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Book Blurb
Her Desert Treasure
By Larie Brannick
Can their love save her life?
Inheriting her grandfather’s ranch is the perfect opportunity for Meg Reynolds to begin again. The land is her only chance to hold on to the last bit of family she had. But Jake Matthews has other plans. Despite the heat blazing between them, he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants. When someone threatens Meg and seems willing to kill her for her land, Meg doesn’t know who she can trust. And when she’s kidnapped, Jake wonders if he’ll ever be able to let her know he cares more for her than the land that stands between them…
Buy Links:
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Larie is a Colorado girl, born and bred. She and her husband live in a small mountain town where they are settling into life as empty-nesters. When she isn’t writing, reading or thinking about romance, she works for two busy orthopaedic surgeons.
Links:
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Interview
Hi Larie,
Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your new book, Her Desert Treasure and your process for our budding authors as well as fans.
So first off, Her Desert Treasure Questions.......
In your own words, what is Her Desert Treasure about?
Her Desert Treasure is a contemporary romantic suspense about second chances. Megan Reynolds and Jake Matthews have both been burned in life and love. All Meg wants is to fulfill her dream of creating a living classroom on her family’s property in Big Rock, Colorado, and to have a quiet life without drama.
Jake’s hands are full with his flourishing veterinary clinic and horse breeding operation, but he vows to keep the promise he made to establish a wild horse refuge on his old friend’s land. He doesn’t want or need any complications messing with his mind or his heart.
Probably the hardest questions! Okay, here goes.
I drive too fast.
I live 40 miles from a ski resort, but I’ve never even tried on a pair of skis.
I read 3 – 5 books a week. (I know, when do I have time to write, right?)
The only thing I know about wine is that I like to drink it!
My favorite color is purple.
Book
I wrote the first draft of this book 5 years ago.
I wrote the first draft of this book in less than a month.
Over the years, probably half of the original draft has been cut from the final book.
When I first started this book, the working title was Golden Sunrise.
My very first critique group hated this story.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone to read it!
Book Blurb
Goodreads Amazon Entangled
Author Info
Links:
Website Blog Twitter
Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your new book, Her Desert Treasure and your process for our budding authors as well as fans.
So first off, Her Desert Treasure Questions.......
In your own words, what is Her Desert Treasure about?
Her Desert Treasure is a contemporary romantic suspense about second chances. Megan Reynolds and Jake Matthews have both been burned in life and love. All Meg wants is to fulfill her dream of creating a living classroom on her family’s property in Big Rock, Colorado, and to have a quiet life without drama.
Jake’s hands are full with his flourishing veterinary clinic and horse breeding operation, but he vows to keep the promise he made to establish a wild horse refuge on his old friend’s land. He doesn’t want or need any complications messing with his mind or his heart.
Their first meeting doesn’t go very well when Meg kicks Jake of her property for trespassing, but soon they realize there is more than irritation causing fireworks between them. They have to work together to outsmart Jake’s meddling mother with matchmaking tendencies, and a bad guy from Meg’s past who is determined to make her pay for his bad luck.
Both of them have issues, but once they let down their walls, they learn to trust and love again.
How did you come up with the title of the book and can you tell us its significance?
The setting for the story is the southwestern corner of Colorado, which consists of large desert lands and majestic mountains. There is also a history of abandoned gold mines in the area, which are also a part of the story. The real treasure is the love Jake and Meg find with each other. It just seemed to fit.
Is Her Desert Treasure a standalone book or will it be part of a series?
Standalone
What genre would you say Her Desert Treasure is and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?
It is a romantic suspense. Yes, it does have a suspense element, but it isn’t a dark story, and I love that there is humor woven throughout the story.
What was your favorite scene to write for either your hero or heroine in Her Desert Treasure?
One of my favorites is the restaurant scene the first night Jake’s family shows up and the scene in the car after. Meg kind of throws Jake under the bus by agreeing with his mother that he should spend the next day showing Kristen around, when she knows it’s the last thing he wants to do. Meg knows she’ll pay for it later, but she can’t help teasing him. He does make her pay – if you consider a hot make-out session in the car when they get home punishment! I just really loved their bantering and the humor in that scene.
What was the hardest scene to write?
I had to make a few changes to the ending and it was hard to switch gears in my head, but I think it turned out better than my original draft.
What's your favorite line or quote from Her Desert Treasure?
