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About Me
- The_Book_Queen
- Utah, United States
- Books are my life--plain and simple! :) My genre of choice is romance, of almost any kind. I love reading, I love sharing my thoughts on the books with others, and I'm always up for recommendations and book conversations! Please, feel free to find me on any of the various websites I frequent, or drop me an email! If you are interested in me reviewing your book (Or you just want to ask me a question), please email me at: The_Book_Queen[at]yahoo[dot]com.
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Monday, May 20, 2013
WELCOME TO THE BLOG, MILLY! :)

Want to know about her? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee. She loves hearing from readers so feel free to connect with her.
Where to Find Milly:
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The_Book_Queen: Hi Milly! Can you tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Milly: Sure. I
love writing sexy alphas and mouthy heroines that love them. They tend to be
curvy, outspoken, bossy and most of the time Latinas. It’s fun. I’ve been told
I write females that resemble me a lot. Though I refuse to admit to being bossy
(but I am referred to as the Smut Queen…go figure).
TBQ: :) Sound like my kind of books then! Who doesn't love a sexy alpha?
What made you decide to start writing? Why romance?
M: I love writing. I love writing romance because I am a
romantic at heart. I always want to see a happy end on everything. It’s why I
don’t watch soaps or drama. I need the dose of HEA (happily ever after at the
end). It’s like an addiction. My books have to end on a sappy note or I’m not
smiling.
TBQ: I completely agree. HEAs make my day, every day, all day long. :)
Your newest release, Caged Heat continues the
Black Meadow series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why
readers are going to love it?
M: Caged
Heat is Ry (Riel the enforcer) and Sam his (human?) mate. These two have been
attracted for years but with Sam traveling it made it hard for Ry to claim her.
Heck, it made it hard for him to even talk to her. Unlike Sharp Change, where
we focused on Sophia and Chase, we still see the alpha pair, but this is all Ry
and Sam.
TBQ: Are there other genres you would like to write about?
M: I also
write contemporary erotic romance as April Angel. I just love writing.
TBQ: Why do Riel and Samira belong together?
M: It was love at first
sight. A lot of people believe in that and a lot will scoff at it. I will to
test the theories in all my stories. Ry has ignored all females from the minute
he saw Sam for the first time. He knew she was for him. And that made it really
special to me. Side story: My husband said the first time he saw me, he told a
friend I was going to be his wife. Here we are 12 yrs later. I am most
definitely his wife. LOL. Don’t think he knew what he was getting into with my
personality, but he asked for it.
TBQ: Ah, I'm happy to hear that you had your own HEA like that! :)
When writing each novel, do you listen to certain songs,
like a playlist for the story? If so, what was the playlist for Caged
Heat?
M: I do not listen to anything when I write. I am kind of particular
about having quiet and being able to lose myself in the story without any
distractions.
TBQ: In 5 words or less, describe Samira for us. And let's not
forget Riel—what's he like?
M: Samira: Kind, Sweet, Sassy, Sexy and Loving.
Riel is…
Courageous, Fighter, Loving, Caring, and Faithful.
TBQ: Sam has the three S's that every woman wants to be! :)
Do you have a favorite part from Caged Heat? (If
spoilers are involved, you can be vague.)
M: I have to admit there is this scene
where Sam is trapped in her house, tied to her bed by some bad guys. What
followed made me cry a few times.
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?
M: Well this is tough because I LOVE to read. I love reading a bit of everything
from erotic romance like Cynthia Sax, Mina Carter and Dianne Duvall to horror
like Thomas Harris, Dee Pratt, Catherine Cavendish and action like James
Patterson. I have wide tastes.
TBQ: Nothing wrong with wide tastes--variety makes everything better!
We've all fallen for a hero (or two, or three,
or....ahem). Tell us one hero that
you've fallen for—who is he and what drew you to him?
M: OMG. His name is DARCE. He’s an officer in Mina Carter’s
Perfect Mate book. And can I just say (since she is my best friend) I got to
read Darce’s story (Blood Mate) which is coming in Aug. from Samhain and Oh my
frickin’ goodness!!!! I LOVE THAT MAN!!!! OK fan girl moment over. Seriously, I
am 100% in love with him.
TBQ: Wow! Well you've sold me, I'm definitely adding Carter's books to my list! :)
What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your
upcoming releases or WIP?
I have an upcoming release called Lucky Break as April
Angel. It’s my 3rd Sizzling Encounters book. Next as Milly release
is Fever I believe. Interesting take on going to sleep and waking up a
paranormal. (Ooh, they all sound sooo good!)
