Margaret Mallory

THE GUARDIAN
Book I: THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERSPocket
ISBN-13: 9780446575164
ISBN-10: 044657516X




Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.


PASSION IGNITED


After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.


As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.



GET LOST IN THE STORY


The room fell away as Ian stared at the young woman who stood in the glow of the firelight. Her hair was the most beautiful shade of red he had ever seen. It fell in gleaming waves and framed a face so lovely it squeezed his heart to look at her.


When she lifted her gaze and met his, the air went out of him. There was something very familiar about this lovely, green-eyed lass, but Ian could not place her.


"Ian." Alex jabbed him in the ribs.


Ian knew he should stop staring at her, but he couldn't help himself.


"Hmmph," Alex grunted as he pushed past Ian. He strode across the room and greeted the young woman with a kiss on her cheek, as if he knew her well. "Ach, you are a sight to behold," Alex said. "If I were your husband, Sìleas, ye can be sure I wouldn't have kept ye waiting a single day."


Sìleas? Ian shook his head. Nay, this could not be...


The young woman was nothing like the scrawny thirteen-year-old he remembered. Instead of gawky limbs and pointed elbows, she had graceful lines and rounded curves that made his throat go dry.


"Welcome home," the young woman said to Alex in the kind of throaty voice a man wanted to hear in the dark.


"Ye two must be hungry after your travels. Come, Sìleas, let us get these men fed," his mother said, taking the lass by the arm. His mother gave him a wide-eyed look over her shoulder, the kind she used to give him when he was a lad and had committed some grievous error in front of company.


When Ian started to follow the two women to the table, Alex hauled him back. "Are ye an idiot?" Alex hissed in his face. "Ye didn't even greet Sìleas. What's the matter with ye?"


"Are ye sure that's Sìleas?" Ian said, leaning to the side so he could see past Alex to the red-haired lass.


"Of course it is, ye fool," Alex said. "Did ye no hear your mam just say her name?"


From the corner of his eye, Ian saw the back of Sìleas's skirt disappearing up the stairs. It occurred to him he had the right to follow her up and take her to bed. Tonight. Right now. Before supper, if he wanted. And again, after. The part of him between his legs was giving him an emphatic "Aye!"


His reaction startled him. For five long years, he had planned to end the marriage as soon as he returned. He'd harbored not a single doubt.


But he made that plan before she turned into this enchanting lass with curves that would have him dreaming of her naked as soon as he closed his eyes.


Aye, he most definitely wanted to take Sìleas to bed. Any man would. The question, however, was whether he wanted her to be the last woman he ever took to his bed.


~ ~ ~


Margaret Mallory started out as a Midwest girl. Except for two years in Africa, she grew up in small towns in northern Michigan, where her dad was a county extension agent. She received degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School, and then headed to Washington, DC to save the world. When that failed, she packed up and moved to the Pacific Northwest for no reason except that it was beautiful and far from her last jobs and boyfriends. She admits to having a vague notion of finding herself a park ranger with a dog. The man she met was not a park ranger, but he was willing to get the dog. Marriage and children soon followed.


Margaret spent many rewarding—but rather wearing—years in jobs devoted to improving services for abused children and care for the elderly. Not long ago, she surprised (shocked?) her friends and family by abandoning her legal career—and steady job—to write novels. She is thrilled to spend her days writing stories of love and adventure, instead of going to endless meetings. After all, she has always loved romantic tales, heroic deeds, and happy endings. And, at long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad and rewarding the worthy—in the pages of her novels.


With her two children off to college, Margaret spends most of her time working on her next books. She loves to hear from readers.


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


ANGI: How often do you get lost in a story?
MARGARET: It’s the only way I write well, so I can’t get lost often enough! I know I have a good scene when I make myself weep. If I cry revising it the tenth time, then it’s a really good one.


ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
MARGARET: Pipi Longstocking, but maybe I remember that one because Pipi is a redhead. ;)


ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
MARGARET: A chuisle mo chroí. It’s Gaelic and means pulse of my heart. Sigh.


ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
MARGARET: It’s more of a legend than a fairy tale, but I’d say the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.


ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
MARGARET: Road Runner


ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
MARGARET: Embarrassing, but I have a hard time putting a book down at night. Sometimes I take it into the bathroom with me when I wash my face, and then I make the mistake of deciding I can read just a couple more pages. After fifteen minutes, I get tired of reading standing up so I sit on the toilet. Then an hour will go by...


ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
MARGARET: That’s easy because it wasn’t that long ago. I had one “practice book” before I got published. Before that, I hadn’t written a word of fiction since high school English.


ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
MARGARET: I am a huge movie fan, so I can’t say just one. Some of them are The Gladiator, Clueless, the 6-hour BBC production of Pride & Prejudice, Strictly Ballroom, Horseman on the Roof (French), Lord of the Rings, When Harry Met Sally, Bend it Like Beckham, Last of the Mohicans, There’s Something About Mary, Casa Blanca….OK, I’ll stop.


ANGI: Be honest, when reading...do you put yourself in the heroine’s role?
MARGARET: Of course!


ANGI: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?
MARGARET: Writing, but it isn’t easy for me.


ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
MARGARET: Thank you for the lovely messages! I am honored every time a reader tells me that my book kept her up half the night or helped her escape the stresses of her day.


ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: So, Margaret, it’s been awesome getting to know you over the past couple of years. I’m a huge fan of your first medieval series and can’t wait for The Guardian. It’s the first of a four book series, can you give us a real quick peek into the next three?
MARGARET’S GOTTA ANSWER: The four heroes of THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series are close friends and cousins, so readers get to meet all of them in THE GUARDIAN. A lot of readers have already been asking me about Alex’s book, THE SINNER, which is next and comes out November 1st. After that is Duncan’s book, THE WARRIOR, and finally, Connor’s book, THE CHIEFTAIN. Readers can find more information about my books on my website: http://www.margaretmallory.com/.


MARGARET’S QUESTION FOR YOU: I love prologues, both as a reader and as a writer. I attended a writing workshop, however, in which the presenter said that prologues are a big turn-off for a high percentage of readers when they pick up a book while browsing in a bookstore. So I'm very curious. Do you like prologues? If you saw a prologue when you opened a book in a store, would you be less likely to buy it?


LEAVE A COMMENT and you might… Margaret is giving away a copy of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, which was a RITA & Booksellers' Best Award finalist and won the historical category of The Maggie & The Beacon Contests last year.


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.
YOU CAN FIND MARGARET on her Website on Facebook and on Twitter. Maraget has terrific photos of Scotland on her website & Facebook!


DON’T FORGET OUR WEEKLONG contest and updates on The Crew beginning Sunday with prizes drawn on JULY 4th. LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for daily updates on who’s “Getting Lost.” Come back Friday when Donnell interviews Misty Evans and return tomorrow when Maureen hosts Mary Sullivan & Victoria Essex. ~Angi

Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler would like you to get lost in a short story.

I am happy to welcome

Lisa, sister RWA/SD chapter member, to GLIAS!



Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series. The first book, Night Walker, is scheduled to be released August 5th.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. Lisa lives in southern California with her incredibly fun husband and two amazing kids.You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com/

Across the Veil

Lisa Kessler

Princess Talia from Summerland has been hiding across the veil in the human world for the past five years.

Starring in a hit television show as human actress, Natalie Thurmont, her charmed new life is shattered when the past comes knocking on her door.

"Across the Veil" won Romance in the Backseat book review's Paranormal Fight Club short story contest.

Book Trailer - http://youtu.be/xH6oJLEucxU

Night Walker
Lisa Kessler
Entangled Publishing
Available August 5!




A brief interview with Lisa:

Jillian: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Lisa: Rocky. It was the first time I’d ever seen a movie that allowed the hero to lose. It raised an important point that you don’t have to win to be a champion. Very intense.
Jillian: Who’s your favorite villain?
Lisa: The Evil Queen from Snow White. She was a woman with a plan and she wouldn’t let anyone or anything get in her way. I thought she was a nearly perfect villain.
Jillian: Be honest, when reading 1st person...do you miss the hero’s POV?
Lisa: Yes! So I’m writing a werewolf series in alternating first person so you get the heroine and the hero’s POV. Hope to have a publisher for the Moon Series soon.
Jillian: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?
Lisa: Yes I do! I usually make a soundtrack for each book I write to help me keep the mood and tone of the story. Often the playlist has lots of music from movie soundtracks and some classical music. Each character usually has a theme song too which probably has words.
Jillian: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?
Lisa: Happy dance!!!

GOTTA ASK. GOTTA ANSWER.
(I gotta ask and she's gotta answer!)

At a recent RWASD meeting guest speaker Leis Pederson was asked about whether she would consider manuscripts from authors who self-publish. She seemed to be perfectly okay with the idea. More and more authors have NY publishing contracts and are self-publishing their back list titles. With all this in mind, please share your venture into the e-book world with both our readers and writers.

Jillian: What got you started thinking about self-publishing your short fiction? A friend, a blog, a workshop?
Lisa: I have a short story anthology I’m working on editing to self-publish. Traditionally publishers aren’t interested in anthologies by new authors so it seemed like a perfect fit to try digital self-publishing.

