JL Wilson

J L Wilson is a Midwestern author who writes ‘mysteries with a touch of romance … and romance with a touch of gray.’ Her Fatal Writer’s Conference series might be just what you need to get you in the mood for any upcoming writing conference. Of course, a few authors die during the course of the series, but don’t let that scare you away! She also writes time travel books and has a paranormal-political thriller series, set on another planet. She can be found on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and a few blogs here and there. Check her web site to find out where (jayellwilson.com).

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

JL: You know, it’s been a long time since a printed story really took me away from the here and now. That isn’t to say I haven’t read any good books lately—I read the new releases from my friends and occasionally will browse a bookstore and pick up a book.

But I haven’t been swept away for a long, long time. I think it’s because I have a pressure of time against me—see my answer below about how I juggle the demands on my time (writing, working, family). To get really lost in a book requires a time commitment, I think, and I just don’t have that kind of free time any more.

I missed being lost in a story until…I discovered downloaded books. I’ve always listened to books on tape (and downloaded books) at the gym, but now I carry my iPod with me in the car, so I can tackle some really, really big books: I’m on Book 13 of the Wheel of Time series (2 more books to go, I think). Each book is about 25 hours long and I had to travel a lot lately because of family illnesses. So that series has been a real godsend to me.

After that series wraps up, I’m diving into Diana Gabaladon. I already have Outlander loaded on the iPod, and will listen to all of her stories next.

Then … well, who knows after that?

Cat: What turns you off like nothing else?

JL: I get annoyed when people say ‘I just don’t have time to write’ or ‘I don’t have time to exercise’ or ‘<insert really trivial thing here>.’

I realize we’re all busy but if you want it, you can make time for it. I work a 40-hour week outside the home. I exercise daily. I’m starting to delve into having a new home built for us 300 miles away. I have a husband, friends, and an active travel and social schedule. I enjoy gardening and have a lovely garden oasis in the back yard (well, it will be lovely when the snow melts). And I have 5 books releasing this year. I may have 8 releasing if I can get my older titles uploaded to Kindle, etc., in a self-publishing effort.

When I hear “I don’t have time” what I really hear is “I don’t want to give up something to do that” because that’s what it entails—giving up one activity for another. I’ve given up television, a lot of movies, and reading in my free time. In exchange, I have the chance to write, stay healthy and work in a job I enjoy and find rewarding.

Of course, that means I’m not in on a lot of the social chatter about television shows and movies and so-called stars. So be it. I find the fictional world a lot more entertaining than the television world, and many movies just aren’t time-worthy.

We all have to determine what has a priority in life. You can make time for it all. You just have to figure out what will fall off the plate to do so.

End of rant.

Cat: Where do you read and how often?

JL: Alas, I don’t read much anymore. I just don’t have time. I work full-time outside the home, I write almost full-time, and I do also have a social life.

When I do read, it’s usually in line: at the bank, at the airport, or on a plane. I have my iPod loaded with books and that’s usually how I read. I don’t carry my Kindle with me unless I go on a long trip.

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

JL: I have two favorites: Witness and Aliens. Yep, two opposite ends of the spectrum. I think they’re both good examples of character-driven plots. They also show the evolution of the main characters and how they change. And of course, who wouldn’t love Harrison Ford and who wouldn’t love to be so kick-ass like Sigourney Weaver?

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

JL: I set that book aside and delve into the next one. I always have one on the back burner, simmering in the back of my mind.

I finish the first draft of a book, usually in 6-10 weeks then I set it aside for at least a month. In the meantime, I work on promotion for a current book or research for the next one, or organizing for conferences. I seldom immediately start writing the next book. That is, I don’t jump into it. I’ll play with it: do character sketches, work on scenes, get the setting figured out.

At the end of a month or so, I’ll go back and read the book. I’ll fix any obvious errors then I’ll give it to my beta reader to review. After I get it back from her, I’ll either tweak it some more, submit it to my editor, or (a new venture I’m considering) I’ll self-publish it.

Cat: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?

JL: Well, I write time travel books, so I get to travel anywhere. But I think if I could physically travel back in time, I’d go to the turn of the 20^th century, around 1890-1910. I like the fashions, the culture of the time, and the exciting things that were happening then – women were becoming more independent, America was opening up the West, and so on. In fact, my current Work In Progress is set in 1894 and the next one will be set in 1919. So I’m heavily immersed in that now.

