Giveaway & Interview with "THE FALLEN: RAZIEL" Author, Kristina Douglas

Title: The Fallen: Raziel

Series: Book 1 of The Fallen series

Author: Kristina Douglas

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fiction

Publisher: Pocket Books

Pub. Date: January 25, 2011

Read An Excerpt

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Nothing is more powerful than blood.

She was just an ordinary mortal . . .

“You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a cross-town bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unfortunate taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.

. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined.

Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn’t felt in centuries. Now the Fallen must brace for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel must defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness–because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation.

Author of the Day

Over the Edge Reviews

Questions with

Paranormal Fantasy

Author

Kristina Douglas

1. What is the best part of being a writer? What is the worst?

Oh, man,, there are so many wonderful things about being a writer. Being able to tell stories, to create them in your own head and give them to others. You can sleep late, dress in sweats, and everything fun is tax deductible.

The very bad thing is the financial insecurity. You never know when the next check is coming, you have to scramble, the IRS breathes down your neck, and you need to come up with projects when you’d rather just let it flow.

2. Why do you write?

 Because I must. I told myself stories when I was little, I wrote “novels” as soon as I could (fifth grade). I will always write – it’s hard-wired into me.

3. Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

Hmmm. I’m racking my brain. I was surprised to read the biblical stuff against “the eating of blood” and “blood-eaters”, surprised at all the nasty stuff the Old Testament god supposedly did (I tend to believe God in whatever form God takes only does the good stuff). Surprised and amused that one of the wicked fallen angels was supposed to teach humans about cosmetics.

4. Do you have a favorite motto?

 Hit those keys! It comes from a Booth cartoon in the New Yorker, where the writer is sitting on the porch, suffering, and the wife gives him a ridiculous pep talk, ending with “hit those keys.” Words to live by.

5. Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?

 Hmmm. I’m assuming you don’t mean any of mine (because I looooove my heroes). Probably a Judith Ivory hero. They’re all wonderful, but either Charles from BEAST or the hero from THE PROPOSITION. Favorite heroine? Right now I’m reading PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS by Sherry Thomas and Gigi is breaking my heart. I adore Elena in Kelley Armstrong’s books like BITTEN.
Male fantasy hero is probably Elena’s Clay. Another heartbreaker.

6. Which fictional character would you hang out with?

 You know, in real life I’m a wuss. I’d probably hang out with Debbie Macomber or Susan Wiggs’s characters. Now if you ask me whose bones I’d like to jump, then that would probably be Spike from Buffy. I’m still in love with James Marsters. Also a heartbreaking character. Hmmm. I’m seeing a theme here.

7. What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

Favorite cover of all time is MY LORD MONLEIGH by Jan Cox Speas. I’m also very partial to BLACK ICE by Anne Stuart.

8. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

 That RAZIEL isn’t my first book. And that I’m actually very sweet.

9. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

I found on Wickipedia that I was born under my married name. Wrong!


10. If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

Backwards. I love historicals, though I would certainly hope I’d be part of the aristocracy, not in late 18th century France.

11. Kristina, please tell us about your debut release by Pocket in January 2011 release, “RAZIEL: The Fallen”.

RAZIEL is the first book by Kristina Douglas, but I’ve written books under my real name. (Just wanted a caveat there – someone on Twitter was bitching that I was being dishonest).

Anyway, it’s the story of a fallen angel and the woman he’s sent to escort to the afterlife. When he realizes he’s about to toss her into hell he pulls her back and they end up in Sheol, the world of the Fallen Angels, where they battle Nephilim (in my mythology a second group of Fallen Angels who are cannibals), a nasty archangel since God’s on vacation, and a traitor from within. One of the curses of the Fallen is that they must drink blood to survive, but only from one of two sources, a nice, friendly older woman who’s kind of a universal donor, and their bonded mate. Blood, sex, violence, and a happy ending that makes all the sturm und drang worthwhile.


12. Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

Story comes first. I’ve read horribly written books that have a riveting story. I write for story. With luck the voice and the craft are there to give the story justice. But the story is what it’s all about, and has been since cavewomen sat around the campfire telling tales.

13. Kristina, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers like me, we just have to know…:)

I’ve got a Facebook page – just type my name in, plus a website, http://www.kristinadouglas.com/ . Thanks so much for asking.


14. I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

Laura Kinsale, Judith Ivory and Loretta Chase. Plus almost always Lisa Kleypas. Jenny Crusie. I’m sorry, but I have a real weakness for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, plus there’s Kelley Armstrong, Susan Elizabeth Phillips – oh, tons of wonderful writers. And I’m extremely fond of everything Anne Stuart has written.

15. What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

The next book in the series is THE FALLEN: SIREN about Azazel, who’s dealing with his grief, and Rachel, who has no idea that she’s actually Lilith, the first female and considered to be a horrific, child-eating demon. It’s a love/hate relationship, where Azazel thinks he has to destroy her and she has no idea why this epitome of incredible hotness wants her dead. It’s out at the end of May.

Kristina, thank you for taking the time to chat and spend time with Over the Edge readers and myself; it has been a blast getting to know more about you and your work.

**Giveaway**

To celebrate the first instalment in paranormal romance author, Kristina Douglas's The Fallen series Over the Edge and Kristina douglas will be giving  two lucky readers a copy of "THE FALLEN: RAZIEL".  To enter here are a few simple rules.

* +2 Leave a comment including email for Kristina Douglas.

  * +2 Spread the Word!
* +5 Follow me on Twitter.

* +5 Add me as friend on Facebook.

*+5 Connect with OTE at NING.

* Become a follower of Over the Edge!
 (+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.)

The giveaway is open to ALL readers and will be running until February 28, 2011. I'll be picking and contacting the winners directly on March 1, 2011. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!

Giveaway & Interview with USA Today's Bestselling Author, Sue Ellen Welfonder

Title: SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL

Series: Book One in the Highland Warriors trilogy

Author: Sue Ellen Welfonde

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pub. Date: January 3, 2011

READ EXCERPT & MORE

READ PREQUEL to Sins of a Highland Devil

The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy…

Three proud warriors locked in a struggle for victory.

Three beguiling women united in their vow to restore peace.


The king has ordered three clans to battle to the death: the one left standing will reign over the Glen of Many Legends. James Cameron, known throughout the Highlands as “The Devil,” leads his men with ruthless determination. He knows no weakness — until a headstrong, flame-haired beauty from a rival clan tempts him to abandon his ironclad loyalties.


Catriona MacDonald’s past encounters with James have proved that ladies who play with fire can get scorched. But her brush with this devil leaves her burning to feel his touch once more, even though the fierce warrior is her sworn enemy. Now “The Devil” must fight for his family, his honor, and his very life… even as he surrenders to his desire to possess Catriona at any cost.

Author of the Day

Over the Edge Reviews

Questions with

USA Today’s Bestselling

Author

Sue-Ellen Welfonder

1. What is the best part of being a writer? What is the worst?

SE – I like to get the bad behind me, so will start with the ‘worst.’


To me, the worst is that deadlines act as magnets of doom. Whenever the worst deadline crunch is on, that’s when all manner of disasters strike. Your neighbor’s house will be torn down and rebuilt, the noise and chaos horrendous. Your washing machine will overflow, flooding the house and necessitating workmen and disruption. A friend or family member will announce a pressing wish to come visit you for two weeks just when you need to be on planet Pluto with nothing around you but empty space and no distractions. If your pc is going to die, it’ll be now.


You can also be sure that revisions, copy edits, and other needed-to-be-done-yesterday work will arrive at the least convenient moment, such as when you are about to leave on a trip, right before a major holiday, or when you are planning a big family event. Etc, etc….

I could write a longer list, but will refrain.


The best, to me, is knowing how much my core readers enjoy my books. Many of these long-time readers have become dear friends. It is for them that I write and I love and appreciate them so much. They make the effort worthwhile.


