Interview and Giveaway with Author of the Month Megan Hart

The moment we've been waiting for!  Our author of the month is finally here today. *cue fangirl squees* We recently had the chance to ask Megan Hart some questions and would love to share them with you.  She has a hot new release out this month and another one following close behind next month, HOT AND HAUNTED .  Now please help us welcome Megan Hart to UTC again!

Welcome back to Under the Covers. I am so excited to finally have another full length novel coming out that we've made you our Under the Covers Author of the Month!!

Thanks so much for having me. :)

What can you tell readers about THE SPACE BETWEEN US?

Well, for one thing, it's my first erotic book for Harlequin that doesn't have a one word title. I don't know why, but that just makes me laugh. I came up with the title first, actually, but don't ask me how/why, because I don't remember. The Space Between Us is about Tesla, who falls for Meredith, and then Meredith's husband Charlie. 

Now that we had a little bit over a year between COLLIDE and THE SPACE BETWEEN US, do you have another project you are working on that we may have sooner? I know I'm greedy.

I have two upcoming erotic books from Mira -- Flying and Tear You Apart. Both should be out in 2013. Flying is about a woman who picks up men in airports, at least until she meets the one guy she can't get out of her head. Tear You Apart is about a woman who turns around one day and unexpectedly meets a man who changes her life. I also have a couple short stories from Cravings coming out, as well as a futuristic erotic romance novella in a duology with Lauren Dane, due out in 2013 or 2014.

Your novels are not really a series, however they are best read in a certain order to enjoy the character cameos by previous couples. Could you share with us what you would consider is the best order to read them in?   

I can't. Because they're written to be read in any order -- every character is the hero of his or her own story, you know? So sometimes those minor characters are the main characters in another book, or vice versa, and it's all part of a big timeline, but it's not necessarily chronological.

Basically, I can't tell you the "best" order to read them in, because I can't judge what each reader would like best!

You usually have a wonderful playlist to go along with your books. Can you share with us some of the playlist for THE SPACE BETWEEN US, and why is music so important for your writing?   

Music is so important for me because I use lyrics and melodies to set a mood. I always write to music. Some of the songs featured on the playlist for The Space Between Us are:

Ghosts -- Christopher Dallman
A Girl Like You -- Edwyn Collins
Nicest Thing -- Kate Nash
Use Somebody -- Kings of Leon
3 -- Britney Spears
Journey -- Jason Manns

Alex Kennedy is one of my ALL-TIME favorite heroes. What do you think it is about him that sets him apart and makes readers want more of him?   

I guess a lot of women want to "fix" a damaged hero. ;) Seriously, I'm not sure. He's sexy, but wow, is Alex Kennedy a mess in Tempted. People tell me all the time how much they want an Alex of their own, and I always say, "no, you really don't." I mean, not really. Not for real life. Which is why in Naked, I tried to show that he'd grown and changed a lot, so that he really could be the sort of man you would want to settle down with. Having said that, I am partial to Alex Kennedy myself.

If we were unforgivably rude and pulled at random five things from your hand bag, what would we find?

First, I'd have to be carrying a bag, which I don't always. But you'd find my wallet, handcream, lip balm, sunglasses and Coke Zero. 

Many authors get their ideas from everyday life. Do you have a story to share where your real-life experience has influenced your writing?   

Umm...well...sure, I *could* but that might get me into trouble. ;) Actually, it's no secret that Deeper is pretty much lifted quite a bit from some of my real-life experiences. Not the paranormal part. But a lot of the rest. It's a combination of two not-quite-relationships I had when I was much younger. Some doors stay open, that's all I can tell you. And if you're a writer, you get to close them.

If you were to attend a conference and were given the opportunity to set up your own panel with authors of your choosing and you could talk about anything... What would that panel look like and what would happen?   

Hmm. I would ask all of my friends to sit around being served champagne from handsome men, and we'd talk about how awesome that is. Also snacks. Because snacks are important. And we'd share them with the audience, of course.

And to end this on a sexy note...can you give us a little teaser of THE SPACE BETWEEN US?   

Sure!

Everyone has a story.

Here’s how this one ends.

Charlie’s mouth.

That’s what I want on my body now. His hands and mouth. Tongue, teeth, fingers. I want the crush of him on top of me, the silken brush of his hair against my flesh, the whisper of his eyelashes as he closes his gaze when he kisses me.

I want Charlie’s mouth, and yet something turns my face when he moves in close. Charlie sighs and presses his forehead to mine. His eyes shut, but I can’t seem to close mine. I have to see him, even this close. Every hair and pore, every scar. Every blemish and flaw that makes Charlie so perfect.

“If I’d known,” Charlie says. His hands are heavy, one on my shoulder, the other my hip. His breath smells of whiskey and smoke. He looks like Charlie, but he doesn’t smell like him.

I don’t want Charlie to wish he’d made a different choice. Please, Charlie, I think. Please don’t tell me you wish you’d missed all of this.

Charlie sighs. “It’s just...there’s this space between us. This big wide space. And I don’t know what to do with it.”