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

JL: I’m not very aware of reviews. I do have Google searches set up to tell me when a review lands, but it doesn’t seem to work as efficiently as I would like. I seem to only randomly find out about reviews. My publishers are very good about posting the reviews, but I’m not very good about checking the posted list.

I do read reviews when I’m aware of them and a good review can really make my day. I got a 4-star review recently from Romantic Times that totally stunned me. I had no idea they were even reviewing my book Leap of Faith.

My mysteries have been somewhat extensively reviewed by the romance community but not by many folks in the mystery community, so when I get one of those reviews, that really piques my curiosity. I like to see how my mystery writing stacks up against others in that genre.

Do they influence my writing? Probably not. By the time the review comes out, I’ve already written at least one or two more books, so it’s a bit late to go back and change things. If I ‘failed’ a reviewer on one book, I just hope that reviewer will take a chance on another. Not all books appeal to all people.

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

JL: Coffee, blonde and sweet (cream and sugar). Only 3 cups a day, though. The caffeine really doesn’t affect me, but it’s like chocolate: best in moderation.

I’ve never deciphered the whole mocha, latte, cappuccino way of ordering things. My nieces are a hoot: ‘soy latte with extra foam and yada yada’… it’s like a foreign language to me!

Cat: What’s your favorite kid joke?

JL: It’s not really a joke but a poem I had to memorize in 5^th grade. It’s stuck with me all these years. Author: anonymous.

They walked down the lane together

The sky was studded with stars.

They reached the gate in silence

And he lifted down the bars.

She neither smiled nor thanked him

Because she knew not how

For he was just a farmer’s boy

And she was a Jersey cow.

::snort:: ::snicker::

CAT’S GOTTA ASK – JL’S GOTTA ANSWER

If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be and why?

Red with a white peace symbol in the middle.

I like red. It’s a cheery color. Stands out in a crowd. Makes a statement. I’ve never been afraid of making a statement.

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

Readers: are you bugged by romance in a mystery book? I attended a conference recently and this was discussed. Romance was always a ‘no-no’ in mystery books before, but it’s starting to change.

I’ll give away a print copy to folks in the U.S. of my last 3 mystery books (the “Gypsy” trilogy) or will give PDF copies of the same to international visitors.***



Drop by and check JL’s web slog (web site blog): http://www.jayellwilson.com. Or find me on twitter (@JLwriter) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jayellwilson).

***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.

Tiffany Clare

Tiffany Clare made a splash on the historical romance scene with her debut novel, The Surrender of a Lady, last year. Now her second release, The Seduction of His Wife, is out! (I've read this book and it is hot, hot, hot!)

Deciding that life had far more to offer than a nine to five job, bickering children in the evening and housework of any kind, Tiffany Clare opened up her laptop to rediscover her love of the written word. Tiffany writes historical romances set in the Victorian era for St. Martin’s Press. She lives in Toronto with her ever-patient photographer husband, two mischievous children a cat that thinks he’s a dog and a dog that thinks she’s human.

Simone: Your latest book, The Seduction of his Wife, is a marriage in trouble story. Tell us a bit about it.

Tiffany: Emma and Richard married young at their fathers’ insistences. Something arranged from birth for the two. I like reconciliation stories, so I did just that when the married couple run into each other after twelve years of not seeing or speaking to each other.

Back book blurb:

AN INCONVENIENT SCANDAL
Emma Hallaway has not seen her husband in twelve years—and that’s fine with her. As a young girl, she’d agreed to a simple marriage of convenience, allowing her to pursue her private passion for painting. And though unknown to the rest of polite society, Emma is now one of the most daring and sought-after artists in London. However, when her secret is threatened to be exposed, Emma is forced to open her heart—and her home—to a total stranger: her husband…



AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

Richard Mansfield, Earl of Asbury, is all too familiar with danger. As a matter of fact, it is hard on his heels when he returns to England. Still, even he is shocked to learn of his wife’s scandalous double life as an artist. But once he sees the vibrant grown woman she has become—so passionate, so strong, and so alluring—his undeniable attraction to Emma stuns him. Suddenly Richard is determined to turn their sham of a marriage into a true and lasting love. But how exactly does a gentleman seduce his own wife?