SPEED ROUND:
A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?
In the spa.
In fact, I’ll take it right now please. (Me, too! *sigh)
Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet
“my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?
Spicy romance
Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy
highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
Sexy highlander. I have a
thing for wild men. LOL (LOL. Even better if he's a Highland shifter, right? *smiles*)
Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Cold winter nights
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?
I think in a quiet area I can use the scenery for inspiration.
If you could live in any time period, past or future, which
one would it be?
Probably future. I think I’m too outspoken for the past. I’d
get into a lot of trouble. (Hehe--oh, but think of all the fun you could get into!)
Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
Cover lover. If it doesn’t look
good I don’t even read the blurb.
Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build
Up?) Steamy novella
Quick—name the one food that you cannot live without?
Chocolate! (Life is not worth living without chocolate... :D)
And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about
yourself:
- I’m ambidextrous
- Apparently I make very corny jokes
- I call my dog needy speedy (husband says he gets the needy from me).
The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Milly, and please know that
you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our
readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)
Milly: Thank you so much for having me!!
I’d like to know what do you enjoy seeing in a good
paranormal shifter book?
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Caged Heat by Milly Talden
Publiher: Etopia Press (April 3, 2013)
Series: Black Meadow Pack, 2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Everyone has a bit of a beast inside…
After five years travelling through third world countries to teach impoverished children, Samira Suarez has returned home to Black Meadows. What Sam didn’t expect was to be instantly consumed by desire for the one man she’s wanted since she was a teen, Riel Karven. As Sam’s need for Ry grows, it becomes overwhelming, almost as if…she were in heat. But she’s a human…isn’t she?
Werewolf Riel has been patiently waiting for Sam’s return. For five long years he’s watched her come and go. But now that his mate is back, he’s taking a stand. Unfortunately, there’s more at stake than just getting her into bed. Sam is the heir to her grandmother’s estate—a very large estate—and it seems that someone in the family is willing to kill for it…
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Caged Heat by Milly Talden
Excerpt
“Troy, you done interviewing
Nat’s tonsils?” Riel joked.
Nat jerked away from Troy.
Sam’s curiosity over the two was beyond piqued. Why hadn’t Nat mentioned Troy
in any of their video calls? Hell, the way it looked, if they were given any
more time she definitely would have walked in on some private playtime.
Troy stared at Nat as if
she was a pork chop and he was meat deprived. “I think we can continue this
later on. Don’t you, sweetheart?” He grinned.
Nat sat down on one of the
stools in a huff. “Have you lost your mind? I already told you I don’t want
anything to do with a playboy like you.”
Troy gave her a shit-eating
grin. “Sweetheart, you don’t just want me.” He licked his lips. “You want me so
bad you were ready to tear at my clothes a few moments ago.”
Natalia rolled her eyes.
“Oh please! That was just a moment of temporary insanity.”
They argue back and forth.
It shocked her. Sam grinned when she realized why her friend was so prickly
with Troy. Nat wanted the sexy blond but refused to give in to her hormones.
Boy, she was in for some long, battery-operated nights.
“Since I can’t show Sam
what a great catch I am with you two arguing, how about you behave for a few
minutes and we get back to the problem at hand here?”
Sam peeked up at Riel. He
was grinning at the couple, while the bar of his really hard cock pressed
against her ass. She wiggled until the thick length was nestled between her
cheeks. Maybe she could find a way to ask Troy and Nat to leave so she could
get better acquainted with him.
Riel’s head dropped, his
voice low by her ear, “If you keep doing that, I will drag you upstairs, tear
off your clothes, and lick you until you come. Then I’m going to fuck you so
hard, you’ll be limping for days.”
Good god! The visual he’d
given her sent her temperature soaring. She’d never known he was such a dirty
talker, and dammit she liked it. She wanted to be upset with him for
interrupting the live soap opera in her kitchen, but her thoughts were all in
the gutter, way in the gutter, so deep down there you’d need a flashlight to
find them. It was better to watch Nat argue with Troy than to delve into what
just happened in her living room. She would take anything over dissecting how
she’d let Riel fondle her just steps from them and how badly she wanted him to
continue what he’d started.
She strode toward the
kitchen table and sat next to the cold food. Hunger pangs made her stomach
grumble. She ignored the noise her gut made and focused on the conversation.
Her gaze strayed back to Riel. He’d moved into the kitchen and was actively
washing his hands, hands that had been all over her body just moments before.
