To help start your week off with a bang, I declare that Mondays shall be devoted to the DC fashion featurette "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" here at Sequential Crush!!! These gorgeous fashion spreads not only showcase the latest fashions of the day, but really give a good feel for a variety of artists. This evening's sample comes from Falling in Love #94 (October 1967), as rendered by Tony Abruzzo.
Though these pages are from over 40 years ago, I can most certainly see these outfits on the catwalks of today. Who knew that romance comics were so timeless?!
I hope you enjoyed this first installment of "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Monday" - phew - now that's a tongue twister! While you practice saying that three times fast, be sure to check out the latest poll!
I was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and speaking at the Margaret Mitchell House last year was an incredible thrill.
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling like she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
Mallory, Tanya, Faye, and Kendall are best friends-and veterans of the cutthroat world of New York publishing. So when Kendall’s life falls apart and she can’t deliver the last novel she owes her publisher, they all collaborate, using their own lives as fodder. And what a bestseller the truth makes.
Q&A With Author Wendy Wax
Wendy I would like to congratulate you on your May 25th release of The Accidental Bestseller and welcome to Romance Author Buzz. I just took a peak at Amazon and your book is getting incredible reviews…..congratulations!
Is there a back story to The Accidental Bestseller?
Wendy: Thanks so much. Oh yes, there’s definitely a back story! There’s ALWAYS a back story. Actually, I had wanted to write about a group of writers, especially a critique group, for some time. I have a longtime critique partner, and in my opinion no one understands what a writer’s going through like someone else who’s on the same path. Your family and non-writing friends may know and love you, but they don’t necessarily relate to the unique highs and lows that are a part of staying afloat in the publishing business.
Almost four years ago I went through a somewhat turbulent time professionally that made me take a long hard look at the industry and what it takes to be a working writer. I knew the time had come to write that book.
It’s dedicated to ‘every writer—aspiring and otherwise—who has a story to tell, a love of the written word, and a burning desire to see the fruit of their labor on a bookstore shelf. In a prime position. Cover out. With full publisher support behind it.
Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?
Wendy: My stories are definitely character driven. It’s almost always the characters, or at least one primary protagonist and her story that first grabs my attention. Everything else grows and evolves from there.
I use plot to drive the story and the characters’ growth.
How long have you been writing and what was your call story?
Wendy: I probably first started thinking about writing a book almost sixteen years ago. Because I had a two-year-old and a newborn at the time, each step of writing that first book and then selling it felt as if it took forever.
I only realized much later how lucky I was to sell that first book. It was a short contemporary called Love Talk and was about a woman who hosted a radio dating show called Desperate & Dateless like I did in the same city where I lived. Like most first books, it was largely autobiographical—except for all the really great sex!
What are you currently working on?
Wendy: I’m currently writing a story about three women who lose almost everything in a Bernie Madoff-style Ponzi scheme and are left with only a third ownership in a derelict beachfront mansion.
It takes place primarily on the Florida beach where I grew up, which has been a lot of fun. It’s currently titled The Sand Castle and is due out next May.
Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?
Wendy: Kendall Aims, the writer whose life and career fall apart at the beginning of The Accidental Bestseller, is probably the most like me personally. My career issues inspired hers, though I heaped much more on her than I faced. And, of course, she does live in the Atlanta suburbs like I do. She also has a longterm marriage and two children. Just like me.
People who know me and who’ve read The Accidental Bestseller often look at me oddly and then ask whether I’m still married. Happily, the answer is yes.
What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?
Wendy: The best thing is probably getting to create people and the worlds they inhabit, out of nothing. It’s an incredibly challenging and rewarding exercise. I also really appreciate the flexibility; as long as I meet my deadlines, how, when and where I write is up to me.
Althuough the flexibility is great, the work is always there waiting for me. I can’t walk by my office door, which I do constantly in any given day, without feeling like I should be in there writing. And, of course, when I’m writing I feel like I should be taking care of my family, or organizing everyone’s lives. Like most women, I’m constantly juggling the hats I wear, and I often feel like something is not getting the attention it deserves.
Describe a day in the life of Wendy Wax.
Wendy: Typically, I get up between 6:30- and 6:45, drink as much coffee as possible in order to wake all the way up, make lunches and get my two teenaged sons off to school. Shortly after that I sit down at my computer to work. Once I’ve checked email, facebook, and anything else I can think of, I start writing. I learned when the children were small not to waste writing time, because you never know when someone might stay home sick and need attention, or get injured and have to go to the doctor—or any of the millions of things that might need to be taken care of. Assuming none of those things happen, I usually work until about three and then go to the gym or head out to take a walk. Sometimes the exercise doesn’t happen, but I always have it on the schedule. (It’s a shame that good intentions don’t burn calories!)
Generally, once the boys get home from school at about 4:00 when it’s not baseball season, we start homework, activities, dinner, etc. During baseball season, I have a lot more afternoon time. Games start right about 6pm.
In the evening after dinner, I might do non-writing related work like critiquing or take care of promotional commitments. Or I might be attending a book club in person locally or via speakerphone for out of town groups; there are always things that need to be dealt with. I can do things at night, but I am most creative in the mornings, which is when I like to write.
What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?
Wendy: How impressive and resilient I think women are. I’m drawn to writing about women discovering who they are and what they’re made of. I’m fascinated by what we’re capable of. My books feature multiple protagonists on important life journeys—with a healthy dose of humor.
When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?
Wendy: I hope I never have to retire. As long as my brain and fingers stay nimble enough, I plan to continue.
But when I do retire, I hope I’ll be remembered as a writer who was not only funny but insightful. Walking that line can be really tough, and each new book and cast of characters present unique challenges.
What are you currently reading?
Wendy: The Art of Racing in the Rain.
Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?
Wendy: Gosh, I think you’ve been really thorough! I would like to invite readers to take a picture of themselves on a beach reading The Accidental Bestseller and submit it at www.authorwendywax.com. I’ll be posting the photos on facebook and drawing a winner who will receive a beach bag full of some of my favorite books.
Wendy, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!
Wendy: Thank you!
CONTEST – USA and Canada Only
For a chance to win a copy of The Accidental Bestseller please follow Wendy on Facebook here ans tell her what you thought of her interview, here at Romance Author Buzz. Or you can email Wendy directly at wendy@authorwendywax.com. Return here to the blog and tell me where you posted and please leave your email so that you may be contacted should you win. Winner will be announced June 30, 2010.
First book by Kat Martin for me. I enjoyed it and am glad to have yet another author to add to my ever-growing 'look-out for' list. I look forward to reading more by Martin and continuing on in the Dewar Brother's series. 'Royal's Bride' is the first book in the series and follows the story of the eldest brother, Royal, and his struggle to balance obligation with personal happiness. His love interest, Lily, is the poor cousin of his intended; and their journey to be together compel you to flip the pages and see what decisions will be made.
Would you dare defy a dying man's last wish? The Dewar Family's financial situation has been inconsistent for a long time. When the Duke of Bransford, standing on death's doorstep, secures a promise from his eldest son and heir, Royal, to restore the family finances, he had no idea the turmoil he would leave his son in. A year of mourning has come and gone, and Royal is prepared to follow through on his promise to marry the Caulfeild heiress, Joycelyn, and begin fixing his family's financial problems. The marriage was arranged by his father, prior to his death, and looks to be the solution to all of Royal's problems. So why does he feel so hesitant? On the day his intended is expected to arrive, he decides to take a refreshing ride and clear his mind. On his way back home to face the music, he stumbles upon the scene of a carriage accident and immediately inspects the damage. He quickly realizes it is the carriage of his intended that lays on it's side and is missing its occupant. When he finds a gorgeous woman sprawled in the snow, he believes its his soon-to-be wife and fears for the worst. The woman is a little battered up, but otherwise not too worse for wear. On his way back to his lack-luster castle, as he converses with the lady and detects her gentleness and likability, Royal begins to resign himself to the idea of marriage to her. It is a shocking and unexpected blow to find out the woman he saved from the snow isn't his intended, but his intended's cousin, sent ahead of everyone else to ensure the accommodations meet with her picky relatives expectations. Royal tries to suffocate his infatuation with Lily Moran, but the allure is too compelling. But Lily isn't at all what she appears -a shy, book-worm, millinery shop owner-, and believes that not only is Royal's near-affiance to her cousin grounds to stop any further attentions, but her sordid past as a con-artist. It doesn't stop Royal's desires in the least, and when they both succumb to desire, it leaves Royal in an unenviable position. The engagement to Jocelyn can be the means to an end, but what becomes of blooming love to the wrong girl? After hearing about Royal's investigation which traced the swindling of Dewar family fund that left them in debt, at the hands of a notorious con-artist, Dick Flynn; Lily offers her (previous guardian and the person who taught her how to con)Uncle's assistance in helping Royal procure some of his family's lost funds and exacting revenge. The plan and deception is dangerous and will leave our hero and heroine in harm's way; but only then will the importance of the almighty dollar take a backseat to the importance of love.
