Get Lost with Lark Brennan's IRRESISTIBLY YOURS

I'm so happy to welcome Lark Brennan a Golden Heart sister--Lucky 13 to GET LOST IN A STORY! Now you can learn more about her fascinating Durand world!

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win a copy of Lark's IRRESISTIBLY YOURS.

MEET LARK BRENNAN
Lark Howard's love of reading, writing and travel has led her to a string of colorful jobs and a well-worn passport – as well as a few years spent sailing and diving in the Virgin Islands. Her travels have inspired the Durand Chronicles, a romantic suspense series with a psychic twist, which take place in some of her favorite places--the British Virgin Islands, Paris, New Orleans and Scotland. Dangerously Yours and Irresistibly Yours, are the first two books of the Durand series. Recklessly Yours will release in early 2017. When not traveling, she lives in Texas with her brilliant husband and her two adorable canine children.
Nan: I can see the love for your travels in the books!

Let's talk about IRRESISTIBLY YOURS.

THE STORY BLURB

Adrien Durand, one of the most powerful telepaths in the world, was born for a life of action and intrigue. But his father’s sudden death forces him to return to Paris to take over his family’s business empire and control the source of the Durand family’s psychic abilities. When American empath Tate Fulbright walks into his world, he suspects she's a spy for the Durands’ enemies. Even more disturbing, however, is the mysterious energy that flows between them, forming a psychic link he’s powerless to break.

Adrien’s life begins to unravel when an unknown enemy tries to abduct Tate, and threatens his family and his freedom. Just as it seems Adrien and Tate might have a chance for a future together, the danger gets up close and personal—and deadly.

READ A LITTLE 

Tate’s smile wilted as Adrien led her through the gallery of stuffed animals to reception. He was sorry to disappoint her but the sooner she was gone, the better. What had passed between them when he touched her was out of his control, and nothing in this place could ever be out of his control. That was who he was and what he was.

“Thank you,” she said. You and this enchanted place are what I’ll remember of Paris.

He’d read her thoughts and his instincts went on high alert. She sensed too much. “Would you like to have lunch?” he asked.

“I wish I could. I’m due at the convention center at one.”

“Tomorrow, perhaps? Here at twelve thirty?”

Her eyes lit up and he was rewarded with a lovely smile.

“I’d like that.” She stroked the horse’s neck on her way down the stairs. “It was nice meeting you, Maurice. Au revoir, Mr. Durand.”

His reply lodged in his throat. “Bye,” he managed as she disappeared down the stairs.

When the door below closed he whirled on the horse. “Maurice? How the hell did she know your name?”

The horse’s ear twitched. A good guess?

“I don’t think so.” He turned so he could address the room. “What’s going on here?”

Louis, a huge African lion, replied. Don’t you like her?

“I don’t even know her. And anyone showing up here with empathic abilities that strong is suspect. What if she’s a Dissembler?”

She isn’t, Maurice replied. She’s completely untrained and unguarded. You know that. You were in her head the entire time she was here.

“Forget it. I’m not looking for a woman.” Especially an empath.

The llama replied, Tate is different. She felt us. She likes us.

“That is not good. Even if she isn’t a spy, someone sent her here.”

Victor appeared in the doorway. “So who was the empath?”

“Some American tourist,” Adrien snapped.

“What’s your problem?”

He’s taking her to lunch tomorrow, a cheetah confided.

Victor grinned. “Really?”

Adrien groaned. “You’re on my side. Humans stick together.”

“She looked pretty hot to me—in a wholesome sort of way.”

“Drop it. What do you have for me?”

Victor handed him a business card. “His camera crew is due at two o’clock to plan the video shoot. In the ballroom.”

Adrien chuckled. “Then let’s go put it in order.”

They entered the ballroom and Victor leaned against the wall, awaiting directions.

Adrien crossed to the center. He stood among the stuffed animals and breathed deeply, focusing on tapping into the power of the Source below. The energy swirled and pulsed until the air crackled. Soon the power surged through him, growing, pounding, expanding until it filled his body and mind with light. Slowly he lifted his arms.

The energy flowed from the Source through him to the Guardians, pure spirits who had taken possession of the stuffed bodies over the past three centuries.

The animals began to move.