Simone - What's one of your favourite scenes in the book?

Tiffany - There is a scene in the apple orchard, where the sisters all climb a tree on a dare. It was a lot of fun to write and I love Emma’s sisters to death! They have a lot of fun in that scene and then Richard and his friend happen upon them. That scene was the first ‘playful’ scene between Richard and Emma. It just makes me smile thinking about it!

Simone - What's the strangest thing you learned while researching a book?

Tiffany - What a question! I can’t even recall! I learned a lot for my first book, having known nothing previously about harems, the Ottoman Empire, etc., etc.

Simone - Where is your favourite place to read?

Tiffany - No real favorite place to read. Just whenever I get a chance, be it on the streetcar, in bed, on my chair in my room. Preferably where there are lots of pillows and my cuddly cat.

Simone - What's the last book you finished reading?

Tiffany - Zoe Archer’s Warrior. Hubba hubba, I love me some of that warrior, Gabriel’s all man. It was a fantastic adventure romance set in the late Victorian period with a little magic and fantasy. Can’t wait to dive into the rest of that series along with the final chapter in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series!

Simone - Your first book, The Surrender of a Lady, was a bit controversial, featuring an English lady sold into a harem. Did your publisher try to make you tone it down or change the story?

Tiffany - Not really. I only added more romance and made Rothburn less of a jerk, though he’s still a jerk, but readers, let me tell you he was prime ahole material in the previous versions! I originally thought I was writing a women's fiction, but that didn't work well when my subsequent books were all planned romances!

Simone - The Surrender of a Lady was your debut book. How has life changed since becoming a debut author?

Tiffany - Nothing has changed. I know less than I did when I sold my first book, I feel like I know less about writing, LOL and I’m just busier with deadlines.

Simone - Tell us what's next for you?

Tiffany - The Secret Desires of a Governess! May 24, 2011.

I’m really excited about this book. I loved writing the characters so much! Elliott is my favorite hero, and Abby is just stubborn and has a mind of her own. She knows how to get what she wants!



YEARNING FOR HIS TOUCH

From the moment Abby meets her new employer—the mysterious, brooding Earl of Brendall—she is appalled by his brutish manner…and even moreso by her own attraction to him. Has she lost her senses? As a governess, Abby has no choice but to play by the rules. But as a woman, she cannot deny the fiery sensations he ignites—or the fantasies he inspires…

BURNING FOR HER KISS

From the moment Elliott lays eyes on his new young governess, he knows he’s in trouble. Abby is intelligent, defiant, and utterly captivating, though Elliott must do his very best to resist her. But as the two grow closer, the passion burns hotter. Soon, the only thing that can destroy their love is the darkest secret of his past—and the secret desires of a governess…

Thanks Tiffany! You can find Tiffany at her website or at her blog, Vauxhall Vixens.

Tiffany's covers are all gorgeous, don't you think? I love them. All right, I'll admit it, a beautiful dress on a cover pulls me in every time. I for one don't need a naked man's chest on a cover - but I might be in the minority. So what do you like on a cover? What makes you pick up a book every time?

Phyllis Humphrey

Suspense as cold as an iceberg and love as warm as a sweet romance. Get lost in Phyllis Humphrey's Cold April: A 'Titanic' Love Story.

Warning Iceblurb Ahead!

Englishwoman Elizabeth Shallcross has big plans for her future, and they do not include remaining a lowly governess. First she has one last obligation to fulfill; she must accompany a dashing American widower and care for his child on a luxurious voyage to America. Their ship? The Titanic. On this fateful voyage two men vie for her attention. But when the ship hits an iceberg, who will survive?

About the Author: Phyllis Humphrey

Phyllis was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and briefly attended Northwestern University under her maiden name, Phyllis Ashworth. She’s the author of nine other romance novels, a non-fiction book published by John Wiley & Sons, several short stories and many articles in national magazines. She's a member of Mensa, and listed in Who's Who in American Women. After raising four children, she and her husband live in Southern California. When not writing, she sings and acts in local theatrical productions and recently produced, promoted, directed and acted in the play, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, which was nominated for several awards and won four including Best Director.