Rating: 3 1/2 Aww's
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Royal first finds Lily in the snow and thinks she is his intended. He just happened upon her carriage accident, which was caused by highwaymen, and he doesn't expect to find the one person he thinks he was trying to avoid. There is an instant connection and Royal's gallant ways doesn't cease to play court to my feminine sensibilities =] ! It was a sweet scene and then turned into bitter irony as it is learned that Lily is the cousin of his soon-to-be-bride and not actually her. It also bites because Royal, who was so hesitant and reluctant to follow through on his father's dying wish, was beginning to relent to the idea of the arranged marriage; if it was to be with Lily.
'Royal's Bride' starts off the series wonderfully. There's a lot of inner and outer conflict which amp the forbidden quality to our main character's attraction. The plot is one that has been re-created many times by many authors- falling for the relative of the person your suppose to be marrying- but Kat Martin did it well enough to have me wanting more. The deception required to get back the Dewar Family's fortune is one that could of read tedious and bothersome, but miraculously didn't do so. I think this is a book worthy of a introduction to your bookshelf!
*Check out the next book in the series, 'Reece's Bride', which follows the recently wounded and home from war Brother, Reece.
Isn't this cover gorgeous? Well, the book (and every delicious word inside it) are up for grabs at our very own Kiersten White's blog.
Do your part to support her debut novel by spreading the word! Then enter her contest. It's that simple! Not only could you win this novel, but you could also win Laini Taylor's Lips Touch, which sounds very sultry to me, a perfect summer read!
The Highlanders is taken over our paranormal blog today. So lets show some paranormal *clears throat* I mean Scott love to Author Kimberly Killion.
BIO:
Award-winning author, Kimberly Killion, has been hailed by Romantic Times Magazine as an author who writes “captivating romance with excellent pacing and characters who are honorable, intelligent and full of humanity.” Her debut book, Her One Desire (Kensington 2008), was nominated for the romance-publishing industry's highest award of distinction, the RITA® Award. Her One Desire won the 2009 Booksellers Best Award for both Long Historical and Best First Book. In addition, Kimberly’s writing received an Award of Merit in the 2009 HOLT Medallion. She was recognized in the 2009 National Readers’ Choice Awards, the 2009 Golden Quill Awards, and the 2009 More Than Magic Contest. Romantic Times Magazine awarded Kimberly’s second Scottish-set novel, Highland Dragon (Kensington 2009), with the K.I.S.S. Award and said this is “a tale to cherish.”
A desire that defies all limits… and a love that was meant to be…
Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan's children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.
Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...
LINK to embed book trailer:
Highlander Dragon Excerpt Hidden behind a false panel, ten-year-old Calin MacLeod covered his ears with sweaty palms. The screams echoing throughout Brycen Castle were loud enough to loosen his teeth.
Lena Kinnon cried for mercy with every gut-wrenching contraction, but didn’t receive the slightest morsel of compassion from the many men present. Her position held no dignity, sprawled atop the council table like a sacrificial lamb. The wool of her soiled sark draped between her raised knees and provided her little privacy. No one wiped her brow or offered soothing words of comfort.
A woman was supposed to suffer during childbirth to pay for the sins of Eve. Even at his young age, Calin knew the laws of the church. He also knew Lena had already suffered more than any woman in Clan Kinnon. The bruises speckling her pale skin were evidence of the constant torture she endured at the hands of her ruthless husband.
The sliver of space between the wooden planks where Calin hid was no wider than the trunk of a sapling, but provided a view of his da, Laird MacLeod, who stood against a stone pilaster opposite Laird Kinnon. Da’s dark hair had grayed at the temples over the recent months, and his face sagged in weariness, but his rigid stance displayed his contained rage. With his eyes narrowed, Da stroked the golden bull’s head engraved into the signet ring he wore and glared at his enemy.
Two pairs of MacLeod warriors flanked each side of his da, while four Kinnon warriors surrounded Laird Baen Kinnon. All were unarmed as was previously agreed upon by both lairds.