I also love working at home. Coming from a 23-year airline career that saw me sleeping in a different hotel bed almost every night, I am very grateful to not to be on the go all the time.


It’s also a joy to spend my working hours losing myself in medieval Scotland. I love my characters and the settings and when I write, I am there – with the characters and in a place I love so much. That’s pretty hard to beat.


2. Why do you write?

SE – Writing is my career. I write to earn a living. 

I’ve loved Scotland all my life. Likewise medieval history. I enjoyed exploring these passions for decades before I ever decided to write. And I’ll still be pursuing these interests when I no longer write. 

 I’m grateful to make a living from my imagination and my passions. But those things would be constants in my life whether I write or not.


Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

SE - I’m fascinated by the little things so wild many readers probably wouldn’t accept the tidbit as historically accurate. (even though it is) Things like how ancient Celts *lime-washed their hair so it would turn white and chalky. They are said to have worn such lime-washed hair short and spiky. This would have given them the appearance of modern day punks.


*It’s believed they did this when they wished to look particularly fearsome, not as every day grooming.


 Do you have a favorite motto?

SE - “The dogs may bark, but the caravan rolls on.”
~an ancient Saracen proverb


Whenever something blindsides me, I think to myself: “Be a caravan.” It works.

 Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?

SE – Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. I love strong heroines and who can resist Rhett.

Which fictional character would you hang out with?

SE – Any of the heroines in Kate Angell’s romances. They’re sympathetic, have big hearts, are great fun, and love animals. Kate has an amazing fictional coffee shop in her books called Jacy’s Java. All her characters frequent this place. I’d love to go there and meet them.

8. What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

SE – My own Seducing A Scottish Bride. I LOVE that cover. It’s like a master painting. 

 What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

SE – That German is the language spoken in my home. I rarely speak English. I’m not German, but I married one and lived in Germany for fifteen years, hence being fluent in the language.

 What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

SE – I don’t google my name or titles. I haven’t done so in nearly ten years.

If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

SE – Definitely into the past. I’d go to 14th C. Scotland as that century calls to me the strongest and always has. I’d love to have witnessed Robert Bruce’s great victory at Bannockburn.

 Sue-Ellen, please tell us about your latest installment in the Highlander Warrior series, released by Forever in January 2011 release, “SINS OF A HIGHLANDER”.


SE - Here is my own mini-blurb for Sins of a Highland Devil:


When a King commands three feuding clans to resolve their dispute with a trial by combat, a proud Highland warrior soon learns that he’s fighting for much more than his beloved glen and that his greatest triumph will be winning the love of his enemy’s sister.


And here is the official back cover blurb:


Three proud warriors locked in a struggle for victory.
Three beguiling women united in their vow to restore peace.


The king has ordered three clans to battle to the death: the one left standing will reign over the Glen of Many Legends. James Cameron, known throughout the Highlands as “The Devil,” leads his men with ruthless determination. He knows no weakness — until a headstrong, flame-haired beauty from a rival clan tempts him to abandon his ironclad loyalties.


Catriona MacDonald’s past encounters with James have proved that ladies who play with fire can get scorched. But her brush with this devil leaves her burning to feel his touch once more, even though the fierce warrior is her sworn enemy. Now “The Devil” must fight for his family, his honor, and his very life… even as he surrenders to his desire to possess Catriona at any cost.

***


With Highland Warriors I wanted to write three strong heroines of warring clans who join together to end a long-standing feud by each vowing to wed a man from an enemy clan.


I love strong heroines and heroes who are not just hot and hunky, and great warriors on a battlefield, but also men of honor and pride, driven by a powerful love of land and heritage. Men and women who will defy any obstacle to protect kith and kin and hold onto the land that is as much as part of them as the air they breathe.


 Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

SE – Voice. Story is crucial, too. Both are tightly entwined. But I believe voice matters more.