Phyllis has had a long-time interest in the tragedy of the Titanic, due partly to the fact her grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from England on board the New York, a ship which the Titanic almost collided with on the first day of its fateful voyage. She collected many books over the years and recently visited a replica of the ship as well as gathering still more information as the result of the ship’s remains being found in 1985.

Thanks for joining us Phyllis. Before we dig into the interview questions, let me say how much I love the cover of Cold April. Gives me chills!

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

Phyllis: Probably either THE BOBBSEY TWINS or a Nancy Drew book

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

Phyllis: That’s hard because I’m a huge movie fan and have a list of 40 in my computer, none of which is CITIZEN KANE, which I consider vastly overrated. I have to vote for my favorite mystery, THE MALTESE FALCON; my favorite comedy, SOME LIKE IT HOT, and my favorite “Has everything,” a tie between GONE WITH THE WIND, THE BIG COUNTRY and BEN HUR.

Jillian: Be honest, when reading first person...do you miss the hero’s POV?

Phyllis: No, when the author is really good, I find I know the hero as well as I do the heroine.

Jillian: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Phyllis: If possible, I go to my favorite place in the world: the island of Maui. If not, I read good mysteries.

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

Phyllis: Xmas Day with as much family as possible!

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

Phyllis: Yes. I’m always learning and trying to get better, so I want to know what others think.

Jillian: What does it mean to love someone?

Phyllis: I once read a definition of love as “a satisfactory sense of someone.” I like it because we need to cherish the good in the one we love and not try to change him or her.

Jillian's GOTTA ASK, Phyllis' GOTTA Answer:

Phyllis, there is something about a love story set on the Titanic that is so compelling–– talk about getting lost in a story! I read this quote from you on your publisher’s website: “Writing Cold April did more than renew my life-long interest in my family’s connection to the Titanic...” Please share a bit more about how this great tragic event shaped your family's history.

Phyllis: My grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from England, which is what most of the third-class passengers on the Titanic were doing. Far too many perished and that helped to bring about great social change. It freed my father, and me, from beliefs of inferiority because of class. It opened doors which gave us hope and happiness.

GOTTA QUESTION FOR YOUR FANS?

Phyllis has a question for fans who have read COLD APRIL. How did you feel while the ship was sinking and the characters did what they did? And if you haven't read COLD APRIL: What is it about the Titanic tragedy that is so compelling? The winner will receive a hard bound copy of her latest novel, SOUTHERN STAR.**

Thanks for blogging with us today, Phyllis. Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

Phyllis: Please visit my website: PhyllisHumphrey.com.

**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.

Bronwen Evans

INVITATION TO RUIN
Kensington Brava
ISBN-10: 0758259190

One Good Lady is About to Go Bad...

The only thing Miss Melissa Goodly has ever wanted out of a marriage is love. But any hope of that dissolves one wild night, when she loses herself in the arms of the most irresistible--and unobtainable--man in all of England. For when they are discovered in a position as compromising as it is pleasurable, she has no choice but to accept his proposal.

Avowed bachelor Anthony Craven, Earl of Wickham, never meant to seduce an innocent like Melissa. Yet now that the damage is done, it does seem like she'd make a very convenient wife. After all, she is so naive he won't have to worry about ever being tempted. Or so he thinks, until the vows are spoken and they are left alone-and his new bride reveals a streak just as brazen and unrestrained as his own...

~ ~ ~
I haven’t met Bronwen Evans face-to-face, but first got acquainted with her through the NTRWA Great Expectations Contest...I was the coordinator and she a contestant. I’m not certain how long that’s been, but I’ve remembered her name since I pulled her entries in January 2010 as a result of her first sale.

Just 11 short months ago, Bronwen started down the adventurous path of publication. Her debut release published by Kensington Brava will hit shelves February 22nd.

Bronwen lives in Wellington, New Zealand (important to remember when commenting because of the time difference --grin). She writes dark, gritty regency historicals --her favorite time period. She’s a proud writer and reader of romance! Any romance, but historicals in particular, and the Regency period is her favorite. One of five girls (no brothers) and a twin, it’s no surprise that in her first book features a hero who is a twin!