She gulped. He turned, winked at her, and grabbed a bag of sliced bread off the
kitchen counter.
“Troy, you look into any of
the teenagers around the area. See if any of them might know if this was some
kind of prank.” Riel placed the bread in the toaster.
Troy gathered the dirty
dishes and started loading them into a dishwasher.
Toast popped out with a
ding. Riel grabbed the dark slices and buttered them. She glanced at Nat, who
was grinning over both men’s domesticity. Sam was much more interested in
figuring out what the heck Riel was up to, acting like her kitchen was his
personal domain. Not that she minded. Hell, any man that knew how to cook and
was as sexy as Riel was more than welcome in her home. And if she got him out
of his pants, all would be well in the world.
Riel pushed the plate of
buttered toast off to the side. He opened up a carton of eggs on the counter
and started breaking them into a bowl. He mixed them with a fork, his naked arm
muscles shifting with each movement, drawing Sam’s attention to his sexy back.
The wolf tattoo was even more amazing up close. He turned to face her, moving
the bowl by the skillet. “I’ll look into the relative connection.”
“What relatives?” Troy
asked and pulled some juice out of the fridge.
“The ones that may or may
not have something to do with the dead animal that was left outside.” He cooked
the eggs and glanced up, his piercing gaze meeting Sam’s eyes. “Ginny’s will
left everything to Sam, and they’re angry. I’ll have a look into what might be
going on there.”
Sam wondered if Riel and
Troy forgot they were in her house. Interest had replaced shock that they were
cooking. She waited to see what each would do next. Riel placed bacon in a
frying pan, and Sam’s stomach growled louder. Troy made fresh coffee, and Nat
cleared the table. Meanwhile she just sat there, like a moviegoer watching the
latest suspense flick, unable to move.
Nat shrugged and grinned at
Sam’s most likely dumbfounded expression before placing clean cutlery on the
table. She added her two bits into the conversation. “Those people were always
so miserable. All they have ever wanted is Ginny’s money.”
“I know.” Riel scooped the
food onto two large platters. “She told me often enough that she wished she
could disinherit them all and start over.”
Sam thought Ginny must’ve
felt comfortable with Ry. She glanced up when Ry placed a plate piled with
breakfast in front of her.
“Eat.” He had that really
hot, panty-melting smile and sat down next to her. As if in agreement, her
stomach grumbled.
It was still surreal that he’d cooked for her. A
warm, soft feeling settled into her heart. Could it be possible things were
looking up for her in the personal-life front, except for that dead dog issue?
Maybe she was finally being noticed and wanted by the man she’d been going gaga
over since she was a kid. The latter sounded good to her.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Thanks for stopping by, Milly, I will definitely be putting all your books on my list! :) I have Caged Heat waiting for me right now, and I think I may reach for it in the next few days.
Don't forget Milly's question:
I’d like to know what do you enjoy seeing in a good paranormal shifter book?
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!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.
This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.
To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!
Once you are ready to join the fun,
please fill out Mister Linky below with
your name/blog name and the direct
link to your Lusting for Covers for this
week!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here's my candidate for the week:
Beauty and the Wolf by Marina Myles
Publisher: eKensington (June 6, 2013)
Series: The Cursed Princes, 1
Publisher: eKensington (June 6, 2013)
Series: The Cursed Princes, 1
Genre: Historical Romance
“Dynamic and sensual, paranormal readers will gobble up this sexy read.” —Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight’s Warrior
“Beauty and the Wolf is a deliciously dark retelling of the classic tale that will make you fall in love all over again.” —Erin Quinn, author of The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love
A Union Of Curses
Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble…
But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own…
“Beauty and the Wolf is a deliciously dark retelling of the classic tale that will make you fall in love all over again.” —Erin Quinn, author of The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love
A Union Of Curses
Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble…
But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own…
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Why?
You know I love pretty designs and swirls, and blue tones are my favorite. :) Add in a sexy hero, a great blurb, and a curse, and I'm in! :)
I actually picked up a copy of this on NetGalley last week, and plan on reading it very soon. Look for my review!
You know I love pretty designs and swirls, and blue tones are my favorite. :) Add in a sexy hero, a great blurb, and a curse, and I'm in! :)
I actually picked up a copy of this on NetGalley last week, and plan on reading it very soon. Look for my review!
What cover are you currently lusting for? Tell me, I want to know! Follow the directions above on how to post your own Lusting for Covers, and leave a comment telling me what you think of the cover for Beauty and the Wolf?