While editing, I had one story that was too long to fit in this anthology, but too short to really submit to an ePublisher. During an online class with Laurie McLean from the Larson-Pomada agency, she encouraged me to self-publish the story as a stand-alone title. Across the Veil was edited and published a few weeks later.

Jillian: Could you share a little bit about the process of self-publishing? Is it difficult? Time-consuming? What is the reporting process like? Do they send you a check quarterly? Are you pleased with the results?
Lisa: I have been pleased with the results so far! It’s not making me rich at .99, but it is garnering attention from book bloggers. I’ve gotten some great reviews so far and now the reviewers are anxious to review my new novel, Night Walker! I would not have had any name-recognition within the review community if I hadn’t self-published Across the Veil.

Jillian: For our reader fans out there, which sites is your short story on and why did you choose those particular sites?
Lisa: As far as I know, Across the Veil is available everywhere that you can buy eBooks and for all of the eReader formats.

Lisa has a question she'd like to ask our readers: How do you find new eBooks? Do you surf reviews? Ads on blogs and facebook? How would you find a new self-published author? BTW, one lucky winner will receive a free PDF copy of Across the Veil and a signed set of Night Walker romance trading cards. Woot!

Website – http://lisa-kessler.com/
Blog – http://lisakessler.wordpress.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
Facebook – http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter

***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.

Wendy S. Marcus

Anatomy for Romance: A Strong Hero, a Feisty Heroine and Lots of Laughs!



Welcome Harlequin debut author, Wendy S. Marcus!


Wendy lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband, two of her three children, and a much loved Bichon Frise named Buddy. A nurse by trade, Wendy has her Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. After years of working in the medical profession, Wendy has taken a radical turn to writing hot contemporary romance with strong heroes, feisty heroines, and lots of laughs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and blogging/e-mailing/tweeting with her online friends. To learn more about Wendy visit her website, http://www.wendysmarcus.com/






When One Night Isn't Enough
Wendy S. Marcus
Harlequin Medical Romance

Nurse Ali Forshay has found the perfect man for her. Dependable. Routine. Boring. Exactly what she wants to ensure a quiet, stable and anonymous life. Then his friend, Dr. Jared Padget, shows up and goodbye fairytale ending. The man’s a schmoozer. A womanizer. A whoo-a-woman-into-bed-using-any-means-necessary kind of man just like her father. And Ali wants nothing to do with him. But he’s so tempting. Thank goodness his temporary assignment at Madrin Memorial is over, and he’s heading out of town. If only he hadn’t shown up at girls’ night out on the eve of his departure. If only he hadn’t taken her up on her drunken one-time offer. If only he hadn’t come back when he’d promised to stay away…

After a steady diet of dependable and boring, I'm willing to bet one night with hot Dr. Tempting isn't enough. Okay, it's interview time!

Jillian: Hi Wendy, What’s the first book you remember reading?
Wendy: My first romance book was Home to Copper Mountain, a Harlequin Superromance by Rebecca Winters. This book started my love affair with romance novels.
Jillian: Where do you read and how often?
Wendy: Before I received ‘The Call’ I could easily read a book every 1-2 days. Now that I’m a published author under deadline I don’t read near as much as I’d like. But when I can squeeze in some reading time I can read anywhere…even in the car!
Jillian: What sound or noise do you love?
Wendy: I absolutely love the sound of moving water. I can sit and listen to ocean waves or a babbling brook, or lake water lapping against the shore, for hours. I also love to listen to rain.
Jillian: Be honest, when reading 1st person...do you miss the hero’s POV?
Wendy: Yes. I absolutely love a particular author who writes in the first person. In my opinion, she is a wonderful writer. But while reading one of her books, I got so frustrated at not being given the hero’s POV I actually could not force myself to finish. And I haven’t purchased one of her books since, which makes me sad since I love her writing style.
Jillian: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?
Wendy: I reward myself by reading someone else’s book… that I’ve probably used to bribe myself into staying focused.
Jillian: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
Wendy: I’m not a big coffee drinker, but when I drink it it’s usually after a meal out at a restaurant and I have a decaf with a shot of Bailys. No whipped cream. (I try to watch where I can!)
Jillian: What does it mean to love someone?
Wendy: To put someone’s needs before your own, to strive to make them happy even when you’re sad and to forgive them when they screw up - because they will screw up.
Jillian: What do you do to unwind and relax?
Wendy: I read. Actually I started reading after I had my first panic attack many years ago. After confirming I was not having a heart or asthma attack, my doctor told me I was wound too tight and needed to relax. And exactly how was I supposed to do that with three young children, a forgetful husband, and a full time job? I tried escaping my life by entering someone else’s – in a book. And it worked!


