Name Before the Masses Tour: Interview with Isabo Kelly!

Isabo Kelly is the award-winning, best-selling author of multiple fantasy, science-fiction and paranormal romances and erotic romances. She regularly publishes articles on the craft of writing and the writer’s life and has taught various workshops on world-building (which she claims is a lot more fun than teaching classes on dissecting insect mouth parts).

Reviewers have called Isabo’s books “Hot, hot, hot…”, “sexy, fun…”, “fast-paced, page turning…” and “Beautifully romantic…Isabo Kelly is one author you should add to your auto buy list.”

Her gypsy soul has taken her around the world, including Hawaii where she got her B.A. and worked with dolphins and Ireland where she got her Ph.D. in animal behavior watching deer. Now she’s a stay-at-home mom and a full time writer living in New York City with her brilliant Irish husband, her son and their mad dog.

Isabo's Current Releases:

Where to Find Isabo: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Email

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TBQ: Let us begin with the typical question: Who is Isabo Kelly? Please tell my readers a little bit about yourself (no cutting and pasting from your bio, please!)

Isabo: LOL. Well, I grew up in Las Vegas of all places, determined I’d go on to work with dolphins (as you do when you grow up in a desert), moved to Hawaii for college, which was awesome, and actually got to work with dolphins. Hawaii was where I first really started writing regularly and even submitted my first few short stories to magazines. You’d think working with dolphins would be enough to keep me well entertained, but I actually found I needed another challenge.

So off I moved back to the US, worked with sharks (also fun), almost got my finger bitten by a little nurse shark while doing a TV spot (my mother still scolds me for this because she was watching and screaming at the TV as it was happening), and discovered Romance novels. I also started my first fantasy romance at this stage. 


Then I toddled off to Germany, then to Ireland for graduate school (watching deer mate this time), and met my future husband (that’s a story in itself). I also managed to get my first novel published during my Ph.D. work. After all of that, I realized the only job I’d never gotten bored with was writing. Though, I still gravitate toward travel adventures (my toddler is great on airplanes because he’s been flying since he was 3 months old). 

TBQ: I see that you have been to many different places, including German and Ireland (I'm very envious about this one!). Do you have a favorite? Is there a place you haven't been to, but you are dying to see?

Isabo: I’m not sure if I can claim to have a favorite place because I loved a lot of the places I’ve visited, but I like to think of Dublin as my adopted home town. I loved living in Ireland a lot. But it’s kind of expensive and it rains a lot! I adore Italy too, especially Florence. And I always have time to visit Paris and Vienna.

As far as places I’m dying to see, oh there are lots. I’d love to get to India at some stage. And my husband and I are talking about Istanbul in 2013 as a possible holiday destination. Actually, I have a list around here somewhere of the places I want to visit. It’s several pages long.

OH! And if they make space tourism affordable in my lifetime, I am so going to the moon! I don’t care if I’m a hundred years old, I am gonna be on that tour!

TBQ: You've written a variety of novels, including paranormal , fantasy and science fiction. Which is your favorite genre to write about?


Isabo: This is so standard, but whatever genre I happen to be writing in at any given moment is my favorite. I know, I know. But actually, I love all of these subgenres a lot, both reading them and writing in them, so it really just depends. The one thing I like the most about fantasy, though, is that I get to make everything up. When I really feel the need to develop a world from the ground up with no actual connection to Earth, I dive into fantasy worlds. That’s great fun.

But then there are the spaceships…

TBQ: Would you (or have you already) considered writing any other genres (for example, historical or erotica?)


Isabo: I’d consider writing in any other genre where I got a good idea for a story. Thrillers appeal to me (and my mom would love that since that and mystery are her favorite genres). I’d consider historicals because I love to read them, but I don’t think I have the right voice for a historical novel. I’ve written erotic romance and have considered writing more straightforward erotica, but I waver on that one. I love the genre, but I’m not sure I could write in it for very long. Maybe one day.

