Showing posts with label five fun facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label five fun facts. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Aloha to The Sinful Scots Blog Tour with Amanda Scott's THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE and Cara Elliott's SINFULLY YOURS (part 2)


On Saturday, I spotlighted The Sinful Scots Blog Tour, giving away a print copy of THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE (link) ... the giveaway is still open!

Today, I offer you five fun facts from Cara and Amanda!

From Cara Elliott:

If Anna Sloane had Netflix, these would be her five favorite Historical Heroes

1. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” AND Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice.” (Jane Austen is, of course, her favorite author so she can’t resist making two choices—can you blame her?)

2. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” (She confesses to having a soft spot for rogues . . . as you might guess from the rest of the list)

3. Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights.”

4. Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe in the “Sharpe” series from BBC.

5. Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII in “The Tudors.”



SINFULLY YOURS by Cara Elliott

After an eventful Season, Anna Sloane longs for some peace and quiet to pursue her writing. Though her plots might be full of harrowing adventure and heated passion, she'd much prefer to leave such exploits on the page rather than experience them in real life. Or so she thinks until she encounters the darkly dissolute-and gorgeously charming-Marquess of Davenport. 


Davenport has a reputation as a notorious rake whose only forte is wanton seduction. However the real reason he's a guest at the same remote Scottish castle has nothing to do with Anna . . . until a series of mysterious threats leave him no choice but to turn to her for help in stopping a dangerous conspiracy. As desire erupts between them, Davenport soon learns he's not the only one using a carefully crafted image to hide his true talents. And he's more than ready to show Anna that sometimes reality can be even better than her wildest imaginings.

About Cara Elliot:

Cara Elliott started writing Western novels at the age of five. Later she changed her genre to Regency romance after reading Pride and Prejudice. She graduated from Yale University, and she now lives and works in New York City.

Social Media:
CaraElliott.com
@CaraElliott
Facebook: facebook.com/cara.elliott1

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes



From Amanda Scott:


1. While I was outlining Lairds of the Loch, I applied to my favorite resource for all things Scottish, seeking his input on the setting I wanted to create. I had chosen the Highlands between Loch Lomond on the east and Loch Long— known then as the Loch of the Long Boats—on the west. I wanted Lady Muriella’s family to live in a stone tower (for which I needed a name), and I wanted them to be generally safe there. That meant creating a protective landscape and more, something that was either magical or could seem magical (to match the heroines’ gifts). I explained all that, and my friend, who grew up at Eilean Donan Castle and spoke Gaelic before English, suggested Tùr Meiloach, which means “a small tower guarded by giants.”

2. Stress of deadlines and multiple requests from editors, publicists, news media, and others can make a writer trying to finish a book crazy. But relief can come quite unexpectedly. I was in that position one day while I was finishing THE WARRIOR’S BRIDE when I received the following text from my son: “I’m in the garage tinkering when I hear Cam (my then 4-year-old grandson) say, ‘Daddy, help me; I’m stuck.’ I should say Cam’s voice was very calm. I walked outside and got drenched. He was on the front porch up above me, standing on a bench by the front door with his super soaker! He blasted me! ROFL” I should tell you that this was well-deserved karma, because my son at age 2 soaked me with a garden hose.

3. I sign books every year at Scottish games and festivals in California (Woodland, Costa Mesa, Pleasanton), Washington (Enumclaw), and Colorado (Estes Park). I love to meet fans and hear what they like to read (and what they hate), so if you’re in the area, come and say hello.

4. My orange and white Persian, Willy Magee, starred as a kitten called the “wee biter” in SEDUCED BY A ROGUE and now considers himself my chief critic … and editor. He has been known to add bits to whatever I’m writing, while I have lunch or take some other break, and even to delete portions that apparently he disapproves of. Fortunately, his editing can generally be undone … albeit not always.

5. I’m often asked if I’d like to trade places with one of my characters if it were possible to do so. My answer to that, so far, has always been the same, no. I spend my summers in a rustic cabin in the High Sierras, with no road, no sewer, no telephone, and no Internet. That’s enough historical living for me. I like libraries, iced mochas, and driving fast cars. Living in a drafty, smoky castle might be fun for a sennight or so, and I love good haggis, but after that…nae, thanks!