Okay, I gotta ask, and Wendy's gotta answer:

Jillian: Perhaps more than any other sub-genre I can think of, the medical romance has to draw on a great deal of technical knowledge/experience––especially when it comes to world building. Tell us a little about how you go about incorporating romance into the hospital environment.
Wendy: This is one of the hardest parts of writing a medical romance. Before I get started there are a few things I’d like to clarify. First, medical romance has a wide variety of settings that span the continents, and the hospital is just one of many different locations in which our stories take place. Second, the focus of our stories is on the hero and heroine, just like other category romance lines, only medical romance must have a hero and/or heroine involved in the medical profession. The medical aspects of the stories occur in the background. Our characters lead full lives outside of work. Third, not all medical romance authors are medical professionals. My editor says, “If you’re good with research you can write a medical romance.” But for me, being a nurse (even one not currently practicing) certainly helps! Now, for world building and incorporating romance into the medical setting. The most important thing is not to get too technical or too gory. Either can pull the reader out of the story. The focus shouldn’t be on the medical aspects of a scene but more on how your hero and heroine react to the medical drama and how they interact with each other during it. We need to show the respect they have for one another in addition to the attraction they feel. It can be a tricky sell to the reader because health care professionals are held to a high standard and readers will lose respect for a doctor/nurse who runs off for a quickie in the Clean Utility Room when he/she should be caring for their patients. Here’s a little example of a medical scene from WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH:

When she returned to the E.R., a triage nurse called down the hall. “Ali, eight-year-old male in respiratory distress, possible asthma, ETA three minutes.”
“Put him in Trauma One, Bed Two,” she called back.
After calling a respiratory therapist to the E.R., she went in search of Dr. P., finding him in Exam Room Five with two of the older boys sitting next to each other on a stretcher, their legs dangling over the side. “Wow,” Ali said looking at the reddish, purplish swollen eye each one wore with pride. “You two are going to have some cool shiners tomorrow.”
“What’d I tell you?” Dr. P. asked, playfully elbowing the boy closest to him. “Chicks dig bruises. Now, tomorrow when someone says, ‘Oh, Tommy, Oh, Bobby what happened?’” His voice slid from falsetto back to tenor when he added, “What are you going to say?”
Both boys puffed out their chests, smiled and said in unison, “You should see the other guy.”
“My work here is done,” Dr. P. declared.
Dr. P.’s joking lifted Ali’s spirits. Things were back to normal. Maybe his distant behavior had to do with the calls from his attorney. Maybe things between them were fine. “Jeez Louise,” she said. “The macho vibe in this room is so strong I have the urge to challenge someone to an arm wrestle.”
Dr. P. stepped forward, sliding the sleeve of his lab coat up over his left elbow and flexing his arm. “What do you say, boys? Think I can take her?”
They both smiled up at their new hero. “I bet you can pin her in ten seconds flat,” the smaller of the two said.
“Ah, the naïveté of youth,” Dr. P. said to Ali then turned his attention to the boys who listened aptly. “When in the presence of a beautiful woman, you never want to rush. You need to take your time, draw out the pleasure of her company.”
Ali heard the ambulance siren and put a stop to the fun. “Hold that thought, Romeo. That ambulance is for us. Pediatric respiratory distress. Possible asthma. Going into Trauma One, Bed Two. Respiratory therapy is on the way. I’ll finish up with these bruisers and meet you there.”
Playful Dr. P. disappeared. “They’re both free to go. No fractures. Give their parents the closed head injury instruction sheet.”


Wendy's got a question for fans and readers:

Are you a fan of medical drama shows on television? Who is your favorite TV physician and why? Have you ever read a medical romance? If yes, what did you think? If no, why not? And are you willing to make mine your first?

For Medical Romance fans or those who'd like to try one, Wendy has a giveaway!***

One lucky commenter will win a 2-in-1 UK edition of my book which includes a full novel by author Janice Lynn. Since Harlequin Medical Romance has an international audience, there is no restriction on who can enter. I am happy to mail the book anywhere. In addition to locations in the U.S., I’ve already sent copies of my books to South Africa, Australia, Fiji, and the UK.

WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN'T ENOUGH is currently available in the following places:

In the UK: Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flirting-Society-Doctor-Enough Medical/dp/0263885925/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307558369&sr=1-1

In Aus/NZ: Online at Mills and Boon: http://www.millsandboon.com.au/product.asp?productid=4371&dest=%2Fcategory%2Easp%3Fbookcategoryid%3D27%26page%3D1%20and%20coming%20to%20store%20shelves%20in%20July.and coming to store shelves in July.

In the U.S.: Coming to Amazon and eharlequin.com in July.

