Labels: Brockmann, hell YES

(Update: Cassie happens to be from Australia, so yes, people in other countries do win *g*)

So Cassie, please email me your snail mail addy @ trelainastarblazer at Yahoo dot com and I'll go ahead and mail out the book to you :) If I don't hear from you by Monday morning, I might not be able to mail out the book for a week because I'll be out of town.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. These were some great answers. Many of which I totally loved, some I've never heard of, so I have some catching up to do. I hope everyone's having a great weekend :)

Labels: contests, winner

I finally finished watched season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy" this week, and it was soooo good. Except for the ending, of course. But it wasn't as bad as I was actually expecting. I was prepared for a total heart-wrenching experience, and it was very sad, but the way it went down wasn't as awful as I thought it might be. And that was good. But still, it WAS sad.

I've also got "North Country" next up in my Netflix Q. Normally it takes a lot for me to want to see this type of film. But one of the reasons I want to see it is because it was filmed in my hometown, where my parents still live. It's also based on a true situation that happened back in the '70's in the mines where my dad works. So I'm definitely curious about it and how it all plays out, knowing that it will affect me more strongly not only because of the sexual harassment, but because it was done by people in my hometown, some of whom my parents probably knew. I was just a kid back then, so I don't remember anything about it, but I'm sure they do. I've never really talked to them about it. I'll watch the movie first.

Tomorrow I'm getting together with friends for a cook-out, and the weather should be perfect after several days of cold and rain. And then I have to start thinking about what I'm going to pack for next weekend for the big Lori Foster/Dianne Castell event. I'm more excited than ever because of all the people that plan on attending - Kati, LeeAnn, AmyC, to name a few. And of course many of my "old" online friends that I've adored for years. It is going to be such a great time. I'll try to take some decent pictures and post them when I return. I've decided against a laptop because I just want to enjoy my time with everyone and talk about it later. I'm not a good multi-tasker.

What's going on in your world?

Labels: movies, ramblings, television

As I may have mentioned, oh, a few times, I'm having a contest to win a copy of Jennifer Haymore's debut novel, "A Hint of Wicked". It will be a random drawing, and anyone is eligible to enter, regardless of where they live. As long as you can receive mail, you're in.

The contest is running from now until noon CST on Sunday, May 31st. Rules: They're pretty easy and painless, but required *g* All you have to do is answer the question(s) at the bottom of this post and your name will be automatically entered into the drawing. This is very important if you wish to win. If you don't answer at least one question and only say "please enter me", your name will not be included in the drawing. That's my only requirement. I know, I'm so mean LOL.

The release date was actually May 26th, so I will be shipping a copy probably on Monday from Barnes & Noble provided the winner contacts me right away. Please don't include your email address in your response. I will post the name of the winner on Sunday and you can email me at that time. This just makes things go a little quicker and much smoother. Now please, go forth and enter :)

Love triangles: love them or hate them?

What is your favorite or the most memorable love triangle

from a book, movie, or t.v. show?

Labels: contest, Jennifer Haymore

Labels: awards

I am so excited that today I am sharing with you my interview with author Jennifer Haymore, author of "A Hint of Wicked". This book was one of those that captured my attention right from the beginning, and I think readers will really respond to her writing. I can't promise that Jennifer will have a chance to stop by today, but feel free to ask questions, just in case *g* And tomorrow I'll be having a contest to win a copy of "A Hint of Wicked".

Now, heeeeere's Jennifer......

S ~ Congratulations on the release of your first novel, "Hint of Wicked", a historical set in the early 19th century, right after the Battle of Waterloo. What appealed to you about this time period for this particular story?

JH: Thank you for the congrats! This is my first novel published as Jennifer Haymore. I do have some shorter e-books out as Dawn Halliday, and my first full-length historical erotic romance as Dawn, Highland Obsession, releases in August.

I’ve always loved European historicals, specifically those that take place in England. I’m an American, but my family’s roots are in England, and I’ve always felt a special bond to the place. I love going there, I love visiting the areas where my family lived before immigrating to the USA, and I love the history that you can find around just about every corner in England.

Over time I also learned that English historicals, particularly those that take place during the Regency, are a favorite of many readers. When I first came up with the concept of A Hint of Wicked, the story actually did take place during the Regency period. I really wanted to use the Battle of Waterloo, however, as the “starting point,” and as I researched the marriage laws, I decided to stretch the timeline a bit beyond the Regency.

