Guest author Diane Escalera

Today my guest is Diane Escalera, author of Dangerous Desire, featured in Lyrical's Christmas promotion.

Here's our interview (yes, you must tear your eyes away from that gorgeous chest next door):

1.) What is your all-time best Christmas memory?

My best Christmas memory was when I believed in Santa Claus. That childlike innocence, bubbling excitement, unquestionable faith in something so powerful and magical made Christmas special for me. And all the presents, of course!

 

2.) As an adult, what is your favorite part of December?

LOVE the lights. Everything looks so sparkly and colorful. We drive through neighborhoods, oohing and ahhing while taking it all in. Sometimes the simplest light displays are the most beautiful because they capture the true spirit of Christmas.

3.) Favorite Christmas movie, and why?

A Christmas Story! We watch it every year. It’s an all-American tale that offers comfort, joy, and unforgettable laugh out loud scenes. The sexy leg lamp is classic!

4.) Why did you write this book?

When I set out to write Dangerous Desire, I wanted to do something different, a little more edgy than my previous books.  I chose to make the hero a pet detective (No. He’s nothing like Ace Ventura!) because frankly, I hadn’t seen many tough guys with this profession.  A love for animals softened his hard exterior.  I found it attractive, and thought my heroine would too.

I knew who my hero was.  How would he utilize his special skills? While I was brainstorming ideas, pro football player Michael Vick’s dogfighting scandal made headlines. Believe it or not, it spurred the plot for Dangerous Desire. 

I’m an animal lover, and I had strong feelings about dogfighting. Still, the story called out to me. I like to write about real-life issues. Bad things happen, and I try not to shy away from something just because it might be unpopular.

But I digress…  After all, Dangerous Desire is a hot romance! It’s a story about a second chance at love. The road to a happy ending may have some bumps along the way. It doesn’t stop us from trying to reach our destination.

Thanks, Diane! Great answers. For all you Blogland friends, I edited this book and can tell you personally, it is caliente, with a dose of cute dogs, beachside setting, bad guys you'll want to see brought to justice, and a couple of funny and all-too-realistic friends. Dangerous Desire is 30% off at the Lyrical Press bookstore through the 25th, along with 14 other titles.

Merry shopping!

Piper Denna

Romance is sexy!

Guest author Lori Green

My guest today is Lori Green, author of Sugar B's Back in Town, a contemporary romance featured in Lyrical's Christmas Bash 2011 (along with 14 other books), on sale for 30% of now through Christmas.

Here's my interview with Lori:

1.)    What is your all-time best Christmas memory?

Growing up Jewish, we were always a little different since we never had a Christmas tree or celebrated Christmas at all. But our family traditions were wonderful from eating latkes with applesauce and playing Hanukkah songs and dancing like crazy people.

2.)    As an adult, what is your favorite part of December?

I love being a parent during this season. My daughter and I always make a gingerbread house so Santa can be charmed. We bake fresh cookies for him too and place reindeer nibbles out on the balcony. We also decorate the house with Christmas and Hanukkah decorations and it’s all so great!

3.)    Favorite Christmas movie, and why?

A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sim. When he wakes up and it’s Christmas morning, his joy always makes me laugh and get teary eyed.

4.)    Why did you choose this book for the holiday bash OR why did you write this book?

Sugar B’s Back in Town is a story about a woman who finds her own personal redemption in family, community and connection. It’s what the holidays are all about. Pettiness can be put aside and all the old hurts have a chance to be forgotten as the spirit of giving enters our life.

I love that Sugar begins as a broken woman but she finds herself and her worth. I’d hope that for anybody who feels lost, the holiday offers a sense of community in which to find themselves.

Thanks, Lori. Seeing the fun kids have with Christmas makes it so much more fun for us as adults, I think. And I grew up without celebrating Christmas, too... but sure love all the decorations and traditions now!

Piper Denna

Romance is sexy!

Blogelocity

I'm guest blogger with author Michelle Flye today, answering lots of questions about character names as part of a blog tour to promote the Lyrical Press Christmas Bash, 15 books all 30% off from now til Christmas. My own contemporary romance, Waiting for Revenge, is included.


Autumn Piper
Got romance?

Things That Work

...And another product gains the Piper Patter Seal of Affection.


It's Pampered Chef's Grapefruit Knife. For $8, this little gadget makes sectioning grapefruit a snap. The image doesn't do it justice, because it's hard to see the curved, tapered tip--which is what makes the knife effective at getting down the bottom of the fruit sections and separating it from the rind, and also getting into those little crevices at the center.


I love grapefruit, but will admit, I've sometimes bought it and let it go bad because I was too lazy to section it in the morning. No more a problem in my house.


Loooove it!


Piper Denna
Romance is sexy!

Guest Patter

Today I'm guest blogging with author Sandra Sookoo at her blog, Believing is Seeing, about A Fireman for Christmas and how it came to be.


I'm also guest blogging for author Rebecca Rose about tag lines and submissions (this from an editor's standpoint).


Piper Denna
Romance is sexy!