March 2, 2010

Guest Post: Author Destiny Blaine

Please welcome Author Destiny Blaine. She's an erotic romance author and is here today to talk about what makes us choose a romance novel. Please give her a warm welcome.

Have you ever stopped to think about why you choose the books you read in romance? Is it the sexy-hot cover that inspires you to buy the book, flip it over, and read the blurb? Do you purchase on name recognition or simply word of mouth, perhaps a friend’s recommendation?

How about western romances? With more and more authors crossing into the western genre, how do readers choose which books they want to read?

When shopping for western romances, there are several things I look for and I can generally tell whether or not the book has that it-factor. I want to know, truly believe, that the author knows a little bit about the western elements they’ve written into the pages of their books.

No, I don’t expect every author to have been ‘born and raised on a farm’ but I want to read something realistic. Writers of western romance should not only know their stuff after conducting enough research to realize there’s a huge difference between a livestock trader/dealer and crop farmer, but they also need to convey their knowledge into the pages of an entertaining romance. It’s not always as easy as it sounds.

One of the reasons I write western romances is because I love cowboys. I should. I grew up with enough of them. In my opinion, a woman is hard-pressed to find a sexier man. Cowboys top the list.

As a reader, I want to feel that excitement and energy. And for those of you who don’t know—a lot of cowboys are die-hard alphas. Give me those fellas that can sling hay with one arm and toss a woman over his back with the other.

If the author doesn’t believe her cowboys are sexy, readers won’t. When the writer doesn’t capture the essence of a true cowboy when developing the cowboy’s character, the book loses its appeal. And it’s easy to figure out in an instant whether or not the author loves the sexy cowboy she’s writing about.

Now, it’s your turn. What sells you on western romances?

Two recent western romances:

Domination Plantation is available now at Aspen Mountain Press:

Jules and Brogan Evans aren’t in any position to help out with their brother’s daughter, but they aren’t the kind of men to turn away family when one of their own is in need. Besides, surely they can manage a teenager for one month. They stand by that belief until their eighteen year-old niece shows up with match-making ideas on her mind and the perfect candidate at her side.

Serena Evans doesn’t understand why her uncles are so upset. They were willing to open up their home to her, why not her best friend, Jenna? Most men love Jenna, after all.

And there lies the problem.

Jules and Brogan run a large cattle ranch, a successful livestock operation by day and the city’s favorite hang out spot at night. They’re known around town for the parties they throw but when their niece and her friend show up, all good things come to an abrupt end, until Serena returns home to sit by her mother’s bedside and the Evans brothers discover Jenna has no place to go and little interest in leaving.

Buy Straight from Aspen Mountain Press.
Or Buy from 3rd Party Retailers: Bookstrand, All Romance, Amazon

Inevitable Surrender is available now at Shadowfire Press and ARE:

Excerpt:
A soldier knows when to wave a white flag and yell surrender. He may hide behind the wind-ripping thin cloth and pray he doesn't have to face further conflict, but he understands his purpose, his sole reason for marching forward with a tight grip latched around a thin pole and a pale sheet waving high above his head. He's there to call a truce but he doesn't approach the enemy without significant knowledge. He realizes he's the weaker party on the battlefield, but that understanding hardly empowers him.
Luke McGregor wasn't a soldier. And he damn sure wasn't ready to turn tail and run, at least not yet. Temptation existed and he had a right mind to take out the distraction in his path, or at least contain her.
He eyed the petite blue-eyed hellion he didn't expect to see in Bo's Bar and Grill. Sure enough she still looked good enough to tie to his bed and drip berry juice down her middle. Marcy Killian was as pretty as you please and every bit as sexy as he remembered her. God help him. His dick found new life the second he saw her.
Down boy, he thought, watching her approach.
"Hey Luke," Marcy drawled, trying to push by him in order to make her way through the layers of people.
"Marcy," he grated out. Every damn time he bumped into the vixen, he felt the same. His chest tightened, his heart stopped beating and what the hell? Yeah, he mused, swiping at his forehead. He was sweating bullets.
(Shadowfire Press)

© All Rights Reserved 2010 Destiny Blaine

About Destiny:
Born and raised in Tennessee, Destiny Blaine is an author who loves to bring her southern roots into her books. Many of Destiny’s books capture her true southern voice and you can almost hear it as you turn the pages.