I try not to discount anything because I just never know where my imagination might take me. I used to say I’d never write a horror novel because I’d scare myself too much, but I’ve even been considering a good old fashioned horror book lately. LOL. See, can’t discount anything. (Although, I probably won’t be able to sleep if I write a horror novel. Or climb into bed normally—I’d have to leap from a foot away so the monsters under the bed don’t get me!)

TBQ: Your newest release, Brightarrow Burning, has been out for a few months now. But for those of us not yet familiar with it, tell us a little bit about it—in your own words. Why will my readers love it? :D

Isabo: Brightarrow Burning is a dark, angsty, emotional romp through the war torn city of Sinnale. Okay, romp is probably the wrong word. *g* It’s a sexy high fantasy story about a heroine caught up in a war and forced to distrust the man she’s loved for years because he’s an elf and his brother is officially on the wrong side of the conflict. My elf hero, Ulric, is super sexy and strong and will do anything for the heroine, Layla. Layla would love nothing more than to spend her days and nights in bed with Ulric, but she can’t trust him because of his brother. And if he turns out to be a traitor, she’d be risking more than her own life. She’s strong and conflicted, he’s gorgeous and protective. And they have a lot to overcome before they get their happily ever after—including actually staying alive.

TBQ: I know author's always hate this question, but I have to ask: where do you get the inspiration for your books? For example, Brightarrow Burning?

Isabo: LOL, you know why authors hate this question? It’s so hard to answer! I’m like most authors, though, I get my ideas from everywhere. The idea for Brightarrow Burning actually came to me while I was trying to think of an idea. A former editor asked me if I could write a story for her as a contingency to not getting all the stories due for a particular project. Before answering the email, I let my imagination go and figured it would be fun to work in a fantasy world again so it’d be nice if I had an idea along those lines. But I wasn’t really trying to think of anything specific, just let my mind do its thing in the background while I finished cleaning out my inbox. Then I got this snippet of dialogue. That snippet became the opening of Brightarrow Burning and the idea just grew from that.

More than once I’ve been working on a book and a secondary character jumps up and says, “I need a story now!” The initial idea for my very first published novel (The Promise of Kierna’Rhoan) came to me in a dream. And I got an idea for another science fiction romance (Marshall’s Guard) while I was half-napping, half-listening to Futurama. See, these ideas come from all over the place! It’s actually a little crazy. I’d be willing to bet a non-writer would consider a writer’s mind a scary place to visit.

TBQ: When sitting down to write, do you have any rituals or quirky things that you have to do, either before writing or during the process?


Isabo: My first reaction to this question is to say no, I don’t have any rituals. I really don’t. I don’t have a consistent enough writing schedule (and haven’t ever in my writing career) to be able to develop actual rituals to get me started. But, over the last few years, I actually have developed a kind of bribe for myself that gets me to sit down and put words on the page. I bribe myself by saying I only have to write one paragraph. That paragraph can be a single sentence long if that’s all it’s going to be. But all I have to do is write that one paragraph and then I can go do something else.

Once I get through the paragraph, I’m usually back into the world and too involved to stop writing so soon. But despite the fact that I love losing myself in writing a new book, it’s also hard work, and it can be hard to make myself write when I’m tired. The bribe gets me to turn on my computer and add words to my project without getting overwhelmed by the job ahead. So I guess I do have the ritual of promising myself I can get up and walk away after a single paragraph. Hey, I have a ritual!

 TBQ: Do you have a favorite hero (be it one you've created or one from another author)? Why is he your favorite?


Isabo: This one is hard because I have a lot of heroes I love. One of my favorites from my own books is Jacob Marin from Thief’s Desire. I adored him from the moment he appeared on the page as a secondary character (in a book I’ve never published), and he still holds a special place in my heart. He’s sexy, strong, and he loves women—in a good way. He’s just hard to resist.

I love Roarke from JD Robb’s In Death series (probably because he’s Irish and so is my husband). And I have to say I’m still pretty mad about Simon Bassett from Julia Quinn’s The Duke and I. So tortured and wonderful all at once! This is so hard, though, because there are just so many fabulous heroes out there. The list could go on and on.

TBQ: What about a favorite book (favorite one that you have written AND favorite from another author)?


 Isabo: Favorite book that I’ve written is tough because that’s usually whatever book I’m working on. Thief’s Desire ranks high up there as one of my favorites, but I also really adore this paranormal romance I’ve written and which hasn’t been published yet. It’s a were-tiger story with a really charming and kick ass hero and a lot tension. It’s so fun. I hope I can find a home for it so I can let other’s read it too. And of course, I love Brightarrow Burning! Sexy, dark, adventure stories do tend to make me a happy writer and reader.

Favorite book from another author is really tough too because I have several depending on the genre. But my current tops are Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, and the Alpha and Omega series from Patricia Briggs. As well as anything that Linnea Sinclair writes. Oh and Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber. She’s so good at lyrical and spooky and perfectly period books. (A lot of great authors! :D I've read one of Leanna's books, and I have to agree with you--she has a very unique and talented way of writing!)

TBQ: Can you give us a little bit of a preview on any of your upcoming works? (Titles, brief summaries, release dates, etc?)


Isabo: My next release is a science fiction romance which is the sequel to my very first published novel, The Promise of Kierna’Rhoan. The Secret of Narava is due out in late spring/early summer. When I have an exact date, I’ll put it up on my website. I’m really excited about this release because this book has been a long time in the works. The story revolves around learning much more about the alien species, the Shifters, first seen in The Promise of Kierna’Rhoan, and a quirky, geeky heroine finding her super sexy hero.

After that, my Christmas novella, Christmas Present, will be re-released in October. This is a fun paranormal romance, playing with the Ghosts of Christmas and came from the initial idea—what if the ghost of Christmas Present fell in love?

My works-in-progress include a sequel to Brightarrow Burning, which I hope my editor will like enough to contract. It’s about an elf heroine, cousin to the hero in Brightarrow, and her romance with the most dangerous elf in all of Glengowyn. The war is ratcheting up and danger surrounds them. That’s all I can say without getting into spoilers. I’ve also got a hockey romance novella, part of an anthology, that’s being shopped around. There’s a paranormal element in because that’s what I do, but there’s also a hot professional hockey player hero (Alex is very yummy too!).

That’s what I have coming up so far, but readers can check back at my website for all updates on my releases. (Might I say, I hope that the sequel to Brightarrow Burning comes through, I look forward to it!)

TBQ: Your turn to ask a question, this time for our readers:


Isabo: Thanks for having me! This was such fun. Now I would love to ask your readers, what makes you buy a book? (I think most authors would love to understand this better!) I usually decide to buy a book based on word of mouth, the author, the genre, and the blurb. Cover art may or may not get my attention, but I don’t tend to buy books based on things like cover art and title, those are just things that might make me pause over a book to read the blurb. So what about you all? I’d love to hear how other people choose their books.

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Brightarrow Burning by Isabo Kelly
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (October 4, 2011)
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Summary (Amazon.com):

War tore them apart. Betrayal could bring them together…

Layla Brightarrow’s world fell apart the day the Sorcerers invaded her city, intent on using her fellow humans’ pain to augment their spells. Worse, the neighboring elven kingdom declared neutrality, effectively abandoning her people to struggle for survival.

Then some of the elves break neutrality to trade with the Sorcerers, and Layla is ordered to assassinate Althir, brother of the elf lord she has secretly loved all her life.

When Ulric of Glengowyn uncovers his brother’s plot—and that Layla is one of the assassins sent to stop him—his first instinct is to protect her from all possible harm. He’ll even use seduction, if necessary, to get her into a position to talk some sense into her.

Years of pent-up desire is too much for Layla to resist…and one touch unleashes an unquenchable fire that changes everything. Leaving Layla caught between duty and a love that could be her destruction. Or her salvation.