No matter the genre, there will always be similar stories. In Scottish medievals, it’s so often an arranged marriage (I love them!) or a band of heroes righting wrongs. The feuds and wars, the history and culture, the stunning landscapes and myth and lore, all offer certain ‘hallmark’ romance set-ups. And you can bet lots of authors are drawn to the same plots.


So voice matters. An author’s individual voice and style will make her work original. It’s the author’s visiting card. It’s what readers fall in love with or, conversely, don’t like.


A story can be incredible, but if it isn’t told in an engaging way, stirring a reader’s emotions, it’ll be flat. How a reader reacts to the author’s voice (and style) determines which authors become a reader’s favorite writers. Something in the author’s voice resonates with the reader and she knows that no matter the storyline, she’ll find and appreciate the author’s unique voice in the telling. She’ll also know which author voices don’t work for her and can avoid buying titles that don’t speak to her.


For instance, readers probably know that I always write strong heroines. And that my heroes are always men of honor. They know my deep love of Scotland will be on every page. And that my books always have dogs in them. They’ll also know my Allie Mackay Scottish contemporaries don’t have profanity. I don’t do the F-word. All those things, plus the elusive ‘something’ that is just ‘me’ make up my voice and style.


Every author has her own voice and style. Stories and plots are shared by many.


Ideally voice and story should mesh well – that’s when magic happens.

Sue-Ellen, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers like me, we just have to know…:)

SE – The best way to stay updated on my book news is by joining my monthly newsletter. My mailing list readers get first looks at covers, blurbs, excerpts, and upcoming titles. I also do frequent giveaways. Mostly ARCs and books, but also gift baskets and such as well. There’s a sign-up form on my website: http://www.welfonder.com/

I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

SE – Heather Graham – I loved, loved, loved her Bone Island Trilogy. Love all her titles and am a huge fan.


Kate Angell – see above. Her books are such a treat, so much fun.


Victoria Alexander - I adore anything she writes.


Judi McCoy – I’m crazy about her ‘Dog Walker Mysteries.


Those are just a few of the authors I really love and never miss. I buy every new book they bring out and look forward to the next.

What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

SE – My next release is Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel, book two of my Highland Warriors trilogy. It tells the story of Kendrew Mackintosh and Isobel Cameron and releases in Aug. 2011. I just finished this book’s copy edits and fell in love with story all over again. Readers can read the blurb at my website: http://welfonder.com/books/highland-warriors-series/temptation-of-a-highland-scoundrel/


It has been a blast getting to know more about you and your books, Sue-Ellen. Thank you for spending time with my readers and myself. J

SE – Thank you so much for inviting me. Everyone – have fun and dream of Highlanders!

**Giveaway**

To celebrate the first instalment in USA Today's bestselling author, Sue Ellen Welfonder's Highland Warriors trilogy Over the Edge and Sue ellen Welfonder will be giving  two lucky readers a copy of "SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL".  To enter here are a few simple rules.

* +2 Leave a comment including email for Sue Ellen Welfonder.

  * +2 Spread the Word!
* +5 Follow me on Twitter.

* +5 Add me as friend on Facebook.

*+5 Connect with OTE at NING.

* Become a follower of Over the Edge!
 (+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.)

The giveaway is open to ALL readers and will be running until February 28, 2011. I'll be picking and contacting the winners directly on March 1, 2011. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!

Giveaway & Interview with "KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK" Author, Stephanie Rowe

Title: Kiss At Your Own Risk

Series: Soulfire series, Book One

Author: Stephanie Rowe

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Pub. Date: January 4, 2011
Genre: Paranormal: Romance:
Contemporary

Format: Mass-market & eBook

Pages: 416

Read an Excerpt

Order Now!

HE NEEDED A KILLER WOMAN.

Blaine Underhill was one lucky man. Having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch, he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend. But in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.

SHE WAS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, LITERALLY.

Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever. When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder!

Author of the Day

Over the Edge Reviews

Questions with

Award-Winning

Author

Stephanie Rowe

1. What is the best part of being a writer? What is the worst?

The best part about being a writer is that I own my life. I can follow my heart every day when I sit down at the computer, and let the story unfold in whatever direction my soul is inspired to take. My schedule is my own. And I am getting paid to do something that brings joy to my heart and soul every day. For me, the toughest part of being a writer was learning to write without fear of judgement. It took me probably ten years before I could write purely, without letting the fear of judgement be a shadow over my shoulder.

2. Why do you write?

 I write because I love it. I write because it makes my soul sing to be able to create the stories that fill my heart. I write because it challenges me every day to be a better, happier, more balanced and easy-going, and that translates to every other aspect of my life.

3. Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

I learned that bahonkis can be spelled in about five different ways. For those of you not in the know, bahonkis is a very classy way to say butt.

4. Do you have a favorite motto?

Currently, my favorite motto is "Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary," by Uta Hagen. I find this quote very powerful because it addresses the basic human compulsion to be accepted and approved of by others. Sometimes as writers, and simply as people, we suppress that which makes us special because we fear others won't "get it" or approve or support us. By doing that, we suppress our soul and the very essence of who we are, which, over time, will break us. The more powerful (and more scary) choice is to decide to let your true self guide you, without fear or worry about how others will react. If you believe in yourself and who you are, then those who also believe in you will be attracted into your life.

5. Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?

My favorite hero and heroine are usually the ones I'm currently writing. I get so immersed in their stories that I can see nothing else until I'm finished with them.

6. Which fictional character would you hang out with?

I have to admit that I would love to hang with any of the heroes or heroines in my books. They are compelling, strong people with the most amazing hearts, and it would be so cool to spend time with any of them.

7. What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

 My favorite cover of all time (so far) is the cover of my July book, TOUCH IF YOU DARE. I think Sourcebooks did an absolutely phenomenal job with it. Of course, I also adore the cover to my current book as well. They are so magnificent!

8. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

That I am an avid tennis player and I'm currently playing on three teams. Or, that I met my sweetheart on match.com. Or that I am hugely directionally challenged and would be housebound if I didn't have a GPS in my car.

9. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

I never Google my name. *innocent blink*

10. If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

I've always had a fascination with historical romances, so I'd love to go back in time to Scotland, or Regency England or the old West. But only in a romance novel. Real life was way too tough. :)

11. Stephanie, please tell us about your latest release by Sourcebooks release, “KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK”.

In KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK, an intractable warrior teams up with a cursed spitfire to rescue his best friend from Death's hot-blooded Grandma, in a high-octane and deliciously sexy romance, in which Death takes on a whole new meaning. It's the launch book for my new Soulfire series, in which tortured, refined and highly dangerous warriors tap into their sensitive side to save themselves, the world, and if they're lucky, the women they team up with.

12. Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

 Honestly, I think the most important thing is the magic. To me, magic is when the writer lets go of all judgement, of all criticism, of all effort, and quiets her mind to allow the story that is blossoming in her soul to emerge. When that happens, the result is magic, both in the voice and in the story and in every element of it. You can have the most distinctive voice in the world, or the most compelling story, but if there's no magic, then the story won't burn passionately and weave that spell that entrances the reader into a fantasy world. Magic is effortless. Magic is when the walls fall and the story weaves itself.

13. Stephanie, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers like me, we just have to know…:)

 My website is www.stephanierowe.com. I'm also on facebook and twitter (StephanieT1), so come play!

14. I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

 Oh, there are so many, but a few current ones are Larissa Ione, Lisa Kleypas, Christine Feehan, Angie Fox… the list is too long!

15. What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

The second book in the Soulfire series, Touch If You Dare, will be out in July 2011, and the third book, Hold Me If You Can, will be out in Fall 2011.

It has been a blast getting to know more about you and your books, Stephanie. Thank you for spending time with Over the Edge readers and myself. :)

Thank you for having me! It's been great!

