Today’s guest is Tessa Radley who writes for Silhouette Desire. I’ve known Tessa for a long time, since we were both aspiring authors attending meetings at Romance Writers of New Zealand. She’s had a busy year with her most recent release, The Desert Bride of Al Zayad out last month. Any of you who have read Tessa’s books will know what a talent she is. Those of you who haven’t read a Tessa Radley book yet - you’re in for a treat, trust me. 
If you’d like to ask Tessa anything about her books (she has some yummy heroes in her Billionaire Heirs trilogy) or writing for Desire, post your questions or comments below. One lucky winner will receive a Silhouette Desire.
(Just leave a comment to enter the contest. Winner will be posted in the comments the following day.)
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your new release, BLACK WIDOW BRIDE.
I’ve always loved reading any thing I can lay my hands on. Harlequin Presents and Silhouette Desire have always been favorites. I love those emotion-packed stories, the intense passion that develops between the characters and all the rollercoaster ups and downs they experience while they’re falling in love with each other.
BLACK WIDOW BRIDE is about a gorgeous Greek guy who, at the request of his mother, persuades the heroine to arrange his brother’s wedding. Only problem is that the heroine fell for him in a big way years ago…and she’s been keeping secrets from him ever since.
2. You write for Silhouette Desire. What attracts you to this particular line and what sort of book can a reader expect when they pick up a Desire from their local bookshop?
Powerful. Passionate. Provocative. That’s the Desire promise to readers—and that pretty much describes what I write. Although I’d add that I like plenty of emotion and intensity along with a little edge, too. 
3. When you create a heroine what qualities do you like her to have?
Okay, now you’re getting me onto my soap box, Shelley
Silhouette Desire has moved toward real, contemporary women. So my heroines can be flawed. They’re not those perfect fictitious heroines who never set a foot wrong and who I sometimes struggle to identify with. They can have done or said stupid or reckless things in the past that come back to haunt them now. They’ve made mistakes—sometimes they’re still making mistakes—they’re real women, they could be you or me or Everywoman. And they fall in love. Happily. Forever. That’s my promise to my reader.
4. What can fans look forward to next from Tessa Radley?
FANS? Wow, that sounds a little intimidating. My next Silhouette Desire, RICH MAN’S REVENGE will be out in the US in June and THE KYRIAKOS VIRGIN BRIDE launches my BILLIONAIRE HEIRS miniseries in September 2007.
5. If you had an entire day to yourself, how would you spend it?
That’s easy…reading on a hot, sunburnt beach!!
6. Tell us one thing about the writer Tessa Radley that we might not already know?
Hm…that I’m a huge cricket fan? “I don’t like cricket, I love it!” Lots of cute guys with plenty of guts and determination. Real hero material. Right now I’m following the World Cup that’s being played in the West Indies, with the final in Barbados. Woohoo! Wish I could be there. All the big guns are there Australia, South Africa, England, India, the Windies…and New Zealand (GO THE BLACK CAPS!!!). Nice to see some developing teams playing too, like Canada, Kenya, Ireland and Scotland!
7. Do you have a website or newsletter for readers to check out?
Yes, visit my website at www.tessaradley.com. There’s a contest page and readers can join my newsletter, too. I also do giveaways on my blog so that’s a good place to visit, too.
Thanks Tessa, you write great books and for letting us know you a little bit more. I’m looking forward to read your new series!
by Eva S December 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 amI love realistic characters. I’ll have to look for your books! Great interview.
by jenyfer matthews December 2nd, 2007 at 7:36 amTessa, you are a new author for me, I’m glad you are a guest blogger here. It gave me a chance to check you out. I’d really like to find some of your books. They sound pretty good.
by Tammy G. December 2nd, 2007 at 7:39 amI enjoyed the interview. Tessa is a new author for me too. I am looking forward to reading her books.
by Brandi V December 2nd, 2007 at 10:22 amTessa is a new author to me, also.
by Estella December 2nd, 2007 at 1:17 pmI am looking forward to reading her books.
Hi , I am a longtime reader of Silouhette Desire. I love Harlequins and reading new novels,I really am excited to find this info about her today .Thanks!
by Valerie December 2nd, 2007 at 3:21 pmGreat interview! I would love to try your books. I am always interested to learn about new authors.
by Amelia December 2nd, 2007 at 5:02 pmShelley, thank you for inviting me. Thanks for the lovely words too
.
Eva, thank you for popping by.
Jenyfer, love your name…I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
Tammy G, thank you for taking time to read the interview.
Brandi, my first book came out in April 2007 so it’s all still pretty new to me too!
Thank you, Estella, that’s very sweet of you.
Valerie, I’ve been reading Desires and Harlequins forever, so it’s lovely to meet a fellow reader.
Thanks, Amelia, lovely to meet you here.
I love hearing from readers, so please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think about my stories. At heart, I’m a reader too.
Thank you all for reading the interview and taking the time to post replies–it’s lovely to meet you all. I’ll be back a little later…
Tessa
by Tessa Radley December 2nd, 2007 at 9:43 pmGreat post, Tessa. I keep meaning to swing by your own blog to tell you how much I enjoyed Black Widow Bride. I’ve only read 2 Desires and now I’m hooked!
Waves to Shelley!!
by amanda ashby December 2nd, 2007 at 10:23 pmHi Amanda!
by Shelley Munro December 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 pmI loved Black Widow Bride. I finished reading The Kyriakos Virgin Bride today. I’m going to have to read the rest of the trilogy now!
Hey Amanda…thanks for popping in, and thanks for the lovely words. Our family is looking forward to your next book!
Shell, thanks for the kind words again.
Tessa
by Tessa Radley December 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 pmDRUMROLE:::: Random winner on this comments thread is BRANDI.
Brandi, please email me on tessa@tessaradley.com to claim your copy of The Kyriakos Virgin Bride.
by Tessa Radley December 3rd, 2007 at 1:33 pmThat should’ve been :::DRUMROLL:::
by Tessa Radley December 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm