HEAT OF THE NIGHT
Dream Guardians^®, Book 2
HarperCollins Avon
ISBN-10: 0061231037
ISBN-13: 978-0061231032
Available Today!

Bad boys are her weakness and no one is as wicked as Connor Bruce…

He is the realization of every woman’s erotic fantasies. Existing in the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark on a perilous quest into the mortal realm … and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.

Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men – and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them … and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.

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If you haven’t yet read Book 1 — PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT — you can enter to win a copy here and also at Romance Novel TV this week!

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Hello again everyone! Hard to believe it’s already been a month!

Round 2 of voting has officially commenced over at Romantic Times. This time, it’s the hero and heroine descriptions that are up for voting. What an exciting and nerve-wracking round it is! The judges, as always, continue their flair of harsh criticism. I’m still trying to come up for air after reading their comments on my hero/heroine description. However, one lucky finalist got compared to the one and only Nora Roberts. Wow! We’re all green with envy, lol.

Anyhow, let us move forward with our interview, shall we? Today we have the wonderful EVONNE WAREHAM with us!

MAI: Evonne, thanks for taking the time to join us today. What is the title of your book called?

EVONNE: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

MAI: Hmm… Sounds like a romantic suspense with paranormal elements, lol. What is the book about?

EVONNE: Everyone has secrets. Some are weirder than others. But if you don’t know what yours are – that can get you killed.

When Madison meets Jay he’s homeless, living on the street. He may be a derelict, but he has something she wants – an unique connection between their minds. Madison needs to know why she has such a bond with Jay. Can they stay alive long enough to find out?

MAI: I knew it! I love the premise. How long have you been writing?

EVONNE: Ever since I could.

MAI: Tell us a little about how this book came about?

EVONNE: I don’t really remember. I wrote quite lot of it a long while ago and put it away, because I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. When I read that American Title was for paranormal, I got it out, and decided that I could do something with it. Jay and Madison walked off the page at me and the next thing I knew I was racing to keep up with them.

MAI: That’s amazing! And you made it to the finals with it! It really goes to show that talent and fate sometimes goes hand in hand. What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

EVONNE: Zero. I didn’t even know whether they would accept an entry from Wales for a competition called American Title (Thanks to Dorchester and Romantic Times)

MAI: LOL. Reminds me of something Helen said in an earlier interview. I for one am glad they did, and that you’re here with the rest of us finalists. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

EVONNE: Total astonishment.

MAI: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

EVONNE: The support and good wishes I have had, from friends and strangers. Plus getting to know nine other great finalists.

MAI: Can’t argue with you there! In your opinion, what has been the worst part of this experience so far?

EVONNE: Nothing yet, but I’m sure that will change.

MAI: Knock on wood, hon. In one word, how would you describe this experience?

EVONNE: Astonishing

MAI: What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

EVONNE: Keep trying. Experiment until you find what you really like to write. Take advice from people you trust. Most published authors are very generous with their help.

MAI: I agree. I owe so much of what I know now and where I am today to the help of truly amazing, selfless published authors. Any last words?

EVONNE: A big thank you to all the people who have helped me to get here.

MAI: Wonderful closing! Thanks so much for taking time out to be with us here today, Evonne. And good luck in Round 2!!

Alright guys, I’ve been told there are a lot of prizes left, and we only have one more interview to go. So that means you each have a better chance of winning the prizes if you a.) leave a comment and b.) cast for your vote!!

So don’t waste time. Head on over to Romantic Times today and cast your vote for your favorite finalist! The link to vote is
www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitle3.php.

See everyone on Thursday for my final interview with the last American Title finalist!

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

It’s Thursday!

That means it’s time for another interview with our American Title finalists. Today we have with us finalist, HOLLI BERTRAM.

MAI: Welcome Holli. Tell us what the title of your book is.

HOLLI: Curses!

MAI: Great title! What is it about?

HOLLI: Mid-life crisis takes on a whole new meaning when a single kiss triggers unexpected powers in Julie Dancer and her empty nest is suddenly filled with a leather-clad Guardian, a vengeful Shadow Walker and a powerful man determined to have sex with her to break a curse.

MAI: Ooh, sounds very sexy! How long have you been writing?

HOLLI: I started my first manuscript ten years ago; the year the first Harry Potter book was published. There must be some good writing karma in that, right?

