Kathryn Smith!!!

Get Lost in This Story…

A lady must always guard her heart… when tempting a rogue.

In the glittering ballroom of London’s most exclusive gentleman’s club no one is more powerful than its mysterious proprietress, Vienne La Rieux. A shrewd businesswoman, Vienne treasures her hard-won independence and has her eye on a prize that could make her England’s richest woman . . . until the only threat to her heart arrives, sending her controlled world into chaos.

Lord Trystan Kane is as familiar with success as he is with the exquisite Vienne. She’s the lover he’s never forgotten, and so, when an opportunity arises that would make them partners once again, he takes it. But Trystan has underestimated the enduring power of the chemistry that originally sparked their passion. And with an enemy watching from the shadows, any attempt to mix business with pleasure could have disastrous consequences.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow historical romance author, Kathryn Smith, to the blog. We met by chance last year at a conference (I think I did a good job of avoiding a total Fan Girl freak-out. Not sure. She may have seen through me) and I’ve so enjoyed getting to know more about the multi-talented woman behind her award-winning historical and paranormal novels, and now—coming soon—Steampunk!

USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Smith wrote her first novel (372 pages about a rock band that sounded suspiciously like Duran Duran) at the age of 12. Having discovered Kathleen E. Woodiwiss at age 10, she fell in love with the genre and became a romance writer that very same day. Since her debut novel, Elusive Passion (Avon, 2001) she has published more than 20 novels. Currently, she lives in Connecticut with her husband Steve and their 5 furry kids. Kathryn also writes as Kady Cross, and her Steampunk Young Adult book, The Girl in the Steel Corset will be released May 31^st from Harlequin Teen.

So, let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!!!

Heather: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Kathryn: This is a hard one! Hmmm. The first one that comes to mind is Forrest Gump. And also, Persuasion from the 1990s. That’s one of the best Austen adaptations ever. I’m a sucker for a good reunion story. But Forrest Gump is just such a wonderful movie that combines humor and sadness – a wonderful film.

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Kathryn: As I said above, I’m a sucker for a reunion story – especially in romance. I’m not sure why it appeals to me so very much, but I love the idea of that second chance. Plus, all that history makes for a lot of tension. You can also have the characters do things they can’t do when they haven’t known each other for long. I think I like having all the pain and dashed hopes to build on as a writer. As a reader I love watching characters get to know each other again and recapture those old feelings.

Heather: Who’s your favorite villain?

Kathryn: Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. She is just so bad – trying to kill a baby! She also has this great Joan Crawford look about her. And you have to love a woman who can literally turn into a dragon!

Heather: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?

Kathryn: I would be a makeup artist. I love makeup. I’m obsessed with it.

Heather: What question are you never asked in interviews, but wish you were?

Kathryn: How did you get to be so fabulously good-looking? LOL. Actually, I’d like to be asked how much support I get from my husband and family. A lot of people have asked where my ideas come from, or if I make good money, but I don’t think anyone’s ever asked how big a part my husband and family have played in my career. I mean, I wouldn’t be a writer if not for my mother, and I wouldn’t be published if my husband hadn’t pushed me to go for it.

Heather: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Kathryn: What is this ‘relaxing’ you speak of? LOL. I like to read, of course, watch movies. One of my favorites ways to unwind is to make jewelry or makeup. I have the supplies for both in my workshop in the basement.

Heather: What does it mean to love someone?

Kathryn: It means putting the wants, needs and welfare of that person above your own. It also means accepting that person, and all their flaws. I would do just about anything for someone I truly loved, like family or my husband – even my cats! J I have a couple of friends I would go the distance for, but hubby, my sisters, their children, spouses and my great-niece take priority.

Heather: What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

Kathryn: I can read tea leaves. It’s a family thing – both my mother and grandmother (and so on) could do it. I don’t do it very often because I’ve had a couple of people get ‘weird’ with me afterward. I don’t claim to be a fortune teller, however. I think we all have a certain degree of control over our lives, and a bunch of leaves at the bottom of a cup isn’t something to base your life on!

Heather: Have you ever written a character who wasn’t meant to be a hero/heroine but he/she wouldn’t go away?

Kathryn: Yes. Jack Dandy in The Girl in the Steel Corset. He nearly overshadowed the true hero of the book. I had to deny my love of Jack during the writing of that book so he wouldn’t take over. However, I think he’s going to have his own story one day. He has to.

Heather: Dog person or cat person?

