working in the corporate world before finding a new and happier life.

K: Tell us a little about A NOVEL SEDUCTION. 

G: A NOVEL SEDUCTION is both my nod to the book that made me fall in love with romance novels (thank you, Diana Gabaldon) and my answer to the critics of the genre. However, it is, of course, first and foremost a lovely story of two people meant to be together, who each learn to be a better person in order to earn the right to live happily ever after. The story is very sexy and very funny.

K: If you could run away with one of your heroes, who would it be and why? 

G: Hmm. Good question. I fall in love with all my heroes. I don't think one can write romance--or at least a good romance--without doing that. And all of them have the moves and sense of humor of my husband, so I am in the enviable position of having already run off with my favorite hero, but if I had to pick, I think I might pick Peter from Flirting with Forever. He's a wildly talented painter, handsome, sexy and rich, and of course it doesn't hurt that I'd end up being Lady Lely. Plus it would delight me to make a man with such a sad back story happy again.

K: Do you have any writing rituals? 

G: I guess my only rituals are the things I need to do before I begin to write--drink a cup of hazelnut decaf coffee, read USA Today cover to cover and walk on the treadmill. As far as the writing itself, I can do it anywhere--car, front porch, my desk, dining room table, laying in bed at night, even the bathtub. I am pretty attached to my laptop, though--a cute little Lenovo ThinkPad. I have to go with ThinkPads because I can only work with a pointing stick. External mouses give me a shoulder ache and I hate, hate, hate those pad things you're supposed to draw your thumb over. My pointer is always flying all over the page when I use one of those.

K: What can readers expect next from you? 

G: My next book (working title, Playing the Past) is a return to time travel romance, but as for after that, even I don't know. I'm writing the first chapters for two different books--one is the first of a trilogy of a very interesting time travel idea. The second is a contemporary about a yummy British art thief. I'm going to let my editor decide. I'm also working on a memoir about my sister, who passed away at a young age.

Thanks for stopping by Gwyn!

Thank you for hosting me, Romancing Rakes. 

A NOVEL SEDUCTION:

GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 373 pages
PUBLISHER: Pocket Star (October 25,2011)
ISBN: 9781451612646
When snobbish book critic Ellery Sharpe screws up at Vanity Place magazine, her boss assigns her the ultimate punishment: write an ode to romance novels, a genre she considers the literary equivalent of word-search puzzles. To make matters worse, he hires her sexy former party boy ex, Axel Mackenzie, to shoot the photos. Axel really want the project to succeed. For one, the magazine will double his fee if he convinces strong-willed Ellery to write a story no woman can resist. Besides, getting Ellery to fall for romance novels might be just the push she needs to believe people can change...even him. At his sister's advice, Axel gives Ellery a copy of Kiltlander, a much-adored romance whose warrior hero is utterly irresistable. To her dismay, Ellery finds herself falling in love with the story---and with Axel, who's drawing his own lessons from the book's compelling hero. With her carefully crafted image of herself crumbling and her dream job on the line, will Ellery risk it all to make the leap from tight-lipped literati to happily-ever-after heroine? (source: back cover)

Where to Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | My Review

OTHER BOOKS BY GWYN:

So dear reader, do YOU have a favorite time travel romance? What romance book got you hooked on the genre? Have YOU read OUTLANDER?

Blog Tour: Q&A and Giveaway with Gayle Callen

WELCOME TO THE BOOK TOUR:

As most of you know, I am a HUGE fan of book covers and Gayle Callen's EVERY SCANDALOUS SECRET definitely drew me in so I jumped at the chance to host her on the blog today. This is the last book in the "Scandalous Lady" trilogy in which a scandalous nude portrait of a lady hangs in one of the most prominent clubs in London. Who is the model? Well, in the last installment of the trilogy, we get to find out. So let's give a big Texas "Howdy" to Gayle.

HOWDY GAYLE!!!

Meet Gayle:

A USA Today Bestselling author, Gayle Callen writes historical romances for Avon Books. Her latest novel, A Most Scandalous Engagement, was published in December 2010.

