Saturday, September 4, 2010

Getting to know author Tina Donahue-CONTEST


To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

My latest release In His Arms came out yesterday – September 3. Here’s a blurb:

Owned by one man, loved by another. . .

Abducted and delivered into sexual slavery, Lori has surrendered her will in order to survive. For more than a decade, she’s been known as Summer, a lovely submissive, her owner’s possession until he gives her to his newest lieutenant, a mysterious man called RJ. Commanding and virile, RJ dominates without cruelty and possesses without threat, engendering a mixture of safety and passion. In his strong arms, Summer enjoys carnal pleasure she’s never known and tenderness she’s craved. In his heated gaze, she experiences a sense of recognition she doesn’t immediately understand until it proves dangerous in a way she could never have imagined. Bound by desire and their growing love, RJ traverses the shadowy world of human trafficking, risking all for Summer’s freedom only to learn she harbors a fateful secret that threatens to tear her from him, leading to an irrevocable event that risks both their lives.



What makes a book great in your eyes?

The emotional connection between the hero/heroine. Nothing can substitute for that – not a thrilling plot, beautiful narration, fresh descriptions, or all the steamy bed play in the world. If there isn’t that magical connection between lovers, if you – as a reader – isn’t rooting for them to be together forever, then the novel has failed to deliver all that it could.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I love to eat at Mexican restaurants…I could live off quesadillas, tostados and taco chips and hot sauce. I also love to shop…show me a sale at Macy’s and I’m in heaven.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I’m extremely shy. I don’t come off that way in interviews, on the phone, or in email. But basically, I hate to be the center of attention or to perform.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Wow – hard to say, there are so many places I’d love to live. But I guess if I had to pick one, it would be San Francisco. It’s so beautiful and has such history.

What authors are on your virtual or literal keeper shelf?

Another hard question! J On my short list would be Hilma Woltizer, Sol Stein, Dean Koontz, Cormac McCarthy, Patricia Grasso, Emma Holly, Lisa Plumley and Lawrence Sanders.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

In His Arms, my novel that was released yesterday. Not only is it intense and steamy, it has an incredibly moving and satisfying love story. No matter how many times I read it – and I’ve read it a lot during numerous drafts – I still cry at certain parts. I love that in a book…a story that makes me cry, laugh, sigh – one that engages me fully.

If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?

Hmmm, that’s difficult to say. Since In His Arms is suspenseful in many parts, moody music would probably be good. However, one song does stand out, in my mind, as to the connection between RJ and Summer (hero/heroine) and that would be the song How Do I Live Without You sung by LeAnn Rimes.


Which of your characters would you most likely fall for if they were real?

Probably RJ from In His Arms, an alpha male who’s a definite hunk – tattoos, muscles and all – but with a tenderness towards his lady that makes my toes curl.


Besides the bedroom, what's the sexiest part of your home in your opinion and why?

LOL – my living room – there I have a nice, comfy, LONG and BIG sofa, great for all kinds of fun.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently outlining and plotting my next erotic romance, and I’m also working on a synopsis for a scifi series I’ve been invited to participate in with a group of Ellora’s Cave authors.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was nine. I wrote and illustrated my first book at that age and made several copies, selling them around the neighborhood to my friends’ parents.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I don’t think it was an inspiration as much as a need. I’ve always had to write. I cannot stop writing. It’s so much a part of me, that without it, I think I’d cease to exist. It’s literally my soul.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I tend to be witty and irreverent in dialogue and I’ve been told by reviewers and fans that I have a great knack for building sexual tension in my stories.

How did you come up with the title for In His Arms?

For all my book titles, I first go to an internet website with popular songs and look at the titles or lyrics and play with them a bit, changing them to fit my plots and the overall mood of the book, whether it’s an erotic romance, an historical, or a romantic comedy. When one clicks and seems right, I use it.

Is there a message in your novel In His Arms that you want readers to grasp?

I hadn’t really thought of one, until you asked, but I guess the message would be – never give up. Evil exists, but it doesn’t win – love does.

How much of the book is realistic?

Very much. I thoroughly researched human trafficking and the locales of my story.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Here are my links:

Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com


Anything else you would like to add?

