Today, our star of honor is Nina Croft. It’s so nice to have you here and shining! I’m sure you’re ready to share with us your success and many fun endeavors. So, let’s get on with the party!

BIO:

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina writes all types of romance often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.

Let’s get to know you a little better. Why don’t you step over here under the spotlight and shine a little.

First questions: (I’ll go easy on you.)

What made you decide to become a writer? In my twenties, I worked as a volunteer for a few years in Africa. I found myself living in a remote village with no electricity, no internet, no TV, and very few books. The last was particularly hard. When the books ran out, I started writing as a means of entertaining myself, and I never really stopped.

What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas? All over—books, newspaper articles, TV, music. Sometimes, I’ll be riding my horse or walking the dogs, and something will just occur to me and I’ll have to rush back and write it down.

Do you beat your muse? I mean…Wait! Do you have a muse? Does he/she have a name? I don’t have a muse—honest—I hear other authors talking about their muses and I’m madly jealous. I want one. Where do I get one?

Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantser? Are there any weird things that you do before you start to sit down to write? (Like stretch those fingers…? Scream at the computer…?)

I’m a total plotter. I always wanted to be a pantser, but I get stuck in the middle if I try. And if I know what’s going to happen, I don’t need to stop and think about it, and the writing flows much better. I also find that the process of plotting gives me time to really get to know my characters before I start the actual writing.

I don’t have any weird rituals before I start—I actually hate routines so I try to vary how I write.

What is your call story?

I’ve never had a call—how sad is that? Only emails—which were still very nice. My favourite was for my science-fiction/paranormal novella, Break Out. I’d had one book accepted by Entangled publishing and then I saw that they were specifically looking for space operas. I’d been wondering what to do with Break Out as it’s a bit of an unusual mix, but I thought it could definitely be described as a space opera. I sent it in on my birthday last year, and Liz my editor got back to me within the day saying she absolutely loved it and wanted to contract the ‘series’. It was the best birthday present ever.

Have you always envisioned yourself a writer? What were you doing before you started writing? Has your earlier career influence your current one?

I’ve always been a voracious reader, but didn’t start writing until I was in my twenties. Before that, I used to be a chartered accountant. I pretty much hated it, not so much the actual work—I like working with numbers—but I hated having to go to an office every day. So after a few years, I decided I needed something a little more exciting. I ended up volunteering (with my husband) to work in Africa. And that’s how I ended up running out of books and having to write my own. So you could say being an accountant influenced my current career.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now with your writing career?

Hopefully, still loving writing, improving my craft, writing regularly, being published regularly, increasing my reader base…

Long term, I’d love to write a huge fantasy trilogy like LOTRs—I have a few ideas roaming around in my mind just waiting to come to fruition.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your writing career so far?

I think accepting that not everyone is going to love my writing. While I’m actually getting much better, I still find my heart pounding when I open up a review of one of my books. But the fact is that you can’t write to please everybody, and if you try chances are, you’ll end up pleasing nobody. So just write what you love.

Now let’s talk more about you. If you could pick to live the life of a movie star, who would it be and why? Does this person show up in your stories? I really don’t want to be a movie star; I find the whole idea of being in the spotlight terrifying. But I did want to be Clint Eastwood when I was little. I always wanted to be a cowboy and ride a horse all day. I’ve never written a western yet—I might have to just so Clint can show up.

What genres do you read? Do you read what you write?

I’m a big believer in writing the sorts of things you love to read. Which doesn’t narrow things down very much for me because I read just about everything. Favorites at the moment are paranormal and science fiction, but they vary.

What’s the last book you’ve read for fun? Did you read it on an e-Reader or are you still a paperback-kind-of-person?

I love reading both, but because I live in such a remote area and the nearest English bookshop is a long way away, I find myself reading mainly ebooks these days. The last thing I read was the 50 Shades trilogy by E. L. James. I read it on my kindle and enjoyed it lots—very entertaining.

What did you wish you had known back then when you began writing?

It took me a while to learn that you should really write what you love, and not be hampered by specific submission guidelines or publisher requirements. I wasted time trying to fit my voice into what I thought was needed to get published. Probably a liberating moment for me, was writing my science-fiction/ paranormal romance, Break Out, where I just let myself write anything I wanted and my imagination run wild. It was a joy to produce, and I promised myself after that, that I would be true to what I really wanted to write.

Is there anything else you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

Just that I love to hear from readers, so thanks for joining me here today.

And lastly, where can we find you?

Email: ninacroft@hotmail.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Nina_Croft

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000273215409

Website: https://www.ninacroft.com

Thank you so much for being a star!

I’m giving away a FREE copy of Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire to one lucky winner who comments! 

 Blurb: Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire.

Seduction by any means necessary…

Olivia Brent is happy with her quiet life in the country, until the imminent loss of her home forces her to embark on a search for her estranged father. Catapulted into a world of criminals and totally out of her depth, Olivia is rescued by the stunningly gorgeous and enigmatic billionaire Luc Severino.