Destiny and her husband stay on the move with their two teenagers. For enjoyment, the family looks for sandy beaches or a crowded stadium where they can cheer on their favorite teams.

Destiny Blaine writes erotica romance, suspense, and mainstream fiction. Writing sensual romance under several pen names now, she continues to explore other genres under her real name and has several books in print.

Her books are available in e-format as well as trade paperback. Many of her titles have spent considerable time on various best seller lists.

When she’s not pounding away at the keyboard, Destiny enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She’s active in spreading the word about The ONE Campaign and encourages everyone to visit www.one.org for more information.

Destiny invites you to join her Yahoo loop or visit her on Myspace where she’s most active. For more information, click through the banners placed on this website.

Ways to get in touch with Destiny: website, yahoo group, myspace

32 comments:

Anonymous,  March 2, 2010 at 2:36 PM  

Good morning Susi and Destiny! Wonderful guest post ladies! Susi, I love your blog... really have to stop by more often!

Thank you!

V

Destiny Blaine March 2, 2010 at 4:04 PM  

Good morning Veronica and Susi. Susi, thank you for sharing your blog with us today and Veronica, thanks for posting so early. I haven't had time to get that first cup of coffee zipping through my veins. You must wake up with the chickens. Or is it the cowboys? ;)

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine March 2, 2010 at 4:16 PM  

****First Contest of the Day****

We have somewhere in the neighborhood of ten western titles to give away today so why not start the cowboy fest early?

Are you excited? I am. I love giving away cowboys. Okay, so that’s not entirely true. I’d probably keep a few cowboys if they looked like the one standing in the shadows here: http://tinyurl.com/yhblkk3 or acted like this one: http://tinyurl.com/ycdtkxu. I know. It's time to behave!

The next ten people to leave a comment after this post, will receive a free copy of a western romance e-book. Drop your comment here and then send an email to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com with HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS in the subject line. I'll send your e-book later tonight.

Hugs,
Destiny

P.S. If you haven't received a prize you've won on our blog tour, please send an email reminder and let me know! :))

Cheeky Girl March 2, 2010 at 4:31 PM  

Love the excerpt! I have yet another book to add to my buy list. :)

Cheeky Girl March 2, 2010 at 4:31 PM  

Love the excerpt! I have yet another book to add to my buy list. :)

Cheeky Girl March 2, 2010 at 4:32 PM  

Sorry for the triple post! I don't know how I managed that. :(

bouffant March 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM  

great - loved it - must buy xx

bouffant March 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM  

great - loved it - must buy xx

bouffant March 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM  

great - loved it - must buy xx

Destiny Blaine March 2, 2010 at 4:38 PM  

Bouffant and Cheeky Girl--I thought it was intentional and funny, lol. *Sigh* There you both are trying to rack up on e-books. :) Glad to know you liked the excerpt from Inevitable Surrender. I loved writing this particular novella because the setting is a place not far from my home.

Make sure you drop an email to destinyblaine@yahoo.com so I can send you a free e-book later today.

Thanks for dropping by!
Destiny

Brigit Aine March 2, 2010 at 5:23 PM  

Hey darling... I think I made it but never the less...since I love cowboys anyways...LOL...I come from rural Washington State where I grew up on a ranch with...yep...you got it...COWBOYS...someof my favorites :D

Sarah March 2, 2010 at 5:53 PM  

There is something about cowboys - sooooo sexy!! This sounds like a great book - loved your excerpt!

s7anna March 2, 2010 at 5:57 PM  

Hey Destiny,
I enjoyed reading both these stories...Domination Plantation is such a wicked and sexy read...I couldn't put it down...it's just lusciously devine! As for Inevitable Surrender, I loved Luke & Marcy's story...this was a beautifully sweet and sinfully sensual story. I highly recommend both these stories to anyone who hasn't as yet read them.