I love the Guardians in the book and your pictures. I hope we get to see more of them!

BUY THE BOOK

Available at: Diversion Books

A LIGHTING ROUND OF Q&A WITH LARK BRENNAN

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

LARK: All the time! Too often I crawl into bed with a book at 8:30 and don’t notice the time until midnight! That happen this week with Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT. Love her books!

Nan: Yes. I I was up til two with FIRST STAR!

NAN: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

LARK: I’m definitely an action adventure kind of girl. Some of my favorite movies are the Fast and Furious series. Ditto the Bourne movies. I’m also a sucker for the Marvel superheroes—Ironman, Thor (Loki, too), Superman. Pretty much anything with lots of action is on my watch list.

Nan: Your books reflect this!

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

LARK: I’d have to say REVENGE starring Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn and Madeline Stowe (not the TV show of the same name she starred in). Costner plays an American pilot who falls in love with Anthony Quinn’s young wife. Quinn is a Mexican don who cannot let his wife run off with his friend. Things go bad for everyone. It’s a great study in human nature with some of the best secondary characters of any movie I’ve ever seen.

Nan: Oooh - I haven't heard of this one.

NAN: Who’s your favorite villain?

LARK: My favorite book villain, Rehvenge of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is also one of my favorite redeemed romantic heroes. He’s a drug dealer, pimp and nasty character in several books then finds redemption with a woman he falls in love with. Can’t beat that!!

Nan: Love JR Ward's character development.

NAN: Which of your characters would you most like to invite to dinner, and why?

LARK: Definitely Mark Durand, one of the Durand cousins and the hero in the final book of the Durand Chronicles. He’s very ambiguous and super-alpha—always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good even when he’s forced to do bad things for good reasons. I know ‘damaged’ is used to describe a lot of heroes, but this guy really is! And I like his sense of humor, which is often dark. I can’t wait to write his book!

Nan: I was hoping Mark was next. :-( 

NAN: High Heels or Hiking Boots?

LARK: High heels, the taller the better. I have the most fabulous collection of 5” hand-beaded Donald Pliner pumps and I wear them almost every day!

Nan: Ouch ouch ouch!

NAN'S GOTTA ASK: Who's your celebrity crush and why?

LARK'S GOTTA ANSWER: Chris Hemsworth and if you have to ask why, you’ve never seen him. He’s gorgeous and funny and gorgeous whether he’s fierce-faced or grinning. Did I mention he’s gorgeous?

Nan: Oh yeah!

UP NEXT FOR LARK

RECKLESSLY YOURS

Nan: Can't wait.

PREVIOUS RELEASES

DANGEROUSLY YOURS 

Nan: Loved it!

FIND LARK BRENNAN

Contact: lark@larkbrennan.com

Website: www.larkbrennan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarkBrennan/ 

Twitter: @larkh

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1SFjQZA

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/larkh/

Nan: Thanks for joining the crew today! I know it's not quit sailing in the BVI, but we have a good time!

LARK  WANTS TO KNOW:    Adrien Durand is a powerful telepath, Tate is an animal telepath, and all the Durands have psychic abilities. If you could have any ability what would it be and why?

Lark will be giving away a copy of IRRESISTIBLY YOURS to a lucky commenter.

@GetLostinaStory - author Sloane B. Collins who dreams of running to #Paris! #baking #contemporary romance

I am on top of the world today as a fellow Plotting Princess, Sloane B. Collins, is sharing lots of great stuff about herself and her new book, Love Redesigned!

What to know more? Let's get started....    Sloane B. Collins is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. Although she is a fifth-generation Texan, she dreams of moving to the French countryside someday. Right now, she lives in the Dallas area with her husband of over twenty-six years, and their four rambunctious cats. Since Sloane and her husband love to travel, she’s determined to write a novel set in just about every place they visit.

BLURB from Love Redesigned: 

Give American cake artist Genevieve Haywood a picture of anything, and she’ll turn it into a sweet and decadent creation. She’s not going to let hard work or competition stop her from opening her dream business. But when she’s hired as the cake artist for her cousin’s wedding in France, she never expected to run into the French fashion designer who broke her heart fifteen years ago. 

Roman Duchaine is done with living life in the fast lane. Tired of being in the haute couture spotlight, he’s moved back to the small French village where he was born and raised. 