Calling all Shifter Romance fans: Come join the Shifter-a-Thon-Read-a-Long, hosted by Wickedly Delicious and I! You can find out more about the group here, including the link to the GoodReads group.
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,

Saturday, May 18, 2013
Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox
Publisher: Loveswept (March 11, 2013)
Series: Camelot, 2
Publisher: Loveswept (March 11, 2013)
Series: Camelot, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Ruthie Knox’s Camelot series continues in this sizzling eBook original novel, featuring two headstrong souls who bump heads—and bodies—as temptation and lust bring nothing but delicious trouble.
An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.
Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined—and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day, Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?
An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.
Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined—and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day, Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Kame's Review:
“She needed a boyfriend like she needed an emergency appendectomy”
Ellen just wants a simple life for her and her son in the small college town they live in. That went out the window when her twin brother Jamie became romantically involved with her next door neighbor. For most people when that happened it didn’t turn their street into a three ring circus, but then most people do not have a heart-throb music sensation for a twin brother. Now Ellen’s yard and the entire street are being invaded by hungry paparazzi looking for the story and a picture. Scared for his sister, nephew and the woman he loves, Jamie decides they need protection. Caleb Clark is hired to protect Ellen and Carly. Carly understands and somewhat welcomes the aid, Ellen does not; and tries to fire Caleb on the spot. Negotiation is the key for Ellen and Caleb to both get what they want; they work out a protection with benefits arrangement.
“Oh man, Caleb could kiss. He could really, really kiss. He could kiss like kissing was the only thing on his agenda, and honestly if you could kiss like this, why put anything else in the day planner?”
Both Caleb and Ellen are great well developed characters; Caleb, home six months from the military, was still searching for his footing in his new life and Ellen who vowed to never be invisible to others again. At times they each seemed to struggle with these new paths and sometimes these paths were at odds; but with fantastic dialog and extremely creative analogies
“Day in and day out, she walked around with all the sexual power of a Twinkie…”
that often made me chuckle; Ruthie Knox created a book I had a hard time putting down. Enough attention and detail was given to the other characters in the book that I feel vested in this series and look forward to my return to Camelot!
4 1/2 STARS!
~*~*~*~
Kame received this e-book from the publisher in exchange for her honest review.
*Note: Quote used belongs to Ruthie Knox; Kame and TBQ's Book Palace do not claim it*
~*~*~*~
Meet Kame:
Kame is part of a family of readers; one day she picked up the Nook she purchased for her husband and discovered her love of e-books. A few months later he purchased one for her so he could have his back! Kame’s Nook is never far, and she is hard pressed to pick a favorite book, genre or author. As long as there are characters that make her want to sit down and have a chat and a plot keeps the pages turning, she’ll read it.
Kame's GoodReads
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Thanks for another great review, Kame! :) I read this one earlier this year, really enjoyed it as well, but, unfortunately, didn't have time to do my review... I look forward to the next book in this series, and I was happy to see that she'll be doing a novella to revisit the hero and heroine from book 1!
Have you read Ruthie Knox before? If not, I highly recommend it! :) My all-time favorites, so far, are About Last Night and How to Misbehave!
Thanks for another great review, Kame! :) I read this one earlier this year, really enjoyed it as well, but, unfortunately, didn't have time to do my review... I look forward to the next book in this series, and I was happy to see that she'll be doing a novella to revisit the hero and heroine from book 1!
Have you read Ruthie Knox before? If not, I highly recommend it! :) My all-time favorites, so far, are About Last Night and How to Misbehave!
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!
Friday, May 17, 2013
WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG, CATHERINE! :)

Catherine Bybee has been addicted to books for as long as she can remember. With the love of reading romance novels came the desire to write them as well. Creating worlds where passion and intrigue collide and where werewolves fall in love gives Catherine the perfect balance. And what young woman hasn't fantasized of traveling through time to find the perfect man? Catherine currently lives in Southern California with her supportive and patient husband and two growing sons. If she isn't busy at her computer or with her family, she's volunteering for any number of organizations or working as a RN in a busy Emergency Room.
Where to Find Catherine:
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The_Book_Queen: Hi Catherine---welcome back to the blog! :) Since our readers already had a chance to “meet” you during your last interview here, I won't re-ask those questions. Which means I'm now racking my brain for some new questions! Let's start out with something simple, though I'm sure you've been asked this question by others before: what inspires you to write? Do you draw from everyday things, perhaps some of your fantasies (and no, I don't mean * just * the dirty ones! LOL)?
I can find inspiration from a song, a TV show… a couple walking down the street. I certainly pull ideas from life, and I pull a lot from my own head. I’ve told many people that I often write books around the titles I come up with, which is quirky, but works for me.
TBQ: If it works for you, keep doing it! ;)
Not Quite Mine is the second book in this series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it? Would I need to read Not Quite Dating first?
C: You don’t have to read Not Quite Dating first. This love story is between two characters you met in Not Quite Dating, Dean and Katie, but they weren’t ‘in action’ in that book…just jogging through life with a few questions that my readers might have asked themselves when reading.
All of that said, I do think whenever you read a series you, as a reader, are more vested in the pages and the characters if you know about their past. I try very hard when writing series books to not recap the entire previous book to ‘catch up’ my readers. My thoughts are, if you want to know about the other book, read it. Summaries in books generally turn me off as a reader. I don’t want to do that with my readers. A paragraph of explanation…fine, but not chapters or pages of summaries. *yawn*
Catherine: Thanks for having me back. And thank you for forgoing the ‘get to know you questions’ LOL
I can find inspiration from a song, a TV show… a couple walking down the street. I certainly pull ideas from life, and I pull a lot from my own head. I’ve told many people that I often write books around the titles I come up with, which is quirky, but works for me.
Not Quite Mine is the second book in this series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it? Would I need to read Not Quite Dating first?
TBQ: I agree! ;)
In 5 words or less, describe Katie for us. And let's not forget Dean—what's he like?
In 5 words or less, describe Katie for us. And let's not forget Dean—what's he like?
C: Katie: Sexy, Sophisticated, Confident, Loyal, Mom
Dean: Sexy, Dedicated, Torn, Loving, Devoted
Dean: Sexy, Dedicated, Torn, Loving, Devoted
TBQ: Ooh! Dean sounds like my kind of man! :)
Do you have a favorite part from NQM?
TBQ: I love that; NQM is truly its own book, like it should be!
For some readers, this genre (contemporary) can be a bit “boring”-- no magical beings or fighting for the Earth's survival, and it's set in a time that we know very well. I'll admit, I used to think this myself, until I realized that, like with any genre, you just have to find the “right” books for your tastes. Do you find it challenging to write contemporary romances?
C: Good question. Yeah, actually… it is a challenge to write contemporary romance where no one sprouts fur or slips through time. The conflicts that keep the H/H apart can be just as dramatic, however. And the internal conflict doesn’t change if it’s a paranormal or a contemporary. A person’s feelings are very similar regardless of setting.
As an author of both genres, I find it easier to write paranormal as you can shove anything between the pages and your readers will buy it… if done well. If I tell my readers that Joe is a werewolf and turns furry three nights every month around the full moon so he avoids relationships, my reader’s like…OK, moving on!
But if I tell my reader that Joe is a jaded business man who avoids relationships because he doesn’t trust women, my readers are like…OK, why? What happened that made him jaded? Was their another woman? Did she break his heart? More questions are asked and I as a writer need to make Joe’s character believable and all of his motivations something everyone can go “OK, I see that happening.” Vs. He’s a werewolf that’s why!
All that said, contemporary romance is limitless. Every person you see walking down the street wearing a wedding ring, or holding the hand of a lover…they have a story. They can be anyone, in any phase of their life, and they have a love story to tell. From chance meetings to blind dates. They all have a past, they all have a future… No two stories are the same and for readers of contemporary romance, the beauty is finding the voice of a writer that makes you smile, turn pages, and sigh at the end of the book.
TBQ: *claps* Very well said! :)
When it comes to romance, what, in your opinion, must a book have in order to be perfect?
C: Not sure about perfect… but I think every book needs to have two engaging characters you care enough about shortly after opening the book to keep you turning pages. Some parts can be predictable, as in life… you know if you drive your car you’re going to go through gas. While other parts need to keep you guessing. The characters need to grow and there needs to be some conflict. One thing every romance needs to have is a HEA. I always laugh when I read a review of a reader who obviously doesn’t read romance very often… “Why always a fairytale ending?” Duah! It’s romance. It’s expected. I don’t want people of importance dying at the end. Kinda takes the fun out of it for me.
TBQ: You're right; if it's a romance, there must be a HEA. But more importantly, it should be believable, at least in my opinion.
I know you love meeting with your fans, or even talking to them online---do you have a favorite, or most memorable, fan contact moment to share? (Thanks to Colleen for this question!)
