An Interview with Kitty Thomas, author of The Last Girl

Ok, so let's get to it.  I've been waiting and waiting for my date on this tour since I read the book.  I just love this story beyond pieces, it is definitely one of my favorites this year.  On top of all that I was lucky enough to also get a chance to interview the author, Kitty Thomas!  She was (ok, is) super nice and I really look forward to working with her more in the future!  So without further ado, here is the interview.  I hope everyone enjoys it, and I hope you all get a chance to read this fabulous story!  

Check out my review HERE

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Hello Kitty!  It is such a pleasure to meet you!  Thank you for taking the time to stop by Fictional Candy on your tour with Dark Mind Book Tours!

Thanks for having me!

  

First, lets start with the story.  The Last Girl.  I don’t want to gush, but oh lordy, this book was beyond wonderful.  What can you tell the readers about this story?

Ha! Thank you! I love that you’ve read (and liked!) The Last Girl before the interview because it gives us an opportunity to talk about things we might not be talking about otherwise. The Last Girl is basically about Christian’s internal struggle with his nature, which I know sounds weird since most of the book happens in Juliette’s POV. But, in my opinion, he’s the one with the biggest struggle. I think seeing it through the eyes of one of his pets, though, really drives home what the stakes are.

He’s not apologetic about what he is (vampire), and he isn’t a human with fangs, but he desperately wants to love someone and hold onto them without killing them, and he’s never been able to succeed at that before. Seriously, I hurt when he hurts.

  

I really can’t decide which character I like more, Juliette or Christian.  Ok, its totally Christian!  He is bad in such a good way, completely blunt and honest… so raw in his beauty.  Was there any specific inspiration for him?

Christian just “is”. I can’t point to anybody or anything that specifically inspired him because he just popped up in my head one day. I’m sure M inspired parts of him (he seems to see a lot of himself in certain characters of mine under both of my pen names. Cain in the Zoe series is SO M, lol.)

I will say that the dream in Juliette’s opening sequence is a dream I actually had and once I had that, the rest of the story started to fall into place. Dreams often inspire books or parts of books for me. Christian did show up in a dream, but it was after the book had first been released. And let me say... he is SCARY. I mean he didn’t DO anything scary, he just IS scary. I had to go back to sleep with the light on.

And speaking of inspiration, you list Claudia D. Christian as one of yours.  Is Christian in The Last Girl a namesake of hers, or just a happy coincidence?

Nope. Just a coincidence. I’ve always found the name Christian for a guy really sexy. I don’t know why. I don’t really associate it with the religion when it’s a guy’s name. Though, I will admit it’s a somewhat ironic name for a vampire.

Now Kitty, some people may know you as author Zoe Winters, and you make no issue about disguising the use of two pen names.  Does it ever become difficult for you, to sort of keep up two parts of the same person?

Well, I used to keep it seriously under wraps because my family is super religious and I didn’t want them to have to deal with drama/fallout from their daughter/granddaughter/etc. writing dirty fiction. My grandmother wishes I’d write something that didn’t have sex or profanity in it. My grandfather was more to the point. He asked what I made doing it and then when I told him he said I could write whatever I wanted to write. LOL!

Eventually, though I had to just come out of the pen name closet because it was too draining keeping it a secret and there was weirdly a LOT of Zoe/Kitty fan crossover. Even though, at the time, my two pen names weren’t cross promoting or following each other on Twitter or anything like that. A few people even figured it out, so I thought... meh... I may as well come “out” about it. And also, I didn’t want someone else to end up outing me and then it look like I (as Zoe) was ashamed of the Kitty stuff. I’m really proud of the Kitty stuff.

As for the two parts thing... the only thing really difficult is figuring out how to write romance sex (for Zoe). I find vanilla sex so boring I don’t even know how to describe it. But I don’t want to totally “kink up” the Zoe stuff. I want it to be more mainstream/accepted by a more mainstream audience. So there is definitely a sort of D/s subtext in all the relationships/stories in the Zoe books, but when it comes to the actual sex, I try to get in and out of there as quickly as possible! It’s much easier for me to write Kitty sex where I don’t have to hold anything back.

The Last Girl is much more dark erotica than erotic romance.  Where do you draw the line for your characters to cross or not cross?