Roman’s ready to settle down and have a family until the lost love of his life arrives for his cousin’s wedding. Seeing her reminds him just how devastating falling in love can be. 

Their fragile truce is meant to last through the wedding, yet every second together makes their attraction and long-buried feelings undeniable. But old habits and hurts die hard, and while Roman is ready to weave their lives together, Genevieve can't afford to lose herself in his shadow. 

Find Love Redesigned at: Amazon

QUESTIONS:

Vicki:  I’m a huge handbag girl. What is your favorite accessory? Sloane:   I love

handbags, too, Vicki, but I’d have to say right now it’s nail polish.  I’ve stepped waaay outside my comfort zone with colors like Persian blue, copper, glitter, teal, deep purple, etc, etc.  Just depends on my mood or what I’m doing that day. 

Vicki: How often to you get lost in a story?  Sloane:  Alas, I don’t have as much time to read now, as I’m busy working on the next book in my French Kiss Connection series, as well as editing and working a day job.  But I love nothing more than staying up way past my bedtime on a Friday or Saturday night, and reading till the wee hours of the morning.  I do carry a kindle with me weekdays, so I can read on the train ride to and from work if I’m not writing.

Vicki: What’s your favorite cartoon character?  Sloane:  I love “The Incredibles” movie, so I’d have to say the mom, Elastigirl.   But I also love the horse in “Tangled”.  Talk about bringing a character to life!

Vicki: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?  Sloane:  I played the soundtracks from “Something’s Gotta Give” and the remake of “Sabrina” over and over again while writing this book.  I like to immerse myself in the setting, and the French songs are perfect for this series.

C’est si Bon by Eartha Kitt; Samba de Mon Coeur Qui Bat by Coralie Clément

Que Reste – T’il de Nos Amour by Charles Trenet; Assedic by Los Escrocs

Je Cherche un Homme by Eartha Kitt; La Vie en Rose by Louis Armstrong

Growing up in Paris by John Williams; Moonlight by Sting

Vicki: Ooh, lala!

Vicki: Who’s your favorite villain? Sloane:  I’d have to say it’s Ian Howe, played by Sean Bean, in “National Treasure.”  It’s the first time I really thought about the regular lives villains lead in books and movies.  He and the hero, Ben Gates, start out as ‘friends’, and he invests in Ben’s hunt for treasure.  Then part way through the movie, his #1 henchman plummets to his death, and you can see his reactions to his loss.  So it got me thinking about villains in a different way. Vicki: I'd like to know why Sean Bean is eliminated in a lot of movies. He's way too hunky!

Vicki: Be honest, when reading...do you put yourself in the heroine’s role? Sloane:  But of course!  I can be a lady like Olivia Bevelstoke in “What Happens in London”, or become the grim reaper Charley Davidson in Darynda Jones’ series. 

Vicki: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?  Sloane:  Historical Romance. No wait, Paranormal Romance (ghosts, witches, psychics). And Cozy Mysteries…Sorry, I just plain love to read, and I always get lost in books. 

Vicki: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up? Sloane:  Photography. Specifically travel photography.  I’m always looking for that one perfect shot that tells a story about the place I’m visiting.  There’s so much beauty in our world, and I want to capture those memories and that beauty for a lifetime. 

Vicki: What do you do to unwind and relax? Sloane:  Read one book after another, or binge-watch the shows we DVR during the week.

Vicki: Which of your characters would you most to invite to dinner, and why? Sloane:  I’d have to say Daniel in “Love Redesigned”.  He’s a hoot!  I hadn’t planned on a BFF for my heroine, but as I began writing chapter one, there he was.  He just walked onto the page, called her “Sugar”, and I was a goner. 

Vicki: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?  Sloane:  Well, bein’ a Texan, I drink tea, the colder and sweeter the better.  Nothing better than a big ol’ glass of sweet tea any day of the year. Vicki: So how do you feel about Dr. Pepper?

Vicki: What will always make you smile, even on a bad day? Sloane:  Our cats. 

