Marie Patrick Interview, Release of Kiss in the Shadows and a GIveaway

Lexi: I’d like to welcome our own Historical Romance author Marie Patrick who is giving away an ecopy of A Kiss in the Shadows. Be sure to answer her question for a chance to win! This book is up for pre-order and releases tomorrow!

Welcome, Marie. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? 

Marie: I was 14 and had just started reading historical romances (Jennifer Wilde, Love’s Tender Fury was my very first romance…..The Flame and the Flower was the next and boy, was I hooked!). Now, what made me think I could write? I have no clue….still don’t, but for reasons I can’t explain, it’s my passion and I have to do it. 

Lexi: Which authors inspire(d) you? 

Marie: Well, you, for one. Jennifer Ashley, Kathryne Kennedy, Shirlee Busbee, Judith McNaught, Victoria Alexander, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Caris Roane and the list goes on. There are so many talented authors out there (and not enough time to read them all!). 

Lexi: Aw, you are so sweet. What are you working on now? 

Marie: Right now, I’m working on Book 2 of the MacDermott Brothers. This one is about Eamon, the youngest of the MacDermott boys. He’s proving to be as difficult as his older brother, Brock, was! 

Lexi: I’ve read A Kiss in the Shadows and Brock is definitely the strong silent type. Can’t wait to meet his brother! Why did you choose this sub-genre of romance? 

Marie: I love history and often feel like I was born at the wrong time. That being said, I think I would have a hard time with all the clothes the women between 1850 and 1900 wore. I couldn’t imagine having to drag on a corset (even worse, having it laced up tight!) and several petticoats…and that’s just the underthings! And the hoops beneath some gowns…..I will admit, I am not the most graceful person….I can just imagine what would happen if I wore hoops! 

Lexi: I totally agree. Way too many clothes in that time! Of all the books you’ve written, which is your favorite character? 

Marie: Oh, my! So difficult to choose….I’ve loved them all for who and what they are (at the time I was writing them and now), but after much deliberation, I’ll go with Joey Darling from A Scandalous Woman. She was the most daring and the most fun with her love of disguises. 

Lexi: I remember that book. You’re right, that heroine was very brave! Thank you so much for telling us a bit about yourself. I know your fans can’t wait until tomorrow when A Kiss in the Shadows releases.

For a chance to win Marie’s newest release, in the comments section, answer this question: What’s your favorite time period to read?

A Kiss in the Shadows blurb: 
     Danger and redemption lurk in the mountains of New Mexico. A killer with no conscience is on the loose, one who seems to be one step ahead of the law.
     Sheriff turned Bounty Hunter Brock MacDermott knows exactly what Zeb Logan is capable of because he has the scars to prove it. In an ambush eighteen months ago, Logan killed Brock’s brother, sister-in-law and their son. Brock has never forgiven himself for failing to keep them safe. Driven by his single-minded mission to find Logan and make him pay, hoping that by doing so he can finally find peace, he rides from town to town on his lonely quest—always careful to keep emotional attachments at arms length…
     …until Stevie Rae Buchanan insists on joining him. She upsets his careful plans with her kindness, courage and strength of mind, making him long for a different life, one with her by his side. But she, too, has seen first hand what this ruthless killer can do and she’s determined to stop him, with or without Brock’s help.

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About Marie:

Marie Patrick has always had a love affair with words and books but it wasn’t until a trip to Arizona, where she now makes her home with her husband and two furry, four-legged “girls”, that she became inspired to write about the sometimes desolate, yet beautiful west. Her inspiration doesn’t just come from the wild west though. It comes from history itself. She is fascinated with pirates and men in uniform and lawmen with shiny badges. When not writing or researching her favorite topics, she can usually be found curled up with a good book. Marie loves to hear from her readers. Drop her a note at Akamariep@aol.com or visit her website at www.mariepatrick.com. She can also be found on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Marie-Patrick-338592266192072/timeline/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

What's New on Television

         In my last post, I wrote about everything I love about autumn….the coolness of the mornings with just a hint of briskness in the air, the falling leaves (though I really don’t get to see them, living in Phoenix, where it’s still in the mid-80’s as I write this) and all the other things this time of year brings, but there’s another reason I like Fall…the new shows are on television.