Luc has never considered himself a knight in shining armor, and if he had been, then Jimmy Brent’s daughter was the last person he would choose to rescue. But Olivia is the key to finding her father, and Luc is willing to use any methods available, including blackmail, to persuade Olivia to help him find Jimmy and finally put the past behind him.

And if blackmail doesn’t gain her total cooperation, then perhaps a little seduction will…

Excerpt:

“So, Lia…” Luc said, his tone dangerously gentle. “Tell me, why did you really go and see Harley Watson?”

Lia’s gaze shot to his face. “What?”

“You didn’t want to work at the club.”

It was a statement, not a question, and Lia swallowed. She’d always been a horrific liar, but at least Luc Severino wouldn’t know the telltale signs. He wouldn’t know that beneath the fall of her carefully straightened hair, the tips of her ears were bright red, a dead giveaway to anyone who knew her that she was about to tell a whopper.

“Oh yes, I did.”

He quirked an eyebrow in disbelief. “Why?”

“I wanted to get away from home. I live with my family in a small village outside London, and it’s so boring.” And if she ever got back there in one piece, she would never leave again. “I wanted a little excitement and I needed a job. I remembered Mr. Watson from when we stayed in London. It seemed such a glamorous idea.” She sighed, deciding it was time to inject a little much needed honesty. “But once I got there, it didn’t seem quite so glamorous anymore.” She shuddered at the understatement. “And I…well, I just didn’t seem to have the right…” she cast a surreptitious glance at her chest, “…qualifications for the job.”

Luc intercepted the look. “Not all men are obsessed with enormous breasts,” he said.

She risked a quick glance at his face and found his eyes lingering on the long length of her legs beneath the hem of her dress. Lia resisted the urge to tug it down—she was beginning to hate that dress. It was going straight back to Kelly when she got home.

“Anyway, thank you for getting me out of there. You were right—I was out of my depth.”

Luc examined her curiously for a moment. “Just what is it you thought might happen?”

“White slave trade,” she mumbled under her breath.

To her surprise Luc didn’t laugh. Instead, he inspected her from head to toe as if trying to decide whether the price would be worth the trouble.

“Not Harley’s specialty,” he said after an uncomfortable minute.

Did that mean he knew someone whose specialty it was? After all, what did she really know about this man?

Meet Nina Croft!

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Mimosas please – we call it a Bucks Fizz over here – I love them!  And yeah, I’m old enough to drink.

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

I’ve bought him a copy of my latest release, Deadly Pursuit. And I’m hoping he’ll give me a really, really nice review for Christmas

Blurb:

Breaking assassin Jonathon Decker out of a maximum security prison on Trakis One seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, pursued across space by the two most powerful factions in the universe, the crew of El Cazador are having second thoughts. They’d like to give him back. Unfortunately, that no longer seems an option.

Jon is used to working alone. Now, he’s stuck on the space cruiser El Cazador until he can work out just what he’s supposed to know that puts him on everybody’s most-wanted-dead list. He’s not happy that the crew includes a runaway priestess with designs on his virtue—such as it is. Jon likes women, but he gave up the role of protector a long time ago, and Alexia, High Priestess of the Church of Everlasting Life, is an accident waiting to happen.
After twenty-four excruciatingly boring years of doing her duty, Alex is finally having some fun. She never meant to run away—it was a rash impulse—and she means to go back—eventually. But first, she’s going to squeeze enough excitement out of the situation to last her a lifetime. And what could be more exciting than a stunningly gorgeous werewolf?

Meanwhile, the Church are chasing their missing priestess, and the Collective are pursuing their escaped assassin. Being hunted has never been more deadly…or more fun.

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, of course. I think because it’s in the middle of winter. I’m a sun-lover, and I sometimes find winter a little depressing (though I do love snow). So Christmas is something to look forward to.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

Actually, the only thing I asked for this year was a copy of, WordPress for Dummies. So I’ll be spending Christmas day playing with my website! (But I am hoping that my other half won’t think that’s all I want!)

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

At home. We spent a lot of years living abroad, and then a number of years travelling, so we have experienced Christmas in a lot of different places. It was fun, but I still think home is the best place to be. Which is just as well as we don’t really get to go away anymore—we have too many animals!

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

 I’m going to hit all my deadlines—honest!

Why do you write romance?

Because I love a happy ending.

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

I first started writing when I worked as a volunteer in Africa around twenty years ago. I lived in a remote village on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zambia. We had no TV, no internet, and very few books, so I started writing a romance as a means to entertain myself. That book became my very first rejection.