~~ SO LET’S GET TO KNOW THIS KIWI A BIT BETTER ~~

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?
BRONWYN: If a book is good I get lost in each story I read, and I read a lot. I love being taken out of my world into someone else’s. I don’t only read romance. I love people books and biographies are a pet fav. My latest favorite was Stephen Fry’s – The Fry Chronicles. I wish I had that man’s grasp of language and even a miniscule of his wit.

I read several books a week, except if I am under deadline, then I’m too busy. My second book was due to my editor on 1 December 2010 so I saved up all the new releases I’d bought and had a wonderful time reading them all on my holiday over Christmas – almost 50 of them!

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
BRONWYN: It was a Mills and Boon. I can’t remember the title or the author (although I have a suspicion it was Penny Jordan), but I can remember that I cried and cried over the heartache, and then got the most tearfully happy ever after. I always remember the story; it is stuck permanently in my head. It was one of the books that made me want to write.

I remember the hero thought he was not good enough for the heroine, so pretends to sleep with another woman to push her away. But unbeknown to him, she is pregnant, and she is left to struggle on her own until he can’t stay away and he finds her. It was so moving. I never forgot how it made me feel. That is the sign of a fabulous romance novel.

ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
BRONWEN: Ardent Emotion – it conjures up the old fashion courtship rituals. The down on bended knee proposal, the sacrifice yourself to save the one you love, sort of thing. I have an image from Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, when he saves Maid Marion and she says, ‘You came for me’ and he whispers back, ‘I’d die for you’. I love those two lines and always remember them.

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
BRONWEN: Great question, I can sort of relate to The Princess and the Pea. I like a good firm bed.

ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
BRONWEN: It would have to be Batman, because he is dark, tortured (how I like my heroes) and he really, really needs the love of a good woman. And no, it’s not because I love a man in tights.

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?
BRONWEN: Clichéd I know, but having no sense of humor. He can be a Hugh Jackman (I am totally besotted with Hugh – ask my RWNZ Wellington chapter) look alike but if he can’t laugh then it’s all over, rover.

ANGI: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?
BRONWEN: It sounds funny as I write historicals, but probably the Twilight soundtrack. It suits the darkness and guilt that pervades Anthony James Craven. I also listened, all the time, to the Gladiator soundtrack when I wrote it. The songs are so very moving.

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
BRONWEN: I usually treat myself to one afternoon a weekend to read and I read at night before I go to sleep. However, there is always a book in my handbag and I read if I am waiting anywhere, on a bus, train or while having lunch. It is amazing how much reading you can get done when waiting for meetings etc

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
BRONWEN: You can’t beat the sound of waves lapping on the shore or a Tui (NZ native bird) singing at dawn. I am a very light sleeper and I’m very sensitive to noise. I do really love the country side rather than the hustle and bustle of the big city.

ANGI: Die Hard or Die Harder?
BRONWEN: Both – loved all of Bruce’s movies (still do). I am a big action movie fan – the first Daniel Craig, James Bond movie, Casino Royale, is probably my favorite at the moment. Followed by Vin Diesel’s Riddick.

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
BRONWEN: It was a short story about a guy who tried to pick up a woman as they cruised in their convertibles while stuck in slow moving traffic (tragic really). I’m a bit of a car nut. I love European cars – fast cars and I drive a BMW. He was in a black Porsche and she was in a vintage classic Alpha Romeo Spider. He was hot and fast. She was old school and classy. Don’t they say opposites attract?

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
BRONWEN: Funny, on my family holiday we were discussing this. I love big sweeping sagas, or alternatively what I term people movies. I loved Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont (an English movie). I loved it because it was a story predominately about the relationship between a lady in her 80’s and a young man (played by the yummy Rupert Friend) in his twenties and their unusual friendship. It was very moving.

But I loved The English Patient, which would be one of my favorites. Another is Tristan and Isolde. There seems to be a trend here. I really feel for lovers who are hindered or stopped from being together. I find that heart breaking.

ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?
BRONWEN: It would have to be Eric Northman in True blood. He is a villain you try not to like (or lust after) but can’t help it. A part of you wants Sookie to tame him, while another part wants him to stay evil.