We fill it, I want to tell him but say nothing. The words won’t come. If I can’t kiss him, how on earth could I possibly tell him that I love him? That it doesn’t matter where Meredith’s gone or if she’s coming back. All we need is right here. The two of us will find a way to make things work. That it will all be okay.

I could tell him that, I think as Charlie pulls away. His back is toward me. His shoulders slump. The jutting lines of his shoulder blades urge me to reach and touch, but my fingers curl in on themselves instead. I touch myself because I won’t touch him. I could tell Charlie it will all be okay. It will all work out. But though I can’t say I’ve never told a lie in my life, none of them have been to Charlie. I’m not about to start now.   

Thank you so much for letting pick your brain for a bit and spending time with us today!

And if that wasn't enticement enough, Megan has 5 copies of THE SPACE BETWEEN US to give away, and she's making this an international giveaway.  Hurry and enter!

Tesla Martin is drifting pleasantly through life, slinging lattes at Morningstar Mocha, enjoying the ebb and flow of caffeine-starved customers, devoted to her cadre of regulars. But none of the bottomless-cup crowd compares with Meredith, a charismatic force of nature who can coax intimate tales from even the shyest of Morningstar's clientele.Caught in Meredith's sensual, irresistible orbit, inexpressibly flattered by the siren's attention, Tesla shares long-buried chapters of her life, holding nothing back. Nothing Meredith proposes seems impossible—not even Tesla sleeping with Meredith's husband, Charlie, while she looks on. After all, it's all in fun, isn't it?

In a heartbeat, vulnerable Tesla is swept into a spectacular love triangle. Together, gentle, grounded Charlie and sparkling, maddening Meredith are everything Tesla has ever needed, wanted, or dreamed of, even if no one else on earth understands. They're three against the world.

But soon one of the vertices begins pulling away until only two points remain—and the space between them gapes with confusion, with grief and with possibility….

READ OUR REVIEW

 
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Author of the Month: MEGAN HART

What? You haven't heard of Megan Hart before?  Becuase if you had you'd be dancing from joy along with us that she's our Author of the Month.  After the dreaded long wait in between books, we finally have a new erotic release by this talented author and she'll be stopping by UTC again to answer some of our questions.  In the meantime, we will try to introduce you to her work throughout the month of September because, if you are not reading Megan Hart you are truly missing out on one of the best authors around.

About Megan Hart

Megan began writing short fantasy, horror and science fiction before graduating to novel-length romances. In 1998, now a stay-home mom, Megan took up writing in earnest, attending her first writing conference and getting her first request for a full manuscript. In 2002 she saw her first book in print, and she hasn't stopped since. 

Follow her

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Our Reviews:
Selfish Is The Heart
All Fall Down
Tempted
Collide
Naked
Dirty
Indecent Experiment
Seeing Stars
Friendly Fire
Three To Tango

Interview and Giveaway with Lisa Kleypas

Today we are honored to have one of our all-time favorite authors visiting UTC. Lisa Kleypas is a master storyteller, whether she writes historcials or contemporaries. If you haven't read an LK, you are truly missing out! She's an absolute must-read!! For a chance to read some LK books with us, please join us in our Lisa Kleypas reading challenge. You can sign up here. Now without further ado, please help us welcome our Author of the Month, Lisa Kleypas!

Hi Lisa! Welcome to Under the Covers! We are huge fans of yours and are excited to have you here today! Thanks for being our Author of the Month!

Thank you so much, I'm delighted to visit.

Dream Lake is the next book in your series and this is Alex's book. From what we have seen of him in the series so far, Alex has been tormented by his past. He is a borderline alcoholic and is in a difficult spot at the moment. What can readers expect to see from him in this upcoming release? 

It's my favorite kind of story to write--the redemption of a tortured hero. I really enjoy the challenge of exploring how a cynical and bitter man can possibly be turned into a loving, caring hero. One of the themes in the book is that occasionally you have to believe in something that doesn't seem possible. For Alex, love is one of those impossible things. He refuses to love or be loved by anyone, because he is certain that it will inevitably lead to pain and ruin. Ironically, part of Alex's redemption is brought about by an unlikely friendship with a ghost--also something pretty tough to believe in. But ultimately the most significant relationship in the book is between Alex and Zoe, who is a chef and co-owner of an inn at Friday Harbor. She is gentle, compassionate and idealistic, and she's the last person you would expect to break through Alex's defenses.

Alex is haunted not only by his past, but also a ghost of a World War 2 fighter pilot. This sounds very interesting! How did the idea of this come about? 

It was tremendous fun to research and create the character of a World War 2 pilot. I listened to so many sad, romantic songs of that era, and I played Johnny Cash's cover of "We'll Meet Again" constantly. The insight I had was that instead of the ghost being someone who would guide or advise Alex, he doesn't remember who he is, or why he is there. So his dilemma parallels Alex's, in that they are both men who are not fully realized--each needs to figure out who he is supposed to become, and what is really important to him, before it's too late. I knew that I wanted Alex and Zoe to have some kind of connection with the ghost's past, and this happened in a way that I think was romantic and touching. I cried a few times while writing the book, especially the end, and that never happens to me.