After we left Africa, I put aside writing for a number of years and only took it up again when we moved to Spain, where once again I found myself without TV and Internet (luckily this has changed now.) It took me a few years before I was published, basically not only learning and improving my craft, but also understanding what I wanted to write and what best suited my style.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

I’m a total plotter. I’ve tried both methods and if I try and pants it, I get lost in the middle and end up having to go back and do massive rewrites. So now, I plot. I outline and I do a scene by scene breakdown. Then I write a fast first draft. I’ve found it works best for me; I can concentrate on what the characters are doing in a given scene, without worrying about the bigger picture. It also gives me time to get to know the characters before I actually start writing.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

I don’t think there’s one characteristic for my heroines—they really do vary a lot, though I do like a good, kick-ass heroine. But my heroes all tend to be very alpha and very gorgeous.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

I wouldn’t say I abide by any particular resources, but I do love ‘how to write’ books. I tend to turn to them if I get stuck, and they usually get my brain moving again. My favorite is, Techniques of a Selling Writer, by Dwight V. Swain.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Don’t give up.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the follow up to Deadly Pursuit. It’s book 3 in the Blood Hunter series, which follows the adventures—romantic and otherwise—of the crew of the space ship, El Cazador. Book 3 will be the story of Captain Tannis, and how she falls for the most powerful man in the known Universe!

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Nina_Croft
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000273215409
3. Website: www.ninacroft.com

List other books you have out:

The Prophecy

The Darkness

Bound to Night

Bound to Moonlight

Chosen

The Calling

Tiger of Talmare

Mid-Winter Magic

Break Out

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

PRIZE: e-copies of Break Out and Deadly Pursuit

Second Chances

I’m Nina Croft and I’m English, but I live in the mountains in southern Spain. I’m actually visiting family in the UK at the moment and it got me thinking about one of the nicer aspects of Christmas. And that’s making the effort to see people you maybe haven’t seen in a long time—four years in my case.

Christmas for me is a time for bringing people together, whether family or friends, or something else entirely. That’s certainly the case with the hero and heroine of my Christmas novella, Mid-Winter Magic. Ty and Dina haven’t seen each other for fifty years, despite the fact that Ty’s been hunting pretty hard for Dina all that time.

Dina has been hiding out in the small town of Five Oaks ever since they’d parted on Christmas Eve, fifty years ago. Now Ty has finally caught up with her, and it seems like poetic justice that it’s once again Christmas.

Back then Ty had been in love for the first time in his long existence and on the brink of proposing. He’d thought Dina felt the same. Instead, he discovered that the Dina he believed he’d known didn’t exist. That in fact, the woman he loved was a paid killer who had used Ty to get close enough to Ty’s sire to assassinate him. The whole experience left Ty more than a little bit bitter, and he swore he would bring Dina to justice.

But Christmas is a magical time, and Five Oaks is a magical town. Maybe together they can make Ty and Dina see past their seemingly impossible differences and give them another chance at love.

So the theme of Mid-Winter Magic is essentially second chances. I think it’s a theme that’s particularly suited to Christmas stories when people come together. But what other themes do you think particularly resonate at Christmas? Let me know for a chance to win an ecopy of Mid-Winter Magic.

Blurb:

Fifty years ago, vampire Tynan Steele loved Dina and believed she loved him. Instead, she turned out to be an assassin using him to get close to her latest target. Bitter at the betrayal, Ty swore he would make the witch pay.

Dina has loved her time in Five Oaks, living an ‘ordinary’ life—not killing anyone. But the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love Ty, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love—he’s after revenge.

Can Dina use the magic of a white Christmas in Five Oaks, to convince Ty that she’s changed and deserves a second chance at love?

Excerpt:

She stared at his hand so close to her own. “I won’t run.”

He raised his wrist and shook the cuffs. “I know you won’t.”

She pulled a face. The expression was wasted on him—he was already heading for the door, dragging her with him. He led the way along the hall. Dina followed; she didn’t have much choice. She managed to grab a purple shawl from the peg by the front door with her free hand and wrapped it around herself as he yanked her out into the icy night.

Huge snowflakes dropped gently from the sky. The houses lining the streets were festooned with fairy lights that twinkled as they passed. This had always been her favorite time of year in Five Oaks. Christmas had never played much of a part in her early life, and after her mother’s death, she hadn’t been in the mood for celebrating for a long time. But in Five Oaks, she had come to love the festive season.

She tucked her free hand inside the shawl, but the one attached to Ty felt like an icicle. She flexed her fingers, trying to get the circulation going.

“Stop wriggling.”

“It’s all right for you,” she muttered. “Everyone knows vampires have no feelings, but I’m getting frostbite.”

He frowned, wrapped her hand in his larger one, tucked them both into the pocket of his leather coat, and continued walking.

Dina peered at him sideways, and her breath caught in her throat. He was so tall and handsome, with his midnight hair brushing his shoulders, and his pale flawless skin. A shaft of pain stabbed her in the gut. What would it feel like to walk with him as though they were a normal couple, out for an evening stroll?

Maybe she’d pretend, just for a little while.

***

Dina’s fingers tightened in his, and Ty glanced down. She appeared almost carefree, showing nothing of the vicious, amoral killer, he knew her to be. He’d investigated her career, and she had killed many times in the years leading up to Severino’s murder.

Then nothing.

He’d always presumed she was somewhere, carrying on her trade under a different name—business as usual. To find she’d been here, in this small, unexciting town all those years, made nonsense of his beliefs.

Beside him, she sighed. “Don’t you love Christmas?”

The words brought him up short. He looked around at the quiet streets, the brightly colored lights hanging from every building. The town was so far from anything he’d ever imagined for her, and he needed to understand how she had ended up here. Why she had stayed. He came to an abrupt halt and turned to face her.

“What?” she asked.

“You know, I always pictured you living it up in some glamorous city somewhere.”

She shrugged and wrapped the shawl tighter around herself. It clashed beautifully with her vibrant hair.

“How did you survive fifty years in this godforsaken town?”

Her eyes widened with surprise at his vehemence. “I love it here.”

Frustration gnawed at him. He couldn’t get a grip on the truth. One minute, he thought he had it, and then his preconceived ideas would slip away from him. He’d been so sure that once he found her, he’d prove to himself that the woman he’d thought he’d loved didn’t exist—and he’d finally be free.

She glanced away. When her gaze returned to him, her expression had softened. “You never really knew me.”

Pain ripped through him. “Was my Dina a complete act?”

She considered him for a minute, head cocked to one side. “Not an act, no, but I wasn’t the same person then. I was mixed-up. In a bad place.” She paused, biting her lower lip. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, but you were in the way.” Her voice was gentle and filled with something he didn’t want to identify. Pity, perhaps?

Today, our guest of honor is Nina Croft. It’s so nice to have you here, and I’m sure you’re ready for a good time! Let the party begin!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you want club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

Red wine please. I’m also partial to beer but only in the summer.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

I’m a salt person, though not chips (or crisps as we call them in the UK) Can I have some pizza instead to go with my wine?

Wow, you’re demanding! Actually pizza does sound good…Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

Too old actually—I should have stopped years ago.

Don’t lie. I know how old you are! Which isn’t very old at all. I think you told me 21…Tell us about your new release.

My new release is The Calling, which is book 2 in my fantasy series: The Laws of Segregation.

Blurb: On the world of Arroway, witches have been persecuted for a thousand years, stripped of their magic at birth and kept as slaves by the Order of Warlocks.

Freya, a pleasure slave, fled from the Order while pregnant. Now she’s been recaptured, and to save her daughter and the world of Arroway, she must work with one of the hated warlocks while fighting her growing attraction for him.

From the first time she knelt before him, Jarrod was drawn to Freya. Twenty years ago, he would have given up everything to be with her, but she had run from him. Now, he has another chance. But can he risk destroying their world for a forbidden love that might never be returned?

What makes your character and story so special?

Well the characters are going to save their world from total destruction—that makes them pretty special.

But they are also both characters who have been damaged by the past. Freya was born a slave, her magic taken from her by the hated but powerful warlocks. Jarrod is a warlock himself, but he has lived with guilt for a thousand years. Neither of them wants or expects to fall in love and certainly not with each other.

All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why? I’m a big believer in writing the sort of things you love to read. I read just about everything as long as it’s fiction so my writing tends to be varied as well. Mostly though, I write some form of romance: paranormal, sci-fi (sometimes a mixture of the two) and I’ve recently had my first contemporaries contracted—they’ll be coming out soon!

Very exciting. How would you describe your writing style?

Fast paced with lots of action and dialogue.

What do you think makes a good story?

Great characters in impossible situations.

What is one thing about you that most people don’t know? After all the author interviews I’ve been doing—I doubt there’s anything! How about – I ran away from home when I was twelve (I was a horrible child). My mother apparently told my sisters to check whether my hairspray was gone—which was a sure indication I was serious. I was picked up by the police the next morning—my first and last (honest) trip in a police car!

Hey, I learn new things from you all the time! Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

I love an Alpha hero!

How much do you write in a day? Day or Night? Everyday?

Right now I’m doing NanoWrimo – that’s National Novel Writing Month, where a whole load of crazy writers try and finish a novel in a month. I’m working on Book 3 in my Blood Hunter series (Sci-fi/paranormal romance) which will hopefully be somewhere in the region of eighty to ninety thousand words. So I’m aiming for three thousand a day right now. So far, it’s going well.

Are you a pantser or plotter?

I’m a plotter. I do a detailed outline before I begin writing. Really for two reasons. Firstly, because I like to write my first drafts fast, and if I outline then I don’t have to keep stopping to think about what happens. And secondly, because it gives me a chance to get to know the characters before I start writing.

You’re too organized! Is there anything you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

There’s probably lots that I hope they never find out…

 *snort * Good luck with that! Lol. What else are you working on right now?

I’m working on the first draft of book 3 of my Blood Hunter series. After that, Books 3 and 4 of the Laws of Segregation (currently in the planning stage) will be written. And I’m also working on finishing off a couple of contemporaries.

Last Question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

www.ninacroft.com

Thank you so much for coming!

Comment! Meet Nina! Enter to win a copy of The Calling! (Yes, you really really do want this book!)

Meet Nina Croft!

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina shares the farm with a husband, three dogs, four cats, a horse, two goats and a handful of chickens. It’s a perfect place to indulge her two great passions, reading and writing.