Kathryn: Cats! I love dogs, but they’re too high maintenance for me. Cats will cuddle, but will also leave you alone, and you don’t have to stop writing to take a cat outside to do its business. J

Heather: What would you do if you had a time machine?

Kathryn: I’d go back to the 19^th century and hang out with Oscar Wilde – if he’d let me.

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Kathryn’s GOTTA ANSWER J

Heather: So, I’ve read in interviews that as a hobby, you make mineral based make-up. Do you practice as an artist as well, and if so, who would be your dream client?

Kathryn: I make non-mineral makeup as well. I have a lipstick mold. Honestly. And I have a recipe for mascara, which I’ve made. I do like to put makeup on other people, and I like to think I’m fairly good at it, though I would like more practice. My dream client would be someone I could really experiment on – maybe Katy Perry.

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Kathryn: Since When Tempting a Rogue is a reunion story, I’d love to know what readers consider to be their favorite plots and why? Do they like marriage of convenience, mistaken identity, amnesia?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Kathryn: Yes. One random poster will get a signed copy of When Tempting a Rogue.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Kathryn! Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

www.kathryn-smith.com (needs to be updated!)

Kathryn Smith on FB

@kathryn_smith on Twitter.

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American 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.

CHERRY ADAIR

HUSH . . . it's Cherry Adair...
Pocket
ISBN: 978-1439153826


In the sultry heat of a deadly jungle, lovers must pull off a dangerous and daring rescue.

National bestselling author Cherry Adair introduces an edgy, sexy new suspense series with this exhilarating international tale of hide and seek.

A reckless adventure in a deadly paradise.

Thrill seekers Zakary and Gideon Stark travel the globe in search of extreme adventure, but a trip to Venezuela to jump off the world’s highest falls catapults them into a perilous game of life or death – where they don’t know the rules.

A one-night stand that will change his life forever.

Kidnapped with a woman Zak knows nothing about, the brothers are held prisoner deep in the jungle. A risky, death-defying escape separates them and nearly claims Zak’s life…until his recovery reveals a baffling new sixth sense.

An unexpected diversion with lethal consequences.
Now, to find his missing brother, Zak and the mysterious Acadia Gray will have to out-smart, out-gun, and out-maneuver not just the brutal kidnappers but also a new player who joins the adrenaline game: a ruthless opponent who wants the Stark brothers dead – at any cost.

MY FRIEND . . . CHERRY ADAIR
New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced, action adventure novels which have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. She hates first drafts, has a passion for mentoring unpublished writers, and is hard at work on two new series – CUTTER CAY and LODESTONE.

What this short introduction can't tell you or show you is Cherry's dynamic personality. It's hard for me to remember that we met in a very quiet moment (probably the last we ever shared lol). After a very long, tiring, Kiss of Death tour of the FBI building, I shared a step with another redhead to rest. It was my first conference, my first tour, my first time to be around authors I didn't really know. I was very niave and I'm embarassed to admit I had no idea who Cherry was... But she took me under her wing anyway. Every year at conference I was greeted with smooches, hugs, and a stern: ARE YOU WRITING? And when I finally sold and was able to call my long-time friend with the best news of my career...still more words of wisdom: Writers Write. Get busy on the second book. "Yes ma'am!"

THE FUN STUFF

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
CHERRY: Ahhh. Gone With The Wind. I snuck it out of the adult library when I was 12. I rewrote the ending immediately and never looked back.

ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
CHERRY: Sweetheart

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?
CHERRY: Negativity

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
CHERRY: I read anything I can get my hands on, unfortunately the more I write, the less time I have to read.

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
CHERRY: Small children laughing (and them crying does just the opposite. Lol)

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?
CHERRY: Action Adventure *grin*

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
CHERRY: A story about a fairy looking for her wings. I was 4.

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
CHERRY: Gone With The Wind & Con Air.

ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?
CHERRY: Alan Rickman. (also the sexiest villain ever!)

ANGI: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?
CHERRY: They are the same thing to me.