Named the "Notable New Author of 1999," Gayle has also won the Holt Medallion and the Laurel Wreath Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. Her books have been translated into over nine different languages.

She resides in a suburb of Central New York, with her husband and three children. Besides writing, she loves to read, sing, travel, crochet, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America, the Authors Guild, and Novelists Inc.

Where to Find Gayle: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Avon Site

Q&A with Gayle:

K: Tell us a little about your latest book, EVERY SCANDALOUS SECRET.
G: EVERY SCANDALOUS SECRET is part of my “Scandalous Lady” trilogy, where a nude painting hung in a gentlemen’s club is the basis for a bet among three men—which woman of Society is the model? Bad boy Leo chooses to prove it’s spinster Susanna, and he follows her to a house party, where they make their own new scandal.

K: What is it about bad boy heroes that appeal to you?
G: The fantasy is that a woman will take this bad boy, teach him to love, and change both their lives. But really, I think we all love a man who knows he’s sexy, who writes his own rules and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. And then when he focuses all that charisma on the heroine— wow.

K: If you could run away with one of your heroes, who would it be and why?
G: So hard to choose! They’re all so different. But I must say, I really enjoyed my current hero, Leo Wade, so much so that when he was semi-villainous in The Viscount In Her Bedroom, I couldn’t forget about him. He needed to learn from his mistakes and have his own happy ending. So he gets to square off in Every Scandalous Secret against a woman who is focused on her art, and not on men, which he takes very personally. But Leo has some dark secrets that come to life,explaining why he became a rake. It’s up to Susanna to help figure everything out.

K: What is your favorite brand, er type of heroine? (sorry about the bad Twilight joke)
G: Over the course of 25 books, some written as Julia Latham, my medieval pseudonym, I’ve written so many different types of heroine that I’m not sure I can choose! I love innocent spinsters, world-weary widows, intelligent debutantes, and kick-ass women who can defend themselves. It all depends on the story.

K: What’s next in store for your readers?
G: I’ve started a new trilogy of three ex-soldiers returning to England because of a debt of honor owed to families of their fallen friends. In the first book, the heroine begs the hero, a soldier in India, for a marriage by proxy so she can control her inheritance, and he obliges because he owes so much to her dead father. But things really get complicated when he shows up at her door.
Neither is what the other expected… I don’t have a title for the book yet, but it will be out next summer.

They say you can tell a lot about a person with the answers they choose. So right now, we're going to have a little fun with Gayle.

Either/Or:

I’ll preface my answers by saying I’ve used all your Either/Or examples in books, and enjoyed every plot. But if I have to choose, I might lean one way more than the other…

1. Alpha or Beta? It totally depends on the plot (I could begin each answer with this phrase), but more often I probably write a strong Beta, who works well in a group, and thinks through his problems instead of just jumping into the fray. But that isn’t to say he doesn’t make mistakes!

2. Wallflower or Belle of the Ball? Probably Bell of the Ball. I like strong heroines who still have a lot to learn about themselves.

3. Debutante or Spinster? Spinster. There’s something really sexy about following a heroine’s first journey into love, when she’s just about given up on finding the perfect man.

4. Virgin widow or Secret baby? This may be shocking from a romance writer, but I have never done either of these plots! *GASP* I tried to do a secret baby once, and I just couldn’t make it believable, although some authors really make it work. I guess I’d say virgin widow, because in a historical, I could certainly imagine that plotline, heroine forced to marry older man by her family, and of course, he dies. Hmm…maybe I need to revisit these plotlines…  

5. Titled peer or Working man? The number one favorite hero in a historical romance is titled peer. There’s just something about a strong man in command of his own empire…

6. Love at first sight or Second chances? Second chances. It’s very difficult to make a Love
at First Sight plot work, because that could so easily be simple lust. Now have my heroes felt immediate lust for my heroines? Of course! Isn't that always the case? lol.

7. Naval officer or Swashbuckling pirate? Naval officer! I love the honorable, patriotic type of man. Although one of my favorite heroes of all times was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Ruark Beauchamp in Shanna. He had to pretend to be a pirate, and he was pretty sexy doing that!