Nina’s writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.

First questions:

Beach or camping? Beach

Bathing suit or mountain gear? Why? Both – I live on a mountain, but I have a swimming pool. So I switch between the two.

Margaritas or Spritzers? (If you answer club soda, we’re gonna have to talk.)

Definitely both – am I sounding greedy here? Honestly, I don’t want them both at the same time. Maybe the Margarita first, followed by the Spritzer, followed by…

Please enter. Cabana boys are under that umbrella. We’ll even let you pick one to hold your shade…and your pen. 

Where is one place you would love to spend the Summer? Why?

At home, because everything I love is here. Alternatively, I wouldn’t mind a sailing boat drifting around the Maldives because it looks so beautiful (but only if I can find a boat that will take the horse and the goats and dogs and cats…)

What season do you write best? And why?

I don’t think it makes any difference to me. I’m happier writing in the summer, but then I’m happier doing everything in the summer. I love the heat.

When plotting a book, what determines your setting and characters?

Actually, for me the characters usually come first. Once they show their faces then everything else tends to drop into place. Also, I seem to have been writing a lot of sequels lately, where the characters are secondary characters from earlier books and the settings are already set.

If you’re going on vacation, what items would I find in your bag? And why?

My kindle – actually I’ve never taken this yet because I haven’t actually been on vacation since they were invented! But if I did go now, my kindle would go with me, and I’d never run out of books. I always used to run out of books on holiday – along with running out of everything else because my bag was full of big heavy books.

What is one thing you cannot live without during Summer? Okay, you can list two things…

Cold beers and er…more cold beers.

What are you working on right now?  Deadly Pursuit – book 2 of the Blood Hunter Series. It’s a romantic adventure set in space with a gorgeous werewolf to add a bit of spice.

What news would you like to share with your readers? Deadly Pursuit is out in October!

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: Nina_Croft
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=Nina%20Croft
3. Website: http://www.ninacroft.com
4. Others:

List other books you have out:

See my website: http://www.ninacroft.com/html/books.html

Will you be willing to answer questions in regards to writing and publication today?   Yes!

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Giveaway: Digital copy of Break Out 

Blurb:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Excerpt:

“You might want to change your mind about that reward,” Tannis murmured from beside him. “This one looks like she might fight back.”

“I don’t mind a good fight,” Rico drawled. “As long as I win.”

He swung his chair around and followed the line of her sight, his gaze settling on the tall figure in the doorway. He wouldn’t have recognized her if he hadn’t known what to look for.

The silver dress was gone and a black jumpsuit now hugged her tall, toned body. She walked with the lithe grace of a predator, one hand resting on the pistol at her thigh. The long, blond hair, which had done a lot to soften her features, was also gone. In its place was a severely short, almost military cut that emphasized the sharp cheekbones, and the large, almost beaky nose. Her dark blue eyes were the same though, as was the wide, red mouth. He dropped his gaze. There was no disguising the lush curve of those breasts either, and his body tightened at the sight.

She’d come to a halt in front of them, and he raised his eyes from her breasts to her face to find her frowning at him.

“Skylar,” he said, kicking out a chair and patting the seat. “Take a seat.”

She regarded him suspiciously for a moment and then sat.

“Quite a disguise you had there.”

“Part of my training,” she replied.

“Your rebel training?”

She nodded.

“Tell me. Why were you with the rebels? You seem a little too…” He studied her, trying to think of the correct word. Normal maybe, but he had an idea that Skylar was far from normal.

“Human?” She supplied for him.

Meet Nina Croft! We’re talking Vampires in Space? Got one? Want one? Read on!  

Vampires in Space.

My latest novella, Break Out, is a little hard to define. It’s part space opera, part paranormal, part romance…

I first came upon the term ‘space opera’ a few years ago, when I read a publisher’s submission call. I’d never heard it before and had to look it up, and here’s what Wikipedia says:

Space opera is a subgenre of speculative fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities….

Examples of famous space operas include Star Wars (just about my favorite films when growing up) and more recently, Joss Whedon’s Firefly, which I have watched so many times!  I decided I definitely wanted to write space operas.

But I usually write paranormal romance, so when it came to thinking up suitable hero for my romantic adventure in space, I couldn’t get the idea of a vampire out of my head. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.

When we write any form of speculative fiction, we are asking readers to suspend their disbelief. So why shouldn’t we ask them to suspend it that little bit more. And after all, if vampires exist today (and I’m pretty sure they do), and they are immortal (and of course they are), then why shouldn’t they exist in the future. And so my favorite hero was born – Ricardo Sanchez – reckless space pirate and red-hot vampire.

I love writing space operas – they’re fast and they’re fun. And I’m hoping, with the added attraction of a very sexy vampire, that a few readers, who’ve never tried them before, will give Break Out a go.

So do you think vampires will still be around in a thousand years? Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Break Out!

Blurb:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Excerpt:

“You might want to change your mind about that reward,” Tannis murmured from beside him. “This one looks like she might fight back.”

