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Archive for 'contemporary romance'Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
I Do Not Want To Wait, I Want The Book Now. I’m blogging about Spin Off Characters and mention both Soldier of Fortune and the book where we first meet Louie, Summer in the City of Sails. I Don’t Want To Wait, I Want The Book Now has already reviewed Soldier of Fortune. Here’s the link. Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
My special guest today is Ari Thatcher, a fellow author with Ellora’s Cave. In fact, we shared a release date last week. Today Ari is talking about one of my favorite character types–the reformed rake. Over to Ari…
Since it’s a contemporary romance, we know what Kyle’s redeeming himself from, right? But we’ll be nice and call it shallow relationships. A shallow relationship offers all the benefits of a relationship without the involvement of his heart. If the woman/partner on the other end of the deal isn’t expecting more, then he’s not a bad guy. Face it, in many of us there is a turning point where we realize we’re ready to commit. In real life, experts say it’s often a matter of timing if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon the perfect guy when he’s made the mental shift. In romance, it’s more fun to think he sees the error in his ways once he meets the heroine. In Kyle’s Redemption I took it a step further and made Kyle understand what a…well, prick, he’s been in the past. Since today we no longer have society’s pressure to marry and beget an heir, our modern-day heroes need a lightbulb moment when they realize the heroine is worth making the extra effort for, something that forces them to look inside and admit they need to grow as a lover. Now, the ultimate fun is when you take that moment, have your hero bend over backwards to make an impression, and your heroine is unimpressed. A strong woman knows she’s worth working for. She expects it. And she won’t be swayed by pretty words and acts. A strong heroine will settle for nothing less than her lover’s whole heart offered sincerely, and she’ll make him sweat until he realizes it. Hopefully I’ve accomplished that with Lily, and the reader is fully satisfied by the ending. I know Kyle and Lily were! Kyle’s Redemption Available at Ellora’s Cave Blurb Six years ago, Lily Astor looked forward to establishing herself in the Los Angeles art world. In one painfully public moment, those dreams were shattered. Now she has the chance to try again, but the invitation to exhibit comes from a gallery owned by Kyle Ventura. The man who should have cleared her name. After a night of eyebrow-singeing sex, Kyle realizes who Lily is, and his role in her downfall. Now, as his heart falls deeper for Lily, he needs to make amends. But Lily doesn’t want his help, just his body. For the first time in his life, sex isn’t enough for Kyle. He wants to show Lily he’s not the man he was six years ago. But first, he has to prove it to himself. Do you enjoy reading stories with reformed rakes? Do you prefer historical or modern-day ones? Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
I’m guest blogging at Smexy Books today about Judging a Book by its Cover. I’m doing a giveaway here. I’m doing a guest spot at Nine Naughty Novelists about First Impressions. I’ve also added some new guest spots to my tour calendar, so do keep checking back to see the latest campaign news. Note – today is a two-post day. Scroll down to see my second post. Monday, November 23rd, 2009
I’m blogging at My Foolish Wisdom today with Soldier of Fortune. I’m talking about Occupations in Romance, and I’m doing a giveaway. Here’s the link to My Foolish Wisdom. Last week I watched a reality-type show on the Living Channel called Shopping is My Life. Each show features a shopping addict and two experts give them advice so they can get their habit under control. They mentioned some interesting statistics about shopping. The average person used to purchase 19 items of clothing per year. My sister really enjoys the Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic series and has suggested I read them. I haven’t seen the movie either. Maybe one day soon. It’s on my list, but from what I hear the heroine should probably submit themselves to the Shopping is My Life experts. I’ve had a rough count, and I think I’ve purchased 15 items of clothing and footwear this year. It’s been a busy year shopping for me this year. Last year it would have been well under 10 items. I can’t imagine 400 items. That’s a lot of shopping! How many items of clothing have you purchased this year? Have you read any of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series? Have you seen the movie? If so, what did you think? Saturday, November 21st, 2009
The theme for today is arrivals. The following is an excerpt from my latest release Soldier of Fortune that shows the arrival of Joanna “Mac” McGregor for her new job.
