Guest Post & Excerpt: A Very Russian Christmas by Krystal Shannan

I know, I know, Christmas was several months ago but there's nothing wrong with making the holiday spirit last.  "A Very Russian Christmas" by Krystal Shannan was released in December, before Christmas, and is an erotic romantic suspense and we know how I love romantic suspense. Today I have a short guest post from Krystal and an excerpt from the book. Read on and enjoy!

About the Author:

Krystal Shannan lives in Texas with her husband and young daughter. She teaches in the public schools and writes as much as she can in her free time. If any more spare time can be squeezed from her day, she enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. In addition to a doting husband and a spunky daughter, a stubborn Welsh Corgi completes the household, adding hours of entertainment and fun to their lives.

Connect with Krystal Shannan:

Website:  http://www.krystalshannan.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/WXRMDE

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KrystalShannan

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543639.Krystal_Shannan

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Krystal-Shannan/e/B009FLVHTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystalShannanAuthorPage
Blog: http://www.krystalshannan.blogspot.com

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Book Blurb ~

For most of her adult life, bodyguards have shadowed Ksenia Sharanov, daughter of a Russian mobster. Her one serious relationship left her broken hearted when she learned he only sought her father’s power and money.

A ski vacation with her college roommates ends on a terrifying note. Her father’s enemies have been following her more closely than anyone could have anticipated. The mistake will cost a life…but will it cost her heart? Or will she find love in the arms of a complete stranger?

Matt O’Reilly, a retired Marine, generally keeps to himself. Working as a deputy in a small country sheriff’s office, provides just enough seclusion for him to cut himself off from his family’s pity and the heartache of losing his wife. He never thought love would be in the books for him again. Will the sudden arrival of a spunky dark-haired Russian beauty change his mind?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Genre: Romance, Erotica, Suspense
Format: ebook
Release Date: December 7, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble  Decadent  Smashwords  ARe

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Excerpt

Too much vodka.

 

Ksenia Sharanov groaned and rolled over on the downy comforter covering the huge king-sized bed in her room. Last night had turned into a lopsided game of “I’ve never.” Stupid game. Her roomies, Kate, Maria, and Patti quickly figured out she’d never done a lot of things and turned the game on her. Morning was not a close friend, and a pounding headache was helping her greet the rising sun.

Usually, she spent her whole winter break with her dad, but he’d had some last minute business to deal with. No need to ask what business dared interrupt their winter holiday. The daughter of a Russian mobster just nodded and moved on with life. And she always did. Top of her class in computer science and engineering at NYU, Ksenia kept as much distance as possible between herself and Papa’s business. Even so, he’d still assigned a trusted friend, Yuri Borodin, as a permanent bodyguard. Yuri wasn’t so bad though. He gave her space when needed, and she’d barely noticed him around the lodge. Her roommates didn’t seem to care either. He was her driver as well as her bodyguard, making him a very familiar face.

Ksenia sat up, stretching her arms above her head until the joints popped. She slid out of bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. The snow-covered mountains around the Denver ski lodge were breathtaking. The morning sun reflected through the fluffy white clouds, creating long rays of light.

A knock at the door made her turn.

“Sen? Are you awake?”

“Coming, Patti.” She left the scenic view to open her bedroom door.

Patti, one of Ksenia’s three college roommates, strolled into the suite—petite, blonde, and a live-wire business marketing major.

Ksenia laughed. “Why are you so perky? You know we have to leave today.”

“I know.” Patti waved a dismissive hand. “You know that cute banker, Bryan, flirted with me all week. He asked for my number this morning.” Squealing commenced and Ksenia winced at the high pitch. She loved Patti to death, but the girl had a voice like a strangled toy poodle when excited.

“You’ve already been downstairs?” Ksenia yawned.

“I wanted to see Bryan one last time before we left. We ate breakfast together. You know, if you don’t hurry you will miss breakfast. It’s ten o’clock already…. When is the limo picking us up for the airport?”

“Oh my God, Patti. Slow down. I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

 

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Guest Post

 

Thank you so much for having me here today! I’m so excited to be your guest.

 

Just a little research! Mmmm, more like a lot of research. I did a lot for this story, even though it was a novella. I researched the Denver area – studied maps, roads, terrain. I’ve never been to Denver, but I really want to go now! I studied weather reports, the police department, and sheriff’s office. I read Russian dictionaries and chatted with people from Russian to make sure I got the phrasing right for Ksenia’s character and the other Russian characters. (That was fun!).

 

This was also my first story ever with a crime scene. That was a huge learning experience and I loved every bit of it. I can’t wait to write another high action, gunfight, chase, kidnapping… the possibilities are endless.

 

What? You know you like to see characters in trouble before they get together. Or is that just me? Well…don’t read this book if you don’t like action, kidnapping, shoot-outs, near death experiences for the hero and heroine, and steamy fabulous sex.

 

 

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Krystal is giving away a $10 Starbucks GC (Grand Prize) or 2 eBook copies of "A Very Russian Christmas" (secondary prize; 1 each to 2 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Mar 6. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. 

Follow the tour for more excerpts, guest posts, etc., and chances to enter: The tour schedule - http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/02/vbt-very-russian-christmas-by-krystal.html


 

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Interview with Romance Author Rachel Brimble

Please welcome Rachel Brimble to the Nook today. Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.
 

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family.  Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

 

 

Bea: Hi Rachel, please tell us a little about your new release, “Finding Justice”. 

Rachel: Finding Justice is a romantic suspense story set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove. When their childhood friend is murdered, the hero and heroine reunite to find her killer…and each other.

Bea: What was the inspiration for the series that “Finding Justice” is kicking off?

Rachel: The setting – even though Templeton Cove is fictional, I am writing about a real place where I used to holiday as a child. The setting is very clear in my mind and I’m finding as I write each book, something new is added and it is becoming a real community of characters too which is fabulous J

 

Bea: You write both contemporary and historical, what do you like about each era when writing? Do you prefer one?

Rachel: I love both – my ideal way to work is to alternate between the two because it keeps me interested, and hopefully, keeps my writing fresh for my readers. Historical is more of a challenge because of the research and the need to get the accuracy right. I tend to write about the emotions rather than the events of the Victorian era for fear of getting things wrong! I use the social etiquette, costume and political aspects of the age to add the Victorian ‘flavor’, but it’s all about the characters really and emotion is the same whatever the time or era.

Bea: When writing, do you outline or plan, or do you wing it? 

Rachel: I start with a 2-3 page outline and character sketches for the hero and heroine (also the villain if I have one) and then write the first draft from start to finish without looking back. Drafts two and three are where the hard work comes in!

Bea: What do you hope readers will take away when they read your books, what reaction are you aiming for with your stories?

Rachel: A satisfying and moving romance – the reaction I want is from people is for them to feel happy at the end of my books; to care about the characters and think about them long after they’ve finished reading. I want them to believe in real love and that all-important Happily Ever After.

Bea: What is it about romance that attracts you to the genre? Do you think you will ever write in a different genre?

Rachel: I love romance because it makes me feel good when I’m writing – there’s enough heartache and evil in the world and I think romance provides the ultimate escapism and leaves the reader feeling hopeful. What’s not to like?

The only other genre I’m drawn to but haven’t attempted yet is crime – As I write more and more romantic suspense, the need to write a police procedural or mystery is getting stronger.

 

Bea: What do you like best about writing? Your least favorite part?

Rachel: Best and easiest part for me is dialogue – I find it really liberating and more often than not, it feels like I’m taking dictation when my characters are interacting. My least favorite part is plotting and the dreaded ‘sagging middle’. Every book I write, I reach the 40,000 word mark and everything just grinds to a horrible halt. The only way to deal with it is to write through it and hope I can make something of the chaos on the next draft.

Bea: You mention on your site that short stories are an art form in themselves; do you think you might try your hand at writing one again?

Rachel: I might one day but I’m REALLY not very good at all at writing them – my novels come in at around 85-90,000 words and training myself to write a complete story in 1,500 words or less is beyond me! 

Bea: Does your family read your books?

Rachel: My mom and mom-in-law do but my husband doesn’t – my daughters are 14 and 12 so I suspect the eldest will soon…although she has told me she hopes the sex isn’t too ‘full on’, LOL!

Bea: Do you have a preference for ebooks or print books?

Rachel: I LOVE print books and nothing makes me happier than browsing for hours in a bookshop, but I also couldn’t be without my Kindle. Books are my passion and I love them in every format.

Bea: If you could be a character in a book – lead, sidekick, heroine, villain, etc. – what would it be?

Rachel: It would have to be the heroine – I live vicariously through all my heroines. I love their journeys and really believe in everything they do.

Bea: If you could have dinner with any author or authors, who would they be and why?

Rachel: Nora Roberts – and hope she shares her secret!

Margaret Mitchell – why didn’t she write a sequel?

Jodi Picoult – so I can tell her I want to write like her when I grow up J

Bea: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Rachel: I watch FAR too much TV! Especially love British period dramas and US crime dramas.

Bea: What are your favorite genres to read? Any favorite authors?

Rachel: Romance, crime and historical are my favorites – from each genre, Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr for romance. Tess Gerritsen and Tami Hoag for crime and Philippa Gregory and Jean Fullerton for historical.

Now for some fill in the blank questions:

1. 1) The first book you ever loved was - The Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton
   2)    My favorite meal is - chicken satay from our local Chinese takeaway
   3)    Books are important because - they educate, entertain and provide a much-needed escape from real life.
   4)    My favorite book is - anything by Nora Roberts
   5)    The book or author that inspired me to write is - Enid Blyton
   6)    The best advice I’ve ever received was - to give myself permission to write a ‘crappy’ first draft. So freeing!!
   7)     My dream man is -
   
   Kind, funny, romantic and interesting…and looks like Ryan Reynolds or Tom Hardy or Hugh Jackman or… ;)

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and best of luck with “Finding Justice”. 

If you want to check out Rachel's new book, "Finding Justice", click here for an excerpt and for a chance to enter a signed print copy.