Visit my website: http://wendysmarcus/
Visit me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Wendy-S-Marcus-Author-Page/184507031577429
Visit me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#%21/WendySMarcus
Visit me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4823224.Wendy_S_Marcus

***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.

Francis Ray

Francis Ray, a native Texan, lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000, she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ms. Ray's titles consistently make national bestseller's lists. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for Black Entertainment Television. She has written forty-three books to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, Atlantic Choice. WBI Book Award and Borders 2008 Romance Award for Bestselling Multicultural Romance.

THE TURNING POINT, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for THE TURNING POINT in May 2001, Ms. Ray established The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. The fund is administered by The Family Place. February 2005 heralded a personal triumph with the release of her first Christian fiction anthology, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.

Ms. Ray had five books published or re-released in 2010, four scheduled for 2011, and five for 2012. She enjoys writing fiction, where intelligent women through hard work and perseverance triumph over adversity, just as they do in real life.

UNDENIABLE

Kimani

June 21, 2011

When wealthy Texas heiress Rachel Malone defied her powerful father to elope with Logan Prescott, Logan truly believed that their marriage was forever. But that was before a trumped-up assault charge set the whole town—and the woman he loved—against him. With a heart full of pain, Logan fled Stanton—and the bittersweet memories of the passion he and Rachel had shared. Now, eight years later, he’s back — more arrogant and dangerously seductive than ever. And this time the stakes were higher. For Logan clearly wants revenge and he also wants Rachel.

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

FRANCIS: Every time I write I get lost in the story. I have to if I'm to connect with the characters so the story will be real. Then, there are the books I read. Getting lost in the story is a wonderful benefit of reading a good romance novel.

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

FRANCIS: Although my first romance was a historical, I love contemporary romance novels. I enjoy reading about strong characters dealing with today's problems while falling in love - which always enriches the story.

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

FRANCIS: My first book I remember reading was Grimm's Fairytales. While some of the endings I wasn't pleased with, I enjoyed the magical quality that anything is possible/can happen. The endless possibilities in those stories is one of the reasons I wanted to become a writer.

CAT: Where do you read and how often?

FRANCIS: I read contemporary, paranormal, and historical romances. Unfortunately, because of my writing schedule, I don't read as much as I want to. I try not to read novels when I'm writing. I don't want to inadvertently put anything in my book I might have read in another novel.

CAT: What was the first story you remember writing?

FRANCIS: The first story I remember writing was a lush historical romance, that I never sent to a publisher. My mentor said it wasn't ready, and since she was a well-established

author whom I trusted, I started on another book - a contemporary romance - which did sell. Writing is an emotional journey. You live with the characters so long it's very difficult to accept that you missed the mark, but if readers can't 'feel' the emotions you're trying to convey, immerse themselves in your novel, then you've done the reader and yourself a disservice.

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

FRANCIS: I'd like my fans to know that I really appreciate them and their unfaltering support. Because of them I have written 43 books with 5 scheduled for 2012.

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

FRANCIS: I write while listen to Country & Western music. There's a lot of stories of pain and joy in the music. The lyrics gives me a lot to think about.

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

FRANCIS: I'd be a Master Gardener, but I truly hope I can continue writing for a very long time.

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

FRANCIS: After giving thanks, I grab a Pepsi and "think" about cleaning my cluttered office that is filled with research material and papers everywhere.

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

FRANCIS: The question would be who had the greatest influence on you as a writer? The answer wouldn't be a single person. I'd have to start off with my parents who taught me I could be anything I wanted, then my husband and daughter who put up with take-out meals, a not so clean house, and a distracted wife and mother so I could follow my dream. Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn't have published.

CAT: What do you do to unwind and relax?

FRANCIS: I love shopping and sharing new experiences with my daughter, who is also my assistant.

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

FRANCIS: I'd most like to invite the Taggart brothers, the Grayson clan, and Rio. They're strong, often complex, honest and independent characters who value family and friends.

CAT: What personal dream have you accomplished in writing?

FRANCIS: I hit the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists!!

CAT'S GOTTA ASK:

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

FRANCIS' GOTTA ANSWER: Yellow, because it's a happy color and would brighten up people lives.

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

What irritates you most about a hero/heroine?

Francis is giving away a copy of BREAK EVERY RULE to three separate people.

Millionaires I'd Like to Meddle...

Hi everyone! Heather, here. In celebration of Cat Schield’s release, Meddling with a Millionaire, I thought I’d do a fun post about rich, hot men I’d like to meddle with…

I know, I know…when you think of the richest men in the world, it’s not typically young, dashing men we think of. I mean, I’m sure Warren Buffett is a very nice man, but hot? Mmmm…not so much. And even though Hugh Hefner seems to get his fair share at 84…eeewww.

So, I perused the Forbes list of rich men. Not surprisingly, most of the men were 60-90, and sadly, not so hot. Maybe they were once hot…but probably not.* If I had to pick the real life zillionaire, I guess I’d have to go with Mark Zuckerberg. Okay, okay…maybe he did cheat the other Facebook founder type people out of their fair share (I wouldn’t know…I’ve been on deadline, people. I didn’t have time to go out and see The Social Network movie), but he’s definitely rich, tall—I like them tall—and kind of cute. And the only uber-rich man I could find under 39. Just saying.

Still, one Zuckerberg does not a blog post make. So I turned to fiction, as I often do, for my Meddling with a Millionaire list…

First, I was afraid all I would find was these guys:

Gomez Addams - rich, but creepy!

Jed Clampett -- rich, but questionable culinary habits, among other things

Thurston Howell, III -- rich, but...

Just when I was about to give up altogether, I remembered some sexy millionaires I’ve loved…

1. C.K. Dexter Haven

From the movie The Philadelphia Story (or High Society, if you prefer the swinging, jazzy musical version starring Bing Crosby—who though a little silly looking with those ears, you must admit, with those blue eyes and sexy voice is HOT HOT HOT)

My C.K., however, will always be Cary Grant.

How could you not love a sexy, good-hearted and secretly devoted millionaire like Dexter, who upon learning his ex-wife (who also happens to be his neighbor) is getting married again, comes home just to very helpfully make her to see that there was never anyone for her but him? Oh, and he’s CARY GRANT!!! With all of the snarky sexiness he could bring to the role.

2. Bruce Wayne

Whether you prefer the Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney or Christian Bale version, it’s hard to resist a mysterious, tortured, philanthropic millionaire hero who also happens to wear black rubber like it was painted onto him…

And for those of you who must…the Adam West version

3. Jay Gatsby

Really, who can resist a tortured millionaire who carries a torch for a woman he can’t ever have, and who is willing to sacrifice everything to save her when, arguably, she didn’t deserve his devotion? And who can resist the men who have or will play him?

Robert Redford as Gatsby

Leonardo DiCaprio will be the next Gatsby...

And because this is MY post, I am going to add Ben Affleck to my list…because he’s hot, he’s rich, and if he (and I) weren’t happily married, ultimately meddleable. (Yes, that is a word…because I say it is and it’s MY post, remember?)

Now, get ye forth to a bookstore to read all about Cat Schield’s Meddleable Millionaire, maverick businessman, Nathan Case. You’ll be glad you decided to meddle with him…

*This is a farcical piece of fluffy fun to celebrate a friend’s book. Author is really not a shallow flake who judges hotness solely on looks. Author does, indeed, know that hotness comes from within. Looks are nice, though ;-)

MEDDLE WITH A MILLIONAIRE and what do you get?

MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE
Harlequin Desire
ISBN: 0373731078

I thought we’d celebrate Cat’s release week with some inside views from Emma Montgomery and Nathan Case (without spoilers) and even from Cat herself.

CAT’s STORY: I ventured into the world of writing romance fiction while still in high school. It has been my passion ever since. Stories come easy to me. For every one I write, I plot 3 more. This can get distracting when I’m trying to finish one book and the characters from other stories clamor for my attention. Fortunately, I multi-task well.

Ten years ago I put my writing career on hold in favor of motherhood. I spent a couple years working two jobs and saving money so I could adopted a little girl from China. She turns eleven this year and these days she’s more inclined to give her mother some quiet time to write.

Another passion of mine is sailing. I used to do a bit of racing when I lived in Florida, but like writing, I haven’t had time to do much sailing. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to hook up with a terrific friend who is multi-published in technical and travel writing. Erik put together a crew of eight friends and we embarked on a sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands. With all the sailing I’d done, I’d never called a boat home before.

Living with seven other people lead to an article that I wrote for International Yacht Charters & Vacations. Getting published in a national magazine boosted my confidence. Pulling a series of novels off my old computer reminded me how much time I had devoted to writing and I began to think that maybe it was time to revisit my dream to be published.

In 2010, I entered the Golden Heart for what I hoped was the last time. The book, Fake Fiancée, Real Love went on to win. A month later, I sold a different book to Harlequin Desire.

So, here I am, 4 years later, living my dream of writing romances that will appear in bookstores around the country, and maybe even around the world.

ANGI: Who knew Cat first?

NAT: 

 That'd be me. She seemed pretty interested in my background and we spent a fair amount of time talking about my family and my problems with my half-brothers. I had no idea what she had in mind for me. Of course, now I'm as happy as I could be, but there were times, I really wanted to put her on a slow boat to the south pole.