The charter flight from Jordan to Iraq was a short hop but plenty long enough for Joanna “Mac” McGregor to second-guess her decision to take up a contract in the security sector with Chesterton UK. The wheels of the plane hit the runway, a solid thump before the pilot applied the brakes. Tension seeped into hands holding a fantasy paperback, turning her knuckles white. It wasn’t just her. Even the guys at the back of the plane—the ones who had bantered their way through the entire journey and tried to tempt her into joining the Mile High Club—fell silent. Mac stared out the window. She’d seen the stark reality of Baghdad firsthand when the plane circled the runway to land—the endless sand giving way to the greener city. Checkpoints. Security forces. Burned-out vehicles, buildings damaged by both allies’ and insurgents’ bombs. Too late to change her mind and return to New Zealand now. She’d gone through the lengthy interview process, answered all the questions about why a woman would want to undertake such a dangerous assignment and finally signed on the dotted line. After all, not much call for her skill set in an office and she couldn’t earn this sort of money doing anything else. Icy determination to succeed curled through her gut, squared her shoulders. Mac disembarked with the rest of the security force, a few intrepid reporters and a camera crew, the initial blast of heat when she walked down the stairs sucking her lungs dry. Sweat broke out over her body and her shirt soon clung to her clammy skin. Something she’d become used to quickly. After formalities, she waited with the other recruits—the new ones and the others who had signed on for a second or third tour. Like her, they were in it for the money, some for the adrenaline rush. Some of them would return home to family and friends. Some would die. Time would tell which camp she fell into. The only route into the city, dubbed Route Irish by the Americans, was the most dangerous stretch of road in the world. Despite the fences on both sides of the road, there were dangerous overpasses and numerous car bombs planted to snare the unwary. From the briefing, Mac knew they’d attempt to drive straight through any situation, be it bullets or bombs. Stopping wasn’t an option. Five minutes later, they pulled out in convoy, protected by security forces from New Zealand and the United Kingdom, their driver pausing to wait while a United States military convoy crossed the road ahead of them. Overhead Mac watched two Black Hawk helicopters drawing fire, diverting it from the road. The entire time their car remained in radio contact with others from the convoy. The drivers and guards constantly assessed risk, on the lookout for threats. Mac stared out the window, gut jumping because she knew danger lurked around every corner. Signs at the checkpoint authorizing lethal force brought home the reality of her situation. If she found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she would die. No one left to look after her father then. She scowled at the thought and shoved it away. Their convoy drove past the International zone, patrolled by the US military, the only part of the city considered relatively safe. They didn’t stop, their destination the less-secure area where many security forces and their clients lived. The Red zone—her home for the next six months. Mac climbed from the rear of the armored vehicle, grabbed her gear and followed the other recruits into the main barrack-like building. All the domestic comforts, Mac thought, taking in the mismatched furniture, the clean but scuffed linoleum floor and the poster of a busty blonde hanging drunkenly on the far wall. She dumped her bags at her feet. A tall, dark-haired man prowled through a doorway on her right and headed to the front of the room, his piercing blue eyes taking in the new arrivals. Mac’s breath caught the instant she glimpsed his face, hurled back to the past. Louie? Shock drop-kicked her square in the gut. Why wasn’t he at home in New Zealand? Only her military training kept her face impassive, the astonished gasp trapped inside her throat. Her training did nothing to halt the images flooding her mind, the memories of hard muscles beneath her questing fingers and the way it had felt each time his cock plunged between her legs. Damn, Louie had lied to her. Purchase your copy from Ellora’s Cave To read more Snippet Saturday excerpts follow the links below: Eliza Gayle Friday, November 20th, 2009
I’ve also received my very first review for Soldier of Fortune. I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want the Book Now said, “This story has the perfect balance of what I look for in a book. It shows the heartbreak of watching someone you love disappear into the illness of Alzheimer, the danger and fear of being in a war zone, and the camaraderie of friends, while still keeping the romance the central point. Did I mention the scorching hot sex? Can’t forget that. Seriously hot!” You can read the entire review here. Thanks so much! I’m thrilled with my review. Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
I’ve been wanting to write stories about some of the secondary characters in Summer in the City of Sails, and this documentary provided me with a possible plot line. I did lots of research, watched heaps of documentaries on British and American soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan in order to make my story realistic. I didn’t want to overwhelm the reader with war so hopefully I’ve managed to strike the balance between realism and romance. In my story, there’s a female correspondent who works for CBS. One of the jobs of the private security force is to keep her and the other CBS employees safe when they go about doing their job, reporting on the progress of the war. It takes a clear head to calmly report a story while dodging bullets, and I know I couldn’t do it. Female correspondents are often able to interview local women about their experiences and get answers to quite intimate questions. Male correspondents would not have the same access, and many women refuse to talk with them. I’m taking Soldier of Fortune out on tour. Yes, it’s true—you’ll get to hear more about me and my Ninja Turtle soldiers. Here’s a link to my blog tour schedule. Would you like to be a reporter? Would you like to be a reporter in a war zone? Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
Today I’m guest blogging at The Romance Studio about body language, nonverbal cues and Soldier of Fortune, my erotic contemporary romance due out at Ellora’s Cave on 18th November. To visit my post go to The Romance Studio Blue. Monday, November 16th, 2009
I have a new release this week, on Wednesday 18th November to be precise. I’ve just received the cover for Soldier of Fortune.
The foreground shows my hero and heroine in Fiji and there’s a soldier in the background, which also fits the story. Both my hero and heroine are soldiers. I like my new cover, affectionately dubbed “the Ninja Turtle cover” by hubby and myself because you can’t see my soldier’s face and the armor makes him look like a Ninja turtle. Here’s the blurb: Joanna “Mac” McGregor loves her father, and she’ll do anything to keep him safe after Alzheimer’s starts to steal his mind. That takes money, and Mac uses her only skills—those of soldiering—when she takes up a security contract in Iraq. She doesn’t have time for men, her last vacation fling in Fiji relegated as one perfect moment to hold close during the grim reality of war. Soldier Louie Lithgow is tired of fighting, the constant danger, and has decided this is his last contract. He wants to retire, sink his savings into a place on the beach, and find the sexy Joanna, his holiday lover. Mac’s arrival in Iraq causes consternation. They’ve both been economical with the truth, but the attraction sizzling between them flares hot and bright. They embark on a clandestine affair—professional and confident during their high-danger day, passionate with the release of emotional stress during their torrid nights. One thing is clear—they have different goals and the future is both murky and dangerous. If they survive their contracts. Note: Readers first met Louie in Summer in the City of Sails. What do you think of my cover? Saturday, November 14th, 2009
This week’s theme is the black moment. My excerpt is from Tea For Two, the moment where the hero suspects the heroine of selling him out to the tabloids to make some quick money.
“Cripes,” Suzie said in vast understatement. Hayley opened her mouth and shut it again, her teeth meeting in an audible clack. Her face peered up at her from the newspaper—the front page, no less. “That’s not a recent photo,” Suzie said. “I know.” Hayley started to read the article, horror growing with each word she scanned. “I didn’t do this. Sam’s going to think I talked to the reporter.” Suzie placed a comforting arm around her shoulders, hugging her in silent commiseration. “I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault.” Someone had talked to a reporter, but Hayley didn’t think for a moment it was Suzie. “No, I mean I’m sorry it’s happened.” “Sam isn’t going to be happy. Are there other photos?” “There are photos of the two of you together, but the accompanying story is speculation.” Suzie read some of the article and frowned. “This one is worse.” She hesitated. “Do you think your sister would do something like this?” Hayley thought about the desperation on Abbey’s face, the determination, and slowly nodded. “She wasn’t very happy with me at our last meeting. She knows I read tea leaves. Abbey attended the fair at Greensbarrow and she and her friends wanted their tea leaves read.” “Oh.” “Oh, indeed. She demanded money again, and when I refused, she stomped off, saying I’d be sorry. I don’t understand why she hates me so much.” “She’s jealous,” Suzie said. “But why? Our parents were always so strict with me. I was the one who disappointed them and sneaked about with my boyfriend all the time. I was the one who managed to get pregnant.” “Abbey needs to be the center of attention.” Hayley snorted, her anger starting to grow. “So she does that by putting me in the papers? Yeah, that will really work well for her.” “Sam’s gonna be angry.” Hayley sucked in a deep breath, acknowledging the truth of Suzie’s words. Oh, yeah. And given his personal history with the tabloids, he’d put the blame squarely on her shoulders. “I’d better ring him.” Her hand trembled when she reached for the phone. The intercom rang before she had a chance to dial. “I’ll get it,” Suzie said. Hayley dialed while listening to a reporter’s voice crackle through the intercom. Suzie told the man to piss off just as someone picked up the phone. “Yes!” The impatient tone made her hesitate. “Is anyone there?” “Sam, it’s me. Hayley.” “You have a nerve,” he said in a low growl. “Did they pay you well?” It hit Hayley then. Abbey had done it for both the money and to punish her for not handing over her precious savings. “I didn’t sell the story to the press and have nothing to do with the story.” “Yeah, well, you would say that. Facts look pretty clear to me. Don’t bother coming for the next conference.” “But I—” “Trust means everything to me, Hayley. You lied to me about your name. You sold me out to the press. How the hell do you expect me to trust you again?” “But—” The soft click of the phone told Hayley he’d hung up without allowing her to explain. Not that she would have told him about Abbey’s gambling problems. She hung up, her shoulders slumping in despair. “He doesn’t believe me.” Her thick voice was loaded with tears. “I’ll tell him the truth,” Suzie said, her chin jerking up in combative mode. “No. I have to fix this myself. And if he won’t listen to me, he’s not worth fighting for.” Check out my website to read a blurb or another excerpt. Available in ebook or print formats. To read more excerpts in the Snippet Saturday trail follow the links below: Vivian Arend
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My tour stops today at:
My first love in romance novels is historicals, preferably Regency era. The plots are basically the same, he’s in his thirties, has had his share of lovers, and is ready to settle down. She’s younger and more innocent – well, in a Regency she is innocent, unless we’re talking erotic Regency romance. With as many of those stories as I have read, it’s no wonder I had to write Kyle’s Redemption.
Soldier of Fortune by Shelley Munro
TEA FOR TWO by Shelley Munro