Warning: This book contains evil sorcerers, a scarred heroine, a sexy elf hero, naughty language, and an intoxicating and addicting pheromone that leads to wildly hot sex. Plus traitors, deadly magic, bespelled baddies, and a really, really rotten brother. 

Where to Buy*:  Kindle | NOOK | Samhain Publishing

Read my review for Brightarrow Burning--I absoutely loved this book!

 

Excerpt 1 (from Chapter One):


“I knew I’d find you here.”


Layla Brightarrow flicked a glance over her shoulder, then returned her stare to the labyrinth of cobbled streets below. “What do you want, Ulric?”


“I’d like to know when you’re going to stop trying to kill my brother.”


“When he stops luring, capturing and selling my people.” She felt Ulric move up close behind her but refused to flinch. Her every sense, however, focused on his presence, his movements, his breathing. Her muscles instinctively tensed, preparing for action, but she forced her body to relax.


“You know I don’t condone what he’s doing…” Ulric murmured.


“So you’ve said.”


“But this is dangerous. For you.”


She snorted, still refusing to face him. Ulric of Glengowyn was beautiful, sexy, and the man she’d been in love with since she was old enough to understand what those strange feelings in her gut meant whenever she looked at him. He was also an elf, and while he wasn’t exactly an enemy now, he wasn’t an ally either. “Go away, Ulric.”


“No.”


“If you’re so concerned about your brother—”


“I could care less about that traitor, and you know it.”


She turned her head just enough to glance at him from the corner of her eye. “Do I?”


“Don’t play games, Layla. You know I don’t support the traitors.”


She made a vague noise in the back of her throat to keep from giving him a direct reply and looked out over the cityscape again.

 

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During Isabo's tour, she will be giving away:

A $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter!

To Enter:

Mandatory: Leave a comment answering Isabo's Question, complete with a valid email address!

Or, if you do not wish to leave your email in the comment section, it must be visible on your Blogger profile. No Email Address, No Entry!

Here is Isabo's question: What makes you buy a book?

And be sure to stop by the other stops on the tour, not only to learn more about Isabo's work, but also to increase your chances of winning. Good luck!

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I would like to say a big thanks to Isabo for being here today--I enjoyed our interview, and I look forward to reading more of your books in the future! 

I would also like to thank Goddess Fish for allowing me the opportunity to host Isabo, as well as providing me with a copy of Brightarrow Burning to review (my reviews posts March 26th--please check back then!). 

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

*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!

Guest Post: Robin Leigh Miller

I'd like to welcome back Robin Leigh Miller, who will be sharing with us a guest post today. Her topic revolves around writing erotica--how to balance out all the steamy sex with real emotion. I love it, and I hope that you will as well! Please, chime in afterwards; Robin will be around all day to answer questions, so let us turn this great post into a discussion on the subject!

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Writing erotica can be a challenge at times, in my humble opinion. Keeping a balance between depicting flat out porn and keeping a true, meaningful relationship between the characters is important. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times when all you’re after is some hot, sweaty, dirty sex between two people. I do write stories like that and I’ll admit they’re fun to write. But, when it comes to a real romance story creating a strong emotional bond between the characters is essential.


Nothing will blow a good story worse than tossing in a gratuitous sex scene out of the blue. Even if you’ve already established a strong romance between the characters having them do the deed without any reason except for the sake of sex soils the moment. Again, in my opinion.



I see a good sex scene as an opportunity to express those inner feelings people hold guarded for whatever reason. Say, for example, you have a character who is head over heels for another, but he/she can’t say the words or has a difficult time expressing their true emotions. You know the old saying actions speak louder than words. A good build up to their joining would be a few whispered compliments, a tender touch to the cheek and allowing them to see the true desire in their eyes.


How many times have we all said “I wish someone would look at me like that.” Those little things are important and say more than words. Then, you have the response. Shivers running down the spine, bones that turn to jelly or the inevitable heart palpitation. Action, reaction. You’ve taken the first step on the journey, a few sparks that will soon grow into a fiery blaze.


Now, it’s time to move forward. As the character explores his or her lover’s body you should be able to experience how it affects them. Feeling their warmth, tasting their flesh, inhaling their arousal should be more than a physical thing, but a near spiritual happening as well. The recipient’s light moans, pleads for more and writhing body combine to make the moment pure and special.


Even as the moment to climax builds, the reader should be able to experience through the characters thoughts how intense their emotions are for each other. Even if the words aren’t spoken. When the body shatters and the mind reels wildly out of control and they collapse in each other’s arms, you know these two souls are destined to be together.


No matter what kind of sex is being performed, easy, hard, quick or slow the reader should always be able to feel the thick emotional bond between the two characters. I want my readers to finish reading a sex scene and feel satisfied that what transpired wasn’t something to pass the time, but an essential part of a budding relationship. To me, this is what keeps a story grounded in the romance genre.


Please keep in mind these are standards I strive for and all authors are different. My opinion is mine alone and should not be placed on erotic work by others. Now, if you’re up for a good non-romance with a lot of sex for fun, I do that too.

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I couldn't agree more, Robin! Thank you so much for sharing with us, and I hope that everyone will join in on this discussion.

Have you read a book--be it a romance or erotica--that left you wanting more? Perhaps there was plenty of sex, but it left you feeling, as Robin said, unfulfilled.

I know I have! Don't get me wrong--I enjoy a good dirty sex scene as much as the next girl. But even then, I'd like to feel that there is a connection between the couple--even if they are not yet head-over-heels in love, ready for a lifetime future together, there should be something more than just wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am! Because if that is all there is, then it feels like one (or both) of them are simply paying for sex, not caring about who is comes from or what sex really means.

But, this is just my personal opinion. It's probably due to my romantic heart why I want so much tangible romance even in my erotica novels! :D


What about you? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Leave a comment below for Robin and I'll give you 1 (one) more entry into the giveaway (prize: ebook of Spliced)!

To get this entry, you must go back to this post from yesterday and finish filling out the Rafflecopter, complete with the name you used for the comment. I will be checking--and if you fill out this part of the entry form, but never leave a comment on Robin's post (before Sunday), I will delete the entry. :) Thanks!





Enjoy!





Until Next Time,

*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!

Author Interview w/ Robin Leigh Miller + Giveway!

Meet Robin: 

Robin Leigh Miller is the author of paranormal, action adventure, contemporary romance.

A retired dirt track race car driver and adrenaline junky she now enjoys putting her characters through their paces. Strong willed, kick ass women can be found in every story she pens. Twists, turns and the bizzare fill every page. Enter a world where anything can happen.... and usually does describes her plots to a T. One never knows what they may find between the pages of her books.


When she was sixteen years old she slid into the seat of her first dirt stock car and remained there for the next six years. The only female to compete against a field of men she learned what being strong willed meant. Many believed she didn't belong, others welcomed her with smiles and friendly advice.


And then there was the one that simply watched from a distance with a mysterious smile, shy glances and a gentle manner. Five years passed with nothing more than simple, quick conversation. Through those five years she went from driving stock cars to micro sprints (over sized go-carts with wings on the top) dune buggy's and even a short time in Late Models (wedge shaped cars).


One very icy cold day this mysterious man showed up at a track to watch her race her micro sprint. The racing god's were not smiling on her that day. An equipment failure resulted in third and fourth degree burns on her left arm. Didn't this dark haired, sexy smiling driver follow her to the emergency room. From that day she knew this man was the one for her.


Now she helps her husband with their bussiness. Building race motors for other drivers.


Throughout the years Robin has inserted herself in a man's world and survived. Now she shares some of that moxy with her characters. You never know when some of her personal experiences will show up in her stories. (Taken straight off of the Author's Bio Page).






Books by Robin (links to Amazon):




Where to find Robin:
Author Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

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TBQ: Let us start with the basics: Who is Robin Leigh Miller? Tell us something about you that is not commonly known—no copying and pasting from your bio, please.




Robin: Who is Robin? Well, I’m a chaotic mess to be blunt. I’m not very organized, fall behind with things easily and I love a good time! I tried for the organized thing and it blew up in my face, so I went back to the way that works for me. I’m more tom-boy than glamour, always have been. I’d rather crawl behind the wheel of a racecar than go shopping. You can find me, especially this time of year, up to my elbows in grease at our business tearing race motors apart or doing machine work. I’m surrounded by men all the time because of our line of work, so basically I know more of the male species than the female.



Here’s something you may find odd for a writer of erotic romance. I hate chick flicks. Won’t watch ‘em. I prefer a good spook movie or action film. Why you ask? Well, because I’ve found reading romance is more fulfilling than watching it on the screen. I like being able to get inside the characters heads and feeling what they feel, not watching it. Make sense? Needless to say my two teenage boys find this awesome. My ten year old daughter, well she’s a combination of me and your basic girl. She likes spook movies, loves working on our race cars and is dirty most of the time. But, she also likes to dress up, wear pretty jewelry and has more shoes then I’ve ever owned. I simply don’t know what happened to her. J


That’s a quick overview of the mess that is Robin Leigh Miller. What it all boils down too, I love my life, who I am and won’t ever change.






TBQ: What made you decide to become a writer? What made you wish to write erotica in particular?




Robin: You know, I can’t put my finger on any one single instance or “thing” that made me want to try my hand at writing. I’m and avid reader and one day I thought about putting my own story together. After a month of researching “how to write” I sat down and began to type. Six months later and a lot of late nights, Black Smoke was born. After I finished it, I didn’t know what to do with it, so I went back to my research and learned how to write a query letter and synopsis. Then, I looked for publishers to submit to. I got lucky. Ellora’s Cave picked Smoke up and published it under the then Cerridwen Press line. (Now Blush)



As for erotica, well I surrounded myself with top selling authors of erotica, read, studied the way they wrote their stories and discovered it isn’t that much different. The sex scenes are hotter and the language more explicit, but you still needed a strong story line. I thought, I can do that, so I did. It doesn’t hurt that I love erotica either.  



TBQ: By now my review for Spliced (in which I rave about how amazing it is!) has went live, so many of my followers already know how much I love it! But for those that may not be familiar with the book yet, or want to know more, can you tell us a little about Spliced? In other words, why will my readers love it?




Robin: Take two people who want each other but don’t know it, bring them together with a tragedy, toss in a bit of the bizarre, stir in a killer and you have Spliced. These two people, Avery and Ridge, belong together but have been dancing around the obvious for ten years despite the efforts of Avery’s twin Cale. When Cale dies, Avery’s twin connection to her brother transfers to Ridge, letting her feel his anxiety attacks and experience his nightmares.



Avery now has to deal with the loss of her brother and figuring out a way to tell Ridge no matter how much he wants to stay away from her, she’ll always be there inside his head. As if that’s not enough, Cale’s secret military life has followed his body home putting Avery’s life in jeopardy. Ridge made a promise to his best friend that he’d take care of Avery. Unsure how to keep that promise without losing his heart, Ridge struggles to do the best he can.


This story takes you through Ridge and Avery’s heartache over the loss of Cale. How they depend on each other for the comfort they desperately need while taking those first steps toward a relationship all while trying to figure out who’s causing trouble for Avery. Feel Ridge’s anger over having his head invaded and Avery’s guilt for being there. Struggle along with them as deny the obvious and only realize what they have when the end is near.


My hope is by the time readers finish Spliced, they consider Avery and Ridge personal friends.  (You definitely succeeded; I feel very close to Avery and Ridge! And may I say--I just now noticed that I spelled Avery's name with an 'a' during every part of my review. I'm so sorry, stupid spell check is more of a pain than a helper! I have updated it now, though I still need to do so on the other sites where I posted it...)