“…There’s something real between us, Meg. You feel it, too.”
Her shoulders shook before a giggle escaped and she wiggled her hips. “Yeah, I definitely feel it.”
Writing.......
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I can’t honestly put a finger on one definitive moment when I decided I loved to write, it’s just something I’ve always done. I read all the time, and somewhere in the back of my mind I’ve thought, “I could do that.” But what really gave me the courage to try to write a book was my sister writing one and her telling me to go for it. It’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten.
What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?
I love to read and I love music. Sometimes a single line from a song kickstarts an idea for a story and I go from there. That’s how this book started. I got a picture in my head from a line in a song and all of a sudden, there were characters and plots and back stories. I had to write it.
What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?
I tend to write the first draft quickly. I just get it all out on the page. Then I go back through and fill in holes or cut out stuff that doesn’t move the story along. Cutting is hard, but it gets a little easier every time I have to do it.
Are you a Plotter or a Panster?
Total pantser. I swear I have tried to plot out an entire book, but it just feels too restrictive. I do have an overall idea before I start, there is a beginning, middle and end, but mostly, I start writing and see where it goes.
Have you released anything under a different pen name, and if so, is there any difference between them? No, this is my first release.
What's next for you? I’m working on a series about four men who own a private security company. I hope to have the first book done and submitted soon. I’m also “cooking a book” in my head, a Christmas novella I want to get started on.
Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?
I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve read Her Desert Treasure, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, either while I was writing it, or after its release. I wrote this book because I love the story, it’s a big bonus to know that others love it as much as I do.
Personal questions......
Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing characters, who is your favorite and why?
I love Jake Matthews. He’s a tough guy with a big heart. He’s overprotective and a little possessive, but he takes care of the people he loves. There aren’t too many things sexier than a strong man who is kind to animals!
Are there any of your stories or characters that hold a special place in your heart?
Of course, Her Desert Treasure will always be special because it’s my first release. But I’m totally in love with the four heroes in the series I’m working on.
If the book had to have a theme song, what would it be?
The one, single line that got me started thinking about this story came from a Rascal Flatts song, She Goes All The Way. The song doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the story, but that’s where it all started.
Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5 they don't know about the book?
Both of them have issues, but once they let down their walls, they learn to trust and love again.
How did you come up with the title of the book and can you tell us its significance?
The setting for the story is the southwestern corner of Colorado, which consists of large desert lands and majestic mountains. There is also a history of abandoned gold mines in the area, which are also a part of the story. The real treasure is the love Jake and Meg find with each other. It just seemed to fit.
Is Her Desert Treasure a standalone book or will it be part of a series?
Standalone
What genre would you say Her Desert Treasure is and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?
It is a romantic suspense. Yes, it does have a suspense element, but it isn’t a dark story, and I love that there is humor woven throughout the story.
What was your favorite scene to write for either your hero or heroine in Her Desert Treasure?
One of my favorites is the restaurant scene the first night Jake’s family shows up and the scene in the car after. Meg kind of throws Jake under the bus by agreeing with his mother that he should spend the next day showing Kristen around, when she knows it’s the last thing he wants to do. Meg knows she’ll pay for it later, but she can’t help teasing him. He does make her pay – if you consider a hot make-out session in the car when they get home punishment! I just really loved their bantering and the humor in that scene.
What was the hardest scene to write?
I had to make a few changes to the ending and it was hard to switch gears in my head, but I think it turned out better than my original draft.
What's your favorite line or quote from Her Desert Treasure?
“…There’s something real between us, Meg. You feel it, too.”
Her shoulders shook before a giggle escaped and she wiggled her hips. “Yeah, I definitely feel it.”
Writing.......
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I can’t honestly put a finger on one definitive moment when I decided I loved to write, it’s just something I’ve always done. I read all the time, and somewhere in the back of my mind I’ve thought, “I could do that.” But what really gave me the courage to try to write a book was my sister writing one and her telling me to go for it. It’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten.
What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?
I love to read and I love music. Sometimes a single line from a song kickstarts an idea for a story and I go from there. That’s how this book started. I got a picture in my head from a line in a song and all of a sudden, there were characters and plots and back stories. I had to write it.
What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?
I tend to write the first draft quickly. I just get it all out on the page. Then I go back through and fill in holes or cut out stuff that doesn’t move the story along. Cutting is hard, but it gets a little easier every time I have to do it.