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
CHERRY: That it makes my heart sing when they contact me, and that talking with them on Facebook every day is better than a vacation for me. *grin*

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: I absolutely adore you, woman! From the first time we met on the steps of the Hoover building in DC, you have been one of the authors in my life that consistently inspired and encouraged me to write. But who encourages you? What keeps you consistently writing? Where do the new ideas come from?
CHERRY’S GOTTA ANSWER: The new ideas just bubble up 24/7- Magic. Lol . I have two things that keep me motivated and bring me ridiculous amounts of joy every single day. The first are my readers, who keep things real, are extremely amusing, and come and play with me every day on Facebook (where I spent far too much time for all those reasons *grin*). They are THE best, and every day I want to show up on their doorsteps and give them a hug. *grin* I also have a passion for new, and yet to be published authors. When someone tries so hard, when they beat their heads against walls at every turn, and then triumph because they didn’t give up, when they sell their first book, it makes me incredibly proud. It also renews my faith in this crazy, hard, and wonderful business of being an author.

There is absolutely no better job in the world than doing exactly what I do.

Thanks for inviting me. I’ll send the winner of the drawing a copy of HUSH.

This was a lot of fun. *grin*

Smooches,
Cherry

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an electronic 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.

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?
I’d love to get some questions from your readers. Everyone who asks a question will get a little prezzie from me *grin*

THANK YOU SO MUCH, CHERRY, for juggling all your deadlines to hang out with us today. Readers, you can find Cherry at her Website: cherryadair.com; follow her on Twitter: CherryAdair; see her fabulous HUSH video on YouTube; or become one of her "Pips" on Facebook: Cherry Adair.

Join Heather tomorrow when she hosts Kathryn Smith & have fun with Cat's blog on Friday. Next week I welcome back friend and fellow Intrigue author Paula Graves as she interviews the characters in her May release. Til next week ~Angi

Anna Campbell!!!

Get Lost in This Story…

Midnight’s Wild Passion (Avon, 26^th April 2011)

London’s most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge…

The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas’s vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe’s unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.

Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…

Today, I am thrilled to welcome historical romance author Anna Campbell to the blog! I first met Anna at my very first Romance Writers of America conference®, where she so kindly signed my copy of “Claiming the Courtesan”. I’ve been a fan ever since of this talented writer and truly nice lady…

Always a voracious reader, ANNA CAMPBELL decided when she was a child that she wanted to be a writer. Once she discovered the wonderful world of romance novels, she knew exactly what she wanted to write. Anna has won numerous awards for her Avon historical romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill, the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold and the Australian Romance Readers Association's most popular historical romance (three times). Her books have twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award and twice for Australia's Romantic Book of the Year. Anna was voted Australia’s favorite romance writer by the Australian Romance Readers Association in 2009 and 2010.

And now, for the Get Lost Interview…

Heather: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Anna: Just one? I’d probably give you a different answer tomorrow but today, let’s go for DIRTY DANCING.

Heather: How often do you get lost in a story?

Anna: As often as I can!

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Anna: I read lots of different genres but I still think my favorite choice for sweeping me away to a wonderful, larger-than-life world full of drama and emotion is a great historical romance.

Heather: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

Anna: Beauty and the Beast.

Heather: What turns you off like nothing else?

Anna: Unkindness.

Heather: What sound or noise do you love?

Anna: The rain.

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

Anna: I always have music on when I write – it takes me immediately into the world of the book. I can’t actually bear to write to something with words so I mainly listen to soundtracks and classical music. Right now, my writing CD of choice is a set of themes from epic movies. Great stuff – dramatic, emotional, evocative - like LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and THE MISSION and BEN-HUR.

Heather: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

Anna: Thank you for your warmth and generosity. I had no idea I was going to make so many wonderful friends through writing my books.

Heather: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Anna: Oh, so many! The greatest dream was seeing a book on the shelves with my name on it. That had been my dream ever since I was a little girl madly in love with Enid Blyton’s stories and desperate to emulate her. I’ve had so many opportunities to travel and meet readers. To give you a couple of examples, I’d always wanted to see the Rockies and last year, I was invited as one of the Spotlight Authors at RomCon in Denver. The Rockies, I’m pleased to say, did not disappoint! LOL! Also last year, I was lucky enough to be invited on a cruise to New Zealand as a guest speaker. Such a beautiful country –my first cruise and my first visit to New Zealand. Writing full time is also the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Heather: What soundtrack or playlist do you recommend for your current release?

Anna: MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION is the first book of mine that actually has a theme song. When I was writing this story, the song “Undisclosed Desires” by Muse was everywhere (was it a hit in the States?) and a lot of the lyrics really struck a chord (ha ha). My heroine is in disguise and the book charts the growth of an unwilling trust between Antonia and Nicholas, the hero.

Just look at these lyrics – don’t they scream “I’m a romance novel!” to you?

I know you've suffered
But I don't want you to hide
It's cold and loveless
I won't let you be denied

Soothing
I'll make you feel pure
Trust me
You can be sure

I want to reconcile the violence in your heart
I want to recognize your beauty's not just a mask
I want to exorcise the demons from your past
I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart

You can see the video on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8OOWcsFj0U

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

Anna: Why? Are you going to make me a cup?

Heather: Yep, the very next time I see you!

Anna: Tea, white, no sugar. Thanks.

Heather: What’s your favorite kid joke?

Anna: I have the world’s most tragic sense of humor! I could tell you kid jokes until the cows come home. Let’s try something with an Aussie flavor: What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? Answer: A stick!

Heather: What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet?

Anna: Actually this is more a missed opportunity than a “dying to use” tale. Matthew from UNTOUCHED was originally Titus and in my heart, he’s still Titus. But I let critique partners talk me out of using such an unusual name. Given I’ve since had a Tarquin and a Charis and nobody has said a word, I suspect I would have got away with Titus.

Heather: What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Anna: Well, this is a great advertisement for the writing life! My fridge right now is packed with a dozen bottles of very nice Aussie bubbly! I’ve got visitors coming to stay from England and I’m looking forward to celebrating their visit!

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Anna’s GOTTA ANSWER J

Heather: So, I noticed on your website that you won a quiz show…tell us all about it!

Anna: Hey, you really HAVE been digging around in my website! There was a very short-lived version of Jeopardy here in Australia and I was lucky enough to be a champion and I won a substantial amount of money (especially for getting on for twenty years ago). I made a killing on final jeopardy with a tree-climbing fox, of all things!

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Anna: Having had to whittle down a very long list of favorite movies to one, I wonder what your favorite movie of all time is.

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Anna: I’ll choose a commenter to win a signed copy of my latest release MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Anna! Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

Website: www.annacampbell.info

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/AnnaCampbellFans

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/296477.Anna_Campbell

HarperCollins: http://www.harpercollins.com/author/microsite/?authorid=31961

Romance Bandits: http://romancebandits.blogspot.com

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. 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.

Join us tomorrow when Angi hosts the ever fabulous NYT Bestselling author Cherry Adair! And coming up Thursday, I will be back with USA Today Bestselling historical author, Kathryn Smith.

Margaret Moore

Get Lost in a Highland-set Romance!

USA Today-bestselling historical romance author Margaret Moore sold her first historical romance to Harlequin Historicals® in 1991. Since that time, she's written over 40 historical romance novels and novellas for Harlequin Historicals®, HQN Books and Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Childrens Books.

Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India. For more information about Margaret or her books, please visit her website at www.margaretmoore.com. She has a blog (http://margaretmoore.blogspot.com) and also tweets as @WriterMargMoore.

About Margaret's April release, HIGHLAND HEIRESS:

No sooner does wealthy heiress Lady Moira MacMurdaugh breathe a sigh of relief for avoiding a disastrous marriage to a gambling womanizer than she is served with a lawsuit!

Torn between duty and this impulsive beauty who stirs him to distraction, solicitor Gordon McHeath has no choice but to go up against the woman whose kiss he's never forgotten. Until sinister forces threaten to upend Lady Moira's world and Gordon must cast the law book aside!

"Moore taps into the culture and mores of Scotland to create a colorful Highland love story... (with) a cast of charming characters, Moore delights her fans." - ROMANTIC TIMES

To read an excerpt: http://www.margaretmoore.com/HighlandHeiressExcerpt.html

GET TO KNOW MARGARET MOORE

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

MARGARET: I love movies, so to narrow it down to one is, frankly, impossible for me. But I can list a few that I'll stop whatever I'm doing to watch every time they come on TV (in no particular order): Spartacus, Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, The King and I, The Quiet Man, How Green Was My Valley, The Godfather Part II, The Good Earth, The Vikings, Fargo, Sunset Boulevard, L.A. Confidential. Obviously, there's a theme here - I tend to prefer movies set in the past, or with a strong sense of place.

MAUREEN: Where do you most like to read and how often?

MARGARET: Usually at the cottage, where there's limited TV and internet, and as often as I can when I'm there.

MAUREEN: What’s the first book you remember reading?

MARGARET: THE ADVENTURES OF CHATTERER THE RED SQUIRREL by Thornton W. Burgess (still available on Amazon, I see!). I also vividly remember a "reader" from elementary school with a yellow cover called "Surprises".

MAUREEN: What really scares you?

MARGARET: You wanna hear me scream and see me run really, really fast and like a cartoon character (head back, arms churning)? Bring a frog or toad within three feet of me.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite hobby?

MARGARET: Now that I finally got my sewing machine fixed, I'm sewing again and loving it. I just finished a doggy coat for my son's dog. He's recently moved to Seattle and his dog doesn't like the rain.

MAUREEN: Hiking boots or high heels?

MARGARET: Hiking boots or running shoes all the way. I am not at all sophisticated. I know nothing about wine or gourmet food, I prefer chocolate chip cookies to fancy pastries and my usual ensemble is jeans and a t-shirt.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

MARGARET: I wouldn't call him a favorite, but I remember being utterly shocked when I learned "the Master Cylinder" wasn't just the bad guy in Felix the Cat, but the name of a part of a car.

MAUREEN: What turns you off like nothing else?

MARGARET: People who try to jump queues.

MAUREEN: What sound or noise do you love?

MARGARET: Laughter, especially my family's. Also waves or a babbling brook.

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

MARGARET: I prefer silence when I need to concentrate.

MAUREEN: What was the first story you remember writing?

MARGARET: I was in about Grade 7 and it was set in the Civil War, from the point of view of a mother who had just received a letter and picture of her son in his uniform. She can't believe how grown up he looks and it ended with her saying that he's bound for some place named Shiloh. At the time, I didn't know much about that battle, but it sounded ominous. I remember the teacher writing a comment on it that it was good. Sadly, I don't have a copy of it.

MAUREEN: Who’s your favorite villain?

MARGARET: I like several of my own villainous creations, but I think Magneto in X-Men is a good one because of his backstory. He's not just evil for the sake of evil - you absolutely understand why he's doing what he's doing, and you can sympathize with the reason if not the method. I like villains who could have been heroes if one or two things had gone a different way in their youth.

MAUREEN: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

MARGARET: I'm not British, as many seem to assume. I'm proudly Canadian.

MAUREEN: Is Elvis really dead?

MARGARET: As the proverbial doornail.

MAUREEN: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

MARGARET: Tell my husband if he's home, phone my mom if he's not.

MAUREEN: What do you like on your burger? (and do you take your burger veggie or beefy?)

MARGARET: Tomato, lettuce, a little mustard, a little relish. Beefy, please.

MAUREEN: What do you do to unwind and relax?

MARGARET: Go for a walk or watch TV.

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

MARGARET: It's not really a tradition, but I get giddy with delight when the clocks go ahead in the spring. I suspect that as long as my kids live, they'll think of me every time they have to change the clocks.

MAUREEN: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

MARGARET: I could earn money while still being at home with my kids - the best of both worlds. And traveling to England and Australia with the whole family.

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

MARGARET: Tea, with milk. Coffee only if I haven't slept well, with cream if it's available.

MAUREEN: What does it mean to love someone?

MARGARET: You cherish them, you trust them, you respect them.

MAUREEN: What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?

MARGARET: Playing a board game with my family, followed by a trip to the Dairy Queen.

GOTTA ASK -- GOTTA ANSWER ☺

MAUREEN: What time period would you most love to have lived in and why?

MARGARET: I think I may have done too much research, because the honest answer is, there isn't one. Life in the past was difficult for women of any economic bracket, and I really wouldn't want to live without modern conveniences like toilets and washing machines.

MARGARET ASKS HER FANS:

I'd love to know how many of them use ereaders.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MARGARET HERE:

Website: www.margaretmoore.com

Twitter ID: @WriterMargMoore

Blog: www.margaretmoore.blogspot.com

**Historical romance lovers, remember to come back tomorrow when Heather hosts Anna Campbell!**

Melissa Mayhue

GET LOST IN HIGHLANDER'S CURSE...

The magic of one woman’s love could save or destroy him.

When Colin MacAlister is cursed by the Faerie Queen and ends up in the bed of a twenty-first century woman — who also happens to be the most beautiful creature he’s ever laid eyes on — he’s torn between anger and lust. Colin is determined to see Scotland free of English control and must return to the fourteenth century, yet he cannot forget the woman who haunts his dreams and stirs him with scorching desire.

Abigail Porter can’t believe her luck. After making a wish to find her Soulmate, she wakes up to find a gorgeous man in her bed! Can he really be a medieval Highlander summoned by her Faerie Magic, however? It seems crazy, but when Abby discovers someone wants to enslave her because of her Faerie heritage, she agrees to flee with Colin to 1306 Scotland to avoid capture.

Thwarting danger at every turn, Abby and Colin surrender to an irresistible passion. But is the magic of true love powerful enough to save them?

Melissa, thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on your RITA nomination! I've been a fan of your writing for years, and before you leave us today, I hope you'll share your recipe for Million Dollar fudge. But I'll get to that later. Without further ado, let's ask the Get Lost in a Story fun questions: :)

DONNELL: If you could live anywhere on earth, where would it be?

MELISSA: I’m amazingly lucky because I already live where I want to! Of all the placed I’ve lived or traveled to, Colorado has been my favorite. Now, in a perfect world, I’d also get to spend at least two months out of every year in Scotland!!

DONNELL: What is your favorite room in your house?

MELISSA: My living room. Lots of big windows to let the sun in and a wonderful fireplace for those cold days. And best of all? A corner of my sofa that is just perfect for curling up with either my laptop to write or a good book to read!

DONNELL: Introvert or Extrovert?

MELISSA: Introvert. Definitely.

DONNELL: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

MELISSA: Most like to invite to dinner – that’s a tie between Rosalyn MacKiernan MacAlister, a woman who knows much more than she ever tells, and a brand new character, Elesyria Al Byrn, a Faerie who knows much more than she ever tells… or at least she thinks she does.

Least like to invite to dinner – Reynard Servans. That’s one scary Faerie.

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

MELISSA: I do read reviews and I do pay attention to them, though I do my best not to let them influence my writing. I respect every reader’s right to share an opinion of what they’ve read, even if I don’t necessarily agree with them all.

DONNELL: What’s in your refrigerator right now?

MELISSA: So much stuff!!! It really needs a good cleaning… and that’s on my list of things to do just as soon as this book is finished! J Newest, favorite thing in the fridge right now: a gallon of Sweet Tea picked up fresh this afternoon from Chick-fil-a.

DONNELL: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

MELISSA: It happens to all writers on occasion, I believe. Some type of change usually helps me. A long, quiet ride in the car usually works to unblock the dam -- especially if I don’t have any paper to write ideas down on! Another trick I use is to go someplace different, like Starbucks, for instance. And using a pad of paper and a pen instead of a keyboard can make a difference sometimes, too.

DONNELL: Favorite tradition from childhood.

MELISSA: Making Million-Dollar fudge at Christmas. In fact, pretty much everything about Christmas.

DONNELL: What’s the first thing that you do when you finish a book?

MELISSA: Check to see how long I have to wait for the next one after that.

DONNELL: Coffee or Tea?

MELISSA: First thing in the morning it has to be coffee [with hazelnut creamer]. Mid-morning or afternoon it’s tea.

DONNELL: E-Reader or bound Book?

MELISSA: Bound book. Though I have an E-Reader and I’m slowly accumulating a wealth of research books on it and enjoy using it, I still reach for a bound book when I sit down to read. At least for now.

DONNELL: What dreams have you realized as a result of your writing?

MELISSA: Seeing a book with my name on it on the shelf at my local grocery store!!! That was a big one for me. More recently, getting that early morning call to tell me A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING is a RITA finalist.

MELISSA'S GOTTA ASK QUESTION: My turn! Since I write time travel, it only makes sense for me to ask readers… if the Fae offered, when and where would you want to travel in time? Why is that your choice? And, most important… how long would you want to stay there?

~~~~READERS, TODAY'S COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS WILL ENTER YOU IN A DRAWING TO RECEIVE A SIGNED COPY OF HIGHLANDER'S CURSE BY MELISSA MAYHUE...SO COME ON DOWN~~~~

MELISSA MAYHUE began her writing career in 2005 after a vacation to Scotland and a hike on the Black Isle inspired her with the perfect setting for the characters running around in her head. Her resulting debut novel, THIRTY NIGHTS WITH A HIGHLAND HUSBAND, won the Holt Medallion and Book Buyers Best awards in 2008 and made the finals of the Colorado Book Awards.

Since then, her imaginary world of Faeries and Mortals has continued to grow. A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING, sixth book in her award-winning Daughters of the Glen series from Pocket Books, is a 2011 RITA finalist in the Paranormal Category.

Married and the mother of three sons, Melissa lives in beautiful Northern Colorado with her family and two very spoiled Boston Terriers.

You can visit her on the web at: www.MelissaMayhue.com or join her on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/MelissaMayhue