MAI: I believe so. Tell us a little about how this book came about.

HOLLI: The idea for this book came about when my oldest son started college. Even though I still had two boys at home, I began to wonder about Life After Kids. Julie Dancer, my heroine, has just sent her only daughter off to college. She is plunged into an amazing adventure where she discovers new things about herself and the world, and she has two handsome men vying for her interest. I like that view of the future.

MAI: Wow. Very interesting how the story came about. What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

HOLLI: Depends on what day you asked me. I think most writers ride a “they’ll love it/they’ll hate it” roller coaster after they submit something. My strategy is to submit and then try not to think too much about the possible outcome. It keeps me sane, mostly.

MAI: Well, I guess that explains why I’m going crazy here, lol. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

HOLLI: I got the email while at work. I think I pumped my fist in the air with an emphatic “Yes!” and immediately emailed my critique partners and my husband. Then I had a major attack of anxiety.

MAI: I can definitely relate there! What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

HOLLI: The most rewarding part of this experience is getting to know my fellow finalists. They are a wonderful, generous group of women.

MAI: I’m definitely in agreement there. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

HOLLI: That’s easy. By far the hardest part has been telling people about the contest and asking them to vote. I’m not practiced at promoting myself, so this is a learning experience for me.

MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?

HOLLI: Magical.

MAI: I like that! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

HOLLI: A good critique group can be invaluable, both to help you hone your craft and as support through the ups and downs of the writing life.

MAI: Any last words?

HOLLI: Thanks for inviting me and the other AT IV finalists to your blog!

MAI: I second that, Sylvia. Thank you so much for allowing me to post these interviews here. And thank you Holli for a wonderful interview. Good luck in the competition!

Alright everyone. Next week (Monday, November 12th) starts voting for Round 2 of the American Title Contest. Please check back at the Romantic Times website to see which eight finalists have advanced to the round and cast your vote!

We have only two more interviews to go, both of which will be posted next week. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read these interviews the past four weeks. I hope you’ve all gotten to know the finalists on a more personal level and get a feel for the books they write and their personalities.

And thank you for the wonderful comments. Your support and excitement makes all the difference to us. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey, and we are very grateful to have you along for the ride. It really is all about the fans and support. You guys keep us sane and motivated and grounded, so on behalf of all the finalists, THANK YOU.

Look forward to seeing everyone back here next week. Leave your comments for a chance to win some prizes. And don’t forget to vote on November 12th!

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

Welcome back! Today we have with us American Title finalists, PAT (P. E.) CUNNINGHAM.

MAI: Hi Pat! Thanks for joining us. What is the title of your finaling manuscript?

PAT: A Touch of Heaven

MAI: Wonderful title! Tell us a little more about the book.

PAT: Can a woman who’s half demon find true happiness with a man who’s half angel, especially while she’s trying to save the world?

MAI: Ooh, sounds like a great premise! How long have you been writing?

PAT: Augghhh. Decades. Practically from birth, it feels like sometimes.

MAI: Can you tell us a little about how this book came about?

PAT: It’s actually an offshoot/semi-sequel to a fantasy novel (non-romance) I’m currently trying to market to SF/fantasy publishers. Most of the background for this “universe” was created for the other book, so worldbulding was a snap. The initial inspiration was pro wrestling. Don’t ask.

MAI: I’m think I’m afraid to, LOL. I’ll leave that for the readers to ask! *wink* Tell me, what was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

PAT: Low — the manuscript existed as longhand pages in a notebook. I honestly didn’t think I’d be picked.

MAI: Wow! I wouldn’t put myself through the torture of writing longhand. My once legible and neat handwriting as amounted to chicken scratch since I’ve discovered typing. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

PAT: “Holy ****, I have to type an entire novel in less than two days.”

MAI: Umm… Sylvia, can we say that here? Just kidding. *grin* I want believe you managed to do that! Kudos to you, Pat! What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

PAT: Having a book editor show an interest in a novel of mine. After over 20 years, vindication at last!

MAI: Wow. Twenty years! I’m very glad you made it this far and you’re here with us. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

PAT: UPS shipping costs and not having a home computer with Internet access. I wouldn’t be here today without the public library system.

MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?

PAT: Omigawd!

MAI: Rightly summarized, lol!! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

PAT: Never give up, ever. Success can hit at any time, with the work you never thought would have a chance. Persistence pays!

MAI: And you’re living proof! Any last words?

PAT: When this is over, I’m buying a new computer. And new reading glasses.

MAI: LOL. You deserve a new computer! Thank you so much for your time and best of luck in the contest!

Alright guys, you now the drill. Leave comments for prizes.

Don’t forget the second round of voting begins next week, Monday, November 12th!! Get your emails ready to vote!

I’ll see everyone back here on Thursday.

Ciao!

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

Welcome back! It’s just another short week and a half before voting begins for the second round. Wow, I hadn’t even had time to take a breather. I’ll make this short and sweet. Today we have with us the fabulous MEL HIERS.

MAI: Mel, please give us the title of your finaling manuscript.

MEL: Voice of the Bard

MAI: Ooh, great title! What’s the story about?

MEL: Bard Anna Martin loves her job keeping the peace between mythics and humans. But when a Native American monster starts slaughtering mythics in her district, Anna has to straddle two cultures to keep her people safe and, maybe, find a little happiness of her own.

MAI: I love that you’re writing about Native American mythology. It’s fresh and very unique. How long have you been writing?

MEL: I’ve always scribbled in diaries and journals. I’ve been writing fiction for about seven years.

MAI: Can you tell us a little about how this book came about?

MEL: Anna’s world evolved out of a couple of crappy first drafts I had written during National Novel Writing Month. I was focusing on other characters, other relationships until Anna popped up and started poking me in the frontal lobe. When I ignored her, she brought friends until I was compelled to tell their story. I’m glad I did!

MAI: LOL. Don’t you just love it when characters you hadn’t intended to write refuse to leave you in peace until you’re forced to pay attention to them? It always happens when you’re elbows deep in another book. I think us writers are the only ones who have that problem. What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

MEL: Seriously? I was expecting a polite rejection at the query stage. There are so many people writing such wonderful urban fantasy and paranormal romance these days that I was convinced I didn’t have a chance!

MAI: Funny, how things work out, huh? I’m glad you didn’t get that rejection letter. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

MEL: I giggled for a few minutes, and when I could talk I told my husband (who was, at that point, convinced I’d finally gone mental). We screamed and danced around the living room, and then I called my mom. It was a great moment!

MAI: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

MEL: Definitely the most rewarding part has been getting to know my fellow finalists. They are a great bunch of ladies and I consider myself lucky to be included among them.

MAI: I couldn’t agree with you more. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

MEL: I haven’t actually had any bad ATIV experiences so far. But the most challenging thing for me was learning the basics of self promotion in a very short amount of time. Oh, and finding a usable photo of myself! I’m a bit of a troll and tend to avoid cameras.

MAI: Mel Hiers, I can’t believe I’m hearing those words out of your mouth. You in no way even remotely resemble a troll. I hope your husband’s not reading this. The man should knock some sense into you! In one word, how would you describe this experience?

MEL: Overwhelming!

MAI: LOL. Amen to that! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

MEL: This is a hard one! Up ‘till now I’ve always been the writer seeking advice. But over the past few years I’ve learned that a writer can only influence those things that she’s in direct control of. The quality of her work, how she presents herself to others, her attitude. She can’t control what a given editor or agent will think or feel on the day she holds the writer’s query in her hands. So concentrate on the things you can control, and don’t worry about the rest. Eventually you’ll find yourself in the right place at the right time.

MAI: Very well said. Any last words?

MEL: I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in ATIV! It’s been a great learning experience, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the ride. Thanks for the interview, Mai. Good luck! And thanks to Sylvia for having us.

MAI: And we’re so grateful to have you with us, Mel. It’s going to be a great ride. Thank you so much for your time and good luck to you in the next round!

Okay guys, I’m picking two winners from this interview. Sylvia and her friends have some amazing prizes, so don’t forget to leave your comments!

See ya’ll next week! And yes, that’s the southern drawl in me. *wink*

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

Welcome back everyone!

Wow, can you believe it’s already been two weeks?! The first round of voting is officially over for the American Title Contest. On behalf of all the finalists, thank you so much to each and every one of you for your votes and moral support. We (the finalists) are so blessed to have each other and to have you guys in our family as well as we forge our way through this amazing yet terrifying and at the same time, exciting journey.

Although voting is over, I will still continue with the finalist interviews. Don’t forget that the second round voting begins in a few short weeks! I’ll keep you all posted on when to start voting again. We appreciate your time and votes more than you can guess.

Now, without much further ado, let’s introduce today’s finalist, the wonderful HELEN TAYLOR w/a HELEN SCOTT TAYLOR.

MAI: Thanks for joining us here, Helen. Please tell us the title of your manuscript that finaled?

HELEN: The Magic Knot

MAI: Can you give us a quick blurb about the story?

HELEN: When Rose discovers she is the Cornish fairy queen and her father is a dark druid who has imprisoned her people in portraits, the race is on to discover the fairy lore needed to release her people before her father destroys them forever.

She seeks help from the sinfully sexy Irish fairy twins, the O’Connor brothers. Niall’s faint air of menace flutters dark thrills of anticipation through her, but does he want to kiss her or kill her when she accidentally touches his Magic Knot and forges a mystical lovers’ bond with him?

With the survival of the Cornish fairies in her hands, Rose must escape from a vampiric, winged fairy, outwit The Queen of Nightmares and surrender her mind, body and spirit to Niall to release her hidden inner fairy. The Tarot cards warn he will stab her in the back, but when she’s in his arms, the last thing on her mind is death.

MAI: Wow! I would so love to see this on the bookshelves and buy it! How long have you been writing?

HELEN: I started writing in 2003 and submitted my first finished manuscript—a short contemporary romance—to Mills & Boon in 2004. Needless to say, they rejected it. But they did read the full manuscript, and it was a nice rejection that encouraged me to keep writing.

MAI: A nice rejection is always a welcomed rejection, in my opinion. And look where you are now! An American Title finalist! Can you tell us a little about how this book came about?

HELEN: For me, story ideas often start as intense emotional conflicts. I thought what if there are identical twin brothers and one is loved and wanted by his father and the other rejected. How would the rejected brother feel? I then gave it the paranormal twist making the brothers half Tuatha Dé Danann (high born Irish fairy) and half leprechaun. So the hero has not only been rejected, he has a huge chip on his shoulder because he’s half leprechaun. Then I paired him with the most unlikely heroine I could imagine—an accountant! She’s spent all her life trying to shake off the weird life she had with her mother, only to discover she is the Cornish fairy queen.

MAI: Okay, I’m loving this book even more. I’m partial to Celtic mythology and have always been interested in writing about twins. In fact, I have two books I’ve written about twins, lol! What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

HELEN: I half expected a polite note back from Dorchester saying I wasn’t eligible. After all, the contest is called American Title and I live in England. I hoped my story stood a good chance as it has done well in RWA chapter contests.

MAI: And I’ve seen your very impressive list of contest wins too! What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

HELEN: I was very blasé and thought I’d handle being a finalist with no problem. When I received the email I just kept smiling. It was eleven PM in England so the rest of my family was asleep and I couldn’t tell them until the next morning. I was so hyped, I didn’t sleep that first night. Then I think I must have been in shock for a few days because I got hardly anything done.

MAI: LOL. Yeah, you kept pretty mum about finaling on the loops that we’re both members of while I shouted to the world that I’d finaled. I have no tact, huh? *grin* What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

HELEN: My husband is so proud of me he’s telling everyone. He is very supportive of my writing and I’m delighted my reaching the final gives him validation that his support helps.

MAI: I’m so glad for you. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

HELEN: I was writing the first draft of a YA mystery and revising a contemporary romance when I received the news about the final. I’ve continued revising the romance, but I haven’t been able to get my brain in gear to continue the mystery yet.

MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?

HELEN: Magic!

MAI: Love that! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

HELEN: I nearly didn’t enter because I thought I might not be eligible, but I took the chance and it paid off. My advice is always take the chance. Whether it’s entering a contest or submitting to an agent or publisher. The worst that can happen is you are rejected, then you’re no worse off than if you hadn’t entered in the first place. As with everything in life, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

MAI: Wonderful advice! Any last words?

HELEN: Good luck to all the finalists in ATIV! Everyone has been fabulous and supportive. We’re all winners to have come this far.

MAI: I couldn’t agree with you more. And good luck to you too in round two, Helen! Thank you so much for your time!

Alright guys, that’s it for our interview. I have to say, I’m real excited about Helen’s book. I want to read it!!