Are you a Plotter or a Panster?
Total pantser. I swear I have tried to plot out an entire book, but it just feels too restrictive. I do have an overall idea before I start, there is a beginning, middle and end, but mostly, I start writing and see where it goes.
Have you released anything under a different pen name, and if so, is there any difference between them? No, this is my first release.
What's next for you? I’m working on a series about four men who own a private security company. I hope to have the first book done and submitted soon. I’m also “cooking a book” in my head, a Christmas novella I want to get started on.
Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?
I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve read Her Desert Treasure, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, either while I was writing it, or after its release. I wrote this book because I love the story, it’s a big bonus to know that others love it as much as I do.
Personal questions......
Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing characters, who is your favorite and why?
I love Jake Matthews. He’s a tough guy with a big heart. He’s overprotective and a little possessive, but he takes care of the people he loves. There aren’t too many things sexier than a strong man who is kind to animals!
Are there any of your stories or characters that hold a special place in your heart?
Of course, Her Desert Treasure will always be special because it’s my first release. But I’m totally in love with the four heroes in the series I’m working on.
If the book had to have a theme song, what would it be?
The one, single line that got me started thinking about this story came from a Rascal Flatts song, She Goes All The Way. The song doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the story, but that’s where it all started.
Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5 they don't know about the book?
ME
Probably the hardest questions! Okay, here goes.
I drive too fast.
I live 40 miles from a ski resort, but I’ve never even tried on a pair of skis.
I read 3 – 5 books a week. (I know, when do I have time to write, right?)
The only thing I know about wine is that I like to drink it!
My favorite color is purple.
Book
I wrote the first draft of this book 5 years ago.
I wrote the first draft of this book in less than a month.
Over the years, probably half of the original draft has been cut from the final book.
When I first started this book, the working title was Golden Sunrise.
My very first critique group hated this story.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone to read it!
Thank you for having me and for the well-wishes! I hope I get to come back for my next book!
Risk of a Lifetime
by Claudia Shelton
Can she survive his past?
Three years ago, Marcy Bradley let the man she loved go so he could follow his career dream of being an FBI agent. She sent divorce papers. He signed. She never filed them.
With a killer after them, Marcy and JB run for their lives, escaping to a lakeside cabin. Their love is rekindled, and JB realizes they’re still married, but will there be time for their passion amidst the explosions and gunshots?
Buy Links:
Goodreads Amazon Entangled
Award-winning author Claudia Shelton thought she wrote mainstream when she began writing, but before long, someone told her she sounded more like romance. Then those pesky alpha heroes and the women strong enough to love them, started running through her mind insisting she write their own happily-ever-after. Since then, she's focused on HEA with a splash of suspense or intrigue, becoming a two-time finalist in the Daphne Du Maurier (Unpublished) awards for excellence in mystery and suspense. During her downtime from writing, you'll find her sipping a cup of cocoa in winter's chill or enjoying a drink by the water in summer's heat--either way, she's always enjoying life. Her novel RISK OF A LIFETIME releases April 2014.
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Newsletter
Hi Claudia,
Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your new book, Risk of a Lifetime and your process for our budding authors as well as fans.
So first off, Risk of a Lifetime Questions.......
In your own words, what is Risk of a Lifetime about?
A sexy, alpha hero. A strong, sassy woman. And a nice cozy cabin by the lake. Oh, did I mention the other man...the one with vengeance on his mind...and a gun in his hand?
How did you come up with the title of the book and can you tell us its significance?
This story is about all kinds of risks. First, JB is willing to risk death In order to save Marcy from the danger that followed him back to town. And second, they each must risk facing their own individual pasts that have shaped them throughout life because without that acceptance there is no chance for their love to survive.
Is Risk of a Lifetime a standalone book or will it be part of a series?
First of all, RISK OF A LIFETIME is a standalone book, meaning everything is wrapped up for JB and Marcy by the end of the story. However, I see this as part of a series centered around a fictional small town near a large lake in mid-Missouri. As each book ends, I hope the reader is looking forward to the happily-ever-after of another town resident they met in that book. And risk...there will always be a risk to the hero and heroine!
What genre would you say Risk of a Lifetime is and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?
RISK OF A LIFETIME is a romantic suspense about second chances in life and love. My book is about a sexy, alpha hero and the woman strong enough to love him—his tenacity and her sass make more than enough heat to take the chill off a winter's cabin!