To celebrate the release of In His Arms, I’m hosting contests today and all month…for today’s contest, look at the end of this blog. For further information on my other contests, please click on this link for my virtual book tour: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/adored-book-tour/


Here’s an excerpt from In His Arms (when Summer first sees RJ, her new owner)

In the hall stood the man who’d spend the evening with her.
Involuntarily, her pulse jumped. Adrenaline accelerated her heart, driving pulsating warmth through her body at what she saw.
No more than early thirties and tall, probably six-three, he had a young man’s build—broad, muscular shoulders and a trim waist. Shoulder-length hair, shiny and clean, in a deep cocoa shade, matched his brows and shadow of beard. His sculpted mouth and straight nose added to his male beauty, though his eyes captured most of Summer’s attention.
An incredible bluish gray, they seemed translucent behind his sooty lashes, knowing, focused as he kept his attention on Hogan, speaking in low tones to him and to Farrell, another of Anthony’s men who’d escorted him to the suite.
Forgotten for the moment, Summer allowed her gaze to roam the stranger, dressed casually but expensively in a black leather coat reaching his knees, a dove gray crew-neck sweater, charcoal pants and dress boots. Sparks of interest stirred her heart, feeding her foolish fantasy that he was here to pick her up for their date. That she’d be safe in his arms, cherished, protected.
As if to contradict her thoughts, Hogan put his hand out to Farrell, palm up. His associate delivered a pistol, surely the stranger’s and unexpected. None of the other men who’d come here had given Farrell their weapons. Who was he? One of the lower-level cops Anthony had on his payroll? Summer glanced at his long hair. Did he work undercover in vice?
The weapon’s lengthy barrel glinted dully in the hallway light. “You won’t need this while you’re here,” Hogan said to the stranger. With the gun at his side, he stepped back and went into the suite’s spare bedroom.
The stranger spoke in a low voice to Farrell, his full attention on him, not her. His manner suggesting assurance he’d do as he pleased during the coming hours. There was no reason to rush or to inspect the goods.
Clients knew Anthony provided the best. His girls were young, disease-free and healthy, not allowed to smoke or to drink. Nor did he permit any use of drugs. The girls he owned had clear minds. Only in their thoughts could they escape these evenings, pretending their ‘dates’ looked like this man—remarkably handsome and virile.
The dull sound of metal hitting metal came from the bedroom, telling Summer Hogan had closed the wall safe with the pistol safely inside.
Back in the living room, he spoke to Farrell. “Find anything interesting on him?”
The overhead light glanced off Farrell’s lightly freckled forehead and auburn hair. The collar of his tailor-made dress shirt seemed too small for his thick neck, his fair skin chafing red beneath it. “Nope,” Farrell said. “He’s clean. No wires.”
A sound of disgust escaped the newcomer. “This is how I’m treated when I saved Mr. Karam’s life?”
Summer’s brows lifted slightly at the sensuous rumble of his deep voice and his words. He’d saved Anthony? When? From what?
Hogan smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes. They turned hard, wary. “We’re not about to take any chances on you being a fed. You’re not, are you?”
The stranger held Hogan’s gaze, his expression sizing up the shorter man, his expression saying he wasn’t impressed. “Not in this life. Am I coming inside or not? Don’t waste my time.”
“Never,” Hogan replied solicitously, gesturing him into the room.
Just past the door, the newcomer stopped and glanced over, catching Summer watching him.
A jolt of embarrassment overcame her. She blushed helplessly. The warmth grew, flowing from her chest to her cheeks. She wanted to turn away from him, to hide her obvious discomfort. She wanted to keep pretending she was a normal woman, one he’d met at a nightclub or through friends.
His presence and this hotel suite precluded that.
As though he’d read her thoughts—or noticed her reddened cheeks—something flickered across his handsome face. Surprise that she’d blushed? Disappointment that she wasn’t the kind of woman he would ever want?
More embarrassment flooded her, replaced quickly by unease. Her belly clenched at what his refusal of her would mean when Anthony found out. He’d accuse her of making him look the fool. Afraid of the consequences, Summer knew she should flirt outrageously with the stranger to change his mind about her, an easy role to play with such a beautiful man.
Inexplicably, his good looks and the expectation of Anthony’s punishment changed nothing. She remained rooted to the spot, staring at his eyes, held by them.
Again, something registered in his gaze. He broke it in what seemed a deliberate manner. Glancing down, he took in her full length, his eyes touching her breasts plumped by the dress’ sweetheart neckline, her narrow waist, the way the garment hugged her hips, its stretchy material revealing the soft swell of her mound.
His expression remained unreadable, refusing to tell her what he thought. And then he looked up, his eyes unexpectedly direct, appraising.
Summer’s mouth went dry at his scrutiny, or rather the sudden familiarity of it. As though she’d faced him before tonight and had worried at the time that he would reject her.
She thought back to the parties at Anthony’s compound. Had she seen him there, even fleetingly? No. She would have recalled. He wasn’t the kind of man a woman would forget. Her tattered nerves must be playing tricks on her mind.
Eyes on him, she watched as he shrugged out of his coat and tossed it on the leather chair closest to him. The soft fabric of his sweater rippled over his broad chest with each breath. Glancing lower, she studied the prominent bulge behind his fly.