I would like to take a moment to thank all the finalists for being truly wonderful human beings. This experience was made even more magical because of the friendships us finalists have developed. Yesterday had been bittersweet. For the two who didn’t make it to the next round, you ladies are winners to me and I am blessed to be sharing this journey with you. When one door closes, it only means another has opened. I fully expect to see everyone’s books on the shelves one day!!

Okay readers – you know the drill. Leave a comment to win some cool prizes!

See everyone back here Thursday!

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

It’s Thursday already!

Welcome back, everyone. I want to take a moment to thank each of you for all the comments. Your incredible show of support for all of us finalists and your enthusiasm at reading these interviews have really inspired all of us (finalists). So on behalf of the other finalists, thank you.

Before I begin our next interview, let me make a quick reminder to everyone that the voting for this first round ends this Sunday, October 28th. This is my final plea for you to please go vote if you haven’t already done so. We (the finalists) really do appreciate the support and votes. It’s all about the votes now, so go vote for your favorite finalist!!

Alright, moving on to the next finalist interview.

MAI: Today we have with us SAVANNA KOUGAR. Love that name, Savanna! Please tell us the title of your finaling manuscript.

SAVANNA: Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis

MAI: Very interesting title. Can you elaborate on what the book is about by giving a short blurb?

SAVANNA: 2051, the land of Atlantis has risen, colonized by rebels from the Conflicts. One hundred year old Sheriff Sun Wing captures the Hair Spray Killer with an Otherworld man-god, who is a nemesis to her heart and passion-relentless in his pursuit. After all, he wants her for his wife.

MAI: Ooh, I like that!. Very interesting. How long have you been writing?

SAVANNA: Since age thirteen (1964), seriously since sixteen. Romances since the mid eighties. I’m an oldie goldie.

MAI: Okay, can I say that I wasn’t even a thought in my parents’ head when you were thirteen? *grinning sheepishly* Please tell us a little about how this book came about:

SAVANNA: It was a confluence of several ideas, or my muse striking my noggin with the perfect storm. I’ve had a love affair with Atlantis since I first learned of the myth, long before Donovan’s cult song. What if the land of Atlantis rose from the sea again? Considering our current global plight, who would colonize, and what sort of society would they create? Then, there’s all those cute wonderful mystery titles like Death by Chocolate. I got to settle for hair spray. Fate I think, sixth grade after gym class, it almost killed me. Then, there he was inside my head. Boom! The Hair Spray Killer. Besides, I couldn’t resist knowing exactly how my hero uses erotic passion to persuade the heroine to fall in love with him.

MAI: Sounds like my kind of hero! What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

SAVANNA: I’d entered another manuscript the year before and was politely rejected. I couldn’t even believe I entered, thought I had zero chance. I was just following my intuition.

MAI: And good thing you did! What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

SAVANNA: Absolutely numb with shock. Tears. Told my mom. The shakes on and off, then the awe-struck happy phase tempered by realizing I’d have to submit a picture.

MAI: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

SAVANNA: Definitely interacting with all the other finalists and with the fab gals at Passionate Ink.

MAI: What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

SAVANNA: Having to send my picture to RT. Yes, I am vain.

MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?

SAVANNA: Exciting.

MAI: What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

SAVANNA: There’s tons of excellent advice. Everywhere you look published romance authors are giving the hand up, giving the gift of themselves, their experiences. They are giving what they write about, love – what can be better than that? Honestly, my writer’s journey has been so weirdly crazy, I have no practical advice. Just the usual, follow your heart and your dreams.

MAI: Very practical advice, indeed! Any last words?

SAVANNA: No, not dead yet – my little funny, at least, at my age. You all just be careful out there. Don’t pick up any stray chihuahuas if they’re partial to hair spray. Unless, of course, you want you’re hair done immaculately because the Other Side is calling.

MAI: Okay, note to self: No stray chihauhaus! Thank you so much for your time today, Savanna. And best of luck in the contest!

Alright guys, you know the drill. Leave a message for a chance to win cool prizes! I will be picking out two winners from this interview based on your comments.

Thank you for stopping by and for everyone’s support! Hope to see everyone back here next Tuesday where I’ll do another interview and reveal of the ten finalists, which two didn’t make the cut into the next round.

Mai Christy Thao
www.maichristythao.com