Welcome to Kimberly Killion's guest blog

Welcome Ms. Kimberly Killion to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.
I'm the one who needs to thank you for having me here today. So, THANK YOU! :) I hope you enjoy the interview. I'll be at your beck and call for questions, so fire away.

What is your favorite part of being a writer?
As the heroine, I get to fall in love. As the hero, I get to be strong, handsome, flirtatious, witty… As the villain, I get to be sadistic and twisted. And as the author, I get to play with people’s lives, make them cry, make them laugh, make them fall in love. And if I’m lucky, I might just inspire one person—the reader.

Least favorite?
Getting started. It is difficult for me to type those first words. As a writer you fear starting in the wrong spot or loosing your reader before they get to page 2. Otherwise, I love it!

Who has inspired you as a writer?
Dr. Krantz. He was my college mythology teacher. I was working toward a Bachelor in Fine Arts when I discovered I had to take an elective. I pulled “Mythology” out of a hat, and it was there I found Dr. Krantz. The book wasn’t Romeo and Juliet, as you might suspect, but Dante’s Inferno-a Divine Comedy indeed. Talk about an intriguing read. Sure, I bought Cliffs Notes—I was eighteen. With a three-hour block of nude figure drawing and rocks to sculpt, who has time to read? Well, I read it. Cover to cover, after which, I read Oedipus, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and a few other Greek tragedies. I walked away with a love for all things tragic, passionate, and historic. I moved on from the ancient authors of yesteryear and became engrossed in the writings of Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, and Gaelen Foley—just to name a few.

What would you like to tell aspiring writers?
Perseverance. If you want it bad enough, it will happen. You must continue to learn. Find a critique partner or group. I found it easier to learn the craft of writing from reading ‘bad writing’ vs. ‘good writing’. Join online writer’s group and take classes. Read all the How-to books and never, under any circumstances should you ever give up.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Dedicated. Determined. And if you ask anyone who knows me, they might tell you I’m a wee bit wowf.

Get to know Kimberly in 10 easy sentences...
I am: Woman, hear me roar.
I love: My life and my family…and coffee!
I dream: Actually, I don’t. I sleep so very little that when I do hit the pillow, I fall into this peaceful place of complete nothingness. And I can be there roughly 4.5 seconds after I hit that pillow.
I wish: I never had to shave my legs again.
I pretend: I’m thin.
I fear: Failure and balloons
I appreciate: Published authors who help those of us who are new to the world of publishing.
I read: Historicals. Anything by Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, Connie Mason…
I want: To start a new saying, “Get wowf!” (Scottish slang for Get crazy!)
I cannot live without: Chocolate
I am happy when: I’m being creative, whether that’s designing or writing.
I would like to meet: My characters in real life.
I am annoyed by: Noise

Thank you for having me here today, and I hope you'll check out my award-winning novel,
HIGHLAND DRAGON
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Release Date: October 2009
Pages: 35
6ISBN-10: 1420104411



BLURB:
A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

"Fascinating…well-crafted romance. The appeal of Killion's characters comes from their honor, intelligence and humanity."–Romantic Times, 4-star review


A Snippet
KISSING THE DRAGON

He stroked her lips open with his thumb. "I have a boon or two of my own I'd like ye to

agree upon before I take ye as my lady wife."
Akira remained compliant.

"Ye will allow me to kiss ye every morn..." He kissed her bottom lip. "And every eve..." He

kissed her top lip. "And anytime I feel the need to press your sweet lips to mine." With

this request, he tilted his head and flicked his tongue in her mouth. She jerked, but he

held her firmly until she returned his kiss with equal abandon.

He forced himself away, but lingered on the pulse in her neck still beating wildly against

his lips. "Will ye agree to my conditions as I have agreed to yours?" he whispered in her

ear, waiting for her to catch her breath.

"'Tis all ye ask of me?"

"For the nonce."

"Do I have to return your kisses?"

"Aye." Calin nearly laughed.

"I'll do my best to honor your boon, m'laird."

Visit Kimberly Killion’s website for contests, excerpts and more: www.kimberlykillion.com

DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS by Lynsay Sands

Published: Avon
Date published: February 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-134477-0
Historical Medieval Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Pam



Lady Evelinde d’Aumesbery would do almost anything to get away from her evil stepmother Edda, but when Edda announces she’s arranged a marriage to the Devil of Donnachaidh, Evelinde realizes how much the woman hates her. She takes her horse for a ride, hoping to get the idea of what it means from her head, but it is the stranger who kisses her who takes her worry away. When she discovers the stranger is the Devil, she begins to think, perhaps marriage to him wouldn’t be too bad.
Cullen is surprised to find the woman he met beside the stream is his future bride. His idea of marriage had been only for the sake of begetting an heir, but the chemistry between them was instant, pleasing him. He is worried about her not obeying his orders, but finds her intriguing and comely, plus feisty in bed.
He doesn’t talk much and she wants to know more about him, especially about the deaths in his family. When she begins asking too many questions, strange accidents start to happen around her, making Cullen and the guards assigned to her nervous.