ANGI: Is Cat an easy person to work with? Did she have trouble getting your story right? 


EMMA: Cat's great to work with. She had lots of ideas for us, but it did take her forever to get it right. Not that I minded. It gave me a lot more time with Nathan. He's so great. Sexy. Strong. Yet he takes care of me.

ANGI: What was Cat’s first reaction when she sold your story?

EMMA: Thrilled. She'd spent three years thinking about us. Never stopped believing we'd get our happily ever after. We're glad she got hers, too.

ANGI: What’s Cat’s favorite scene in your story? 


NAT: 

 She's very partial to the opening scene. Spent forever getting it right. First it happened in a hotel room. Then a bedroom. Finally the study. Let me tell you, it was great spending all that time getting Emma hot and bothered up against the door.

ANGI: Have either of you gone sailing with Cat?

EMMA: 

 We both have. She talks about that crew of hers all the time and when we went with her it was as if we were old friends. She's mentioned another sailing trip in Europe, but I have a feeling she's got a different couple in mind to bring along.

“I want the fairy tale ending. What’s wrong with that?” Emma asked. 



“Women get rescued in fairy tales,” Addison pointed out. “Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty. All rescued. I thought you were trying to prove to your father that you can take care of yourself.” 



ANGI: Emma, Addison is your closet friend. Tell us what went through your mind when you heard those words. Everyone around you, including your father and brother, knew you wanted the “fairy tale.” Had you ever thought that all the women got “rescued” before Addison had that conversation with you? 


EMMA: 

 Well, I got bailed out a lot when I was young. I guess you could say "rescued." Maybe I didn't have the best judgment when I was in my teens and early twenties, but with four older brothers always watching out for me, plus my controlling father, I knew no matter what happened, they would take care of me.

Still, it bugged me when Addison compared me to fairy tale princesses and took me to task about proving I could take care of myself. I guess I thought I was acting more responsible than I was.

ANGI: Be honest, before meeting him as an adult, did you ever have dreams that Nat was really your knight in shining armor?

EMMA: Ah, no. Nathan isn't really the knight in shining armor type. He's got a bad boy vibe going. Very hot. He's not what I would describe as a prince charming. More like his scoundrel younger brother. But he's all that I wanted.

“When their eyes locked, all casual thoughts went out of his head. He targeted her like a jungle cat sighting a leggy gazelle and had her out the door and in his car before an hour had passed.” 



ANGI: The attraction between you and Emma is obvious and amazing. Just reading about your first encounter as adults gives me goosebumps. Did you have any hopes of a relationship?

NATHAN: I'm not sure the word "relationship" was in my thoughts when we first reconnected. I wanted more of Emma. In bed. Out of bed. Wherever. It wasn't until later, when I realized she wasn't on board with marrying me that I started thinking I needed to be with her on a whole different level than just physical.

ANGI: When Emma’s dad put the condition of marrying his daughter onto the deal of your lifetime, what did you think? And why did you pursue her? 


NATHAN: 

 At first it pissed me off that her dad put both of us in that position, but it didn't take long for me to decide that deal or no deal, she and I were going to end up together. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to admit how much she meant to me.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW FROM READERS?

EMMA: Nathan and I are pretty hot for each other. Do you like your romances sweet or sexy?

YOU CAN FIND CAT AT:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Cat’s debut Harlequin Desire MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE is a blast and I hope you’ll pick up or download your own copy soon. Come by tomorrow for MILLIONAIRES Heather would like to meddle with. Should be loads of fun. Stop by next week when I host historical author Margaret Mallory.

Cat's giving away another copy of Meddling With A Millionaire today and everyone who comments this week will be put into a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card.

Maureen Grills Cat

Today is my day to help celebrate Cat's first release, MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE.

I just LOVE this cover!!!

MAUREEN: How did you feel when you first saw a copy of your book?

CAT: Since I'd already seen the cover, I thought it wasn't going to be a huge deal to hold the book. Was I wrong. No electronic image compares to holding the book and flipping to the middle and reading the words I slaved over for years. While my daughter twirled around the living room yelling that her mom was a published author, I got all teary.

MAUREEN: How did it compare to learning it was going to be published?

CAT: That was more like exhaling after holding my breath for 8 months. It was a huge relief. I was so stunned that it took me almost an hour to get giddy.

MAUREEN: What do you think it is about the Harlequin Desire line that appeals to so many readers?

CAT: I think the sexy Desire alpha males draw you in and the fast pace and passionate conflicts keep you engage right to the end.

MAUREEN: Nothing quite like an alpha man with money... ;) What’s the most romantic thing that anyone’s ever done for you?

CAT: There was a guy I dated that drove hours through a snow storm so we could spend Christmas Eve together. That was pretty amazing.