They love us unconditionally. On weekends while I write, you can usually find at least one, if not all four, cuddled with me in my recliner.  So it’s a good thing we got the extra big size chair!  We took in a stray pregnant cat last year in March and she had three boys.  We tried to find homes for them all, but ended up keeping them, and I’m so glad we were able to.  Each one has a distinct personality, and each one has their distinct quirks.  Vicki: I adore kitties. Mine is 21 years old!

Vicki: What has been your most rewarding publishing moment? Sloane:   “Love Redesigned” is my first published book, so I’d have to say it was the day I received an email from the editor that she liked my book, and Soul Mate Publishing wanted to publish it.  I had to read the email at least 10 times before it sunk in.  Then I called my husband crying, and texted my BFF. 

FIND  Sloane at:

Email  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Pinterest  Blog

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?

I will give away an ebook of “Love Redesigned” to 2 commenters.

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS? What’s your favorite story to get lost in, and why?

 Thank  you so much for having me on GLIAS!  I'm very happy to be here with all of you and your readers.

Get Lost in Medieval Romance with Regan Walker

Regan Walker is an avid romance reader, reviewer and a bestselling author. She has a new book out, a medieval romance featuring a feisty undercover bride and a simmering conquerer. Here's a look at The Red Wolf's Prize. 

Available on Amazon

HE WOULD NOT BE DENIED HIS PRIZE

Sir Renaud de Pierrepont, the Norman knight known as the Red Wolf for the beast he slayed with his bare hands, hoped to gain lands with his sword. A year after the Conquest, King William rewards his favored knight with Talisand, the lands of an English thegn slain at Hastings, and orders him to wed the heiress that goes with them, Lady Serena.

SHE WOULD LOVE HIM AGAINST HER WILL

Serena wants nothing to do with the fierce warrior to whom she has been unwillingly given, the knight who may have killed her father. When she learns the Red Wolf is coming to claim her, she dyes her flaxen hair brown and flees, disguised as a servant, determined to one day regain her lands. But her escape goes awry and she is brought back to live among her people, though not unnoticed by the new Norman lord.

Deprived of his promised bride, the Red Wolf turns his attention to the comely servant girl hoping to woo her to his bed. But the wench resists, claiming she hates all Normans. As the passion between them rises, Serena wonders, can she deny the Norman her body? Or her heart?

Here's an excerpt:

Renaud lingered at the high table in the hall until he glimpsed the servant girl with the brown plait carry a pile of linen through the entry heading toward the stairs to the bedchambers. Slowly rising, he nodded to Geoff and followed after her.

Quietly, he stepped through the open door of his chamber. The girl had her back to him as she freshened the bed, the stack of clean linen resting on a nearby chest. He did not acknowledge her but went directly to the trestle table, poured a goblet of wine and sat, pretending to examine a drawing of the lands surrounding the manor. 

She turned. “I can come back later, my lord.” She spoke meekly, barely looking at him as she hurriedly finished with the bed and began a hasty retreat to the door.

He replied in the English tongue, as he did to all save his men. “Nay, you may stay. Your work will not disturb me.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her back stiffen. Slowly, she retraced her steps and resumed her work. Her movements were rushed as if she were trying to complete her assigned tasks in haste. Was she nervous at being alone with him? Even with that, Renaud thought she was graceful as she walked to the shelves near where he sat. She held her head high, unusual for a servant in the presence of her lord. Though her long plait was the dull color of country earth, her profile was refined and her features delicate. He rose and silently moved to stand behind her where she dusted a carved box.

She must have sensed his approach.

“My lord?” she said, turning to face him.

Blue-violet eyes held his gaze only a moment before looking down at the floor. Set in her ivory face they reminded him of violets in the snow. So mesmerized was he that, for a moment, he forgot his question.

“Your name is Sarah?”

Keeping her eyes focused on the floor, she said, “Yea, my lord.”

“How long have you been at Talisand?”

“All my life, my lord.” Her voice was soft, a low purr, and with her words a flowery scent drifted to his nose. He was captivated and wanted to touch her. How long had it been since he’d had a woman? And this one was causing his manhood to stir.  

Turning back to the shelf, she resumed dusting the carved box, as if to put an end to the conversation. His gaze shifted to her hand as she set down the box. Delicate fingers and ivory skin. It was not the hand of a kitchen wench.

“Let me see your hand.” She started at his request, and though he could see she wanted to resist, she did not fight him when he reached for her hand and brought it close to his body turning her palm upward.