ANGI: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?
BRONWEN: Definitely story-telling. The writing skills are still developing. My mind is full of stories, it’s the getting them down on paper that is the hard work for me.

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
BRONWEN: Other than buy my book? Sorry that is the marketer in me. As my book isn’t out yet – do I have any fans? You may be surprised to know that in fact I do! Being a mentor in Brava Writing with the Stars helped raise my profile.

Mainly I just want them to know that I’m excited and looking forward to my first book being released and hope they enjoy it. I am more than happy to receive feedback (constructive would be best) so that I can learn, grow and hone my craft.

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: So, Bronwen. What’s the major difference between a guy from the States and a guy from New Zealand? And if you really haven’t met someone from the States (grin) what do you THINK the differences are?
BRONWEN’S GOTTA ANSWER: I’ve spent a lot of time over the years in the USA. A boy I dated at University, his parents lived in Hawaii, and I used to spend University holidays there. But it is still hard to tell the difference between NZ and USA men, because when I was in the USA back then, as a kiwi, I was a bit of a novelty. So the men gave me quite a bit of attention (which my boyfriend hated), but which made me think the USA men were quite charming! Everyone likes to be fussed over.

Since then I have travelled all over the world and lived in London for seven years. I have found that predominately men are similar the world over – except Italian men, who are as smooth as runny poo. They put the roooo in romance. In my twenties I remember a holiday to Italy, where a man got down on his knees in the town square to pledge his heart to me – so very theatrical. I can’t imagine any kiwi bloke, or for that matter, any American guy doing that! But Italian men love the dramatic.

I’ve found most men love sport, enjoy a few drinks with their mates, and can’t stand shopping of any kind. Does that sound familiar? Kiwi men would rather have a tooth pulled than show public affection (we in NZ call it PDA – public displays of affection and it is a big no no). Do American guys hold hands in public?

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?
Most of us enjoy reading a good romance of any genre. But we do also (usually) have a genre that is a particular favorite. For instance, I like historicals because they are so politically in-correct. There is no such thing as equality and therefore women have to be very clever to survive. I’d like to know from readers, what’s your favorite genre in romance and why?

BRONWEN HAS GRACIOUSLY MAILED an ARC copy of her first book, Invitation to Ruin for someone leaving a comment today.

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.

STAY IN TOUCH. I love hearing from readers and other writers. My website has my facebook and twitter details on it: www.bronwenevans.com
www.regencyseductions.blogspot.com
romance@bronwenevans.com

Thank you so much for joining us today, Bronwen. It’s been awesome and inspiring this past year AND totally cool that we both have books out this month. Check back Thursday when Jillian hosts Phyllis Humphrey.

DON’T FORGET to ‘Like’ the Get Lost Crew on Facebook or ‘Follow’ us on Twitter. See you next week when I host fellow Intrigue author, Patricia Rosemoor. ~~Angi

Elizabeth Hoyt

Get Lost in This Story…

Their lives were perfect . . .

Lady Hero Batten, the impeccable sister of the Duke of Wakefield has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn’t bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Until they met each other.

Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading is far from perfect—and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, much too perfect for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire—desire which causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero’s wedding nears, and Griffin’s enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Read Excerpt Here!

I am thrilled to host one of my favorite historical authors, Elizabeth Hoyt, on the blog today. I picked up her Princes Trilogy back in 2007 and have been hooked ever since. Her latest novel, Notorious Pleasures, was recently released and has already hit the New York Times Best Seller List (Congratulations Elizabeth!!!), so we know she is a favorite of many readers! Her next book, Scandalous Desires, comes out in November.

Also, Elizabeth is giving away an iPad on her Facebook site. See at the end of this interview how to link to her page for your chance to win!

So now, let's hear from Elizabeth herself…

Elizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in central Illinois with three untrained dogs, two angelic but bickering children, and one long-suffering husband.

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

Elizabeth: I read everyday, but I only read a really, really good book like every three months or so.

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

Elizabeth: Romances, mysteries, and urban fantasy. Well, actually, mostly just Jim Butcher’s urban fantasies. ;-)

Heather: Where do you read and how often?

Elizabeth: In bed every night.

