Monday, September 10, 2012

Blog Tour: Interview and Giveaway w/ Soraya Lane! (INT)


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, SORAYA! :)
RT award winning author Soraya Lane describes being an author as a dream come true. An avid book reader and writer since her childhood, Soraya now divides her time between writing, being a mom and caring for the many animals on her small farm in New Zealand.

In addition to young adult fiction, Soraya also writes contemporary adult romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon. For more information about all her books visit www.sorayalane.com or follow her on twitter @Soraya_Lane.
 
 
Where to Find Soraya:



~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
 
The_Book_Queen: Hi Soraya! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Soraya: I’m a busy author, wife and mom to our son and fur babies! We have a 19-month old toddler, two gorgeous dogs, four horses and three hens. I absolutely adore animals, and feel very blessed to live on a small farm and be able to work from home. 


TBQ: Your newest release, Change recently came out. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?

S: Change was a very exciting book for me to work on, because it’s so different to what I usually write. I’ve had some great reviews over the past month, and I think most readers are loving the romance between Riley and Hunter. Romance is what I love to write, and this book might be paranormal but the romance is definitely the most important part of the story. So if you love young adult romance, I think you’ll like this book. (I cannot wait to read it, the snippet below was not nearly enough to satisfy! :D)


TBQ: Change is your first foray into YA. Are there other genres you would like to write about, or are you happy with what you are currently doing?

S: Yes, Change is my debut YA book. I love writing both contemporary adult romance and YA romance, so I’m happy with what I’m currently doing. I am planning on publishing a sequel to Change as well as a novella for the series within the next 9-12 months, and I can’t wait!




 
TBQ: Did you find that after writing romance novels for Harlequin, writing a YA novel was difficult? Easier? Just plain different? :)
S: You know, it was different but the same. Certain aspects were tougher – like the paranormal aspects – and the romance was still tough but it was something I had more experience with.
 
TBQ: I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?
S: Argh, so hard! Here are some of my all-time favorite authors, those that I will auto buy their new books when they’re released: Nalini Singh (paranormal romance), Stephanie Meyer (I loved her adult novel, and adored Twilight), Harlan Coben (thriller/crime), Nora Roberts… I could go on forever! (Oh, love Nalini's, and The Host was great; Nora will always be my first--she brought me into romance and she helps to keep me coming back!)
 
 
TBQ: Have you ever fallen for a hero, either from one of your books or from another author? If so, who is he and what drew you to him?

S: I often fall in love with Nalini Singh’s heroes – she writes gorgeous, paranormal alpha heroes. I adored Hawke from her Psy/Changeling series. For me to fall in love with a hero, he has to be strong yet kind, capable of protecting his girl, and obviously gorgeous to look at J (I agree!)
 
TBQ: What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?
S: I have a contemporary adult novella coming out in October, The Navy SEAL’s Promise, which will be a kindle only ebook release. As I mentioned earlier, I’m planning on writing a sequel to Change very shortly, which will begin with Riley finishing school and moving in with the shifter pack, plus I’m also working on a novella for the series. This will be Hunter’s brother, Archer’s story. So lots going on in my writing cave! (And I look forward to every book!)
SPEED ROUND:
 
A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa? Easy choice, the island.

 
Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one? Depends on the mood, but I do love a really good sweet romance.

 
Hot summer days OR cold winter nights? Summer. We’re just emerging from a long, cold winter here!

 
Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness? Nestled in the mountains. I love to be surrounded by nature.

 
If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be? I think the 60s sounded like a lot of fun, but I think we do romanticize the past too much sometimes.

 
Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan? Cover!
 
And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:
 
Hmmm, tricky.
  • I can’t go a day without eating a decent amount of chocolate/something sweet.
  • I treat my son’s soft toys like they’re real, just like I did when I was a little girl – I feel bad if I drop them even though I know it’s completely stupid! And finally, you’re all going to laugh at this one…
  • I’m so obsessed with fake tan that I purchased a full spray tan machine and make my poor husband spray me every week!!
 
 
The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Soraya, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)
 
Soraya: I’d like to know what you like in a hero. What makes your heart beat faster and keeps you thinking about him long after a book or tv show finishes?




~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Change by Soraya Lane
Publisher: Soraya Lane (July 6, 2012)
Genre: YA Fantasy


When her twin sister dies of a mysterious heart condition, Riley King is sent to her grandma’s ranch. But instead of the isolation she’s been aching for, she learns of a family secret that’s been deliberately kept from her, until now.

As if finding out she’s actually a leopard wasn't enough shock for one vacation, Riley meets Hunter Logan … the guy she’s promised to. For life. But Riley has no intention of being told what to do by anyone, certainly not some stubborn, dominant shifter. Even if he can make her purr, her claws are slicing out. Until Riley realizes that not fulfilling her destiny would commit her sister to a life on the other side without her ...  
 
   
 Where to Buy*:
Kindle (exclusive)
More Info:
Add it on GoodReads!