To celebrate the release of In His Arms, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:

1. Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
2. Adored – ebook
3. Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
4. Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
5. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
6. Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks

28 comments:

SiNn said...

oh wow congrats on ur new book! Awesome post


loved the blurb cant wait to read this book too


mortalsinn yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Congrats Tina! This is gonna be another must read.

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks for having me today, Dawn!

Ladies - be sure to leave a comment - as little as a 'hi' 'hey' or 'hello' and you're entered to win one of my back titles!! :)

Paris said...

Congratulations on the new release, Tina! Best wishes for many happy sales, which, after reading this interview and excerpt, I predict will be many:-)

Hugs,
Paris

Paris said...

Congratulations on your new release, Tina! I loved the interview and excerpt. Best wishes for many happy sales!

Hugs,
Paris

Paris said...

Congratulations on the new release, Tina. Best wishes for many happy sales, which after reading this interview and excerpt, I predict is a pretty sure thing:-)

Hugs,
Paris

Paris said...

Congratulations on your new release, Tina! Best wishes for many happy sales:-)

Hugs,
Paris

Krista Plott said...

Hi Tina, great interview and congrats on your new release, it sounds very good, can't wait to get it. I also just have to say that ALL your book covers are HOT, i love them!!

Krista
kkplott@yahoo.com

Fedora said...

Hi, Tina! Great to read your interview today! And our family loves Mexican food, too--we're thinking of trying a new Mexican grocery today, in fact ;) Chips and guac and salsa, here we come!

Unknown said...

Congrats Tina!! I can't wait to read In His Arms next!

Hugs, Christine

chirth7@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new release and thanks for being here. I enjoyed the interview! Nope, you certainly don't come over shy....lol!!

Valerie
in Germany

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new release, Tina. In His Arms sounds really good. Can hardly wait to read it.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

excellent excerpt as always, Tina! Congrats on the release!

Sarah J. McNeal said...

Tina. I already know I'm going to love the book In His Arms. I love that you told where you get your title ideas. I wish you all the best and much success.
Sarah McNeal

Tina Donahue said...

Hey, SiNn, Amber, Paris, Krista, flchen, Christine, Valerie and Patsy - thanks so much for dropping by!! Glad you liked the excerpt and yeah - that is one hot cover. Gotta love Jimmy. He never disappoints! :)

Cathy M said...

I see a couple of your books here that I would love to read. Congrats Tina.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Jane said...

Congrats on the new release, Tina. I agree with you about San Francisco. That city is on the top of my list to move to.

Jennifer Mathis said...

congrats on the new book

meandi09@yahoo.com

Tina Donahue said...

Hi, Cindy, Sarah, Cathy, Jane, Jennifer!! Thanks for all your kind comments! :)

LORETTA CANTON said...

Good luck with the book. I'm putting it on my TBB list.

loretta
lbcanton@verizon.net

Unknown said...

Great Expert and congrats on the new book :)

Tamsyn said...

Congrats on the new release! Great post and I love the excerpt! Looking forward to the book.

tamsyn5@yahoo.com

Tina Donahue said...

Hi, Loretta, Rasha, Tamsyn!! Appreciate you coming by! Good luck in the drawing. :)

Linda Henderson said...

Congratulations on your new release. I would love to read this book.

seriousreader at live dot com

Carol L. said...

Congrats Tina on your new release. I've loved all the excerpts on this tour. I look forward to reading more about RJ and Summer.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Gabrielle Lee said...

Great interview. Congrats on the release of the new book.

Gabrielle
meingee@yahoo.com

booklover0226 said...

Tina, I've enjoyed your other works and know I'll enjoy In His Arms; I'm buying it today!

Congrats on your latest release.

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

Tina Donahue said...

I want to thank everyone who came by and got to know me a bit better. And I'd now like to announce the winner of my contest.

And it is (drum roll please)

Linda Henderson!! Yay Linda!!

I'll be contacting you for your prize shortly. :)