8. Vampires or Shifters? I haven’t read all that many books about Shifters, so I’ll have to say Vampires. Love a wounded man the heroine has to heal!

9. Past, Present or Future? (sneaky) The past, of course! It’s CHOOSING which historical time period I want to write in that’s so hard. I love them all. But there’s something about the Victorian era, where everything was changing for the aristocracy, that gives such great plot conflicts.

10. Writing or Reading? Reading because it’s easier, relaxing, and enjoyable. But writing is very fulfilling.

11. Paperbacks or e-books? Right now, paperbacks, but I’ve read e-books as well, and I don’t mind them at all! Whatever works for the reader.

12. Plotter or Pantser? Plotter! I come from a love of math and science, so I need to figure things out before I write. The plot isn’t written in stone, but I do like having a blueprint to follow, rather than staring at a blank screen.

13. Author’s choice: You get to ask a question for the readers to answer. 
Ooh, how fun! Okay, you’ve heard all about my favorite types of romance, now tell me yours! What’s your favorite type of romance: marriage of convenience, beauty and the beast, etc. And let me know why!

Thank you Gayle for stopping by my blog!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for having me!

Every Scandalous Secret:

Genre: Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (September 27,2011)
ISBN: 9780061783456

He may be the younger brother of a viscount, but Leo Wade is more at ease in London’s gaming halls and ladies’ boudoirs than at tonnish events. Although lately, he’s been consumed by a growing boredom he can’t shake…That is until Leo stumbles upon three society misses trying to steal a scandalous painting from his gentleman’s club and becomes obsessed with pursing a lady unlike any of his acquaintance.

An artist, bluestocking and veritable spinster by anyone’s definition, Susanna Leland never dreamed she and her cousins would find themselves in the eye of a potential scandal. So when she receives an invitation to a country house party she takes it hoping to escape London and divert the suspicious gaze of Mr. Leo Wade. Susanna never expects he’ll follow her!

As the unrepentant rogue and on-the-shelf artist clash, Leo may just have met the one woman immune to his charms, and Susanna may have found the one man she can’t scare off with her intellect. But when the pair are caught in a compromising position and forced to marry, they may just find that the price of trust is well worth every scandalous secret.

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras:  Read an Excerpt | My Review
Other Books in Series: Click on covers to learn more.

GIVEAWAY: 1 (one) lucky winner will win a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate provided by Gayle and Harper Collins. Here's how to get a chance at winning that gift certificate:

*Leave a comment answering Gayle's question.

*Leave your email ninja style: yourname (at) gmail (dot) com

*Comment at all the stops on Gayle's blog tour to increase your chances. Keep updated with the tour schedule here.

Easy peasy, right?

Giveaway ends 10/7. Gayle will choose the winner from all the comments on the stops at each blog. Winner will be announced here. I will also update this post with the winner after it is announced.

***Update: Congrats June***

A HUGE thank you to Gayle and Harper Collins for donating the prize. Thanks to Gayle for stopping by to answer some questions and giving us a peek inside her latest release. Also, thanks to Marianne at Goddess Fish Promotions for forwarding correspondence between Gayle and I. 

Blog Tour: Interview with Ashley March, Author of Romancing the Countess

Welcome to the Blog Tour...

Ok, so I might be a little stalkerish when it comes to Ashley March. I had her on the blog not too long ago and she's back again. For those of you a little tardy for the party: Welcome to Ashley's EPIC Blog Tour. She's so sweet, awesome and fabu. So without further ado, please give another big Texas "HOWDY" to my fellow Texan (she lives in Colorado now):

HOWDY ASHLEY!!!!

Meet Ashley:

I was born and raised in East Texas, moved to Colorado after getting married eight years ago, and have been craving snow-free winters ever since. I have a husband who just keeps getting better and better over time and two beautiful daughters. I write contemporary and historical romances, I have two amazing critique partners, an awesome publisher (NAL), an absolutely fantastic agent (Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency) and, as can be seen above, a slight problem with using too many adjectives.