What was your favorite scene to write for either your hero or heroine in Risk of a Lifetime?
I loved writing JB and Marcy because they were each such strong personalities. But one of my favorite scenes is in the hospital after JB's been hurt, when Marcy can't keep her sister from walking in the room while he's dressing.
What was the hardest scene to write?
Facing his own pain, JB reveals how he was betrayed and branded on his last assignment. It's then that Marcy has to face her fear of losing him and, instead, consider being the wife of a lawman one moment at a time...forever.
What's your favorite line or quote from Risk of a Lifetime?
One of my many favorites is: "A promise is a promise, sugar. Everything's just the way it was when you went to sleep."
Writing.......
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I liked writing even years ago in school, but then I started raising a family and life just happened. Then about six years ago, my husband convinced me to quit my day-job and write my stories. I was hooked!!!
What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?
The encouragement and support I get from family, friends and other writers make the great moments—fabulous. And when the down times come, they help me remember the fabulous moments so I can smile, shake it off and sit down at the keyboard again the next day!
What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?
When I'm in writing-mode I aim for 6,000 words a week, try to keep up on social media to stay in touch with my readers and whatever else comes up at the last minute.
Are you a Plotter or a Panster?
I'm mainly a Panster, but I still need to do some Plotting as I write a synopsis. Guess I'm what you'd call a bright, shiny red hybrid with flashy wheels, a 100-mile an hour engine and nothing but Drive on the shift lever!
Have you released anything under a different pen name, and if so, is there any difference between them?
No, nothing under a different name.
What's next for you?
I just completed the first three chapters and a synopsis for the second book centered around this lake-town setting. Plus I'm in the process of editing another just-completed manuscript headed in a different direction. Hopefully, you'll see those books out soon.
Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?
I love writing stories with happily-ever-after and a touch of suspense. My hope is that you find yourself lost in the lives of the hero and heroine, so much so that those few pages you planned to read for the evening turn into chapters. And as always, visit my website or sign up for my FB, Twitter or Newsletter so we can keep in touch. You never know what fun things might be happening in my writing world!
Personal questions......
Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing characters, who is your favorite and why?
Right now, I'd say Jean Bernard Bradley—JB to the world, more than the world to Marcy, in RISK OF A LIFETIME.
Are there any of your stories or characters that hold a special place in your heart?
There will always be a special spot for the first alpha hero I wrote, Reese Trenton, in Freedom and Magnolias. That manuscript hasn't been published yet...maybe someday I'll rework it and let the world meet Reese.
If the book had to have a theme song, what would it be?
" A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley (Oh, yeah...)
Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5 they don't know about the book?
About me:
1) I love my cover for RISK OF A LIFETIME.
2) I bait my own fishing hook!
3) I love the smell of hyacinth in the spring.
4) I've been known to make snow angels (but that's cold, so I wait till I'm ready to go inside)
5) Downton Abbey and House of Cards are both on my TBW (to-be-watched) list
About RISK OF A LIFETIME:
1) JB planned to be in and out of town before Marcy knew he was there.
2) The reader met a few of the future heroes and heroines in the series.
3) The working title was Please Be Careful.
4) Betsy isn't Marcy's only sister.
5) JB and Marcy love to dance...slow...really, really slow...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone to read it!
Three years ago, Marcy Bradley let the man she loved go so he could follow his career dream of being an FBI agent. She sent divorce papers. He signed. She never filed them.
With a killer after them, Marcy and JB run for their lives, escaping to a lakeside cabin. Their love is rekindled, and JB realizes they’re still married, but will there be time for their passion amidst the explosions and gunshots?
Buy Links:
Goodreads Amazon Entangled
Author Info
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Newsletter
Interview
Hi Claudia,
Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your new book, Risk of a Lifetime and your process for our budding authors as well as fans.
So first off, Risk of a Lifetime Questions.......
In your own words, what is Risk of a Lifetime about?
A sexy, alpha hero. A strong, sassy woman. And a nice cozy cabin by the lake. Oh, did I mention the other man...the one with vengeance on his mind...and a gun in his hand?
How did you come up with the title of the book and can you tell us its significance?
This story is about all kinds of risks. First, JB is willing to risk death In order to save Marcy from the danger that followed him back to town. And second, they each must risk facing their own individual pasts that have shaped them throughout life because without that acceptance there is no chance for their love to survive.
Is Risk of a Lifetime a standalone book or will it be part of a series?
First of all, RISK OF A LIFETIME is a standalone book, meaning everything is wrapped up for JB and Marcy by the end of the story. However, I see this as part of a series centered around a fictional small town near a large lake in mid-Missouri. As each book ends, I hope the reader is looking forward to the happily-ever-after of another town resident they met in that book. And risk...there will always be a risk to the hero and heroine!
What genre would you say Risk of a Lifetime is and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?
RISK OF A LIFETIME is a romantic suspense about second chances in life and love. My book is about a sexy, alpha hero and the woman strong enough to love him—his tenacity and her sass make more than enough heat to take the chill off a winter's cabin!
What was your favorite scene to write for either your hero or heroine in Risk of a Lifetime?
I loved writing JB and Marcy because they were each such strong personalities. But one of my favorite scenes is in the hospital after JB's been hurt, when Marcy can't keep her sister from walking in the room while he's dressing.
What was the hardest scene to write?
Facing his own pain, JB reveals how he was betrayed and branded on his last assignment. It's then that Marcy has to face her fear of losing him and, instead, consider being the wife of a lawman one moment at a time...forever.
What's your favorite line or quote from Risk of a Lifetime?
One of my many favorites is: "A promise is a promise, sugar. Everything's just the way it was when you went to sleep."
Writing.......
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I liked writing even years ago in school, but then I started raising a family and life just happened. Then about six years ago, my husband convinced me to quit my day-job and write my stories. I was hooked!!!
What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?
The encouragement and support I get from family, friends and other writers make the great moments—fabulous. And when the down times come, they help me remember the fabulous moments so I can smile, shake it off and sit down at the keyboard again the next day!
What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?
When I'm in writing-mode I aim for 6,000 words a week, try to keep up on social media to stay in touch with my readers and whatever else comes up at the last minute.
Are you a Plotter or a Panster?
I'm mainly a Panster, but I still need to do some Plotting as I write a synopsis. Guess I'm what you'd call a bright, shiny red hybrid with flashy wheels, a 100-mile an hour engine and nothing but Drive on the shift lever!
Have you released anything under a different pen name, and if so, is there any difference between them?
No, nothing under a different name.
What's next for you?
I just completed the first three chapters and a synopsis for the second book centered around this lake-town setting. Plus I'm in the process of editing another just-completed manuscript headed in a different direction. Hopefully, you'll see those books out soon.
Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?
I love writing stories with happily-ever-after and a touch of suspense. My hope is that you find yourself lost in the lives of the hero and heroine, so much so that those few pages you planned to read for the evening turn into chapters. And as always, visit my website or sign up for my FB, Twitter or Newsletter so we can keep in touch. You never know what fun things might be happening in my writing world!
Personal questions......
Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing characters, who is your favorite and why?
Right now, I'd say Jean Bernard Bradley—JB to the world, more than the world to Marcy, in RISK OF A LIFETIME.
Are there any of your stories or characters that hold a special place in your heart?
There will always be a special spot for the first alpha hero I wrote, Reese Trenton, in Freedom and Magnolias. That manuscript hasn't been published yet...maybe someday I'll rework it and let the world meet Reese.
If the book had to have a theme song, what would it be?
" A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley (Oh, yeah...)
Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5 they don't know about the book?
About me:
1) I love my cover for RISK OF A LIFETIME.
2) I bait my own fishing hook!
3) I love the smell of hyacinth in the spring.
4) I've been known to make snow angels (but that's cold, so I wait till I'm ready to go inside)
5) Downton Abbey and House of Cards are both on my TBW (to-be-watched) list
About RISK OF A LIFETIME:
1) JB planned to be in and out of town before Marcy knew he was there.
2) The reader met a few of the future heroes and heroines in the series.
3) The working title was Please Be Careful.
4) Betsy isn't Marcy's only sister.
5) JB and Marcy love to dance...slow...really, really slow...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone to read it!
~Giveaway~
$25 Amazon GC from Claudia Shelton
$25 Giftcard from Larie Brannick
~To Enter~
Please fill out the rafflecopter below
Wow! Both these books look awesome! (and of course super sexy!!)
ReplyDeleteLove the interviews!
ReplyDelete