Thank you for saying that! I definitely do not consider the Kitty stuff romance. I’m not writing traditional HEAs. I’m not following the rules of romance. And characters may die. I’m making no promises. I mainly just don’t want my characters to get “too vanilla”, which sometimes that’s weirdly a risk because I still want the work to be palatable. The biggest distinction is... whether or not there is obsession or love involved... it’s not about love... it’s about ownership. It’s about the fact that he owns her. Period. So it’s not really a seduction. It’s not about her falling for him and them living happily ever after. It’s about her accepting his power over her and finding a way to live inside it. And that’s what all the Kitty books are about in one way or another.

Big question, would you have tried to escape from Christian?

Yes. He’s terrifying.

I found this book to be the perfect blend of paranormal, erotica, darkness, and emotion.  I’d love for the answer to this question to be yes…. Will we see more of Christian and/or Juliette in any upcoming books?

I don’t think so. This really isn’t the kind of book I want to expand upon or write a sequel to. I think it would ruin it. I don’t want to monkey with a good thing. I told the story exactly how I wanted to tell it the first time; I’m not willing to risk doing anything to screw that up. Plus, I think a sequel would risk making it “romance-y”, and their story isn’t a romance.

If there is one thing you would like readers to take from your Kitty Thomas books, what would that be?

Submission isn’t weakness.

(Well said!!)

Social media is a giant that is taking over everything… how do you feel about it all?  Do you have any favorite social media outlets where we might find you at more than others?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. But I’m on Twitter and my blog mostly. (You can get those links below, readers!)

Ok, lets lighten it up a bit.

Favorite beverage? Assam breakfast tea.

Favorite website? I hate the Internet. But I need it. So here I am.

Favorite city? I don’t like cities. (I’m so disagreeable today! LOL)

Ocean, Mountains, Desert, or City? Ocean, definitely.

That’s about it for now.  Thank you so much Kitty for your time.  I truly appreciate it and I look forward to reading more of your books in the future!

Thanks! I have 3 other novels and 3 novellas out at Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords for you to peruse at your leisure. ;)

Here are a couple of my favorite covers! :)

Kitty On The Web

@kitty_thomas

 Facebook profile

GoodReads author page

Kitty’s Youtube Channel

Kitty’s Fetlife Profile

And no, I didn't forget to leave you the synopsis.  Here it is!  Enjoy!

Six years ago strangers broke into Juliette’s house; she was home alone and only thirteen. She kept her eyes closed, praying that if she didn’t see anything, she wouldn’t be killed. No one harmed her. In fact, one of the thieves protected her. Now Juliette’s dreams are haunted by him.

Christian has waited to take her, resisting the urge each night. It always ends badly with human pets. They’re too fragile. The longer he can wait, the better, because the moment he takes her, the clock on her life starts ticking down.

Then she’ll be gone forever.

Warning: This book is dark erotica meant for a mature audience only

Review, The Last Girl by Kitty Thomas

The Last Girl

Kitty Thomas

Format: Ebook provided for review 

Six years ago strangers broke into Juliette’s house; she was home alone and only thirteen. She kept her eyes closed, praying that if she didn’t see anything, she wouldn’t be killed. No one harmed her. In fact, one of the thieves protected her. Now Juliette’s dreams are haunted by him.

Christian has waited to take her, resisting the urge each night. It always ends badly with human pets. They’re too fragile. The longer he can wait, the better, because the moment he takes her, the clock on her life starts ticking down.

Then she’ll be gone forever.
Warning: This book is dark erotica meant for a mature audience only

****  Also be sure to check out my interview with Kitty on the next post, HERE ****

Wow. WOW.  Seriously, Wow.  I loved this book.  From the first word to the last, I couldn’t get enough.  It is hot, like white hot times infinity.  It is dark and sexy.  It’s mysterious.

Christian is a 782 year old vampire.  He’s been around the block a few times.  Enough to lose interest in following what society says is right or wrong.  He is immortal, and he will do what he damn well chooses to do.  And not you, or I, or Joe Blow down the street are going to tell him any different.  Christian is the type of vampire that will take your typical alpha male and disintegrate him.

Ok, Liz, calm it down… gush much?

As soon as Juliette’s story starts I’m frightened.  The author does a superb job of bringing that fear to life as you realize that you are the only one home, and that home is now being broken into.  And you are only 13.  My pulse quickened and I hoped they wouldn’t find her.  But they did.  Thud Thud THUD.  Yeah, that was my heart beating when I was reading it.

She keeps her eyes closed, just like the blurb says.  She does as she is told.  But then… then…. AHHHH!! I can’t tell you!!!!!  Dang it!!

Every word in this story drips fear.  But it also wreaks of knowing.  Juliette knows that when its over, its not really over.  And boy oh boy, that Christian is one clever vampire.   He decides he will have her. 

                “That night six years ago, he’d seemed to be somewhat in charge of things.  His voice held the same maturity and dark command back then that it holds now.”

Maybe I am a vampire groupie, but Christian’s brutal charisma makes his capture of Juliette seem like a pretty good deal to me.  It’s almost as if she is being afraid because she thinks she should be. 

            “It is the hedonistic and animal side that craves pleasure, even if the cost is pain and fear.”

This book is poetic and dark beauty, most of it is the channel of Juliette’s thoughts, the journey her soul takes.  I may gush and go on and on about this story, but take heed of the warnings, this story is not for everyone.  It is dark erotica.  But it is fabulous and well written.  If you have an open mind it will take you on a fabulous trip.

It’s not just about sex.  It explores ownership, just like the author, Kitty Thomas, says she likes to do with her writing.  It explores lust versus love, need versus want. Forever versus as long as he lets you live….  See, Christian knows he has a line that he will eventually cross, and he knows that the end is near for Juliette.  She’s human, she will not be able to withstand his needs.

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Kitty On The Web

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Fictional Candy shares something From The Review Pile

 From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review (or any book that you own and really want to read/review) but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity..

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So I thought I'd give this a shot.  My pick this week is Hellbound, by Su Halfwerk.  

One-way ticket to Hell. 
Bart is a greedy morgue attendant with money on his mind. He gets more than what he bargains for when he chances upon a pain-letter, one he must pass on or bear the consequences of his inaction. 
Stan is a chiseler, a fake medium, preying on his unsuspecting clients’ earnings through bogus channeling sessions. When he meets mysterious Joanna Stark, he believes her promises of powers beyond his comprehension, powers blessed by the Netherworld. 
Jenna gives up her old life and career to settle down as Troy’s loving wife. He is a God-fearing man who will consent only to marriage. Except fate maps a different ending to their love story, a conclusion that takes them both down and never up again. 
Bart, Stan, and Jenna are destined to go on a long and abominable journey that sinks them below their expectations and forces them to endure pain and anguish beyond their worst nightmares. 
On the paths leading to the depths of Hell, their sins don’t matter!

I am really looking forward to reading this book.  I've worked with Su before, and she is just an awesome person.  I really love her style of writing, and this book sounds great.  And that cover?  Forget about it!  That is some awesome styling!!  So keep an eye out in the future, cause this is on my list :)

What's on your list?

Fictional Candy has a new design!

Ok, so its a work in progress.  But I just got permission today from Lidia Misfit (please see my Artist Info tab to see more of her work!) to use her wonderful Candy Zombie... and so I am slowly working out the kinks.

Still on the list?

• Drop Down Menus
• New Button (Edit:  I have a new button!) >>>>

So what do you think?  Yay or nay?  My goal was to get something a bit more edgey, more sexy, a little raw.  I like horror, paranormal, romance, and erotica books.  But my design previously was a bit tame, so I'm trying to amp it up in tiny bits.  A nip here, a tuck there.... I want it to showcase my personality and tastes more, and those don't run pastel. Yet I don't want to alienate any of my audiences. 

Let me know your thoughts!  I'm very new to blog design, and I don't want to switch to Wordpress as of yet.  I generally like simple designs, so I don't want to go to crazy...

And now I'm rambling.  Yikes!  Talk to me!  Tell me what's up!

Much love

Liz

Review, The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin

The Darkening Dream

Andy Gavin

Format: Ebook provided by author for review

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.
1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?
No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be herself.

When this novel is described as dark, its not kidding. I’m not sure what I was expecting from this author. Knowing his history, I think I expected something a bit less…serious. I’m not sure that “serious” is the world I am looking for, but its close. What I got was something scary and thorough. I’m also pretty sure this book was responsible for some less than savory dreams I had during the nights while reading .

Sarah is a young girl, I think she was aged at about 16 or 17 years old if I am not mistaken. She lives in Salem at a time in the United States when the modern era was just starting to take hold, and yet everyone is still holding on to the past. She is friends with Sam and Anne, twins. And together they all befriend Alex, a boy from Greece. He is different from them, and they don’t even realize how much when they happen upon him one day while going on a picnic. That’s a day that will forever change the course of all of their lives.

This story is mostly told from Sarah’s point of view, although there is quite a bit from Alex’s. I found them both to be intelligent teens, wise beyond their years and likeable as people. The rest of their friends really just paled in comparison. And as for the rest of the characters in this book? There were quite a bit of them, and oh-my-goodness they are a colorful bunch, and quite fascinating. Something good to remember about this book is that not everything is as it appears, because you will definitely be surprised by people here. No one is really what they seem, and the hidden parts are what truly made the story for me, as far as character development is concerned.

Let’s move on to the vampire… This vampire is definitely not at all like the modern vampires we usually read about. Everything about him screams old-styled, horror, and fear. The guy is gruesome, and he doesn’t really hold himself to any moral standards. Some of the things he did throughout this story were a bit gut clenching and some were downright horrific. I didn’t like him at all as a “person”, I felt no affinity to him. He is definitely an evil presence and does not claim to be anything else. As a fictional character he was vibrant and strong, and something to definitely be afraid of.

This story definitely had a lot of religious currents running through it, and many different religions at that. For my own tastes it was a bit much, but I can definitely see how it added to the story. There were a few parts that were a bit slow for me, and a few “false starts” as far as the action was concerned. But the web of all these peoples’ lives is certainly intricate, and I don’t think any of them could have avoided anything that happened to them. There is also several instances of violence, and it was gory. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this book to young, or very sensitive readers. But it was written very well and kept my interest throughout. Overall I really enjoyed this story. Historical horror is a bit out of my normal reading, but I did like this. Once the secrets start coming out, you will absolutely be glued to the pages. I hope you give this book a try, if you like old-school paranormal and flat-out horror, you will definitely enjoy this. 

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Andy Gavin is a serial creative, polymath, novelist, entrepreneur, computer programmer, author, foodie, and video game creator. He co-founded video game developer Naughty Dog and co-created Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter. He started numerous companies, has been lead programmer on video games that have sold more than forty million copies, and has written two novels.

Find Andy Online

Website - All Things Andy Gavin

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Twitter

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Dark Mind Book Tours: Excerpt from Dark Mercy, by Zoe Winters

Today I have a fantastic excerpt from Zoe Winters' book, Dark Mercy.  I am so excited to be on this tour because Zoe Winters is one of my newest favorite authors! So please check out this excerpt and sign up for her newsletter (link below).  Thanks for stopping by!

Click Tour Banner to View Tour Schedule

Dark Mercy Excerpt, used with permission. 

Copyright 2012 Zoe Winters

“A-Angeline. I haven’t seen you here in awhile.” Could he not get that schoolboy stutter out of his voice?

“I was fighting temptation,” she replied coyly.

Hadrian cleared his throat. “And did you succeed?”

“No.”
< She glided closer—or floated. The length of her dress made it impossible to tell which. She stopped mere inches in front of him. He should have taken a step back, should have excused himself, but her strange eyes locked with his. They drew him in, hypnotizing him.

If he were another type of man, he would have proclaimed she was a witch putting him under a spell, but it was just as much his responsibility as hers for not moving away. It was his fault for not finding a replacement for midnight Mass. His mind became fuzzy.

What was I just thinking about?

Her eyes pulled him in, making the rest of the room swirl around him in a slow blur. If he’d looked down to find them both floating and spinning in the air, he wouldn’t have been surprised. He was dizzy from the delicious scent emanating from her.

Her voice was a siren’s song when she spoke again. “Forgive me, Father, for I’m about to sin.”

Angeline’s mouth tasted like hot cinnamon candy as her lips descended on his. Her lip gloss left his mouth tingling. She might burn him alive with a single kiss. She chuckled as she continued her exploration of his mouth, as if he’d stated his thought aloud and she found it amusing.

Somewhere deep inside him was the place that was screaming that this must not happen, but it sounded like it was shouting from far away down a long, dark hallway, disappearing into a tinny echo. Quickly overtaking that voice was one penetrating thought that refused to release him.

I want her. I want her. I want her. I want her. The thought happened in rhythm to the beat of his heart.

Her lips left his mouth and made a burning trail over his cheek and up to the lobe of his ear. “Father Hadrian.” It was a breathy pant that held all the promise of a new universe unfolding.

He couldn’t remember what she said after that or even if she said something after that. The pounding of his own blood rushing through his ears—and other blood racing south in response to her nearness—had drowned out his ability to think or hear anything else but the lilting magic of her voice calling his name.

“Father Hadrian… ”

Her tone had gone from that of an angel to a writhing serpent as she rubbed her sinewy body against him. This was wrong. The thinking part of him clawed to get out. Something was all wrong about this, beyond the breaking of a vow. But he couldn’t form a coherent thought.

I want her. I want her. I want her.

“And you shall have me. Forever,” she said.

Had he spoken out loud? He wasn’t sure.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me right now,” he said, as her fingers slid under the Roman collar.

It startled him. His collar. Where were his vestments? There were more layers of clothing, or there had been a few moments ago. He glanced down to find the vestments somehow on the floor of the sanctuary. He started to pull away.

“No, Father. Eyes right here on mine. Stay with me.”

His gaze shifted back to her eyes and his will merged with her again. He didn’t realize his shirt was off until the air from the chilly room hit his bare chest.

“Oh, what a surprise. You must work out. Don’t be shy, Father Hadrian. It’s a crime you never get to be inside a woman with this body.”

Subscribe to her newsletter by sending a blank email to freekept@gmail.com. You will receive a free novella and you can enter her fabulous contests! 

1955, Las Vegas, Nevada
Angeline has been on the run from her sire, Linus, for centuries. She’s tired, and she’s lonely. High from mescaline-induced blood, she sees a sign—a church that seems to glow in the distance—and she knows. Her future mate is in that building.


Important Author’s Note:
Dark Mercy is the beginning of Hadrian and Angeline’s story, not the end. Their HEA will happen later in their own full-length novel. This story is important both for the overall series and for this couple, but it’s not their HEA. Just a mild disclaimer so no one goes in with false expectations for this story.

Stalk Zoe!

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Bewitching Book Tours, Julie Prestsater interviews character Alex Aguilar for So I'm a Double Threat - Interview/Giveaway

Read below for a terrific interview between author, Julie Prestsater, and teenage heart-throb, Alex.  Then you can enter in the giveaway for your chance to win some cool prizes!  Thank you Julie, for taking the time to interview Alex, and best of luck on your tour!

*Liz

So I'm A Double Threat

Julie Prestsater

Megan Miller, a freshman at Carver High and a Double Threat, the perfect combination of smart and popular. She's got the grades, she's got the friends, and she's got the connections. Freshman year should be a breeze, but it's not. How can it be when you have boys, boys and boys on the brain. And really only one in particular. Alex Aguilar...the boy of Meg's dreams. They met at a party and Meg's whole world shifted. The spark was there, there was no denying it. But could that spark lead to more? Can a Senior and Freshman really make a go of it no matter what kind of connection they share? Or will outside circumstances ruin not only Meg's Freshman year, but her chance at hooking the guy of her dreams. Being a Double Threat is supposed to make you special, but is it worth it if you don't get your crush?

 “Late Night with Julie Prestsater with Special Guest: Alex Aguilar”

Julie: Hey, Alex. Nice to you see you again.

Alex: Nice to see you too. Thanks for having me.

Julie: It’s been awhile. We’ve read about you in So I’m a Double Threat. Since then, you’ve come back in Double Threat My Bleep, and Double Time.

Alex: That’s right. I’ve been busy.

Julie: We have a lot to talk about, especially your private life. Let me just warn the readers, some spoilers are coming your way.

Alex: Good idea, we don’t want to give anything away.

Julie: You ready?

Alex: Absolutely. What’s your first question? Hit me?

Julie: Nice choice of words, because at the beginning of first book, I really wanted to hit you. Hard.

Alex: I’ve been told that before. A lot, actually.

Julie: Stop with that grin, you’re distracting me.

Alex: I’ll try.

Julie: Let me start with this: Why? Why? Why?

Alex: (chuckles)

Julie: Really? Why Amy? She’s awful.

Alex: I really didn’t have any intention of hooking up with her, but at that party, she came on a little strong. She told me some things, which I know now to be false, and I just went with it. Here’s this beautiful girl, sexy as hell, trying to hook up with me … what guy in my shoes would walk away from that?

Julie: A smart one. So tell us, what did Amy say? Or should I say, what lies did she feed you?

Alex: You know, I’ve never told anyone this. Not even Megan.

Julie: That’s okay, your secret is safe with us.

Alex: (long pause) Okay. At the party, Meg was dancing and Amy was alone. So, I went up to her and started asking about Meg. I was interested in Meg from the beginning, not her friend. She told me Meg wasn’t interested in going out with guys until she was a senior. And she was definitely not interested in me. She said Meg thought of me as a big brother.

Julie: And you believed that crock of sh…? Crap?

Alex: I know, I know. I was an idiot.

Julie: Ben said you broke up with your girlfriend so you could go out with Amy. What do you have to say about that?

Alex: Ben obviously didn’t know what the hell he was talking about.

Julie: I still can’t believe you listened to Amy.

Alex: I had no reason to believe she’d lie. I didn’t really know her that well.

Julie: You knew her well enough to stick your tongue down her throat. Right in front of Meggie.

Alex: (squirms) I know. That was bad. But, I’d like to think I’ve made up for it since. Just ask Megan. I think she’d agree. (winks)

Julie: Well, I guess we’ll just have to read on to see. That’s all the time we have today. Thanks for chatting with me, Alex.

Alex: Sure, anytime.

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Please note that this giveaway is tour wide, and Fictional Candy is not responsible for notification or delivery of prize.

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Sizzling PR: Highland Shifter by Catherine Bybee, Guest Post

Welcome, Catherine!  Thank you for such an awesome post, I just love it :)  Best wishes on your tour!

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10 reasons we love romance

By Catherine Bybee

Hi Fictional Candy… I love your blog name. How fun is that!

It brings up yummy-i-cious images of super indulgent fun. And isn’t that what romance is? Indulgent escape without any calories?

Romance quite simply is fictional candy, isn’t it? I know that every time I sit down to write a scene or read a book I’m in for a treat. Okay, maybe writing the scenes aren’t the same kind of treat…that’s my day job. For me it is work. But in the end it is a sugary mouthful of sweetness.

I think I’ve been asked a zillion times why I write romance. Any writer of romance that I know is one because they love the genre. So let’s go over my ten reasons for loving to read and write romance.

10.  It burns calories. I know you’re thinking “Yeah right!” but it does. I read while on an exercise bike at the gym. And when I can’t do that…I’m reading and getting all short of breath at times. That burns calories!

9.   I’m saving power. If I’m reading I’m not watching TV. Even if I’m using a charged up e-reader, I’m off the grid. So reading is environmentally friendly.

8.   I’m giving people room online. If I’m reading or writing I’m not sucking up bandwidth. And in my home, that’s a good thing.

7.   I can have an affair and it doesn’t count. I fall a little in love with every book. Most affairs will cost you half of everything you own. Just sayin’. 

6.  I use less gas. As a writer, I don’t have to leave home to work, and with an e-reader I don’t even have to go to a bookstore to pick up my stash.

5.  I can travel the world in a book. I haven’t seen a tenth of the places I’ve read about. But I feel like I’ve been there. *again, saving gas*

4.  I can go back in time without the grime. Let’s face it, sixteenth century Scotland without toilets and running water wouldn’t be ideal…but in a book, it’s fabulous. All those kilts…with nothing under them. Grrr…

3.  I can go to work in my bathrobe. Unless you work for ‘Vivid Entertainment’ or ‘Hugh’ you can’t say that.

2.  I read romance because I am 100% positive that the boy and girl are together in the end. Life if full of unhappy endings. In fiction, I want happy!

1.  And the #1 reason I read/write romance…it makes my heart burst with rainbows and roses every day. How many people can say that about their jobs?

Okay, Fictional Candy readers…tell me, why do you read or write romance?

 Highland Shifter

Catherine Bybee

Helen Adams has a knack for finding lost objects, but the Simon McAllister she finds isn’t what she expected. The missing California teen is now a grown man—a kilted, sword wielding, Highland warrior.
A mysterious Druid book and Helen’s sixth sense send her to Scotland in search of a missing boy. After being attacked by strange men dressed in medieval garb, a handsome, desirable hero answering to the boy’s name rescues her. No one is more surprised than she to find herself in sixteenth century Scotland. Unable to deny the reality of time travel, Helen discovers smoldering passion with a man destined to leave her.
Simon has lived his Druid life in two very different worlds, two vastly different times, and when Helen practically lands in his lap, he knows his life is about to change forever. There are enemies in California lying in wait for her, and an army in Scotland closing in on his family. Simon is the only person who can protect her. But when she learns his most guarded secret, will she still want him? Can Helen love a Highland Shifter? 

New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California.

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