We're really excited today to have Stephanie Draven, Laura Kaye and Leia Rice joining us as part of their Crave the Heat Blog Tour. We'll be celebrating this tour for the next two days. Today, we have Stephanie, Laura and Leia guest blogging with us. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our review of Stephanie and Laura's books, in addition to an awesome giveaway.
Three HQN Authors Talk about “the big lie” at the center of their stories
While Harlequin is known primarily for romance, they also offer hotter fare. Today, authors Stephanie Draven, Laura Kaye and Leia Rice talk about lies we tell ourselves and how their stories seek to uncover the truth. They also let us in on their favorite drinks!
Stephanie: The big lie at the center of The Fever and The Fury is the idea that just following orders is an ethical choice. I know that may not sound very sexy on the surface, but beneath the story about military duty and cosmic responsibility, this theme carries into the sex lives of my characters too. In order to find love, real love, I think most of us have to break the rules. We have to shake off what society tells us is lady-like or sexy and find someone willing to do it with us. So, when Phaedra and Luke both decide that the only rule they need to follow is to give love and pleasure...everything changes for them.
Laura: The big lie at the center of In the Service of the King is denial. Denial of the basic things we need: love, companionship, family, belonging, affection, attention. We need these as much as we need food or water or shelter or air. Yet, Kael denies himself what he most needs, in fact asserts he doesn’t need it at all. And, why? Fear. Fear that letting himself have those things he most wants, most needs, will lead to a kind of devastating pain and loss he’s experienced before. But--and here’s the big truth--love and belonging are worth the risk. And that’s a moment where fiction meets reality and gives us something we can carry into our own lives. Sigh, Kael...
Leia: The lie in The Revolutionary Mistress is that people can be trusted. Can they really be trusted? And when do you know that someone is trustworthy? During the French Revolution, everyone was wary of each other. They pointed fingers, they got each other killed, and all over rumor and hearsay most of the time. Mariette has to learn to play the game in the novella, and she has to walk a fine line of luring someone into trust and trusting others herself.
And your favorite cocktail?
Laura: Give me icy and fruity and I’m sooo happy! Daiquiris or margaritas, anyone?
Leia: Why, Sex On The Beach, of course!
Stephanie: I’m all about rich creamy drinks like Pina Coladas or White Russians!
===
About the books
She's already killed him twice this week.
Phaedra, a fury, is bound to make Lieutenant Luke Lazaros atone for his supposed crime, but her usual method of inflicting pain doesn't work very well on a phoenix with the power to be reborn every time he dies. However, each rebirth leaves him with an overwhelming need for sex. Phaedra's new plan: to drive Luke mad with desire....
But Phaedra has never touched anyone—even herself—except to cause pain. She's an innocent when it comes to pleasure...but Luke isn't. His touch is a revelation, arousing a passion in Phaedra that is as delicious as it is terrifying. For no matter how much she wants Luke, giving herself to a man risks awakening her goddess's wrath....
Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn't want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla's beauty and poise...and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire—even if it means risking Shayla's life?
Barmaid Mariette hates that she's had to resort to giving favors to men for a few extra francs, but everyone is scrambling for money with the revolution boiling out of control. Even so, Mariette enjoys her illicit activities—particularly when she meets Rene, a caring, handsome patron whom she desires even more than his coin.
But Mariette has also caught the eye of a revolutionary who makes her share his bed and one of his missions. A mission that plunges Mariette deeper into the revolution when she's tasked with seducing a rich lord and Rene at the same time....
About the Authors
another cool post. Lies are a great foundation for conflict in a story.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these ladies today. It's morning, let's break out the mimosas!
ReplyDeleteFun and entertaining post.
ReplyDeleteMimosas....yummy.....
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
We're loving you right back, Catherine! Wow, I could really use a mimosa today...
ReplyDeleteAlso, my love to Sharon and TracyD!
Well, since I'm chiming in at the end of the day--and the end of a day spent with kids off school, something cool and fruity would really taste good right about now! Thanks for the fun comments everyone! Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of all the drinks mentioned! Bring 'em on! Let's party, lol - Couldn't think of a more fun group of gals to hang with :)
ReplyDeleteGena Robertson
robertsongena@hotmail.com
I think lies are a huge premise in most stories whether someone lies to others or to themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shares on the books and authors!
I definitely agree with you, Sophia Rose! Thanks for all the comments!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. 3 great authors. Laura I am also a margarita fan. I enjoy mine on the rocks though. All 3 stories look fantastic and would love to win and read any of them. Thanks for the blog tour and letting us check out your books.
ReplyDeletechristinebails@yahoo.com
Wow; these sure are different books than our mom's Harlequins!
ReplyDeletebooks4me67 at ymail dot com
Hey guys! Check out the giveaway we're offering on this site: http://networkedblogs.com/sNRtN - don't miss out!
ReplyDelete