Happy Reading
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca

Blodeuedd March 2, 2010 at 5:58 PM  

Nice post :)
Oh those cowboys, I must read more about them, haven't read anything in ages

Anonymous,  March 2, 2010 at 6:12 PM  

Definitely wouldn't want to wake up this early if I was at home with a cowboy, hehe!!

Hello all! Hope you all enjoy reading Destiny's guest blog today!

V

Keta Diablo March 2, 2010 at 6:56 PM  

Lovely blog and new to me. Thanks for directing me here. I'm following now.

Have a fun contest!

Keta Diablo
ketadiablo@yahoo.com

Andrea I March 2, 2010 at 7:48 PM  

I grew up in northwest Florida and now live in metro Atlanta. I've never lived around cowboys, but watched the westerns on TV way back when. They are such alpha males in the interesting books.

She March 2, 2010 at 7:59 PM  

My criteria for picking a western is the same as any other book. Does the cover catch my eye? Is the blurb interesting? Does the writer draw me into the story and make me care about the characters? I hate when the blurb is better than the book. I want to be part of the story. I want to say that I couldn't put it down. That makes an enjoyable read for me.

Destiny Blaine March 2, 2010 at 8:16 PM  

Thank you so much for the comments and feedback. Keep those posts rolling and remember, if you were one of the first ten readers to post after the free e-book announcement, send an email to destinyblaine@yahoo.com for your free e-book. At the moment, I'm in the middle of an edit, but I'll return soon and respond to all comments. All prizes will be sent out later tonight.

Love and hugs!
Destiny

Destiny Blaine March 2, 2010 at 8:20 PM  

Oh, and I forgot to post. Domination Plantation is available now at Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/yhfpqre

orelukjp0 March 2, 2010 at 8:24 PM  

Yes, the cover and the blurb catch my eye and interest me in the story but as you stated, knowledge really sells me.

If an author researched their subject matter, it shows.

If an author has first hand knowledge of the subject, it shows.

When a book is very well written, subject matter true and storyline hot, I will not only love that story but automatically pick up everything said author writes in the future.

Marilyn March 2, 2010 at 8:28 PM  

I'm in Cowboy Country...Fort Worth TX. Just mosey on out to the Stockyards or go to the annual Stock Show and Rodeo in January -- too bad, ya missed it....for some real cowboy flavoring.

MrsMixx March 2, 2010 at 8:42 PM  

I have to say that I've never really read a western romance...I bought one a few months ago and i'm planning on reading it whenever i get the time.
I guess what makes me buy a romance is a mix of cover/blurb/reviews...
You can feel it if an author doesn't believe in what he/she writes, it makes all the difference. =)
That was an interesting guest post AND with some eye candy YUM.

Smokinhotbooks March 2, 2010 at 9:24 PM  

I agree :) You won't find a sexier man than a cowboy.

Great interview Susi I'm reviewing Inevitable Surrender on my bloggy soon :)

Marissa March 2, 2010 at 11:06 PM  

My love for cowboys is growing and growing!

Loved the interview, writing down the name of this author!

Anonymous,  March 3, 2010 at 1:38 AM  

Oh would love to get with a cowboy right about now, hehe! *sigh* But until then I can satisfy my cravings with some delicious and sexy novels by the ever amazing Destiny! *wink*



V

Destiny Blaine March 3, 2010 at 2:53 AM  

Brigit—Oh my, not only did you have cowboys for eye candy but a beautiful setting where you could enjoy them. What a lucky lady!

Sarah—You can say that again. Sooooo sexy! ;) Thank you for the compliment. I had a blast writing Inevitable Surrender and if you read it, you’ll see why. Luke McGregor is my kind of man!

Anna—Thank you so much for the recommendation. I’m glad you liked Domination Plantation and Inevitable Surrender. I really enjoyed writing a short story for Shadowfire’s special Be My Naughty Valentine project. I struggled to keep it short and sweet. I could’ve gone on and on and on with this one. ;)

Blodeuedd—Make sure you email me. You have a free e-book coming to you!