MAUREEN: That is pretty amazing. :) What’s coming up next for you?

CAT: I just sold my third book to Desire and contracted for book four so I'm going to be working on that story.

FABulous. I'm so excited to celebrate your debut release week!!

LOOKING FOR CAT?
Website: www.catshield.com
Facebook: Cat Schield
Twitter: CatSchield

Angi will be here tomorrow with special interviews of Meddling's Emma & Nat. AND Heather will be back Thursday with a special Millionaires she'd like to Meddle with column. And check out HER SECRET MILLIONAIRE, Cat’s free novella and prequel to MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE. Cat will be around to answer any questions you may have.

A Million Reasons to Love Cat Schield & Meddling with a Millionaire

No. 1. The author writes like a million bucks. I don’t think I read a trite cliché or a stale phrase in this whole book. I was hooked faster than a miner on a hunt for diamonds. From page one, the sexual tension and the conflict leapt off the page.

No. 2. Cat Schield creates fifteen carat characters. Just wait until you meet Emma Montgomery and Nathan Case. The chase is on when Emma defies her tycoon father and refuses to be taken care of, or just a business deal in the eyes of the man she marries. Nathan Case’s background and struggle to get where he is will have readers falling in love.

No. 3 The plot is pure gold. Emma Montgomery learns the value of a dollar as well as to value herself. Nathan Case is a sympathetic hero who learns you can’t put a price tag on love. I’ll wager my stock portfolio you’ll be cheering them on for a happily ever after.

Okay, okay. The Get Lost Crew tells me I can’t count… er… go to a million. But I would if I could. There’s just too many reasons not to love MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE.

First, let's start with a blurb:

No Man’s Bargaining Chip

Emma Montgomery wouldn’t be manipulated into marriage as part of Daddy’s business deal—even if he cut off access to her trust fund until she complied. The talented jewelry designer would just make her own way. Or go down trying. Too bad her intended groom--maverick businessman and former crush Nathan Case--made her stubborn stance so difficult. The heat of his touch had her nearly betraying herself at every turn. Resisting Nathan and regaining her money were the name of the game—but meddling with this millionaire might land her right back in his arms!

And then...let's get Cat Schield in on this lucrative deal and ask her some questions:

DONNELL: Cat, the Desire line suits you so well, and I love the high society books that come from this line. What attracted you to write for Desire (e.g. this lifestyle)? Do you write what you know? ;)

CAT: I love alpha heroes and enjoy pairing them with the perfect spunky heroine to drive them crazy. And of course, there’s a high level of sensuality. As for writing what I know, I have little experience with private jets or million-dollar homes, but the business settings come easy to me since I’ve spent most of my life working in corporate America and can draw from my experiences.

DONNELL: When I met Nathan’s brothers, I felt a series coming on. They’re not the most likable characters in the beginning, but you deviously set it up so I want to know all about them in future books. I was excited to learn you just sold book three. Tell us about book two, and what will happen in book three! I take it we’ll see more of the Case brothers?

CAT: When I originally started this book back in 2007 I wasn’t thinking in terms of a series so I didn’t work very hard to make Nathan’s half brothers sympathetic. But Max started to grow on me and I knew I needed to tell his story. And if Max got a story, well then Sebastian needed one, too.

I knew the least about eldest brother, Sebastian, and had no idea what to do with him. Then I decided his would be a boss/secretary story, but his assistant’s name was Missy which I didn’t think suited Sebastian. I had in mind for him a more sophisticated woman than this small town girl from west Texas, but then I realized their divergent backgrounds gave me the perfect conflict.

A Win-Win Proposition comes out in October 2011. While on business in Las Vegas, Sebastian gets to see his assistant in a whole new light and it has a very detrimental effect on his self-control.

Max’s book will come out in early 2012. It’s a reunion story with lots of twists and turns.

Finally, let’s make an investment in your readers and ask them a question.

WHY DO YOU THINK MILLIONAIRE/TYCOON STORIES ARE SO POPULAR?

The winner of today’s drawing will win, what else? MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE.

Cat Schield lives in Minnesota with her daughter and their Burmese cat. Winner of the Romance Writers of America 2010 Golden Heart® for series contemporary romance, when she’s not writing sexy, romantic stories for Harlequin Desire, she can be found sailing with friends on the St. Croix River or more exotic locales like the Caribbean and Europe.

Any time you want to visit with Cat, you can find her right here at Get Lost in a Story, or check out her webpage at http://catschield.com/ or Twitter or Facebook all listed on the home page of this blog. Be sure to stop by tomorrow as we continue our celebration of Cat's debut week. And as always Like us on Facebook & Twitter!