You have mentioned that in Crystal Cove the heroine will have some Wiccan or witch talents and skills. Did you have to do a lot of research for this? What was the most interesting thing you learned in your research?

Yes, I'm not going "full Harry Potter," but the heroine, Justine, has some innate magical abilities. I've done a lot of research so far and I'm continuing as I write the book. One of the things I learned has become part of the plot: in Irish mythology, there is a kind of spell, or curse, called a geis. (Pronounced like "guest" only with a "sh" instead of a t at the end.) Justine discovers that a geis was placed on her as an infant, so that she can never fall in love. The reason why this was done to her, and how she breaks the geis, is a big part of the story. And of course there is a mysterious and handsome hero, named Jason Black.

You have incorporated some magical elements into the Friday Harbor series. Why have you decided to pursue this new avenue and what do you think it adds to the Friday Harbor series in general?

One of the most important things for a writer is to stay fresh and try new things, so you don't end up turning out cookie-cutter plots and characters. So when I was vacationing in Friday Harbor and pondering various plots, the island's amazing ocean views and scenery looked so mystical that I decided to just go for it and add some magical elements to the books. I think it adds an element of lyricism to the writing, and there are wonderful opportunities for metaphor with magic . . . for example, Alex is not only haunted by his past, he's literally haunted as well. And Justine's fears and disappointments in love are represented as a spell that has to be broken.

A question about your Travises series... Will Joe Travis ever get a book? (Please say yes!)

I am hopeful, and there is a very strong chance that Joe will get a book. First I'll have to make certain the plot is right, and then my editor will help me figure out if the whole thing is a good idea, and how and when it would be published, etc.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

For years I used to get up at 4AM so I could write before it was time to take the children to school, but I just can't do that anymore! So I have a little rented office in a historic newspaper building in town, and I try to keep to a 9 to 5 schedule. I exercise two days a week before writing, and I'm trying to add one more day, but it's not easy to motivate myself to work out (I'm a slug by nature). I usually try to write four or five good pages per day, and I start out each day by editing the previous day's work. By the time the manuscript is finished, I've combed through it about a zillion times. I can sit for an hour working with one paragraph, or even one sentence, and then when I see how much time has gone by, I'm tempted to bash my head on the keyboard.

Which book was the easiest to write? Which would you say was the most difficult?

Without a doubt, Devil In Winter was the easiest . . . it poured out in a period of ten weeks. A "gift book" . . . the characters were fully formed in my head from the very beginning. I think a lot of it had to do with the chemistry between Sebastian and Evie--they were such an unlikely pair, but whenever they were together, it just worked beautifully. (Another relatively "easy" book was Seduce Me at Sunrise.) One of the most difficult was Smooth Talking Stranger. Although I liked the characters of Jack and Ella individually, it was a struggle at times to write their scenes, and I worried constantly that they didn't have enough chemistry. After I finished the novel and read the galleys later, I was relieved to see that the spark between them was there, it was just that I'd been too close to the book to see it.

You have written some of my favorite heroes ever -Derek Craven, Kev Merripen, Jack Travis, Sebastian St. Vincent. I could go on and on. What quality do you think all heroes should have?

Oh, thank you so much! I think a hero should be strong but never abusive, and once he meets the heroine, she is the only woman in the world for him. And there's something else . . . it's hard to put precisely into words, but I think so many great romance heroes in general have this quality of darkness or danger or a sort of edgy masculinity, so that when a hero finally connects emotionally with the heroine and shows his tender side, it's incredibly satisfying. In fact, there's a quote from Dream Lake in which Zoe tries to describe that longing for connection:

"Sometimes you meet a really nice guy, but no matter how you try, you can't seem to make yourself want him. But that's not nearly as bad as when you meet the wrong guy, and you can't make yourself not want him. You feel hollow inside, just waiting and wishing and dreaming. You feel like every moment is leading to something so amazing that there's no name for it, and if you could just get there with him, it would be such a . . . relief. It would be all you'd ever need."

Are you planning on writing any more historical romance books in the future?

I'm sure I will, although I don't have any planned yet.

What book are you enjoying at the moment? Care to share some recommendations? 

Imagine by Jonah Lehrer (a fabulous non-fiction book about creativity) Heartache Falls by Emily March (a dear friend and terrific author) and of course I've preordered The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips who is wonderful in every way.

If you only had $20 in your purse, what items would you purchase with it?

Two matinee movie tickets, one for me and one for my daughter.

Thanks so much for answering our questions!

Thank you, this has been lots of fun!

St. Martins Press is graciously giving away FIVE copies of DREAM LAKE to US residents.

Dream Lake takes readers once again to the exquisite setting of Friday Harbor, and tells the story of Zoӫ Hoffman, an innkeeper who has all but given up on love. She’s a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan. Alex is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers.

He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoӫ and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow.

But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. Dream Lake is classic Lisa Kleypas: romantic, powerful, emotional, and magical.

