Spotlight on: Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James

Jennifer Ashley (also knowns as Allyson James) is one of those authors that is destined for great things--maybe I should rephrase that.  She is already doing great things so she must be destined for amazing ones.  :)  Her latest release, STORMWALKER, (written as Allyson James) is an urban fantasy set in Arizona.  Beyond that, it's an engrossing, wonderful story that melds Native American culture and legends with the harsh reality of the arid and unforgiving lands in Northern Arizona.  Janet, the heroine of the story, is child of a goddess from Beneath and a Native American human.  She's got some mad skills and she's learning how to use them.  Her boyfriend, Mick, is flat out to die for--I can't tell you much more than that because I don't want to give a single spoiler.  Just be warned, you're gonna want one of your own.  And her host of secondary characters are just a joy to read--even when they aren't playing nice.  I think Nash was one of my favorite characters and I am so hoping he gets a lot of "on stage" time in the second book of the series, FIREWALKER.

Not only does Jennifer/Allyson write great paranormal, but she writes amazing historical as well.  Her July release, LADY ISABELLA'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE, is one I've been anxiously awaiting ever since reading THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE.  If you love historical romance and haven't tried Jennifer Ashley, pick up MADNESS now and I guarantee you'll be hooked.  It has one of the most compelling, sexy, broken, amazing heroes I've ever read.

Jennifer/Allyson is a mutl-talented author.  I don't know how she writes so many great books or how she keeps it all straight in her head, but she continues to impress me with her story telling. 

Keep 'em coming, Jennifer!

Just a reminder to my readers....leaving comments on this blog may trigger a random giveaway.  You never know what you might win.....

And the winner is....

Thank you to everyone who stopped and said hi. I knew Donna was going to be a fun guest.  This weekend I'll be talking about Allyson James Stormwalker.  This is a first book in an exciting series and I can't wait to join the masses and shout out about it.

And now, onto the winner of the Donna Grant's autographed copy of DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER.

The winner is.... (drum roll)

amberscottproject

Congratulations!

Spotlight on: Donna Grant, author of FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER and giveaway!

I'm thrilled to have Donna Grant here on Quinn's Essentials today.  Donna is the award winning author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance – Scottish Medieval, historical, dark fantasy, time travel, erotic, and paranormal.  Her Highlander books a sexy, exciting and GREAT reads.  Romantic Times calls them "wonderfully dark, delightfully well-written."

Hope you'll join me in welcoming her here today!

So, if you're a regular, you know that my hard hitting interviews tend not to be so hard hitting.  :)  I like to keep it fun.

Erin:  Jumping right in:  Donna, tell us, What was the best thing that happened to you this month?

Donna:  The release of the second bok in my Dark Sword series, FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER released! That's always such a thrill to see your own book in the stores. Well, and the kids get out of school. That runs a close second. :)

Erin:  Well first, CONGRATULATIONS!  The second in my series released earlier this month so I know exactly how excited you must be!  I've read DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER and thought it was great so I'm really looking forward to diving into the new one!

Next question:  What's the kindest act you have ever seen done (either to/by you or another)?

Donna:  There was a young boy in our area that needed a bone marrow transplant. None of his family was a match. The story aired on the news, and just days later a man stepped forward who was a match. He didn't know the boy or the boy's family. He did it because he knew he could. It was the ultimate act of kindness. He gave the boy a chance at life.

Erin:  I love this question because I always get such incredible answers and it makes me determined to go out and do something good today for another.
What is your favorite way to waste time at work without getting caught? (if writing is your full time job, give me the thing that keeps you from writing)

Donna:  Oh there are so many things that I do to waste time. Read emails is a big one. Facebook and Twitter, Sudoku, and the biggest - reading! :)

Erin:  I'm with you!  I once heard a workshop (and can't remember who did it now) and the speaker said she used to send her modem to school in her kid's backpack to keep away the distractions.  Oh, to have such discipline, ha ha.  I'm a self-confessed FB junkie.

Last and most important questions, tell me about your new book and what YOU think readers will love about it.

FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER features the eldest MacLeod brother, Fallon. He has to face his past and his future before he can be the man he's meant to be and lead the Warriors against the villain intent on ruling the world. As one of three brothers, when they fight together, they are the strongest. Yet, the villain has captured Fallon's youngest brother. Its up to Fallon to free his brother before its too late.

What I think readers will enjoy is an unexpected twist that will turn the MacLeod brothers - and all Warriors - on their heels.

Here's the back cover blurb:

A DANGEROUS SECRET…
Fallon MacLeod has gifts any warrior would covet - fierce strength, unmatched skill, even immortality. But those gifts come at a price that puts everyone he loves at risk. Only when his brother, Quinn, is taken captive does Fallon leave the seclusion of his Highland home to seek the king's aid. And though every women at court would gladly be his for the asking, one alone causes desire to roar to life within him: beautiful, mysterious Larena Monroe.

A WILD DESIRE…
Rumors swirl around the castle about "The McLeod" but Larena knows the truth. Like Fallon, Larena is searching for a way to vanquish the evil Druid who wants to wreak havoc on earth. Drawn to Fallon in spite of her fear, she surrenders to a passion that shocks them both with its raw intensity. But Larena dares not hope for more - not when she holds a secret that could turn her fiery Highland love against her forever…

Guess what?  So what do you think?  Leave a comment for Donna and she'll be giving away an autographed copy of DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER to one lucky visitor!

And the winner is....

The winner of Jess Granger's BEYOND THE RAIN is s7anna!  Thanks so much for leaving a comment.  I'll be in touch with details on how to claim your prize.

Don't forget, it's always good to leave a comment here at Quinn's Essentials.  Each month I draw a winner from all of the commenters and send yet another book.  I must really like giving stuff away.

Next up on the blog is a spotlight on Allyson James and her new, wonderful novel, STORMWALKER....

Stay tuned for more and have a great weekend!

Spotlight: Jess Granger's Beyond the Rain

As a rule, I don't read a lot of futuristic fiction . It's not that I have anything against the genre...mostly it's because I'm just not smart enough to keep track of all the creatures, aliens and intergalactic terms. I mention this before I talk about Jess Granger's book, because I think it's important to know that I came to it expecting to be lost, frustrated and generally in agreement with myself that sci-fi and Erin Quinn do not mix.


I'm happy to say that this was not the case.  Beyond the Rain was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it immensely.  The world building was clear and picturesque, the terminology peppered with a light hand that even a novice like me could handle, and the story was moving.  I can’t wait to read the next in the series.


Beyond the Rain is the story of Captain Cyani, a woman who is trying to do the right thing for her family by sacrificing herself for the greater good. She is in training to become one of the Elite--the upper echelon of society in the world of Azra. The Elite are cold and heartless--everything Cyani isn't--but she sees her acceptance into their numbers as the only way to help her people.

Enter Soren.

Soren is is a Byralen--a unique and endangered people who are prized for the hormone they create (which is sold as a sexual narcotic). Cyani finds Soren enslaved and half crazed from torture and the imbalance to his system the harvesting of his hormones has caused. She frees him and thus embarks on a journey neither expected.

What I loved about this book was Granger’s people. Cyani is a commander, taught to be stern and unfeeling, yet Granger paints her with feelings, hopes and fears that make her very human. Soren could have easily been squeezed into the alpha male mold that we often see—that of men driven by their chemical makeup to mate. In fact, that is Soren’s exact predicament. Yet Granger gives Soren that something extra that lets him rise above his hormones and become a great hero. He is strong, sexy and dynamic, but inside there is also a very gentle and generous man just looking to be loved and accepted for who he is.  I had no problem at all falling in love with him.  :)


Granger creates a new world with vivid imagery and peoples it with exciting characters. If you’re looking for something new to read, I recommend giving Beyond the Rain a try. The second book in the series, Beyond the Shadows is on bookshelves now so you won't have to wait for the next story.

Jess Granger will be stopping by today to say hi and offer a giveaway Beyond the Rain to one lucky commenter!  Have you read this series?  Are you intrigued?

Cover Alert! Check out Haunting Desire's New cover!

Is it just me or have I been touched by the cover gods.  I love this!

Talk to me....

I'm going to be chatting over at Writerspace on Wednesday, May 19 at 6pm PST, 9pm EST.  The chats are fun and informal--a lot of sharing about favorite books and there's usually a giveaway!  Come by on Wednesday and say hi.  http://writerspace.com/chat/

Erin Quinn signing Haunting Warrior at Borders in Scottsdale, Arizona

I'll be signing books with Allyson James/Jennifer Ashley today--this will be the last one for this book.  Please stop by and say hi! 


Saturday, May 15, 2010, 2-4 pm at Borders, Scottsdale - The Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd,. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480) 423-0700

At Much Cheaper Than Therapy AND Writerspace today

Hi All, I'm yacking it up about Rory.  I can't seem to stop myself.  I just wuvs that man.  Come say hi, leave a comment and be entered for a giveway.  Don't forget to stop by later this week.  I'm going to be reviewing Jess Granger's Beyond the Rain and she's dropping in to do a giveway.  I'll also be talking about Allyson James' Stormwalker--reading it now and it's a great one!

Happy Friday!

Much Cheaper Than Therapy:  http://muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/
Writerspace:  http://www.writerspace.com/blog/content/hero-love

Comment winner for April

If you hang out here much, you know that people who leave comments win stuff.  My comment winner for April is Angel, who left a comment on Wednesday, April 14.  Angel, you win an autographed copy of Echoes or Whispers.  Get in touch so I can send you your book!

Falling in love with Rory MacGrath

I'm talking about Rory over at Fresh Fiction today. Stop by, leave a comment...there's a giveaway....

Booksigning:  Saturday!  That's THIS Saturday!  I hope you'll come say hi.

Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James and I will be signing again. Come see us: Saturday, May 15, 2010, 2-4 pm at Borders, Scottsdale - The Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd,. Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480) 423-0700

Podcast:  Yesterday I joined the crew of Canned Laughter to talk about books.  Missed the show?  No worries, you can listen to it here.   

Erin's World

Have I been busy?  Um, I thnk the answer is yes.  Between the day job and the writing job, the mommy job and the wife job, the daughter job and friend job, and let's not forget the LIFE job, my plate is just a wee bit full.  Fortunately, I'm a lucky lady and I love all my jobs.  :)

Last week I did a book signing at the Barnes & Noble on Val Vista & 60.  If you couldn't make it, they have signed books on the shelves now so stop by and grab one!  To the right is a picture of one of my favorite readers, Nancy J.  Nancy, thanks so much for coming out to see Jennifer Ashley and I!

Next week Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James and I will be signing again.  Come see us:  Saturday, May 15, 2010, 2-4 pm at Borders, Scottsdale - The Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd,. Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480) 423-0700


This week started with an outstanding review from The Good, The Bad and The Unread.  They gave Haunting Warrior an A+ which made me one happy writer!  The review begins with "I am just in total awe of Ms. Quinn’s Haunting books. These first two books are some of the best I’ve read in the last year. Her writing has a haunting quality all its own to go along with the titles and the storylines she’s given readers. And her characters, especially the hero of this book, are intricate and simple at the same time. I’m amazed at her talent."  How much better can it get?

$25 gift card and more!

Even more chances to win. I'm blogging over at http://bordersblog.com/trueromance and you could win a book AND $25 Borders gift card for leaving a comment. And why not double the fun by stopping by at my dear friend Calista Fox's blog http://calistafox.blogspot.com/  because leaving a comment will you a prize THERE too!

Erin Palooza Week

My kid always calls any week that has a lot to do with her a "palooza week" and that's what this week is to me.  I am so blessed to have great friends who are hosting me on their blogs.  There are giveaways so don't delay!  Come on over and say hi at Kathryne Kennedy's Blog and Gini Koch's Blog!

Just leave a comment and you could win!

What else is happening?  New reviews are popping up all over the place!  Leontine's Book Realm said,

"With HAUNTING WARRIOR I felt Erin Quinn was like a bard of old time who kept me mesmerized with a story of long ago.  Erin Quinn has a distinctive prose that appealed to me from the very first book I read from her hand. The story that rolled of the pages in HAUNTING WARRIOR breaths of old Irish mysticism, a love that stands through the test of time and characters you’ll want to meet again!"

Other great reviews?

“Edge of my seat thriller.”~All About Romance


“An enthralling read. [Quinn’s] mélange of paranormal, time travel and romance is outstanding!” ~The Romance Readers Connection:


“Fascinating and compelling.” ~Romance Book Wyrm.


"You will not be able to put it down."~Kathryne Kennedy, Award Winning Author of THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER

Haunting Warrior blog tour

Hi all--we'll it's out!  Yay!  I can't wait to hear from all of you about what you think.  Good, bad, indifferent, let me know.  I love to hear from readers!

I'm going to be a "guest star" on several blogs and review sites this week so stay tuned for more info.  First up?  One of MY favorite authors, Nalini Singh, is hosting me starting tomorrow.  Stop by on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning and say hi so I'm not lonely.  There's a give away.....http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/

Have a great week!

HAUNTING WARRIOR OUT TOMORROW!!!

Holy Batshit!  Do you see my counter???  Hours!  That's right HOURS until HAUNTING WARRIOR releases.  Squeeeee!!!!!

And guess what?  Another great review just posted.  Amy at Romance Book Wyrm said: 

"Haunting Warrior was both fascinating and compelling in its originality and the beautiful prose that sweeps you along throughout the pages. This is a must read series, in my opinion!  Another 5 star read!"

Read the entire review at Romance Book Wyrm

Who else has said great things about HAUNTING WARRIOR?

All About Romance:

"...an edge of my seat thriller. I couldn't wait to see how Rory and Saraid were going to overcome their difficulties, outwit their enemies, and defeat the evil known as the Book of Fennore."

The Romance Reader's Connection

"Erin Quinn is a new author to me and this book, HAUNTING WARRIOR was an enthralling read. Her mélange of paranormal, time travel and romance is outstanding! I recommend you grab a copy and settle down for an exciting journey!"

Life of writer

So I had to get an extension on my deadline for HAUNTING DESIRE.  I wasn't happy to do it, mainly becuase I was right on schedule and it would have been proving something to myself to get this one in on time.  (I wrote it faster than any other book to date.)  But, alas, when a new book comes out there is so much work to do--blogging, talking to review sites, making sure the word gets out, etc, etc, etc, that it just wasn't possible for me to focus on finishing HAUNTING DESIRE while I was trying to launch HAUNTING WARRIOR.  After seeing midnight one too many times because I was working on mail lists or designing ads, I had to give. 

Now I'm just finishing up HAUNTING DESIRE and anxiously awaiting word from you, my readers, on what you think once HAUNTING WARRIOR hits bookshelves....in just a couple of days!

In the month of May, anyone who talks to me here on my blog will be entered to win a book.  In fact, I've been known to give away more than one, so don't be shy.  Tell me what you're thinking, what you're reading, what you can't wait for.....