“I don’t mind a good fight,” Rico drawled. “As long as I win.”

He swung his chair around and followed the line of her sight, his gaze settling on the tall figure in the doorway. He wouldn’t have recognized her if he hadn’t known what to look for.

The silver dress was gone and a black jumpsuit now hugged her tall, toned body. She walked with the lithe grace of a predator, one hand resting on the pistol at her thigh. The long, blond hair, which had done a lot to soften her features, was also gone. In its place was a severely short, almost military cut that emphasized the sharp cheekbones, and the large, almost beaky nose. Her dark blue eyes were the same though, as was the wide, red mouth. He dropped his gaze. There was no disguising the lush curve of those breasts either, and his body tightened at the sight.

She’d come to a halt in front of them, and he raised his eyes from her breasts to her face to find her frowning at him.

“Skylar,” he said, kicking out a chair and patting the seat. “Take a seat.”

She regarded him suspiciously for a moment and then sat.

“Quite a disguise you had there.”

“Part of my training,” she replied.

“Your rebel training?”

She nodded.

“Tell me. Why were you with the rebels? You seem a little too…” He studied her, trying to think of the correct word. Normal maybe, but he had an idea that Skylar was far from normal.

“Human?” She supplied for him.

Check out Nina Croft’s new release, coming May 18th! Don’t miss out. Comment and enter to win a copy NOW!

Blurb:

ANYA, a powerful telepath, always believed she worked for the good guys–the organization that created her, trained her and turned her into the ultimate weapon. Her most recent assignment: to assassinate the head of a group of mercenaries. The very man she believes is responsible for the death of her sister.

Investigating the disappearance of three pack members, Alpha werewolf, SEBASTIAN QUINN finds himself under scrutiny of a deadly group. Caught in their cross-hairs he must now fight to save his own life.

Captured and held by the charismatic werewolf, Anya feels the stirrings of passion. For the first time there is something beyond duty. Now she is faced with a choice — complete her assigned mission or risk everything she has ever known for a chance at love.

Excerpt:

He pushed down the waistband on her pants, and his mouth moved lower.

She had to act now, before she lost it completely. Before she decided never to go back, to stay here with this man for whatever time she had left. Her thoughts warred with the feel of his mouth moving over her skin, moving closer to the core of her desire.

But even from the short time she had known him, she’d perceived that Sebastian was a man who would honour his responsibilities. Soon, he would come to his senses, remember his missing people.

She had to go now, before she was completely undone, before she gave in and told him anything he wanted to hear.

Anya took a deep, calming breath. Staring over his shoulder, she focused her powers on the heavy stone jug that stood on the bedside table. The jug lifted easily, flew through the air, and crashed down on the back of Sebastian’s skull.

His eyes widened, filled with confusion. Then a shudder ran through his body, and he collapsed on top of her.

Anya lay beneath him, unmoving. Her face was wet, and she realized she was crying silently into his shoulder. After a minute, she swallowed her tears and pushed her hands against his chest. Dragging herself from beneath him, she stumbled to her feet.

With trembling fingers, she picked up her bra and T-shirt and pulled them on.

She rubbed her hand across her face and turned to go. At the door, she paused and looked back. She tiptoed back to the bed and sank down beside him, picking up the pieces of the broken jug scattered around his head.

One side of his face showed and she stroked the silky hair back from his cheek. It occurred to her, fleetingly, that she could quite easily complete her mission, now. He was helpless, all she needed to do was open the vein in his throat, and his life would drain away. She traced one finger down along the vein. Beneath her fingertip, she could feel the throb of his life force. So fragile.

She stood up abruptly. This time she didn’t stop at the door.

What do you think? Be one of the first to get your hands on a copy of Bound to Moonlight! Comment away!

Winners!

List will be updated as winners are drawn.

Thank you all for a great party!

Please wait to be contacted!

Amy S. Wins a Kindle!

Eileen Andrews and Virgina C. 2 Barnes And Nobles card valued at $20 each.

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Donated From Silhouette Desire Author, Catherine Mann:

Sonya Hucks A signed copy of SIlhouette Desire The Maverick Prince by Catherine Mann.

Kim S. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire The Tycoon Takes a Wife By Catherine Mann

Mara A signed copy of Silhouette Desire His Thirty Day Fiancee by Catherine Mann

Jessica B. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire Winning It All by Catherine Mann and Emily McKay

Jean and Drea Becraft 2 signed copies of Silhouette Romantic Suspense Holiday Heroes by Catherine Mann and Rachel Lee

Brenda/Moonsanity and Jolene Allcock 2 signed copies of Harlequin Blaze Under Wraps by Joanne Rock

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Donated from From Marilyn’s Romance Review:

Audra Holtwick A Signed copy of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas in Cedar Cove.

Karin T. A Print copy of Linda Lael Millaer’s The Christmas Brides

Desere A Print copy of Mary Balogh’s A Christmas Promise

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From our special Romance Author Hotspot Guests:

(Click on the name to enter their rooms for the individual contests.)