Life is simply…fantastic.

Find Ashley: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Q&A with Ashley:

K: Who is Ashley March? Author? Athlete? Mother? Super secret agent? Code breaker?

A: Ah, I see you expect me to give up all my secrets with my first answer. Nice try. ;) Let’s see…Ashley March is a romance author, of course, although I do have ideas for a few books outside of the romance genre. Still, romance will always be my first love. Ashley March is a mother to two young daughters…soon to be 27 months and 10 months. Ashley March is a wannabe marathon runner. As in, I keep planning on running a marathon and never actually get around to, you know, the running part. That’s probably important. But beyond any role I have, I’d like to think that I’m friendly and nice and compassionate. My husband probably uses different descriptors when I’m on deadline. ;) (I have a feeling Ashley March might secretly be an international woman of mystery. Don't burst my bubble if she's really not. I like to think authors lead secret glamorous lives...)

K: Could you give us a little blurb about ROMANCING THE COUNTESS?

A:Yes! And I’ll even give you a blurb with a little personal Ashley March touch, just becauseyou’re special. ;) Woot!

ROMANCING THE COUNTESS is about two people falling in love who were never meant to be together. It’s about an earl and his best friend’s wife coming together after their spouses—who were having an affair—die in a carriage accident. It’s about forgiveness and healing and discovery. It’s about finding happiness and embracing love again, when those two might seem like the hardest things to do. (Which I am totally DYING to read after the teasers on your site months ago.)

For the official blurb, please visit my website. 

K: How did you get the idea for this book?

A: It originally came to me when I was working a part-time job and trying to avoid boredom. I thought it would be fun to write a dark comedy where a widow and widower of two cheating spouses would try to show each other up in acting like they really were properly grieving. Thank goodness the idea evolved since then. (I love it!)

K: Did you listen to music as you wrote this book? If so, could you give us a sampling of some songs?

A: You know, I actually tend to stick to the same singers/bands when I’m in the creative mood. I never listen to music as I write—I have to have complete silence—but when I’m thinking about my books and seeking inspiration, I tend to listen to music that’s inclined toward storytelling, such as the music of Sara Bareilles, The Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Michael Buble, etc. There are others, but these are my go-to musicians, especially Sara Bareilles. I love her! (Ah, T.Swift. An author after my own heart. And MB. *sigh*)

K: If you could trade places with any of your characters a la Lost in Austen style, who would it be and why?

A: Oh, I haven’t written her yet. ;) So remember this question for a future interview if we get to do another one, and then I can tell you about her. (Will do. Perhaps next book release?)

But so I can answer this question now, I think I would trade places with Charlotte, the Duchess of Rutherford, from my debut titled SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. Her character is very different from my personality, and I’d love a chance to see life from her perspective for a little bit. And also to have Philip. YUM.

K: Can you tell us a bit about your anthology with Tiffany James and Bernadette Marie? How about the one with Jenn LeBlanc and Summer Mahan?

A: SWEET TALK ME is a contemporary anthology I’m writing with Tiffany and Bernadette that should be coming out later this year. The novella for this anthology will be the first contemporary work I’ve ever written, so I’m very excited to see how readers will respond to my contemporary voice. The theme for each of our novellas is that our heroines each work in an occupation related to food—and actually, specifically with desserts, hence the title. My novella in the anthology, titled ‘Forbidden Desserts’, is about a former ballerina turned pastry chef and the engaged owner of the restaurant who doesn’t want to face his attraction to her. (Interesting. Totally love the RTCs for this. I'll have to try out those recipes.)

A DUKE OF MY OWN is a historical anthology I’m writing with Jenn LeBlanc and Summer Mahan that’s supposed to come out early 2012. And that’s all I have for now.  More details later! (Can't wait! Perhaps illustrated?)

K: What can we expect next from the fabulous Ashley March?

A: Today (September 6th) I’ve started a fun new reader-interactive experiment where readers get to help me write a novella on my website at www.ashleymarch.com! Over the next 10 weeks, readers will vote on how the chapter for the next week develops, and will get to read the chapter based upon their vote after I write it. At the end of the experiment (which hopefully readers will find as much fun as I believe it will be!), I plan to edit the novella and self-publish it. The idea behind this is a preface to a new project of mine I plan to start in 2012 called Romance with Heart.

(And thank you for the adjective “fabulous” in front of “Ashley March” above. That helps my ego tremendously when my day has mostly consisted of changing diapers. ;) ) (But you ARE fabulous! And a wonder woman taking care of March Toddler and March Baby.)

They say that you can tell a lot about a person with the answers they choose. So right now, we're going to have a little fun with Ashley.

Either/Or:

1. Alpha or Beta? Ahh, seriously, I have to choose? *hyperventilates* Okay…alpha! (How about a compromise? An alpha with a beta coating?)

2. Spinster or debutante? Spinster. Although I’d love to write about a cutthroat debutante some day. 

3. Wallflower or Belle of the Ball? Wallflower, especially if Lisa Kleypas is writing the story.

4. Virgin Widow or Secret Baby? Virgin widow. Lying about babies is not cool. (Besides, I wouldn’t want to keep the baby a secret. I’d want help!)

5. Men in Trews or Men in Kilts? Ha! I’d skip the trews AND the kilts and go for an Irishman. ;) (How about naked men? lol)

6. Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires. Although more Interview with the Vampire style than Twilight-esque. (yeah, those Twilight-esque vamps creep me out especially that Edward Cullen)

7. Dessert Now or Later? Now! There’s never a good reason to put off Blue Bell ice cream…unless *ahem* you’re part of the Romance Biggest Winner competition and trying to lose weight… (Blue Bell rain check?)

8. Writing or Reading? Eesh. I need both! Nope, sorry, can’t make a choice on this one However, I will say I wish I had more time for reading right now—the only time I get to read is right before I go to bed in the wee hours of the morn (see, I can speak Scottish) and I have to sacrifice some of my sleep to do so. And I love sleep. It’s so rare, and it’s my preciousss.

9. Paperback or E-Book? E-book. *clutches Kindle to chest and pets lovingly* (lol)

10. Plotter or Pantser? I have come to the point in my writing career where I have accepted that I am part of the pantsers club. And I’m proud of it, by Clive!

11. Richard Armitage or Henry Cavill? Have you SEEN North and South? Richard Armitage. Although I would of course choose Clive Owen if he was a third choice. (Oh my Clive! How could I have forgotten? *face palm*)

12. Texas or Colorado? Let’s compromise and go with Georgia—mountains and the beach. (I like it. Or how about California? There's beach, inland, mountain AND desert.)

13. Past, present or future? (sneaky) Um (not able to figure out the trick question; blaming it on the baby and the toddler for sleep deprivation)…the future? When I win the lottery and can afford a maid? Yes, I like that answer. 

K: Authors Choice: Ask any question for the readers to answer. (I'm going to give away a copy of your book (e-book or paperback copy-winner's choice)

A: Oh, you are?!? How sweet!

Question for readers, one that is purely self-serving: Do you primarily stick to one romance sub-genre, or are you happy to switch back and forth if you love the author (say, historicals and contemporaries)?

Thank you Ashley for stopping by my blog. Again.

Ok peeps, Ashley has asked a question. Go ahead and leave a comment. OH! And don't forget: Ashley and Shana Galen (LORD AND LADY SPY) will be on Romance Lately tonight so tune in for some fun excerpts and lots of giggles. 

What I'm giving away

To one (1) lucky winner, I'll be giving away (personally) a copy of Ashley's latest release, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, with some related swag (unless you choose the e-book option). Just fill out that awesome rafflecopter thingy below. International giveaway. You must answer Ashley's question. If you win (and you live outside the US) and would like an e-book copy of Ashley's book without the swag, please make sure it is available for download in your country. Restrictions apply. Giveaway ends 9/12 or if you want to get technical for the rafflecopter's sake, 9/13 at 12:01AM.