READ OUR REVIEW

 

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Author of the Month: Nalini Singh

 

When we first started our blog last May I clearly remember that Kiss of Snow was coming out at the end of that month and we kept thinking it would be amazing to be able to interview Nalini Singh on our blog one day.

Well a lot of things have happened since then!  And this month as we celebrate our one year blogoversary we are very happy to have as our Author of the Month, the one and only Nalini Singh.  She will be stopping by later this month for an interview with us. *cue squeeeee*

But that's not all!!!  Last month I was able to meet her at RT and got to hang out with her for a bit as well.  I don't think I have met a sweeter person ever, very energetic and very cute!

Her stories are emotional, riveting, unpredictable, action-packed and always very sensual.  If you haven't read her books yet, you are really missing out!


Psy-Changeling Series
1. Slave to Sensation
2. Visions of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice
3.5 Beat of Temptation
4. Mine to Possess
5. Hostage to Pleasure
6. Branded by Fire
7. Blaze of Memory
8. Bonds of Justice
9. Play of Passion
10. Kiss of Snow

Coming this month, we will be featuring the Psy-Changeling series as our Reading on the Dark Side feature.  We will have our casting, favorite quotes, character profiles and even buttons for the series.  Don't miss it!

Guild Hunter Series
1. Angel's Blood
2. Archangel's Kiss
3. Archangel's Consort
4. Archangel's Blade
4.5 Angels of Darkness
4.75 Angels' Flight

We will be featuring the Guild Hunter series this month in our Battle of the Covers USA vs UK!  Stay tuned for that, they are both good!

Ms. Singh was also part of a fairytale style series last year with Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe and Jessica Andersen.  Her book was the last one in the series:

Lord of the Abyss

Author of the Month: J.R. Ward

Dear J.R. Ward

I know you hear this all the time, but I am your number one fan, I have a little shrine for you and everything!
Your Black Dagger Brotherhood series is my favourite series, I am head over heels in love with all your characters, especially Wrath, is it crazy to scratch out Beth's name and write my own each time...? But as well as the vivid and mouthwatering Brothers, I also love your writing style, it leaves me on the edge of my seat, has me laughing and crying and always eager for the next page, chapter and book. So I beg you, please write faster, BDB is an addiction I will never quit and I am jonesing for another hit!

Your Number One Fan

Suzanne

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Dear JR. Ward

I’ve read a lot of books, but if I had to choose one series to read for the rest of my existence, I would pick the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. You see, I used to be a good little girl and read only classic romances and the occasional thriller. But when I picked up one of your books on a whim, I instantly got turned on by the dark, evocative nature of your books. I read one book and then the next and then another and now look at me! I’M A SLUT! I couldn’t stop reading about these big vampire warriors and even years later, I’m still pining for my very own Brother to call my own. In the meantime, Rhage and Rehv have kept me happy. And as long as you keep writing, I’ll remain happy.

Yours truly,

Ann

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Dear Warden,

I have to say that you are a woman with superior skills in writing and creativity.  Because of you, I am now hooked to the world of reading for the pure reason of pleasure and not for academic requirements. You are definitely a woman of worth and I love you! *wiping tears*

A BDB fan and a closet Wrathaholic,

~Angela

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★

Dear J R Ward,

Even though I discovered your books a bit late (read them for the first time in 2010) compared to others who had their first taste of paranormal with your series, I have become one of your greatest fans.  The special way in which you write can transport me to the world you describe in an instant.  Reading one of your books is a treat to me, one that I never want to end and that I wish would come sooner!  Your books were the first books that I have EVER re-read.  And I may have a slight obsession with your men, you don't mind do you?  I especially love John Matthew, even though he's cheating on me with Xhex.  Thank you for your amazing work!

Your biggest fan,

Francesca

Signings for Lover Reborn

Author Bio:
J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Patricia Briggs: Fair Game Excerpt!

With the release of the third book of the Alpha & Omega series, FAIR GAME looming over us, the first glimpse of the highly anticipated novel is here! If you're like us, we're super excited for this release. Hopefully, this will tie us over until the release day!

READ THE PROLOGUE HERE.

Like what you've read? Pre-order a copy now:

Author of the Month: Patricia Briggs

 UTC is kicking off the new year with one of our absolute favourite UF and fantasy authors, Patricia Briggs! Patricia is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series!

Briggs has made her name with her hit UF series, Mercy Thompson, which follows a smart and very likeable Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-cities area of Washington. Mercy is able to shift into a coyote at will and, making the world more interesting is the fact that she is surrounded by vampires, werewolves and fae! You know it's going to be a good time with all those supernatural beings in one place!

Briggs also writes a paranormal romance series in Alpha and Omega. This series is set also in the Mercy Thompson world, however it follows different characters on a slightly different timeline. Note that this series is more sweet, rather than steamy.

Don't forget that Briggs started her writing in the fantasy genre and has written and revisited some of her earlier works, such as Masques. Stay tuned because we will be bringing you plenty more on Patricia Briggs and her books. Watch out for interviews, giveaways, special features and reviews all on our favorite author of January!