Veronica—You do realize you’re my right arm and my left these days, don’t you? Lol. Hope you’ve had a great day!

Keta—You’re welcome, Keta. Glad you found this one because I plan to visit a lot too. Don’t you just love The Geeky Bookworm? Side whisper to all: Click Keta’s links and see where you can follow her too! ;)


Andrea—Let me send you one of mine as a blogger’s prize. I’ll save one of the hot alphas just for you so email me!


She—I wanna tell ya, I love the “she said”. Kudos for such a creative way to grab everyone’s attention on the blog scene. ;) And I agree with you. I want to be able to say, “I couldn’t put it down!”

OrelukjpO—You’re 100% right. If the author did their research, it shows. Hot covers are nice too but I’m hard pressed to find a cover that beats the cowboy Jinger Heaston placed on A Matter Among Men. I want to give the little blonde on the front cover a boot and squeeze into a pair of jeans and try to take her place. I’d swing my hips to strike a pose and pull something loose. ;) Take a look at the cover for A Matter Among Men right here: http://tinyurl.com/yapntu7

Marilyn—As for road trips, I wouldn’t mind meeting up in Denver next year and going to the NCBA Trade Show. I can write it off as a trip conducted for ‘research’ and try to get up close and personal with the cowboy subjects, lol ;)) Yeah, I’m all talk.


Pattepoilue—Isn’t the eye candy wonderful here today? I must say Susi picked out a fine looking cowboy to welcome us to the blog!

Smokinhotbooks—I love it when someone agrees with me! ;)) Hope you enjoy reading Inevitable Surrender.


Marissa—I’m glad to know it and happy to be a new-to-you author. ;)

Veronica—Lol! You have one naughty mind, my friend. One naughty mind!


Thank you to each of you for dropping by to post today. It looks like I have a few e-books to give away so make sure you drop an email to destinyblaine@yahoo.com so I can put one in your hands. This giveaway is reserved for those commenting on this blog today and ends at 12 Midnight EST.

Susi, Thanks very much for allowing me to visit with you and your friends.
Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and posted. Hope to see you on the web again soon!

Destiny Blaine
www.destinyblaine.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destiny_Blaine_loves_/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/destinyblaine_romance/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RomanticSuspense_/

Destiny Blaine March 3, 2010 at 2:53 AM  

Brigit—Oh my, not only did you have cowboys for eye candy but a beautiful setting where you could enjoy them. What a lucky lady!

Sarah—You can say that again. Sooooo sexy! ;) Thank you for the compliment. I had a blast writing Inevitable Surrender and if you read it, you’ll see why. Luke McGregor is my kind of man!

Anna—Thank you so much for the recommendation. I’m glad you liked Domination Plantation and Inevitable Surrender. I really enjoyed writing a short story for Shadowfire’s special Be My Naughty Valentine project. I struggled to keep it short and sweet. I could’ve gone on and on and on with this one. ;)

Blodeuedd—Make sure you email me. You have a free e-book coming to you!

Veronica—You do realize you’re my right arm and my left these days, don’t you? Lol. Hope you’ve had a great day!

Keta—You’re welcome, Keta. Glad you found this one because I plan to visit a lot too. Don’t you just love The Geeky Bookworm? Side whisper to all: Click Keta’s links and see where you can follow her too! ;)


Andrea—Let me send you one of mine as a blogger’s prize. I’ll save one of the hot alphas just for you so email me!


She—I wanna tell ya, I love the “she said”. Kudos for such a creative way to grab everyone’s attention on the blog scene. ;) And I agree with you. I want to be able to say, “I couldn’t put it down!”