Lynsay Sands has managed to make an un-communicative hero, into a romantic knight of old. The Devil is courageous, handsome, a romantic and knows how to please a woman. His heroine Evelinde, is beautiful, nosey, determined and delightfully naïve. Woven into this delightfully different romance is a murder mystery that creates a dark suspense, as the reader waits for the murderer to jump out of the shadows. The only flaw was a hero who hardly ever talked, as for this reviewer he was a little too quiet for the romance to be woven in as part of the tale.
With such a garrulous, intelligent heroine, his inability to talk with her spoilt the love scenes as we don’t learn how he feels from grunts. He needed a shake up early in the book, it made the book feel more like a suspense/murder than a delightful romance most of the time.
The characters were all well drawn, although I must confess to hoping Tavis with his womanizing ways would get his come-uppance. But perhaps he’s to be in another story, which I shall look forward to reading.

MASTER OF TORMENT Blood Sword Legacy Book 2 by Karin Tabke

Publisher: Pocket
Date published: December 2008
ISBN: 978-1416555032
Historical Romance / Medieval
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Danny



Wulfson is King William’s loyal captain and his loyalty knows no bounds, even when he is sent out to kill a “murderous” widow, who is also the granddaughter of one of Williams’ greatest enemies. But when he comes eye to eye with Tarian he knows that he will never be able to kill this brave but tortured woman. And as if the situation is not complicated enough with his honor and her life at stake, suddenly her Welsh relatives and as well as the uncle of her late husband complicate the situation even more. Will there be a way to solve this political intrigue without Wulfson having to follow the king’s order?

Ms. Tabke is the medieval romance newcomer of the year 2008. Her storytelling reminds me of the bards of old times. She absolutely draws her readers into her story and enchants them not only with the detail-rich description but also with her unique characters who worm their way into your hearts. It is absolutely fascinating to see how such a strong hero like Wulfson falls under the spell of the equally strong Tarian. Their tale is very emotional and had me near tears while reading, which is something that doesn't happen very often.
MASTER OF TORMENT is the second book of Ms. Tabke’s Blood Sword Legacy series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Although I can promise you that her storytelling is addictive and you will hurry to get the first book.
I can highly recommend this book to all fans for medieval romances and I recommend to keep an eye on this author, because she is the fastest rising star in the medieval genre.

HIS WOMAN by Diana Cosby

Publisher Kensington
Date published December 2008
ISBN
Historical Romance / Medieval
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Danny



Three years ago Lady Isabel broke Duncan MacGruder’s heart when she ended their engagement to become the Earl of Frayser’s mistress. So she is the woman he really never wants to see again, but he promised her dying brother to keep her safe. What he doesn’t know is that she didn’t willingly end their relationship; it was the only way to save her father. She still loves him, but will those two have a second chance for their love or are the intrigues around them stronger?

With HIS WOMAN, Ms. Cosby has written another intriguing and absolutely spellbinding novel. She takes her readers on a journey back in time to Medieval Scotland with all of the vivid details she writes about. Duncan is the perfect Highland warrior, strong and stubborn, but he has also a caring and soft side to him. At first the reader wants to wring Isabel’s neck because of the way she made Duncan suffer when she ended her engagement. However, as soon as the reader gets to know her better you see behind the façade and see the reasons for her actions. Duncan is a man of honor who keeps his promise to Symon, Isabel’s dying brother, no matter his hard feelings toward her. Both Isabel and Duncan are in for quite some surprises and dangers as the story goes on.

HIS WOMAN is the sequel to HIS CAPTIVE and I can tell you that there will be more MacGruder stories. I can hardly wait to read them. Ms. Cosby is definitely an author to keep an eye on, especially if you like hunky and sexy Highlanders.

Welcome to Lindsay Townsend's guestblog!

Welcome Ms. Townsend to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.


Did you always want to become a writer?

I’ve always made up stories, even as a child. Things developed gradually over the years and I eventually found myself wanting to work harder at it and try to write for a living.


What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

The most interesting fact, or facts, is discovering my characters as I write about them. The least, for me, is spell-checking!


How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

I think I jumped about and squealed a bit, and the publisher sent me flowers, but I don’t think I’ve ever developed a ritual. Seeing one of my books in a store is a mixed blessing – it’s good to see it there, but I also want to strangle anyone who walks out without buying one.


How did your family react to fact that you also write romance novels? Have your family read your books?

They’ve got used to it, and my husband has always been a helpful reader and critic. As for others, some have read my books and some don’t go for romance much anyway.


Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?