“Ye keep screamin’, wife. It’ll cleanse your black English soul.” Laird Kinnon paced the council chamber, a sneer twisting his pitted face.
Calin hated the chieftain of his neighboring clan as much as his da did. Laird Kinnon was a cold-hearted demon. Anyone who would beat his lady wife during her childbearing time walked upon this earth with the devil’s black blood flowing through his veins.
“Ye bear me another bitch and it will be your last.”
“Please, Baen, have ye no mercy? Send for the midwife, please.” Lena gripped the sides of her belly and arched her back.
Laird Kinnon slapped her across the face with an open palm. Sweat sprayed over the tabletop. “Still your tongue, wife, or I’ll cut it out.” He spread his arms wide, gesturing to the many warriors present. “There be plenty o’ eager hands awaitin’ to catch my male bairn as soon as ye free him from your spoiled womb.”
Calin bit his tongue to avoid cursing the man as venomously as his da always did. Calin had lived his whole life without a mam to kiss his cheek or offer him praise. Over the past few months, Lena had been like a mother to him. She was kind and gentle and Laird Kinnon should burn in the deepest pit of hell for the way he abused his lady wife. Calin didn’t have to be an aged warrior to know this was wrong. Lena’s child was nothing more to Laird Kinnon than a binding contract.
A contract that affected Calin’s future. Which was precisely why he’d disobeyed his da’s direct order not to follow him to the Kinnon keep when word of Lena’s lying-in arrived. If Lena bore a daughter, the babe would become his betrothed.
Calin and his friend, Kendrick Neish of Clan Kinnon, had discovered the secluded compartment just two months past after stumbling into the pitch-black caverns beneath the castle. Since then, they had become privy to every council meeting between their clans. They knew of war and how the English wanted to reign over Scotland. Both had heard the gruesome tales of entire villages being slaughtered. Neither he, nor Kendrick wanted their clans to suffer such a fate. Calin knew they were supposed to be enemies, but they wanted the same thing—an alliance.
For five hours, Calin had hugged his twisted limbs in the narrow space while Lena labored in the corner. His arse tingled, and his toes had gone numb hours before inside his leather brogues. The dank odor of moldy floor rushes drifted into his hiding place. A prayer floated into his ear.
“Fàilte dhut a Mhoire, tha thu lan de na gràsan…” In the Gaelic tongue, Father Harrald prayed to the Blessed Mother while he paced the edge of the chamber. The granite beads of his rosary clattered with his every movement. The young priest had been summoned to perform the baptism or to administer Last Rites in the event this child didn’t survive—as Lena’s previous three babes had not.
Lena pushed and Calin sucked in air.
He exhaled when she did. Her whole body convulsed, his shivered. Wet ropes of black hair clung to her face and neck. Propped on her elbows, her head fell back. Her mouth opened, and she screamed in agony.
One of the warriors caught the babe just as it slid from Lena’s body.
Calin held his breath awaiting the outcome.
“A lass, Laird Kinnon,” the old man announced grimly while he held the babe by the ankles and slapped her rump. He then laid her atop Lena’s quivering abdomen.
Lena pulled the crying child to her breast and stroked her newborn skin. Relief washed over her face and tears spilled over her cheeks when she smiled at Da. All would be well now.
“Seal off the hall and bring me the other child.” The cord still attached his infant daughter to his wife when Laird Kinnon commanded his seneschal. His dark eyes blazed with contempt as he stared directly at Da. “Ye will ne’er hold claim to my land. Nor will ye e’er touch my wife again.”
“I have ne’er wanted your land.” Da stepped closer to Lena.
“But ye dinnae deny touching my wife.”
Da glanced at Lena.
A dozen broad-shouldered men materialized from the darkened recesses of Brycen Castle. Their weapons flickered beneath golden wall torches. A raw-boned nursemaid, escorted by another warrior, entered the chamber, her fear evident in sunken wide eyes. In her arms, she held another babe swaddled in stripped wool, its fists swatted the air. With trembling hands, she placed the babe in the crook of Laird Kinnon’s arm.
Confused, Calin studied the exchange. Laird Kinnon had agreed to unite their clans if Lena bore a daughter.
Laird Kinnon turned to his warriors. “Send their miserable souls to the devil. All of them.” His tone was devoid of mercy. Of compassion. Of any emotion except contempt.
He stepped out of the keep onto the stone rampart. “I have a son!” he shouted.