S ~ What was the inspiration for "Hint of Wicked", and how did it evolve over time as it was being written?

JH: The core idea for A Hint of Wicked was my husband’s—I use him as a sounding board and a brainstorming partner all the time. The story, however, has developed quite a bit from his original “vision,” which was of an enraged husband catching his mourning wife in bed with another man. I latched on to that scenario and ran with it…but I don’t think I ran in the same direction he envisioned for the story! I guess that’s my prerogative as the writer .

S ~ I really liked the character of Sophie, a very independent woman who has loved and lost, and is now finding love again after many years. How were you able to create the delicate balance of Sophie's independent nature with her unwillingness to hurt her loved ones, while at the same time not making her come across as weak and indecisive?

JH: That’s a great question—that was one of the most challenging parts of the book for me. From the beginning, I knew Sophie was strong, and I knew she was independent and steadfast, but the trick was to get it across to the readers without making her seem indecisive and weak. In order to do that, I had to make sure to put Sophie in situations she would react to in ways that showed her strengths. Basically I couldn’t let her sit around wringing her hands and moaning a lot (and at times, given the high level of conflict, the compulsion to do that was pretty strong)!

S ~ It's no secret in the story that Sophie deeply loves both these men whom she thinks of as her husbands. It was a gutsy move to have her unapologetically respond sexually to each man individually, and enjoy these intimate encounters without feeling ashamed of her nature, especially during this inhibited time perod. Can you elaborate on why you chose to create such a bold, sensual heroine for her time period and station in life? Were there real women who inspired Sophie's personality?

JH: No, there weren’t real women that inspired her specifically, though if you look at the most celebrated women in history, many of them were as bold and sensual as Sophie is.

I tried not to consider how a stereotypical woman of the period would react to the situation that Sophie was in, but rather how Sophie would react to her own situation, given her past and background. I think sometimes readers and writers get tunnel vision when it comes to personality traits in certain periods, and we forget that in any period, there a wide range of reactions different people will have to different events. A person’s reactions aren’t only derived from general societal norms and beliefs, but on her personal history and experience as well.

I tried to create a heroine who was in truly in love with two men, both of whom she did not want to destroy. Sophie has loved Garrett and Tristan since she was a child, and this love was encouraged by the people who surrounded her. So while she is cognizant that society would condemn her for loving two men, in her mind, loving them both is natural and normal.

S ~ In addition to the love triangle, you also include a subplot involving a villain intent on destroying the Duke of Calton. What inspired this angle of the story?

JH: I felt that this book required a balance between the internal and external conflicts. Without the villain subplot, the book would have been almost entirely about characters mired in angst. Not only that, but the villain subplot was crucial in bringing the three characters back together in understanding and ultimately essential in the resolution of the love triangle.

S ~ I'll be honest, "Hint of Wicked" really riled up my emotions, even on occasion making me rather angry. How do you feel about writing a story that could be considered controversial in some regards?

JH: My intent wasn’t to write a book that was controversial for the sake of being controversial. I just wanted to write a book that worked for me on an emotional level (And if it works for me, I can only hope that it works for readers, but it’s something I find very hard to predict!). I can see why some readers may get angry with certain elements of the characterization and plot, but as I’ve answered in previous questions, I tried to keep my characters true to themselves by having them react to the situations as organically as possible.

As a reader, I’ve found that some of my most memorable reads have made me angry in parts. Sometimes I also find a little touch of bittersweetness along with that happily ever after to be compelling and realistic.

S ~ How long did it take you to write "Hint of Wicked", and then how long to find a publisher?

JH: I sold A Hint of Wicked on proposal—the first three chapters (about 60 pages) and a detailed synopsis. It actually didn’t take me very long to write the proposal—maybe a month or two? It sold fairly quickly after I sent the proposal to my agent, I’m thinking it was about 2-3 weeks. And then when I had a contract in hand—and it was my first major contract!—I was so pumped up that I finished the book in record time (for me, anyway). I think the amount of time from contract to the date I finished and turned it in was about five months.

S ~ What is your absolute favorite aspect of writing? Least favorite?

JH: My favorite part of writing is finishing. There is nothing like writing “the end” and feeling that amazing sense of accomplishment I always feel at having written an entire book.

My least favorite part of writing is knowing that I have a long way to go and that the book isn’t going to be done for another few months. I’m very impatient—I want to be able to write the entire book today. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way!

S ~ Have you been a life-long reader of romance novels, or is it something you gradually turned to over time?

JH: It’s something I gradually turned to over time. As a kid, I read everything I could get my hands on, but as I grew older, I turned mostly to horror, science fiction, and fantasy. In my early 20’s, I read a lot of bestselling political & legal thrillers and literary fiction. I can’t really pinpoint the moment I discovered historical fiction, but as soon as that happened, I was hooked. Then I began to realize that the elements I found most compelling in the historical fiction I was reading were the relationships—how they began, how they developed over time, how the characters dealt with them. I thought I’d give romance a try, and I quickly learned that I’d found my niche.

S ~ Many authors today write in several genres. Do you see yourself branching out into paranormals and/or contemporaries, or do you feel like there are plenty of historical romances you long to write?

JH: Right now I’m fairly focused on historicals. I’ll never say never, though. I enjoy paranormals and contemporaries, so I can definitely see myself writing more of them someday.

S ~ Reading your bio, I admit to being intrigued that you learned how to fly airplanes. Do you see that experience being written into one of your stories? Or perhaps a book inspired by growing up in Hawaii? Maybe even characters who are actors?

JH: You know, I’ve never thought about writing flying into any of my books! I really wonder why that is, because I have often thought about writing about sailing. I think I’m a little more attached to sailing than I am to flying. Plus the fact that it’s easier to write sailing into a historical…

I’ve actually written a book that was inspired by growing up in Hawaii: 10 Days in Paradise by Dawn Halliday. It was the first romance I wrote.

And as for characters who are actors—when I was involved in acting, it was the most un-glamorous life ever. I spent my time hanging around struggling people who were waiting tables at night and working their butts off during the day at auditions. I listened to people tell me I was too (***insert unkind adjective of your choice here***) to ever make it in the business. It can be such a hard life. Take me back to the aristocracy in Regency England any day!

S ~ I see your next book, "Touch of Scandal", will be a 2010 release, set 4 months after "Hint of Wicked". Can you share a little about what we can expect to see?

JH: It’s hard to talk about A Touch of Scandal without revealing spoilers for A Hint of Wicked, but I will say that it’s the continuing story of the “losing” man from A Hint of Wicked. Most of the characters from the first book make an appearance, including the villain, and Rebecca, Garrett’s younger sister, plays a big part in the story’s conflict. The third book in the series (currently untitled) is Rebecca’s story.

S ~ Now for a few fun questions:

a. What are some of your favorite t.v. shows?

JH: I don’t watch much t.v. because I work when my husband gets home at night. But two of my guilty pleasures are Heroes and American Idol.

b. Do you have a favorite romantic movie?

JH: You can find a list of some of my favorites here: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/about/

c. Are you a re-reader, and if so, what is one of your comfort reads?

JH: I very rarely will re-read, but here are a few books I have read more than once:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
River God by Wilbur Smith
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

d. ideal romance hero and heroine in a book or move?

JH: Hero: Jamie from Outlander. Sigh…
Heroine: Hm. There are many I like, I think I’ve yet to find the ideal. Any suggestions?

e. did your husband read "Hint of Wicked", and if so,what was his reaction?

JH: Yes, he reads everything I write. He’s patently positive about my writing, so I’m pretty sure he said something like, “Wow, it’s great! I’m impressed!” upon finishing it.

f. any plans for a book tour?

JH: My publisher has arranged a blog tour. More info about that here: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/bonus-features/appearances/

g. Can you share the name of a recent romance you read that you highly recommend?

JH: Hm, I’m wracking my brain over this, since I’ve read a lot of good romance lately! But one that really affected me and stayed in my mind long after it ended was Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks. It’s very, very erotic, though. Definitely not your traditional romance.

h. What would be your dream vacation?

JH: I want to go everywhere! My travel whims change almost on a daily basis.

Today I’d really love to go back to Bora Bora and stay in an overwater bungalow in one of the resorts.

i. What exotic location would you like to have as the setting of one of your books?

JH: I’d like to set one of my historicals in the Caribbean. I really love the history and locale!

j. If you could be doing anything right now - flying, sleeping, climbing a mountain - what would it be?

JH: Right now? Definitely sleeping.

S ~ Any last words, or secrets you'd like to share? Come on now, don't be shy!

JH: Thanks for taking the time to read the book, and thanks for asking such great questions!

S ~ And thank you, Jennifer, for answerng them :) I am so looking forward to your next book!

Labels: interview, Jennifer Haymore

I first heard about this book a few months ago from Lindsey, an online friend, and her reaction to the book convinced me I just had to read it. The backcover blurb reminded me of a story with a similar plotline that I really loved - "Twice Loved" by LaVyrle Spencer - and I admit that I was curious and wanted to see how this book would compare.

Sophie is perhaps my favorite character, infused with strength and compassion and the resolve not to hurt those she loves. It's been mentioned in other reviews about her refusal to choose between Garrett and Tristan, and how her decision is not based on inaction nor a weak nature, but rather because she does care so much for each man and cannot be the one to cause either additional pain. Sophie is determined to make the best of the cards that have been dealt, all the while knowing that her fantasy of loving two men will never come to fruition, and she must eventually make a choice as to which man is her true husband. And she does, but never once is it an easy decision. It breaks her heart.

Tristan is a man of honor, the friend who stood by years ago and watched the woman he loved marry his best friend. He cares deeply for them both and is at peace with his choice, if not exactly happy about what he's sacrificed, but he moves on and builds a life of his own, and he is content. He grieves as much as Sophie for the loss of Garrett, and believes in his heart that being with Sophie is something Garrett would have wanted. Throughout the story we see evidence of Tristan's honor warring with his heart's desire. His strongest impulse was to grab Sophie and the children and run away with them, but he knows he cannot, and that is partially why I loved him so much. He still did the right thing, even when it tore him away from Sophie. He could never live with himself if he broke her spirit.

Garrett. I had a heck of a time warming up to him in the beginning. There were times when he was cruel and unforgiving, though we learn the reason for some of his behavior later in the story. But when he first returns, he's cold, uncompromising, with a deadly edge to him. There is little of the old Garrett left, but Sophie clings to the belief that deep-down, he hasn't changed that much for the young man she fell in love with. And as we get to know Garrett, both from glimpses of his childhood as well as his experiences in the war and afterwards, I felt more compassion towards him. Here is a man who's returned home after being gone for eight long years, which must have felt like an eternity to someone who cannot remember his past. When he returns, it's not just to discover his wife remarried, but also to his seven-year-old daughter, and a sister who is no longer a child. And, there's a very good chance he's completely mad...

Ms. Haymore does not shy away from the intimacy issue. Here is Sophie, a sensual woman who's experienced sexual pleasure in the bed of both her husbands, and her desire does not cease to exist when her first husband returns, complicating her life greatly. In her deepest fantasies, she longs to experience the pleasure of making love to the two men she loves at the same time, yet rationally she knows it can never happen. Tristan and Garrett are not the type of men to share the woman they love. She knows in her heart she must say good-bye to one of them. The love she has for her two husbands is as much a physical part of her as it is an emotional one, and she expresses her feelings with her body as well as her heart. So yes, Sophie does have sex with Tristan, and later with Garrett, and it's deeply pleasurable for her each time. She doesn't let guilt or shame taint her time in their beds. Sophie is a woman who passionately loves two men, and she won't regret loving either of them.

I think this story would have been incredibly compelling if it had concentrated solely on the heart-wrenching dilemma between these three people, that it could have delved deeper into the emotional complications they had to work through. Instead, there is a secondary plot that closely enterwines with Garrett's return and partially explains his strange behavior. I wish there hadn't been so much time invested in this aspect of the story, even though it did make for interesting suspense, but I felt the story would have been more effective without all that subterfuge. Still, "A Hint of Wicked" is a powerful story in many ways, and while the romance angle is resolved, it is not without its share of heartache. Jennifer Haymore wrote an unforgettable story that stayed with me long after I put the book down.

I definitely intend to keep an eye out for Jennifer's next book, called a "Touch of Scandal".

Labels: Jennifer Haymore

Labels: Memorial Day, ramblings

From Yahoo.com:

Labels: movies

Labels: winner

Labels: movies

I just finished reading Jennifer Haymore's "A Hint of Wicked", which will be released on June 1st. Right now I'm struggling with my review, trying to encompass all I want to say without giving too much away, but I don't want to be so skimphy that I'm not giving enough information either. Every once in awhile a book will do that to me, where I just can't find the words. For a wonderfully insightful review, definitely check out Ana's review at Booksmugglers. I'm so jealous of her LOL. Basically I agree with everything she said, but I'm reviewing it so I need to just sit down and focus. I'm thinking a re-read is in order. Because I can't go on to reading the next book until I finish this review. I don't want any distractions with this one.

And don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to enter my Toni Blake contest. Remember, I want to hear about your favorite bad boy. So if you don't answer the question, you won't be in the drawing. And anyone can enter, no matter where you live. It just might take a little longer for me to send out the book, but you WILL get it.

I also have another interview in the works, so once I get my questions answered, I'll post more on that. And yes, there will be another book giveaway. I haven't done interviews in awhile, and forgot how much I love doing them. So I'm going to start up again and see what happens. Any author requests? I'll see what I can do *g*

Labels: blogs, current reading

From BooksaMillion.com:

For viewers bored or distressed by the constant gore and breakneck speed of hospital dramas like ER, GREY'S ANATOMY comes as a breath of fresh air. Unlike other shows set in the world of medicine, this series is just as concerned with its characters' personal lives as with their medical careers, and thrives by stressing the way in which the two intertwine. After all, for surgical interns who have chosen to dedicate their lives to medicine, the hospital largely becomes their home.

Right now, just about everything. Christina totally cracks me up. She's so self-absorbed and distant and private, yet funny and vulnerable and rather endearing at the same time. I like her with Burke, though I wonder why he puts up with her sometimes. It's cool that he's willing to take his time with her, and learn about her. It totally freaks her out, and it's fun to watch.

George is funny, probably not meaning to be, but he is. I like too, how he gets passionate about things he really believes in. He gets nervous when it comes to confrontation until he gets pushed too far, then he proves he's got a spine. And he makes these funny faces that amuse me. Yeah, I like George.

I really like Addison too. She's not the cold bitch she could have been, and I think she matches Derek much better than Meredith. Of course I know that as the show progresses, things go differently. But for now I'm liking her a lot. It's sad she has no real friends right now because she really is a great character.

Bailey. How can you not love her? She's tough, but most of the time it's because she does have a big heart, especially for the patients. When she lost Jeremiah, a patient she's had for a long time, it was heartbreaking. But she handled it in typical Bailey fashion, yet I wouldn't have expected anything less. I'm up to the part where she's about to have her baby. Fun times.

And my most favorite thing about season 2 so far? DENNY. Oh my, I just watched the episode where he first appears, and that smile could knock me dead. Just as I remembered him from "P.S. I Love You". Yum. What woman could resist? And when he tells Izzie she's in love with him? Oh yeah, I totally would be too. He hasn't returned, but that definitely gives me something else to look forward to, despite the outcome. (Yeah, you can't ignore spoilers forever).

Do you watch Grey's?

Who's your favorite doctor?

Labels: television

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope y'all had a fabulous weekend. Finally it seems like the weather is catching up and getting nice. How extraordinary to see the sun again :)

S ~ Toni, thank you so much for stopping by. As you know, I've been a fan for years. What has been your most rewarding experience as a writer?

Toni: For me, it’s ALWAYS, ALWAYS when I meet or get an e-mail from a reader who really loved or was moved by one of my books. To me, at the core, writing has always been about connecting with other people, so to find out I’ve succeeded in touching someone with my stories is the ultimate reward!

S ~ How challenging is it to write as both Toni Blake and erotic romance author Lacey Alexander? How do you choose which persona to be from book to book?

Toni: It’s both challenging … and not. ; ) The hard part is keeping up with it all – two web sites, two sets of deadlines; two names in general is a lot to juggle.

But the writing part comes pretty easy for me. I don’t really choose which persona to be for each book – to me, there are huge differences between a Toni Blake book and a Lacey Alexander book and I approach them with entirely different methods of writing.

A Toni Blake book is focused on two people, one of whom is often a bad boy hero, who have a lot standing between them – and it’s very much about breaking down barriers, overcoming adversity, and about the heroine ultimately using the power of love to sort of “rescue” the hero from whatever made him such a bad boy in the first place. These books use a combination of emotion, angst, humor, passion, and everything in between to hopefully create a very “complete” feeling story. Toni Blake books also have much more complex plots, usually with a secondary story that ties closely with the primary one, and there are usually a lot of small threads and strings that must be tied up neatly in the end to pull it all together.

A Lacey book, conversely, focuses very firmly on sexual content and a sexual situation. From there, the characters and their conflicts grow, but the plot is less complex.