          Now, since I’m a busy woman (and I know you are too) and my time is limited, I will admit to watching at least one episode of a new show just to see if I like it (and I’m very discerning….not everything makes the cut…I just don’t have that kind of time). The crop this year seems to be pretty good, but only two have really kept my interest. The first is Forever (which reminds me a great deal of the Highlander series….I adored Adrian Paul! Oh, those dreamy eyes! Those muscles! And the sword fighting! Sorry….I got a little carried away there). The main character in Forever has lived for over two centuries – you see, he can’t die and stay dead so he puts his many years of living to good use. He is a Medical Examiner in New York and he solves crimes with a detective partner. I really like this show. The characters are engaging and the storylines are good. 

          The other show that has caught my interest is The Pinkertons. It’s set just after the Civil War so the costumes interest me quite a bit (that’s the period I write in) and most everyone knows about the Pinkerton Detective Agency, but do they know about Kate Warne? I researched her extensively while I was writing A Scandalous Woman (my character, Joey Darling, wasn’t a detective, but she wanted to be and actually helped solve a few mysteries―without her father’s knowledge―all while falling in love with the handsome Braeden MacAllister!) but I digress. Kate was one of Pinkerton’s best operatives, a master of disguise, who helped prevent an assassination attempt on President-elect Lincoln prior to his taking office in 1861. She continued working as a detective with Pinkerton until her death in 1868. This series brings her to life for me and that’s one of the reasons I watch.

          Has anything of the fall schedule struck your interest?

As always, happy reading (and watching)!

Marie

My Favorite Hero

     The other day, someone asked me, out of the novels I’ve written, who is my favorite hero. One wouldn’t think the answer would be difficult, but surprisingly, it was hard because each one has something special to offer (at least to me).

      Let’s start with Marshal Austin Kincaid from my story, Angel in the Moonlight. He’s a by-the-book lawman, and doesn’t want anyone interfering with his investigation, but he’s got a heart the size of Arizona. When he admits to himself he’s in love with our heroine, Callie….well, all bets are off. It doesn’t hurt he has a mustache like Sam Elliot and Tom Selleck!

     Spenser Channing from Touch the Flame, and his hunky brothers, Jared and Luke. Oh be still my heart. What more could a girl ask for than a man who willingly takes in strays, whether they are of the animal variety or not? When he saves Reesa from certain death, well, my goodness, his life changes with a blink of an eye and so does hers.

     A Scandalous Woman’s Braeden MacAllister. Here’s a man who is afraid to love. Afraid.

     There’s Chase Hunter in A Good Man for Katie, who wants to love, but because of circumstances, can’t allow himself and Tristan Youngblood from A Treasure Worth Keeping. Tristan is a treasure hunter (who reminds me of Hugh Jackman *sigh*).

     Lastly, there’s Remington Harte from Mischief and Magnolias.  Of course, he’s as handsome as handsome can be (well, we are living my fantasy here) and a kind, loving man with just a hint of mystery and mischief.  Remy is a major during the Civil War (can you just see the brass shining on his uniform? Oh my, I can!)

     My latest hero is Brock MacDermott. He gives new meaning to the description “strong, silent” type and he looks remarkably like James Denton!

     And there they are….the heroes of my creation and you know what? Each one is remarkably like my husband. Wonder how that happened.

          Do you have a favorite hero? Who is he?

As always, happy reading!

Marie

 

          

New Release! A Treasure Worth Keeping

It’s almost here! I’m so excited!

            My fifth historical romance is coming out December 23 of this year. It’s called A Treasure Worth Keeping and it’s the story of Caralyn McCreigh and Tristan Youngblood. Caralyn has always believed in three things: that her father, Daniel, would never force her into marriage; that she could have a story book romance with a man who sweeps her off her feet and a loving marriage like her parents share; and in the existence of the legendary lost treasure, Izzy’s Fortune. When Daniel tells her that her marriage has been arranged, all her beliefs are shattered and she does exactly as he hopes she will do – she embarks on a quest to find Izzy’s Fortune, believing Queen Isabella’s treasure will buy her out of a marriage she doesn’t want to a man she doesn’t know or love. And who better to help her than Captain Trey, the infamous treasure hunter?

              Captain Trey, also known as Tristan Youngblood, Captain of the Adventurer and future Earl of Winterbourne, would much rather sail the oceans and search for lost treasure than settle down and take over the reigns of the Winterbourne estates, but when he receives news that his future has been decided for him, he knows he has no choice. He has no qualms against marriage itself but having witnessed the misery of his parent’s union, he does not desire the same for himself but instead of rushing home to England to court the woman who is to become his wife, Tristan accepts Caralyn’s proposal and embarks on one last grand adventure to search for Izzy’s Fortune.

            And it is a grand adventure. Join their journey and find out with Caralyn and Tristan exactly what is a Treasure Worth Keeping.

 

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Author Interview with Marie Patrick

I’m very excited to have Happily Ever After Thoughts’ very own Marie Patrick with me. She was so sweet in her introduction of me. I am thrilled to return the favor :-) Plus, she is giving away a copy of her latest release A SCANDALOUS WOMAN.

Lexi: Hi Marie, I can’t believe it, but your fourth book, A SCANDALOUS WOMAN, is coming out Friday!  I got a sneak peek of this story and absolutely loved it!  It was so much fun. You must tell our fans what this story is about before I spoil it all.

Marie: I know! I can hardly believe it myself. My fourth book! Wow! And I’m so glad you liked it, Lexi. As you found out in your sneak peek, Jovanna “Joey” Darling, is a rather unconventional woman….some might even say scandalous. Joey doesn’t believe she should conform to the rules of 1898 Galveston polite society and find a husband simply because she is told she must. She’d rather work for her brother who runs the Darling Security Agency, but not as a bookkeeper as her father believes. With her flair for disguises and accents, Jovanna is one of Darling Security’s best operatives, although her involvement in solving crimes is kept secret.

To Braeden MacAllister, love not only hurts, sometimes it can kill, a fact he learned at a young age with the death of his parents. He keeps his heart under lock and key, so to speak. Raised by his aunt and uncle, he has been groomed to take the reins of MacAllister Enterprises and when his uncle passes unexpectedly, he is named president, but he has a problem – someone is out to ruin him. Or kill him. Or both. When he seeks the services of Darling Security to stop the robberies on his newly purchased and renovated railroad, he has no idea exactly what he will be getting. In fact, it is quite more than he bargained for.

Lexi: I love that Jovanna is so good at her job, especially when women were just beginning to assert their independence. Wherever did you come up with this story?

Marie: The honest truth? I have no clue. Usually, I remember exactly how the idea came to me….witnessing a beautiful sunset, visiting a museum, seeing the shimmering of the pavement on a hot summer day or seeing something on the History Channel that sparked my imagination. For A  Scandalous Woman, I cannot, for the life of me, pinpoint when the idea hit me or what I was doing. I knew I was in the mood to write something fun and light and A Scandalous Woman, I think, captures that, but it’s not all fun and light. There’s some serious tones in there too. 

Lexi: I’ve been reading your posts for awhile now and I noticed that you have a rather large To Be Read pile.  How do you find time to write, read other books and work your fulltime job? Basically, when do you fit it all in?

Marie: Since I don’t have a magic wand and the shoemaker’s elves don’t visit me, it can be difficult sometimes “to get it all done”. Actually, hanging onto my sanity can be difficult, but I manage (I think). I very carefully schedule, allotting so much time for this, so much time for that. For the writing part, because I’m better in the morning, I get up at 4:30 and write for an hour and a half each workday morning (longer if I can squeeze it in). Yup, just me and the dogs stirring at that hour.  For the pleasure of reading? I read before I begin work. Because I hate to be late for anything, I’m generally fifteen minutes early so I read (and there’s always a book or my Kindle in my purse as well as a notebook because one never knows when inspiration will strike). Oh, and I read during my lunch break too, and just before bed…actually, any time I have a few minutes. Somehow, all the things I need to get done, do.  

Lexi: I get the feeling that you may have a lot more energy than me :-) What do you like the most about being a romance writer?

Marie: This is going to sound like a contradiction and it is but….I like the fact that I can control my characters or the situation. As we know, sometimes, there is very little control in our lives. On the other hand, I absolutely love it when my characters surprise me and go full steam ahead, usually in the opposite direction of where I wanted them to go. Believe it or not, they have done this quite often over the past couple years. And I love the happily ever after, especially when it makes me cry.  

Lexi: A little birdie told me that you just celebrated your 32nd anniversary. What do you think makes true love work? 

Marie: Oh, that’s such a difficult question as it’s different for everyone, Lexi. What works for one couple may not work for another. Personally speaking, it’s a combination of things. Compromise is big on my list, so is accepting each other for who and what they are (yes, this is one of the more difficult things to do). Trust and respect are also on my list. And laughter. My husband makes me laugh, even on those occasions when I don’t want to or have nothing at all to laugh about. Lastly, and in my opinion only, one should be friends with their spouse. Even if I wasn’t married to him, we’d still be best friends because he’s funny and sweet and generous but above all else, he’s a good man….and I think I just came up with another idea…..

Lexi: Excellent! We want more stories from you. What can we expect next? Do you have any works in progress?

Marie: Do I have any works in progress? You’re just joking with me, aren’t you?  At last count, I had thirteen works in progress. All in various stages from a simple two or three line blurb/idea to several chapters written (I know, I’m  a little nuts, but when something comes to me, I have to write it down or I may lose it). Right now, I’m trying to finish a Civil War story I’ve been working on. I do have a completed manuscript that recently came in first place in the historical category for the Hot Prospects Contest. I’m very excited and happy about that! 

Lexi: Congratulations on your contest win! Hopefully, we will see that story in print soon. It has been awesome to be able to chat with you. A SCANDALOUS WOMAN was so much fun, I can’t wait until your next release. Thank you for being my guest.

Marie: And thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure! Welcome to HEAT, Lexi!

Lexi: For a chance to win Marie’s A SCANDALOUS WOMAN, be sure to leave a comment for her.  And don’t forget to include contact info in your comment in case you win. 

For more information on Marie’s Romances go to http://mariepatrick.com/

Lexi: Check out this excerpt from A SCANDALOUS WOMAN

Excerpt:

           The reception room of Darling Security seemed more like a gentlemen’s club than a security agency. His feet sank into the plush green, red, and black Persian carpet covering the floor. Dark wood paneled the walls. Gold lamps spread a warm glow throughout the room. Clustered around a mahogany table were several chairs, upholstered in rich burgundy velvet. Draperies the color of the chairs framed two large windows, beneath which rested a long camelback settee.

In the corner of the room stood a large mahogany desk set at an angle. Fragrant steam rose from a cup beside the telephone on its polished surface. Two large, comfortable chairs were set up in front of the desk for easy conversation.

All in all, the room was inviting, warm, cozy¼and empty. 

            “Hello?”

            No answer.

He stepped toward a door at the opposite end of the room. The portal had been left open, just a crack.

            “Hello? Is anyone here?”

            Braeden grabbed the knob and started to pull. The door swung open, almost hitting him in the face. The muscles in his body tensed as he stepped aside but relaxed once he saw the shapely bottom backing through the door.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his curiosity piqued.

            A startled cry escaped the woman as she whirled around. The armload of files she carried flew from her grasp and hit him squarely in the chest. They exploded on impact. Sheets of paper created a miniature snowstorm as they floated to the floor.

Thunder rumbled in the near distance—or was it his heartbeat? Lightning flashed. Rain pattered against the window. Braeden found himself drowning in the most unusual eyes he’d ever seen: not green, not blue, but a curious mix of the two. Flecked with gold and fringed with dark lashes, they sparkled with an inner light.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Her soft voice floated over him like fine mist. “I didn’t mean to accost you with my files.”

Braeden smiled as he stared. Her hair, a rich, vibrant flame, had been pulled away from her face haphazardly, as if she didn’t care how she appeared as long as the glossy tresses were out of her way. Two pencils held the bun in place but several tendrils had escaped. Cobwebs created a sort of mobcap on her head.  

What would her hair look like if I removed the pencils and let the fiery locks fall down her back?

His smile widened as the corners of her mouth twitched.  Her porcelain skin glowed with youth and vitality and her cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink, which highlighted the smear of red ink on her nose. A smudge of dirt covered the tip of her chin, too.

A subtle hint of her perfume tickled his nose. Jasmine.  No, gardenia. No, not flowers. Something fresher. The scent floated around him, tantalized him and he inhaled deeply before he mentally shook himself to break free of the spell this dazzling witch had cast on him. “No harm done, Miss. Let me help you.”

They crouched down together to pick up the papers and knocked heads. She lost her balance and fell on her behind with an unladylike “oomph”. Heat seared through his veins when her skirt lifted enough for him to see slim, dainty ankles covered by white stockings.

“My apologies. Are you all right?” Braeden tried not to stare at the sight of her legs and the lacy petticoat hiked up to her calves. He accepted the fact he was a cad as his gaze traveled the length of exposed leg. 

“It looks like we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.” He grabbed her hand to help her. A warm tingle raced from their hands through his veins and settled somewhere in the pit of his stomach. He almost released her, but tightened his grip instead.

She gasped as his fingers entwined with hers and he lifted her to her feet. 

Does she feel this strange tingling, too? 

“Perhaps we should introduce ourselves. Braeden MacAllister.” He anticipated the shock, the rush of warmth coursing through him, when he touched her again. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.

            I’ll be damned. He chuckled to himself, a little confused and more than a bit intrigued as an undeniable energy crackled between them. Startled by the powerful sensation, Braeden drew in his breath as his belly tightened, his muscles tensed and his heart pounded in his ears.

Her eyes opened wide and he knew she’d experienced the same bubbling rush as he.

“Jovanna Darling.” Her eyes twinkled merrily in her pink face. “What can I do for you, Mr. MacAllister?”

He knew what he wanted her to do for him. She could take down her flaming red hair and let him run his fingers through its weight. She could press her tempting lips to his. She could . . .

Lexi: Don’t forget to leave a comment if you would like a chance to win this great story, A SCANDALOUS WOMAN.

What Am I Up To?

Oh my gosh! What aren’t I up to?  For starters, my latest western, A GOOD MAN FOR KATIE, is up on Kindle KPD right now and FREE through December 9th. The actual release from The Wild Rose Press is still scheduled for February 2013. 

Click here to get a free copy of A GOOD MAN FOR KATIE http://www.amazon.com/A-Good-Man-Katie-ebook/dp/B009Y85EKU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354568266&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Good+Man+For+Katie

I was also just contacted by the cover artist from Whiskey Creek Press for my novel A SCANDALOUS WOMAN, which is also coming out in February 2013. I’ve learned that I finaled in a writing contest for my novel A Treasure Worth Keeping, so I’m waiting to hear about that.

In the meantime, I am writing, writing, writing (in between working and taking care of the house). I’m currently in the middle of a Civil War story entitled Mischief and Magnolias, a romance that I started way back when and put away for a while. I do that though. I get an idea and I run with it until I run out of steam then I put it away and continue on with what I was working on before that idea struck. If I don’t get the idea, etc., out of my head at the time, one of two things will occur…..the characters will start driving me crazy with their insistence that I at least start their story or….I’ll forget it completely and I don’t want to do that.

But that leaves quite a few unfinished (or unfinished yet) projects in my computer. I actually took the time the other day (when another new idea suddenly popped in my head) to find out exactly how many of these I had. Would it surprise you that I now have seventeen ideas, all in various stages of progress? It surprised me! Now that I know it though, I must be going…..and finish all those stories. 

Happy Reading!

Marie 

For more about Marie’s books go to http://mariepatrick.com/