* Jacquelyn Frank: Author Override | UTC Reviews
* Skye Warren: Author Override
* Narrator Lorelei King: Interview
* Stephanie Tyler: Interview
* Carolyn Crane: Author Override | UTC Review
* J.T. Geissinger: Interview | UTC Review
* Men and Women of the Military Giveaway Hop
* Keri Arthur: Interview | UTC Reviews

Sunday 1 April 2012

Interview and Giveaway with Lori Foster!

Lori Foster

Maidens we are very excited to have here today New York Times best selling author Lori Foster.  I'm sure most of you know of her and probably have read her books, and if you haven't you need to rectify that right away!  Whether writing about cowboys or hot ex-military alphas, her characters are endearing and the stories always well written.  Now, celebrating the recent release of the fourth book in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, we got a chance to ask her a few questions and just happened to run into some of the hot men she writes about!

Hi Lori, welcome to UTC!  A Perfect Storm is Arizona and Spencer's book, and we got a great taste of their personalities in Jackson's book. What can readers expect of these two?
Arizona is volatile and unpredictable; Spencer is a rock, always. She’s still in survival mode, and he’s the steady, safe place.

But they’re both wounded from their pasts, sharp witted, and highly capable. I think you’ll grin as much as you sympathize.

Do you have plan on writing more books in this series after A Perfect Storm?
I have a new series starting in October, with all new characters. However, Alice (who was a secondary character in “Trace of Fever”) will show up in the 2nd book of the new series. She stayed in my head and in my heart, and she deserves a happy ever after.

Human trafficking being the main subject line that ties the series together, what would you say has been the most important part of your research?
It’s easy to get data and statistics. It’s easy to find out legal procedures and shortfalls. The most wrenching part was reading the human accounts – finding out from interviews how victims felt, how they were affected, and what they went through. So many tell the tragic details in a very detached way, almost as if they’re talking about a fender-bender instead of a life-altering assault. One particularly emotional account came from the mother of a victim. I cried while reading it because I could feel her pain. It’s unthinkable for most of us – and yet many are going through it every single day.

You write some sexy ex-military heroes in your Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, hot guys next door in your Watsons series, and studly cowboys in Buckhorn. What is your favorite to write about?
I like writing sexy Alphas, period. I don’t care where they work or what they have in their pasts. To me, being a hero isn’t always about the job as much as the core of the man. Many times, a person doesn’t realize he/she is a hero until circumstances dictate that someone step forward. An entire crowd of people (like me!) will be standing there, watching something unfold, and a single person will step out and *do.* I remember a man who dove into an icy river to save someone. A kid who dove into a murky pond to save a man who’d passed out behind the wheel and drove his car in. A man who jumped onto the tracks to save someone... every day, if you watch the news, you hear about an ordinary person who took extraordinary steps to assist someone in need. I LOVE seeing those stories, and I love writing about those people.

You are obviously hosting your own event, but who would be your ideal panel of authors and what would you talk about?
I have a lot of longtime faves, and I’m currently a big fan of Kresley Cole. Also, I recently read a new author (1st book out in Oct 2012), Macy Beckett. “Sultry with a Twist” was *amazing.* Can’t wait to read more from her.

I guess if I was putting together a panel, I’d love to hear what new authors have to say. It’s very different for them than for old veterans like me.

Virna DePaul, Donna MacMeans, Macy Beckett... it’d be great to get them all in one place and pick their brains to find out how things have changed – because they surely have! (I first sold back in 1995. LOL)

Arizona seems to be the most kick ass chick in the series Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, and my favorite, even though still with a damaged past. Who is your favorite heroine?
I still love Gaby Cody, my mega kick-ass heroine from my urban fantasy series, “Servant.” I didn’t intentionally put romance in the books, but I guess at heart, I’m a romantic, because she and Luther pretty much burn up the pages. ;-) And the 2nd book, “Servant: the Acceptance,” was named Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance. Gaby is a paladin, so she has extreme ability, but she’s also very compassionate, and very curious about Luther Cross. Love, love, love her. J

Who was the hardest hero to write?

I don’t really write heroes who are difficult. The way it works for me, characters are in my head, clamoring for a book. Whoever kicks the biggest fuss gets priority. If a hero isn’t telling me his story, I don’t write him.

What are your essential items required for you to write a book?
Time. LOL. That’s the only truly essential item.

I like the PC, desk, proper light – and I love writing with a nice view, like the pond in my backyard or the lake at our summer house.

But always, the biggest essential is the time to dedicate to the writing.