**Giveaway**

To celebrate the first instalment in Paranormal Contemporay romance author, Stephanie Rowe's Soulfire series Over the Edge and Stephanie will be giving  two lucky readers a copy of "KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK".  To enter here are a few simple rules.

* +2 Leave a comment including email for Stephanie Rowe.

  * +2 Spread the Word!
* +5 Follow me on Twitter.

* +5 Add me as friend on Facebook.

*+5 Connect with OTE at NING.

* Become a follower of Over the Edge!
 (+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.)

The giveaway is open to ALL readers and will be running until February 13, 2011. I'll be picking and contacting the winners directly on February 14, 2011. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!

Giveaway & Interview with "HOW SWEET IT IS" Author, Sophie Gunn

Title: HOW SWEET IT IS

Author: Sophie Gunn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Grand Central Publication

Pub. Date: January 1, 2011

Format: Mass-market Paperbacks

 & eBook

Read an Excerpt

Order Now!

Product Description

Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!

Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.

Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

Author of the Day

Over the Edge Reviews

Questions with

Contemporary Romance

Author

Sophie Gunn

1. What is the best part of being a writer? What is the worst?

The best: getting to sit around all day and write.
The worst: having to sit around all day and write (so hard!).


2. Why do you write?

I truly believe that writing can change lives. A good book is like a good friend.


3. Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

$200,000 in $100 bills will fit in a small duffle bag. (I really had to figure this out, to see if the hero, Tay, could carry his cash into the diner in HOW SWEET IT IS.)

4. Do you have a favorite motto?

“Yes.” (That’s the motto: “yes.” It means, whatever faces you, accept it, embrace it, never say ‘no.’ I try to live my life by this.)

5. Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?

Hero: The narrator of The Great Gatsby, Nick.
Heroine: Jessica from Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

6. Which fictional character would you hang out with?

Oh, Nick for sure. I love how he saw the world so clearly. Also, any character from just about any LaVyrle Spenser novel.

7. What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

“We Are All Fine Here” by Mary Guterson. It’s a picture of a tabletop, with a fancy teapot pouring tea just to right of a fancy tea cup so it splashes on the table. Brilliant. I love how the words say one thing and the picture says the opposite. It creates an intriguing tension.

8. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

My favorite thing to do besides writing novels is writing with fountain pens. Yep, I adore calligraphy. My mother is a calligrapher, so I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid. I know about ten alphabets.

9. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

Me? Google my name? I’d never do that!


10. If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

Backward, because then I could catch up on my sleep.

11. Sophie, please tell us about your latest release by Grand Central publishing, “HOW SWEET IT IS”.

Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter is confused—and unbearably tempted—when hunky handyman Tay Giovanni shows up out of the blue and offers to help fix up her rickety house for free, no strings attached.

12. Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

Voice. Every story has been told a million times—it’s how you tell it that’s important.

13. Sophie, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers like me, we just have to know…:)

Sure! I love company! I’m at http://sophiegunn.com You can find my twitter feed and my facebook link there.

14. I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

Well, there are a lot. But my top three are Kristan Higgins, Julie James, and Toni Blake.

15. What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

The sequel to HOW SWEET IT IS, called SWEET KISS OF SUMMER, comes out in August, 2011. You can read more about it on my website, Sophiegunn.com.

It has been a blast getting to know more about you and your books, Sophie. Thank you for spending time with my readers and myself. :)

Thanks so much for having me!

**Giveaway**

To celebrate the January 1, 2011 Grand Central Publishing release of "HOW SWEET IT IS",  contemporary romance author, Sophie Gunn with Over the Edge Reviews will be giving one lucky reader a copy.  To enter here are a few simple rules.

* +2 Leave a comment including email for Sophie Gunn.

  * +2 Spread the Word!
* +5 Follow me on Twitter.

* +5 Add me as friend on Facebook.

*+5 Connect with OTE at NING.

* Become a follower of Over the Edge!
 (+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.)

The giveaway is open to ALL readers and will be running until February 13, 2011. I'll be picking and contacting the winners directly on February 14, 2011. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!