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

Elizabeth: Little House in the Big Woods.

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

Elizabeth: Some Like it Hot

Heather: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

Elizabeth: Rapunzel

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

Elizabeth: Oh, Yes! Pop. Low pop. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Meatloaf when I write love scenes. ;-)

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

Elizabeth: Nothing. I’m sadly unqualified for any other profession.

Heather: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Elizabeth: Gardening and walking my dogs.

Heather: Do you read reviews of your books?

Elizabeth: Nope.

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

Elizabeth: Are you kidding? I write full time! At home! Or at a coffee shop! People pay me to write—in my p.j.’s sometimes! My entire writing career is kind of surreal. Also, I can now afford to send my kids to college—always a good thing. ;-)

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

Elizabeth: Both, depending on my mood. I take both with milk.

Heather: What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Elizabeth: Three jars of capers. You never want to run out of capers.

Heather: Dog person or cat person?

Elizabeth: Dog! I have three dogs, which is waaaay too many. Some days I look around and wonder where all these dogs came from.

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

Heather: So, I noticed on your website that you are an avid gardener, which I envy. (I have a garden stone in my rocked over garden that says “I tried, but it died”). What is your most favorite plant or flower and have you incorporated your passion into any of your stories?

Elizabeth: It’s hard for gardeners to pick just one favorite plant, but in early spring I look forward to lavender species crocuses—one of the first flowers to bloom in my garden.

In The Raven Prince, my first book, there’s a ruined secret garden that’s kind of symbolic for Edward and Anna’s relationship. And Edward gives Anna a dozen dormant roses, which for any avid gardener would be a wonderful gift. For anyone else, they’d look a lot like a bunch of dead, thorny branches. ;-)

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

Which secondary character in the Maiden Lane series would you like to see in a future book?

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

Yup, I’ll give away a signed copy of Notorious Pleasures.

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

Website: www.elizabethhoyt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Hoyt/263534612300?ref=search&sid=1033016156.428653851 (please note that I’m giving away an iPad on my Facebook page in Feb.)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ElizabethHoyt

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16202.Elizabeth_Hoyt

**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.

Come back again tomorrow, when Angi hosts Bronwen Evans!

Molly O'Keefe

Happy Valentine's Day!!

What a great day to GET LOST IN A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE!

Today, I'm thrilled to be hosting RITA ® Award winning contemporary romance author, Molly O'Keefe, who just happens to be, not only one of my valued critique partners, but also one of my closest friends. In addition to her RITA® win, she's also won two RT Reviewers' Choice Awards as well as numerous other accolades. She's has 18 novels published by Harlequin and two fabulous longer romances coming out from Bantam Dell in 2012.


ABOUT MOLLY

Molly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.

She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.

Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.

His Wife For One Night

February 2011
ISBN 9780373716883

Jack McKibbon knows the score when he offers to marry his best friend Mia Alatore. He's fixing a bad situation for her—that's all—they aren't making a real life together. She wants to stay on the ranch and he's got his studies and inventions elsewhere. Still, this arrangement is a good deal for both of them.
Until that one night…
A sexy interlude with Mia makes Jack rethink their relationship…and their future. But all his plans grind to a halt when she asks for a divorce. Once upon a time, Jack might have agreed. But now that he knows the chemistry they share, he's not giving up a second chance to be with his wife.



And now, let's get to know Molly!

Maureen: What’s your favorite holiday?
Molly: I practically grew up in a Norman Rockwell painting - I come from a small town, had a great childhood, two loving parents. And a fantastic extended family. All those things seem most special as I get older on Thanksgiving. I get to go home, take my kids, see friends from High School. My cousins arrive, most of them from far-flung African places, we play bloody games of spoons and my cousin makes a Hello Dolly Pie, and I eat until I can't stand myself - which is a surprising amount. It is without a doubt the best holiday ever.

Maureen: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Molly: Oh, man. My two favorites are Good Will Hunting and Field of Dreams - which makes me sound sort of like I'm a seventy year old man. But, there you have it. I also have a huge soft spot for sports movies and now that I have kids - those Pixar movies are pretty hard to beat. Also, for pure nostalgia and belly laugh pain - A Weekend At Bernie's. When they staple the toupee on? Kills me.