The main thing I feel the two types of books have in common is that they both have a lot of emotion in them. Whatever’s going on, I consider it my job to make sure the reader knows what the character is feeling while it’s happening.

S ~ What was the romance novel you remember reading? Did it convince you to keep reading them?

Toni: Jennifer Crusie’s MANHUNTING and GETTING RID OF BRADLEY – the original first editions. ; ) And yes, absolutely. A friend of mine suggested I should switch from writing literary fiction to romance. I’d never really read romance, so she shoved those books into my hand and promised me they weren’t what I expected. She was right – at that time, I had no idea romance could be so smart and sexy and funny. It literally changed my life because I immediately started reading and writing romance, and I’ve never looked back.

S ~ What's the most decadent thing you've done in the name of research? (i.e. gone to a spa, taken a luxurious vacation, etc)?

Toni: Well, I wouldn’t call it a luxurious vacation, but when I was writing IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS, my best friend and I took a research trip to New Orleans. I’d been there several times before, but there were some very specific questions I needed answers to – and some things I wanted to experience rather than just read about, like floating along a bayou. We had a great time, and I also got all the answers I needed.

S ~ How do you think the industry has changed since you first became published? Is it easier or more difficult to find an audience?

Toni: Wow, great question. These days the book industry is struggling, right along with the rest of the economy, and competition is stiffer than ever. So I really do believe it’s more difficult to build an audience and get a foothold now. I’m still trying to do this after eleven years in the business. ; ) Particularly, I think these days it’s more challenging to get publishers to stick behind newer authors and give them a chance to grow, and I also think it has become more rare for a publisher to really put a lot of backing and support behind an author until he/she is a bestseller – and the flipside of that, of course, is that it’s hard to become a bestseller without that big backing and support. ; )

So … to anyone who picks up a copy of my new release, ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, you have my true and sincere appreciation! :)


S ~ How do you pamper yourself after spending weeks or months working to finish a book?

Toni: Hmm. Usually, I do something really wild and decadent like … read a book. ; ) Which might not sound that exciting, but lately my reading time is at a minimum, so getting a chance to read feels pretty fun. I also sometimes treat myself to a little shopping. And I allow myself to work on my quilting more – because I have bad shoulders, and usually, typing all day does them in. So in the short periods when I’m not typing all day, that’s a great time to punish them by quilting. ; )

S ~ What is the most valuable piece of advice you've gotten about writing?

Toni: Never give up. Because most people do. If you don’t, you’re already ahead of the odds.

S ~ How do you feel about promotion - what avenues do you think have been positive about getting the word out there about your books? Do you find any medium that has not really worked for you?

Toni: Another great question, Stacy! For the most part, I feel that in the world of “big publishing,” there’s not a lot authors can do to really tip the scales – it’s about things like getting great covers, getting great distribution, etc. But at the same time, I’m a believer that every sale counts and moves you toward your goals. The promotion I most enjoy is doing online stuff when I have the time – stuff like this interview, hanging out at my online readers group (www.Yahoogroups.com/ToniBlakeFans for anyone who’d like to join us!), doing occasional guest blogs, etc., and I do believe that things like this help. I personally believe I have picked up new readers – and friends – through MySpace. And I’ve shied away from things like buying print ads because they’re usually really expensive and I’m not sure they do any good. ; )

S ~ As Toni, you've recently completed an amazing story for the new and exciting Destiny series called "One Reckless Summer". What was the inspiration for this story? What else can we look forward to seeing in the rest of the series?

Toni: Ah – thank you, Stacy! :) As you know, I love me some alpha heroes, and I personally think Mick Brody is my ultimate alpha creation thus far. ; ) And I think this book is my personal fave of all I’ve written. The story actually began with a question: What would make a woman cross a dark lake in a canoe in the middle of the night? And then another question: What might she find on the other side in the woods? ; ) Actually, I answer this question in more detail – and you can see the woods that inspired the question – in this short video about the Destiny series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT5QdisCOVE

As for future stories, most of the characters you’ll meet are introduced in ONE RECKLESS SUMMER. For example, in upcoming books, you’ll find a hot cop, a sexy fireman, another long-missing bad boy who returns home with some secrets – and, of course, all the women who can tame them. ; ) The girls in the series all congregate at Under the Covers, the local bookstore, and their banter about guys and love and life has been a lot of fun to write so far. By and large, the Destiny books are heartwarming and life-affirming but at the same time are super sexy and fun to read.

And while we’re talking about Destiny, here’s a lovely one minute video that totally captures the mood of the series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjsMqXHNDds

S ~ What is Lacey up to these days? What can we look forward to seeing from her next? And when will her next book be released in print?

Toni: Lacey is as busy as ever. ; ) Her next book from Penguin comes out this November and is called WHAT SHE NEEDS. This is actually a slightly darker, edgier project for Lacey which I think fans will enjoy.

S ~ Okay let's talk about something else. How about....Guilty pleasures:

S ~ favorite beverage?

Toni: Classic Coke

S ~ Favorite vacation spot?

Toni: Oooh, I can’t decide. I have three faves so far in life: The Cinque Terre in Italy, the Canadian Rockies, and Hawaii. But for pure paradise/relaxation: Hawaii, from which I just returned a couple of weeks ago.

S ~ Favorite way to pamper yourself?

Toni: Shopping.

S ~ Favorite movie?

Toni: Too many to name, I’m afraid, so I won’t even get started.

S ~ Favorite hottie? Or favorite romance hero?

Toni: A certain Mr. Clooney comes to mind …

S ~ Which celebrity would you love to meet, and one you've enjoyed meeting?

Toni: Again, a certain Mr. Clooney comes to mind. :) I’ve been within five feet of him, but did not, alas, get to meet him.

I’d also love to meet Ellen. I’m a big fan, and I so admire her uplifting attitude and positive way of approaching life.

S ~ Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type of music inspires those hot 'n sexy scenes?

Toni: Nope, I’m all about peace and quiet when I write – even though most of my Toni books do have “soundtracks” that run through the books, songs I use within the story to set the backdrop and mood for certain scenes.

S ~ Any last words, or information you care to share? Perhaps the latest on book #2 in the Destiny series?

Toni: First, thanks so much for such a great interview – this was fun! As for Book 2 in Destiny, I wish I had more to share. So far, no title is written in stone, but I expect the book to be out early next year and I hope readers will dig the Destiny series as much as I do. Thanks in advance to any and all who give ONE RECKLESS SUMMER a try – it’s a book I’m truly excited about and very proud of; I personally feel it’s my best work to date, so I hope people will check it out. And for an excerpt and more, readers can visit my website at www.ToniBlake.com !

S ~This was great, Toni! I learned a lot today. And Cincy is less than a month away - I can't wait to see you again :)

Labels: interview, Toni Blake

Hey all you lovelies out there. Hope you're up for an exciting weekend, whether it's reading, playing, or just being a little lazy. I plan to do a little of all 3. I like a little variety in my day.

Not much been going on here. I was in D.C. last week for work and once again got to hang out with Kati, which never gets old. And this time around there were myriad topics to choose from, everything from "Lover Avenged" to blogging to the Cincinnati get-together and even hockey.

I'm about 1/2 way through "Lover Avenged" and waiting for it to get good. Right now I can barely keep my eyes open. I have a feeling I'm really going to like Ehlena, in fact I already do, but it's slow going for me. I hear it's good, in fact some who've been fed up with the series have given me hope, but so far I'm not feelin' it. Which reminds me, that Brother-speak is getting on my last nerve. I feel like I'm listening to a male version of "Clueless", so it's not only preppy girlspeak, it's also very dated. It never bothered me as much before but this one is driving me nuts. "Outtie?" "Freshies?" Real annoying, true????

Speaking of hockey, it seems to be on a lot of people's minds lately. Yesterday at work I heard several people talking about it. I'm not a diehard fan of any sport, though if I were, it definitely would be hockey above all else. I love all that aggressive competition, the sound of the blades slicing through the ice, the combination of the cold temperatures mixed with the heat of the crowd in their excitement. And of course the violence. Can't forget about that. I am in heaven when I hear the jarring slam of a large body thrown against the plexiglass at full speed. Then there's the blood, the rising tempers, the ticking clock. And yeah, I'm totally in denial, but under those hockey masks, I'm picturing my version of Luc "Lucky" Martineau everytime....and wondering if they have a tattoo in a very special place ;)

But that's just me. Because the reality is usually much scarier than the fantasy. I prefer my heroes with all their teeth, thank you very much. And no mullet. Does make me wonder what we saw in them back in the 80's, but then again there are a lot of things about the 80's that make me wonder "what were we thinking???" But that's another story. I'd rather think about tattoos, and the places they might be hiding.

Let's see, what else is going on? Why, I haven't done an interview in awhile, nor a contest. Toni Blake has a book coming out on the 26th, and she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for me. And she might share a little about what Lacey Alexander is up to as well. In honor of Toni's visit, I'll be giving away a copy of "One Reckless Summer", so if you're interested, stay tuned for that.

What are your weekend plans?

Labels: ramblings

Meet Zack Knight, firefighter and paramedic— the handsome genius of Station Five. He can take on any blaze, but needs a certain kind of woman…

This is book #2 in Jo Davis' sexy Station 5 firefighter series, and one of my most anticipated reads of 2009. I was so enamored of Howard in book #1, and I couldn't wait to dive into the rest of the series. Bonus - Howard makes several appearances in "Under Fire", and it's always such treat to spend time with him. (Alert: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK AS SPOILERS MAY APPEAR).

The issues (beware of spoilers):

Poor Zack! For once we see a real life hero risking his life and almost not making it through a very dangerous situation. Now Zack does what he's trained to do, and he does it alongside some equally trained and reliable firefighters, but even under the safest conditions, things can go wrong and not everyone makes it in the end. (At this point I had to email Jo and tell her she's making me cry over Zack, and of course she was very happy to hear this LOL). But this is not the end of trouble for our resilient hero. The shy and private firefighter is already suffering something fierce when we first meet him, due to dire circumstances out of his control, so as you can imagine, I'm immediately hurting for the poor guy. But then in a short timespan, he nearly dies saving someone, almost succumbs to pneumonia , gets shot at, is left for dead, gets beat up and tortured until finally you're sure that can't be anything left of him. I just didn't see the need for him to suffer as much as he did. Zack was our hero, a good guy, and I had to walk away a time or two to catch my breath, thinking "not again". Jo sure knew how to turn those screws. Just a bit too tightly.

The other thing that bothered me was the whole situation centered around Zack's troubles. He was stuck with a overwhelming burden that he had absolutely nothing to do with, but it became his sole responsibility anyway, one he was completely drowning in. It was such an unfair situation. Yet almost as frustrating as what he was suffering through was the obvious and tidy resolution to that very problem. It just didn't ring true that it would be solved so easily. I'm all for the HEA in all things, but I need it to be more believable.

The good stuff:

*Zack. Sexy, shy, virginal, though not because he couldn't get a date, but because he was waiting for someone reeaaaallly special to do the deed with. A woman who not only revved his engine but engaged his heart. True it seems a bit corny in this day and age, but also kinda sweet. I liked Zack a whole heck of a lot, and though I thought he took on a burden that didn't belong to him, I couldn't help but admire him for it. I can't say the same about his stubborn decision not to ask for help, because that sure got him into a lot of trouble, but he did what he felt he had to do - that was just his way.

*Corrine. I mentioned earlier that I wasn't sure I was going to like Cori, but she managed to change my mind almost immediately. As I got to know her, I thought she was the perfect partner for Zack, and not just because she was beautiful and experienced. But because she was also smart, hard-working, compassionate, and she truly cared for Zack. He needed someone like her in his life, someone who looked after him for a change.

*The hotties. And lo and behold, we get to see the other firefighters again, including the unforgettable Howard. I can't wait to find out more about each and every one of them. These guys are true heroes, but some of them are having a tough time of things, and one especially is suffering greatly from a horrific tragedy. Here we see even more bits and pieces of their stories, tantalizing glimpses of what drives them. Jo sure has her work cut out for her with this bunch.

UF isn't a bad book, but it doesn't hold a candle to "Trial By Fire". Part of what makes it special though, is the relationship between Zack and Cori. At first I didn't like Cori; she comes across as being one of those annoying women who are supposed to come across as being all tough and independent when really they are just rude and bitchy. But when darling Zack saves her life and nearly dies in the process, well, it's pretty obvious she has a bit of a wake-up call, and becomes a much more likable person. More like the type of woman I could believe Zack would fall in love with if he were to have his choice of any woman.

And I did enjoy visiting with the other fine men (and one woman) of Station 5, and am insatiably curious about their HEAs. Next up is Julian's story, "Hidden Fire", to be released December 1st. And yes, I admit, I will be grabbing that one up.

Labels: firefighters, Jo Davis

From booksamillion.com:

Labels: Grey's Anatomy, television