Ann Mayburn and Anna Shah Hogue won Decadent Publishing‘s contest - A Copy of A Christmas Promise by Amanda McIntyre and one book of the winner’s choice from the A Passionate Christmas anthology.

Brenda, Sonya, Dianne, Jolene, and Kienna won Olivia Gates‘s contest - 3 signed books and handmade and embroidered (by Olivia) make-up bags.

Mara and Karin T. won Jill Marie Landis‘s contest -2 autographed copies of HEART OF STONE Book 1 of the Irish Angels series.

Mara and Estella won Lynn Raye Harris‘s contest - 1 signed copy of Chosen by the Sheikh and 1 signed copy of The Prince’s Royal Concubine

Tessa Radley - The Twelve Nights Of Christmas by Sarah Morgan, His Christmas Virgin by Carole Mortimer, For the Sake of the Secret Child by Yvonne Lindsay, Saved By The Sheikh by ME, AND a BONUS book The Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs

Dianne B. won Cindy Spencer Pape‘s contest - A signed print copy of The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride

Angie won Jennifer Shirk‘s contest -Ebook download of The Role of a Lifetime

Joanna B. won Katherine Brandon‘s contest - Free copy of “Kismet’s Angel” Book I of the Kismet Series (e-book or paperback in US or Canada–winner’s choice; e-book only, all other areas)

Debora Dennis-Christmas themed sheet of scrapbook stickers

Desere won Donna Alward‘s contest -Signed advance copy of Proud Rancher, Precious Bundle

Joanna B. and Cindy L. won R.M. Gilbert’s contest - 2 e-copies of Holiday Headlines.

Dianne B. won Nina Croft‘s contest-copy of my first published Novella, Tiger of Talmare, and my latest, Mid-Winter Magic

Robin and Tabitha won Silke Juppenlatz‘s contest -2 e-copies of Smitten.

Colette, Estella, and Brenda Rupp won Clarissa Yip‘s contest -3 e-copies of Snowy Encounters

Welcome to Holiday Bash 2010! Contestant #3:

Nina Croft

BIO:

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Preliminary Questions:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Definitely Mimosas, please.

You didn’t tell me if you were old enough to drink…Hmm..Alright, fine! We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

A copy of my first published Novella, Tiger of Talmare, and my latest, Mid-Winter Magic

Blurb:

Fifty years ago, vampire Tynan Steele loved Dina and believed she loved him. Instead, she turned out to be an assassin using him to get close to her latest target. Bitter at the betrayal, Ty swore he would make the witch pay.

Dina has loved her time in Five Oaks, living an ‘ordinary’ life—not killing anyone. But the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love Ty, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love—he’s after revenge.

Can Dina use the magic of a white Christmas in Five Oaks, to convince Ty that she’s changed and deserves a second chance at love?

Excerpt:

Moving fast, before she had the chance to realize what he meant to do, he grabbed one narrow wrist and slid the cuff on, locking it in place, followed by the second.

Her skin was warm and soft to his touch, and he dropped her hands as though they burned him. She rattled the cuffs, turning to face him. Her eyes were huge, drenched with tears, and shock held him rigid. She blinked. A single tear spilled over and rolled down her cheek.

Assassins didn’t cry.

He had to remind himself the tears were an act, but Christ, it was hard, and a shaft of pain sliced through his chest. He fought it down and remembered how she had behaved in the past. She was dangerous, and he could never forget that. “At least I haven’t turned you into a toad.” She sniffed and twisted to wipe her face on her shoulder. “I should have made you a toad permanently.”

“Why didn’t you? Or why didn’t you just kill me?” He was genuinely curious as to her answer. The fact she’d left him alive had puzzled him at the time and returned to confuse him again and again over the intervening years.

Tonight he’d come prepared, knowing what she was capable of, but back then he hadn’t had even an inkling of her imminent betrayal. He’d been in shock, and she could have finished him off with the blink of an eye—yet she hadn’t.

Finally, she shrugged. “I only kill people I’m paid to.”

They sound good but there’s one more test…

Which actor/model does your hero in most of your stories resemble? Why? If this actor/model showed up at your party, dressed in a Santa suit, how would you approach him? Would you tell anyone that Santa is your hero?

Richard Armitage. He’s mainly in UK TV programs and he’d make a brilliant brooding vampire. But honestly, he’d be way too cool and brooding to dress up in a Santa suit – it just wouldn’t happen.

You’re stuck at a ski lodge. There’s a blizzard outdoors and all your fans are hanging out in front of the fireplace. You’ve been asked to read out loud one of your books. Which one do you pick and why?

This really isn’t going to happen either – I don’t think I’m physically capable of standing up and reading my stuff – I’m shy! But just on the off chance that you get me in a weak moment (or when I’ve had one too many mimosas) I’m going to pick Mid-Winter Magic, because it’s set in a small, ski resort town, so it’s the most appropriate.

Well, since you brought Richard along, you may enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

Why do you write romance?