I read a lot, especially when I’m not writing, and it’s often thrillers or spooky material - Dean Koontz, John Grisham, Lee Child and so on – though I did grow up with ‘Rebecca’ and the romantic suspense novels of Phyllis Whitney. I’m not sure if any have influenced my writing: I try to make my writing distinct.


Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?

Sometimes my characters come into my mind while I’m asleep. I use aspects of real people but never a ‘whole’ person.

Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

From the characters themselves and their loves, secrets and fears. From the setting. From watching real people. From asking myself the question, “What if?”

Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?

Only if I’m out of sorts.

What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?

I have a particular affection for my first published novel, “Voices in the Dark”, because it was my first published novel. It’s a dark romantic suspense.

My favourite hero – Gosh! That’s difficult. I love all my men for different reasons. Marcus of his strength and compassion. Guillelm for his power and honour. Roberto for his sexy singing voice and personality. Fearn for his healing and patience and massive abilities… I can’t choose, sorry!

My favourite heroine – equally tricky. I love Sarmatia for her vulnerability and stubbornness. Flavia for her quick wit and compassion. Julia for her passion. Melissa for her joie de vivre. Strangely, the heroine I had most fun writing is my most amoral: an ambitious, dangerous, tricky, vengeful but caring princess called Ahhotpe from my ancient Egyptian epic, “BLUE GOLD.”

Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?

All were both hard and easy to write at different points. I always find the endings tough.

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

Sarmatia. I’d love to be able to bull leap and to have mystical connections with animals.

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

Today it would be Catherine of Aragon. I’d take some modern drugs with me so that hopefully some of her sons by Henry VIII survived.

Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

Yes, sometimes. I tend to have a regular CD which I keep coming back to as I write a particular book. I’m having a Philip Glass period at the moment, the violin concerto and some other pieces.

If you could choose one of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you pick as the cast?

“A KNIGHT’S VOW,” would make a wonderful movie, I think. Sadly I would have liked Heath Ledger in the role of Guillelm, and Natalie Portman as Alyson.

Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?

I’m working on my third “knight” book for Kensington books. It’s called A KNIGHT’S ALCHEMY, and it’s set in the west of England in 1214. It features a female alchemist, Joanna, who has a deadly secret, and Hugh Manhill, a tourney knight, who will stop at almost nothing in order to rescue his brother, including taking Joanna as his prisoner….

Thank you for having me along today at the Love Romances Café Blog!

Warmest wishes,

Lindsay

I leave you with a scene from my forthcoming medieval historical romance, A Knight's Captive, where the hero Marc acts as a hero should and rescues the heroine, Sunniva:

"Rot in hell and back!" Marc bawled, bringing his sword round in a close, lethal arc that raised sparks on the bastard's belt buckle and rent a bloody welt across his chest. "No sanctuary here - you are dead!"

He stamped on the jerking creature and raised his sword, aiming for the heart, when a low moan beside him had him tumbling to his knees to guard her. At the same instant, her two attackers crawled away, stumbling through the door and out.

Marc let them go. Dropping his sword, he gathered Sunniva into his arms, whispering over and over in Breton, "You are alive. Safe. Safe, my angel. Safe."

He had been so afraid she was harmed that having her trembling but whole beneath his hands was overwhelming. Tears stormed into his eyes, swiftly followed by rage.

Where was her father? Her brothers? Where were the useless escorts, meant to protect?

"Hush, hush," he crooned, rocking her back and forth as he struggled to keep his own grief and anger in check.

He dared not look at her too closely while he had tears in his eyes and looked so unmanned, but the warrior's sense in him told him she was not fatally hurt in the flesh. He could smell no blood or sickness on her and though she shook, she did not grimace or writhe in pain.

The injury to herself, however: her integrity, trust, humor, spirit - Marc furiously blinked away the moisture in his eyes as he prayed that Sunniva would soon recover and forget.

"King Christ, ruler of heaven, let her not be afflicted by night terrors, as my poor Isabella is. Let her know peace."

He should be raising the alarm, since none of the other fools of the pilgrim party seemed to have realized yet that anything was amiss. He should be returning to his own three. In a breath, his memory went back to the fire that had carried off his elder brother Roland and his wife: on that dreadful night he had cradled his niece Alde in his arms, even as he was now clutching Sunniva; he remembered how his and Alde's tears had mingled as they clung to each other.

Sunniva did not cling. She was still too stunned to do anything save take great gasping breaths and shiver. There was a dark, welling bruise on the left side of her cheek and her eye was puckering, threatening to close altogether. Tears had streamed down her face; he saw them glistening near her nose and quivering lips. Such a red, soft mouth -

"Do you hurt anywhere else?" he asked softly, relieved when she shook her head. Longing to wipe away her tears, he held her close.


Contest:

One lucky blogger will win a signed copy of A Knight's vow, so stop by and say hello to Lindsay and ask her a question. The winner will be announced here tomorrow morning.