You are re-releasing some older books with some pretty hot new covers! Any particular one that has a special place in your heart?
The publishers handle all that, including the covers. It’s no secret that I like hairy chests on my heroes, and Harlequin has been wonderful about providing that for new covers. Not so much for reissues. ;-) So none of the reissue covers really excite me, although readers certainly seem to enjoy them!

If you’re talking stories, I’m thrilled that the Buckhorn brothers are once again being reissued. It amazes me that they continue to stand the test of time. :)

What does a typical writing day for you look like?
Up by 5am, coffee, tend the animals (4 cats and 3 dogs) then answer the 200 plus emails that come in every day. Do any promo stuff (like this interview) that’s waiting in my inbox. I try to get on the treadmill for a bit. Then I light my favorite scented candles, crank up the playlist on my iPod, and start writing. Usually I start writing by 10 am and stick with it until 4pm or so – unless I’m under a tight deadline and then I work as late as necessary to get things done.

Since we were lucky enough to catch the men in your books around, we'd love to ask you a few things as well!  If you could take your girl in the perfect vacation, where would it be?
Jackson: I’m partial to the lake, because then I can get Alani into her swimsuit... or maybe out of her swimsuit. When no one is around, yeah, I can usually talk her into skinny dipping. And more. With me, she’s not shy, and thank the good Lord, she’s not all that proper either. You know how exciting that is, knowing she’s all prim with others, but a sexual hedonist with me? I’m a lucky bastard, right? The luckiest.

What's the craziest thing you've done for her?
Dare: I killed for her. Hell, I’d kill for her again. But that’s not really crazy, is it? Molly’s so grounded, she doesn’t ask for anything crazy – but she knows whatever she needs, I’m there for her.

If you weren't out fighting bad guys, what would you like to do instead?
Trace: Have sex with my wife. Actually, do anything with my wife. Arguing with her is exhilarating. Talking with her is comfortable. Just... being with her is perfect, even when she makes me nuts, which she does on a regular basis. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your thoughts about the woman that writes your stories?  
Spencer: I’m grateful to her. She brought Arizona to me, when I would have thought – did think – her totally unsuitable for me. Arizona is young, and her past is so tragic... but with all her quirks and difficulties and big heart, she’s the one thing that was missing from my life, when I didn’t know anything was missing.
Yeah, I’d say gratitude covers it.

Have You Met the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor??




Maidens, Lori Foster has a great giveaway for you. One lucky US maiden will win a  T-shirt, a fan , an autographed copy of “When You Dare,” and other promo stash ;)

The tougher they are, the harder they fall…

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…
To enter, please:
1. Be a follower
2. Fill out the form below

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lori,
I don't know how you keep going all day. I see when you say hello to the world on Facebook and all the entries you write on there. Yet you have time to write, answer e-mails, and go to the movies as much as you do. Though, whatever you're doing it works because you books are fantastic, so keep doing it. <3

Cheryl S. said...

Lori, I just finished A Perfect Storm tonight and I loved it but I love all your books. So, this is just a huge thank you for writing such fabulous books.

Thank you for the giveaway!

Tabby said...

Lori,
I have read every book that you have written and I just love them! I must say this is one of my favorites! This was an awesome interview! :)

Thank you for the giveaway!

Tabby @Insightful Minds

Joyce said...

I love your books. Thank you for all you do to bring your worlds to us and for giving us an insight on what it takes to do just that.

Joyce said...

I love your books. Thank you for all you do to bring your worlds to us and for giving us an insight on what it takes to do just that.

Chrisbails said...

Great interview. I love that you love writing alpha males, because I love reading about alpha males. Love the character interview. Loved Traces answer about what he would do instead of fighting bad guys.
Thanks for the great giveaway.

Joanne said...

Thanks for the great interview. Congrats on the new release. Can't wait to read it.

Joanne B
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Unknown said...

Hi,
Great interview!! Love your site!!
I am a HUGE HUGE fan of Lori Foster!!
I love her style of writing. This is one of my favorite series from her. I have read the first three books and can't wait to read Spencer and Arizona's story!! Have a great day!! Thanks for the chance to win!! :)
Mariann at Belle's Book Bag

Anonymous said...

Wonderful interview! I love, love, love Lori's books and I can't wait to read A Perfect Storm

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Lori Z.

knitrix29 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful interview! I love, love, love Lori's books and I can't wait to read A Perfect Storm

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Lori Z.

knitrix29 at gmail dot com

Tamara Hoffa said...

Loved the comments from the "boys"

Nancy G said...

Another great interview. Loved A Perfect Storm and the rest of Lori's books especially the Men of Honor series.

Anonymous said...

Loved the interview :)

reginamayross@gmail.com

erin said...

Thanks for a fantastic interview! This is a new to me author and I really like the premise of her book! Running to amazon after this to check out the whole series ;)

Dawn said...

Great Interview! I love Lori's books and really need to get to this series.

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Another great Foster book to add to my collection. Great interview!

Dina said...

would love to win thanks

Barbara said...

WOW...VERY generous prize pkg! GREAT interview...GREAT author...GREAT series! 'nuff said! 'Cept thx for the giveaway op! :)

barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love reading about your daily routine. I wish I had that kind of structure but that doesn't work with 4 kids. lol

June M. said...

I am really looking forward to reading this series, they all look great. I have read a few books with human trafficking in them, and really enjoyed reading them. The suspense and action are great. Congrats on the new release!
June

Author Nikki Prince said...

What a wonderful informative interview. Definitely adding these to my TBR.

ebonysbbwnikki@yahoo.com

ArkieRN said...

I loved the interview. Gaby is one of my favorite heroines as well. Am adding this book to my TBR list.

Sophia Rose said...

I have been hearing about how wonderful Lori's books are and then this interview posted today. Serendipity! The series sounds great and I do love exciting stories. It was fun to meet Lori.

Thanks!

Maria D. said...

I love all of Lori's books and this series is excellent. I'm not entering the contest because I have all of the books in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series! Got my copy of A Perfect Storm and can't wait to get the time to read it

Tiffany said...

I quickly became addicted to this series! The story lines are so easy to get swept away in. Thanks for a great giveaway!!!

bas1chs said...

Wow I could have that video of the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor on a constant loop all day long. Hot! This book looks and sounds like it is going to be really good. I can't wait to get all three!

Catherine Lee said...

Dare's response is right out there--in your face..."I killed for her." YEAH, That's pretty crazy! WOW. It sounds like some book.

Rhonda D said...

This series is definitely going on my tbr list. Dare sounds so dark and yummy. Thanks for sharing and for the great blurb!

GzNKz4evr said...

Great interview. The book sounds amazing! Chalk another fabulous new-to-me author find to UtC! I have sure been missing out on some great books! Glad to have discovered Ms. Foster.

Unknown said...

Lori is a new to me author that I look forward to following. I haven't read anything yet, but that will change. This one sounds wonderful. Definitely my kind of book.
Mel

Jen B. said...

First, I love Dare. He is such a great character. Second, I can hardly wait to read Arizona's story. She seems like a really cool chick. Finally, you refer to yourself and Virna DePaul as old timers but you are both relatively new to me. Please keep the books coming. I love everything I have read of yours.

msmjb65 said...

I love the covers of your books! I would like to order one of those fine looking young men to go, please! LOL!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com

lorimeehan said...

The interview was great. Loved the guestions asked of the characters. I have read most of your books Lori and have loved them. Can't wait for A Perfect Storm.

donnas said...

Great interview. I really enjoy Loris books.

Julianne said...

I love the cover for this book. Is he included in the prize pack? I've got a clean laptop screen now, that's for sure. I really enjoyed reading the post. Thanks for the chance to win.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

Emily Tardy said...

Great interview! I love reading your books Lori, I started with When you Dare, and now I read anything with your name on it, because I know it will be good =)

Patricia said...

Lori is a new to me author that I should've been reading. I loved the interview especially the "boys". Thanks for the giveaway.

Sariah said...

New to me author but I really like the sounds of the books. I think I would really enjoy them. Great interview.

mcv said...

I love Lori's books!
mcv111 at hotmail(dot)com

wyndwhisper said...

thank you for the chance at such a great giveaway. i love your books and i have this series at the top of my TBR, it would be wonderful to win it.

tammy ramey
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

Melissa said...

I love all Lori's books. I have NEVER read one that I didn't love!! Thanks for the great giveaway!!

melissalamb(at)musfiber(dot)com

Texas Book Lover said...

Yet another series I haven't read yet! There just isn't enough time in the day! I WILL get there SOON!

Patti said...

Love this series!! Lori is one of my favorite authors. Great interview, and giveaway!!!

VampedChik said...

Love your books!!!! Your one of my favorite authors!!! :) Thanks for the chance to win!
-Amber

creativedeeds said...

I started with the 4th book in the series and now I need to start at the beginning. Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Great interview,another series. Loved Men of Honor.

phie said...

Lori is a new author for me and I hope when I read her books, I will love her books more and try to read them ^^
Great interview and thank u for the giveaway =)

SdyLion said...

I have read some of your stories and really enjoyed your writing style. Thanks for a great interview and I hope I get a chance to win one of your novels. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

books4me said...

I've read all of Lori's books (except under her LL Foster name) and can't wait for the new series in October!

Heather said...

I LOVE this series! I cannot wait to meet Lori at her reader/ author conference in June.

hjbmckenna at gmail dot com