I’m a strong believer that you should write the sort of things you love to read, and I love reading romance. All sorts of romance, but at the moment especially paranormal and sci-fi, so that’s what I write.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

It seems the more I write, the more of a plotter I become. These days I tend to plot in detail, even going as far as doing a scene by scene breakdown, with things like goal, motivation, conflict and so on. I like this as it gives me time to get to know the characters before I start writing, and I find my writing just flows easier when I don’t have to keep stopping to think about what everyone is supposed to be doing.

I hate routines, so I don’t actually follow any fixed routine, other than maybe giving myself a daily word count when I start on a new project.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

There are a lot of things that can be hard to take in this business; long waits, rejections, times when the words just won’t come. But don’t let them get to you (well not too much anyway) and don’t give up.

What are you working on right now? Right now, I’m working on revisions for a space opera with a vampire hero.

What news would you like to share with your readers? I have two novellas coming out next year: Chosen, from Breathless Press, and Bound to Moonlight, from The Wild Rose Press

Where can readers find you?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=Nina Croft

Website: www.ninacroft.com

List other books you have out:

Tiger of Talmare – Shadowfire Press

The Prophecy – Harlequin Nocturne Bites

The Darkness – Harlequin Nocturne Bites

Bound to Night – The Wild Rose Press

Will you be willing to answer questions in regards to writing and publication today?

Yes

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Author’s Holiday Gift: copy of my first published Novella, Tiger of Talmare, and my latest, Mid-Winter Magic

Remember to enter to win!  Check out the other party rooms! See Holiday Bash Prize List! Click here.

Friday New Releases! A Passionate Christmas Anthology brought to you by Decadent Publishing. Have you read the series?

Welcome to Five Oaks, where Mystery, Passion, and Magic collide…

Smitten by Silke Juppenlatz

Blurb:

Reserved and shy Jo Button is tired of being the talk of the town. Enough is enough. Time to put her plans in motion, but a mishap forces her to seek out veterinarian Ash Delaney—the one man she has always wanted.

Ex-Guardian Angel Ashriel isn’t too happy when the reason for his de-haloed state shows up and requests his help. He has avoided Jo Button for ten years, and could quite happily go another ten without seeing her—until he realizes her battered reputation was his fault.

Can Ashriel save Jo, even if it means redemption is beyond his grasp, or will he lose his halo permanently along with the woman he’s come to care for?

Click here for Excerpt

Mid-Winter Magic by Nina Croft

Blurb:

Fifty years ago, vampire Tynan Steele loved Dina and believed she loved him. Instead, she turned out to be an assassin using him to get close to her latest target. Bitter at the betrayal, Ty swore he would make the witch pay.

Dina has loved her time in Five Oaks, living an ‘ordinary’ life—not killing anyone. But the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love Ty, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love—he’s after revenge.

Can Dina use the magic of a white Christmas in Five Oaks, to convince Ty that she’s changed and deserves a second chance at love?

Click here for Excerpt

Holiday Headlines by R.M. Gilbert

Blurb:

A small town reporter on the hunt for a hot story gets more than she expects when she crosses paths with a mysterious private investigator.

Cub reporter for the Five Oaks Gazette, Paige Kenyon, lives a tired life in a tired town. Friendless and practically celibate, it’s looking like another lonely Christmas for a woman who wants nothing more than to find some action.

Smith Dawson, Paranormal Investigator, came to Five Oaks for two reasons: Deliver a message and then take a long overdue break. Living a lifetime of secrets in a dangerous job, he’s earned one. However, when a local reporter has a nasty habit of putting herself in harm’s way, he finds himself reluctantly at her rescue.

Is it possible her lust for adventure will land them both in the obituaries?

Click here for excerpt

Snowy Encounters by Clarissa Yip

Blurb:

Ever since her divorce, successful Event Planner Maddy Glover dreads visiting her hometown. For the first time in three years, she returns home for the holidays and finds herself caught at the end of an avalanche. Only to be rescued by the one man she’s determined to avoid: her ex-husband.

Ambitious and desirable Cole Harmon lives to rebuild the town and to forget the woman who hadn’t believed he had enough to offer her—until Maddy shows up in her cute city-slicker attire and sexy black boots. In need of a decorator for the holidays, he hires his ex-wife to help, only to be thrown into dark buried memories and snowy encounters that may thaw the ice between them. Will their love rekindle or will Maddy walk away once again?

Click here for Excerpt

Put on those dance shoes and join in the fun! A Passionate Christmas brought to you by Decadent Publishing, the first anthology from the Passionate Critters group! Part proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Help fight Cancer!

Contest:

One commenter will win the whole anthology collection!

One commenter will win a copy of Smitten!

One commenter will win a copy of Mid-Winter Magic!

One commenter will win a copy of Holiday Headlines!

One commenter will win a copy of Snowy Encounters!

That’s 5 chances to win! What are you waiting for? Grab some drinks and join the excitement!

Tell us what you think! Would you like to come visit Five Oaks?