TBQ: Even now, almost a month after finishing it, I can't believe how emotionally charged Spliced is! You did a wonderful job at bringing emotion and connection to the story and characters! Was this book more difficult to write because of this? What were some of your thoughts about it while you were writing it?




Robin: Thank you so much for your compliments. Yes, this story was difficult, but only because I never seemed satisfied with how I conveyed the strong emotions. Take for example the grave yard scene. It took me about two months of writing and rewriting before I finally hung my head and said, “I’ve done the best I can,” and still I had my doubts.



I struggled with making sure Ridge didn’t become a complete jack-ass to readers as well. Combining his deep love for Avery and his total lack of respect and confidence in himself was like walking a thin wire. I wanted readers to experience Ridge’s trauma, but also see those qualities that drew Avery to him. Balancing the two without him looking like a jerk, difficult to say the least. Many, many rewrites before I felt comfortable with that.


The same goes for Avery. She had to understand his difficulty in dealing with their mental connection without flying off the handle, yet stand up to him. In real life two stubborn wills can and do clash until they find that common ground they can both stand on and see eye to eye. Sometimes the solution is simple, but hard to see. 




 
TBQ: Besides being an emotional roller-coaster, Spliced is very steamy, very sexy. After writing so many books, how do you keep the romance fresh? Do you find it at all difficult to come up with new twists for the love scenes? (I'm not complaining; in fact, I think you did a wonderful job, and let me tell you, the scene in the changing room...OH. MY. GOD. So hot! I wish I had the guts to do it...and my own Ridge to do it with, of course...*wink*)




 
Robin: I must have a very twisted mind because I can see a situation, either in real life or on TV and figure out a way to make it hot, or hotter. Any moment can be turned into an erotic, steamy event if you’re open-minded enough and willing. Think about that the next time you go shopping, or your cooking. What would it take from your man to get the juices flowing? That’s how I think.






TBQ: As much as I would love to continue badgering you about Spliced, I know you have some other great books out, so let's switch gears for a minute. What can you tell my readers about the other books you've written over the years?




Robin: My very first book Black Smoke is about a female mercenary, Samantha Cannon (Sam). She works for her uncle traveling abroad to defuse situations the government wants taken care of without any link to them. Sounds simple enough, right? Not in my books. Sam has an ace in the hole. Her spirit guide. The guide helps her on her missions, not by way of any super powers, but by feeding her information. She’s asked to do a mission in Afghanistan with three military men, Kong, Boomer and Ricochet. Kong, the leader of the trio, doesn’t trust her. She needs to win his trust and his approval if she’s going to survive her deadliest mission yet.


Two books follow that: Boomer’s Fall and Ricochet’s Rogue in the Agents of Mercy series.


I also have a thriller entitled Running Blind. Jessica Crist is a psychic hunting a serial killer, but when the hunter becomes the hunted she runs for her life and literally crashes into a man who’s vowed never to get involved in anyone’s life again. Taking care of her could cost him his life.


Force of Nature is about Markey Post, a unique woman with the gift of manipulating the wind. When her anger unleashes, all hell breaks loose. Trip Lindaur is sent to find this remarkable woman and bring her to an upstanding doctor who promises to help Markey bring her powers under control. The good doctor has no intention of doing anything but dissecting her like a lab rat. It’s up to Trip to keep Markey from being killed.






Soulless: Alone and on the run from the law, Quinn Hurst does her best to fulfill her family’s legacy of slaying Tulpas—thought forms, soulless beings created by humans.


Her self-imposed exile is interrupted when she runs into a handsome Tulpa slayer who sparks a deep need she can’t deny. Sexy Garen Snyder makes her blood boil and her body ache for his touch. Discovering they shared a past-life love affair only fuels the fire that rages when they come together.


Fate is determined to separate them once again. A bloodthirsty demon wants Quinn for himself and will stop at nothing to possess her, but Garen already possesses her, body and soul, and will fight to save her. The demonic struggle is easy compared to the battle he must wage against Quinn’s past. Using his only weapons—his love and his body—Garen makes one last attempt to keep her forever.




I have a few shorts out as well. Marauder, Less Talk, More Action, Eternal Flame, Earth’s Demon, Tempest’s Gift. They can all be found on my website. 




TBQ: You recently signed on for a new line that Ellora's Cave is offering (EC For Men), which are erotic stories told from the hero's point of view. Your book for this is Less Talk More Action (sounds like a fitting title for this kind of genre, by the way!) Tell us a little bit about it. Was it difficult writing this story, as it is not a traditional romance (or erotic) tale in any way?





Robin: I had a blast writing Less Talk, More Action. Fun, fun, fun! It’s scary how easy it was for me to write this short. This line is geared towards men’s fantasies so to speak. LTMA is about an everyday man who comes home to find some hot girl-on-girl action happening on the patio next door. He watches, because what man wouldn’t, and grabs himself some personal gratification in the process. He counts himself lucky as hell and tries to put it out of his mind.


The next day the sexy little vixen who stared in his fantasy come true approaches him as he’s mowing his lawn. Next thing he knows he’s staring in yet another male fantasy.


Oh, I do hope this line takes off with a bang!




TBQ: Do you plan on writing more books like LTMA ?




Robin: Absolutely! Only there’s a catch. I will continue writing for this line under a pen name. Robby Mills. Due to the graphic nature and the tweaks the publisher is making, I felt it necessary. I have three children I need to think about and considering the very religious area I live in, I don’t want any back lash on my kids. So far the parents of my children’s friends haven’t made any waves, but no need to tempt fate.  I have a second story at the editor right now, so watch my web site and I’ll be directing readers to the blog for Robby Mills where you can find out about the new releases. (I can understand why; I'm glad to know that you won't stop what you love doing because of the judgemental, and often harsh, words of others. :) )






TBQ: I know I'm not the only fan of Spliced who is wondering this: Will Officer Stone get his own story someday? (Okay, so I couldn't switch gears from Spliced completely... :D )






Robin: Yes! He will. I’m working on it now. I hadn’t planned on a second story, but the overwhelming response can’t be ignored. (Yeah!)






TBQ: What do you have planned for your readers in the future? Can you tell us about upcoming releases, book ideas you have in the works—anything to tide us over until we can get our next fix?! :)

Robin: Other than the men’s line short, I have nothing ready for publication, yet. I’m concentrating on Stone’s story, but I do have another in the works. A shifter story. Watch my website or blog because as soon as I have dates, I announce them. (Ooh, shifters! Yep, definite fan for life now, Robin!)

TBQ: Thank you so much for stopping by, Robin, and please know that you are always welcome here! :D Before we leave, do you have a question (or two) you wish to ask the readers? Their answer can help them to gain an entry into the Spliced contest...




Robin: (rubs hand together) This is fun! Okay, if you could have any man in the world for one hot, kinky weekend, who would it be and why?







Second, here’s a question I’d like some feedback on for a possible future story. Do you find “geeks” or “nerds” sexy and why or why not?






This has been so much fun. Thank you for the all the Spliced love. It means a great deal to me! :) You are very welcome!

 

~*~*~*~

GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER--THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Thanks to Robin, one lucky reader will win a copy of Spliced!

How to Enter:

Mandatory: You MUST fill out the rafflecopter's first option (Following this blog). Sign in using your name and email, please!

All other entries on the rafflecopter checklist are optional.

For an added entry, answer both of Robin's questions--show some love as well and ask Robin a question or two of your own! Robin will be around most of today and tomorrow to answer any question, so ask away!

Giveaway will end on 2/5/12! Winner will be choosen within a day and announced on Tuesday. Good Luck!