Interview and Giveaway with Larissa Ione!

It's a new month so that means we have a new Author of the Month! And who else would we pick other than paranormal romance author, Larissa Ione! You may have heard of her delicious demons in her Demonica series, but Ione has a new spin-off series called the Lords of Deliverance. Her latest book, Immortal Rider features Limos and Arik, a character you may know from the Demonica series. UTC got the chance to chat with Larissa Ione on her newest release, so without further ado....

Hi Larissa! Thanks so much for stopping by! Paranormal romance is HAWT right now. What sets the Lord of Deliverance books apart from the others in the genre and what sets this new series apart from the Demonica series?

Well, I think what sets the Lords of Deliverance books apart from the rest of the genre is the fact that it's about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yes, there are vampires, werewolves, angels, and demons in the books, but the main characters are Biblical legends who haven't played major hero roles in romance novels (as far as I know, anyway.) As for what sets it apart from the Demonica series...that's a difficult question since the two series are so intertwined, and as the Horsemen books progress, the Demonica characters become even more involved in the apocalyptic arc. But I guess I'd say that the LOD books are a little darker, and they delve deeper into the supernatural world.

I'd say you've found your voice in paranormal romance, but you've also written a pretty good contemporary erotica. If time permits, would you like to continue to write in that genre, or what other sub-genre would you like to dabble in?

Thank you! Actually, I'd love to write science fiction -- a Star Trek novel, specifically.

Every reader is hoping for a Reaver book! What is about the angel that makes him so interesting and desirable?

Hmm...I think readers like Reaver because he's a powerful authority figure, but also because he's got a mysterious past that even he doesn't understand. More of this comes out in the Lords of Deliverance books, which will kick off his own book I'm hoping to see released in early 2013.

You write some of the most inventive sex scenes I've read in a long time. Where do these crazy acrobatic moves and ideas stem from?

My crazy imagination! :)

When we had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Tyler earlier this year she told us there's plans for a new Sydney Croft project for the summer of 2012. Can you give us any details?

Well, we're still working on that. We're planning some novellas, but we don't know if they'll be self-published or will be released through a publisher yet. We're very excited about them, though!

After reading Vampire Fight Club in the Supernatural anthology, I am very excited to find out more about the day-walking vampires. What can you tell us about them?

Unfortunately, not much. But you'll learn all about them in Lethal Rider, which is Thanatos's book, set to release next summer.

Some fun questions! Demons, wargs, angels and vampires. You have them all! But if given the choice, which one would you be?

Vampire! A vigilante vampire. I'd spend my nights hunting scumbags. Fun!

Death, Pestilence, War and Famine. Which would you rather catch?

Do you mean, which Horseman? I think Pestilence/Reseph. I'm currently working on his book right now, and he's a blast to write.

Which series do you prefer, Supernatural or True Blood? Eric or the Winchester?

Ooh, tough one. They both have their draws...and drawbacks. I'd say Supernatural edges out True Blood, but not by much. Definitely prefer Eric, though! Mmm....

Christmas is around the corner, and UGH is feeling festive. What would their company Christmas party be like? Who would be invited and what would happen?

Everyone at UG loves a good par-tay! There'd be champagne fountains, blood punch, plenty of, er, raw appetizers, and the invitations would be sent via a real life elf -- but probably not the kind Santa uses. Elves in the Demonica world are less happy. The Horsemen would definitely be invited, which, by default, would mean that a hellhound or two would show up. As for what would happen? Drinking, eating, dancing, and, of course, lots and lots of sex!

Thanks so much for having me, and happy holidays to everyone!!!!

For more information on Larissa Ione and her books, please visit her website here.

 

Do you want to get your hands on a copy of her latest release, Immortal Rider with a tote bag and some swag?

This giveaway is open to everyone.

Read our review of Immortal Rider

To enter all you have to do is:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Fill out the form below.

This giveaway will run from December 2, 2011 through December 15, 2011.

Author of the Month: Larissa Ione

Author of the Month

This month we are featuring the one, the only... Larissa Ione. 

Why do we think she's awesome?
Oh could it be because every single book and story she writes is amazing and manages to take us to worlds that are full action, intrigue and romance all in the perfect balance?
Could it be because she knows how to do sexual chemistry like no other?
Could it be because we have come to know and love all of her characters?

We are very excited to have Ms. Ione with us this month.

Miss any of our reviews?

Demonica Series

• Pleasure Unbound
• Desire Unchained
• Passion Unleashed
• Ecstasy Unveiled
• Sin Undone

Want more Demonica?  Check out our Reading on the Dark Side feature on the series, click here

ACRO Series (writing as Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler)

• Riding the Storm
• Unleashing the Storm
• Seduced by the Storm
• Taming the Fire
• Tempting the Fire
• Taken by Fire

Want more ACRO?  Check out our Reading on the Dark Side feature on the series, click here

Contemporary Romance

• Snowbound

Lords of Deliverance Series

• Eternal Rider
• Supernatural Anthology
• Immortal Rider

Author of the Month: Jeaniene Frost

Hey Maidens! We are super duper excited to announce that New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Jeaniene Frost is our Author of the Month for October 2011! The three of us are such huge fans of the Night Huntress and Night Huntress World series that we wanted to share our love of them with you!

Frost rides the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, which coincidentally are our favourite genres. So if you haven't read anything by Frost yet, get to it! We will be featuring her and her books all throughout this month, so please make sure you come by once in awhile to see what we have in store!

Author of the Month: Julie James

Happy September, Maidens! For this month, we are honored to have the talented and hilarious JULIE JAMES as our Author of the Month! As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Julie's and just adore her books. So I am thrilled to make this announcement as a fan. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with James's work, she is a contemporary romance writer whose titles include Just the Sexiest Man Alive, Practice Makes Perfect, Something About You and A Lot Like Love! Before she was a full-time writer, she was a lawyer and a screenplay writer. Her next book, About that Night will be available in April 2012. Stay tuned for more Julie James here on UTC!

Interview and Giveaway with Gena Showalter!

The month of August will be dedicated to New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Gena Showalter. We are all big fans of Showalter's books, so it wasn't hard for us to decide who was going to be the next author of the month! Showalter does it all! She writes paranormal romance about Lords possessed by demons, sexy aliens, and even a great YA series! We are also thrilled to announce that Gena will be celebrating with us for reaching 600 followers! Yay! For more information of Gena Showalter, please visit her website here.

Now, let's get started!

UTC: Hi Gena! Thank you so much for being our Author of the Month! We're such big fans! We here at UTC like to say that you are a writing machine! With several series in paranormal romance and young adult, how do you find the time to write so many books?

OCD! Seriously, once I start writing a book it’s all I can think about until it’s done. That means I write eight days a week and twenty-five hours a day (or so it seems).

UTC: The OCD may be a good thing for our fans, we get more books! Of all your sexy heroes, who would you say was your favorite to write so far?

William is number one on my Must Do list. He is as bad as a boy can be, thinks nothing of torturing his enemies, is positive there’s no line he won’t cross (he’s right), has a smart- ass mouth, and yes, he is a womanizer. BUT. There’s always a “but” with these super strong alpha warriors <g> When this prince of darkness falls in love, it will be with all that he is. He will never stray. He will protect his woman even if it means dying/suffering a little torturing himself, and he will continue to piss off everyone around him with his brilliant observations. (He made me add that last one)

UTC: Ah, William. We should have known. And I don't blame ya. *winks* What's your favorite series to write?

I love them all for different reasons. With the young adults, I get to explore all of the “firsts.” First crush, first kiss, first time. With the Lords of the Underworld, I get to play with the line between good and evil. (To give you a little tidbit about the upcoming angel spin-off, I’ll be exploring that line a whole lot more!) With the Alien Huntress novels, I get to indulge my love of cool weapons and characters who know how to use them.

UTC: For your Lords of the Underworld heroes, do you have specific actors or models in mind as you write them?

Right now I’m totally in love with Jason Momoa from Game of Thrones. What that means to my writing process is that his face now belongs to every Lord.

UTC: OooooooHhhh! Jason Momoa!!! You, girl, have amazing taste. I wouldn't mind his face on my favorite Lord. Speaking of my favorite Lord, I LOVE TORIN! What can you tell us about his book without spilling any secrets? I'm the heroine, right?

I’m so sorry to admit this, but Torin’s book isn’t even a blip on my radar right now. I just turned in Paris’s book, and let me tell you, that one totally wiped me out! Torin undergoes some changes in it, but the main side-story belongs to Kane. So Kane’s the Lord currently taking up space at the front of my mind. Plus, I’m now writing the first book in the new angel spin off, so I’m consumed by feathered wings, swords of fire (that’s not a euphemism, I swear) and my most tortured heroes by far! That’s not to say Torin won’t get his day in court. He will, I just have a few other things to work out first.  

UTC: What made you write about demons?

I’ve always preferred bad boys in fiction, and nothing skirts the edge of dark and dangerous more than evil fiends from hell.

UTC: Which of your heroines is most like you?

Let’s see, let’s see. Well, none of them would curl into a weeping ball of shame at the first sign of trouble, so I have to go with . . . none. I think I write the heroines the way I ~want~ to be, rather than the way I am, and for that reason, Anya is probably my favorite. I adore that girl.

UTC: A lot of your heroes are deliciously tattooed. What’s the sexiest tat on a man in your opinion, and do you prefer tats to piercings?

I do love tats, and I do love piercings. Tats are probably my favorite, though. And my fave tat of all time? My name on my husband’s arm <g>. One of my husband’s arms is actually sleeved and that was the inspiration for the tats on Hector Dean’s arms in Dark Taste of Rapture. Or rather, what his arms look like by the end of his book.

UTC: Let's talk about your upcoming release Lord of the Vampires. This is the first book in the Royal House of Shadows series. I think the idea of a series where a different author writes a book is excellent. Who came up with this? Did you all have a say of what the series will be about and where the story would go? How did you decide who got to write which sibling?

HQ Nocturne came to the four of us (me, Jill Monroe, Jessica Andersen, and Nalini Singh) with the idea of writing a series together, and we came up with the rest. We emailed back and forth, sharing our ideas—the main one: to retell fairytales—building off each other, until the world and the characters were created. I had such a blast!

UTC: You also have a new book coming out in your Alien Huntress series, Dark Taste of Rapture. I LOVE your take on aliens! I know some people might be put off by reading about them, but you did an excellent job at making them so hot! How did you come up with the concept?

I knew I wanted to write about (sexy!) humans who policed (equally sexy!) predatory otherworlders. I also wanted to make my otherworlders more humanoid with supernatural abilities rather than straight up science fiction aliens. But the only way I could work out the logistics in my mind was to create an alternate earth, where these otherworlders had walked among us for nearly a century. And that meant creating an entirely new world history.

UTC: Dark Taste of Rapture is Hector's story. What can you tell us about it? I'm dying to know what happens with Dallas's vision of himself with Noelle and how this will affect their friendship.

Dark Taste of Rapture is one of the hardest books I’ve ever written (and not just because of Hector’s body. Yes, I went there.) I started the book a year before the end of (Ecstasy in Darkness, and showed Hector and Noelle’s very first meeting. They have one of the hottest connections, but this uber alpha hero can’t actually touch a woman without killing her. So . . . yeah, making out? A little difficult to work out, but oh, do they find creative ways.

UTC:  And when is MY sexy man Dallas getting his book? Is he going to eventually be with the Queen?

I ~think~ Dallas’s book will be released in 2012. I’ve toyed with the idea of pairing him with the Queen—she’s not the witch everyone thinks her, I promise!—but then, while talking to my editor, another idea slammed me. I won’t know which direction I’ll go until I actually sit down to write the book, but either way, I’m very excited about my ideas.

Thanks so much for chatting with us today! 

 

Maidens, we are giving away a SIGNED copy of Lord of the Vampires, Gena's new Harlequin Nocturne book! This contest is open internationally.

To enter, please:

1. Be a follower

2. Fill out the form below

Author Override: Gena Showalter (and the Lords of the Underworld)

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

 

Today we have Author of the month, Gena Showalter, with us and she has brought with her the Lords of the Underworld!!!! *squee* We're all trying not to hyperventilate here, but failing miserably. We'll try to compose ourselves so we don't look like fools in front of all of them. We're not doing a good job...

BUT we hoped we asked the questions that our maidens would've wanted us to ask the Lords. So check out our interview with the Lords below!

1. Hi Gena! *looks seductively at the Lords* Hellooo boys. *ahem* Ready for this interview? How is it having your house full of your friend’s wives/women now? Do you think it has improved things?

Kane: Bleep that! Wait, can I say bleep?
Gena: No.
Kane: Whatever. Everyone is driving me bleeping crazy. When is it my turn?
Strider: Oh, goodie. Someone brought whine.

2. For Torin: How many times have you watched Carrow’s video on Youtube?

The same number of times I’ve thanked the gods for her creation.

3. For Paris: How do you feel about having had sex with Kaia now that you know your friend Strider is in love with her?

Shit, you just had to go there, didn’t you? But no way in hell I’ll start spilling details. Strider will try to spill my guts. Again.

4. It's not a secret that Nix from Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series has a thing for the Lords of the Underworld. Does the sexy sooth-sayer catch any of your interests?


A collective: Hell, yes!
Paris: That’s not even a question. Girl is straight up hot.
Strider: You say that about everyone, P-man. But in this case, you’re right. So if Nix and Kaia want to do a little fighting over me, I say go for it.

5. Lords, time to fess up. Give us the dirty on Gena Showalter. Got any secrets you'd like to share about the wonderful person who writes your books?

Paris: That little witch loves to torture us, but that’s hardly a secret.
Torin: I’d do her.
Aeron: I caught her crying over a commercial once. I won’t say I was disgusted by it, but I think we’ll all know I’m lying.
William: She’s my true love, I just know it.
William: Scratch that shit right now, Showalter. I’d give you a go, sure, but true love? Please.

6. Where would the ideal vacation spot for the Lords be and what would you do?

Gideon: Pits of hell. For real.
William: Gena’s bedroom.
William: For the love of all that’s unholy! Stop answering for me, woman.
Paris: Making love to the same woman over and over again. And I think we all know who I’d pick as mine.

7. What do the Lords do for each other's bachelor party?? We won't tell anyone!

Paris: Not that he appreciated it, but I tried giving my man Stridey some tips about pleasing his woman.
Anya: Lucien will have strippers at his, and I’ll kill those strippers at mine. It’s win/win!
Kane: Since I can see where Showalter is headed with my “happily ever after,” I’d rather gnaw off a limb than get engaged.

