Friday, February 24, 2012

AWESOME BOOK GIVEAWAY~ FEVER BY JOAN SWAN

Okay followers ~ You have seen and heard me gasp, pant, and moan about this great cover AND I have written a review about this book as well.
I totally LOVED IT!!!

**Giveaway of Fever by author Joan Swan-see rules at bottom of post.


Q & A with Joan Swan


I’d like to welcome author Joan Swan to my blog today! She is celebrating her upcoming release of her debut novel, FEVER. ***throws cyber confetti*** 

Fever is to be released February 28, 2012


Hello, Joan—pull up a chair and get comfy. And no wisecracks about my Hello Kitty pj’s—they are very comfortable. You might have to push a few (hundreds) books to the side to make it to my desk.


First off, I have made a fresh pot of coffee. But if you’re not a java fan, I have diet Pepsi, milk, or Patron in the freezer. Care for anything?


Oooo, you have diet Pepsi? I love you!


**Pours fresh cup for myself—heavy on the Hazelnut and Splenda. *splash of whiskey—don’t judge me, people. It’s been a rough week.



1. In your acknowledgements in your debut novel, FEVER, you state that the journey to publication took ten years? Can you tell us a little bit about that process (and quite frankly, you scared the bejeezus out of my husband—10 YEARS?!—as I am working on my own manuscript)?


Yes, it’s been quite a trek. The short version is this:


I was a voracious reader and came to a point where I had exhausted all my favorite author’s works, including their backlists. For a while, I ventured into new authors, and quickly devoured their work. Then I found myself dredging. Although I wasn’t as picky a reader then as I am now, I was still required solid plot and consistent characters. When I simply ran out of satisfying reads, I started to write. Not because I thought I could do better. Not because I had any thought of being published. Just to pass the time until something new came out.


But it only took a few chapters before I realized I was hooked. That I loved creating stories more than reading what someone else had created.


From that point on, I wrote. And I studied craft. And I wrote some more.


I sold eight years and nine manuscripts later. And now, ten years after starting, Fever releases.



2. What made you decide to pick an escaped convict as a romantic hero?


I can’t really say I picked him. I think he picked me.


Fever developed from one little “What if..?” stemming from my own daily real life circumstances. I’ve been a sonographer for twenty years and one of the hospitals where I worked gained a huge prisoner clientele over a year’s time span. I went from scanning two or three prisoners a week to scanning five to eight prisoners every single morning. I spent half my day surrounded by guards and inmates. The more I understand their routines and procedures, the more clearly I recognized how easily something could go wrong with something as simple as one tip off from someone inside the hospital to a prisoner’s family member or one officer off his game that day.


Many, many times I was left in dangerous situations with prisoners that should have never been allowed to exist. I was lucky, nothing ever happened. But that didn’t keep me from thinking, “What if…?”


3. I know that you have three books planned so far for this series. Will there be more? What can you tell us about the next two books, INFERNO and BLAZE?

Oooo, well, I’ll give you a little exclusive treat, Trish. I recently received the back cover copy of BLAZE, which ROCKS! And I’ll share it with you here:



The hotter they come, the harder they fall…


With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…


Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.


Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…
INFERNO is my heartbreaker. Jessica Fury and Quaid Legend were newlyweds when their hazmat firefighting team stumbled upon an illegal chemical stash in a government warehouse set aflame, and the explosion took Quaid’s life. Or so they thought.



But in BLAZE, the team uncovers evidence that Quaid has been held as a prisoner in a secret military laboratory. Jessica utilizes her scrying abilities to help find and free Quaid only to discover that all the experimental testing he’s undergone over the years has wiped his mind clean, and he has no memory of her.


While Jessica has to decide if she can truly put the Quaid she married to rest and love the new man Quaid has become, Quaid has to learn to trust these strangers with only memories of deceit and abuse.


But they don’t have the luxury of time, because the scientists who developed Quaid’s clustered paranormal abilities into a powerful military aide are on an all-out mission to retrieve what they consider an extremely valuable weapon.


With their past shadowed and their future threatened, Jessica and Quaid face the ultimate battles of freedom—one for life, one for love.




Now, let’s have a few fun questions. I hate to be all serious all the time. Seriously, who can maintain that kind of demeanor 24/7?


1. When writing Teague (who is super hunky, BTW) who did you picture in your mind? And the model on the cover—who is he? He reminds me a bit of Jed Hill.

Oh, yes, Jed is Jaci Burton’s bootball guy – he is…amazing.


Actually, I’m very visual, so I always choose an image or images of someone to represent my hero and heroine in my head. It helps me with description.


For Teague, I chose an image that was a little darker and rougher than Jed.


I saw a magazine ad with David Beckham. He was portrayed as a boxer in an unzipped black sweat jacket, nothing underneath, hood up. It was perfect. I lost the photo, but here are a couple of images with a similar “look”.


2. What were the last 5 books you’ve read?

THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE by Shana Galen
ENRAPTURED by Elisabeth Naughton
THE PRIEST’S GRAVEYARD by Ted Dekker
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern
THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness

3. Who are your top three favorite authors?


Heh, you almost got me on that one, Trish. Almost!


4. What one book do you think is a MUST READ for romance readers?

You mean besides mine?

Pfff..that's a given woman....
Honestly, I don’t think there is any one MUST. Romance is such a huge genre with so many so many talented voices and approaches and styles. It’s just too individual a choice.


5. Favorite fictional romance Alpha hero?


My Lord, Trish – do you torture everyone like this or am I just lucky?

Heehee...torture is my specialty, Joan...


6. Are you planning on buying your real life hero anything for Valentines? (Yes...I know...it's past Valentines...but interview was before the V-Day )


My hubby and I have been married over twenty years and make a point of doing special things for each other on a regular basis, so we typically forgo the showy days once a year.

The combination of his job in the early years and my job now, we spend a lot of time apart, so every day we’re together is a special day for us.

Awww...that is just so damn sweet. And I know what you mean about your hubby's job taking precious time away from the fam. Mine travels a ton, too.

7. Okay, in this round, tell us how you like your romance book heroes:


1. Undies or commando?


Boxer briefs – sexy

Uh....mine would be commando --cause it lessens the time to the good stuff!


2. Tatts or without?


Tasteful tatts are always welcome.

I'm with you on that one...don't like a completely covered mural...but a few strategically placed tatts are HAWT!


3. Dark and dirty or Fun and flirty?


There’s a time and place for both. Variety as the spice of life and all that.

I totes agree...although I am always up for a little dirtiness :)


4. Mr. GQ or Mr. Low-riding Levi’s that superbly caress a firm ass?

Again, so many days in the year…why restrict a man to one look?

I totally agree...but I am a sucker for jeans...faded, holey...tight or loose...I'm not picky :) Plus, they won't stay on too long :)


5. Lastly, are you a cover HOOR? Are you swayed by a rockin’ sex, er six-pack on a book cover?


Abso-freaking-lutely!

**cackles with glee...Cover HOORS unite!

Okay, I lied--- What questions are you never asked, but wish you were asked on these blog interviews?

Oh, let’s see…


If I were planning to escape from humanity and plant myself on a deserted island, which would it be? (not that the idea EVER crossed my mind…)


If I were going to give one of my two children away, which would it be and why?


(not that I’ve EVER contemplated that idea…)


How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?


(now that one, I have always wanted to know…)

GAH--Have you ever read Olivia Cunning's Back Stage Pass? What Trey can do with a Cherry sucker is just down right naughty and delish--You must check it out, J!


Joan, thank you sooooo much for stopping by and drinking with me (snort). Next time, I swear, I’ll buy.


Okay---Now for the goodies!  I have 1 copy of Fever to give away.  
Whoops-my bad--I am giving away 2 COPIES of FEVER!!

My rules are simple---just follow my blog--and leave me a comment telling me the last book you read that you truly enjoyed every second reading!!!!!!!

Comments will be accepted through the weekend and winner will be chose via Random.org. Winner  Winners will be announced Monday, February 27, 2012

Book giveaway is open to US Residents only.


**SPECIAL Giveaway by Joan Swan**
Go to Go Swan' s website for a chance to win a Nook or a Kindle Fire--YOUR CHOICE--leaving a comment on my blog will make you eligible for a chance at this AWESOME giveaway. Just fill out the info on her Rafflecopter.


Joan's Links:



Buy Links:


Author Bio:
Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, releases February 28, 2012. Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012. In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.

Book Blurb:

When Dr. Alyssa Foster is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she's in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razor-sharp pang of need...

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn't, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever...


Joan is currently touring and stopping by at different blogs to promote her debut release...

Month of February 

2/25: 7 Scribes

2/27: Literal Addiction Live Chat

2/28: Author Suzanne Johnson’s Blog, Preternatura, Fever Review

2/29: Get Lost in a Story

2/29: Romance Novel News

Click on above banner for the rest of the tour dates and great chances to win some really cool prizes!



41 comments:

  1. The last book I read that I truly enjoyed every second of was Dark Lover by JR Ward. Yes, I'm a little behind but I'm so glad I finally started this series...amazing and delicious! ;)

    I'm a GFC follower: Wendy Lohr

    leyla413 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy----Have you read the rest of the WARDen's series? If not, you are sooooo in for the ride of your life. The BDB Brotherhood hold my girly bits hostage and know just the right way to make a woman feel all weak in the knees.

      Delete
  2. I read my very first m/m romance last night. It was Brook Street: Thief by Ava March. It was fabulous and probably the best book I've read all year, I loved it.

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    Replies
    1. It comes out in March, I got it through NetGalley. I highly recommend it!

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    2. Hmmmm...gotta go on my NetGalley account and look it up, thanks!

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  3. Trish already knows that I read Fever and loved it. I do believe we started the book at the same time! So, no need for me to be entered for Fever.

    But man, I was laughing at the interview, and now I want Blaze and Inferno! Darnit!

    Last book I read that I really loved was Nalini Singh's Archangel's Blade. Dmitri. Rawr!

    Psst Joan, gonna read my first Jaci Burton as soon as it arrives. I won The Perfect Play. So please no taking a whip to my arse? LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAY! Congrats Rachel!! Can't wait to hear how much you love it -- cause you so will!

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    2. Will do!! I'm just twiddling my thumbs in wait for it to arrive.

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    3. RAO---the party can now begin. WOOT!
      And yes, we were reading this book at the same time, Joan and comparing notes. We BOTH LURVED it....and can't wait for more of this fantastic series.
      Hope you love The Perfect Play, Rao---let me know. Changing the Game #2 was my fave. Gavin was just yummy and had a Dom side to his kinky sexual self that I just fell for. **note--restaurant scene, just sayin'.

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    4. Will do Trish. Just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. It was the source of my flogging..

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    5. Rao0
      And I am sure you enjoyed every minute of it---the reading AND the flogging ;)
      LOL

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  4. Great interview--I couldn't stop laughing and smiling! :)

    Hm...last book I enjoyed every step of the way? That would have to be a tie between Saint by Monica McCarty (read it a few days ago, loved it!) and obviously any of the BDB boys. :) Though I haven't read the last two or three in this series, I'm anxious to! :)

    Enjoy!
    TBQ
    TBQ's Book Palace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi TBQ! I haven't read them, but am interested!Thanks for coming by!

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    2. TBQ~ Glad you liked the interview. I loved doing it....I love funnies and making peeps laugh. I have read Monica's first book and thought it was good. Historical is just not my fave genre, so I don't get to read much from it.

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  5. Such a funny interview!!!! I really want to read this book! Last book I loved was Anya Bast's last book. I also just finished reading Corralled by Lorelei James, and I enjoyed that to!

    I just subscribed to your blog under the email below :)

    rjs4444us at yahoo dot com

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    Replies
    1. I have Anya in my TBR pile...maybe soon I'll get to her and make a dent in the humongous pile in my closet.

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  6. What an enjoyable interview to read after a stressful day at work! Love the way Joan kept her options open on so many of those tricksy questions. :D

    What book gripped me last? Well hands down that would be 'A Breathe of Snow and Ashes' the 6th in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Can I just say wow!

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. I've heard awesome things about the Outlander series!

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    2. I must admit that I have only read the first three of the OUTLANDER series....sigh....Jamie is delish and is one of my all-time fave heroes!

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  7. I am a huge reader. Joan is a new author for me and always looking for new authors and books to check out. I just finished JR Ward's Lover Mine and loved every single minute of it. It will also be a book that I will re-read. I am now reading Lover Unleashed. I just found out about the Black Dagger Brotherhood and fell in love. Read all the books in about 2 weeks. Can't wait for the new one.
    I am also a cover lover and love your cover of this book. Love the tattoo. I also love David Beckham. I loved any picture of him, loved his superbowl ad. Love to see a hot sexy guy that does not need to say anything. LOL.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lover Mine looks great! I'll be looking into that. I like Teague tatts too -- you'll find some interesting things about them in the book...

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    2. JOAN---you stopped by :)
      Hope you are having a fun time at the conference.

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    3. Chrisbails~
      Thanks for stopping here! I LOVED this first book of Joan's--it had me at the beginning. And Teague is just one sexy man.
      OH, swoon-you have discovered my all time fave series--the BDB Brothers make mah girly bits go up in flames.....

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  8. I've been wanting this book since I saw the cover a couple months ago during a blog hop. The guy is to die for hot. Joan, congrats on your release.
    The last book that I read and totally enjoyed was Bound by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy.

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    Replies
    1. GAH---I seriously need to get to my TBR pile where Alexandra's books are impatiently waiting. I have the whole series up to date. Just need to find the time.

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    2. Hi Julianna! Thanks! Kensington did pick a hottie for the cover, no?

      I've heard such awesome things about Alexandra's work!

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  9. The interview was great! Thanks for the chance to win one of the books--they look awesome! I just finished a book I completely loved--Tara Lain's Fire Balls. I highly recommend it to anyone who also reads some M/M. I follow your blog under Ann Roberts (Kyreadinggirl).

    Ann
    Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I am not a huge reader of the m/m genre, but I sometimes can sneak one in, hehehehe
      The title made me snicker.

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    2. The title is good :). Thanks for coming by Ky!

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  10. Thanks for the great interview!! The last book I read that I loved the whole way through was Marsha Canham's "China Rose". I love historical romances and can not put them down.
    Mel
    bournmelissa@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Mbourn
      Thanks for stopping by --I am making a list of all these great books :)
      Have a great weekend!

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    2. Hi Mel,

      I don't read historicals often, but I really do LOVE them! And every time I pick one up, I think to myself...why don't I read these more often!!

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  11. GREAT interview, ladies! The last book I enjoyed every minute of...was J.R. Wards Envy. I just LOVE her Fallen Angels and BDB series! Thx for this giveaway op! :)

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara-
      Thanks for coming here and commenting. I LOVED Envy--that series one that just gets better and better. I am now listening to Covet on audio and it ROCKS!

      Delete
    2. Hi Barbara, I haven't read JR, but I know many, many readers who LOVE her!

      Trish -- I'm an audiobook fan too!

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  12. The last book I loved every minute of was Gabriels Inferno. It was so good.

    Im a follower

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  13. Right on! Blaze sounds fabulous! And Inferno? My heart hurts already. GAH! Just wanted to stop by and say hey!

    And I couldn't agree with you more, I totally loved Fever as well. I would go so far as to say one of the top releases of 2012.

    Kendra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GzNKz4evr~
      Thanks for stopping by ~ sorry you missed the giveaway, but I am glad you got the chance to read FEVER.
      I am hosting some really great giveaway hops in the next couple of months. Hope you can participate!

      Delete

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