THE WARRIOR’S BRIDE by Amanda Scott:

Robert MacAulay, heir to a powerful Baron, is known for being a skilled warrior with a strong sense of duty. His respectable reputation, along with his devotion to the king, is why Andrew MacFarlan and hope he'd agree to marry his youngest daughter, Lady Muriella. But for reasons Rob refuses to share, he turns down Andrew's request and vows never to wed. 

Lady Muriella never wanted to take a husband, but after seeing her two older sisters happily settled, she's beginning to think marriage may have its merits. When she learns that Rob has refused her without even knowing her, she becomes determined to seduce him into changing his mind. Then she will be the one to say no to him. But when she's captured by her father sworn enemy Dougal, both land in more trouble than either had anticipated.

About Amanda Scott:

Amanda Scott is the author of over 60 romance novels and the recipient of the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award. She lives in Folsom, California, outside of Sacramento. She is a fourth-generation Californian.

Social Media:
amandascottauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/amandascottauthor

Buy links for THE WARRIOR’S BRIDE:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes

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I am giving away an ecopy of SINFULLY YOURS to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,


1.  Can you add to Cara's list of historical heroes ... I loved Henry Cavill in The Tudors, too!

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 1, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winners on Sunday, March 2.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Scotland Forever!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Aloha to Jill Shalvis and ONCE IN A LIFETIME



Jill Shalvis needs no introduction. Readers love her Lucky Harbor series!   She joins me today to share a few secrets ...


Top 5 Fun Facts about ONCE IN A LIFETIME

1. I consumed twelve boxes of Girl Scouts cookies while writing this book.

2. I maybe once accidentally killed a giant pumpkin like Aubrey does in the book.

3. I modeled Crazy Lucille after my own grandma. Don’t tell her.

4. I fell in love with Ben and want a Ben for my own. Don’t tell Alpha Man.

5. I wrote this book with the teens home for the summer and wore earplugs to tune them out. Don’t tell them.

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ONCE IN A LIFETIME by Jill Shalvis (February 18, 2014; Grand Central Publishing Mass Market; $6.00)

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT
After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?



New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Social Media Links:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Forever Romancing is hosting a special giveaway at this link.   


Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Jill also offers a sneak peak at ONCE IN A LIFETIME ...

A few snowflakes floated lazily out of the low, dense clouds. One block over, the Pacific Ocean carved into the harbor, which was lined by three-story high, rugged bluffs teeming with the untouched forestland that was the Olympic Mountains. Around him, the oak-lined streets were strung with white lights, shining brightly through the morning gloom. Peaceful. Still.

A month ago, he’d been in South America, elbows deep in a project rebuilding a water system for the war-torn land. Before that, he’d been in Haiti. And before that, Africa. And before that … Indonesia? Hell, it might have been another planet for all he remembered. It was all rolling together.

He went to places after disaster hit, whether man or nature made, and he saw people at their very worst moments. Sometimes he changed lives, sometimes he improved them, but at some point over the past five years, he’d become numb to it. So much so that when he’d gone to check out a new jobsite at the wrong place, only to have the right place blown to bits by a suicide bomber just before he got there, he’d finally realized something.

He didn’t always have to be the guy on the front line. He could design and plan water systems for devastated countries from anywhere. Hell, he could become a consultant instead. Five years of wading knee deep in crap, both figuratively and literally, was enough for anyone. He didn’t want to be in the right hellhole next time.

So he’d come home, with no idea what was next.

1584237415835932


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Aloha to Kieran Kramer and SAY YES TO THE DUKE



I have a special place in my heart for Kieran Kramer.  I recall picking up one of her bookmarks at RWA 2011 in Orlando.  I sent her an email to praise the artwork and book title.  Kieran responded back, noting her connection to the Navy.   She has generously supported the SOS Military Tribute at the RT Booklovers' Conventions ... and she writes entertaining historicals!  

Today Kieran is my guest as part of the SAY YES TO THE DUKE blog tour ...

FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT SAY YES TO THE DUKE

1) There’s a stove house in the story. It’s where the duke’s old servant cultivates orchids. Orchids were not a big cultural trend at the time—that came later, during the Victorian age. But there were definitely stove houses in England in which hobbyists attempted to grow them during the Regency period. It was a very difficult undertaking, attempting to create an environment in which the flowers could flourish. Many times, the orchid ventures failed.