The villagers of Dalkirth roared their approval while the words echoed in Calin’s ears.
Nay! ’Tis a lie! He gawked in horror as the shadowed knights charged his clansmen. Da’s devoted seneschal used a flaming pitch-pine torch to defend the attack. His efforts were futile. With one swing of a halberd, a Kinnon warrior beheaded him. Another fiend slashed one of the MacLeod warriors from gullet to navel. Fists clutched enemy plaid as he fell to his knees.
Calin’s heart tripped. His hands flattened against the panel. His nose pressed into the crack. Oh saints, help them!
The saints could no more help his kinsmen than the bits of wood they used as shield and sword. The Kinnon warriors buried the steel of their weapons into the MacLeod’s flesh, spreading pools of dark blood over their crossbarred plaids. Slaughtered before his eyes were his Da’s most loyal kinsmen. Calin’s stomach convulsed and saliva grew thick in his mouth. He wanted to run and hide his eyes from the nightmare.
Standing amid the four fallen men, Da was trapped. His hand slid to the empty scabbard at his hip. There was no weapon. No claymore to defend himself against this preplanned attack. Six Kinnons surrounded Da. His father turned to Lena.
Calin froze. Unshed tears scalded his eyes. Run, Da! he screamed in his head, but instead, his da fell upon Lena. He brushed the tears from her cheeks then pressed his lips to hers.
A single warrior cast a shadow over his da like a demon cloaked in black mist. Leather-clad hands gripped the hilt of a battle-axe and raised the lethal weapon over his head. In one thrust, he buried the steel between Da’s shoulders.
Lena screamed as his body slid off her and crumpled to the floor.
Calin choked on the knot in his throat as the bloody massacre branded an image in his mind. His pulse pounded in his neck, making his cries hard to swallow. Terrified they would find him, he splayed his violently shaking fingers over his eyes, all the while chastising himself for cowardice. His world went black, along with his mind, his heart, his soul.
The dying groans of suffering drummed through his ears, but the scream slicing through the air brought sight back to his eyes.
Lena.
Shame flooded Calin as he watched the same warrior unsheathe a black dirk from his stocking. He held Lena’s chin while he slashed the sharp sgian dubh across her throat. With her infant daughter nuzzling at her breast, Lena’s head fell to the side, giving Calin one last look into crystal-blue eyes before the terror in her face vanished along with her spirit.
The warrior’s leathered hand hovered over the nape of the babe. His other hand held the weapon that would end her short life. The coppery taste of blood pooled on Calin’s tongue from where he bit the inside of his cheek.
Father Harrald dropped to his knees at the warrior’s feet. “Save your soul and cease. Please, cease. I beg of ye. The others had been baptized. She must be baptized.”
The Kinnon warrior hoisted the priest up by the hood of his habit and pointed his dirk at one of the other warriors. “Confess.” The clansmen gave their confessions one by one, binding Father Harrald to clerical secrecy. After the last warrior reconciled his sins, he shoved the priest toward Lena. “Ye may proceed with the rites. Someone will return to collect the babe.”
The men vanished into the shadows from whence they came.
The violent turn of events had Calin near to retching. He gripped his churning gut with clenched fingers and stared at the babe still nestled atop her dead mother’s bosom—daughter to the demon who murdered his father, but also his betrothed. He didn’t know whether to hate her or protect her. He had nary a doubt her brief life would tragically end in much the same way as Lena’s first three daughters.
The fire’s reflection flickered off the blade Father Harrald used to sever the cord binding the babe to her mother. The priest washed the remnants of birth from her skin and laid her in a pile of linens next to Lena. His voice quavered with the administration of blessed sacraments. “An tAthair, An Mac, An Spiorad Naomh.” Signing the cross over the babe, he blew breath upon her, and baptized her with holy oils.
Calin crawled from his hiding place, wiping the wetness from his cheeks. He raked the patch of brown hair falling loosely over his brow, while stepping over the blood and carnage. Unable to tear his gaze from his da’s body, he let the sickly sweet stench of death fill his nostrils and revive his spirit with the promise of vengeance. The metallic acid thickened in his throat, but he swallowed his fear. His grief. His newfound hate. He had but one purpose now—avenge his father’s death. And to do so, he needed the babe.
Father Harrald flinched. “Young Calin, ye must not be here.”
Ignoring the priest, Calin knelt at Da’s side. He brushed a lock of graying hair from his da’s damp brow and willed him to stand, but his skin paled as a pool of blood welled beneath him. Calin bent to his ear. “Blood of my blood. I’ll not fail ye, Da. I vow it.”
Father Harrald’s hand rested on Calin’s shoulder. “They’ll murder ye, just as sure as they will the babe. Ye must go.”
“Father Harrald, ye will see that Da and these men are returned to MacLeod soil. Get word to Uncle Kerk. Tell him I am weel, and I’ll be home soon.” Calin wished his voice didn’t falter. He needed to be a man, a warrior. He swallowed hard then pulled the signet ring from Da’s limp hand and set the engraved crest against a glowing ember in the hearth.
Calin couldn’t meet the priest’s eyes. “An eye for an eye. She’s the key to the alliance, and she belongs to me.” He spoke with defiance as he handled the squirming babe. He carried her to the hearth and set her atop a wooden basin. Using a strip of heavy wool to retrieve the signet ring from a hot coal, he rolled her onto her side and branded her bottom with the MacLeod crest. She let out a shrill scream, followed by shuddering sobs. He wrapped the babe in linens, then secured her in Lena’s stripped arisaid, fastening the wool with her family brooch. He held her close and attempted to coo her into submission. One day he would tell her about her mam and how kind Lena had been to him.
So many questions stirred in Calin’s troubled mind, but one in particular needed answering. “I know ye heard Da’s confession last week. I also know ye are bound by the seal o’ the confessional, so I’ll understand if ye cannae answer my question.”
“What’s your question, my son?” Father Harrald scanned the entrance to the chamber.
“Da loved Lena Kinnon.” Calin paused with his gaze fixed on the newborn bundle. “Is this babe of my own blood?”
“Nay. Lena was swollen with her fourth child before she ever met your da. Rest assured, your young bride is not your sister. Now ye must go, quickly.”
Retrieving a torch from a wall bracket, Calin reentered the nook. The babe whimpered against his chest. A tiny hand swatted his chin. She was warm and smelled of innocence. He glanced over his shoulder at Da’s body, his eyes lowered. He should have done something. At least tried to stop them. He was weak, spineless. A coward.
Calin’s eyes found Father Harrald, his skin gray with worry. “What will ye tell them when they return for the babe?”
“I’ll tell them a warrior took her. ’Twill not be a lie.”
Interview with Kimberly
Laurie-Have you always been a writer? Do you have or have you had another career? If so, how did you make the transition/how do you keep your careers separate? Kimberly-No, I haven’t always been a writer, just very creative. My mind is never at rest. I work part-time as a Graphic Design Instructor at a college in St. Louis. Although an artist by profession, I traded my paintbrush for a pen about ten years ago. After writing and illustrating a mystical world of fairies, I began to explore the realm of romance novels. I discovered a passion for words within the arts and do not feel there is much of a separation between the two. Art comes in various mediums; oils, watercolor, computer graphics. To me, it is the same when authors create ‘word pictures’ through writing.
Laurie-Why have you chosen to specialize in Scottish Historicals?
Kimberly-Ummm…because Scots are HOT. There’s nothing sexier than a braw man in a kilt. In all seriousness, I just like the time period. It is dark, passionate, and shrouded it mystery.
Laurie-You have quite a few wonderful characters in Highland Dragon. Are you a visual writer? Do you see scenes and characters in your head? Or do you hear the characters voices?
Kimberly-First of all, thank you. :grin: I am a very visual writer. I spend a great deal of time with my characters. They sit beside me in my passenger seat as I drive to and from work. They tell me what needs to happen next in my book. Of course, we argue. I am the matchmaker, the antagonist, the mother, sister, friend, but the best part about interacting with my protagonists is I get to be them. As the heroine, I get to fall in love. As the hero, I get to be strong, handsome, flirtatious, witty… As the villain, I get to be sadistic and twisted. And as the author, I get to play with people’s lives, make them cry, make them laugh, make them fall in love. And if I’m lucky, I might just inspire one person—the reader.
Luarie-Can you tell us what your working on next?
Kimberly-I’m very excited to say I’ve just been invited to do a short for The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance which comes out in July. The story will be set in the Highlands on Barra Head in the 15th century. There will be witches and warriors and lots of sexual tension.
I’m also working on several other projects and hope to have more news to share in the future.
In closing, I would like to thank Laurie for inviting me here today. In gratitude, I would like to give away a copy of Highland Dragon to one lucky commenter. My question for you all is: If you were the heroine in a book, describe the setting and what your hero would be like… When entering the giveaway please leave your email.
Check out Kimberly website for more historical romance fun.
Intense. Incredible. Gratifying Beyond Measure. Yep, that's what 'Blue-Eyed Devil' has me saying. I thought 'Sugar Daddy' was too outstanding for words; 'Blue-Eyed Devil' robbed me of breath and ruined me for any other novel! When I finished this particular book, I knew I was spoiled. Any other contemporary I had read up to that point, and every contemporary I am destined to read after this one will pale in comparison. You will fall in love with this amazing novel, I guarantee it!
She thought she was in love. Even a dizzying kiss with a relative stranger and her family's disapproval couldn't stop Haven Travis from marrying her boyfriend, Nick. Two years in a declining marriage, and the marks to show for it, have our heroine returning to her family in Houston to rebuild her life. She's always seen her family's wealth as a reason to prove herself as a competent, hard-working individual as appose to the spoiled-brat society would like to believe she is. While trying to work her way to the top in her brothers property-management company, she crosses paths with the familiar stranger whom set her senses on fire when she mistakenly kissed him 2 year previous at her brother's wedding. Hardy Cates was dealt a low hand in life, and had to work his way to the top. His ever-ambition and persistence can be off-putting to people, especially when its directed at them to Hardy's personal gain; but when the enchanting Haven Travis appears in his line of vision a second time, with no ring on her finger, Hardy will go all out to claim what he should of 2 years ago. The animosity between Hardy and Haven's family, brought on by the long-ago relationship between him and Liberty, Haven's brother Gage's wife, and his trying to win her back (see 'Sugar Daddy' review), is nothing compared to the inner demons Hardy must help Haven overcome. Hardy moves into Haven's apartment building, a Travis-owned glass-and-metal structure that is the epitome of high-class style, and his 'wooing' begins to take shape. Haven is apprehensive to the whole idea of Hardy, but even after some embarrassing amorous interludes which end with her freaking out at the intimacy, she still feels drawn to him. Hardy helps her work out her intimacy issues and they share some steamy scenes and form a connection that grabs your attention and shows you what real love is. There's a terrifying twist towards the end of the book (as if my nerves weren't shot by chapter 4) when the past (her ex-husband) tries to work his way back into Haven's life. All is resolved and this masterpiece of a novel comes to it's conclusion.
Rating: 5 Aww's
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Hardy saves Haven from drowning in an elevator. Sounds far-out, I know, but it works. Haven is on her way down to the parking garage after an important meeting and there is a storm going on that's flooding parts of the town. As it descends, the elevator stops and begins to take on water. Haven tries not to panic as she makes calls which don't prove fruitful. As her phone is dying out, she finds herself on the recent calls list and Hardy's number is there; he had called to discuss the embarrassing scene that took place as they were making out at a theater opening. Being so close to Hardy brought back a none-to-pleasant flashback from when she was with her husband; she freaked out and ran away, leaving Hardy hard and confused. She calls him and tells him shes trapped in an elevator and he comes to rescue her. The really funny part of this scene is when the roof of the elevator is pried open by Hardy and Haven says "I am so sorry I didn't have sex with you". Hardy informs her that he's sorry too and that everything they're saying is being overheard by two maintenance guys. I just loved how this scene meshed with the whole story and it was pretty funny considering the context.
Is there any such thing as a perfect book? Maybe not, seeing as there are an unlimited amount of different preferences and possibilities, it would be hard to please all the people all the time. But 'Blue-Eyed Devil' would top my proverbial 'perfect' list. It was so emotional and triumphant and vulnerable and passionate that I found a little bit of myself falling in love with Hardy too. His masculinity oozes from the paper, and Haven's insecurities and vulnerability speak to that fragile female in all of us. There is high conflict, high action and high sensuality. There aren't enough words to describe how this book just makes you feel. Whether your a fan of contemporaries, historicals, paranormals; whatever the case may be, this book will convert you. I've never been a real glutton for contemporaries, but this book has sparked a hunger for the genre in me I may never be able to quell.
*Check out the first and equally amazing book in Kleypas' contemporary series, 'Sugar Daddy', Gage and Liberty's story/ My Review can be found: here