C: Yeah… Last year in Chicago at the RT Convention I met this lady in line…if you’ve ever been to RT, you know about the lines. *rolls eyes* I made a few comments about being hungry *there was no food at RT last year* And then I talked about anything and everything. Chatty Cathy I have always been. I think this poor lady thought I was crazy. But at some point she started laughing and talking. I have that affect on people. Then she grabbed my nametag and repeated my name. She didn’t know me, or my work. By the time I saw her the next day she walked up to me, with sass and conviction. “You didn’t tell me you were a New York Times Bestselling Author.”
I was like… what? Do I need a T-shirt?
Then she told me she’d downloaded a couple of books the night before on her e-reader. We still chat to this day online. And yes, Felicia, you do have a Chicago accent! *wink*
TBQ: ;)
Do you have any tips or advice for anyone who's been thinking of trying their hand at writing?
TBQ: I'm sure writing has its good moments...and its bad. Can you share with us one example of each?
The bad moments are when I read something I’ve written and think… What the hell does that mean?
TBQ: Hey, look on the bright side--that means you're human! :)
What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?
C: Fiancé by Friday, the third book in my Bride series is being released in August. Very excited to share Gwen and Neil’s book with the world… then my readers will get a hold of the third book in the Not Quite series in October, Not Quite Enough. Monica’s story is very dear to my heart.
And for my time travel readers… I’ll be working very hard to get the much needed 5th book, Amber’s story, out in the fall. So stay tuned.
And for my time travel readers… I’ll be working very hard to get the much needed 5th book, Amber’s story, out in the fall. So stay tuned.
SPEED ROUND:
Look around—tell us the first three things you have sitting in the room with you:
- Empty wine glasses
- My iPad
- NQM with that yummy cover
Your house is on fire (but don't worry, you, your family, and any pets will get out safely!) What item would you grab before you dash out the door yourself?
My hard drive.
My hard drive.
Favorite movie:
Toss up: Romancing the Stone and Raiders of the Lost Arc (Is it horrible that I haven't watched either one? Oops...)
Toss up: Romancing the Stone and Raiders of the Lost Arc (Is it horrible that I haven't watched either one? Oops...)
Favorite place to visit:
The South
The South
Craziest pick-up line you've heard?
From my husband: “Have you ever been hurt by a guy?”
From my husband: “Have you ever been hurt by a guy?”
Would you like to see one of your books made into a movie?
I wanna see all my books made into movies. Lifetime should look at my contemporaries, and I really want the time travels to make the big screen. (Yes! I think we should start a petition- Bybee Books into Movies!)
I wanna see all my books made into movies. Lifetime should look at my contemporaries, and I really want the time travels to make the big screen. (Yes! I think we should start a petition- Bybee Books into Movies!)
Some of the worst memories.
Pounds… Damn little buggers don’t know when to go away! (*sigh* You're not alone there!)
Is wine a food? (Yes!)
The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Catherine, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion?
Catherine: Yeah… let’s ask my speed round question:
Craziest pick up line?
Oh…and one more
For the hero
Sexy chest
Or
Sexy butt?
Or
Sexy butt?
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Not Quite Mine by Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake Romance (May 7, 2013)
Series: Not Quite, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Gorgeous hotel heiress Katelyn "Katie" Morrison seems to have it all. But when she crosses paths with Dean Prescott - the only man she's ever loved - at her brother's wedding, Katie realizes there's a gaping hole in her life. After the ceremony she gets an even bigger surprise when someone abandons a baby girl on her doorstep. Determined to keep the newborn until she learns who her mother is, Katie has her hands full and doesn't need Dean snooping around, especially when his presence stirs feelings she thought were long gone.
Dean Prescott knows Katie is lying to him when he discovers a baby is living with her. He shouldn't care what the woman who broke his heart is up to...and he most certainly shouldn't still be aching for her. Yet Dean can't ignore the need to protect Katie - or the desire to be near her every chance he gets. But when he and Katie solve the mystery surrounding the baby, their second chance for happiness could be shattered forever.
Dean Prescott knows Katie is lying to him when he discovers a baby is living with her. He shouldn't care what the woman who broke his heart is up to...and he most certainly shouldn't still be aching for her. Yet Dean can't ignore the need to protect Katie - or the desire to be near her every chance he gets. But when he and Katie solve the mystery surrounding the baby, their second chance for happiness could be shattered forever.
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Catherine, I had a wonderful time interviewing you again! :)
Don't forget Catherine's questions!
Craziest pick up line?
Oh…and one more
For the hero
Sexy chest
Or
Sexy butt?
Or
Sexy butt?
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!
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