Author Interview and Giveaway with Christina Phillips

She schooled us on Roman/Druid history last year with her debut, 'Forbidden'.

Now, Christina Phillips is stopping by today to talk all about her second novel, 'Captive', which was releases 02/01/11.
Phillips has 'captive'ated historical lovers from near and far (tons of praise and raving reviews) and aims to do so again with this latest tale about a Celtic beauty, Morwyn, and an undercover warrior, Bren.

We got to know Phillips a bit  when she was interviewed on the blog last year , but to get everyone up to speed, here's some author info:

Author Bio:

"Christina Phillips has always loved writing, and while her efforts in eighth grade usually involved space ships, time travel and unfortunate endings, as soon as she discovered romance novels a whole new world opened up. She now writes ancient historical romances about strong heroines and gorgeous warrior heroes who, no matter how torturous the journey, are guaranteed a happy-ever-after. Christina was born in the United Kingdom, but now lives in sunny Western Australia with her real-life hero and their three children."Source

You can find Christina Phillips on the web: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

About Christina's Latest Release:

'Captive'

Released 02.01.11 

"A new erotic historical series set in a world of magical heroines and sexy warriors.

Brennus has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his men brutalize the fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her-by claiming her as his own.

When the Romans destroyed her world, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. Then she's captured by a mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction...

 As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy-but if Brennus were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the warrior will succumb to his exquisite captive. "Source



 Book Trailer: 

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~Interview Time~

RJ: Thanks so much for stopping by, Christina! Congrats on the release of your sophomore novel, Captive, on 2/1/2010! What has this release been like for you and what is the story about?

CP: Hi Rita! Thanks for having me back at Not Another Romance Blog!

The release of Captive has been a bit of a blur, It’s kind of crept up on me!

Captive is my second ancient historical romance set in my Roman/Druid world, and begins six months after Forbidden ends. It follows Morwyn, Carys’s best friend from Forbidden, and Bren, a warrior tortured by his brutal past. Although at first there’s no trust between them, only a blazing sexual attraction, as they grow to know each other the lust evolves into something much deeper. And much more dangerous…

RJ: Who are your main characters? What are their characteristics, faults and flaws? And why are they attracted to each other? /OR: What's different or unique about your main characters and what makes them attracted to each other?

CP: The heroine, Morwyn, is not only recovering from the realization that the man she once loved brutally betrayed his own people, but has also turned her back on her Druidic heritage. She sets off to join the rebels fighting the Roman invaders but is ambushed and captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.

Image of Roman Army structure

The hero, Bren, is haunted by his violent past and far from being Morwyn’s bitterest enemy as she imagines, has been undercover in the Roman Legions for the last three years. The problem is he can’t tell Morwyn the truth, because the truth could get them both killed.

Initially all Morwyn wants to do is kill Bren so she can escape and join up with the rebels. But as she gets to know him she catches glimpses of the man beneath the tough exterior and what she discovers first of all intrigues her and then, against everything she believes in, ensnares her heart.


Bren admires Morwyn’s bravery, courage and determination and, as they get to know each other, he’s captivated by her sense of fun. It’s been so long since Bren’s known anything but fighting and subterfuge that being with Morwyn is like seeing the sun after being trapped in a tomb.

Phillips' First Novel

RJ: How about telling the readers and I a bit about the writing process (from a little seedling of an idea to full blown paperback) for Captive. Where did the inspiration for the story and characters come from?

CP: The heroine in Captive is Morwyn, who is the best friend of Carys (the heroine in book one, Forbidden). So Morwyn was always there but it didn’t occur to me to write her story until my agent suggested it. If you’ve read Forbidden you’ll know Morwyn was with another Druid warrior, but as I began to think about her book I realized she hadn’t yet met her hero. As soon as Bren appeared in my mind, I knew he was the one for her. Even if neither of them accepted it yet!

RJ: What were some interesting tidbits you picked up while researching or incorporated in the story for your latest release?

CP: I discovered that in the year Captive is set, AD 51, a great rebellion against the Roman invaders was planned by displaced Briton king, Caratacus. I was so intrigued as to how he managed to evade the Romans for so long that it ended up becoming a vital thread to the story.



The GORGEOUS Mr.Cavill



RJ: In a small paragraph, write the blurb to your life as it is-but exaggerated to how you ideally wish it were.

CP: Christina Phillips writes hot historical romances about strong heroines and gorgeous warrior heroes who, no matter how torturous the journey, are guaranteed a happy-ever-after. Christina was born in the United Kingdom, but now lives in sunny Western Australia with Clive Owen and Henry Cavill.

RJ: Have you utilize social-networking sites, such as facebook and twitter, to stay connected with fans? If so, which is your favorite and why? 

CP: I have a Facebook page and am on Twitter and I love chatting on both sites. The only problem is I don’t get on there as much as I’d like, so I often seem to be mia. I do love hearing from readers though so please drop me a line by email or leave a message on my Facebook wall and I promise I will reply!

RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what do the readers (and me!) have to look forward to next from you?

CP: Currently I’m working on a new series set in a different century. There are hot warriors J I can’t say too much about it at the moment as I’m in the middle of a rewrite!

Thanks for chatting, Christina! (I might have to steal Henry Cavill from you; he is SOO yummy!) & Congrats on the new release!

Discussion Questions: Is there anything about the illustrious history of the Romans that interests you? Have you seen any good movies or know of any good stories about the Romans? Out of all the sexy celebrities you can think of, which would you most like to have portray the Roman Warrior to your fair maiden in a movie? 
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-Giveaway Details-

Christina Phillips has generously offered to giveaway WINNER'S CHOICE of either of her books ('Forbbiden' and 'Captive') to (1) one lucky entrant. Follow the guidelines below and enter for your chance to win one of her fabulous books! This contest will run until February 18th, 2011 (ends at midnight). The winner will be randomly selected/announced the following day.

Giveaway Guidelines:
To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is take a second to fill out the entry form below. Please note that comments aren't mandatory but greatly appreciated and can earn you extra entries. You can just fill out the first three questions and submit, or continue on and fill out the other questions to be awarded extra entries.

Fill out this Form to enter:

About 'Extra Entries for Support': To submit a completed form, you only need to enter your Name, Email and a response to the question 'Did you comment on the Interview Post'. The rest of the questions on the form are optional. When you support an author or a blog online by publicly 'follow'ing them, 'like'ing them, or whatever, you help visually add to their fan base and spark awareness in others who might enjoy what they have to offer. Extra Entries are our little rewards to you for taking the time out to do that.  Look through the available tasks for extra entries real quick to see if you have done or would like to do any and earn some extra shots at winning.

+5 for Commenting on the Interview post (either remark on the interview, ask Christina a question, or answer the Discussion Question)

For supporting Christina Phillips: +10 for signing up for her newsletter, +4 for 'like'ing on Facebook, +4 for following on Twitter

For supporting this blog: +5 for GFC (google friend connect) following this blog, +4 for E-mail Subscribing, +2 for 'like'ing on Facebook,

-Spread the word? +4 extra entries for those who spread the word about this contest by posting on their blogs, twitter or facebook status'.

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*No need to include a list in your comment of the extra entries you'd like to claim (that's what the form is for)

*Giveaway is open to all visitors (you don't have to be a follower) and is open INTERNATIONALLY (where ever The Book Depository ships)