OrelukjpO—You’re 100% right. If the author did their research, it shows. Hot covers are nice too but I’m hard pressed to find a cover that beats the cowboy Jinger Heaston placed on A Matter Among Men. I want to give the little blonde on the front cover a boot and squeeze into a pair of jeans and try to take her place. I’d swing my hips to strike a pose and pull something loose. ;) Take a look at the cover for A Matter Among Men right here: http://tinyurl.com/yapntu7

Marilyn—As for road trips, I wouldn’t mind meeting up in Denver next year and going to the NCBA Trade Show. I can write it off as a trip conducted for ‘research’ and try to get up close and personal with the cowboy subjects, lol ;)) Yeah, I’m all talk.


Pattepoilue—Isn’t the eye candy wonderful here today? I must say Susi picked out a fine looking cowboy to welcome us to the blog!

Smokinhotbooks—I love it when someone agrees with me! ;)) Hope you enjoy reading Inevitable Surrender.


Marissa—I’m glad to know it and happy to be a new-to-you author. ;)

Veronica—Lol! You have one naughty mind, my friend. One naughty mind!


Thank you to each of you for dropping by to post today. It looks like I have a few e-books to give away so make sure you drop an email to destinyblaine@yahoo.com so I can put one in your hands. This giveaway is reserved for those commenting on this blog today and ends at 12 Midnight EST.

Susi, Thanks very much for allowing me to visit with you and your friends.
Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and posted. Hope to see you on the web again soon!

Destiny Blaine
www.destinyblaine.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destiny_Blaine_loves_/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/destinyblaine_romance/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RomanticSuspense_/

Erotic Horizon March 3, 2010 at 10:05 PM  

hey Destiny and Suzi...

Love the Interview and your thoughts on the books that you write...

I have read quite a few of your books and the Unspoken set of books are Hands down my fav....

Those boys are pure class....

Will be writing the bothers story or a follow up on the trio's story and where they go after the gunfire settles down? now that would be an explosion if they made that partnership work...


I just picked up Domination Plantation plantation for my Menage challenge - I am hoping to enjoy it as much....

Lovely to meet you here...

E.H>

booklover0226 March 4, 2010 at 11:23 PM  

I love menage novels and Domination Plantation fits the bill.

Thanks,
Tracey D

Regina March 8, 2010 at 8:14 PM  

I know it's too late for the contest, but you said that you really had to know and love a cowboy to write about one and I think that is probably very true. I hear people talking about how cowboys are nasty and gross and I just have to laugh at their ignorance....
Any man who works with his hands and works hard is bound to have a smell about him, but unless he never bathes I can deal with it! In fact sometimes it's very sexy, I know first hand, like yurself. I grew up in the country and wouldn't have it any other way! I love having lived and learned all the things I have and would take a Cowboy any day! ; )

Destiny Blaine March 8, 2010 at 10:39 PM  

EH—Thanks for the compliments. Since you enjoyed the UR books, you’ll probably love some of my upcoming titles at Siren Publishing and Shadowfire Press. Watch my website for more information: www.destinyblaine.com. At this time, there won’t be another book for the Unspoken series. Maybe in a few years, I’ll revisit the trilogy. I hope you love Domination Plantation. :) Let me know what you think.

Tracey—Glad you enjoyed Domination Plantation. I love those naughty cowboys. If there’s one book that needs a sequel—Domination Plantation would probably get the reader's vote based on emails received. Who knows, maybe it's time for one. :)

Regina—Hmmm…never thought about cowboys from that perspective. Thanks for sharing your views, lol. If a cowboy is ‘dirty’ or considered a 'nasty cowboy' in an erotic romance, then that’s probably a good thing! :) The author most likely means he's a ‘naughty boy' and let me tell ya, mine are typically ultra-bad all the way down to their dusty boots. These beautiful people always look sexy in their denim jeans and button down shirts. Writers can top them off with a Stetson hat, and attach a pair of silver spurs to finish off the image. With enticing stories and covers to match, the western romance reader moves right into one engaging romance twisted with savage lust, undying love, and beautiful fantasies. Best of all, these erotic scenes can unfold pretty much anywhere—in a barn, on the open prairie, or under a clear blue sky in broad daylight. Yep, there’s a lot of appeal found in a cowboy!

Thanks everyone for posting! I'll touch base in a few days.

Destiny

Related Posts with Thumbnails

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP