Jill Sorenson

Jill Sorenson writes sexy romantic suspense for Harlequin and Bantam Dell. Two of her novels, Crash Into Me and Set the Dark on Fire, have been excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine.

After earning a degree in literature and a bilingual teaching credential from California State University, Jill decided teaching wasn’t her cup of tea. She started writing one day while her firstborn was taking a nap and hasn’t stopped since. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two young daughters.

The Edge of Night

Bantam Dell

April 2011

To support her small daughter, April Ortiz does what she has to do—which means waiting tables in a skimpy outfit at a popular nightclub in the gang-infested area of Chula Vista. When one of her co-workers is found raped and murdered, April does what she knows she shouldn’t—she defies the neighborhood code by giving the police a hardcore gang member’s name.
Clean-cut cop Noah Young wants a shot at breaking this case more than anything in the world—that is, until he meets the unforgettable April Ortiz. When April gives Noah the tip, a spark ignites. As the fire between them threatens to blaze out of control, the two are dragged down further into the dark mysteries of the graffiti-lined streets, taunted by a crazed killer who could strike again at any time.

Stranded With Her Ex

Harlequin Romantic Suspense

April 2011

Trouble in paradise?

An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores. Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart…the passion between them more intense than ever. But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most?

Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands to study killer sharks. Now a real killer is on the loose, threatening the woman he’s never stopped loving. And this time, he knows he can’t walk away. Marooned together during a deadly storm, Sean vows to go to hell and back to save Daniela…and for the chance to begin again.

Jillian welcomes Jill Sorenson to Get Lost In a Story. A little name confusion? Nah!

Jillian: How often to you get lost in a story?

Jill: Every day! It’s pretty easy for me to get lost in the story I’m working on, whether I’m brainstorming, writing a rough draft, or in the last stages of editing. When I read books by another author it depends. The story has to be really great for me to “get lost” in it. I guess that happens about once a month, at the most.

Jillian: Describe your favorite kind of hero to read/write?

Jill: My favorite type of hero to write is a flawed hero. Most of my heroes are blue collar, work in law enforcement, and have troubled pasts. They aren’t rich, perfect, or all-knowing, but they’re usually handsome, smart, and respectful of women.

Jillian: What was the first story you remember writing?

Jill: The first story I wrote (and finished) was a full-length novel. It was a steamy romantic suspense tale with a photographer heroine and a detective hero. All of my friends read it and loved it! But it was a typical first effort, not fit to be published.

Jillian: Who’s your favorite villain?

Jill: My favorite villain is Hannibal Lector, as portrayed by Anthony Hopkins.

Jillian: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Jill: I don’t listen to music while I write, or even in the car if I’m thinking about my story. Music distracts me more than other background noises.

Jillian: What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on or did pass on to your children?

Jill: A favorite family tradition I’d like to carry on is reading to my children. My mother read entire novels to me when I was little, not just storybooks. I’ve tried that with mine but so far they like Dr. Seuss better than Harry Potter. Maybe in a year or two they will sit still for longer stories.

Jillian: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

Jill: I do read reviews, and I often find them helpful. There’s nothing I appreciate more than an articulate, honest review—even when it’s not positive. I’m always honored when a reader takes the time to share her thoughts on my work. Some of the feedback is useful for future books.

Jillian: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Jill: I drink coffee. Bit of sugar, bit of whole milk. My favorite vice.

Here comes the gotta ask, gotta answer question:

Jillian: (I love to ask RS authors this question.) What is the most unusual place you have ever put your characters for a love scene?

Jill: What a great question! My most unusual love scene setting is from Set the Dark on Fire. The hero and heroine are out in the desert, trying to track down a rogue mountain lion. They’re forced to take cover for the night in a fertility cave. And wouldn’t you know it, one thing leads to another.

I actually visited a sacred site in the Anza Borrego Desert that features Native American yonis (female fertility symbols) and posted the pictures on my blog. Check it out!

Jill's got a question she'd like to ask readers:

Does setting help you get lost in a story? What’s the best, worst, or most unusual setting for a love scene that you’ve read?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Jill's new release: THE EDGE OF NIGHT.*** And visit her online: http://www.jillsorenson.com/

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***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.