Maureen: Where do you most like to read and how often?
Molly: In my bed and as often as I can.

Maureen: What’s the first book you remember reading?
Molly: The Laura Ingalls Wilder books - Little House on The Prairie. I ADORED those books. However, I remember my mom reading The Little Match Girl story to me when I was a kid - it wasn't until I was in college that I learned the little girl died. My mother changed the ending so that the family the little girl was watching through the window let her in. I feel this is somehow formative but I'm not sure why.

Maureen: What sound or noise do you love?
Molly: Not to sound totally cliché, but when my kid's really start to laugh and can't stop - it's pretty infectious. I also love when my mom answers the phone saying "hi sweetie" Oh! And the ice cream truck on super hot days... mmmm ice cream truck.

Maureen: What’s your favorite kind of cheese?
Molly: One of my favorite things in the world is cheddar cheese, apple and a good salty cracker. But I also love this aged Gouda - Beemster? Something like that, anyway it's got salt crystals in it. So good.

Maureen: What was the first story you remember writing?
Molly: Oh a ridiculous Nancy Drew knock off. But not the old Nancy Drew - the newer Nancy Drew Files which was filled with page long descriptions of what Ned and Nancy were wearing. My mother listened to me read every chapter of that book.

Maureen: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
Molly: That every single email I get from reader is like receiving a letter of validation. Those notes are gold and I couldn't appreciate them more.

Maureen: Is Elvis really dead?
Molly: YES! And did you hear, most of the pain he suffered from was from impacted bowels. Could you imagine?

Maureen: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?
Molly: Let Maureen buy me a drink.

Maureen: Which I am ALWAYS glad to do. :) If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and why?
Molly: I would go out West before the Civil War - homesteading. I can come back though, right? I visit for a few weeks and then come home to a shower and some cable television?

Maureen: Sure, you can come back. :) What would I do without you? What do you like on your burger? (and do you take your burger veggie or beefy?)
Molly: One of the best burgers in the world is at The Auld Spot on the Danforth in Toronto. They make their own veggie burger, but then you add cheese and bacon...

Maureen: How convenient that it's only 2 blocks from my house. :) Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?
Molly: Oh, what a fun question - for His Wife For One Night - the hero is based loosely on my cousin who is a Hydro engineer and spent a year in the Peace Corp in Uganda. He, and Jack the character he is based on, tell incredible stories. Absolutely I would want them for dinner. Mia - the heroine, needs to be invited to more dinner parties. She's shy and crusty, but her soul needs to hear more stories.

Maureen: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
Molly: I do read reviews and sometimes I'll read something in a review and mull it over for next time, but so often what's one person's awful is another person's amazing. Such is the power of books, a highly personal medium.

Maureen: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?
Molly: My husband and I are taking our two kids to New Zealand for six weeks in August. Thank You Bantam!!

Maureen: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
Molly: Coffee with milk all day long.

Maureen: What does it mean to love someone?
Molly: It means feeling more of everything. More joy, more fear, more disappointment, more bliss.

Maureen: Wow. What a great answer. You should write romance novels! LOL. What’s your favorite kid joke?
Molly: Right now we've got a knock knock joke spree at our house, so I will say any joke that ISN'T a knock knock joke.

Maureen's Gotta Ask, Molly's Gotta Answer

Maureen: Will you share some of your guilty pleasures?
Molly: Guilty Pleasure....brownies. I love brownies. And those old Elizabeth Lowell romances that are so un-PC they're practically a lesson in how not to be treated by a man. But there you have it. Chocolate and alpha-males.

Molly Asks Her Fans:

What's your favorite romance hook? Secret babies? Marriage of Convenience? Sheiks?

Book Giveaway!

TWO random lucky commenter will win a copy of HIS WIFE FOR ONE NIGHT. Because Molly's going to be out of town today, and likely unable to respond to comments or answer questions, we'll give commenters until the end of the day tomorrow (February 15th, 2011) to post their comments!

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.

Keep in touch with Molly here:

http://www.molly-okeefe.com/
http://www.drunkwritertalk.blogspot.com/
Facebook Page

Make sure to come back tomorrow when Heather hosts the fabulous Elizabeth Hoyt.