2) There’s a mama dog and her puppies in this book. For accuracy’s sake, I had to find out exactly when puppy eyes open after birth. That was fun, looking into puppy development!

3) The setting is winter in a country setting. The snow kept everyone there for a while. I wanted to make sure my heroine couldn’t escape the uncomfortable circumstances she found herself in at the ducal manor. And I wanted her separated from her family and friends at home.

4) I took the inspiration for the heroine Janice from the character Jan Brady, the middle sister in The Brady Bunch TV series. Like Jan, Janice is also a middle sister, wedged between a stunning older sister and an adorable younger one. She’ll discover herself on her own terms in the story.

5) I found Luke’s inspiration in both Rhett Butler and Indiana Jones. I wanted a hero who had a sense of humor, who didn’t take himself very seriously, but who had a deep streak of romance in him.


About Kieran: 

Double Rita®-finalist and USA Today bestseller Kieran Kramer writes Regency historical romances and now contemporary romance for St. Martin’s Press. THE EARL IS MINE, the second in her House of Brady series, is her latest release. SAY YES TO THE DUKE premiers in August 2013. SWEET TALK ME, set in present-day South Carolina, comes out in March 2014. A former CIA employee, journalist, and English teacher, Kieran’s also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. She lives where she grew up--in the Lowcountry of South Carolina--with her Naval Reserve commander husband and their three children.

Links:

Author Site: www.kierankramerbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KieranKramer1
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kierankramer
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/3452785.Kieran_Kramer
Pinterest: pinterest.com/kierankramer
Group blog of writer moms: peanutbutteronthekeyboard.wordpress.com 


CAN A SCANDALOUS BEGINNING ....

Janice Sherwood wants to marry for love, but she’s failed to make a match after two Seasons. Her parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Brady, arrange to send her to the Duke of Halsey’s country estate as a short-term guest of his grandmother, the dowager, in hopes that she might win the duke’s affections. What they never could have imagined is that Janice would fall for the ruggedly handsome servant Luke, who lives in the stables and carries an air of mystery and temptation.

LEAD TO A FAIRY-TALE ENDING?

When Luke Callahan learns that he is the legitimate heir to a dukedom, he will stop at nothing to claim what is his. But first, he must begin a game of disguise to secure his rightful inheritance. Janice isn’t part of his plan. But by engaging her in this dance of deception, might he lose her forever? 

Raves and Reviews for SAY YES TO THE DUKE 

“Kramer’s gift is her innate ability to tell a story with unerring honesty, deep emotion and humor. Readers will laugh, cry and deeply sigh from beginning to end of this beautifully told, enchanting love story.” —4 1/2 stars RT Book Reviews Top Pick!

“The third book in Kramer’s “House of Brady” series offers everything this author’s fans have come to expect including a sinfully sexy romance between two perfectly matched protagonists, a richly amusing cast of unconventional secondary characters, and a lively plot that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” —Booklist

Buy Links:

Amazon: link
B&N: link
Indiebound: link
Book Depository: link
Books-A-Million: link

SAY YES TO THE DUKE Excerpt: link
More about the book: link


Giveaway:

Kieran is giving away the following to one(1) lucky reader (US only)

● A Harlequin tote bag
● A Heroes and Heartbreakers tote bag
● THE EARL IS MINE by Kieran Kramer
● MIDNIGHT SPECIAL and COMING ON STRONG, (two novels in one) by Tawny Weber
● DANGEROUS REFUGE by Elizabeth Lowell (hardcover)
● THE MARRIAGE MERGER by Jennifer Probst
● IT HAD TO BE YOU by Jill Shalvis
● LYON'S BRIDE by Cathy Maxwell
● DON'T CRY FOR ME by Sharon Sala
● THE LAST VICTIM by Karen Robards
● WHAT THE DUKE DESIRES by Sabrina Jeffries
● THE ARRANGEMENT by Mary Balogh 

  
 Tour Dates:

August 19-
Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance

August 20-
The Romance Dish

August 21-
Ramblings From This Chick

August 22-
Romance Writer’s Revenge

August 23-
Jaunty Quills

August 26-
Get Lost In A Story

August 27-
Herding Cats and Burning Soup

August 28-
Cocktails and Books

August 29-
SOS Aloha

August 30-
Urban Girl Reader


Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Kieran (right) with Cathy Maxwell at the SOS Military Mixer
RT 2012 in Chicago