8. If you could trade demons with another Lord, which demon would you rather have?

Maddox (Violence): Paris
Lucien (Death): Paris
Reyes (Pain): Paris
Sabin (Doubt): Are you kidding? I’m made of awesome! Right? Right!
Aeron (Wrath): Paris
Gideon (Lies): Anyone but Paris
Strider (Defeat): Screw that! Everyone had better pick me, or their last encounter with Hunters left them stupid
Paris (Sex): Anyone but Strider
Kane (Disaster): If I could kill every single demon, I would. So trade? Bleep no! (Why are you letting everyone else cuss, Showalter, but censoring me?)
Cameo (Misery): Did you know 8.6 million women die from heart disease every year?
Torin (Disease): Paris
William: Gena
William: I give up! Fine, whatever. I want Gena, can’t get enough of Gena.

9. If we could have a contest where a loyal fan would get to have a date with you, what surprise will you have in store for her?

Paris: Me, naked.
Strider: Like that’s really a surprise, Sex. Me? I’d do the whole candy, flowers and candlelight thing. (snicker) Okay, okay, I almost gagged even saying that. The truth? Me, naked.
Gideon: A hot air balloon ride through a rainbow. Yeah, I’m romantic like that.

10. Which do you prefer football (NFL), hockey (NHL) or basketball (NBA)? Any big Superbowl parties at the Lords place?

Strider: Dude, I can’t believe you even have to ask. Naked oil wrestling. Or so Paris thinks, I’m sure (snicker).
Paris: What’s with you and the snickering, you ass? Never mind. Don’t answer. I don’t care. Because if your balls are what we’re kicking around, I’m for the sport, whatever it is.
Strider: Someone clearly needs a massage to release some tension. With oil.

11. Pick your poison . . . What’s your drink of choice?

Paris: single malt
Maddox: And isn’t that a shocker? I thought you preferred ambrosia-laced wine that nearly kills my woman.
Paris: shut it, Violence.
Strider: God, the arguing. Both of you shut it, ‘cause it’s my turn to answer and I say Harpy blood. What? It’s good.
William: Gena. Of course.

12. And because our maidens are dying to know. . . Boxers, briefs or commando?

Paris: what do you prefer, beautiful?
Gideon: women’s underwear
Aeron: Someone mentioned gnawing off a limb. Yeah, I’d rather gnaw off a limb than answer that.
Strider: Whatever Paris’s mom prefers.
Paris: You are such an asshole.

13. Finally, What does it take to be a Lord of the underworld?

Anya: Me, me, I want to answer this one! The recipe is as follows: two cups of evil mixed with two cups of not so evil. Avoid adding “honorable” or the beefcake will come out lame. One cup of smartass remarks, 3 TBS of muscles, 2 litters of sexy, and balls the size of boulders.

And there you have it! The ladies at UTC with Gena Showalter and the Lords of the Underworld! Hope you enjoyed this as much as we did!

Gena Showalter has offered a signed ARC of "Lord of the Vampires" + swag to one very lucky reader!  All you have to do to enter is:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Fill out the form below

Remember to come back every day between now and August 7 for our Gena post of the day!

Author of the Month: Gena Showalter

Yes maidens!  The writing machine herself is our Author of the Month.  Why?  Well she has two highly anticipated books coming out in August, both on our MUST-HAVE list!

Who is Gena Showalter?

Gena Showalter sold her first book at the age of 27 and now, four years later, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirteen books, with eleven more on the way in a thrilling blend of genres: breathtaking paranormal and contemporary romances, cutting edge young adult novels, and stunning urban fantasy.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, MTV, Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated in French, Italian and Korean. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”. 

We have put together some special and fun things for our readers and we want to thank Gena for being so wonderful!

Author of the Month: Laura Wright

Laura Wright hadn’t always been interested in reading and writing. In fact, it was only after her high school days that she discovered her newfound passion for the written word. Before this, she was a ballroom dancer and competitor. It was only until she read Jude Deveraux’s novel, Knight in Shining Armor that it changed her life and opened her eyes to the world of writing. Since then, Wright has conjured up her own stories, including her first published novel, Cinderella and the Playboy for Silhouette Desire and her paranormal romance series, Mark of the Vampire. The first book, Eternal Hunger (Alexander’s book) was published in October of 2010 while Eternal Kiss (Nicholas’s book) was released this year in April.

Laura will be stopping by our blog this weekend!  Don't miss it!  She's taking over our blog on Friday with an amazing post in our Author Override, and you'll be able to read more about her in our interview and giveaway!!!

Bibliography

Silhouette Desire:

Cinderella and the Playboy (2002)

Hearts are Wild (2002)

Baby and the Beast (2002)

Charming the Prince (2003)

Sleeping with Beauty (2003)

Ruling Passions (2003)

Locked Up with a Lawman (2003)

Redwolf's Woman (2004)

A Bed of Sand (2004)

The Sultan's Bed (2005)

Her Royal Bed (2005)

Savor the Seduction (2005)

Rich Man's Vengeful Seduction (2007)

Playboy's Ruthless Payback (2007)

Millionaire’s Calculated Baby Bid (2007)

Front Page Engagement (2007)

Paranormal Romance

Eternal Hunger (2010)

Eternal Kiss (2011)