It told him much.

Meet Regan

As a child, Regan loved to write stories, but by the time she got to college, more serious pursuits were encouraged, so she became a lawyer. But after years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government, she decided it was time for a change. She returned to her first love of writing. Her work had given her a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown,” so her first novels, the Agents of the Crown trilogy, involve a demanding Prince Regan who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool.

And now Regan has ventured into the medieval world with THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE, a William the Conqueror romance. Regan wants her readers to experience history and adventure as well as love. Each of her stories weaves in history and real historical figures.

Regan lives in San Diego with her Golden Retriever who reminds her every day to smell the roses. 

You can email Regan at Regan.Walker123@gmail.com, or find out more about her books here:

Regan’s website

Regan's Romance Review blog

Twitter: @RegansReview

Facebook

Goodreads 

Pinterest

The Interview:

E.E.: How often to you get lost in a story?

Regan: Often. I am an avid reader and reviewer of historical romance so I’m reading for my HistoricalRomance Review blog all the time, every night. I love being in the deep past, seeing history unfold as I’m falling in love with the hero.

E.E.: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

Regan: When I was a child, before I’d turned eight, I’d read the entire fairy tale section of our public library. I was big into fairy tales then. Even in later years, I read The Lord of the Rings twice. When my son came along, I read him the Harry Potter books, but for my taste now, it’s probably action and adventure. My novels all feature those elements, though occasionally there might be a glimmer of my past affection for fairy tales. There is a character in The Red Wolf’s Prize, Maugris, who sees visions.

E.E.: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?

Regan: I write all my books to music. I have a 3-hour playlist I use, comprised mostly of movie scores by the French composer Alexandre Desplat. But for some scenes, I use special music. I used Skyfall for some of the battle scenes in The Red Wolf’s Prize, as I did for the pirate attacks in Wind Raven, my last novel.

For the song that Rhodri, the Welsh bard, sings with Serena, I used Muladach Mi Is Mi Air M'aineol by Capercaillie on their Celtic Celebration album. It was just as I pictured them, sitting in the great hall, the firelight dancing on her face as she smiles at the Welsh bard and the Red Wolf observes in the shadows, mesmerized. Here's one of their songs on YouTube,

E.E.: Where do you read and how often?

Regan: I read every day…usually in bed at night for several hours. And I take my Kindle or a book with me everywhere I go, so that if I am forced to wait, I can take out my book and be happy in an instant. I am an AVID reader.

E.E.: What sounds do you love?

Regan: The ocean waves breaking on shore. Rain falling. Thunderstorms, especially when I’m tucked under the covers at night. Music to my soul.

E.E.: What was the first story you remember writing?

Regan: In grammar school, I wrote a story about a brave girl. I recall she had adventures. It was called “A 20^th Century Pollyanna.

E.E.: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Regan: It used to be Casablanca, but that has been replaced by Pride and Prejudice (the version with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen)—I like the happy ending.

E.E.: What is your biggest vice?

Regan: Dark chocolate, the gourmet kind. Currently my favorite bar is Triple Nut Temptation made by Chuao, but I would not turn down a chocolate truffle. Just sayin’…

E.E.: Be honest, when reading...do you put yourself in the heroine’s role?

Regan: Sometimes, but only if the heroine is strong and smart and courageous. I don’t like weak, whiny heroines who keep tripping on their gown as they are trying to escape. Please.

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

Regan: The deep historicals, rich in historical detail with a believable plot and sincere emotion. I call them the two-Kleenex novels.

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

Regan: I’d invite Lady Mary Campbell from Racing With The Wind. She’s smart, courageous and clever—and she always has some scheme she is working on. I’d not invite my villains. They’d insist on having their way and they’d not be kind about it.

E.E.: What three things are, at this moment, in your heroine’s purse, satchel, reticule, weapons belt or amulet bag (whatever she carries)?

Regan: From The Red Wolf's Prize, in Serena’s satchel: herbs, bandages and her deadly seax knife. She’s a worthy heroine, to be sure.

Regan is giving away a copy of The Red Wolf's Prize. All you have to do is leave a comment and enter the raffle.

Today's question for our readers: “What fascinates you most about the medieval period?”

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