Change by  Soraya Lane
Excerpt

Hunter inched closer, until he was bent over, a hand resting on either side of her, his face hovering above hers.
 “I want you.”   
Her pulse started its frantic pace. “You do?”
Now it was him laughing at her. “Could I make it any more obvious?”
She looked up hopefully, wishing he’d show her. That he’d do something to make her believe him. That he wasn’t just saying it because he felt he had to. Because they were meant to be together, to like one another.
Hunter’s lips fell to her forehead. She tilted her face up to him, wishing he’d just kiss her properly. She’d dreamt of kissing him again, of his lips on hers, of them pressing against hers over and over again until he couldn’t kiss her anymore.
His hands were still planted on the leather seat on either side of her. She could feel him tense as he moved further forward, thrust his body so it fit snug against hers.
“Riley.” He whispered her name. She watched the shape of each syllable play over his mouth.
His lips came swiftly towards her then, met hers firmly yet softly all at the same time. Riley sighed into his mouth as he kissed her, as his mouth grazed hers.
 “What do we have here?”
Hunter’s lips left hers as quickly as they’d found them. She watched him snap up straight, his stance angry.
There were three guys standing near them, two eyeing his motorcycle, the one who was speaking looking straight at her. They’d both been so distracted they hadn’t noticed them approach.
It didn’t feel good. Fear touched every inched of her skin.    
 “Hunter,” she whispered, loud enough for only him to hear.
He raised his hand in her direction, the smallest of movements. She bit the inside of her mouth so hard she tasted blood.
Hunter’s body was angled toward the men. He looked like he was going to kill them. His back was straight, feet planted evenly apart, eyes flashing with anger, with a wildness that she hadn’t seen before.
Riley almost swallowed her tongue she gulped so hard. He could kill them, all three at once, if he changed. Could wipe the smirks off their faces quicker than they could run. But she didn’t want that.
 “We don’t want any trouble.” Hunter kept his voice even. Steady. Just like his stance.
The guys snickered. “Yeah?” said the one who’d spoken first.
Hunter stood tall, eyes fixed on the guy who appeared to be the leader. “I think it’s time you moved on.”
That only made them come closer.
“Hunter, let’s just go,” she said.
“Listen to the girl,” one of the guy’s taunted.
“No!” The word hissed from her as Hunter launched at them.
She was scared he was going to change, but his control was faultless. He grabbed the first guy in a movement so fast he didn’t even see it coming, then slammed him into the ground. She could see how tight he was holding him, knew he could snap his neck in an instant if wanted to. If he let himself go.
Hunter’s foot kept him pressed face down while he stared at the other two. She watched the animal within him flicker, could almost hear the growl echoing in his chest.
 “I think it’s time you went home.” His voice was cool.
The other two men disappeared. Hunter let his foot go and gave the guy on the ground a shove forward. “You too.”
Riley was too shocked to move. Hunter pulled her arms up and helped her into his jacket.
“Riley, let’s go.”
She took his hand as he pulled her up, let her head fall back as he planted a rough kiss to her lips, before dropping his helmet gently on her head.
 “They’ll be back soon, with more guys and tire irons,” he said grimly. “I’d rather not change and take them all. Not here.”
All she could do was nod, even as he lifted her off the pavement and put her on his motorcycle.
Hunter stood back then, eyeing her. She watched as he rocked back on his feet, eyes set softly on hers. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” He looked guilty. “I didn’t scare you, did I?”
Riley shook her head. The situation had scared her, but Hunter hadn’t. All she’d know for sure was that Hunter wouldn’t let them hurt so much as a hair on her head, and he’d been more in control than she’d expected he could be. Given the threat.
A sad look passed over his face, one she couldn’t read.
 “I know I look like the bad guy, Riley, but I’m not.” He gave her a wry smile, shuffled his boots before meeting her eyes again. “I’m the good guy here. I would never, ever hurt you.”
Riley’s face flushed hot. “I know.” Her voice came out as barely a whisper. “I know.”

 
 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
 
 ONE lucky commenter will win an e-copy of Change! (Open INT)


How to Enter:
1) Please leave a comment on this post--answer Soraya's question or ask her one! [Mandatory]
2) Please include your email address at the bottom of your comment (this allows us to contact you if you win!) [Mandatory]


Giveaway ends September 17th! UPDATED: Giveaway ends September 20!* Winner will be picked via Random.org and announced on 9/18--Good Luck!
 
*Since I've been having issues with comments on the blog (not showing up, not allowing people to post, etc), I'm switching to Disqus for comments. This will take a few days to completely switch over and show the old comments, etc. So I'm extending the giveaway to allow time for anyone who tried to enter but couldn't to do so now!

 

*WINNER: MELODY M!*

 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 Thank you for stopping by today, Soraya! :) I really enjoyed reading more about you and your books-- I cannot wait to read them, both your romance novels and Change!


Don't forget Soraya's question!
 I’d like to know what you like in a hero. What makes your heart beat faster and keeps you thinking about him long after a book or tv show finishes?
 

 

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
Photobucket
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

6 comments :

Soraya Lane - Romance Author said...

Thanks so much for having me here! Soraya xxoo

Em said...

This sounds like a fantastic read, very intrigued. Can't wait to read.

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, I sooo want to read this one! Is it only going to be Kindle (like, forever?).

Enjoy!
TBQ

Soraya Lane - Romance Author said...

I'd like to say it will be available in print one day, but I can't guarantee it! I'm working on it though...

Em, thanks for your comment.

Soraya

Rashda Khan said...

Yum! Can't wait to read more :)

What made you decide to self-publish rather than go the more traditional route?

Rashda
@SpiceBites

Melody May said...

I love when a hero is handsome and daring. Where he is willing to do whatever it takes to win his love.

countessofmar@yahoo.com